National US News @ Anderson Free Press

Hess Toy Truck Celebrates a 45 Year Holiday Tradition

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:27:59 -0800

2009 Hess Race Car and Racer Kicks Fun and Innovation into High Gear

NEW YORK, NY – Hess Corporation today celebrates the 45th anniversary of what has become a family holiday tradition for generations with the newest addition to its renowned collection of holiday toy trucks: The 2009 Hess Race Car and Racer.

Not since 1993 has the Hess Toy Truck featured a car, when the Patrol Car was first introduced and went on to become the fastest selling Hess Toy Truck ever. The race is on to get this year’s Hess Toy Truck. The 2009 Hess Race Car and Racer goes on sale Friday, November 13 at participating Hess and Hess Express retail stores, retailing for $24.99 plus tax – Energizer® batteries included.

For the first time in Hess Toy Truck history, a race car takes the spotlight as the main featured vehicle. The 2009 Race Car and Racer reinforces a long tradition of quality, value and craftsmanship. It features a touch-release canopy compartment that opens to reveal a hidden compartment with surprise cargo – a smaller, faster race car powered by a pull-back racing motor and its own set of working lights. The toy set’s full lineup of fun features includes:

Race Car

· 29 lights with an optional flashing mode

· 3 realistic sound features (ignition, acceleration and horn)

· Alloy-look racing wheels

· Chrome detailed rear view mirrors and air vents

· Low profile headlights (a first for a Hess Toy Truck)

· Rear spoiler

· Canopy compartment with a spring-release hood that opens with a touch

· 2 Energizer ‘C’ batteries

Small Racer:

· 15 lights

· Pull-back racing motor

· Alloy-look racing wheels

· Chrome detailed rear view mirrors and vents

· Low profile headlights

· Rear spoiler

· 1 Energizer ’AA’ battery

The Hess Toy Truck has been a holiday tradition since 1964, and is one of the longest running toy brands on the market. As in past years, the truck will be sold exclusively at Hess retail stores in 16 East Coast states while supplies last. For a complete list of Hess Toy Trucks through the years or to find the nearest Hess location, please visit: www.hesstoytruck.com.

Hess Corporation, with headquarters in New York, is a global integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, purchase, transportation and sale of crude oil and natural gas. The corporation also manufactures, purchases, trades and markets refined petroleum and other energy products.

Free Military Boots For Life Contest Continues

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:19:34 -0800

CHESTERFIELD, MO - MilitaryBoots.com unveiled its Military Boots For Life Contest last month. The contest gives boot lovers in the United States and Canada a chance to win a lifetime supply of Converse military boots.Their website states:

Your boots have endured everything you've thrown at them. Drilling. Marching. Combat. Miles upon miles through never-ending plains, scorching deserts, and urban jungles. Whatever your boots' story may be, we want to see 'em.

"We thought this would be a great way to reward someone who really enjoys wearing military boots," Chad Weinman, President of Cat5 Commerce, which owns MilitaryBoots.com, stated in a press release last month. "If you really do wear your boots that much, you deserve military boots for life."

The online store is still seeking people who adore (and wear) military boots on a regular basis. The person who submits the best photos of the most weathered boots will win a lifetime supply.

"We're thrilled to dig through these entries to see what sorts of boots people are still wearing," Mr. Weinman added. "We'll be posting pictures of the top 10 on our website."

MillitaryBoots.com plans on announcing the winner on February 5, 2010. That person will receive one pair of Converse military boots for the next 20 years, and boots will be featured on MilitaryBoots.com.

For more information, you can visit the military boots contest page on their website, or simply e-mail your name, contact information, photos and story to contest@militaryboots.com. All entries must be received by midnight CST on January 31, 2010.

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita to testify before U.S. House Subcommittee on Elections

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:56:39 -0700

Secretary Rokita to outline concerns about H.R. 1719, the Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita will testify before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Elections today at 1 p.m. in room 1310 of the Longworth House Office Building. As Indiana’s chief elections officer, Secretary Rokita will provide expert testimony on H.R. 1719, the Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2009.

“While I applaud Congress’ efforts to improve the election process for voters, there needs to be a balance between increased access and responsibility,” said Secretary Rokita. “H.R. 1719 certainly increases access to the voter registration process, but the legislation falls short of providing the security necessary to ensure that voters’ franchises are protected. Because of this, H.R. 1719 as written, ultimately will do nothing more than decrease participation because not everyone will have confidence in or trust the process that now would threaten to disenfranchise them by letting their votes be diluted by those who will try to cheat through the use of this easily cheatable reform.”

H.R. 1719 outlines requirements for states to modernize their election registration processes. The bill requires states to provide for online voter registration. However, it does not require or permit states to use existing databases to verify information. Indiana’s General Assembly recently passed legislation – with unanimous support in both the House and Senate – that permits online voter registration, starting next year, for Hoosiers who have valid driver’s license numbers or state identification cards. Secretary Rokita will recommend to the committee that signatures from existing databases, such as Indiana’s BMV database, should be required for on-line voter registration.

Secretary Rokita will point out that H.R. 1719, as currently written, appears to prohibit states from inactivating and eventually removing inaccurate records, as is currently permitted under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. In Indiana, and many other states, there is a history of several jurisdictions with more voter registrations than voting age population. Secretary Rokita will recommend that state and local government election officials be permitted to conduct voter list maintenance activities.

Section 5 of H.R. 1719 eliminates the state’s ability to verify an applicant is qualified to register to vote. During the 2008 Primary Election, ACORN employees submitted several hundred fraudulent voter registration applications in Indiana counties. This resulted in county election administrators and several members of the Office of the Secretary of State taking time away from election preparation in order to flush these bogus registrations out. Secretary Rokita will recommend removing the mandate in H.R. 1719 that eliminates the state’s ability to verify an applicant is qualified to register to vote.

