tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14169040591395769352024-03-13T02:45:02.666-07:00Wanted by the FBIUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger443125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-64812666626913015062020-12-12T18:49:00.004-08:002020-12-12T18:49:48.814-08:00 Jeffrey Lofstead Indicted For Attempted Child Sex Trafficking<p> A Northern California resident had his initial appearance in federal
court today following his arrest for attempted child sex trafficking,
announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada.
</p><p>A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jeffrey
Lofstead, 63, of Kings Beach, Placer County, California, with one count
of attempted sex trafficking of children. He was arraigned before U.S.
Magistrate Judge William G. Cobb, who scheduled a jury trial on February
8, 2021.</p>
<p>According to allegations made in the indictment, on or about October
7, 2020, Lofstead attempted to recruit and solicit a child, who had not
yet attained 18 years, to engage in a commercial sex act.</p>
<p>If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is life in prison.</p>
<p>An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed. The
defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt in a court of law.</p>
<p>The case was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Nevada Child
Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the
FBI; Reno Police Department; Washoe County Sheriff's Office; Nevada
Attorney General's Office; Carson City Sheriff's Office; Douglas County
Sheriff's Office; Nevada Highway Patrol; Nevada Department of
Corrections; University of Nevada, Reno Police Department; and the
Sparks Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Walkingshaw is
prosecuting the case.</p>
<p>This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide
initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation
and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child
Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals
federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and
prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as
to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe
Childhood, please visit <a href="https://www.justice.gov/psc">http://www.justice.gov/psc</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-56256511566051426862020-12-12T18:44:00.007-08:002020-12-12T18:44:47.549-08:00FBI Seeking information about the murder of Matthew Reagan and Philip Reagan<p> </p><div class="mosaic-grid-row row">
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<div class=""><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HkUPMkBwIhlYKM9DHE_Rx6hnFH7qmuuf8scUDwCYCJinaliVA_-E7ZFmICaLMqByVRdiYkala3Md2vYSNKUctsaAux5VjdD9fAWxqYzCVxwCSZzlbD6IE5orkyyKxu_ym4EQr9fNzFjF/s1400/high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1400" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HkUPMkBwIhlYKM9DHE_Rx6hnFH7qmuuf8scUDwCYCJinaliVA_-E7ZFmICaLMqByVRdiYkala3Md2vYSNKUctsaAux5VjdD9fAWxqYzCVxwCSZzlbD6IE5orkyyKxu_ym4EQr9fNzFjF/w640-h274/high.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The FBI Phoenix Field Office, Apache County Sheriff’s
Office, and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations are seeking
information about the murder of two brothers in Sawmill, Arizona.<p></p>
<p>On March 21, 2020, the bodies of Matthew Reagan, 39, and Philip
Reagan, 29, were found in Sawmill, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation
Reservation. The brothers were traveling from Ohio to California and
were passing through Sawmill at the time of their deaths. It appears the
brothers' car became stuck and they may have been walking for help when
they were killed.</p>
<p>The medical examiner ruled both deaths a homicide. As this is an
ongoing investigation, the manner of death is not being released.</p>
<p>The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people
responsible.</p></div>
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<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/matthew-and-philip-reagan">
<div class="focuspoint" data-base-url="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/matthew-and-philip-reagan/@@images/image/" data-focus-x="-0.231958213035" data-focus-y="-0.384609398585" data-h="692" data-scale="thumb" data-scales-info="{"tile": {"w": 64, "h": 27}, "icon": {"w": 32, "h": 13}, "high": {"w": 1400, "h": 599}, "thumb": {"w": 128, "h": 54}, "preview": {"w": 400, "h": 171}, "mini": {"w": 200, "h": 85}, "listing": {"w": 16, "h": 6}, "large": {"w": 768, "h": 328}}" data-w="1617"><br /></div>
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<h3><a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/matthew-and-philip-reagan">MATTHEW AND PHILIP REAGAN</a></h3>
<p class="read-more">
<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/matthew-and-philip-reagan">Click to view full seeking information poster</a>
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<p>Anyone with information about these murders is asked to call:</p><ul><li>FBI Phoenix: (623) 466-1999</li><li>Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations in Window Rock, Arizona: (928) 871-7519</li><li>Apache County Sheriff’s Office: (800) 352-1850</li></ul><p>Tips can also be submitted online at <a data-linktype="external" data-mce-href="https://tips.fbi.gov" data-urltype="/view" data-val="https://tips.fbi.gov" href="https://tips.fbi.gov" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>.</p>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-55602553470396999772020-12-12T16:21:00.002-08:002020-12-12T16:21:08.391-08:00FBI warns the public about “virtual kidnapping” extortion calls The Federal Bureau of Investigation Phoenix
Division wants to warn the public about “virtual kidnapping” extortion
calls happening in Arizona.<div class="mosaic-tile movable removable mosaic-IRichText-text-tile mosaic-selected-tile press-releasetext"><div class="mosaic-tile-content"><div class="">
<p>FBI Phoenix has recently received reports where victims are getting
calls from criminals claiming to have kidnapped their loved ones and
threatening to harm them unless a ransom is paid. Sometimes a female can
be heard crying or screaming in the background of the call. No one is
physically kidnapped in these extortion schemes, but they are often
traumatic for everyone involved. Many of the calls originate in Mexico.</p>
<p>Law enforcement agencies have been warning the public of virtual
kidnapping schemes for some time. Although virtual kidnapping takes on
many forms, it is always an extortion scheme—one that often tricks
victims over the phone into paying a ransom to free a loved one they
believe is being threatened with violence or death when in fact the
virtual kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone. Instead, through
deceptions and threats, they coerce victims to pay a quick ransom before
the scheme falls apart. On average, families send thousands of dollars
to the scammers before contacting law enforcement.</p>
<p>The FBI believes most virtual kidnappings for ransom remain
unreported. We hope to raise awareness about this most recent scheme and
equip individuals with the knowledge they need to avoid becoming a
victim of this crime. Although the FBI does not keep national statistics
of virtual kidnapping for ransom, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime
Complaint Center (IC3) in 2019, extortion scams had the third highest
victim count in the U.S., behind phishing scams, and
non-payment/non-delivery scams. Arizona had 1,092 victims of extortion
in 2019.</p>
<p>If you get this type of call, whether you think it’s an extortion
scheme or a legitimate kidnapping, contact law enforcement immediately.</p>
<p>To avoid becoming a victim of this extortion scheme, look for the following possible indicators:</p>
<ul type="disc"><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">Calls are usually made from an outside area code</li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">May involve multiple phone calls</li><li>Calls do not come from the kidnapped victim’s phone</li><li>Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone</li><li>Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim</li><li>Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service</li></ul>
<p>If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a
ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:</p>
<ul type="disc"><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">Stay Calm</li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">Slow the situation down</li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">Avoid sharing information about you or your family during the call.</li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">Request to speak to the victim directly; ask for “proof of life.”</li><li data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="·" data-listid="23">Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim and ask questions only the victim would know.</li><li>Request the kidnapped victim call back from his/her cell phone.</li><li>Attempt to text or contact the victim via social media.</li><li>Attempt to physically locate the victim.</li><li>Don’t agree to pay a ransom, by wire or in person. Delivering money in person can be dangerous.</li></ul>
<p>FBI Phoenix is committed to working with our state and local law
enforcement officers to increase public awareness regarding the threat
posed by virtual kidnappings and will continue to investigate and refer
these types of cases for prosecution.</p>
<p>For more information on virtual kidnapping for ransom schemes, read here: <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/virtual-kidnapping" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/virtual-kidnapping</a>.</p></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-79105882096898764912020-12-12T16:18:00.006-08:002020-12-12T16:18:58.271-08:00Neo-nazi Johnny Roman Garza sent to jail<p> </p><div class="field field--name-field-pr-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p>Johnny
Roman Garza, 21, a member of the Neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division,
was sentenced today to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised
release for his role in a plot to threaten and intimidate journalists
and advocates who worked to expose anti-Semitism.</p>
<p>Garza previously pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the
Western District of Washington to conspiring with other Atomwaffen
members to commit three offenses against the United States: interference
with federally-protected activities because of religion, in violation
of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 245; mailing threatening communications,
in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 876; and cyberstalking, in
violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 2261A. </p>
<p>“The United States and other nations fought a global war to rid the
world of murderous threats and violence by Nazis. The nation and its
allies defeated Nazi Germany, but Nazi-inspired threats and violence
continue to plague this nation and others 75 years after the end of
World War II. The defendant threatened a Jewish journalist and conspired
to intimidate journalists and advocates who worked to expose
anti-Semitism around the country,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric
Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Threats motivated by religious
intolerance are unacceptable, and so too are threats aimed at those who
work to end such discrimination. The Justice Department will continue
the fight against neo-Nazi-related threats and violence and is committed
fully to investigating and prosecuting anyone who commits hate
crimes.” </p>
<p>“While this defendant did not hatch this disturbing plot, he
enthusiastically embraced it, researching addresses for journalists and
those who oppose hate in our communities,” said Brian T. Moran U.S.
Attorney for the Western District of Washington. “Ultimately in the dark
of night he delivered a hateful, threatening poster -- spreading fear
and anxiety. Such conduct has no place in our community.”</p>
<p>“Protecting our communities from terrorism, both domestic and
international, is a top priority for the FBI,” said FBI Seattle Acting
Special Agent in Charge Earl Camp. “Mr. Garza, along with his
conspirators, targeted and intimidated journalists from minority groups
with communications threatening violence. We are proud of the
collaborative nationwide efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task
Forces and other law enforcement partners to hold these individuals
accountable for their actions.”</p>
<p>In his plea agreement, Garza admitted that he conspired with the
other defendants via an encrypted online chat group to identify
journalists and advocates to threaten in retaliation for the victims’
work exposing anti-Semitism. The group focused primarily on journalists
and advocates who were Jewish or people of color. In a message to the
other co-defendants, Garza explained that the plot was designed to “have
them all wake up one morning and find themselves terrorized by targeted
propaganda.” On the night of Jan. 25, 2020, Garza placed a poster on
the bedroom window of a prominent Jewish journalist that depicted a
figure in a skull mask holding a Molotov cocktail in front of a burning
home. The poster contained the victim’s name and address, and warned,
“Your actions have consequences. Our patience has its limits . . . You
have been visited by your local Nazis.”</p>
<p>The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces in
Tampa, Seattle, Houston, and Phoenix, with assistance from the Seattle
Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S.
Attorney Thomas Woods and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael
J. Songer, with assistance from National Security Division Trial
Attorney David Smith and U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Middle District
of Florida, Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona, and Central
District of California.</p>
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-63065645312826583602020-12-12T16:16:00.005-08:002020-12-12T16:16:50.394-08:00Darryl K. Green charged with the attempted to entice a minor to engage in a commercial sex act<p> </p><p>Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District
of Wisconsin, announced that on December 1, 2020, a federal grand jury
returned a two-count indictment against Darryl K. Green (age: 53) of
Green Bay, Wisconsin.</p>
<p>Green faces charges alleging he attempted to entice a minor to engage
in a commercial sex act contrary to Title 18, United States Code,
Section 1591(a)(1), (b)(2), and (c). It further alleges that he used
that same minor to produce a pornographic image of the child in
violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a). </p>
<p>If convicted of the child pornography charge, Green faces a mandatory
15 years’ imprisonment and up to 30 years’ imprisonment. He would also
be required to register as a sex offender. The human trafficking charge
carries a mandatory ten years’ imprisonment and up to a lifetime of
incarceration.</p>
<p>This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide
initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation
and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led
by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity
Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local
resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who
exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue
victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/"><u>www.projectsafechildhood.gov</u></a>.</p>
<p>An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The
defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which
the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. </p>
<p>This case was investigated by the Green Bay Police Department, the
Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and
the Green Bay office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be
prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and
Daniel R. Humble.</p>
<p>The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at <a class="ext extlink" href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=d99ed26d-8605ea9d-d999f688-ac1f6b01744c-494cd8bf5b222693&q=1&e=398925e2-40b6-431a-8698-4a213a0e8ad7&u=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMDMuMjk4NDY0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qdXN0aWNlLmdvdi9DZWxlYnJhdGluZzE1MFllYXJzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.WnK62cbzI7a_iZIZo_oCihUAK-8321-Ki9TUNFy3BdA%2Fs%2F935588936%2Fbr%2F87872762314-l"><u>www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years</u><span aria-label="(link is external)" class="ext"></span></a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-32011713350009547172020-12-12T16:14:00.005-08:002020-12-12T16:14:45.961-08:00Cornelius M. Jackson charged with sex trafficking offenses<p> A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Cornelius
M. Jackson (age 31) of Waukesha, Wisconsin, charging him with sex
trafficking offenses that spanned over six years and multiple states.
</p><p>Count One alleges that from 2014 through August 2020, Jackson
conspired with others to use force, fraud, and coercion to cause victims
to engage in commercial sex acts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota,
and Ohio, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594.
Counts Two through Five allege that Jackson used force, fraud, and
coercion to cause four individual victims to engage in commercial sex
acts, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1)
& 1591(b)(1).</p>
<p>If convicted of any of the counts, Jackson faces up to life in
prison. If convicted of Count Two, Three, Four, or Five, Jackson would
face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and up
to a life term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Jackson also faces a fine of up to $250,000 per count.</p>
<p>“Sex trafficking is a brutal crime that dehumanizes its victims,”
said United States Attorney Krueger. “These important charges resulted
from extraordinary collaboration among law enforcement agencies who
demonstrated remarkable determination in conducting this
investigation.” </p>
<p>This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation,
Milwaukee Police Department, Waukesha Police Department, and Oneida
Police Department, in collaboration with the Milwaukee County District
Attorney’s Office.</p>
<p>The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick.</p>
<p>The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a formal charge
that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal law,
and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven
guilty.</p>
<p>The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at <a class="ext extlink" href="https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=d99ed26d-8605ea9d-d999f688-ac1f6b01744c-494cd8bf5b222693&q=1&e=398925e2-40b6-431a-8698-4a213a0e8ad7&u=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMDMuMjk4NDY0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qdXN0aWNlLmdvdi9DZWxlYnJhdGluZzE1MFllYXJzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.WnK62cbzI7a_iZIZo_oCihUAK-8321-Ki9TUNFy3BdA%2Fs%2F935588936%2Fbr%2F87872762314-l"><u>www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years</u><span aria-label="(link is external)" class="ext"></span></a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-55795012917799205472020-12-11T23:52:00.002-08:002020-12-11T23:52:16.565-08:00Pierce Matthew Morrow Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography<p> A Bend, Oregon resident was sentenced to federal prison today for
possessing and distributing child pornography, chatting online about
having sex with minors, and engaging in a campaign of online harassment
and threats, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.
</p><p>Pierce Matthew Morrow, 25, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and ten years’ supervised release.</p>
<p>“The pursuit of individuals who post sexual images of children online
is one of our highest priorities”, said U.S. Attorney Billy J.
Williams. “There was significant emotional harm inflicted by this
defendant on the people he pursued, harassed and impersonated and the
children whose images he posted online.”</p>
<p>"This case is disturbing. Morrow's relentless, aggressive, and
threatening behavior toward his victims - locally and in other parts of
the country - shows the depths to which he would go to hurt others,"
said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. "If you
are a victim of a sexual predator or sextortion scheme, please reach out
to us. We want to help you and protect other potential victims."</p>
<p>According to court documents, during the period of July 2017 to
January 2018, Morrow participated in the “Kid Porn Trade” Kik group,
whose members posted images, videos and links containing child
pornography. Morrow started Kik and Grindr chats by sharing an image of a
12-16 year old nude boy – who Morrow sometimes pretended to be in order
to bait the other person. Using his knowledge of his peers from growing
up in Bend, Morrow harassed multiple people online, sometimes managing
to acquire nude images of them and making threats to obtain more.</p>
<p>Morrow openly assumed the identity of another person in making online
threats, resulting in a victim believing that person, not Morrow, was
harassing them. Morrow’s victims made reports and complaints to the
police and to social media providers about the continuous threatening
messages. Morrow skillfully inflicted harm on others, preying on young
men’s fears and vulnerabilities, embarrassing them, threatening them,
exposing and hurting them.</p>
<p>In a January 2018 chat between Morrow and a young adult male, Morrow
sent unsolicited images of child pornography and encouraged the other
man to consider sex with children. Morrow mixed child pornography with
online stalking, solicitation and enticement of others with similar
interests.</p>
<p>On July 1, 2020 Morrow was charged by criminal information with
distributing child pornography, and on September 2, 2020 Morrow pleaded
guilty to the charge.</p>
<p>The FBI investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Jeff Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-14779012147825109442020-12-11T23:49:00.004-08:002020-12-11T23:49:55.564-08:00Keysi Batista Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for drugs distribution<div class="field field--name-field-pr-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p>BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday for distributing fentanyl.</p>
<p>Keysi Batista, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William
G. Young to 108 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
On Sep. 14, 2020, Batista pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution
of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.</p>
<p>Between August 2017 and November 2018, investigators conducted an
undercover investigation of Batista’s fentanyl dealing. Over the course
of 15 months, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of
fentanyl from Batista. Batista was arrested on Nov. 15, 2019.</p>
<p>United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta,
Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston
Field Division made the announcement today. The FBI’s North Shore Gang
Task Force conducted the investigation.</p>
<p>This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program
bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they
serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for
everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of
the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals,
directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with
federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local
community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce
violent crime.</p>
</div></div></div><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-20703411135609526892020-12-11T23:48:00.002-08:002020-12-11T23:48:15.835-08:00Individual Pleads Guilty to Participating In Internet-of-Things Cyberattack<p> </p><p>An individual, formerly a juvenile, pleaded guilty to committing acts
of federal juvenile delinquency in relation to a cyberattack that
caused massive disruption to the Internet in October 2016.</p>
<p>Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice
Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray of the
District of New Hampshire, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph R.
