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Sunday, January 2, 2011

ICE special agents seize 1,636 pounds of marijuana destined for South Florida 7 arrested and charged with drug traffickin


MIAMI - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents seized a total of 1,636 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $2 million in street value, and arrested seven individuals on federal criminal charges in two separate attempted drug smuggling ventures in the past week.

Some of the marijuana seized by ICE in Miami On Thursday, ICE HSI special agents seized 42 bales of marijuana, weighing approximately 440 pounds, following an interdiction by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard first observed the bales of marijuana in the wake of a Bahamian vessel and recovered them from the water. Four individuals were taken off the vessel and transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Yesterday, ICE HSI special agents arrested and transported the four individuals to the United States to face federal criminal charges.
"We have seen an increase over the past year in marijuana smuggling attempts, as organizations react to increased pressure on the southwest border," said Anthony V. Mangione, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Miami. "Historically, South Florida has been at the forefront of all types of smuggling ventures and ICE will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to target drug smuggling organizations."
On Dec. 11, ICE HSI marine smuggling special agents initiated an investigation after they received information that two vessels would be traveling from Bimini, Bahamas, carrying a large amount of marijuana to a house adjacent to the Miami River. At approximately 8:30 a.m., ICE HSI agents witnessed two vessels, a Proline and Angler, enter the Miami River and proceed to a residence on North River Drive in Miami. The ICE HSI agents met the masters of both vessels on the dock behind the residence and conducted a routine vessel boarding. After boarding, agents detected a strong odor of marijuana from the Angler. A subsequent search of the Angler revealed 90 bales of marijuana weighing 1,196 pounds, worth approximately $1 million in street value, concealed in the floor compartments and underneath the center console.
A consent search of the house revealed a marijuana hydroponics lab with 15 marijuana plants. Additionally, ICE HSI agents discovered a cooler next to the door of the residence full of packages containing marijuana. Three Miami residents were arrested and charged with conspiracy to import into the United States a controlled substance and conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance.

The investigation was led by ICE HSI in Miami with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine, U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and City of Miami Police Department.

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Philadelphia woman pleads guilty to importing illegal diet pills

Philadelphia woman pleads guilty to importing illegal diet pills

PHILADELPHIA - A local woman pleaded guilty Dec. 17 to an 18-count indictment for illegally importing and distributing more than four million diet pills that contained a controlled substance, unapproved drugs, and a possible carcinogen. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Mimi Trieu, 46, owned Hong Kong Beauty International in Philadelphia, which imported and distributed a variety of beauty products, including diet pills. Trieu pleaded guilty to 11 counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to smuggle illegal merchandise, and six counts of distributing Sibutramine, a schedule IV controlled substance. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 10. If convicted, Trieu faces a maximum sentence of 243 years in prison and a $4.5 million fine.
Some of the more than four million illegally imported diet pills that contained a controlled substance, unapproved drugs, and a possible carcinogenTrieu imported and sold diet pills between October 2008 and May 2009. She continued to import the pills until March 2010, even after learning that the capsules contained Sibutramine and other dangerous substances, and that the pills did not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA issued warnings to consumers that, in addition to the Sibutramine, the drugs contained an anti-seizure medication and a chemical solvent that is considered a possible carcinogen.
According to the FDA, these drugs could cause serious side effects in some people, including nausea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
Trieu was charged with conspiring to smuggle the diet pills from China through the mail, using packages with customs declarations that falsely described the capsules as "gifts" worth minimal amounts. Trieu falsely advertised the illegal diet capsules as containing natural ingredients while failing to disclose to customers that the pills contained Sibutramine and other dangerous ingredients. According to court documents, Trieu allegedly told customers that the drugs were manufactured in Japan, and she told a customer that the FDA warning was not true. The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice, which seeks the forfeiture of about $500,000 in proceeds from illegally selling the drugs.
Assisting ICE HSI in this case was the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. These agencies are partners of the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center in Arlington, Va.
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Buiffalo New York ILLEGAL ALIEN APPREHENSIONS BY FISCAL YEAR


 Buiffalo New York ILLEGAL ALIEN APPREHENSIONS BY FISCAL YEAR (October 1st through September 30th) 2,422   Highest Month: 252 March

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U.S. Border Patrol Fiscal Year Apprehension Statistics has been updated.

