City of Atlanta Statement on Recent Ruling on Guns at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

We are pleased with the court’s ruling and that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will continue to remain a safe, secure, gun-free environment, for its almost 90 million passengers a year.

Home Repair Scam Appears to Target Military Families

The letter that appeared in a soldier's mailbox promised an offer almost too good to be true: a home improvement loan approved by Congress and backed up by a government agency.

Officials at the Federal Citizen Information Center fear it's a scam targeting military members that uses the center's credibility to lure victims in.

An eagle-eyed soldier notified the Federal Citizen Information Center after receiving the ad from the "Home Information Center" linked to post office boxes in Dallas and in Owasso, Okla. The letter included a reference to FCIC's Web site in an apparent attempt to show a federal endorsement.

"The thing that immediately sends up a red flag is the fact that [the advertisement] says these loans are approved by the U.S. Congress," said Mary Levy, director of consumer education and outreach in the FCIC's Office of Citizen Services. "Congress would absolutely never approve any particular home improvement loan."

In addition, she said, the Federal Citizen Information Center has no association with the Home Information Center. Levy emphasized that home improvement services are regulated at the state and local level, not by the federal government.

Levy expressed concern that the letter might be one of many floating around that are targeting military homeowners who, like many of their civilian neighbors, are struggling with financial concerns. Many are prime candidates for scams because they're young and relatively inexperienced in handling money, they're away from their extended families, and often have no roots in their new communities, she said. "That may make them particularly susceptible to these kinds of scams," Levy said.

Unscrupulous people have long focused their schemes on servicemembers and their families. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission and American Red Cross warned consumers about an identity-theft scam targeting families of deployed troops.

That scam involved someone calling a military spouse, identifying herself as a representative of the Red Cross, and notifying the woman that her husband was hurt in Iraq and had been medically evacuated to Germany. The caller then said doctors could not start treatment until paperwork including the husband's Social Security number and birth date was completed.

The FTC called this scheme a variation of "phishing" – a technique identity thieves use to get personal or financial information from unwary consumers. The identity thief claims to represent a trusted source – a bank, a government agency, or in this case, the American Red Cross – to get someone to divulge personal information.

"Military families can become targets of scams, especially when the soldier is deployed thousands of miles away and the family is here," Levy said. "That's why it's so important that they have the information they need to protect themselves."

The Federal Citizen Information Center offers consumers tips for selecting a contractor to make home improvements and repairs:

-- Get recommendations and references. Talk to friends, family and others who have used the contractor for similar work.

-- Get at least three written estimates. Insist the contractors come to your home to evaluate what needs to be done. Be sure the estimates are based on the same work so that you can make meaningful comparisons.

-- Check contractor complaint records. Your state or local consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau can provide this information.

-- Make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. Your state or local consumer protection agency can help you find out what these requirements are.

-- Get the names of suppliers and ask if the contractor makes timely payments.

-- Contact your local building inspection department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if the contractor asks you to get the permit; it could mean the firm is not licensed.

-- Be sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker's compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that might occur.

-- Insist on a written contract that states exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials that will be used, warranties, timetables, the names of any subcontractors, the total price of the job and the schedule of payments.

-- Try to limit your down payment. Some states have laws limiting the amount of down payment required.

-- Understand your payment options. Compare the cost of getting your own loan vs. contractor financing.

-- Don't make a final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Some state laws allow unpaid subcontractors and suppliers to put a lien on your home for bills the contractor failed to pay.

-- Pay by credit card when you can. You may have the right to withhold payment to the credit card company until problems are corrected.

The FCIC warns consumers of red flags that could indicate a fraudulent operator, including soliciting door-to-door, offering a quote out of line with other estimates, using pressure tactics or asking for the entire payment up front.

The Consumer Action Handbook, published annually by the FCIC, offers additional consumer information covering a wide range of topics. The FCIC Web site provides ordering information.
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Diplomatic Security Investigation Results in 112 Suspects Charged with Federal Passport Fraud

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s San Francisco and Los Angeles Field Offices and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Sacramento Field Office announced today the results of Operation Deathmatch, the largest ever investigation into the issuance of fraudulently obtained United States passports.