Bonavolonta of the FBI’s Boston Division made the announcement.</p>
<p>According to the plea agreement, the individual conspired to commit
computer fraud and abuse by operating a botnet and by intentionally
damaging a computer. Because the individual was a juvenile at the time
of the commission of the offense, the individual’s identity is being
withheld pursuant to the Juvenile Delinquency Act, see 18 U.S.C. § 5031,
et seq. The guilty plea took place in a closed proceeding before Chief
Judge Landya B. McCafferty in the District of New Hampshire. Judge
McCafferty scheduled the individual’s sentencing for Jan. 7, 2021.</p>
<p>According to unsealed court documents, from approximately 2015 until
November of 2016, the individual conspired with others to create and
operate one or more online botnets to launch cyberattacks against victim
computers (specifically targeting those belonging to online gamers or
gaming platforms) in order to take those computers offline altogether or
otherwise significantly impair their functionality. These attacks are
often referred to as “Distributed Denial of Service” or “DDoS” attacks.</p>
<p>In general, a DDoS attack is a type of cyberattack in which a
malicious actor directs a large volume of Internet traffic to a victim
computer or network, overwhelming it and rendering it unable to function
as intended. Successful DDoS attacks can take individual computer
users, websites, or entire computer networks offline altogether or
otherwise slow their performance. DDoS attacks are often conducted
through the use of botnets (short for “robot networks”), that is, large
numbers of compromised computers under the control of an individual or
group of actors.</p>
<p>According to court documents, in September and October of 2016, the
individual and others created a botnet, which was a variant of the
so-called “Mirai” botnet, for use in launching DDoS attacks. Mirai
infected “Internet-of-Things” devices, such as Internet-connected video
cameras and recorders, and turned them into bots to be used to launch
DDoS attacks.</p>
<p>According to court documents, on Oct. 21, 2016, the individual and
others used the botnet they created to launch several DDoS attacks in an
effort to take the Sony PlayStation Network’s gaming platform offline
for a sustained period. The DDoS attacks impacted a domain name
resolver, New Hampshire-based Dyn, Inc., which caused websites,
including those pertaining to Sony, Twitter, Amazon, PayPal, Tumblr,
Netflix, and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), to become either
completely inaccessible, or accessible only intermittently for several
hours that day. As a result of the individual’s DDoS attacks, Dyn,
Sony, SNHU, and other entities and individuals suffered losses including
lost advertising revenues and remediation costs. Sony estimated that
its resultant losses included approximately $2.7 million in net revenue.</p>
<p>This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the
National Crime Agency and Police Service of Northern Ireland. The case
is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal
Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and
Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana MacDonald of the District of New
Hampshire. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen provided
substantial assistance.</p>
<p>The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at <a href="https://www.justice.gov/Celebrating150Years">www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-76566009488296734662020-12-11T23:46:00.002-08:002020-12-11T23:46:26.459-08:00Sheri G. Walsh embezzled more than $250,000 from two nonprofit organizations<p> </p><div class="field field--name-field-pr-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p>BANGOR,
Maine: A Newport woman pleaded guilty today in federal court to wire
fraud and federal government program theft, U.S. Attorney Halsey B.
Frank announced. </p>
<p>According to court records, from June 2015 through April 2019, <b>Sheri G. Walsh</b>,
56, embezzled more than $250,000 from two nonprofit organizations where
she worked. Walsh carried out the scheme by fraudulently transferring
funds from one organization to another, then converting the funds to her
own use. During the relevant period, one of the nonprofits received
federal grant monies from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the<em> </em>U.S. Department of Agriculture.</p>
<p>Walsh faces up to 20 years in prison on the mail fraud charge and up
to 10 years in prison on the theft charge. She also faces up to three
years of supervised release and a fine. She will be sentenced after the
completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation
Office.</p>
<p>The Ellsworth Police Department, the FBI, the EPA Office of Inspector
General and the USDA Office of Inspector General investigated the
case. </p>
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-40117673252614210462020-12-11T23:43:00.004-08:002020-12-11T23:43:51.023-08:00Illinois attorney EDWARD R. VRDOLYAK was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison <p> Former Illinois attorney EDWARD R. VRDOLYAK was
sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for assisting another
lawyer in evading taxes on income received from a multi-billion dollar
legal settlement with tobacco companies.
</p><p class="rtejustify">U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr., imposed
the sentence after a hearing in federal court in Chicago. Vrdolyak, 82,
of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to one count of tax evasion.</p>
<p class="rtejustify">The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr.,
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Tamera
Cantu, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation
Division in Chicago; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of
the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet S. Bhachu and Special Assistant U.S.
Attorney Michael T. Donovan.</p>
<p class="rtejustify">Vrdolyak admitted in a plea agreement that he
assisted another lawyer, co-defendant DANIEL P. SOSO, in evading federal
income taxes owed by Soso. The income was derived from attorney fees
received in connection with a $9.2 billion settlement between the State
of Illinois and a number of tobacco companies in the 1990s. At the time
of the settlement, Vrdolyak and Soso were licensed Illinois attorneys.
The pair collected legal fees from the settlement pursuant to
agreements with one of the attorneys that represented the State of
Illinois. Pursuant to these agreements, Vrdolyak made payments to Soso
between 2000 and 2005 of approximately $1,925,830, representing Soso’s
agreed-upon share of the fees from the litigation.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="rtejustify">In August 2005, the IRS served a notice of levy on
Vrdolyak, which required the turnover of all salary, wages and other
amounts owed to Soso. Over the next two years, Vrdolyak received
approximately $262,854 due Soso, but he concealed receipt of these funds
from the IRS, knowing such concealment would assist Soso in evading the
payment of taxes and assessments. Vrdolyak admitted in the plea
agreement that he later caused approximately $170,242 to be paid to Soso
instead of remitting the funds to the IRS.</p>
<p class="rtejustify">Soso, of Alsip, also pleaded guilty to tax evasion. Judge Dow in March sentenced Soso to two years in prison.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-13195804676256835042020-12-10T17:40:00.006-08:002020-12-10T18:02:56.001-08:00It's just lunch dating services 4,75 million dollar settlement <p> <span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998637);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsvnr3lmaeSCtPgHvEuge3jqX7IT3ru4V_r6KphGC3eLJPyUMb5REGpvURmRkA4rBzYSP7tkXHKyMj2hM9hPCry4nop18H7Fek12vHYLGAftgWLqZWgwaNHmf9Syt9-j3kaCwC_z1N973/s1805/its-just.lunch.settlment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1805" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsvnr3lmaeSCtPgHvEuge3jqX7IT3ru4V_r6KphGC3eLJPyUMb5REGpvURmRkA4rBzYSP7tkXHKyMj2hM9hPCry4nop18H7Fek12vHYLGAftgWLqZWgwaNHmf9Syt9-j3kaCwC_z1N973/w468-h180/its-just.lunch.settlment.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998637);"> Don't waste your money with their services! </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998637);"></span></h2><p><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998637);"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998637);">"<span style="color: red;">The Settlement</span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 241.6px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999191);"> creates a $4.75 million monetary fund that covers</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 643px; top: 120.778px; transform: scaleX(1.06624);">: (1) awards to members of the </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 166.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999922);">National Class</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 237.2px; top: 166.778px; transform: scaleX(1.06755);"> who elect to receive a cash award</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 510.8px; top: 166.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00067);"> (rather than a voucher) and who do not opt out</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 888.8px; top: 166.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00734);">; </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 212.778px; transform: scaleX(0.994846);">(2) cash </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 188.8px; top: 212.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00398);">awards to members of the New York Class who do not opt out</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 688.8px; top: 212.778px; transform: scaleX(1.07566);">; (3) the cost of settlement </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 258.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00049);">administration</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 235.6px; top: 258.778px; transform: scaleX(1.03334);">; (4) any Court-approved service payments; and (5) any Court-</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 737px; top: 258.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999017);">approved attorneys’</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 304.778px; transform: scaleX(0.997494);">fees and expenses.</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 268px; top: 304.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00068);"> All members of the National Class</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 550.4px; top: 304.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00057);"> who did</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 620.4px; top: 304.778px; transform: scaleX(0.997906);"> not opt out and elect</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 788.6px; top: 304.778px; transform: scaleX(0.997698);">ed to receive </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 350.778px; transform: scaleX(0.996603);">a cash award</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 223px; top: 350.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00042);"> will receive a minimum award of $14.44 and a maximum award of an amount </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 396.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00032);">based on the number of National Class members who ultimately </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 639px; top: 396.778px; transform: scaleX(1.13502);">submit ted claim forms, to be </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 442.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999516);">paid no later than 60 days following final approval of the Settlement. All members of the </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 488.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00013);">National Class who did not opt out and who submit</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 531.8px; top: 488.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00643);">ted valid c</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 615px; top: 488.778px; transform: scaleX(1.10765);">laim f orm s selecting to receive a </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 534.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998532);">voucher for services </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 287px; top: 534.778px; transform: scaleX(1.0007);">will receive</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 380.8px; top: 534.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998659);"> a voucher</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 464px; top: 534.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00134);"> entitling them to </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 606.4px; top: 534.778px; transform: scaleX(0.998792);">one free date arranged by IJL. </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 851.2px; top: 534.778px; transform: scaleX(0.995474);">The </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 580.778px; transform: scaleX(0.996266);">vouchers </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 197px; top: 580.778px; transform: scaleX(1.01926);">are transferable on a one-</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 400.2px; top: 580.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00216);">time basis to non</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 536.6px; top: 580.778px; transform: scaleX(0.996805);">-class members</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 660.2px; top: 580.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00019);"> who sign a membership </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 626.778px; transform: scaleX(0.99864);">contract with IJL</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 256.4px; top: 626.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00006);"> or who already have a membership contract.</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 616.4px; top: 626.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999898);"> The dates will be arranged in the </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 672.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00397);">ordinary manner of IJL’s services subject to the modifications set forth in the Settlement.</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180px; top: 718.778px; transform: scaleX(1.09869);">All members of th</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 326px; top: 718.778px; transform: scaleX(1.01082);">e New York Class who </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 516.6px; top: 718.778px; transform: scaleX(0.99973);">did not opt out will receive an award of $200, </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 764.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999601);">to be paid no later than 60 days following approval of the Settlement. Following final </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 810.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999164);">distributions to members of the Classes</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 434.8px; top: 810.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00218);"> and the Plaintiffs</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 576.4px; top: 810.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00034);">, final payment to the c</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 760.8px; top: 810.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00178);">laims </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 856.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00356);">administrator, and payment to Cl</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 384px; top: 856.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00779);">ass Counsel, any remaining money in the common fund is to</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 869px; top: 856.778px; transform: scaleX(0.994632);"> be </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 902.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999847);">divided equally amongst the National Class. Individuals who are members of both Classes will </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 948.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999627);">receive $200 plus the amount ultimately allocated to individual National Class members</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 825.8px; top: 948.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999242);">. Any </span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 994.778px; transform: scaleX(0.999561);">amount remaining</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 266px; top: 994.778px; transform: scaleX(1.00026);"> in the common fund following all distributions</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 645.6px; top: 994.778px; transform: scaleX(1.08455);"> is to be dispersed</span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 788.6px; top: 994.778px; transform: scaleX(0.994532);"> as a </span></span><span style="font-family: serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120px; top: 1040.78px; transform: scaleX(0.999518);"><span style="color: red;">charitable donation to a 501(c)(3) certified charity as agreed upon by the parties.</span>"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;"> </span><a href="http://www.ijlclassaction.com/DocumentHandler.ashx?DocPath=/Documents/Exhibit_A_451_1.pdf"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 237.033px; top: 120.333px; transform: scaleX(1.04316);">SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 169.767px; transform: scaleX(1.01815);"> </span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 169.767px; transform: scaleX(1.01815);">This Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims (the “Agreement”) is entered </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120.04px; top: 194.567px; transform: scaleX(0.99371);">into as of the last date of any signatures below by and among:</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 244.367px; transform: scaleX(0.953458);">(a)</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.367px; transform: scaleX(1.0382);"><b>It’s Just Lunch International,</b> Inc., IJL Midwest Denver LLC, and FGH </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.167px; transform: scaleX(1.01494);">Associates LLC s/h/a IJL Austin Franchise (col</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 628.917px; top: 269.167px; transform: scaleX(1.02324);">lectively referred to as “IJL”)</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 318.767px; transform: scaleX(0.989438);">(b)</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 318.767px; transform: scaleX(0.939759);">Representative Plaintiffs, James Tortora, Lisa Bruno, Janeen Cameron, Karen </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 343.767px; transform: scaleX(1.04809);">Malak</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 266.033px; top: 343.767px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 272.633px; top: 343.767px; transform: scaleX(0.985032);">Rocush, and Brad Berkowitz, individually and as representatives of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 368.567px; transform: scaleX(0.973355);">the Settlement Classes, as defined below.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 458.883px; top: 417.817px; transform: scaleX(1.06157);"> <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 458.883px; top: 417.817px; transform: scaleX(1.06157);">RECITALS </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 467.217px; transform: scaleX(1.0923);">A.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 467.217px; transform: scaleX(1.00881);">This action was comme</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 391.083px; top: 467.217px; transform: scaleX(1.02866);">nced in the United States District Court for the Southern </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 492.217px; transform: scaleX(1.06556);">District of New York (the “Court”) against IJL on October 15, 2007, under the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 517.017px; transform: scaleX(0.925003);">case caption </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 295.833px; top: 517.017px; transform: scaleX(0.968496);">E. Packman, individually and for all others similarly situated, v. It’s Just </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 541.817px; transform: scaleX(0.959437);">Lunch International, It’s Just</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 424.483px; top: 541.817px; transform: scaleX(0.958224);">Lunch, Inc., and Harry and Sally, Inc.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 737.717px; top: 541.817px; transform: scaleX(0.978269);">, No. 07</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 806.367px; top: 541.817px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 812.967px; top: 541.817px; transform: scaleX(1.0626);">CIV</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 848.367px; top: 541.817px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 854.967px; top: 541.817px; transform: scaleX(0.902112);">9227, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 566.617px; transform: scaleX(1.02394);">and has the current case caption indicated above (the “Action”). After pre</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 846.767px; top: 566.617px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 853.367px; top: 566.617px; transform: scaleX(1.10908);">filing </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 591.617px; transform: scaleX(0.984205);">investigation for months and initial motions regarding the pleadings, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 616.417px; transform: scaleX(1.03826);">Representative Plaintiffs eventually filed a Third Amended Complaint (the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 641.217px; transform: scaleX(1.08098);">“Complaint</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 284.633px; top: 641.217px; transform: scaleX(1.04389);">”) asserting causes of action for fraud and unjust enrichment, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 666.017px; transform: scaleX(1.01798);">alleging, among other things, that IJL fraudulently misrepresented its services in </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 691.05px; transform: scaleX(1.01);">order to induce individuals to retain its services. Brad Berkowitz, Representative </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 715.85px; transform: scaleX(1.03053);">Plaintiff for the New York</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 437.083px; top: 715.85px; transform: scaleX(0.942822);">Class, alleges in a separate cause of action in the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 740.65px; transform: scaleX(0.985212);">Complaint that IJL charged for its services in an amount violating New York </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 765.65px; transform: scaleX(0.988599);">General Business Law § 349 and was unjustly enriched thereby.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 815.25px; transform: scaleX(0.976935);">B.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 815.25px; transform: scaleX(0.93787);">IJL denies the material allegations of the Complaint and denies </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 756.767px; top: 815.25px; transform: scaleX(1.03449);">all liability with </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 840.05px; transform: scaleX(0.98418);">respect to the facts and claims alleged in the Action. Nevertheless, without </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 865.05px; transform: scaleX(1.02325);">admitting or conceding liability, IJL now desires to settle the Action on the terms </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 889.85px; transform: scaleX(0.966504);">and conditions set forth in this Agreement to avoid the burden, expense, an</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 887.967px; top: 889.85px; transform: scaleX(1.02951);">d </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 914.65px; transform: scaleX(1.00684);">uncertainty of continuing litigation, and to put to rest the Released Claims, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 939.45px; transform: scaleX(0.969367);">including all claims that were or could have been brought in the Action or in </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 964.5px; transform: scaleX(0.938775);">similar litigation based on the facts alleged in the Action, by all members of the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(0.997472);">National Class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 314.233px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(1.00728);">and the New York Class.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(0.968);">C.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(1.07345);">Class Counsel have analyzed and evaluated the merits of the parties’ </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 1063.9px; transform: scaleX(0.976663);">contentions, the impact of this Agreement on the members of the Settlement </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 1088.7px; transform: scaleX(1.03962);">Classes, the risks of continued litigation and the difficulty of potential judgment </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(1.00243);">enf</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 207.833px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(0.995972);">orcement given the financial circumstances of IJL. Based on that analysis and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 1138.49px; transform: scaleX(0.979688);">evaluation, and recognizing the risks of continued litigation and the likelihood </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 1163.29px; transform: scaleX(1.04559);">that the Action, if not settled now, may be protracted and will further delay any</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;"> </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(1.01682);">relief to the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 286.833px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.982356);">Classes, Representative Plaintiffs and Class Counsel are satisfied that </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.949593);">the terms and conditions of this Agreement are fair, reasonable, adequate, and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.01622);">equitable, and that a settlement of the Action on the terms described herein is in </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.97432);">the best interests of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 355.683px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.953846);">the Settlement Classes.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.077);">D.