U.S. Border Patrol Fiscal Year Apprehension Statistics
U.S. Border Patrol Fiscal Year Apprehension Statistics has been updated.
 Click Here
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Air Force Announces Classic Association at Kirtland Air Force Base

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)


            The Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz, recently approved the creation of a classic associate unit by aligning elements of the 150th Wing and 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
            The 58th SOW, which is a regular Air Force unit, will serve as the host, and will have primary responsibility for the aircraft and its active duty members.  As the associate unit, the 150th Wing of the New Mexico Air National Guard, will have primary responsibility for the guardsmen assigned and share the aircraft assigned to the unit.
            The primary mission for the new associate unit includes flying training for HC/MC-130P, HH-60, and UH-1 aircraft. Guardsmen from the 150th Wing have already begun training for this mission. 
            Additionally, guardsmen from the 150th Wing will add secondary missions of rapid, deployable engineering, power production, and intelligence targeting. 
            This new association maintains a cadre of qualified flight instructors with long-term continuity and preserves New Mexico Air National Guard manpower to support state emergencies.
            For questions regarding this release, please contact Kirtland Air Force Base public affairs at 505-846-5991.

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AMTRACK TRAIN DELAYED

AMTRACK TRAIN DELAYED due to Truck vs. Bridge collision. CSX inspector inspected bridge and the Amtrack is not clear to cross bridge.

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Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Find Weapons


Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces killed and detained several insurgents in operations today throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Several insurgents were killed in a coalition air strike in Helmand province's Kajaki district. Troops were conducting a routine patrol in the area when insurgents opened fire. The security force took cover and returned fire. Troops called in the air strike once they were certain of the enemy fighters' location.
Another coalition air strike in Kunar province's Darah-ye Pech district killed numerous insurgents after security forces spotted several armed men in the area. Troops requested coalition air support, determined the insurgents were a threat and gave the order to engage their position.
Afghan and coalition forces today also detained several suspected insurgents linked to stockpiles of weapons and drugs.
In Uruzgan, Farah and Paktika provinces, troops seized 2,300 pounds of homemade explosives, 992 pounds of hashish, 27 rocket-propelled grenades and warheads, 11 hand grenades, 10 gallons of hydrochloric acid, three assault rifles and various bomb-making materials.
In operations yesterday:
-- Afghan and coalition forces killed several armed insurgents and detained 10 more in Khost province's Terayzai district. Troops were searching for a Haqqani network leader in the area when a group of insurgents began shooting at the patrol. Troops returned fire, killing the insurgents. The patrol continued to their target's reported location. Several suspected insurgents were detained at the location without incident.
-- Also in the province's Terayzai district, security forces captured a known Haqqani leader and several other suspected insurgents. Tips from local residents led security forces to the leader's location. Troops searched the building and detained the insurgents without incident.
-- In Khost's Bak district, Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani leader responsible for trafficking bombs and homemade explosives. Troops detained the suspects without incident.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader and several other suspected insurgents in Zabul province. The Taliban leader is reportedly responsible for trafficking roadside bombs and other weapons. Troops arrived at his location and detained the men without incident.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader and two other suspected insurgents in Kandahar province. The Taliban leader is believed to coordinate attacks on security forces. The three were detained without incident.
In operations Dec. 18:
-- Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 20 insurgents, including Taliban leaders in Kapisa province's Tagab district. Security forces were patrolling the area when insurgents opened fire. Troops returned fire and requested close air support, killing the insurgents. A follow-on search of the insurgents' fighting positions led to the capture of several more suspected insurgents.
-- In Kunduz province's Sahib district, security forces killed and detained several insurgents. Troops were searching for a Taliban leader responsible for planning attacks against Afghan government buildings and Afghan and coalition troops. The force arrived at the leader's alleged location, and immediately received gunfire. Troops returned fire, killing several insurgents. Troops searched the building after the attack and detained the suspects.
-- A coalition air strike killed several insurgents in Nangarhar province's Sherzad district. Afghan and coalition forces tracked an insurgent bombing cell to the district and observed them planting roadside bombs. Troops requested close air support and killed the insurgents. The troops recovered a 40-pound bomb and bomb-making material, and estimate that at least three insurgents were killed.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader connected to a suicide-bombing network in Kandahar. Troops found the leader in the province's Panjwa'i district. He was taken into custody without incident.
-- Afghan and coalition forces found several weapons and drug caches throughout Afghanistan. The weapons stockpiles included more than 80 various mortars and rockets, 36 rocket-propelled grenades and bomb-making materials. The drugs caches included 250 pounds of poppy seeds, 100 pounds of liquid opium, 30 pounds of heroin and 15 pounds of marijuana seeds.
-- Officials from NATO's International Security Assistance Force confirmed the identity of a senior Taliban leader killed in a coalition air strike in Nangarhar. Qari Hijratullah Nabi planned car bombings against security forces in the region. Tips from local residents led Afghan and coalition forces to his location where he was found planting roadside bombs and was killed on the spot.
 