The legislation requires election officials to allow an applicant to provide their email address and, if provided, requires election officials to send voting information to the voter via email only. This may violate equal protection laws. Secretary Rokita will recommend that this mandate be removed.

The bill has a provision that mandates a voter registration deadline of no later than 15 days prior to the election. Indiana has a 29 day deadline based on voter eligibility requirements in the state constitution. Reducing this to 15 days will impact the processes that currently work well in Indiana. Secretary Rokita will recommend that the 15 day mandate be removed.

Secretary Rokita’s testimony will be available at 1 p.m. on the House Subcommittee’s web site, http://houseadmin.edgeboss.net/wmedia-live/houseadmin/11435/100_houseadmin-1310lhob_060525.asx.

Kanye West is Not Dead

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:05:13 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - According to various news sources, reports of the death of Kanye West have been greatly exaggerated. While RIP Kanye West is trending up in Twitter (or was at the time of this report), a San Franciso blog post, the Examiner and many other reputable media sources have squashed the rumor. No word from Kanye West himself about this, although someone

Celebrity blogger Necole Bitchie summed it up in a post yesterday, October 20, 2009.

Who comes up with these elaborate stories. His girlfriend Amber Rose thinks that the trending topic has gone a bit too far. She writes:

This RIP KanyeWest topic is not funny and its NOT TRUE! He has people like myself and his family that love him very much. Its in extreme poor taste to have that as a trending topic. It’s totally disrespectful to make up a story like this. We are all human and we all make mistakes and to say someone died cuz of a mistake is ridiculous. U wouldn’t want someone to say that about u. Or someone u love it’s not funny.

There has been no official word from Kanye West on his blog. Still, his name has been in the news quite a bit lately. From the Taylor Swift incident to this, Mr. West is a man who knows how to keep his name in the media.

A blogger from a Fox website summed it all up pretty nicely, and wonders if it was a publicity stunt. Whatever it was, it shows the power and influence of a tool like Twitter. Indeed, a tool that can be used for good or for bad purposes like this rumor.

At this time, there's no word about where or how the rumor started, but Kanye West has had problems with Twitter in the past. The real news here may be about Twitter itself and what steps are being taken (if any) to stop things like this before they happen - if they can be stopped.

Modern Whig Party continues to build its national presence

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:04:34 -0700

Washington, DC - As the only grassroots political movement recognized by various media outlets throughout the country to appeal to mainstream voters of all political stripes, the Modern Whig movement has taken another step in its national development with the reconstitution of the Whig National Committee. The first public act of the WNC is to announce that two more viable, common sense advocates have filed to run for Congress under the revived Whig Party banner.

The latest federal Whig candidates to announce their official candidacy, in conjunction with the Florida Whig Party, include John Annarumma of Gainesville, FL and Clayton Schock of Broward County, FL. Paul McKain's Congressional campaign already is making waves in his district, as is our state candidate, Gene Baldassari, who is running for the New Jersey Assembly.

Clayton Schock is described as a common man with common sense who has risen to the task of accepting the difficult duty and responsibility of standing up to a highly trained and financed political machine that is understood and resonates with the voting majority known as "We the People."

And as a national movement revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, John Annarumma is among the countless Modern Whigs to have directly served in the post-9/11 conflicts. With over eleven (11) years of law enforcement combined with fourteen (14) years of active duty and reserve military experience, John has served his country to the highest order for most of his adult life. This truly unique experience has enabled John Annarumma to possess a unique perspective on what it means to serve, protect, and defend his nation, state, and community.

The WNC is based in Washington, DC and designed to serve as an umbrella for the overall Modern Whig Party.

About the Whig Party:

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. They were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.

Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the grassroots movement has quickly attracted tens of thousands of members. They represent moderate voters from all walks of life that cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Modern Whig Philosophy. This Washington, DC-based national movement values common sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering.

This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and educational/scientific advancement.

Florida is the first state in the nation to achieve ballot access for Whig candidates. To date, members and leaders of the national Modern Whig movement have been invited to play a role in GOP and Democratic initiatives while pushing their own common sense, non-fringe agenda of what some have called the fastest growing mainstream political party in the nation.

Working Dogs Keep Marines Safe

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:37:28 -0700

By Pfc. Khoa Pelczar

"Watch him! Watch him!" is all it takes for a seemingly docile canine to transform into a trained killer, its snarling teeth exposed as it readies to attack.

When Horst, a 7-year-old German Shepard and military working dog, hears the command from his handler, he instantly prepares to take down the enemy. When the command "Bite!" is given, Horst rushes his attacker in the blink of an eye, grabbing onto the enemy's arm with the utmost strength – and not letting go.

Military working dogs have helped Marines on and off the battlefield for years, but their training continues to adapt to new circumstances. To become more familiar in a combat environment, Military working dogs and their handlers headed out to San Mateo here for field training, Sept. 26, with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

The dogs were brought out to the field so they could experience a live-fire movement while working together with Marines, explained Sgt. Alfred C. Nieto, working dog handler with Military Police Support Company, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

"[By bringing the dogs] out here, we can get them used to things we encounter on a daily basis and have them operating with a Marine squad," he said. "They need to be able to adapt and work it through."

It's important for the dogs to become familiarized with their surroundings and the sounds of gunfire because it could easily become a hazard out in the battlefield if the dog isn't properly trained, clarified Nieto. If the dog freaks out during battle and the handler tries to control his dog while having live rounds loaded, he could possibly flag the entire platoon of Marines and endanger those around him.

"Mission accomplishment is one of the most important things in the Marine Corps," Nieto said. "Keeping our numbers up is a part of mission accomplishment."

On a daily basis, these dogs are constantly training; everything from doing line drills or taking them on hikes, to having them run through obstacle courses, explained Nieto. Sometimes the dogs also get to go out with a patrol unit or a convoy exercise.
Handlers teach their dogs the five phases of aggression and how to react accordingly to each command.