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(0.973817);">In particular, Class Counsel note the following features of the proposed </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(0.938773);">settlement which Class Counsel believes is the absolute best result which could </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.965995);">be achieved:</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">a.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(1.08264);">IJL Committing Itself to Honoring Clients’ Most Important Prefer</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 847.367px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.900422);">ences</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 895.367px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.886891);">: </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 369.367px; transform: scaleX(1.01271);">As part of the Settlement, IJL is committing to a pledge on its website and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(1.03201);">in its client agreements stating that it will honor certain preferences of its </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(0.99442);">clients as addressed specifically in Section 2.05 with regards to what Class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 443.817px; transform: scaleX(0.931841);">Counsel has lear</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 390.483px; top: 443.817px; transform: scaleX(0.953289);">ned after eleven years of investigation and litigation are </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.97155);">perhaps the most important preferences to clients: whether or not </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.959019);">potential matches have children; the ages of potential matches; and the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(0.978895);">religious affiliation (or lack thereof) of potential matche</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 785.567px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(0.93451);">s. Anyone, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(1.01534);">including Class Members, who wishes to take advantage of IJL’s services </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(1.00596);">will have the reassurance of this new commitment.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 617.817px; transform: scaleX(1.02951);">b.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 617.817px; transform: scaleX(0.985476);">Cash Settlement Payment</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 469.283px; top: 617.817px; transform: scaleX(1.03347);">: All members of the National Class who do not </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(0.976692);">opt out of the settlement and have </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 578.317px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(0.979126);">submitted a claim form for a cash </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 667.617px; transform: scaleX(0.992928);">payment (with more details below), may receive a minimum award of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">$1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 260.033px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">4.44</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 301.033px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(1.03534);">and a maximum award of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 540.517px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(1.02702);">an undetermined amount depending on </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 717.25px; transform: scaleX(1.00447);">the number of members who submit claim forms for a cash payment</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 845.767px; top: 717.25px; transform: scaleX(0.934831);">. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(0.881606);">c.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(0.98387);">Voucher Settlement</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 417.483px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(1.02273);">: All </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 465.083px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(0.955004);">members of the National Class who do not opt </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 791.85px; transform: scaleX(1.01258);">out of the settlement and have submitted a claim for a voucher, as </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(0.964033);">opposed to cash, will receive a voucher (with more details below), with </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 841.65px; transform: scaleX(0.982342);">each voucher having an estimated value of $450.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(1.02951);">d.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(0.990742);">Transfer Rights for th</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 458.683px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(0.97151);">e Vouchers</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 566.717px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(0.981295);">: Acknowledging that some Class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 916.25px; transform: scaleX(1.02844);">Members may not wish to use the vouchers, any who do not want to use </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 941.05px; transform: scaleX(0.959208);">the vouchers themselves may transfer them one time to non</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 846.567px; top: 941.05px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 853.167px; top: 941.05px; transform: scaleX(0.935523);">Class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 965.9px; transform: scaleX(0.950221);">Members under conditions described below in Section 2.04(b), with each </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 990.7px; transform: scaleX(0.975763);">transferee</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 328.083px; top: 990.7px; transform: scaleX(0.985883);">, like any Class Member, obtaining value in the hundreds of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 1015.7px; transform: scaleX(1.02669);">dollars.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1065.3px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">e.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 1065.3px; transform: scaleX(1.05139);">Additional $</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 355.883px; top: 1065.3px;">2</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 365.883px; top: 1065.3px; transform: scaleX(0.976008);">00 Payment to New York Class Members</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 753.917px; top: 1065.3px; transform: scaleX(1.03466);">: All New York </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 1090.1px; transform: scaleX(0.947205);">Class Members </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 384.483px; top: 1090.1px;">–</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 401.683px; top: 1090.1px; transform: scaleX(0.955204);">as defined below </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 563.317px; top: 1090.1px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 577.117px; top: 1090.1px; transform: scaleX(0.953947);">will receive not only the benefits of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 1115.1px; transform: scaleX(1.02168);">the National Class but an additional $</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 578.917px; top: 1115.1px;">2</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 588.917px; top: 1115.1px; transform: scaleX(1.03742);">00 which w</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 691.517px; top: 1115.1px; transform: scaleX(1.06068);">ill be paid directly only </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 1139.89px; transform: scaleX(1.01169);">to the New York Class Members who submit a claim form. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 3 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 4 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;">4</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(1.15236);">f.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.935008);">All Costs Paid by IJL</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 432.483px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(1.04195);">: All costs of this action, including Class Counsel’s </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(1.01505);">attorney’s fees and the cost of administering this settlement, shall be paid </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.946616);">by IJL from a settle</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 421.283px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.976772);">ment fund established for this litigation as set forth </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 240.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(1.04006);">below.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 180.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.00713);">NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements set forth </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120.04px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(1.00099);">in this Agreement, Representative Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and the Settlement </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120.04px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.921342);">Classes, and IJL, through the</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 380.483px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.962055);">ir undersigned counsel, agree to the following settlement, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 120.04px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(1.01898);">subject to Court approval, under the following terms and conditions.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 368.767px; transform: scaleX(1.15236);">I.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 368.767px; transform: scaleX(1.15236);"> </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 368.767px; transform: scaleX(1.09581);">DEFINITIONS</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 418.417px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.01</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 418.417px; transform: scaleX(0.976854);">“Class Members” means members of the Settlement Classes.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 468.017px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.02</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.017px; transform: scaleX(1.04806);">“Claims Administrator” means Heffler Claims Group (“Heff</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 745.317px; top: 468.017px; transform: scaleX(1.0952);">ler”).</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.03</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(1.03532);">“Distribution Date” means </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 467.483px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(0.999551);">the</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 505.483px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(0.98365);">date sixty (60) Days from the date of the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 542.617px; transform: scaleX(0.96621);">Effective Date </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 342.883px; top: 542.617px; transform: scaleX(0.956279);">as defined below</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 504.083px; top: 542.617px; transform: scaleX(0.980404);">on which Heffler will make distributions as </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 567.417px; transform: scaleX(1.01765);">set forth below</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 342.483px; top: 567.417px;">.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.04</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(1.01763);">“Eligible Claimant” means a Class Member who complies fully with the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(0.96427);">claims submis</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 336.483px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(1.02598);">sion requirements set forth in Paragraph 4.04 below, including </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(1.02727);">the requirement of timely and complete submission of a claim form, if </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 691.65px; transform: scaleX(0.965532);">needed.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.05</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.987925);">Fairness Hearing. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 408.683px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(1.05976);">“Fairness Hearing” shall mean the hearing to be </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 766.25px; transform: scaleX(1.01874);">conducted by the Court at least ninety (90) days after the date of Preliminary </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 791.25px; transform: scaleX(0.954858);">Approval, as defined below, to ensure that the settlement embodied by this </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.05px; transform: scaleX(0.983324);">Agreement satisfies the fairness, reasonableness, and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 690.717px; top: 816.05px; transform: scaleX(0.998393);">adequacy requirements </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 840.85px; transform: scaleX(0.967458);">of Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(e). </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 889.85px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.06</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 889.85px; transform: scaleX(1.02869);">Final Approval Order</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 411.483px; top: 889.85px; transform: scaleX(1.0636);">. “Final Approval Order” shall mean the order of the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 914.65px; transform: scaleX(0.960775);">Court that approves this Settlement Agreement and makes such other final </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 939.45px; transform: scaleX(0.997687);">rulings as are contemplated by this Settlement Agreement, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 734.117px; top: 939.45px; transform: scaleX(1.02501);">which may or may </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 964.5px; transform: scaleX(1.07641);">not include approving payment of Incentive Awards and Class Counsel’s </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(0.936462);">Fees and Expenses, and which shall be mutually prepared and agreed upon </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1014.1px; transform: scaleX(1.00692);">by the Parties. The Final Approval Order is at the Court’s discretion.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 1063.9px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.07</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 215.033px; top: 1063.9px; transform: scaleX(1.04609);">“Final Approval” means </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 437.283px; top: 1063.9px; transform: scaleX(1.02158);">that all of the following have occurred:</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(0.953458);">(a)</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 270.033px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(0.990091);">The Court has entered the Settlement Order and Final Judgment;</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 847.967px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(1.01873);">and</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1163.29px; transform: scaleX(0.989438);">(b)</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 270.033px; top: 1163.29px; transform: scaleX(1.00174);">The Court has made its final award of attorney’s fees, costs, expenses, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 270.033px; top: 1163.29px; transform: scaleX(1.00174);"> </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 4 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 5 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;">5</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 270.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.992829);">and Representative Plaint</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 497.683px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(1.01027);">iffs service awards, if any.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.08</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.01458);">Effective Date</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 341.683px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.13881);">. “E</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 383.483px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.05877);">ffective Date” shall mean the date following the entry of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.985462);">the Final Approval Order o</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 463.483px; top: 195.367px;">n</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 482.883px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.953222);">which the time for any appeal expires, or the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.966737);">date on which any appeals or petitions for review, including but not limited </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.05225);">to a petition for certiorari, from the Final Ap</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 609.717px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.04119);">proval Order are finally decided </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(1.01294);">or terminated, whichever date is later.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.09</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(1.07109);">“Monetary Fund” means the monetary portion of the Settlement Fund, as </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.979877);">defined in paragraph 1.19, paid by IJL</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 581.517px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.988565);">pursuant to the terms set forth in </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 369.367px; transform: scaleX(0.975007);">paragraph 2.02.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.10</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(1.06261);">“National Class” means all individuals who signed a membership contract </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 443.817px; transform: scaleX(0.908771);">with IJL or one of its franchisees and purchased the services of IJL or one of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.99542);">its franchisees on or after the accrual date of clas</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 644.317px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.984408);">s claims based on the statute </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(1.01082);">of limitations for common law fraud associated with their state of residence at </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(1.03542);">the time of the execution of the contract as detailed in Exhibit A through the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(1.0407);">date of Preliminary Approval as defined below, other than those ind</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 828.567px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(1.05965);">ividuals </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(0.972858);">who received full refunds of their membership fees and those who signed </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 593.017px; transform: scaleX(0.994865);">releases of any claims in favor of IJL and/or a franchisee.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(0.934372);">1.11</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(1.02978);">“New York Class” means all individuals who became IJL clients in New York </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(0.941822);">and who, on or after October 15, 2001, p</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 591.717px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(1.04546);">aid more than $1,000 for a year’s </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 691.65px; transform: scaleX(0.978717);">worth of IJL services at the time of initial contracting through the date of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 716.65px; transform: scaleX(1.0041);">Preliminary Approval as defined below, other than those individuals who </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(1.01255);">received full refunds of their membership fees and those who signed relea</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 873.767px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.855877);">ses </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 766.25px; transform: scaleX(1.01963);">of any claims in favor of IJL and/or a New York franchisee.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 816.05px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.12</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.05px; transform: scaleX(0.997528);">“Parties” means the Representative Plaintiffs and IJL.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 865.65px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.13</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 865.65px; transform: scaleX(1.00489);">“Plaintiffs” means Representative Plaintiffs and Class Members.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 915.45px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.14</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 915.45px; transform: scaleX(1.05355);">“Preliminary Approval” means the Court’s entry of an order </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 763.367px; top: 915.45px; transform: scaleX(1.03649);">substantially in </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 940.25px; transform: scaleX(0.978889);">the form of Exhibit B to this Agreement, preliminarily approving the terms </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 965.1px; transform: scaleX(0.968197);">and conditions of this Agreement, including the manner of providing notice </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 990.1px; transform: scaleX(0.958715);">to the Settlement Classes.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 1039.7px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.15</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1039.7px; transform: scaleX(1.014);">“Released Claims” means any and all claims, rights (including</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 820.367px; top: 1039.7px; transform: scaleX(1.02975);">rights to </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1064.5px; transform: scaleX(0.999312);">restitution or reimbursement), demands, actions, causes of action, suits, liens, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1089.5px; transform: scaleX(0.999792);">damages, attorney’s fees, obligations, contracts, liabilities, agreements, costs, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1114.3px; transform: scaleX(0.99448);">expenses or losses of any nature, whether known or unknown, direct or </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1139.09px; transform: scaleX(1.03234);">indirect, ma</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 316.833px; top: 1139.09px; transform: scaleX(1.026);">tured or unmatured, contingent or absolute, existing or potential, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1164.09px; transform: scaleX(0.99608);">suspected or unsuspected, equitable or legal, and whether under federal </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 5 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 6 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;">6</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(1.00725);">statutory law, federal common law or federal regulation, or the statutes, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.971704);">constitutions, regulations, ordinances, com</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 594.117px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.937731);">mon law, or any other law of any </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.971329);">and all states or their subdivisions, parishes or municipalities including but </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(1.01029);">not limited to the District of Columbia that arise out of, are based on, or relate </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.973668);">to in any way to </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 376.283px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.954991);">any of the claims asserted in, that were att</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 777.167px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.958502);">empted to be </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(0.920904);">asserted in, or that could have been asserted in any of the complaints in the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(0.994482);">Action, including but not limited to the Third Amended Complaint, or the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.974312);">facts or circumstances relating to such claims, including, without limitation, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.987601);">any claim tha</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 337.483px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.978143);">t IJL's performance under its contracts with members of the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.960055);">Settlement Classes or IJL's conduct in connection with the marketing of its </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 369.367px; transform: scaleX(1.01407);">services was unlawful, deceptive, misleading, fraudulent, inadequate, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(1.0177);">improper, negligent, grossly negligent, or breache</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 656.317px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(1.01167);">d any federal, state or local </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(1.00084);">consumer fraud or similar laws. For the avoidance of doubt, this release does </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 443.817px; transform: scaleX(0.962189);">not extend to claims having no relationship with the claims or facts in this </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.980407);">litigation, by way of example only, alleged personal injury resulting </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 839.567px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.966486);">from a </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.951225);">visit to an IJL office. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 417.683px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.989377);">In addition, with respect to Representative Plaintiffs </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(1.03316);">only, “Released Claims” includes all claims arising, or that could arise in the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(0.948903);">future, out of any conduct or omissions occurring to the date of Preliminary </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(1.05654);">Approval tha</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 334.683px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(0.99684);">t might be attributable to IJL or any of the other Released </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 593.017px; transform: scaleX(0.954679);">Parties. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.16</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(1.04514);">“Released Parties” means IJL, and its affiliates, parents, direct and indirect </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 667.617px; transform: scaleX(0.968393);">subsidiaries, franchisees, agents, insurers, and any company or companies </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.972776);">under common control with any o</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 524.083px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.925199);">f them, and each of its or their respective </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 717.25px; transform: scaleX(0.982495);">predecessors, successors, past and present officers, directors, employees, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.946234);">agents, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 302.573px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.968532);">servants, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 411.713px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.969748);">accountants, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 552.253px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.992328);">attorneys, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 670.133px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.994578);">advisors, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 780.453px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.979405);">shareholders, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(0.991484);">representatives, partners, vendors, issuers, insurance carriers, and as</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 824.567px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(0.992033);">signs, or </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 791.85px; transform: scaleX(1.02386);">anyone acting on their behalf including, without limitation, the following </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(0.954066);">former and present owners of IJL and its franchises: IJL Holding Company, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 841.65px; transform: scaleX(1.0635);">It’s Just Lunch Holdings LLC, It’s Just Lunch, Inc. IJL US LLC, IJL </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 866.45px; transform: scaleX(1.03683);">Advertising LLC, IJL Chas Hol</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 486.883px; top: 866.45px; transform: scaleX(1.01025);">dings LLC, IJL NUS LLC, IJL Everest LLC, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 874.567px; top: 866.45px; transform: scaleX(0.949457);">IJL </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(0.990313);">Midwest Denver LLC, FGH Associates LLC </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 660.517px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(0.992057);">The Riverside Company, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 916.25px; transform: scaleX(0.959447);">Riverside Micro Cap Fund 1, Loren Schachlet, Alan Peyrat, Bela Schwartz, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 941.05px; transform: scaleX(1.01631);">Stewart Kohl, Riverside Partners, LLC, Alan Weiss, IJL Birmingham LLC, IJL </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 965.9px;">N</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 226.633px; top: 965.9px; transform: scaleX(0.964924);">ashville, LLC, IJL Raleigh LLC, Amy Brinkman, Alley Jahandideh, IJL SF </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 990.7px; transform: scaleX(0.965393);">LLC, IJL SV LLC, Anna Andersen, A & Y Enterprises, LLC, Betty Sinclair, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1015.7px; transform: scaleX(1.01742);">JuJube LLC, JuJube WA LLC, Bill Hoffpauir, Keil Gauger and Alan Freemen, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1040.5px; transform: scaleX(0.990904);">FGH Associates, Blant Hurt, Blossom Vent</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 612.317px; top: 1040.5px; transform: scaleX(0.981742);">ures Inc., Bradley Osgood and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1065.3px; transform: scaleX(0.968563);">Trevor Hall, IJL Will Do Too LLC, Brandee Kramer IJL Silicon Valley LLC, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1090.1px; transform: scaleX(0.96255);">Brennan Adams, Dual Scorpion Enterprises, Brian Jones, Can Do </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1115.1px; transform: scaleX(1.01475);">International LLC, Bridget McCoy, BMC LLC, Cameron David, Cameron </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1139.89px; transform: scaleX(0.985359);">David LLC, Chiara Di Muzi</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 464.283px; top: 1139.89px; transform: scaleX(0.938815);">o, Pockets of Excellence LLC, Christine Hobson, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1164.69px; transform: scaleX(0.974451);">Tee to Green II LLC, Christine McLean, Cameron David LLC, Cindy </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 6 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 7 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;">7</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.998412);">Herington, CA Herington LLC, Cindy Taylor, ZCT Company, Corinne </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.960968);">Christenson and James Christenson, Havenwood Court, LLC, Dana </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.04812);">Hartmann</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 302.033px; top: 170.567px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 308.633px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.970516);">Butts, IJ</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 378.883px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.04178);">L Arizona LLC, Daniel Armstrong, Daniel Dolan, Andrea </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.95061);">McGinty, IJL Orange County LLC, IJL San Diego LLC, IJL Washington Inc., </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(1.00937);">Everest Group LLC, IJL Minneapolis Inc., IJL New York LLC, IJL Buffalo LLC, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(0.966478);">IJL Cincinnati LLC, IJL Cleveland LLC, Daniel Rimer, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 708.117px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.00641);">Lucille Rimer, Dantri </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(1.01748);">Inc., David Cameron, David Partridge, JDDM Management Inc., David Zeng, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(1.02515);">Zeng Group LLC, Denise Lafferty, Life & Laughs, Inc., Desiree Checki, Mark </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(1.0077);">Polakowski, Abicus Inc., Duane Sibole, D.S.E. LLC, Holland Edward Toles III, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.955592);">IJL4 Compa</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 318.433px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(0.942033);">ny, Elise Daniel, EAD LLC, Erin Bajek and Jason Fitch, IJL Los </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 369.367px; transform: scaleX(1.04357);">Angeles, Inc., Ernie Russell and Shadra Russell, Kali K Inc., Felicia O’Day, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(0.980554);">Lunch 4 U Inc., Glen Anderson, Kelly Anderson, IJL Group, LLC, Glenda </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(0.985994);">Cole, Glencole Enterprises LLC, Heather Hill, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 643.117px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(0.980985);">Reservations for Two, Irene </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 443.817px; transform: scaleX(0.956337);">LaCota, James T. Irwin III, Jere Pittner, Double J Ventures LLC, Jan </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(1.02298);">Zimmerman, JZ Direct LLC, Jason Pratt, Cynergi Marketing Corp., Jeff </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.944172);">Powell, JKJ Enterprises Inc., Jeffrey Ruben, IJL</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 670.917px; top: 493.617px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 677.517px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.988154);">Louisville Inc., Jennifer </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(0.96413);">Donnelly, J. Do</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 350.283px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(0.952989);">nnelly Inc., Jennifer Pannucci, Jennifer Reid, IJL Washington </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(0.954257);">Inc., Jennifer Rose, Get Connected, Inc., Jerry Tylman, Victoria Crum, Mimi </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(1.01307);">Finkel, Jessica Strickland, Gray Sky Inc., Joan Griffin, David Hughes, IJL NM </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 593.017px; transform: scaleX(0.944967);">LLC, IJL Tucson LLC, Joanne Bloomfield, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 591.917px; top: 593.017px; transform: scaleX(0.944669);">Island Park Enterprises LLC, John </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 617.817px; transform: scaleX(0.996564);">A. Pouliot, Tonya L. Pouliot, Pouliot’s 2 Inc., John Quinn, Pamela Joyce </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(0.949284);">Osgood, IJL NCP LLC, John Tlapek, Blanton LLC, Julie Zadoo, Steel Skies </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 667.617px; transform: scaleX(0.968478);">Enterprises, Platinum Dunes, Kameran Ritzhaupt, IJL Oklahoma Inc. Karen </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.961599);">Faust</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 258.233px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.993483);">, Faust Enterprises, Katherine Gragg, Across the Room LLC, Kathy </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 717.25px; transform: scaleX(0.973001);">Merwald, Kelly Alston, Alston & Associates LLC, Ken Marr, Lunch & Meets </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.950719);">Inc. Kim Lawson and Derek Butts, Two Become One Inc., Kimberlee Brandt, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(0.986644);">KJB Enterprises, Ltd., LandingDay Enterprises, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 655.117px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(1.0076);">Shari Marion Stull, Daniel </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 791.85px; transform: scaleX(0.962411);">Stull, Laura Culver, IJL Buffalo Inc., Leslie Lessig, Triple L Ventures, Linda </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(1.04278);">Grandlund, Grandlund Partners, LLC, Linda Markt, Linda Markt LLC, Linda </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 841.65px; transform: scaleX(1.01128);">Zaleski, IJL Central PA LLC, Lisa Lahoste, Get Together LLC, Lisa Pirosanto, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 866.45px;">I</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 216.833px; top: 866.45px; transform: scaleX(0.94133);">JL Services, Inc., Lisa Purdum and Steve Purdum, IJL Orange County Inc., </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 891.25px; transform: scaleX(0.949313);">IJL San Diego Inc., Loriann Landaburu, Ty Windfeldt, A Perfect Match LLC, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 916.25px; transform: scaleX(0.986269);">Lynn M. Pofer, Lynne Adams, LWL, LLC, Mark and Debra McNeal, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 941.05px; transform: scaleX(1.02182);">McMatch Inc., Mark Frankovic, Cincinnati Snack &</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 711.317px; top: 941.05px; transform: scaleX(0.989636);">Beverage Inc., Mark </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 965.9px; transform: scaleX(1.05051);">Manlin, Paula Komar, Dyquem LLC, Mark Nichols, IJL III LLC, Marty Kelly, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 990.7px; transform: scaleX(0.996233);">Polar Bear Inc., Mary Frank, Fourus LLC, Matthew Kleinman, Merit </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1015.7px; transform: scaleX(0.956475);">Ventures, Inc., Megan Mitsch, Abicus Inc., Michele Mendez and Cathy Loe, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1040.5px; transform: scaleX(0.988156);">Menloe Inc., Michelle Br</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 437.683px; top: 1040.5px; transform: scaleX(0.993171);">own, MBrown Inc., Michelle Kruskamp, M Renee </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1065.3px; transform: scaleX(1.02642);">Inc., Nicole Nance and Linda Honey, DE Destiny LLC, Niki McDowell, Three </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1090.1px; transform: scaleX(1.04421);">Pronged Forks LLC, Nishat Alibhai, NNA Holdings</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 708.317px; top: 1090.1px;">—</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 728.317px; top: 1090.1px; transform: scaleX(1.01845);">San Antonio LLC, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1115.1px; transform: scaleX(1.01242);">Pamela Lanier, Rachelle Inc., Loraine Inc., Patrick Smith, Paula Komar, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1139.89px;">C</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 224.233px; top: 1139.89px; transform: scaleX(1.00797);">leveland IJL, Randy Argotsinger, Beechwood Investments Inc. Robert Drum </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1164.69px; transform: scaleX(1.02713);">and Millie Kay Drum and RJM Inc., Robert Vandor, Jill Vandor, Harry & Sally </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 7 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 8 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;">8</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.991607);">Inc., Robin Meierowitz, Roxanne Brogan, Strike a Match Inc., Sara Darling, IJL </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(1.00991);">Midwest LLC, IJL Midwest Clev</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 513.483px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.986048);">eland LLC, IJL Midwest Denver LLC, IJL </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.990075);">Midwest Milwaukee LLC and IJL Midwest Chicago LLC, Scottie Johnson, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(1.02574);">Shiawase Inc., Seth Houlton and Allie Houlton, ACH 14 LLC, Shalene </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.983907);">DeMarco, South Carolina IJL LLC, Steve Green and Tena Green, IJL HR, INC., </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(0.990256);">Steve M</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 282.833px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(0.984384);">isotti, The J.E.D. Group, Inc., The Estate of Pamela Joyce Osgood, IJL </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(1.16381);">Will</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 247.433px; top: 269.967px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 254.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(1.04236);">Do LLC, IJL Will Do Inc. Houston, Timothy Carter and Michelle Carter, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.992255);">TMC LLC, Tom Kaifesh and Lisa Kaifesh, Trinity Flood, The Trinity LLC, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.946253);">Victoria Crum and Jerry Tylman, IJL 500</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 586.117px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.972198);">LLC, William Geist, MacGraw and </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(1.01367);">O’Neal Ltd., William Sparks and Christina Sparks, Anglo Amec Inc..</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.17</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(1.06114);">“Representative Plaintiffs” means James Tortora, Lisa Bruno, Janeen </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(1.00278);">Cameron, Karen Malak</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 416.483px; top: 419.017px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 423.083px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(0.998149);">Rocush, and Brad Berkowitz.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.18</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(1.0084);">“Settlement Classes” means all member</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 569.117px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.926235);">s of the National Class and the New </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.997245);">York Class.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.19</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(1.03564);">“Settlement Fund” means the amount necessary for all payments and other </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(0.968225);">relief under this Agreement including the vouchers addressed in paragraph </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 593.017px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">2.04.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.20</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(1.02566);">“Settlement Order and Final Judgment” means an order a</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 778.567px; top: 642.817px; transform: scaleX(1.04364);">nd judgment </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 667.617px; transform: scaleX(0.954803);">entered by the Court approving this Agreement as final and binding on the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 692.45px; transform: scaleX(0.959524);">Parties, Class Members, and Released Parties.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.21</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 742.25px; transform: scaleX(1.00082);">Other capitalized terms have the meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 767.05px; transform: scaleX(1.00874);">Agreement.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">1.22</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(1.04905);">The plural of any defined term inc</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 521.683px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(1.01917);">ludes the singular and the singular of any </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 841.65px; transform: scaleX(0.988323);">defined term includes the plural, as the case may be.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 890.85px; transform: scaleX(1.23566);">II.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 890.85px; transform: scaleX(1.0306);">GENERAL TERMS OF SETTLEMENT</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 940.25px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">2.01</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 940.25px; transform: scaleX(1.04514);">Settlement Administration. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 498.683px; top: 940.25px; transform: scaleX(1.00909);">Administration of the settlement will be </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 965.1px; transform: scaleX(0.950832);">handled by Heffler Claims Group, a company that specializes </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 774.167px; top: 965.1px; transform: scaleX(0.920088);">in class action </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 990.1px; transform: scaleX(0.956502);">notices, claims administration, and other significant services related to class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1014.9px; transform: scaleX(1.00793);">actions and mass tort actions. Heffler will disseminate notice to the members </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1039.7px; transform: scaleX(0.951098);">of the Classes using the means described in Section III below. Heffler will </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1064.5px; transform: scaleX(0.957274);">also</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 253.433px; top: 1064.5px; transform: scaleX(0.967729);">assist with receiving and paying claims and generating reports on the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1089.5px; transform: scaleX(1.00899);">claims process. The costs of settlement administration shall be paid from the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1114.3px; transform: scaleX(1.03455);">Monetary Fund. IJL and/or Heffler shall administer the settlement and shall </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1139.09px; transform: scaleX(1.0089);">provide to Class Counsel upon</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 490.483px; top: 1139.09px; transform: scaleX(0.984467);">request reports concerning the claims process. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1164.09px; transform: scaleX(1.0202);">The Parties will cooperate with Heffler with respect to the administration. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 8 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 9 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 505.883px; top: 1240.03px;">9</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">2.02</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.997203);">Monetary Fund. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 374.683px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.957685);">No later than thirty (30) days after </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 700.317px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.95751);">the Effective Date</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 861.967px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(0.880692);">, IJL</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(0.939175);">will place $4.75 million in a trust bank account established and managed by </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.930069);">Heffler, less $200,000 </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 407.883px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.993762);">being </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 464.683px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(1.05944);">paid</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 512.283px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(1.02242);">after Preliminary Approval</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 759.167px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.924149);">. IJL will place </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.957711);">that $200,000 of the $4.75 million in that same trust account no later than </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.02618);">thirty (30) days after th</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 438.483px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.02017);">e Preliminary Approval. Interest earned by the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(0.948822);">Monetary Fund shall become part of the Monetary Fund. In the event that </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.975679);">there are any funds remaining in the Monetary Fund held in that account </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.962738);">after all payments hereunder have been made to Class Counsel, t</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 878.767px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.948494);">he </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(1.00279);">Representative Plaintiffs, Heffler, and the Eligible Claimants, Heffler shall </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 369.367px; transform: scaleX(0.986533);">distribute the balance in that bank account as a charitable donation to a </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 394.167px; transform: scaleX(1.00714);">501(c)(3) certified charity as agreed upon by the Parties with the approval of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 419.017px; transform: scaleX(1.01919);">the Court.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">2.03</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(1.00846);">New York C</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 327.083px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.935804);">lass Payments. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 477.283px; top: 468.817px; transform: scaleX(0.93703);">Each member of the New York Class who has </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.931221);">not opted out of the Settlement and who has </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 624.717px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(1.06521);">timely </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 688.317px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(1.02675);">submitted </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 785.167px; top: 493.617px;">a</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 802.167px; top: 493.617px; transform: scaleX(0.995986);">claim form </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(1.02733);">will receive an award of $200 from the Monetary Fund, to be paid </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 809.167px; top: 518.417px; transform: scaleX(1.05693);">by Heffler </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(1.02922);">on the Distribution Date. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 437.483px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(1.03447);">, in addition to the c</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 617.117px; top: 543.417px; transform: scaleX(0.991699);">onsideration each such member </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 568.217px; transform: scaleX(0.98617);">is receiving as a member of the National Class.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 150.04px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">2.04</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(0.997032);">National Class Settlement.