Related Sites:
NATO International Security Assistance Force -----------------------------------------------
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DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)


             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
             Cpl. Sean A. Osterman, 21, of Princeton, Minn., died Dec. 16 from wounds received Dec.14 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
     

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ICE arrests 2 indicted in ultralight smuggling plot


TUCSON, Ariz. - Two U.S. citizens are in federal custody after they were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their alleged involvement in a marijuana smuggling operation that used ultralight aircraft to move the illicit substance across the border.
Jon Youngs, 40, a foreman at a ranch near Hereford, Ariz., and Marta Williamson, 52, of Tucson, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
On Feb. 6, agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol arrested two people and seized about 200 pounds of marijuana that was smuggled into the United States via an ultralight aircraft. ICE HSI special agents were notified, took custody of the suspects for federal prosecution, and opened an investigation into the criminal smuggling activity.
During the course of the investigation, agents identified these suspects as the coordinators who facilitated the smuggling of marijuana from Sierra Vista, Ariz. to Tucson. ICE HSI agents arrested Youngs and Williamson Thursday after the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona obtained an indictment against the pair at a grand jury hearing Wednesday. An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is an ongoing ICE investigation assigned to HSI agents working out of the Tucson-based Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
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December 27, 2010 Govt. Contracts (In case you missed it)