Phase one, "bite," is when the dog is ordered to take down the fleeing suspect by force. During phase two, "stand-off," the suspect surrenders or is taken down by the dog, and the dog lets go of the suspect. If the suspect tries to escape again, though, then the dog receives the command to enter phase three, "re-attack." Phase four is simply "search," in which the dog approaches to check out strangers, making sure they have nothing dangerous on them. Phase five, "field interview," is when the dog and trainer come up to a stranger who tries to enter the base to make certain the person has a good reason to enter.

"Everything is a game to the dogs," added Nieto, 24, from San Antonio. "So it's instantaneous how their aggression changes from chill and calm to tearing a man apart."

Military Working Dogs are trained to obey orders instantly, which is important in a life or death situation.

"If the suspect flees, [the dog is] one step less than lethal, right below a gun," said Cpl. Ramiro Olgun, working dog handler with Military Police Support Company, 1st Marine Headquarters Group, I MEF.

"These dogs are trained," added Olgun, 22, from Eagle Pass, Texas. "It takes months and years to train these dogs. They're trained to attack and they're trained to find explosives."

After months of training, eventually the dog and handler develop a special bond.
"Me and my dog, Horst, he's a part of me," said Olgun of his faithful four-legged partner who waits by his side. "Rapport building is very important, it never ends."

Military working dogs have worked side by side with Marines on the battlefield for years, helping them to accomplish the mission. Through proper training, man's best friend can continue to keep Marines safer in combat.

Stockman Bank selects Frontline Processing as exclusive payment processor

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:36:20 -0700

BOZEMAN, MT - Frontline Processing, a leader in merchant processing and electronic payment solutions, announced that they have formed a strategic alliance with Stockman Bank to provide electronic payment processing for their customers. Building on its successful partnership, Stockman Bank clients will now be able to provide their customers with a full spectrum of transaction processing solutions using traditional processing, Internet Point-of-Sale (POS), e-commerce and mobile (wireless) terminals to extend their payment capabilities. With Frontline Processing, Stockman will be able to provide their business customers access to flexible and innovative merchant processing programs enabling them to meet their various business needs while providing services designed to help their businesses grow.

Stockman Bank clients will also have the opportunity to utilize Frontline Processing risk management services. Managing risk is a significant, and often under-stated, factor in the success of any business. In addition to access to Frontlines experienced and knowledgeable staff, merchants will also be able to protect their company by using Frontline’s PCI DSS compliant platform, which helps keep sensitive payment data out of merchants' daily business operations.

“Frontline Processing, like Stockman Bank, has significant experience serving the needs of Montana merchants. Merchants are increasingly looking to reduce processing costs while maintaining the highest level of risk management to reduce their exposure to fraudulent activity," said Chris Kittler, Owner and CEO of Frontline Processing. "As a Level One certified PCI Compliant provider, Frontline offers market-leading risk management tools and controls designed to protect our customers, and we believe Stockman Banks clients will be well served through our relationship."

About Frontline Processing

FRONTLINE PROCESSING has been pioneering merchant processing solutions since 1997. Frontline is a nationwide provider of credit card processing and electronic payment services enabling merchants to process transactions in a secure, real-time environment 24 hours a day. Frontline provides a suite of services enabling merchants to accept all major credit and debit cards, ATM cards and ACH check drafts for payment. The only locally owned and operated merchant processor based in Montana, Frontline is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Bozeman. Frontline Processing is a registered ISO/MSP of HSBC Bank USA, National Association, Buffalo NY. For more information, please visit Frontline Processing's web site at www.frontlineprocessing.com or email mdh@frontlineprocessing.com.

About Stockman Bank

STOCKMAN BANK is a complete financial center providing personal, business, agricultural and real estate banking services across Montana, northern Wyoming and western North Dakota. Founded in 1953 by William Nefsy, the original vision was to create a banking organization to serve the needs of the entire community. His inspired vision, along with a focus on service, continues today. Stockman Bank is deeply committed to community banking and believes that this commitment will bring maximum benefit to customers and the communities served. Stockman Bank has been committed to their customers for over 50 years and continues to be proactive in strategy and focus. For more information, please visit www.stockmanbank.com.

$5,000 Reward Offered in Search for Stolen FBI Weapons

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:38:55 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Michael S. Welch, Special Agent in Charge of the Indianapolis Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of individual(s) responsible for the theft of FBI weapons and equipment from a government vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood in northwest Indianapolis, Indiana. This theft took place between the evening hours of September 16, 2009 and the early morning of September 17, 2009. During this same time period and within the general area, an additional 10 vehicles and/or residences were broken into.

The reward is also being offered for information concerning the location and return of three stolen weapons. The stolen weapons are described as an H & K MP5/10A3 10 mm gun, a Rock River Arms LAR15 rifle, and a Springfield 1911A1 .45 caliber handgun. Additionally, a large green duffel style gear bag was stolen which contained an FBI SWAT uniform and two sets of body armor, green in color, one set having FBI letters displayed on the front and back.

The FBI, along with Agents and Officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE), the Indiana State Police (ISP), and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), are jointly investigating this matter.

Anyone with information regarding the above is asked to contact the Indianapolis Office of the FBI at (317) 639-3301.

A Record $2.3 Billion Settlement Against Pfizer

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:15:46 -0700

The superlatives were flying at today’s press conference announcing that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has agreed to pay $2.3 billion to resolve charges of illegal and fraudulent promotion of its products:

The largest health care fraud settlement in Department of Justice history;
The largest criminal fine of any kind imposed in the U.S.;
The largest ever civil fraud settlement against a pharmaceutical company.

The case was also a massive investigation on the part of the FBI and our law enforcement colleagues, involving countless hours of investigation over a period of more than four years.

Speaking at the press conference this morning at Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Kevin Perkins, assistant director of our Criminal Investigative Division, said the record settlement “sends a clear message that the FBI and our partners will not stand by and let any manufacturer peddle their prescriptions or products for uses beyond their intended—and federal government-approved—purpose.”