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 469.883px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(0.913778);">Each member of the Classes who has not opted </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(1.00674);">out of the settlement and has </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 476.683px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(1.06521);">timely </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 539.283px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(1.03031);">submitted a claim form has an option of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(0.9356);">claiming a cash award or a </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 466.483px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(0.938459);">voucher for certain IJL services or discounts, as </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 691.65px; transform: scaleX(0.997334);">described below. The National or New York Class members who do not </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 716.65px; transform: scaleX(1.02199);">submit a claim shall not be entitled to a cash payment, voucher, or any other </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.961147);">consideration, but their claims will nevertheless be extingui</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 746.917px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.894168);">shed by the class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 766.25px; transform: scaleX(1.02551);">settlement. All class members who do not opt out of the settlement will have </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 791.25px; transform: scaleX(0.962335);">their Claims against the Releasees released. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 840.05px; transform: scaleX(0.97593);">2.04(a) Cash Payment. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 444.483px; top: 840.05px; transform: scaleX(1.01052);">Of the Settlement Amount, $3</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 733.517px; top: 840.05px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">.25</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 769.967px; top: 840.05px; transform: scaleX(1.0667);">million minus </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 865.05px; transform: scaleX(0.989076);">service awards and the out of pocket costs fo</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 606.517px; top: 865.05px; transform: scaleX(1.03244);">r administration will be allocated </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 889.85px; transform: scaleX(1.00766);">towards the cash payment fund (the “Cash Payment Fund”). </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 939.45px; transform: scaleX(0.927906);">Each member of the National Class who has not opted out of the settlement </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 964.5px; transform: scaleX(1.02739);">and has submitted a claim form for a cash payment may receive a minimum </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(0.998836);">award of $1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 314.433px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">4.44</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 354.483px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(1.01909);">and a maximum award of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 589.117px; top: 989.3px; transform: scaleX(1.00008);">an undetermined amount based on </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1014.1px; transform: scaleX(0.972854);">the number of National Class members who submit claim forms</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 805.367px; top: 1014.1px; transform: scaleX(0.94353);">. The total </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(1.00832);">cash payment to all National Class members will not exceed $</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 764.367px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">2,</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 779.367px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(0.922127);">511,8</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 824.167px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">,00</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 849.167px; top: 1038.9px;">.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 859.967px; top: 1038.9px; transform: scaleX(0.991591);">That </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1063.9px; transform: scaleX(0.995701);">is calculated based on out of pocket costs for the s</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 656.717px; top: 1063.9px; transform: scaleX(1.03336);">ettlement administration of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1088.7px; transform: scaleX(0.940526);">$250,000 being set aside from the Settlement Fund which is not included in </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(0.992451);">the Cash Payment Fund</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 424.283px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(0.916255);">, $6</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 454.883px; top: 1113.5px; transform: scaleX(0.980441);">0,000 set aside for the Service Awards to the Class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1138.49px; transform: scaleX(0.972554);">Representatives, and $428,000 set aside for the New York Class</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 766.567px; top: 1138.49px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 183.95px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00124);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 445-1 Filed 09/11/19 Page 9 of 32</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 178.383px; top: 23.5612px; transform: scaleX(1.00121);">Case 1:07-cv-09227-SN Document 451-1 Filed 11/12/19 Page 10 of 33</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 120.04px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.939914);">4841</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 146.24px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 150.44px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.932736);">8609</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 176.433px; top: 1242.99px;">-</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.4px; left: 180.633px; top: 1242.99px; transform: scaleX(0.921164);">3720.1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.6px; left: 501.883px; top: 1240.03px; transform: scaleX(0.910158);">10</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.93902);">Based on t</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 310.433px; top: 120.733px; transform: scaleX(0.980391);">he amounts being deducted from the Settlement Fund and not </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 145.567px; transform: scaleX(1.00073);">included in the Cash Payment Fund to cover the cost of administration, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 170.567px; transform: scaleX(1.0031);">Service Awards to the Class Representatives and funds set aside for the New </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.930643);">York Class, as set forth above, the total cash pay</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 660.117px; top: 195.367px; transform: scaleX(0.961571);">ment to all National Class </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.979365);">members will not exceed $2,</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 480.283px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.940562);">511</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 510.283px; top: 220.167px;">,</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 515.283px; top: 220.167px;">8</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 525.283px; top: 220.167px; transform: scaleX(0.975054);">00. If the funds set aside for settlement </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.01744);">administration, service awards, the New York class</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 667.717px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(1.0165);">, or any other purpose</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 872.767px; top: 244.967px; transform: scaleX(0.939118);">are </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(1.0237);">not otherwise spent or distributed, they shall be available as additional fund</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 891.567px; top: 269.967px; transform: scaleX(0.881606);">s </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.920744);">to be paid to the National Class. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 508.883px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(0.911177);">The payments are to be made </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 784.367px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(1.00214);">by Heffler </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 882.567px; top: 294.767px; transform: scaleX(1.01933);">to </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.952146);">class members </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 343.483px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(1.03938);">on the Distribution </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 516.883px; top: 319.567px; transform: scaleX(0.973804);">Date.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 368.567px; transform: scaleX(1.00176);">2.04(b) Vouchers. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 380.683px; top: 368.567px; transform: scaleX(1.02149);">Each member of the National and New York Classes who </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 393.367px; transform: scaleX(0.999844);">has submitted a claim form for a voucher rather than a cash payme</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 804.567px; top: 393.367px; transform: scaleX(1.03917);">nt, the link </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 418.417px; transform: scaleX(0.989817);">to which will be distributed with the Class Notice described in paragraph </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 443.217px; transform: scaleX(0.898876);">3.02, </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 256.433px; top: 443.217px; transform: scaleX(1.00198);">shall </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 304.633px; top: 443.217px; transform: scaleX(1.00813);">be entitled to receive one voucher redeemable for at least one free </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 468.017px; transform: scaleX(1.00878);">date arranged by IJL in the manner of its ordinary services and in compliance </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 492.817px; transform: scaleX(1.08612);">with the pr</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 310.433px; top: 492.817px; transform: scaleX(1.01591);">ovisions of this agreement concerning modification of services. A </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(0.991873);">single voucher has an estimated value </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 560.317px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(0.99217);">of $450, but</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 671.717px; top: 517.817px; transform: scaleX(1.01299);">can be valued at a higher </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 542.617px; transform: scaleX(0.966737);">price depending on the membership plan provided at a given geographical </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 567.417px; transform: scaleX(1.01512);">location. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 298.433px; top: 567.417px; transform: scaleX(1.02171);">If the National Class member </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 569.317px; top: 567.417px; transform: scaleX(1.02267);">is not a current member of IJL, he or </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 592.217px; transform: scaleX(1.01378);">she shall also be entitled to receive a voucher for a 25% discount towards an </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(0.976163);">IJL membership.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 367.883px; top: 617.217px; transform: scaleX(0.961648);">The discount is not applicable to any amounts the former </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(0.952141);">member may owe to IJL. </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 448.483px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(0.952978);">The types of membership plans available at e</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 869.567px; top: 642.017px; transform: scaleX(0.940959);">ach </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(0.940804);">location vary. The vouchers will be valid for 1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 635.917px; top: 666.817px;">8</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 645.917px; top: 666.817px; transform: scaleX(0.939189);">0 days following the date of </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 691.65px; transform: scaleX(0.994513);">issuance and will not require any Class Member to pay for the services </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 716.65px; transform: scaleX(0.997344);">provided by the voucher. Upon redemption of the voucher, the voucher </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.98224);">holder will be required to execut</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 515.083px; top: 741.45px; transform: scaleX(0.95461);">e the form of contract for the IJL location </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 766.25px; transform: scaleX(1.02214);">where the voucher is redeemed. There is no requirement to pay any </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 791.25px; transform: scaleX(0.963719);">consideration other than the membership fees that would be due from any </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.05px; transform: scaleX(0.978624);">new member.</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 344.883px; top: 816.05px; transform: scaleX(0.979457);">Individual terms and conditions will apply and may vary for </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 840.85px; transform: scaleX(1.0222);">each IJL location. The voucher holder must submit the voucher to IJL within </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 865.65px; transform: scaleX(0.886092);">the 1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 254.433px; top: 865.65px;">8</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 264.433px; top: 865.65px; transform: scaleX(0.920699);">0 days, but the dates need not be arranged within the 1</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 766.767px; top: 865.65px;">8</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 776.767px; top: 865.65px; transform: scaleX(0.937923);">0 days period </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 890.65px; transform: scaleX(0.950447);">and IJL reserves the right to manage its inflow by arranging dates within a </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 915.45px; transform: scaleX(0.997238);">one (1) year period after </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 430.283px; top: 915.45px; transform: scaleX(0.999831);">submission. If the dates offered by the voucher have </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 940.25px; transform: scaleX(1.00875);">not been provided by IJL within the one year period, the voucher shall </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 965.1px; transform: scaleX(1.03061);">remain valid until the dates have been provided unless IJL is unable to fulfill </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 990.1px; transform: scaleX(1.01707);">all matches due to circumstances beyond IJL’s contr</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 680.717px; top: 990.1px; transform: scaleX(0.929246);">ol, such as client criteria </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1014.9px; transform: scaleX(1.05554);">modifications, client’s request to discontinue dating, or client refusing </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1039.7px; transform: scaleX(1.0178);">matches within client’s original criteria at the time the voucher was submitted </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1064.5px; transform: scaleX(1.0288);">for redemption. In that event, IJL will be deemed to have fulfilled its </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1089.5px;">o</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 221.033px; top: 1089.5px; transform: scaleX(0.989567);">bligations under the terms of the voucher and voucher contract. When </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1114.3px; transform: scaleX(0.939066);">redeeming a voucher, a Class Member may submit to IJL criteria other than </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1139.09px; transform: scaleX(0.975822);">what he or she submitted when the Class Member originally purchased a </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 1164.09px; transform: scaleX(0.996516);">membership with IJL. </span></p><p><a href="http://www.ijlclassaction.com/home/documents/"> http://www.ijlclassaction.com/home/documents </a></p><p> http://www.ijlclassaction.com/DocumentHandler.ashx?DocPath=/Documents/475_Order_on_Settlement.pdf</p><p> <span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 816.65px; transform: scaleX(0.954066);"></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; left: 210.033px; top: 344.367px; transform: scaleX(1.01367);"></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-60984428378740596062020-12-04T16:13:00.003-08:002020-12-04T16:13:55.775-08:00Colorado Man Admits Securities and Tax Offenses Related to $722 Million Fraud Scheme <p> A Colorado man today admitted his role in a conspiracy to offer and
sell unregistered securities and tax evasion in connection with a $722
million cryptocurrency mining scheme, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito
announced.
</p><p>Jobadiah Sinclair Weeks, 39, of Arvada, Colorado, pleaded guilty by
videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to Count Two
of an indictment, charging him with conspiracy to offer and sell
unregistered securities. Weeks also pleaded guilty to a separate
information charging him with tax evasion for the tax years 2015 through
2018.</p>
<p>Weeks and four co-defendants – Matthew Brent Goettsche, Russ Albert
Medlin, Catalin Balaci, and Joseph Frank Abel – were charged by
indictment in December 2019 in connection with the scheme.</p>
<p>According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: </p>
<p>From April 2014 through December 2019, the BitClub Network was a
fraudulent scheme that solicited money from investors in exchange for
shares of purported cryptocurrency mining pools and rewarded investors
for recruiting new investors into the scheme. Weeks operated as a
large-scale promoter of the BitClub Network, and sold shares despite
knowing that the BitClub Network and its operators did not file a
registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.</p>
<p>Weeks admitted taking money from investors in exchange for shares of
the BitClub Network’s purported mining pools. He admitted that in order
to promote shares, he created and posted videos to the internet and gave
presentations and speeches about the BitClub Network throughout the
United States and in numerous countries throughout the world. Weeks
instructed investors in the United States to use a virtual private
network, or “VPN,” to hide their U.S.-based IP addresses and evade
detection and regulation by U.S. law enforcement.</p>
<p>Weeks also admitted not filing tax returns and failing to report at
least $10 million in income, including cryptocurrency income earned from
his association with the BitClub Network, for the tax years 2015
through 2018.</p>
<p>The conspiracy charge to which Weeks pleaded guilty carries a maximum
penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the
pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims. The tax charge
to which Weeks pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of five years in
prison and a fine of $100,000. Sentencing is scheduled for March 17,
2021.</p>
<p>U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force
officers of the FBI Los Angeles Division’s West Covina Resident Agency,
under the direction of Assistant Director in Charge Kristi K. Johnson;
special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of
Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez in Newark and special agents of
the IRS Los Angeles Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent
in Charge Ryan L. Korner, who conducted this investigation under the
initiative of the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement; the FBI
Criminal Investigative Division, under the supervision of Assistant
Director Calvin A. Shivers, and the Financial Crimes Section, under the
leadership of Section Chief Steven Merrill; and members of the Ventura
Police Department with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.</p>
<p>Anyone who believes they may be a victim may visit <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/bitclub">www.justice.gov/usao-nj/bitclub</a> or the Department of Justice’s large case website <a href="https://www.justice.gov/largecases">www.justice.gov/largecases</a>. Victims can find more information about the case, including a questionnaire for victims to fill out and submit.</p>
<p>The government is represented by Unit Chief David W. Feder, Assistant
U.S. Attorneys Jamie L. Hoxie and Anthony P. Torntore of the Cybercrime
Unit, and Unit Chief Sarah Devlin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph
Minish of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit, of the U.S.
Attorney’s Office in Newark.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-83330123077596351782020-12-04T16:12:00.001-08:002020-12-04T16:12:02.852-08:00Man Arrested on Charges that Business Partner and He Fraudulently Obtained Nearly $2 Million in COVID-Relief <p> A San Fernando Valley man was arrested today on federal charges
alleging he and his business partner fraudulently obtained more than
$1.95 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for their
companies by submitting fake tax documents and false employee
information, and then transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars of
the funds into their personal bank accounts.
</p><p> Steven R. Goldstein, 36, of Northridge and his business
partner, Raymond Magana, 39, of Santa Clarita, were named in a federal
criminal complaint charging them with making false statements to the
government, fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency
benefits, wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy, and false statements to
the Small Business Administration (SBA).</p>
<p> Goldstein was arrested this morning and is expected to make
his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court
in Santa Ana. Magana will be summonsed to appear in federal court next
month.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p> According to an affidavit in support of the complaint, on
May 13 and June 3, Magana submitted two applications for PPP loans
totaling $1.8 million to U.S. Bank and Customer’s Bank, on behalf of The
Building Circle LLC, a company registered in his name.</p>
<p> To qualify for the PPP loans, Magana allegedly claimed that
The Building Circle had 40 employees and submitted to the banks, and
later to the SBA, bogus wage and tax documents that falsely reported
$4.5 million in annual employee wages.</p>
<p> Both IRS and California Employment Development Department
records showed that the company never reported paying any employees, and
the underwriting packet also did not include a list of employees or
associates for the company, according to the affidavit. Investigators
later determined that the Pico Rivera address given as The Building
Circle’s headquarters was a 980-square-foot, single-family home that
appeared to be a residence, not a business. Ultimately, one of the two
loan applications was approved and $940,416 was funded to Magana’s shell
company, the affidavit states.</p>
<p> Magana allegedly also applied for and received a PPP loan
of $360,415 for Forward Builders LLC, another shell company, using fake
tax documents and false employee information, and falsely claiming $1.73
million in employee wages.</p>
<p> When a bank manager contacted Magana after one of the
business accounts receiving PPP funds had been frozen because of
suspicious activity, he allegedly told the bank “We have all the
documents, we got approved,” and he refused to return the improperly
obtained PPP funds, the affidavit states.</p>
<p> The affidavit further alleges that Goldstein applied for
four different PPP loans to Bank of America totaling more than $1.2
million on behalf of two other companies, Beagle Real Estate and
Antelope Valley Real Estate Development LLC, while also using fake tax
documents and false employee information.</p>
<p> Two of those PPP loans ultimately were approved and
Goldstein’s companies received a total of $655,000 in PPP loan funds,
the affidavit details. California state business records list Magana as
CEO of Antelope Valley Real Estate Development, while Goldstein is
listed as its manager.</p>
<p> According to the affidavit, on the same day that the banks
issued those PPP loan funds to Goldstein’s companies, Goldstein
transferred more than half of that amount, $355,000, into his personal
bank accounts.</p>
<p> In total, Magana and Goldstein applied for more than five
separate PPP business loans totaling more than $2.5 million from various
banks, of which more than $1.95 million was issued, according to the
affidavit.</p>
<p> <i>A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has
committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.</i></p>
<p> If convicted of these charges, Magana and Goldstein each
would face a statutory maximum sentence of 127 years in federal prison.</p>
<p> The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)
Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions
of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the
COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the
authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small
businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP.
In April, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP
funding.</p>
<p> The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other
organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an
interest rate of 1 percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for
payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP
allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the
proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a
certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.</p>
<p> This matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation
and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General. The
FBI assisted with today’s arrests.</p>
<p> Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell of the Santa Ana Branch Office is prosecuting this case.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-78134527137316755972020-12-04T16:10:00.002-08:002020-12-04T16:10:44.478-08:00San Fernando Valley Residents Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Nearly $5 Million in COVID-Relief Loans for Fake Businesses<p> Two brothers and their wives have been charged in a federal grand
jury indictment alleging a scheme to submit at least 35 fraudulent loan
applications seeking more than $5.6 million in COVID-19 relief loans
authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES)
Act.