Between July 2005 and August 2008, 112 individuals were charged with federal passport fraud and related offenses around the country. The government also seized three firearms, $650,000 in cash, one Mercedes automobile, and over 80 of the fraudulently obtained United States passports.

During their investigation, Diplomatic Security and FBI agents cross-matched computerized government death records with Department of State passport records. This process identified individuals who fraudulently applied for, and obtained, United States passports using birth certificates of deceased Americans.

Most of the individuals charged were arrested or surrendered themselves to federal courts. Some of the imposters remain fugitives. The passport fraud charges were filed in 23 federal judicial districts in 16 states. Federal passport offenses carry a penalty of up to 10 years confinement in federal prison.

The individuals charged included fugitives, military deserters, delinquent taxpayers, parolees, convicted felons, sex-offenders, habitual drunk drivers, and undocumented immigrants from over 20 countries. All wanted U.S. passports for the purpose of hiding from law enforcement authorities. Many of the individuals charged resided and worked in their deceased identities for decades, and in many cases their neighbors, employers, spouses and children never knew them by their true names.

The names of the individuals identified in the investigation are listed below and are sorted by federal prosecutor, along with selected facts reported in court proceedings and records:

Northern District of California – San Francisco (U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello)
MATTHEW FORRISTAL of Berkeley, CA, aka the deceased ROBERT YOUNG
RAFAEL RUVALCABA of Baypoint, CA, aka the deceased MAURICIO JIMENEZ
CONCEPCION RUEGES of Belmont, CA, aka the deceased CATHY LEE ALLEN (*)
ROBERT RUIZ of Brentwood, CA, aka the deceased ROBERT RUIZ (*)
ARMAMDO ESTRADA of Fremont, CA, aka the deceased RICHARD BELTRAN
ANGEL OROPEZA of Fremont, CA, aka the deceased JOSE GAMBOA
VERONICA MARIN of Foster City, CA, aka the deceased NANCY GOMES
RAMON INIGUEZ of Gilroy, CA, aka the deceased JUAN CID
RAYNALDO GUERRA of Hayward, CA, aka the deceased ANTONIO CAQUIAS
BRADFORD BUFKIN of Marin, CA, aka the deceased DANIEL LAGOY
JOHN WHITE of Mountain View, CA, aka the deceased KENNETH VOISINET
JOSE FAJARDO of Napa, CA, aka the deceased RAYMOND SANTANA
ROXANNE MISTRY of Oakland, CA, aka the deceased TERRI STOTTLEMIRE
RUBEN GARCIA of Oakland, CA, aka the deceased EFRAIN ORTIZ
BRYAN JONES of Oregon, aka the deceased DAVID MARCUM
ANTONIO REZA of Oxnard, CA, aka the deceased GERARDO AVILA
RUSSELL MAGDYTCH of Roseville, CA, aka the deceased DANIEL GOODMAN
WILLIAM JONES of Santa Cruz, CA, ala the deceased CARY JONES
DARRELL FISK of Santa Rosa, CA, aka the deceased THOMAS MILLER
JADEBLUE ECLIPSE of San Francisco, CA, aka the deceased CATHERINE IZOU
ROBERT VARGAS of San Francisco, CA, aka the deceased ABEL VARGAS
SAUL JUAREZ of San Francisco, CA, aka the deceased DAVID NAGLE
AMAPAL SINGH of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased JAMES SANCHEZ
HENRICK HANSEN of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased GERALD NYREEN
LEONARDO ZAVALA of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased MAXIMILIANO FLORES
JOSE MARTIN-CHACON of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased GEORGE MURO
ANTONIO FLORES of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased GEORGE MARTINEZ
SERGIO RAMOS HINJOSA of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased CARLOS TORRES
ROBERT MCMARTIN of San Jose, CA, aka the deceased CHARLES KAISER
FRANCISCO CASTELANOS of San Pablo, CA, aka the deceased AURELIA URVINA
JOHN DOE of Santa Rosa, CA, aka the deceased MANUEL URIAS (*)
MARIA CORTEZ-NAJERA of Sunnyvale, CA, aka the deceased MARIA BARRAGAN MARIA LLAMAS of Tracy, CA, aka the deceased JOSEFINA SERRANO
JOSE ZUNIGA-TORRES of Watsonville, CA, aka the deceased PEDRO ROSALES
CHRISTOPHER CLARKSON of Weston, FL, aka the deceased STEPHEN DUFFY