The case against Pfizer and its subsidiary Pharmacia & Upjohn (Pharmacia) primarily involved so-called off-brand promotion of several drugs, notably the anti-inflammatory drug Bextra. The company promoted the sale of Bextra for uses and at dosages the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically declined to approve for safety reasons.

Pfizer “intended to circumvent specific FDA indications concerning their drugs by using its sales force to aggressively promote off-label uses,” Perkins said. “We have interviewed numerous physicians, sales representatives, and managers who have corroborated these assertions.”

Indeed, it was company employees who blew the whistle about off-label marketing—and kickbacks to physicians, who were paid to prescribe certain drugs—that first brought the case to our attention in 2005.

Special Agent Christine O’Neill, who heads the Health Care Fraud Squad in our Boston office, explained that we worked jointly on the case with investigators from the Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA, the Veteran’s Administration, and the U.S. Postal Service, among others.

“These cases can be very time consuming and difficult,” O’Neill said, because there are a multitude of documents to review and analyze—from sales reps’ e-mail and call logs to contracts and other documents between Pfizer and physicians and health care organizations.

“When this case started,” she said, “our agents were physically going through boxes and boxes of material to find evidence to support the case.”

Later, we began using software that allows documents to be scanned and then searched by keyword to speed up the process. “Still,” she said, “there is no getting around the exhaustive investigative work.”

Criminally, Pharmacia has agreed to plead guilty to misbranding Bextra—which was pulled from the market in 2005—with the intent to defraud or mislead. The company will pay a fine of $1.195 billion and will also forfeit $105 million to the government.

On the civil side, Pfizer has agreed to pay an additional $1 billion to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that it illegally promoted Bextra and three other drugs and paid kickbacks to health care providers.

Perkins noted that “although these types of investigations are often long and complicated, the FBI will not be deterred from continuing to ensure that pharmaceutical companies conduct business in a lawful manner.” And he thanked the whistleblowers for speaking out “against a corporate giant that was blatantly violating the law and misleading the public through false marketing claims.”

Kevin Perkins, assistant director of our Criminal Investigative Division, speaks to the media at the Pfizer settlement press conference.

Sex Trafficker Sentenced to Over Four Years for Conspiracy to Prostitute Underage Girls

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:41:51 -0700

GREENBELT, MD - U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. sentenced Paul Raymond Green, a/k/a “PJ,” age 24, of Washington, D.C., late last week to 52 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in a scheme to prostitute three minor females, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Acting Assistant Attorney General Loretta King, of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Judge Williams also ordered that upon his release from prison Green be required to register as a sex offender where he lives, works and goes to school.

“Anyone who pays for or profits from sex with a child should be on notice that Maryland’s human trafficking task force is committed to a policy of zero tolerance for child prostitution," said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

“The defendant took an active role in prostituting young girls to users of illegal narcotics in order to facilitate his drug sales,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Loretta King. “This is a despicable crime whose harm permeates throughout society. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases.”

According to Green’s guilty plea, from April to May 2007 Green, through his coconspirator, arranged on two separate occasions to provide minor victims to an acquaintance of Green’s who was paying to have sex with the victims. On both occasions “dippers” or “wets” (cigarettes dipped in phencyclidine liquid known as PCP), were available in the hotel room where the girls were brought to have sex. Green also sold cocaine to that same individual.

This case was investigated by members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, which was created in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md/Human-Trafficking/index.html.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein and Acting Assistant Attorney General Loretta King thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Montgomery County Police Department for their investigative work. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Solette Magnelli, and Trial Attorney James Felte of the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, who prosecuted the case.

US Justice Department Announces Biggest Health Care Fraud Settlement in Its History

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:19:49 -0700

Pfizer to Pay $2.3 Billion for Fraudulent Marketing

WASHINGTON, DC - American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. and its subsidiary Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc. (hereinafter together “Pfizer”) have agreed to pay $2.3 billion, the largest health care fraud settlement in the history of the Department of Justice, to resolve criminal and civil liability arising from the illegal promotion of certain pharmaceutical products, the Justice Department announced today.

Pharmacia & Upjohn Company has agreed to plead guilty to a felony violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for misbranding Bextra with the intent to defraud or mislead. Bextra is an anti-inflammatory drug that Pfizer pulled from the market in 2005. Under the provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, a company must specify the intended uses of a product in its new drug application to FDA. Once approved, the drug may not be marketed or promoted for so-called “off-label” uses – i.e., any use not specified in an application and approved by FDA. Pfizer promoted the sale of Bextra for several uses and dosages that the FDA specifically declined to approve due to safety concerns. The company will pay a criminal fine of $1.195 billion, the largest criminal fine ever imposed in the United States for any matter. Pharmacia & Upjohn will also forfeit $105 million, for a total criminal resolution of $1.3 billion.

In addition, Pfizer has agreed to pay $1 billion to resolve allegations under the civil False Claims Act that the company illegally promoted four drugs—Bextra; Geodon, an anti-psychotic drug; Zyvox, an antibiotic; and Lyrica, an anti-epileptic drug—and caused false claims to be submitted to government health care programs for uses that were not medically accepted indications and therefore not covered by those programs. The civil settlement also resolves allegations that Pfizer paid kickbacks to health care providers to induce them to prescribe these, as well as other, drugs. The federal share of the civil settlement is $668,514,830 and the state Medicaid share of the civil settlement is $331,485,170. This is the largest civil fraud settlement in history against a pharmaceutical company.

As part of the settlement, Pfizer also has agreed to enter into an expansive corporate integrity agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. That agreement provides for procedures and reviews to be put in place to avoid and promptly detect conduct similar to that which gave rise to this matter.

Whistleblower lawsuits filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act that are pending in the District of Massachusetts, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Eastern District of Kentucky triggered this investigation. As a part of today’s resolution, six whistleblowers will receive payments totaling more than $102 million from the federal share of the civil recovery.