</p><p> Richard Ayvazyan, 42; Richard’s wife, Marietta Terabelian,
36; Richard’s brother, Artur Ayvazyan, 40; and Artur’s wife, Tamara
Dadyan, 39, all of Encino, were charged in 12-count indictment returned
late Tuesday by a federal grand jury. The indictment charges all four
defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud,
four counts of bank fraud, and six counts of wire fraud. Richard
Ayvazyan was also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.</p>
<p> According to the indictment, the defendants used fake,
stolen or synthetic identities – including the created identities of
“Iuliia Zhadko” and “Viktoria Kauichko” – to submit fraudulent
applications for loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration
(SBA) through the Economic Injury Disaster Relief Program (EIDL) and the
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under the CARES Act. The defendants
also allegedly submitted fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications in
their own names, using fake or fictitious businesses. In support of the
fraudulent loan applications, the defendants often submitted false and
fictitious documents to lenders and the SBA, including fake identity
documents, tax documents and payroll records, according to the
indictment.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p> Once financial institutions and the SBA approved the
fraudulent EIDL and PPP loans, the defendants used the fraudulently
obtained loan proceeds for their own personal benefit, including to
purchase luxury homes. Among other things, the defendants used disaster
relief loans as down payments on a $3.25 million residence in Tarzana
and a $1 million home in Glendale. Use of disaster relief loan proceeds
for such purposes is expressly prohibited under the PPP and EIDL
programs.</p>
<p> The indictment alleges that the four defendants received at
least $4.6 million as a result of the fraudulent PPP and EIDL
applications.</p>
<p> Enacted in March, the CARES Act is designed to provide
emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are
suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One
source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up
to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job
retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April, Congress
authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.</p>
<p> The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other
organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an
interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for
payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows
the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the
proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a
certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.</p>
<p> The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to
small businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds
can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal
operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent,
utilities and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtains a loan
under the PPP, the EIDL funds cannot be used for the same purpose as the
PPP funds.</p>
<p> <i>An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants
are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a
court of law. </i></p>
<p> Artur Ayvazyan and Dadyan were arrested on November 5
pursuant to a criminal complaint previously filed in this case. They
were released on bond and are scheduled to be arraigned on December 3
and 4, respectively.</p>
<p> Richard Ayvazyan and Terabelian were arrested in Miami on
October 20 as they returned from a vacation in Turks and Caicos. They
were released on bond and returned to Los Angeles, but a court hearing
in Los Angeles has not yet been scheduled.</p>
<p> The conspiracy and bank fraud charges alleged in the
indictment each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in
federal prison. The wire fraud counts each a statutory maximum sentence
of 20 years. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory
consecutive two-year sentence.</p>
<p>T his case is part of an ongoing investigation being
conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Small Business
Administration – Office of Inspector General.</p>
<p> This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Julian L. André of the Major Frauds Section and DOJ Trial Attorney
Christopher Fenton of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.</p>
<p> Anyone with information about allegations of attempted
fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of
Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or
via the NCDF <a href="https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form">Web Complaint Form</a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-15691410774501835422020-12-04T16:08:00.002-08:002020-12-04T16:08:53.975-08:00Andrew Rene Hernandez Arrested on Federal Charge Alleging He Recklessly Operated a Drone that Crashed into and Damaged LAPD Helicopter<p> Special agents with the FBI this morning arrested a Hollywood man on a
federal charge alleging that he recklessly operated a drone that
crashed into a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter.
</p><p> The drone damaged the LAPD aircraft and the pilot was forced
to initiate an emergency landing. The drone also damaged a vehicle when
the unmanned aircraft fell from the sky after the crash.</p>
<p> Andrew Rene Hernandez, 22, was arrested pursuant to a
criminal complaint filed Wednesday that charges him with one count of
unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft.</p>
<p> According to the complaint filed in United States District
Court, during the early morning hours of September 18, LAPD officers
responded to a burglary call at a pharmacy in Hollywood. The responding
officers requested air support, and an LAPD helicopter flew toward the
scene. As the helicopter approached the pharmacy, the pilot saw the
drone and attempted to evade the unmanned aircraft. Despite the evasive
efforts, the drone stuck the helicopter, forcing the pilot to initiate
an emergency landing. The drone damaged the helicopter’s nose, antenna
and bottom cowlings. According to the complaint, “if the drone had
struck the helicopter’s main rotor instead of the fuselage, it could
have brought the helicopter down.”</p>
<p> LAPD officers located parts of the drone near the pharmacy
and discovered a vehicle damaged by the drone as it fell from the sky.
Further investigation, including a review of the drone’s camera and SD
card, led to the identification of Hernandez as the drone’s operator. </p>
<p> The FBI executed additional search warrants in late October
at Hernandez’s residence. Hernandez admitted to flying the drone on
September 18 after he heard police vehicles and an approaching
helicopter just after midnight. According to the complaint, Hernandez
said he flew his drone “to see what was going on.” As the drone was
ascending, Hernandez saw the drone “smacked” by the hovering police
helicopter, and it fell to the ground at a nearby residence, the
complaint states.</p>
<p> Hernandez is expected to make his initial appearance this
afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.</p>
<p> <i>A criminal complaint contains allegations that a
defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent
until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.</i></p>
<p> As charged, the unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft
offense alleged in the complaint is a misdemeanor offense that carries a
statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison. </p>
<p> The investigation in this matter is being conducted by the
FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the LAPD, with the assistance of
the Federal Aviation Administration.</p>
<p> This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Reema M. El-Amamy of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.</p>
<p> The case against Hernandez is believed to be the first
criminal case in the nation alleging the unsafe operation of an unmanned
aircraft. Today’s arrest comes during <a href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/events_calendar/drone_safety_awareness/">National Drone Safety Awareness Week</a>, which is sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration and seeks to promote drone safety.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-78046700084467874172020-12-04T16:06:00.004-08:002020-12-04T16:06:46.909-08:00Vitol Inc. Agrees to Pay Over $135 Million to Resolve Charges for Bribery Schemes in Latin America<p> </p><h2 class="node-subtitle center"><div class="field field--name-field-pr-subtitle field--type-text field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even">irst Ever Parallel Foreign Bribery Enforcement Action with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission</div></div></div></h2>
<div class="field field--name-field-pr-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p>Vitol
Inc. (Vitol), the U.S. affiliate of the Vitol group of companies, which
together form one of the largest energy trading firms in the world, has
agreed to a combined total criminal penalty of $135 million to resolve
bribery charges with law enforcement authorities in the United States
and Brazil. The resolution arises out of Vitol schemes to pay bribes to
officials in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. Vitol has also agreed to
disgorge more than $12.7 million to the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC) in a related matter and to pay the CFTC a penalty of
$16 million related to trading activity not covered by the deferred
prosecution agreement with the department. The case is assigned to
Senior U.S. District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. </p>
<p>Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern
District of New York, Brian C. Rabbitt, Acting Assistant Attorney
General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Kristi K.
Johnson, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Los Angeles Field Office (FBI), made the announcement.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p>“Vitol paid bribes to government officials in Brazil, Ecuador and
Mexico to win lucrative business contracts and obtain competitive
advantages to which they were not fairly entitled,” stated Acting United
States Attorney DuCharme. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the
Eastern District of New York will continue to hold accountable
companies and individuals that attempt to defy U.S. law to the detriment
of honest competitors.” </p>
<p>“Over a period of 15 years, Vitol paid millions of dollars in bribes
to numerous public officials – in three separate countries – to obtain
improper competitive advantages that resulted in significant illicit
profits for the company,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General
Rabbitt. “Today’s coordinated resolution with Brazil, along with our
first coordinated FCPA resolution with the CFTC, underscores the
department’s resolve to hold companies accountable for their crimes
while, at the same time, avoiding unnecessarily duplicative penalties.”</p>
<p>“This resolution demonstrates the FBI's commitment to investigate
foreign corruption and hold accountable those who circumvent laws for
financial gain at the expense of American consumers,” said FBI Assistant
Director-in-Charge Johnson. “We'll continue to work with our partners
to root out corruption, whether it occurs domestically or abroad, to
ensure trust on the international playing field.”</p>
<p>Vitol entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the
government in connection with a criminal information filed today in the
Eastern District of New York charging the company with two counts of
conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Pursuant
to its agreement, Vitol will pay a total criminal penalty to the United
States of $135 million. The Department of Justice will credit $45
million—approximately one third of the total criminal penalty—against
the amount that Vitol will pay to resolve an investigation by the
Brazilian Ministério Público Federal for conduct related to the
company’s bribery scheme in Brazil. </p>
<p>As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, Vitol Inc. and Vitol
S.A., another company within the Vitol group of companies, have agreed
to: (i) continue to cooperate with the department in any ongoing
investigations and prosecutions relating to the charged conduct,
including conduct of individuals, (ii) enhance their compliance
programs, and (iii) report to the department on the implementation of
their compliance programs.</p>
<p>According to the Vitol’s admissions and court documents, between 2005
and 2014, Vitol and its co-conspirators paid bribes of more than $8
million to at least four officials at Brazil’s state-owned and
controlled oil company Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras
(Petrobras). Vitol paid these bribes in exchange for receiving
confidential Petrobras pricing and competitor information. Vitol
concealed the scheme through the use of intermediaries and a fictitious
company that facilitated the payments to offshore accounts and,
ultimately, to the Petrobras officials.</p>
<p>Vitol also admitted that from 2011 to 2014, it bribed at least five
additional Petrobras officials in exchange for receiving confidential
pricing information that Vitol used to win fuel oil contracts with
Petrobras. During that scheme, a consultant acting on behalf of Vitol
engaged in back-channel negotiations with a Houston-based Petrobras
official. The parties would then hold staged negotiations, ultimately
settling on the pre-arranged price that allowed for bribes to be paid
from Vitol to the Petrobras officials. Several of the co-conspirators
communicated using alias email accounts and code names, including
“Batman,” “Tiger,” “Phil Collins,” “Dolphin,” “Popeye” and “Beb.” </p>
<p>Finally, Vitol admitted to participating in a second conspiracy to
bribe officials in Ecuador and Mexico in order to obtain and retain
business in connection with the purchase and sale of oil products.
Between 2015 and July 2020, Vitol agreed to offer and pay more than $2
million in bribes to those officials. In furtherance of this scheme,
Vitol and its co-conspirators entered into sham consulting agreements,
set up shell companies, created fake invoices for purported consulting
services and used alias email accounts to transfer funds to offshore
companies involved in the conspiracy—all while knowing that the funds,
at least in part, would be used to pay bribes to Ecuadorian and Mexican
officials.</p>
<p>In related matters, the government recently unsealed charges against
Houston-based former Petrobras official Rodrigo Berkowitz, who pleaded
guilty in the Eastern District of New York on February 8, 2019 to one
count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, the
government recently unsealed charges against one of the intermediaries
involved in the Brazil scheme, Luiz Eduardo Andrade, who pleaded guilty
on September 22, 2017 to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA in
connection with a related bribery scheme. Both individuals are awaiting
sentencing. Further, on September 22, 2020, a federal grand jury in
the Eastern District of New York returned an indictment against Javier
Aguilar, a Vitol trader, for his alleged role in the Ecuador scheme.</p>
<p>The government’s investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s
International Corruption Unit. The government’s case is being handled
by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and the Criminal
Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark E. Bini and
Andrey Spektor of the Eastern District of New York, and Fraud Section
Trial Attorneys Derek J. Ettinger, Jonathan P. Robell and Clayton P.
Solomon, are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of
International Affairs provided assistance in the investigation.</p>
<p><b><u>The Defendants:</u></b></p>
<p>VITOL INC.</p>
<p>RODRIGO BERKOWITZ<br />
Age: 41<br />
Country of Origin: Brazil</p>
<p>JAVIER AGUILAR<br />
Age: 46<br />
Country of Origin: Mexico</p>
<p>LUIZ EDUARDO ANDRADE<br />
Age: 61<br />
Country of Origin: Brazil</p></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-45987263974356313752020-12-04T16:05:00.004-08:002020-12-04T16:05:50.127-08:00New Indictment in RICO Case Against Former L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar Adds 5 Defendants, Including a Former Deputy Mayor<p> In a superseding indictment unsealed today that adds new details to
the criminal case alleging a widespread corruption scheme led by former
Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, a federal grand jury has added
five defendants, including former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan,
to the racketeering case that accuses Huizar and his close associates
of illegally obtaining financial benefits from developers who, in
exchange, sought favorable treatment on pending real estate development
projects.
</p><p> After being arrested in June pursuant to a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/los-angeles-city-councilman-jose-huizar-arrested-federal-rico-charge-alleges-he-agreed">criminal complaint</a>, Huizar, 52, of Boyle Heights, was charged in July in a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/los-angeles-city-councilman-jose-huizar-charged-34-count-indictment-alleging-wide">34-count indictment</a>
that alleged a conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in which Huizar agreed to accept at
least $1.5 million in illicit financial benefits. That racketeering
charge alleged 402 overt acts that Huizar and his co-conspirators
committed to further their criminal enterprise, including bribery,
honest services fraud, and money laundering. The 41-count superseding
indictment unsealed today adds 50 overt acts to the RICO conspiracy
count. The racketeering charge now also charges Chan, who formerly was
the general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
and, more recently, was the city’s deputy mayor of economic
development.</p>
<p> The five new defendants in the superseding indictment are:</p>
<ul><li>Raymond She Wah Chan, also known as “She Wah Kwong,” 64, of
Monterey Park, identified in previous court filings as “Individual 1,”
who is charged with RICO conspiracy, bribery, honest services fraud and
lying to federal agents;</li><li>Wei Huang, 55, a resident of Shenzhen, China, who also maintains a
residence in San Marino, previously identified in court documents as
“Chairman E,” who is the billionaire chairman and president of a global
development company headquartered in China, and who faces charges of
bribery, honest services fraud and Travel Act violations;</li><li>Shen Zhen New World I, LLC, one of Huang’s U.S.-based companies,
which acquired the L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown in 2011 for $90 million and
planned to redevelop it into a 77-story tower, and which is named in
the same counts as Huang;</li><li>Dae Yong Lee, also known as “David Lee,” 56, of Bel Air, identified
in prior court filings as “Developer C,” who is a developer with
multiple properties in Los Angeles, and who is charged with bribery,
honest services fraud and obstruction; and</li><li>940 Hill, LLC, a Lee-owned company that purchased a South Hill
Street property in downtown Los Angeles in 2008 for $9 million and
planned to redevelop it into a mixed-use development, and which is named
in the same counts as Lee.<span><a name='more'></a></span></li></ul><p> In addition to the RICO conspiracy charge, the
indictment charges 14 counts of honest services wire fraud, two counts
of honest services mail fraud, four counts of traveling interstate in
aid of racketeering, nine counts of bribery, five counts of money
laundering, one count of structuring cash deposits to conceal bribes,
one count of making a false statement to a financial institution, one
count of alteration of records in a federal investigation, two counts of
making false statements to federal law enforcement, and one count of
tax evasion. Each of the defendants is charged in various counts.
Huizar, for example, is charged in 34 of the 41 counts.</p>
<p> “The scope of corruption outlined in this indictment is
staggering,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “As the indictment
alleges, Huizar, Chan and their network of associates repeatedly
violated the public trust by soliciting and accepting numerous cash
bribes and other financial benefits, turning Huizar’s City Council seat
into a money-making criminal enterprise. Powerful developers, operating
through well-connected lobbyists, eagerly participated in the schemes to
get preferential treatment for their downtown projects. This detailed
indictment, which lays bare these backroom deals, should prompt a
serious discussion as to whether significant reforms are warranted in
Los Angeles city government.”</p>
<p> “The charges announced today allege wholesale corruption and
outline the way in which Huizar and Chan brokered their powerful
positions to gain personally, politically and financially by selling to
the highest bidders in a stunning betrayal of the Angelenos they swore
an oath to serve,” said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in
Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “I’m proud of the
investigators and prosecutors who investigated this case and
methodically uncovered – then dismantled – abject corruption in one of
America’s largest cities, with the shared goal of restoring trust in
city government.”</p>
<p> The indictment alleges that Huizar and Chan operated the
“CD-14 Enterprise,” named for City Council District 14, which Huizar
represented from 2005 until this year. Other members of the conspiracy
were <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-aide-la-city-councilmember-agrees-plead-guilty-rico-charge-stemming-pay-play">George Esparza</a>, Huizar’s former special assistant, and real estate development consultant <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/consultant-agrees-plead-guilty-rico-offense-related-bribery-scheme-enriched-la-city">George Chiang</a>,
each of whom pleaded guilty earlier this year to participating in the
RICO conspiracy. The indictment adds overt acts to the RICO conspiracy
alleging that CD-14 Enterprise members illegally solicited political
contributions by foreign nationals to help maintain the enterprise’s
political power.</p>
<p> Among the numerous other corruption allegations, the
indictment charges that Huizar illegally accepted more than $800,000 in
benefits from Huang, mainly during luxury-laden gambling trips. In
addition, at Huizar’s and Chan’s request, and after Huizar had helped
save Chan’s city position by helping to prevent a planned merger that
would have eliminated Chan’s department, Huang also provided $600,000 in
collateral to fund a settlement of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed
against Huizar by a former CD-14 staffer, allegations that threatened
his 2015 re-election campaign, according to the indictment. At the time
he provided these benefits, Huang was planning to redevelop the L.A.