Eastern District of California - Sacramento/Fresno (U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott)
GARY VINCENT of Antelope, CA, aka the deceased MILES HALEY
ALAN CAMPBELL of Atwater, CA, aka the deceased THEORDORE STREETER
REYES TOPETE of Exeter, CA, aka the deceased JOSE MATUS
CYRIL OWENS of Fort Jones, CA, aka the deceased EUGENE BISHOP
CRISTOBAL PEREZ of Fresno, CA, aka the deceased DANIEL RIVAS
MARIANN GUARDADO of Fresno, CA, aka the deceased DIANA CHAVEZ
JOSEPH AJAYI of Fresno, CA, aka the deceased BENEDICT AJAYI
JANE DOE of Lake Tahoe, CA, aka the deceased ROSALES RAMIREZ (*)
DANIEL HENDERSHOT of Las Vegas, NV, aka the deceased ARNIE FIGONE
GUSTAVO PONCE of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased CARLOS ARBIZO
RAMON MUNOZ formerly of Porterville, CA, aka the deceased LUIS ROBLES

Central District of California - Los Angeles (U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O’Brian)
JORGE VILLAR of Beverly Hills, CA, aka the deceased KEITH QUINZEL (*)
JANE DOE of Covina, CA, aka the deceased ESTHER MEDINA (*)
JAVIER RIOS of Las Vegas, NV, aka the deceased RODOLFO LUJAN
FREDY OUVED of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased JUSTIN BLUE WILSON
GUILERMO CORCUERA of Los Angeles, aka the deceased RUBEN GOMEZ
SANDRA ZELAYA of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased JANICE SHERMAN
SILVIANO PINEDA of Los Ángeles, CA, aka the deceased CARLOS LOPEZ
RUDOLF PICHLER of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased ERIC EVANS (*)
STEVEN KEITH of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased STEPHEN MITCHELL
MARTIN RUEBEN of Manhattan, NY, aka the deceased LONNIE KAUFMAN ARMAN HARTOUSH of Newport Beach, CA, aka the deceased MICHAEL SLOAN
MARTHA LETOURNEAU of North Hills, CA, aka the deceased CATHERINE EVANS
TERESA OROZCO of North Hollywood, CA, aka the deceased NORA CHAIDEZ
JAIME CABRERA of Reseda, CA, aka the deceased JAMES SANCHEZ
JESUS HUERTA of Santa Barbara, CA, aka the deceased MICHAEL LUCERO
ENRIQUE ARVISU of Santa Ana, CA, aka the deceased IGNACIO MALDONADO
MARIA ELENA DE RIOS of Southgate, CA, aka the deceased ISELA MONTES
FRANCISCO REYES of Thousand Oaks, CA, aka the deceased ROLANDO REYES
RAFAEL ARAJUO of Wilmington, CA, aka the deceased JOEL DURAN

Southern District of California – San Diego (U.S. Karen P. Hewitt)
BENJAMIN HERNANDEZ of Chula Vista, CA, aka the deceased FELIPE CAMPOS (*)
CHARLES WARNICK of El Cajon, CA, aka the deceased JAY WARNICK
JULIO DAVILA of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased IGNACIO SANDOVAL
ROBINN MARTINN of Palos Verdes, CA, aka the deceased KIMBERLY DAVICH
JUAN REYES-TOVER of Reseda, CA, aka the deceased JOSE YNOSTROS
MARK PITCHES of San Diego, CA, aka the deceased MARK WARNER
MAGIN GUTIERREZ of San Diego, CA, aka the deceased THOMAS AYALA
JOSE FLORES of San Diego, CA, aka the deceased REYNALDO ZAMORA (*)
JANE DOE of San Ysidro, CA, aka the deceased CYNTHIA CLEMENS (*) ROBERT BRUNSON of Washington State, aka the deceased STEVEN ANUNDSON