The U.S. Attorney’s offices for the District of Massachusetts, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Eastern District of Kentucky, and the Civil Division of the Department of Justice handled these cases. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts led the criminal investigation of Bextra. The investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the FBI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Office of Criminal Investigations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Veterans’ Administration’s (VA) Office of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Inspector General for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Postal Service (USPS), the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and the offices of various state Attorneys General.

“Today’s landmark settlement is an example of the Department of Justice’s ongoing and intensive efforts to protect the American public and recover funds for the federal treasury and the public from those who seek to earn a profit through fraud. It shows one of the many ways in which federal government, in partnership with its state and local allies, can help the American people at a time when budgets are tight and health care costs are increasing,” said Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli. “This settlement is a testament to the type of broad, coordinated effort among federal agencies and with our state and local partners that is at the core of the Department of Justice’s approach to law enforcement.”

“This historic settlement will return nearly $1 billion to Medicare, Medicaid, and other government insurance programs, securing their future for the Americans who depend on these programs,” said Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services. “The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to seek opportunities to work with its government partners to prosecute fraud wherever we can find it. But we will also look for new ways to prevent fraud before it happens. Health care is too important to let a single dollar go to waste.”

“Illegal conduct and fraud by pharmaceutical companies puts the public health at risk, corrupts medical decisions by health care providers, and costs the government billions of dollars,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “This civil settlement and plea agreement by Pfizer represent yet another example of what penalties will be faced when a pharmaceutical company puts profits ahead of patient welfare.”

“The size and seriousness of this resolution, including the huge criminal fine of $1.3 billion, reflect the seriousness and scope of Pfizer’s crimes,” said Mike Loucks, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. “Pfizer violated the law over an extensive time period. Furthermore, at the very same time Pfizer was in our office negotiating and resolving the allegations of criminal conduct by its then newly acquired subsidiary, Warner-Lambert, Pfizer was itself in its other operations violating those very same laws. Today’s enormous fine demonstrates that such blatant and continued disregard of the law will not be tolerated.”

“Although these types of investigations are often long and complicated and require many resources to achieve positive results, the FBI will not be deterred from continuing to ensure that pharmaceutical companies conduct business in a lawful manner,” said Kevin Perkins, FBI Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division.

“This resolution protects the FDA in its vital mission of ensuring that drugs are safe and effective. When manufacturers undermine the FDA’s rules, they interfere with a doctor’s judgment and can put patient health at risk,” commented Michael L. Levy, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “The public trusts companies to market their drugs for uses that FDA has approved, and trusts that doctors are using independent judgment. Federal health dollars should only be spent on treatment decisions untainted by misinformation from manufacturers concerned with the bottom line.”

“This settlement demonstrates the ongoing efforts to pursue violations of the False Claims Act and recover taxpayer dollars for the Medicare and Medicaid programs,” noted Jim Zerhusen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

“This historic settlement emphasizes the government’s commitment to corporate and individual accountability and to transparency throughout the pharmaceutical industry,” said Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. “The corporate integrity agreement requires senior Pfizer executives and board members to complete annual compliance certifications and opens Pfizer to more public scrutiny by requiring it to make detailed disclosures on its Web site. We expect this agreement to increase integrity in the marketing of pharmaceuticals.”

“The off-label promotion of pharmaceutical drugs by Pfizer significantly impacted the integrity of TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s healthcare system,” said Sharon Woods, Director, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “This illegal activity increases patients’ costs, threatens their safety and negatively affects the delivery of healthcare services to the over nine million military members, retirees and their families who rely on this system. Today’s charges and settlement demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those that abuse the government’s healthcare programs at the expense of the taxpayers and patients.”

“Federal employees deserve health care providers and suppliers, including drug manufacturers, that meet the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior,” said Patrick E. McFarland, Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “Today’s settlement reminds the pharmaceutical industry that it must observe those standards and reflects the commitment of federal law enforcement organizations to pursue improper and illegal conduct that places health care consumers at risk.”

“Health care fraud has a significant financial impact on the Postal Service. This case alone impacted more than 10,000 postal employees on workers’ compensation who were treated with these drugs,” said Joseph Finn, Special Agent in Charge for the Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General. “Last year the Postal Service paid more than $1 billion in workers’ compensation benefits to postal employees injured on the job.”

Former Ft. Campbell Soldier Sentenced to Life in Prison After Conviction on Charges Related to Deaths of Iraqi Civilians

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:27:00 -0700

WASHINGTON, DC - A former Ft. Campbell, Ky., soldier was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell to life in prison after being convicted on May 7, 2009, of charges arising out of the rape of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and the murder of the girl and her family, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Candace G. Hill of the Western District of Kentucky announced today.

Steven D. Green, 24, was convicted by a federal jury in Louisville, Ky., on all charged counts, including premeditated murder, aggravated sexual abuse, felony murder, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual abuse, use of firearms during the commission of violent crimes, and obstruction of justice. The jury that convicted Green said it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on whether the defendant should be sentenced to death. Because the jury did not unanimously reach a decision on the death penalty, the court sentenced Green to life in prison. Green was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 2, 2006.

Green was charged with the crimes following an incident that occurred on March 12, 2006, in and around Mahmoudiyah, Iraq. According to evidence presented at trial, while manning a military checkpoint, Green and other fellow soldiers discussed raping and killing Iraqis. Trial evidence showed that Green and others then took off their uniforms, put on black clothing, left their post and forced their way into the nearby home of the Al-Janabi family. Evidence presented at trial proved that Green then took the mother, father, and 6-year-old into a bedroom where he shot and killed them. In the living room, Green and the other soldiers raped the 14-year-old and then Green repeatedly shot her in the face and set her body on fire. Green then tried to blow up the house, according to trial evidence, after which the soldiers returned to their checkpoint. After committing the rape and murders, trial testimony revealed that Green bragged to others that the experience was “awesome.”