FOR RELEASE AT
5 p.m. ET
No. 1179-10
December 27, 2010

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

CONTRACTS
NAVY
                Charles Stark Draper Laboratories, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., is being awarded a $494,257,945 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Trident II, D5 guidance system tactical engineering support and guidance applications program, and life extension development.  Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass. (82 percent); Pittsfield, Mass. (11 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (2 percent); and El Segundo, Calif. (5 percent).  Work is expected to be completed Sept. 20, 2016.  This contract was not competitively procured.  Contract funds in the amount of $83,981,547 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-11-C-0005).
                L-3 Communications Corp., Sylmar, Calif., is being awarded a $78,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price provisions contract to provide repairs to the TB-23 towed array and purchase the spare subassemblies and parts required to improve maintenance schedules.  The contractor, by monitoring work flow, upgrade plans, ships schedules, overhaul, and repair plans, shall anticipate and prepare for repairs as needed to meet the performance goals.  The contractor will provide inventory management services to support the timely repairs of the towed arrays and implement overhauls and upgrades as directed by the government.  This contract will also require the contractor to manage spare parts and optimize purchases to improve maintenance and repair schedules and the operational profile of the Navy's submarine fleet.  Work will be performed in Sylmar, Calif., and is expected to complete December 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured.  The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity (N66604-11-D-0179).
                The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $66,180,000 firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for the procurement of weapon replaceable assemblies and other complex parts for use in retrofitting F/A-18C/D aircraft; 62 for the government of Finland, and 33 for the government of Switzerland.  Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (44.8 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (26.8 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (14.9 percent); Oakland, N.J. (6.4 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (3.3 percent); Butler, N.J. (1.3 percent); Sylmar, Calif. (1 percent); Killdeer, N.D. (0.5 percent); Mesa, Ariz. (0.4 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (0.3 percent); Wallingford, Conn. (0.2 percent); and Horsham, Pa. (0.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract combines purchases for the governments of Finland ($44,598,959; 67 percent) and Switzerland ($21,581,041; 33 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
                Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $65,636,395 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5110) for production of the Aegis Weapon System, tooling, test equipment, and associated technical services for the Aegis ashore test site at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.  Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (87 percent), and Clearwater, Fla. (13 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2014.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
                Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $48,981,414 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0060) for the procurement of 24 AE1107C engines for the Air Force CV-22 aircraft (14 spares and 10 Lot 15 installs).  Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (70 percent), and Indianapolis, Ind. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2012.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
                EDO Communications & Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $17,092,500 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) for the production and support of 265 JCREW 2.1 radio-controlled improvised explosive device (RCIED) electronic warfare (CREW) systems to Australia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Vehicle mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program.  Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices.  This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by Australian forces.  The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's Joint IED Defeat Organization.  The contract is for option P00089.  Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2011.  Contract Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Australia.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
                Robertson Aviation, LLC, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded a $16,830,672 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0009) to exercise an option for the procurement of V-22 mission auxiliary fuel tanks, refueling kits, and accessories.  Work will be performed in Tempe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in December 2011.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
                Science Applications International Corp., McLean Va., is being awarded a $13,576,972 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contact with cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing for technical and engineering services in support of the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program (ICTAP) to provide interoperable communications support to first responder agencies. Support will include voice communications interoperability technical assistance to public jurisdictions, including law enforcement, fire protection, medical emergency services, and others involved in preventing or responding to threats to public safety.  This one-year contract contains two one-year options which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of this contract to $41,778,679.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed Dec. 26, 2011.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured and represents a sole-source award, as authorized under 10 U.S.C. 2304 c (1); only one responsible source and no other suppliers or services will satisfy government requirements.  The intention to award this sole-source contract was published in the Commerce Business Daily, and posted to the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website.  Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is the contracting activity (N66001-11-D-0051).
                Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $10,957,245 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical and engineering services in support of the Naval Air Systems Command's Air Vehicle Engineering Department and the manned flight simulator/air combat environment test and evaluation facilities.  Services to be provided support the development and utilization of advanced air vehicle technology for evaluating air vehicle flying qualities and controllability, developing simulation software, and building prototype simulations.  The estimated level of effort is 94,970 man-hours.  Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in December 2011.  This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; one offer was received.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-11-D-0030).
                Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $9,077,929 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 14 support equipment workarounds for organizational- and intermediate-level maintenance in support of the MV-22 and CV-22 aircraft.  Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2014.  Contract funds in the amount of $599,607 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-11-D-0002).
                Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,350,000 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0027) for non-recurring efforts associated with productionization of drawing changes in support of E-2D advanced Hawkeye aircraft production.  Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y. (71.5 percent), and St. Augustine, Fla. (28.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2012.  Contract funds in the amount of $1,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
                Information Systems Worldwide Corp., Arlington, Va., was awarded a $23,625,517 contract to conduct gap filling research and enhance the existing software architecture to search information; rapidly acquire new contextual information; and deliver timely across domains.  This research will support and enhance the currently analytic workflow and provide enhanced sharing of information.  At this time, $4,049,359 has been obligated.  Air Force Research Laboratory/RIKE, Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-11-C-0045).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
                Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $10,010,693 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for prop rotor gearboxes used in support of MV-22 helicopter.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Marine Corps.  There was originally one proposal solicited with one response.  The date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2013.  The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPRPA1-09-G-004Y-5638).