Western District of Washington – Seattle (U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Sullivan)
NATHAN WATERS of Burlington, WA, aka the deceased WILLIAM WINGARD
VICTOR ROJAS of Everett, WA, aka the deceased ARTHUR QUIJAS
RAUL LOPEZ of Seattle, WA, aka the deceased ROMAN FRANTELA
KERRY SMYTHE of Wyoming, aka the deceased HAROLD ADDINGTON
SEAN O’MARA of Seattle, WA, aka the deceased MICHAEL CHURCH

District of New Hampshire – Portsmouth (U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Colantuono)
CHIH-FONG CHEN of Atherton, CA, aka the deceased LORENA LEW
THOMAS DOUGLASS Jr. of Bakersfield, CA, aka the deceased EARL HUNTER
DENNIS HAMMONS of Medford, OR, aka the deceased ROBERT HAMMONS
ROBERT CITROEN of Palm Desert, CA, aka the deceased NOAH RICHARDSON
ROGER SCHILLEWART of San Diego, CA, aka the deceased DAVID KENT

District of Nevada – Las Vegas/Reno (U.S. Attorney Gregory A. Brower)
PHILLIP MANIATIS of Incline Village, NV, aka the deceased DAVID SMITH
PAUL JENSEN on Incline Village, NV, aka the deceased JEFFREY SMITH
DANIEL MAZZA of Reno, NV, aka the deceased ROBERT YOUNG
MARIA LOPEZ-ROSALES of Reno, NV, aka the deceased LUPE MENDOZA
ROBERT MARTIN of Salt Lake City, UT, aka the deceased BONNER CODY
EDWARD GOOLD of San Diego, CA, aka the deceased DAVID CHAPMAN

Northern District of Georgia – Atlanta (U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias)
BERNARD RENZ of Michigan, aka the deceased GARY WUEST
HANNALORE RENZ of Michigan

District of Colorado – Denver (U.S. Attorney Troy A. Eid)
JOHN CHOI of Manhattan, NY, aka the deceased STEPHEN LEE
JOHN DOE of Silt, CO, aka the deceased JACK PEREIDA

Southern District of Florida – Miami (U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta)
MARK MOWATT of Brooklyn, NY, aka the deceased DENNIS DESMEUCHET
GEORGE ENGLAND of Fort Lauderdale, FL, aka the deceased STEPHEN SEAGOE
BRAULIO MENDOZA of Miami Beach, FL, aka the deceased GERARDO LEDESMA
CHRISTOPHER CLARKSON of Weston, FL, aka the deceased STEPHEN DUFFY

Eastern District of New York – Brooklyn (U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell)
PATRICK LYNCH of the country of Jamaica , aka the deceased JONATHAN JAMES
JAMES ESTES of Los Angeles, CA, aka the deceased JEFFREY SEELIG

District of New Mexico – Albuquerque (U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Fouratt)
WILLIAM DICKAU of Tijeras, NM, aka the deceased JERRY COPE

Northern District of Illinois – Chicago (U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald)
GILBERTO FERNANDEZ REYES of Mexico, aka the deceased JOHN MARTINEZ

Western District of North Carolina - Charlotte (U.S. Attorney Gretchen C. F. Shappert)
EUDALDO GUITERREZ of Charlotte, NC, aka the deceased ALEJANDRO REGLADO

District of Kansas - Wichita (U.S. Attorney Eric F. Melgren)
TED FLOYD of Lakewood, NJ, aka the deceased NATHANIEL LEVI

District of Oregon – Portland ( U.S. Attorney Karin J. Immergut)
JOSE COBIAN of Portland, OR, aka the deceased JOSE MENDOZA