“While the scars from these tragic crimes, including the senseless murder of four innocent Iraqi civilians, cannot be erased by the jury’s conviction and sentence of Steven Green, we sincerely hope the victims’ family may find some solace in the United States’ commitment to justice in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division. “The defendant’s brutal actions detailed at trial are an affront to the rule of law and stand in stark contrast to the admirable conduct of the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces who serve our country with honor.”

“Steven Green’s conviction and sentence are the culmination of the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of the trial attorneys Marisa Ford, Jim Lesousky, and Brian Skaret, and of the agents of the FBI and the Army’s Criminal Investigative Division. I am proud that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky could play a major role in bringing this case to justice, particularly on behalf of the surviving victims of these crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Candace G. Hill. “The jury’s conviction and sentence reflect the shocking nature of these crimes. The honorable service in Iraq of thousands of this country’s armed forces should not be tarnished by this shameful event.”

“Fortunately, the brutal and senseless crimes perpetrated in this case are uncommon on the battlefield, but nevertheless, important to investigate and to prosecute,” said Assistant Director Kevin L. Perkins of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains committed to working with our military law enforcement partners to uncover any such crimes occurring domestically or abroad.”

“We sincerely hope that today’s sentencing helps to bring the loved ones of this Iraqi family some semblance of closure and comfort after this horrific and senseless act,” said Brigadier General Rodney Johnson, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. “Our agents worked tirelessly and shoulder to shoulder with the FBI and the attorneys. The sentencing is a true testament to our commitment and dedication to bring anyone who commits a crime while serving in the U.S. military to justice, regardless of the circumstances.”

Green was discharged from the U.S. Army in May 2006 and was prosecuted in U.S. District Court under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), a statute that gives U.S. courts jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed outside the United States by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution. Green’s co-conspirators were prosecuted by military authorities under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Green, formerly stationed at Ft. Campbell and deployed to Iraq while serving with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, was arrested by the FBI on June 30, 2006, on federal charges of murder and rape based on MEJA.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Ford and Jim Lesousky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Brian Skaret of the Criminal Division’s Domestic Security Section.

A New Place for Dancers to Keep on Their Toes

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:03:37 -0700

INTERNET - MyDanceContacts.Com is bringing dancers together in a unique web site designed just for dancers. This is where the dancers of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow come together, communicate their experiences and creative thoughts, and help one another better themselves in the world of dance.

MyDanceContacts.Com is a membership based internet community (similar to FACEBOOK) designed by a dancer for dancers. MyDanceContacts.Com network has been created to provide dancers with access to a continuously expanding community of dance artists, dance schools, performance companies and dance organizations that offer all types of dance, movement, garments, equipment and professional associations of interest to all dancers.

Members are able to:

1.) Build "dance contacts" throughout the world in their personal instant messaging program.

2.) Locate individual members, performance company members, school members, and vendors using our advanced search engine.

3.) Create postings on their personal web page within the MyDanceContacts.Com network.

As the MyDanceContacts.Com network database grows, it will become the best single location for every dancer or dance organization to keep up to date on the current trends within the dance community and the people that create them.

Every type of dance that is known is welcome. Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Ballroom, Clogging, Historical, Folk (all countries), Tap, Hip-Hop, and Character are just some types of dance included in the MyDanceContacts.Com network.

To become an Individual Member it is recommend that the person be of high school age or older. If they are under the age of (18) they will need to have their parent or guardian pay for their membership. This also allows for the parent or guardian to be notified when someone wants to contact their child through MyDanceContacts.Com advance networking system.

There are two types of membership. The first type is an Individual Member. This is for individuals from beginner through professional. Since dancers usually have little money MyDanceContacts.Com felt that membership should be affordable to all dancers. An Individual membership costs less than a Grand Latte at a trendy coffee house per month or $1.67 per month ($19.99 per year). Couples can join and "share" an Individual account.

The second type of membership is a Commercial Membership. A commercial membership is for performance companies, schools of dance and movement, dance organizations, and supply outlets. Again MyDanceContacts.Com felt this should be highly affordable to all of these groups and businesses.A commercial membership costs just twice that of the Individual membership or $3.34 per month ($39.99 per year).

Yoga, Pilates, and Gyrotonics are included in MyDanceContacts.Com because dancers are always seeking activities that will keep them fit during times where actual dance classes are not available. These have been proven exercise groups that enhance a dancer's total health and well being.

Madigan Files Lawsuits Against Acai Berry Marketers

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:23:20 -0700

Illinois Attorney General Goes After Aggressive Marketers Making False Endorsement Claims and Deceptively Charging Consumers after "Free Trials"

CHICAGO, IL - Attorney General Lisa Madigan yesterday urged consumers to be cautious of signing up for free trials of acai berry products. Madigan filed consumer fraud lawsuits against three suppliers and a local affiliate marketer of acai berry products charging that the companies lure customers with free trial offers – through aggressive Internet marketing techniques – and then charge customers' credit cards prematurely, do not always supply the product and make it nearly impossible to cancel.

"For thousands of dieters, the quest for a miracle product has become a nightmare," said Attorney General Madigan. "Far too often, consumers end up losing their money – not weight – in these deals."

Madigan filed three lawsuits August 19, 2009, in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

In addition, Harpo, Inc., producers of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The Dr. Oz Show," along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, filed a trademark infringement complaint today against 40 Internet marketers of dietary supplements, including acai berry products among others. The Attorney General's office and representatives from Chicago-based Harpo, Inc., coordinated an investigation of consumer complaints – many provided to the Attorney General's office by Harpo – revealing the deceptive practices of these companies. Neither Ms. Winfrey nor Dr. Oz has ever sponsored or endorsed any acai berry or dietary supplement product.

"The acai berry supplement sales programs are among the most aggressive that we have seen using misleading sales tactics to scam consumers," said Attorney General Madigan. "Consumers should always be skeptical and educate themselves instead of blindly believing any endorsement claims. Also, consumers need to be very wary of weight loss and health claims that sound too good to be true."