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Connecticut man indicted for buying body armor after conviction for crime of violence



NEW HAVEN, Conn. - David B. Fein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Waheed Islam, also known as "Walter Missouri, Jr.," 43, of Seaman Circle, Manchester, Conn., with one count of possession of body armor by a violent felon. The indictment was returned on Dec. 14. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal law enforcement agencies.
The indictment alleges that, on Dec. 6, 2010, Waheed Islam possessed a bullet proof vest. The indictment further alleges that Islam has previously been convicted of two violent felonies in Connecticut state court, namely, first degree assault, on Sept. 7, 1999, and first degree robbery, on Mar. 12, 1985.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a violent felony to possess a bullet proof vest.
If convicted of the charge, Islam faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000. Islam has been detained since his arrest on Dec. 6, 2010.
This matter is being investigated by ICE HSI, FBI, Customs and Border Protection, Connecticut State Police, Manchester Police Department and the State of Connecticut Office of Adult Probation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen B. Reynolds and Henry K. Kopel.-----------------------------------------------
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2 sentenced in Maine for health care fraud and federal benefits fraud



PORTLAND, Maine - Ahmed Yusuf Guled, of Lewiston, Maine, and Dahabo Abdulle Osman of Portland, Maine, were sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court for health care fraud offenses, federal benefits fraud, and theft of government funds, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II of the District of Maine. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal and state government agencies.
Senior U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby sentenced Guled, who is 75 years old, to four months in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. He also ordered Guled to pay restitution totaling $119,440 and ordered him to forfeit property totaling $109,733. Judge Hornby sentenced Osman, who is 59 years old, to five years of probation, with a special condition that she serve a six-month term of home confinement. She was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $102,509 and forfeit property totaling $88,642.02.
Guled and Osman were convicted in U.S. District Court on June 24, 2010, of conspiring to defraud the United States and commit health care fraud offenses, and the separate offense of health care fraud. The jury found that they fraudulently obtained Medicaid funds through MaineCare's Home and Community Based Care Program, also known as the Waiver Program. Guled was also convicted of making false statements in connection with this program. The evidence at trial established that Guled, with the help of his adopted sister, Dahabo Osman, deceived nurse assessors into believing he was nursing home eligible and, therefore, entitled to receive home-based personal care services. Osman was then paid wages through three different local personal care agencies, reimbursed by MaineCare, for supposedly providing care to Guled. However, the evidence established that the services were not medically necessary and Osman did not provide all of the services billed by the home health agencies.
Guled and Osman were also convicted separately of making false statements to the Social Security Administration in connection the receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, to housing officials with respect to public housing benefits, and to Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in connection with the receipt of MaineCare, food stamps or temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) benefits. The evidence at trial established that Guled failed to disclose to these agencies that he owned bank accounts with balances that exceeded $2,000 while Osman failed to disclose wages she received from personal care agencies. The defendants were also convicted of theft of government funds with respect to SSI, food stamps or TANF benefits that they were not entitled to receive.
According to U.S. Attorney Delahanty, in sentencing Ahmed Guled to four months in prison rather than the recommended fifteen to twenty-one months, Judge Hornby cited Guled's age, and failing health as mitigating factors. Osman avoided a prison term due in part to the fact that she is the sole caretaker of a twelve-year old grandson with health issues.
The prosecution of this case was successful because of the combined investigative efforts of the Offices of Inspector General with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as agents and investigators with ICE HSI , the FBI, the Healthcare Crimes Unit of the Maine Attorney General's Office, the Fraud, Investigation and Recovery Unit of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
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ENLISTED BAS VICE DISCOUNTED MEAL RATE (DMR)



By YNC William Dodd and Mr. Chris Gambers PPC (MAS-Exceptions Review Team)

In our continued effort to ensure our CG members are paid accurately every month, we continue to track document accuracy and timeliness and look for opportunities to improve procedures and awareness.

Here are our latest examples of what can happen to members when SPOs may not know the rules, may not do proper research, or may lose their attention to detail:

ENLISTED BAS VICE DISCOUNTED MEAL RATE (DMR)


When a member reported PCS to the CGC XXXXX in July 2008 their SPO incorrectly started Enlisted BAS instead of the correct DMR entitlement. This mistake was not realized until approximately 29 months later in December 2010 due to an out-of-range deletion to the Enlisted BAS transaction (P607) and a new out-of-range transaction (P607) starting DMR instead. The approximate amount of this overpayment to the member will be approximately $9,000.