Grand Hotel into the tallest tower west of the Mississippi, which would
require city approvals and Huizar’s help. When Chan was later
interviewed by FBI agents about the lawsuit settlement, he allegedly
lied about his participation in this secret payment arrangement and
about his knowledge of Huang’s “asks” of Huizar.</p>
<p> Chan is also charged with multiple counts of bribery and
honest services fraud for agreeing to accept, while he was deputy mayor,
more than $100,000 from Chiang for official acts to benefit a project
by Chinese developer Shenzhen Hazens. Additionally, Chan is charged with
facilitating a bribe agreement in which a Hazens domestic subsidiary, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/chinese-company-s-socal-subsidiary-agrees-pay-more-1-million-resolve-criminal">Jia Yuan USA Co., Inc.</a>,
would make a $100,000 campaign contribution to a Huizar relative
running for the CD-14 seat in exchange for Huizar’s votes to approve the
project. Last month, Jia Yuan, which was seeking to redevelop the Los
Angeles Luxe City Center Hotel, paid $1,050,000 to resolve the
government’s investigation into its conduct related to this case, which
included bribery and illegal campaign contributions. Jia Yuan entered
into a non-prosecution agreement, agreed to cooperate with the
government’s investigation, and admitted to providing benefits to Huizar
and his associates before Huizar voted to approve the Luxe Hotel
project when the matter came before the city’s Planning and Land Use
Management Committee, which Huizar chaired, and the City Council.</p>
<p> The indictment further alleges that Lee provided $500,000 in
cash for Huizar and Esparza in exchange for Huizar’s help in resolving a
labor organization appeal on the 940 Hill development project. Court
documents allege that Lee provided bags of cash to <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/consultant-agrees-plead-guilty-rico-offense-related-bribery-scheme-enriched-la-city">Justin Jangwoo Kim</a>,
a Huizar fundraiser, to deliver to Huizar and Esparza. Kim admitted to
facilitating the bribe from Lee and pleaded guilty to a federal bribery
offense. Lee and 940 Hill are also charged with falsifying accounting
and tax records to cover up the bribe.</p>
<p> Huizar pleaded not guilty in August to the charges in the
initial indictment. He is expected to be arraigned on the superseding
indictment on December 7.</p>
<p> Chan and Lee have been directed to surrender to federal
authorities. Chan and Lee are expected to be arraigned on the
superseding indictment Tuesday afternoon in United States District Court
in downtown Los Angeles.</p>
<p> 940 Hill has been issued a summons to appear in United
States District Court on Tuesday. Shen Zhen New World I has been issued a
summons to appear December 7. Huang and his counsel have been notified
that Huang has been named in the superseding indictment and that the
United States government has issued a warrant for his arrest.</p>
<p> <i>An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has
committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.</i></p>
<p> The RICO conspiracy, honest services fraud, obstruction, and
money laundering charges each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20
years in federal prison. The charge of making false statements to a
financial institution has a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in
prison. The bribery charges each carry a statutory maximum sentence of
10 years in federal prison. The charges of tax evasion, structuring,
making false statements to law enforcement, and interstate travel in aid
of racketeering have five-year maximum prison sentences.</p>
<p> Huizar is currently scheduled to go on trial on June 22.</p>
<p> With the charges against Chan, Huang and Lee, a total of
nine individuals have been charged as a result of Operation “Casino
Loyale,” the ongoing corruption investigation into Los Angeles City Hall
being conducted by the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office.
Shen Zhen New World I and 940 Hill are the first corporate entities to
be formally charged.</p>
<p> In addition to Esparza, Chiang and Kim, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/lobbyist-agrees-plead-guilty-city-hall-bribery-scheme-which-city-councilman-jose-huizar">Morris Goldman</a>,
a longtime City Hall lobbyist, pleaded guilty to participating in a
bribery scheme in which a developer agreed to make political donations
in exchange for Huizar’s support of a project in the city’s Arts
District. Goldman is scheduled to be sentenced on August 23. Esparza is
scheduled to be sentenced on February 8, and sentencing hearings for
Chiang and Kim are scheduled for February 22.</p>
<p> Former Los Angeles City Councilman <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/ex-los-angeles-city-councilman-agrees-plead-guilty-federal-charge-related-obstructing">Mitchell Englander</a>
pleaded guilty in July to charges of scheming to falsify material facts
related to trips he took to Las Vegas and Palm Springs, during which he
accepted cash and other benefits from a businessperson. Englander’s
sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 25.</p>
<p> The cases against Huizar, Chan and their associates in the
CD-14 Enterprise are being prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Mack E. Jenkins, Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil
Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica Dragalin
and Melissa Mills, also of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights
Section.</p>
<p> Any member of the public who has information related to this
or any other public corruption matter in the City of Los Angeles is
encouraged to send information to the FBI’s email tip line at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:pctips-losangeles@fbi.gov">pctips-losangeles@fbi.gov<span aria-label="(link sends e-mail)" class="mailto"></span></a> or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-30048941379740837392020-12-04T16:04:00.001-08:002020-12-04T16:04:11.477-08:00Tabyron Rashad Smith sentenced to 27 years for armed robberies that targeted Asian-run businesses<p> A federal judge has sentenced Tabyron Rashad Smith, the first of two
gunmen convicted for robbing nine Asian owned-and-operated businesses in
Atlanta, Doraville, Duluth, Roswell, Stone Mountain, and Norcross in
October and November 2017, to 27 years in prison.
</p><p>“Smith and his fellow gunman, Dravion Sanchez Ware, terrorized,
threatened, and injured their innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney
Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This lengthy prison sentence hopefully provides
some peace to the victims by ensuring Smith cannot terrorize anyone for
decades to come.”</p>
<p>“Once again, the FBI would like to thank our many state and local law
enforcement partners for helping to bring this month-long terror in the
Asian business community to an end,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent
in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “To the victims, some of whom were shot and
some of whom were pistol-whipped, your emotional scars can never be
erased. But we can promise you these two men will not threaten you for a
long, long time.”</p>
<p>“The GBI Crime Lab was instrumental in this case. Expert analysis and
testimony helped lead to a successful prosecution. The GBI is committed
to provide the highest quality forensic services in all cases. For over
a month, these gang members targeted and terrorized the Asian business
community. This sentence is evidence that this behavior will not be
tolerated in the state of Georgia,” said Vic Reynolds, Director, Georgia
Bureau of Investigation.</p>
<p>“The fact that Tabyron Smith has been sentenced is a win for the
victims, metro-Atlanta, law enforcement and the criminal justice
system,” City of Atlanta Interim Chief Rodney Bryant. “The
collaborative efforts from multijurisdictional agencies is a testament
to the hard work that goes into arresting, prosecuting and keeping
hardened criminals off our streets. Additionally, I look forward to
continuing collaborations to make our communities safe.”</p>
<p>“This effort highlights the great cooperation between our local and
federal law enforcement partners. As a result of this combined effort
this violent predator will no longer be a threat to the community,” said
Chief Chuck Atkinson, Doraville Police Department.</p>
<p>“The successful outcome and sentencing of these cases is a testament
of the importance of agencies working together. Unlike police
departments, criminals are not bound by jurisdictional boundaries and
these cases are proof that great things happen when agencies proactively
share information, work together, and compare cases. The State of
Georgia is now a safer place thanks to the cooperation between local,
state, and federal partners that enabled the removal of these dangerous
criminals from our communities,” said Chief Kenneth DeSimone. Sandy
Springs Police Department.</p>
<p>According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information
presented in court: Between October 7 and November 10, 2017, Smith and
Ware, both of whom are members of the Bloods, committed multiple armed
robberies of Asian-run businesses in Metro-Atlanta. Smith participated
in at least nine armed robberies, including robberies of three
businesses in Atlanta, two in Doraville, and one business in each of the
following cities: Norcross, Duluth, Stone Mountain, and Roswell,
Georgia. Ware shot victims in the Doraville robbery and pistol-whipped
several other victims in the other robberies.</p>
<p>Smith was captured on November 21, 2017, after the FBI led a
multi-jurisdictional investigation that included participation of the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Doraville Police Department, the
Fulton County Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police Department,
the Atlanta Police Department, the Roswell Police Department, and the
Sandy Springs Police Department. </p>
<p>Smith pled guilty on July 23, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to
commit Hobbs Act robberies and four counts of discharging or brandishing
a firearm during several of the robberies. The shooter, Ware, was
convicted by a jury on August 2, 2019, for conspiracy to commit the
Hobbs Act robberies, five counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and five counts
of discharging or brandishing a firearm during the robberies.</p>
<p>Tabyron Rashad Smith, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S.
District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., to serve 27 years in prison
followed by five years on supervised release and to pay restitution in
the amount of $135,951.81.</p>
<p>Sentencing for Dravion Sanchez Ware, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., January 7, 2021.</p>
<p>Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R. Hobson and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Lee prosecuted the case.</p>
<p>This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime,
the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting
those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our
communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law
enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community
leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-35475609266148361372020-12-04T16:00:00.001-08:002020-12-04T16:00:22.893-08:00More than 60 defendants charged in series of indictments targeting major gang-related transnational drug traffickers<p> A series of federal indictments unsealed in the Southern District of
Georgia charges more than 60 defendants with felonies targeting
interrelated, gang-affiliated transnational drug trafficking
conspiracies that provided a pipeline of illegal drugs to coastal and
south Georgia.
</p><p>The investigation and indictments grew from recent drug trafficking
prosecutions in Operation Vanilla Gorilla, which sent 43 felons to
federal prison, and Operation Who’s Laughing Now, with 19 felons
sentenced to prison, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the
Southern District of Georgia. The investigations and prosecutions, under
the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, targeted widespread,
gang-related drug trafficking organizations in the Southern District and
beyond.</p>
<p>“The relentless, deliberate and systematic focus on large
drug-trafficking rings, particularly those that use criminal street
gangs to funnel narcotics from drug cartels into the Southern District,
continues to disrupt and dismantle these poison-peddlers in our
community,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “It takes a network to defeat
criminal gangs, and the collaboration with our law enforcement partners
provides a powerful and effective network.”<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p>The indictments in Operation Krack Down I and II, and Operation
Stranded Bandit, allege the drug trafficking schemes began as early as
2017, and operated in Chatham, Liberty, Bryan, McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn,
Tattnall, Effingham and Long counties, and in surrounding communities.
The conspiracy transported illegal drugs into the Southern District from
Mexico and Atlanta, aided by multiple criminal street gangs. In
addition to the violent white supremacist Ghost Face Gangsters, gang
affiliations among the defendants include the Chicago-based Almighty
Simon City Royals; La Raza/SUR 13; Bloods; Vice Lords; Gangster
Disciples; and Aryan Brotherhood.</p>
<p>As described in court documents, the defendants – many of them
previously convicted felons – used their gang affiliations to aid in
drug distribution while promoting “a climate of fear.” Some of the
defendants, while incarcerated on state charges at the Georgia
Department of Corrections Coastal Transition Center in Savannah,
recruited others to the conspiracy and planned trafficking operations.</p>
<p>Led by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), investigators from the Chatham
County Police Department, the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team
(CNT) and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies seized
multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, along with large amounts of
heroin and cocaine. Investigators also seized more than 60 illegally
possessed firearms, with 19 of the defendants indicted on a total of 37
firearms-related offenses.</p>
<p>The investigation also developed information expected to aid in the
investigation of a June 2019 murder that occurred during a Chatham
County home invasion. </p>
<p>“This long-term investigation was a concerted, collaborative effort
on the part of ATF and its federal, state and local partners to target
criminal gang activity in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau
Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division
of the ATF. “The resulting indictments are a great example of how you
leverage law enforcement resources to target the offenders driving crime
in the region.”</p>
<p>“Residents in a number of south Georgia communities can sleep better
tonight knowing that the violent gang-related drug traffickers in this
case can no longer peddle poison on the streets,” said Robert J. Murphy,
the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This
case demonstrates how DEA and its law enforcement partners present a
united front to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug distribution
networks.”</p>
<p>“This series of indictments is the direct result of the effective
partnership between our local, state, and federal agencies,” said GBI
Director Vic Reynolds. “We will work tirelessly together to hold
accountable gang members and drug dealers who terrorize our
neighborhoods. The GBI is dedicated to thoroughly investigate violent
offenses to lead to successful prosecution.”</p>
<p>“Our detectives know that one crime is often linked to another, and
they worked diligently to get several of these defendants into custody,”
said Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley. “We do not leave stones
unturned, and look forward to our continued cooperation with fellow law
enforcement agencies as we work together to put a stop to these
dangerous criminal operations.”</p>
<p>A 40-count indictment in the Savannah Division in Operation Stranded Bandit names 35 defendants:</p>
<ul><li><b>Greg Baker</b>, 31, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional
Facility, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute
and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA (Ecstasy), and Alprazolam (Xanax), a charge that carries a
penalty of up to life in prison; and Possession with Intent to
Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Jason Barker</b>, 31, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention
Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and
to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5
Grams or More of Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Tiffany Barton</b>, a/k/a “Bozar,” 37, of Ellabell, Ga., charged
with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam; </li><li><b>Victor Blanco Lopez</b>, a/k/a “Victoriano,” 50, an inmate at
the Clayton County, Ga., Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with
Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Joseph Joshua Boring</b>, a/k/a “Josh,” a/k/a “JB,” 31, an
inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More
of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;</li><li><b>Leroy Bozarth</b>, a/k/a “Jack Turtlehead,” 37, an inmate at the
Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan, Ill., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More
of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and
Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA;</li><li><b>Edward Evan Branen</b>, 38, an inmate at the Chatham County
Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to
Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and
Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession of a Firearm by
an Illegal Drug User; Possession with Intent to Distribute
Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug
Trafficking Crime;</li><li><b>Marquise Byrd</b>, 29, an inmate at the Effingham County Jail,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; four counts of Possession of a Firearm by a
Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin;
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;</li><li><b>Nathan Coughlin</b>, 35, an inmate at the Chatham County
Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to
Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and
Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; two counts of Distribution
of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Jacqueline Echols</b>, a/k/a “Jackie,” 35, of Savannah, charged
with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Danielle Edgerton</b>, 34, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Lee Allen Edwards</b>, 38, of Fleming, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of
a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; and Possession of a Firearm in
Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;</li><li><b>Thomas Logan Edwards</b>, 38, of Fleming, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;</li><li><b>Yesica Garcia</b>, 28, an inmate at the Jones County Jail,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Joshua Griffin</b>, a/k/a “Dough Boy,” 35, of Savannah, charged
with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;</li><li><b>William Hamilton</b>, a/k/a “Hambone,” 40, of Guyton, Ga.,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>April Hardy</b>, 36, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to
Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and
Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Holly Heddle</b>, a/k/a “Goldie Locks,” 27, of Pooler, Ga.,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and three counts of Possession of a
Firearm by a Convicted Felon; </li><li><b>Christopher Grass</b>, a/k/a “Chris Lane,” a/k/a “Joker,” 36, of
Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to
Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and
Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Dustin Lax</b>, a/k/a “Wingnut,” a/k/a “Tyrone White,” 45, an
inmate at Wilcox State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with
Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Craig Mitchell</b>, a/k/a “Rojo,” 46, an inmate at Georgia
Department of Corrections Milledgeville, charged with Conspiracy to
Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Pratt Mitchell</b>, 40, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Ruth Monje</b>, a/k/a “CC,” 28, an inmate at the Jones County
Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and
to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Jesse Myers</b>, 37, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Ashley Renee Parrish</b>, a/k/a “Kickin Renee,” 35, of Savannah,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal
Drug User; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking
Crime; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine; and two counts of Distribution of 5 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Justin Path</b>, a/k/a “JP,” a/k/a “Sherm,” 29, an inmate at the
Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess
with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Jonathan Richardson</b>, a/k/a “G,” 37, of Savannah, charged
with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam;</li><li><b>David Hamilton Sharpe</b>, a/k/a “David Dukkedoff,” 27, of
Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute
and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute
Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Michael Brandon Sharpe</b>, 44, of Pembroke, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Kristin Sheppard</b>, a/k/a “Kristin Shine,” a/k/a “K Shine,”
30, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Heather Sloan</b>, a/k/a “Honey,” a/k/a “Penny,” a/k/a “Marie,”
34, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam;</li><li><b>Austin Tyler Todd</b>, a/k/a “Mario,” 31, an inmate at Lee State
Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute
and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute
50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin;</li><li><b>Reannon Warnock</b>, 25, an inmate at the Chatham County Jail,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute
Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Michael Travis Williams</b>, a/k/a “Trap,” 37, an inmate at Lee
State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to
Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and
Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to
Distribute MDMA; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More
of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and,</li><li><b>Jose Zepeda</b>, 35, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged
with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and
Alprazolam.</li></ul><p>A 24-count indictment in the Savannah Division in Operation Krack Down I charges 17 defendants:</p>
<ul><li><b>Beth Roberson</b>, 35, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine, a
charge that carries a penalty of up to life in prison;</li><li><b>William Carl Roberson</b>, a/k/a “CJ,” 44, of Richmond Hill,
Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin and Cocaine;</li><li><b>Dodge Roberson</b>, 43, of Midway, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;</li><li><b>Elizabeth Ashlee Rayman</b>, 28, of Ludowici, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;
and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Deron Hopkins</b>, a/k/a “Big D,” 33, of Hinesville, Ga.,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin
and Cocaine; two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams
or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal
Drug User;</li><li><b>Trevor Blount</b>, 30, of Fleming, Ga., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More
of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and National
Firearms Registration (alleging possession of an unregistered, sawed-off
shotgun);</li><li><b>Michael Haggerty</b>, 34, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine;
Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and
two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Almon Drew Burchfield</b>, a/k/a “Drewdog,” 46, of Ludowici,
Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of
Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or
More of Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Zachary Taylor</b>, 36, of Glennville, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to
Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Kelly Taylor</b>, 39, of Glennville, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to
Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>John Hope Jr</b>., 26, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more
of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; and with
Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm During
and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Stolen
Firearm. The latter charges stem from the Jan. 3, 2020, armed robbery of
the El Cheapo Gas Station in Riceboro, Ga.;</li><li><b>Cruz Lawson</b>, 33, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to
Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine,
Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute
Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine;</li><li><b>Byron Anderson</b>, 48, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to
Distribute Methamphetamine;</li><li><b>Myra Prevatt</b>, 34, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more
of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession
with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine; Possession of
Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and three counts of
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; </li><li><b>Steven Odum</b>, 34, of Florala, Ala., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine,
Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute
Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug
Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;</li><li><b>Rosaleen Behnke</b>, a/k/a “Leena,” 40, listed as homeless,
charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to
Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin
and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and
Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
and,</li><li><b>Tyler Marshall</b>, 26, of Townsend, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50
grams or more of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine;
and with Interference with Commerce by Robbery in relation to the Jan.