Madigan filed two separate lawsuits against three suppliers and their related entities. In the first lawsuit against an acai berry supplement supplier, Madigan sued Advanced Wellness Research, its successor, Netalab, and Nicholas Molina, the former president of Advanced Wellness and an agent of Netalab. Both companies are based in Florida and operate out of a fulfillment center in Wood Dale, Ill. Madigan's second supplier lawsuit is against Crush LLC and its owner, TMP Nevada, Inc., based in Utah.

The complaints against the suppliers allege that these companies engage in a very similar scam to market and sell acai berry supplements. According to the complaints, the companies offer consumers a "free trial" to entice them to sign up by providing a credit card number for shipping and handling charges. The companies use the "free trial" period to hook the consumers into a continuity sales program, where consumers are often unaware that they have agreed to buy a monthly supply of acai berry supplements (or other health supplement products) for $29 to $89 per month unless they cancel their orders within 14 days. Many consumers do not even receive shipment of the trial supplements before they are billed for the first monthly installment shipment. As part of this scam, consumers then find it very difficult to cancel future orders. The companies often bill consumers' credit cards for a few months supply before the consumers are able to cancel the orders or cancel their credit card payments.

In the third complaint filed today, Madigan sued Amirouche & Norton, LLC and Larby Amirouche, an affiliate marketer that uses Internet search engines, pop-up ads, Web sites, and advertising on social networking sites to drive Internet traffic to suppliers' Web sites. Madigan's complaint alleges that the marketer misleads consumers through false advertising and false endorsements. Affiliate marketers like Amirouche & Norton are generally paid by sellers for driving traffic to their sites. The affiliate marketers receive compensation when Internet users click-through to the sellers' sites and commission for sales resulting from traffic that they route to the sellers' site.

"We must hold these Internet scammers accountable for their role in a seedy marketing game that steers unsuspecting consumers to online schemes," Madigan said. "We also need to send a clear message to other marketers and networks in the business of designing misleading, traffic enticing schemes."

Madigan's three suits ask the court to enter a permanent injunction barring the defendants from selling dietary supplements or continuing with misleading marketing schemes that impact Illinois consumers. The lawsuits also ask the court to order the defendants to pay restitution for consumers who have lost money and civil penalties of $50,000 for violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

Assistant Attorney General Adam Sokol is handling the cases for Madigan's Consumer Fraud Bureau.

Consumers who want to file a complaint with Madigan's office can download a complaint form from the Attorney General's Web site at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov or call the Consumer Fraud Hotline at:

Chicago Consumer Fraud Hotline: 1-800-386-5438
Springfield Consumer Fraud Hotline: 1-800-243-0618
Carbondale Consumer Fraud Hotline: 1-800-243-0607
Spanish Language Hotline: 1-866-310-8398

Suspect Arrested in “Winnie the Pooh” Robbery

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:02:06 -0700

CHICAGO, IL - Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was joined today by Jody P. Weis, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Thomas Dart, Cook County Sheriff, in announcing the arrest of a Chicago man who is believed to be responsible for the armed robbery of three (3) Chicago area banks in the past week.

MICHAEL J. VEYSADA, age 45, whose last known address was 5541 West Byron in Chicago, was arrested Friday evening by FBI Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the Chicago FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) at the Byron Street address. VEYSADA was taken into custody without incident, although the arresting agents and officers were forced to neutralize a
Pit Bull that attacked them as they entered the residence.

VEYSADA was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with one count of Armed Bank Robbery, which is a felony offense. The charge relates to the August 12th theft from the MB Financial Bank branch, located at 600 West Plainfield Road in Countryside. According to the complaint, VEYSADA is alleged to have entered the Countryside bank around 1:30 PM, approached a teller and orally announced a robbery. VEYSADA implied that he was armed with a handgun and threatened the teller with harm, if his demands were not met. After obtaining approximately $1300 in cash, VEYSADA fled the bank on foot and was not further seen.

Though not charged with any additional thefts, VEYSADA is also a suspect in the August 7th robbery of the Chase Bank branch in Park Ridge and the August 10th robbery of the Bank of America branch, located at 5541 North Harlem in Chicago.

No shots were fired and no injuries were reported during any of the robberies. The three robberies were investigated jointly by the Chicago FBI and Detectives from the Park Ridge and Countryside Police Departments.

FBI Agents and Task Force Officers were led to VEYSADA and the Byron Street address, following a tip from a member of the public who had seen media reports about the August 7th theft, where the robber was wearing a “Winnie the Pooh” sweatshirt. The tipster identified VEYSADA as the robber and also provided information as to his current whereabouts. Subsequent investigation by the FBI led to the charges that were announced today.

VEYSADA appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Mason, earlier today, at which time he was formally charged. VEYSADA was ordered held without bond, pending his next court appearance, which is scheduled for August 25th at 10:00 AM. Until then, VEYSADA will be housed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago. If convicted of the charge filed against him, VEYSADA faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years incarceration.

The Chicago FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents, Detectives from the Chicago Police Department and Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Copies of the criminal complaint filed in this case are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.

Help Sought Catching Winnie the Pooh Bandit

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:09:58 -0700

CHICAGO, IL - Below is a bank surveillance photo of the individual responsible for the armed robbery Friday afternoon of the Chase Bank branch, located at 1 South Northwest Highway in Park Ridge.

The robber was described as a white/male, 35 - 40 years of age, 6'0 tall, 225 pounds, with a medium build. He was wearing a blue, long sleeve sweatshirt with a "Winnie the Pooh" emblem on the front.

The robber was armed with a handgun, which he used to threaten bank employees with if his demands were not met. He fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. The FBI and Park Ridge PD are investigating.

Officials Identify Gulf War Pilot Michael Scott Speicher's Remains

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:18:23 -0700

WASHINGTON, DC - Remains found last month in Iraq’s Anbar province are those of Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, who was shot down flying a combat mission in an F/A-18 Hornet on Jan. 17, 1991, and whose fate until now had been uncertain, Defense Department officials reported today.