Southern District of Texas – Laredo ( U.S. Attorney Donald J. DeGabrielle, Jr.)
JUAN CABRERA-ALCOCER of Indiana, aka the deceased SERGIO CABRERA

Northern District of Texas – Dallas ( U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper)
BARRY WOOD of Dallas, TX, aka the deceased AARON ADAMS

Southern District of New York – Manhattan (U.S. Attorney Michael J. Garcia)
JOHN CHOI of Manhattan, NY, aka the deceased SHERMAN CHAN

Northern District of Iowa – Cedar Rapids (U.S. Attorney Matt M. Dummermuth)
MARINO MEDINA-VALENCIA of Waterloo, IA, aka the deceased JOSE CEBALLOS

Middle District of Florida – Orlando (U.S Attorney Robert E. O'Neill)
WAI TAK MA of Ormand Beach, FL, aka the deceased ADAM JOHN LEE

Middle District of Tennessee – Nashville (US Edward M. Yarbrough)
JOHN DOE a/k/a J.G. of St. Louis, MO, aka the deceased JESUS GARIBAY

(*) Denotes Current Fugitive who remains Wanted on Federal Passport Charges

HIGHLIGHTED CASES

JADEBLUE ECLIPSE of San Francisco, CA, aka the deceased CATHERINE IZOU. ECLIPSE, an alleged undocumented acrobat from Japan, was arrested in August of 2006 at a San Francisco café. ECLIPSE pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense, but fled before her scheduled sentencing in January of 2007. ECLIPSE remains a fugitive.

MATTHEW FORRISTAL of Berkeley, CA, aka the deceased ROBERT YOUNG. FORRISTAL, a 16 year deserter from the United States Navy’s Enterprise Aircraft Carrier, was arrested in September of 2006. FORRISTAL pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to probation in November of 2006. FORRISTAL also resolved his status with the Navy.

CHRISTOPHER CLARKSON of Weston, FL, aka the deceased STEPHEN DUFFY. CLARKSON, a 32 year Canadian drug fugitive and member of the “Stopwatch” heist gang, was arrested in October of 2005. CLARKSON pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to 14 months in prison in May of 2006. $500,000 and a Mercedes automobile were also seized from CLARKSON, and he was extradited back to Canada.

MARTHA LETOURNEAU of North Hills, CA, aka the deceased CATHERINE EVANS. LETOURNEAU, a Canadian citizen and ex-wife of fugitive CHRISTOPHER CLARKSON, was arrested in October of 2005. LETOURNEAU pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to probation in March of 2006.

JOHN WHITE of Mountain View, CA, aka the deceased KENNETH VOISINET. WHITE, a convicted drunk driver who admitted in court that he wanted to conceal this from employers, was arrested in February of 2006. WHITE pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to probation and community service in January 2007.

DANIEL HENDERSHOT of Las Vegas, NV, aka the deceased ARNIE FIGONE. HENDERSHOT, a previously convicted armed bank robber from Sacramento, was arrested in September 2007. HENDERSHOT pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to time served (approximately two months) in prison in December 2007.

NATHAN WATERS of Brulington, WA, aka the deceased WILLIAM WINGARD. WATERS, a 25 year King County fugitive who allegedly stole $140,000, was arrested in September 2007. WATERS’ pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to time served (approximately 8 months) in prison in May 2008.

KERRY SMYTHE of Wyoming, aka the deceased HAROLD ADDINGTON. SMYTHE, a previously convicted child sex offender, was arrested in February 2008. SMYTHE’s federal passport case is in progress.

CHIH-FONG CHEN of Atherton, CA, aka the deceased LORENA LEW. CHEN, a Chinese citizen, was arrested in April 2006, at her place of employment, the Jocelyne J. K. Lew Immigration Law Firm. CHEN pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to probation in April 2007.

DENNIS HAMMONS of Medford, OR, aka the deceased ROBERT HAMMONS. HAMMONS, a previously convicted federal felon for manufacturing and distributing drugs, was arrested in June 2006. HAMMONS’ pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and awaits sentencing.