3, 2020, armed robbery of the El Cheapo Gas Station in Riceboro, Ga.</li></ul><p>A nine-count indictment in the Brunswick Division in Operation Krack Down II charges eight defendants:</p>
<ul><li><b>Kayode Davis</b>, a/k/a “Yodi,” 30, of Atlanta, charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
Methamphetamine and Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams
or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; and Possession of a
Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;</li><li><b>Bradley Harrison</b>, 25, of Brunswick, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
Methamphetamine and Heroin; False Statements During Purchase of a
Firearm; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;</li><li><b>Tyler Woodcock</b>, 26, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine
and Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin;</li><li><b>Bradley Scott</b>, 28, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to
Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and
Heroin; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession
with Intent to Distribute Hydromorphone;</li><li><b>Jesse Grossman</b>, 34, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy
to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine,
Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of
Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; and,</li><li><b>Brittney Goodbread</b>, 35, of Brunswick, Ga., charged with
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute
Methamphetamine and Heroin; False Statement During Purchase of a
Firearm; and Transfer of a Firearm to a Convicted Felon.</li></ul><p>Four additional defendants were indicted on separate federal charges related to the investigations, including:</p>
<ul><li><b>Brian Sasser</b>, 42, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.</li><li><b>Brittny Hilton</b>, 24, of Fleming, Ga., charged with two counts
of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and two counts of
Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.</li><li><b>Amanda Orrell</b>, 40, of Savannah, charged with False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.</li><li><b>Dederick Bryant</b>, a/k/a “Hinesville D,” a/k/a “D,” 33, of
Hinesville, Ga., charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine; and
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.</li></ul><p>Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.</p>
<p>This cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task
Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles
the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States
using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It
is being investigated by the ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, GBI, CNT, the Chatham County Police
Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia
Department of Corrections; sheriff’s offices from Effingham, Bryan,
Jones, Clayton, Liberty, Chatham, Long, Glynn and Wayne counties; and
police departments from Pooler, Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pembroke,
Hinesville, and Glynn County. The case is being prosecuted for the
United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela
C. Mateo, and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl Knoche, E. Greg Gilluly
Jr., and Jennifer Kirkland, in coordination with the Chatham County
District Attorney’s Office, the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District
Attorney’s Office, the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s
Office, the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and
the Clayton County Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-42867863278637927412020-12-04T15:55:00.004-08:002020-12-04T15:55:41.339-08:00Nicole Lescarbeau arrested and charged with bank fraud <h2 style="text-align: left;"> Canton woman who was previously convicted of embezzling more than
$1.3 million from her former employer now faces new fraud charges.
</h2><p>Nicole Lescarbeau (a/k/a Nicole Coulibaly), 53, was arrested today
and charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank fraud in
connection with a new embezzlement scheme from a different employer.
Lescarbeau will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy
this afternoon. </p>
<p>In December 2019, Lescarbeau pleaded guilty to wire fraud, bank fraud
and aggravated identity theft and is scheduled to be sentenced on those
charges on Dec. 9, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns. </p>
<p>As alleged in today’s charging document, while on pre-trial release
for a prior case, Lescarbeau was hired as an administrator at a small,
Brookline-based non-profit organization. Lescarbeau did not tell the
non-profit about her pending indictment and applied for the position
using her married name, Nicole Coulibaly, in an effort to conceal the
federal charges. As administrator, Lescarbeau’s duties included
assisting with certain financial transactions, including preparing
checks as directed by the non-profit’s president.</p>
<p>From August 2019 until February 2020, Lescarbeau allegedly used her
position to steal funds from the non-profit for her personal use.
Specifically, Lescarbeau diverted checks to herself that the non-profit
had issued for legitimate business by fraudulently altering the name of
the payee on the checks and then depositing them into her personal bank
account. It is also alleged that Lescarbeau opened an unapproved PayPal
account in the non-profit’s name and made unauthorized transfers
directly from the non-profit’s bank account to pay for her personal
rent. In total, as a result of this scheme, Lescarbeau embezzled
approximately $56,963 from the non-profit’s bank account.</p>
<p>The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in
prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $1 million,
restitution and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district
court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory
factors.</p>
<p>United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta,
Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston
Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States
Attorney Justin D. O’Connell of Lelling’s Securities, Financial &
Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.</p>
<p>The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The
defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt in a court of law.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-23244840289046739642020-12-04T15:52:00.005-08:002020-12-04T15:52:47.446-08:00Zaosong Zheng Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Federal Agents<p> A Chinese national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to
making false statements in connection with his theft of 21 vials of
biological research.
</p><p>Zaosong Zheng, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of making false,
fictitious or fraudulent statements. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J.
Casper scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2021. According to the terms
of the plea agreement, Zheng has agreed to a judicial order of removal
from the United States after his sentencing hearing. Zheng was arrested
on Dec. 10, 2019, at Boston’s Logan International Airport and charged by
criminal complaint.</p>
<p>In August 2018, Zheng entered the United States on a J-1 visa and
conducted cancer-cell research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
in Boston from Sept. 4, 2018, to Dec. 9, 2019. On Dec. 9, 2019, Zheng
stole 21 vials of biological research, hid them in his luggage, and
attempted to take them out of the United States aboard a flight destined
for China. Federal officers at Logan Airport discovered the vials
hidden in a sock inside one of Zheng’s bags, and not properly packaged.
When asked by federal officers whether he was traveling with any
biological items or research, Zheng lied and answered “no.” Zheng later
admitted he had stolen the vials from a lab at Beth Israel. Zheng stated
that he intended to bring the vials to China to use them to conduct
research in his own laboratory and publish the results under his own
name.</p>
<p>The charge of making false, fictitious and fraudulent statements
provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of
supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a
federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines
and other statutory factors.</p>
<p>United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta,
Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston
Field Division; Michael Denning, Director of Field Operations, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office; and William Higgins,
Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of
Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office made the announcement today.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Tolkoff and Jason Casey of Lelling’s
National Security Unit are prosecuting the case.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-17624610561054965042020-12-04T15:50:00.003-08:002020-12-04T15:50:39.660-08:00Man Sentenced To Twenty Years In Prison For Plotting To Kill Federal Judge And Federal Prosecutor <p> </p><div class="field field--name-field-pr-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p>Miami,
Florida – U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom has sentenced Matthew
Alexander King (23, Miami) to 20 years in federal prison for retaliation
against a federal judge and solicitation to commit murder. </p>
<p>King had pleaded guilty to these charges on February 10, 2020. </p>
<p>According to court documents, King conspired to kill a U.S. District
Judge and a federal prosecutor in Miami who previously handled a 2018
case where King was found guilty of murder-for-hire. In the previous
case, King was prosecuted by an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern
District of Florida for hiring a hit-man to kill several family members
of his estranged wife. Following a conviction in that case, the federal
judge sentenced King to 97 months in federal prison.</p>
<p>Unhappy with the outcome, King then attempted to hire another hitman
to kill the judge, the prosecutor, and six others. King also offered
money to the hitman to murder the FBI agent who had investigated his
case, a witness who had cooperated with authorities, his defense
counsel, and the same three family members of his estranged wife whom he
initially tried to have killed. Unbeknownst to King, the person he
attempted to hire for the murders was actually an FBI undercover agent
posing as a hitman. King unwittingly shared his plans with the agent
while being secretly recorded on video.</p>
<p>Judge Bloom ordered King’s sentence to run consecutive to the previous 97 months’ sentence that he is currently serving.</p>
<p>This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the
U.S Marshals Service. In light of the fact that one of the alleged
victims was a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the
Southern District of Florida, this prosecution was transferred to the
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It was prosecuted by
Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.</p>
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-3745233270371406002020-12-04T15:48:00.003-08:002020-12-04T15:48:45.230-08:00Two Charged with Conspiring with State Contractor in Multi-million Dollar Unemployment Fraud Scheme<p> </p><div class="field field--name-field-pr-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item even"><p>A
couple from Detroit was charged today with participating in a
multi-million dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme aimed at
defrauding the State of Michigan and the U.S. Government of funds
earmarked for unemployment assistance during the COVID19 pandemic,
announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.</p>
<p>Joining in the announcement were Irene Lindow, Special
Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of
Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Douglas J. Zloto, US Secret
Service, Acting Special Agent in Charge Felicia George, US Postal
Inspection Service, Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Sarah Kull,
Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and Jeffrey Frost,
Special Fraud Advisor, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity,
Unemployment Insurance Agency.</p>
<p>Charged are Johnny Richardson, 25, and Micahia Taylor, 27.</p>
<p>According to the complaints, Richardson and Taylor conspired with
Brandi Hawkins—a former contract employee for the State of Michigan
Unemployment Insurance Agency charged in a criminal complaint this past
July—to fraudulently release over $2.5 million in government money that
was intended to support individuals who lost their jobs during the
COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>It is alleged that Richardson and Taylor, either themselves or
through others, filed fraudulent unemployment claims over the Internet.
Richardson and Taylor then provided Hawkins information on these
claims, and Hawkins subsequently used her insider access to fraudulently
release payment. Hawkins actions resulted in the fraudulent
disbursement of over $2,000,000 of federal and state funds intended for
unemployment assistance during the pandemic. </p>
<p>A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial
cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation
is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony
indictment.</p>
<p>The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney
Timothy Wyse. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the
Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, United States Secret
Service, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the
Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic
Opportunity</p>
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1416904059139576935.post-56711811788136657912020-12-04T15:47:00.004-08:002020-12-04T15:47:45.043-08:00Doctor Sentenced To Prison For Healthcare Fraud And Adulteration Of Medical Devices<p> </p><p class="rtecenter"><em><strong>Roger D. Beyer, M.D., Sentenced Today
and Agrees to Pay Share of Civil Settlement Totaling $1.26 Million to
Resolve False Claims Act Allegations</strong></em></p>
<p> <strong>GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN</strong> — U.S. Attorney
Andrew B. Birge announced today that U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff
sentenced Roger D. Beyer, M.D., to 57 months of incarceration for his
involvement in a conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and 12 months of
incarceration to run concurrently for the adulteration of medical
devices. Judge Neff also ordered $5,000 in fines in conjunction with the
charges as well as three years of supervised release to
follow imprisonment for the health care fraud conspiracy charge and one
year of supervised release for the adulteration charge. Dr. Beyer owned
and operated the now-shuttered Urological Solutions of Michigan (“USM”),
a mobile medical practice providing urological services to patients
in their homes and assisted living facilities in the greater Traverse
City, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo areas, and Women’s Health Care
Specialists (WHCS), a gynecology practice located in Kalamazoo.</p>
<p> Judge Neff found that Dr. Beyer engaged in several fraud
schemes committed by USM and WHCS, resulting in approximately $883,000
in false claims submitted by the practices and paid by Medicare. These
schemes included billing pelvic muscle rehabilitation (“PMR)
therapy using improper—and more lucrative—diagnostic codes, billing for
evaluation and management (“E&M”) services that did not occur, and
billing for the services of an unlicensed nurse assistant. </p>
<p> Dr. Beyer was also sentenced for the adulteration of
medical devices at USM and WHCS. During the fraud investigation,
investigators discovered that USM and WHCS reused a single-user rectal
pressure sensor on multiple patients as part of the PMR therapy,
covering the device with the finger of a surgical glove. WHCS staff also
reused a single-use anorectal manometry catheter on multiple patients
as part of an initial diagnostic study with patients with
potential fecal incontinence, covering the device with a condom. The
reuse of these medical devices was in contravention with the devices’
instructions for use and inconsistent with the device<br />
clearances by the Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”). The Federal
Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act prohibits the adulteration of medical
devices, which includes holding devices under “insanitary conditions”
whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious
to health.</p>
<p> Judge Neff enhanced Dr. Beyer’s sentencing guidelines based
on the fact that an administrative law judge in 2011 ruled that USM
should not bill Medicare for the PMR therapy using the diagnostic codes.
Despite this explicit judicial order, Dr. Beyer and his practices
continued to bill for the PMR therapy using the diagnostic codes, but
submitting the billing under USM’s nurse practitioners to “fly under the
radar.” Judge Neff also applied an enhancement for the reckless risk of
bodily injury to patients related to the reuse of medical devices.</p>
<p> In issuing Dr. Beyer’s sentence, Judge Neff found that Dr.
Beyer’s offense was a “significant fraud on a very valuable federal
program.” Judge Neff observed that the size of the Medicare program
“make it a great target for fraud . . . [but] cheating the government is
really cheating all of us and particularly those who need the
assistance of the arm of government.” Judge Neff pointed out that while
Dr. Beyer pleaded guilty “there was a gross minimization of
culpability.” Judge Neff concluded that a significant term of
imprisonment was necessary to promote “punishment and respect for the
law” and that a sentence of less than incarceration would not
sufficiently deter others from similar conduct.</p>
<p> Dr. Beyer’s sentence follows the June 2020 sentencing of
Mark Sabor, USM’s practice manager who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to
commit healthcare fraud and was sentenced to two years in prison. The
investigation also resulted in the conviction of Dr. Beyer’s wife, Susan
Wright, a nurse practitioner and attorney, who pleaded guilty to
failing to report ongoing fraud at Dr. Beyer’s practice to law
enforcement and also the adulteration of medical devices. In September,
Judge Neff sentenced Ms. Wright to three years of probation and over
3,000 hours of community service.</p>
<p> As part of a parallel investigation, each defendant also
agreed to pay a civil settlement under the False Claims Act to resolve
allegations of the submission of false claims for reimbursement
to Medicare as part of the numerous alleged healthcare fraud schemes at
Dr. Beyer’s practices. Ms. Wright paid $500,000; Mr. Sabor paid
$150,000; and Dr. Beyer and his practices agreed to pay $610,000 within
five days of sentencing.</p>
<p> “Dr. Beyer and the other defendants engaged in a course of
fraudulent conduct for many years, despite multiple warnings—including a
decision by an administrative law judge—to do things the right way,”
stated U.S. Attorney Birge. “But their greed-fueled misconduct didn’t
just hurt the Medicare program. Instead, by reusing single-use and
single-user medical equipment in these procedures on multiple patients,
they recklessly risked the lives and health of their patients. The
outcome of this case demonstrates that medical professionals in our
district cannot flaunt Medicare billing rules or adulterate medical
devices without consequence.”</p>
<p> “U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that
medical devices are safe and effective,” said Lynda M. Burdelik, Special
Agent in Charge of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago
Field Office. “When healthcare providers disregard safety
information, including single-use and single-user designations, they put
patients’ health at risk. We will continue to investigate and bring to
justice providers that jeopardize the public health.” </p>
<p> “The defendants’ involvement in healthcare fraud schemes
for medical services not rendered and upcoding services provided was
motivated by greed,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General –
Chicago Region (“HHS-OIG”). “Their conduct demonstrates an
aggravated indifference for the law and a disregard for the safety and
well-being of vulnerable citizens given that the defendants carried on
these schemes after being corrected by Medicare’s contractor and an
administrative law judge and given the reuse of adulterated medical
equipment on Medicare<br />
patients. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our prosecutorial and law
enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit these criminal acts
are held accountable.”</p>
<p> Dr. Beyer and Susan Wright broke laws designed to protect
Medicare and regulations designed to protect patient safety. Their
behavior was in direct conflict with the oath they took to ‘do no
harm,’” said Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Acting Special
Agent in Charge David G. Nanz. “The FBI in Michigan will continue to
investigate the type of cases in which medical professionals put profits
over patient safety and waste taxpayer dollars by
defrauding publicly-funded medical care.”</p>
<p> This case was the result of a joint investigation by
HHS-OIG, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the FBI, in
coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of
Michigan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond E. Beckering III prosecuted
the criminal case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Hull
represented the United States in the civil case.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0