In a second instance, when a member reported PCS to the CGC XXXXX in October 2008 their SPO incorrectly started Enlisted BAS instead of the correct DMR entitlement. The good news is the SPO also forgot to start level I Sea Pay for this member in October 2008, so the underpayment of Sea Pay will help offset the overpayment of Enlisted BAS somewhat, leaving the member in debt to the Coast Guard for approximately $6,000. Isn't he lucky?! NOT.


And yet again, another member reported PCS to CGC XXXXX in January 2009, their SPO incorrectly started Enlisted BAS instead of the correct DMR entitlement. This mistake was not realized until approximately 23 months later in December 2010 (again due to an out-of-range deletion to the Enlisted BAS transaction (P607) and a new out-of-range transaction (P607) starting DMR). The approximate amount of this overpayment will be $7,000.


******Obviously, these amounts of debt can have extremely detrimental effects on members!********

We ask that YNs of all levels be mindful of these errors (and their causes) when processing pay and entitlements for their customers and work toward 100% accuracy and timeliness with us.


TAX SEASON REMINDER


This is a reminder for all SPO's to try and approve (as much as possible) any pending status change transactions (Retirements, Discharges, RELADS) that involve selling leave. Sold leave affects year-to-date (YTD) income on W-2 forms and if a member sells leave in 2010 and the transaction isn't approved in a timely manner it will not reflect on the W-2 forms being sent out next month...which then means that corrected W-2 forms need to go out later at both extra work and extra cost.


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Singapore man sentenced to 4 years in prison for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization


BALTIMORE, Md. - A citizen Singapore was sentenced today to 57 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Balraj Naidu, 48, was convicted by a federal jury on Oct. 18, 2010 as result of an investigation led by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; ICE HSI Special Agent in Charge William L. Winter of the Baltimore office; Special Agent in Charge A.J. Macisaac of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Washington field office; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - mid-Atlantic field office; Special Agent in Charge Richard A. McFeely of the FBI; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III.
"The sentencing today reflects our commitment to keeping U.S. weapons and technology out of the hands of terrorists," said Special Agent in Charge Winter. "Homeland Security Investigations will continue to pursue those who seek to jeopardize America's national and international security by selling technologies and weaponry to terrorist organizations. Enforcing export laws is one of Homeland Security Investigation's top priorities and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who send prohibited items will be brought to justice."
According to evidence presented at his five day trial, beginning in February 2006, Naidu and his co-conspirators attempted to purchase state of the art weaponry from China, Thailand, North Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia for the terrorist organization, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers) operating within Sri Lanka, to be used to fight against Sri Lankan government forces. Several arms merchants refused to supply the Tamil Tigers with weaponry once the destination for the arms had been disclosed by Naidu and his associates. In April 2006, Naidu's Indonesian sources for weapons unwittingly introduced Naidu and his associates to an agent for an undercover business in Maryland that purported to sell military weapons.
The evidence showed that in the subsequent months, the conspirators' negotiations with the undercover agent centered on the acquisition of American made weaponry. Terms of the sale included delivery of the weapons to locations in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka. The weaponry was to be off-loaded by the Sea Tigers, the naval branch of the Tamil Tigers. A co-conspirator, Haniffa Bin Osman, visited Baltimore in the summer of 2006, where he examined and test-fired much of the weaponry. As a result of the trip, Tamil Tiger representatives wire transferred $250,000 into the undercover business' accounts as down payment on a $900,000 weapons deal. Approximately 28 tons of weapons and ammunition, which the conspirators believed they were purchasing, was air-lifted to the U.S. territory of Guam. On Sept. 29, 2006, after inspecting the weapons and transferring an additional $450,000 into the undercover business' accounts, co-conspirators Bin Osman, Haji Subandi, Erick Wotulo and Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa were arrested and indicted. The investigation continued and led to the indictment of Naidu and an alleged Tamil Tigers financier on charges of conspiracy to provide material support to the Tamil Tigers and related offenses.
Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa, 40, a citizen of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Haji Subandi, 73, and retired Indonesian Marine Corps General Erick Wotulo, 62, both citizens of the Republic of Indonesia; and Haniffa Bin Osman, 59, a citizen of the Republic of Singapore, previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy and were sentenced to 57 months, 37 months, 30 months and 37 months in prison, respectively.
Founded in 1976, the Tamil Tigers has advocated the violent overthrow of the Sri Lankan government, employing acts of violence, including suicide bombings, against both civilian and military targets. Approximately 200 such attacks have been attributed to the Tamil Tigers to date. The Tamil Tigers relies heavily upon supporters throughout the world to raise and launder money, acquire intelligence and purchase military use technology. The U.S. Department of State designated the Tamil Tigers as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in1997. As such, the Tamil Tigers cannot legally raise money or procure operational equipment in the United States.