GEORGE ENGLAND of Fort Lauderdale, FL, aka the deceased STEPHEN SEAGOE. ENGLAND, a 28 year fugitive for sexual assault in California, was arrested in May 2005. ENGLAND pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to 14 months in prison in September 2005. SEAGOE was also returned to California.

WILLIAM DICKAU of Tijeras, NM , aka the deceased JERRY COPE. DICKAU, a previously convicted felon concerning weapons, was arrested in January 2008. DICKAU pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and awaits sentencing.

ENRIQUE ARVISU of Santa Ana, CA, aka the deceased IGNACIO MALDONADO. ARVISU, a Mexican citizen, was arrested in September 2006. ARVISU pleaded guilty to a related immigration offense was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment in March 2007.

ROBERT BRUNSON of Washington State, aka the deceased STEVEN ANUNDSON. BRUNSON, a 21 year fugitive for drugs in South Carolina, was arrested in June of 2007, while trying to re-enter the United States at a San Diego border checkpoint. BRUNSON pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to time served (approximately nine months) in March 2008.

DANIEL MAZZA of Reno, NV, aka the deceased ROBERT YOUNG. MAZZA, a delinquent taxpayer owing over $140,000, was arrested in December 2007. MAZZA pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to three years probation in May 2008.

ROBERT CITROEN of Palm Desert, CA, aka the deceased NOAH RICHARDSON and the deceased WILLIAM BURROLA. CITROEN, a licensed California attorney involved in financial and identity crimes, was arrested in August 2007. CITROEN pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to home-confinement in March 2008. CITROEN also forfeited $150,000 under related federal seizure laws.

BRADFORD BUFKIN of Marin, CA, aka the deceased DANIEL LAGOY. BUFKIN, a convicted drug offender in Thailand who was completing his sentence in the United States through a prisoner exchange, self-surrender in August of 2006. BUFKIN’s federal passport case is in progress.

BRYAN JONES of Oregon, aka the deceased DAVID MARCUM. JONES, a convicted child sex offender, was taken into federal custody in June 2008. JONES’ federal passport case is in progress.

GARY VINCENT of Antelope, CA, aka the deceased MILES HALEY. HALEY, a former 15 year fugitive from an Idaho drug conspiracy, was arrested in November 2007. VINCENT pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to six months imprisonment in March 2008.

BARRY WOOD of Dallas, TX , aka the deceased AARON ADAMS. WOOD, a parolee, was arrested in August 2007. WOOD pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to twenty-seven months imprisonment in April 2008.

BERNARD RENZ of Michigan, aka the deceased GARY WUEST. RENZ and his wife HANALORE RENZ, both German citizens, were arrested in May 2008, while trying to re-enter the United States at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport. HANALORE RENZ pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to five years probation in June 2008. BERNARD RENZ’ federal passport case is in progress.

Dr. JOHN CHOI of Manhattan, New York, aka the deceased SHERMAN CHAN and the deceased STEPHEN LEE. CHOI, a Medical Doctor, was arrested in December 2005, and charged with obtaining two false passports. CHOI pleaded guilty to federal passport offenses in both Colorado and New York, and was sentenced to a combined four years of probation and 100 hours of community service. CHOI also agreed to not practice medicine during his probation.

ROBINN MARTIN of Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA, aka the deceased KIMBERLY DAVICH. MARTIN was arrested while trying to re-enter the United States at the San Diego border checkpoint. MARTIN’s federal passport case is in progress.

EDWARD GOOLD of San Diego, CA, aka the deceased DAVID CHAPMAN. GOOLD was arrested in September 2007, while trying to re-enter the United States at Las Vegas’ Airport using a fraudulently obtained passport. GOOLD admitted to having a false identity to avoid paying alimony and taxes. GOOLD pleaded guilty to a federal passport offense and was sentenced to two years of imprisonment in July 2008.

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175 Alleged Gulf Cartel Members and Associates Arrested in Massive International Law Enforcement Operation

Today Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey announced that 175 individuals were arrested today and on September 16, 2008, on charges related to an international drug trafficking cartel in a coordinated enforcement action by hundreds of international, federal, state and local law enforcement officials throughout the United States and Italy. Including the operations announced today, a long-term investigation of one of Mexico’s largest drug trafficking cartels and its U.S. and international distribution networks has resulted in the arrest of more than 500 individuals in the United States, Mexico and Italy to date.

“Project Reckoning,” a multi-agency law enforcement effort led by the DEA, targeted the Mexican drug trafficking cartel known as the Gulf Cartel. Among those indicted are the three alleged leaders of the Gulf Cartel: Ezequiel Cardenas-Guillen, Heriberto Lazcano-Lazcano, and Jorge Eduardo Costilla-Sanchez. These individuals, each designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets (CPOTs) by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), have been indicted in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia on charges that they conspired to import drugs into the United States from Mexico. A CPOT designation is reserved for significant narcotics traffickers who are believed to be the leaders of drug trafficking organizations responsible for the importation of large quantities of narcotics into the United States.

The Gulf Cartel is responsible for the transportation of multi-ton quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana from Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, and Mexico to the United States, as well as the distribution of those narcotics within the United States. The Gulf Cartel is also believed to be responsible for laundering multiple millions of dollars in criminal proceeds. Individuals indicted in the cases are charged with a variety of crimes, including: drug trafficking charges related to cocaine and marijuana; solicitation and conspiracy to kidnap; attempted murder; conspiracy to use a firearm in a violent crime; conspiracy to kill and kidnap in a foreign country; interstate and foreign travel in aid of racketeering; money laundering; and other related crimes.

To date, Project Reckoning has resulted in the arrest of 507 individuals and the seizure of approximately $60.1 million in U.S. currency, 16,711 kilograms of cocaine, 1,039 pounds of methamphetamine, 19 pounds of heroin, 51,258 pounds of marijuana, 176 vehicles, and 167 weapons. Project Reckoning, a 15-month investigation, combined into one centrally coordinated effort several multi-district enforcement operations that all involved individuals with close ties to the Gulf Cartel. Operation Dos Equis, Operation Vertigo, Operation Stinger, and Operation The Family, as well as numerous local operations combined to form Project Reckoning.

“By spreading dangerous drugs and resorting to brutal violence, international drug cartels pose an extraordinary threat both here and abroad,” said Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey. “The scope of the threat demands a deliberate and sustained response and the success we have had, such as the takedowns announced today, is due to the combined efforts of federal, state, local, and international law enforcement. Although I am pleased with the efforts so far, we cannot and will not rest on these successes. The threat posed by international drug cartels is too great. It will take all of us working together to prevail.”

“We successfully completed a hard-hitting, coordinated, and massive assault on the powerful and extremely violent Gulf Cartel,” said DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “We have arrested U.S. cell heads, stripped the cartel of $60 million in cash, imprisoned their brutal assassins, and significantly disrupted their U.S. infrastructure. DEA will continue our relentless attack against this cartel, aiming to dismantle them and stop the violence they inflict on Southwest Border communities.”

“Metro Atlanta unfortunately continues to be a major drug distribution center for the Southeast and beyond. The DEA and our many other law enforcement partners continue to aggressively investigate all aspects of the drug trade,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David E. Nahmias. “This major case is another example of their effective, coordinated efforts. The two cartel cells indicted in Atlanta acted like many shipping businesses, coordinating the transportation of truckloads of hidden drugs and millions of dollars in currency across the country and to and from Mexico. Through our sophisticated investigation and prosecutions, we have disrupted these organizations, seized large amounts of their poisons and proceeds, and now will work hard to lock up their members for many years to come.”

“This operation exemplifies the European vision of the international fight against drug trafficking,” said Dr. Nicola Gratteri, Italian Public Prosecutor for the Anti-mafia District Attorney's Office of Reggio Calabria, Italy.

These cases are being handled by attorneys in the Northern District of Georgia; Southern District of Texas; Northern District of Texas; Western District of Texas; District of New Jersey; Eastern District of Louisiana; District of New Mexico; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of North Carolina; Southern District of New York; and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Office of International Affairs. In addition, local prosecutions in this case will occur in the states of California, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina and Missouri.