U.S. Officials Applaud Formation of New Iraqi Government By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2010 - American officials praised Iraqi leaders for the formation of an inclusive, broad-based government in Baghdad yesterday. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government includes members from many different parties and all ethnicities. President Barack Obama called the formation a major step toward national unity and a significant moment in Iraq's long history. "I congratulate Iraq's political leaders, the members of the Council of Representatives and the Iraqi people on the formation of a new government of national partnership," Obama said in a written statement released by the White House. "Their decision to form an inclusive partnership government is a clear rejection of the efforts by extremists to spur sectarian division." The election was held March 7, and Iraqi politicians have been haggling and negotiating with each over the new government since. The new government has many issues to confront. These include a new hydrocarbon law and the future relationship with the United States. "The United States will continue to strengthen our long-term partnership with Iraq's people and leaders as they build a prosperous and peaceful nation that is fully integrated into the region and international community," Obama said. American officials in Baghdad welcomed the news. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James F. Jeffrey and Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, issued a joint statement. The two called the formation a victory for the Iraqi people. "We look forward to working with the new coalition government in furthering our common vision of a democratic Iraq that is reintegrated fully into the community of nations and serves as a force for stability in the region," the two men said. Maliki has served as the prime minister of the nation since 2006. "The new government is the product of a credible, Iraqi-led process in which leaders achieved compromise through peaceful dialogue and demonstrated commitment to unity and reconciliation," Jeffrey and Austin said. "This process was successful because of the strength and resolve of the Iraqi people and the courage and professionalism of Iraq's security forces." U.S. officials will continue to work with Iraqi partners under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The agreement calls for cooperation in the fields of security, economics and trade, energy, science and technology, education, health, rule of law, regional relations and culture. Related Sites: U.S. Forces Iraq

U.S. Officials Applaud Formation of New Iraqi Government

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2010 - American officials praised Iraqi leaders for the formation of an inclusive, broad-based government in Baghdad yesterday.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government includes members from many different parties and all ethnicities.
President Barack Obama called the formation a major step toward national unity and a significant moment in Iraq's long history.
"I congratulate Iraq's political leaders, the members of the Council of Representatives and the Iraqi people on the formation of a new government of national partnership," Obama said in a written statement released by the White House. "Their decision to form an inclusive partnership government is a clear rejection of the efforts by extremists to spur sectarian division."
The election was held March 7, and Iraqi politicians have been haggling and negotiating with each over the new government since.
The new government has many issues to confront. These include a new hydrocarbon law and the future relationship with the United States.
"The United States will continue to strengthen our long-term partnership with Iraq's people and leaders as they build a prosperous and peaceful nation that is fully integrated into the region and international community," Obama said.
American officials in Baghdad welcomed the news. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq James F. Jeffrey and Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, issued a joint statement. The two called the formation a victory for the Iraqi people.
"We look forward to working with the new coalition government in furthering our common vision of a democratic Iraq that is reintegrated fully into the community of nations and serves as a force for stability in the region," the two men said.
Maliki has served as the prime minister of the nation since 2006. "The new government is the product of a credible, Iraqi-led process in which leaders achieved compromise through peaceful dialogue and demonstrated commitment to unity and reconciliation," Jeffrey and Austin said. "This process was successful because of the strength and resolve of the Iraqi people and the courage and professionalism of Iraq's security forces."
U.S. officials will continue to work with Iraqi partners under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The agreement calls for cooperation in the fields of security, economics and trade, energy, science and technology, education, health, rule of law, regional relations and culture.
 
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