The investigative efforts in Project Reckoning were coordinated by the Justice Department’s Special Operations Division, the DEA, FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Marshals Service, and attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section. More than 200 federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies contributed investigative and prosecutorial resources to Project Reckoning through the OCDETF. Significant assistance was also provided by a coalition of international investigative agencies spearheaded by DEA offices located in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Italy, with assistance from foreign counterparts in each of those countries.

An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Dangers at Home in the Aftermath of Hurricane Ike Carbon Monoxide from Generators Can Kill in Minutes

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers on the Gulf Coast to protect themselves and their families against dangers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Portable gasoline generators quickly produce high levels of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) and should never be used indoors, including inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors or windows are open. CO is an invisible killer. It's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. CO from a generator used indoors can kill you and your family in minutes.

"Heeding this warning can mean the difference between life and death," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. "Consumers should use portable generators outside only, far from windows, doors, and vents to their homes."

CPSC issued these additional safety tips for consumers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike:

Read the label on the generator and the owner's manual, and follow the instructions.

Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.

Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

Use caution when burning candles. Use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.

Look for signs that your appliances have gotten wet. Discard electrical or gas appliances that have been wet because they pose electric shock and fire hazards.

Before using your appliances, have a professional or your gas or electric company evaluate your home and replace all gas control valves, electrical wiring, circuit breakers, and fuses that have been under water.

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Hit-Air Riding Gear -- From Stylish Airbag Jacket to Lifesaving Device in a Split Second

BUSINESS WIRE - The Atlanta, GA based Bikebone.com and its parent company PEDCO, LLC have announced that they have an agreement with Mugen Denko to market the Hit-Air motorcycle jackets and vests in the U.S.

The “Hit-Air” motorcycle jacket incorporates an airbag system that inflates in one half second when a rider is accidentally ejected from a motorcycle or scooter to protect the neck, torso and hip. It also uses CE certified armor to protect the shoulders, elbows, and the spine. Activation is simple and automatic. A coiled wire is attached to the motorcycle and the jacket. Once the rider and the motorcycle are separated, the coiled wire pulls a “key” out of a gas release system and inert gas inflates the air bag. The inflated jacket provides the necessary impact protection. After a few seconds the gas is automatically released through the gas release valve.

Rueben Jackson, PEDCO's CEO, notes, “Motorcycle popularity has increased due to high gas prices but so has the number of accidents. We were invited by NBC’s KFOR TV (see video with IE) in Oklahoma City to do a feature story about the safety benefits of Hit-Air in April 2008. This feature story had the highest ratings of any feature story for that ratings period.”

Jackson continues, “We believe that the market for innovative safety gear is exhibiting rapid growth in the powersports industry and has equal value for the equestrian industry. We examined several airbag safety jackets and decided to select Hit-Air as our preferred product because of its long history and it offers consumers the best value in terms of product quality, ease of use, and attractive styling.”
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Beware Of Phony Voter Registration Schemes

(SPM Wire) While many Americans are showing civic pride and registering to vote, scammers see opportunities to ply their trade.

The experts at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are warning Americans to be cautious with personal information to avoid phony voter registration drives.

"Voter registration laws vary by state and changes take place regularly, which creates the confusing environment that ID thieves thrive on," said Steve Cox of the BBB.

Such theft can be perpetrated through e-mail, phone and even in person:

Beware of phony e-mails appearing to be from government agencies, telling you to click to register to vote or resolve registrations issues. These links direct recipients to sites that install viruses or ask for personal information such as Social Security or bank numbers.

Remember, state government officials don't telephone you if there is an issue with registration, nor do they need bank account or credit card numbers to confirm your identity.

If registering in-person, always ask for proof of which organization the volunteer is with before providing information. While some states require Social Security numbers to vote, they never require bank account or credit card information.

If you think you've become an ID theft or voter registration fraud victim, contact your BBB (www.bbb.org) and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission Web site (www.eac.gov/voter) offers information on state voter registration guidelines.

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