Acting on information provided by Iraqi civilians, Marines stationed in Anbar province went to a desert location believed to be the crash site of Speicher’s jet, and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology positively identified remains recovered there Speicher’s.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Speicher's family for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country," Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said. "I am also extremely grateful to all those who have worked so tirelessly over the last 18 years to bring Captain Speicher home."

Military officials have identified remains found in Iraq’s Anbar province as those of Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, was shot down while flying an F/A-18 Hornet combat mission on Jan. 17, 1991. U.S. Navy photo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The Navy’s top uniformed officer also praised the effort to determine Speicher’s fate and expressed gratitude for the fallen aviator’s sacrifice. “Our Navy will never give up looking for a shipmate, regardless of how long or how difficult that search may be,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Captain Speicher and his family for the sacrifice they have made for our nation and the example of strength they have set for all of us.”

In early July, an Iraqi civilian told Marines he knew twotwo people who recalled an American jet crashing and the remains of the pilot being buried. One of those people said he was present when Bedouins found Speicher dead and buried his remains. The Iraqis led Marines to the site, and the Marines searched the area. Remains were recovered over several days during the past week and were flown to Dover Air Force Base, Del., for scientific identification by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology’s Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

The recovered remains include bones and skeletal fragments. Positive identification was made by comparing Speicher’s dental records with the jawbone recovered at the site. The teeth are a match, both visually and radiographically, officials said.

While dental records have confirmed the remains to be Speicher’s, officials said, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology DNA Lab in Rockville, Md., is running DNA tests on the remains and comparing them to DNA reference samples previously provided by his family. Results are expected tomorrow.

(From a Defense Department news release.)

Be on the Alert for Bogus ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Offers

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:08:41 -0700

WASHINGTON, DC - Scam artists are trying to profit from the federal government’s new program that helps consumers buy or lease a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. According to a new consumer alert from the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, people should be on the lookout for so-called “cash for clunker” Web sites that ask for personal information – including name, address, and Social Security number – that they claim is necessary to “register” for the program. The scam artists behind these sites are phishing for personal information that can be used to commit identity theft and other frauds.

While many Web sites provide details about the CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program, there is only one official government site – www.cars.gov – and it does not ask for personal information. The FTC says consumers who come across a “cash for clunkers” Web site that encourages them to disclose personal information should report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov, or 1-877-FTC-HELP.

The consumer alert, Steer Clear of “Cash for Clunkers” Scams, is at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt174.shtm

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Encourages Consumers to Buy More Fuel Efficient Cars and Trucks

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:59:38 -0700

WASHINGTON, DC - Earlier this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood kicked off a buyer incentive program designed to help consumers purchase new fuel efficient vehicles and boost the economy at the same time. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), commonly referred to as Cash for Clunkers, is a new federal program that gives buyers up to $4,500 towards a new, more environmentally-friendly vehicle when they trade-in their old gas guzzling cars or trucks.

“With this program, we are giving the auto industry a shot in the arm and struggling consumers can get rid of their gas-guzzlers and buy a more reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle,” Secretary LaHood said. “This is good news for our economy, the environment and consumers’ pocketbooks.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also released the final eligibility requirements to participate in the program. Under the CARS program, consumers receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount from a car dealer when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new, qualifying vehicle.

In order to be eligible for the program, the trade-in passenger vehicle must: be manufactured less than 25 years before the date it is traded in; have a combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less; be in drivable condition; and be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year before the trade-in. Transactions must be made between now and November 1, 2009 or until the money runs out.

The vehicle that is traded in will be scrapped. NHTSA estimates the program could take approximately 250,000 vehicles that are not fuel efficient off the road.

In early August, NHTSA will launch a national television and Internet advertising campaign to further educate the public about CARS. Consumers are reminded that they do not need to register for the program in order to participate.

Admiral Expects U.S.-China Military Talks to Resume Soon

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:29:45 -0700

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - Plans are under way for the United States and China to take the first steps toward resuming their stalled military-to-military dialogue, possibly within the next couple months, the top U.S. officer in the region told reporters today.

Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, expressed optimism that an upcoming Military Maritime Consultative Agreement session -- agreed to during Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy's visit to Beijing in June for the Defense Consultative Talks -- will signal the start of more extensive military relations between the two countries.

After participating yesterday in the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue here, Keating said he's impressed by across-the-board interest in advancing that relationship.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who hosted the two days of talks that continue today, called them "the beginning of an unprecedented effort to lay the foundation for a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive U.S.-Chinese relationship for the 21st century."

Keating noted agreement by both the U.S. and Chinese delegations in resuming relations between the two countries' militaries as part of that broader effort.

The "unmistakable theme" of yesterday's talks was that both "want to continue to build upon the foundation of trust and mutual respect our two countries have, as manifest by military-to-military relations," he said.

Both President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao have made it clear they want the relations to resume, Keating said, so now it's only a matter of getting arrangements in place. "We have agreed to do it," he told reporters. "We are just working on the final details."

Plans are under way for the Military Marine Consultative Agreement session Keating said he expects to take place "in the very near future," probably in Beijing. Pinned down by reporters, he expressed hope the meeting occur "within a month or two."

After that session, Keating said, he looks forward to other opportunities for Chinese military officers to come to U.S. Pacific Command headquarters at Camp Smith, Hawaii, or to the Pentagon, and for senior U.S. military leaders to visit their counterparts in Beijing.

Keating said he’d like to see the military relationship extend to include humanitarian and disaster relief exercises, personnel exchanges, information-sharing on counterterrorism techniques and procedures and observation of bilateral and multilateral exercises.

A Chinese official noted during yesterday’s session that “no country can develop sound policy if it tries to do so in isolation,” Keating told reporters.

“I think that’s a great way of expressing the sense all of us feel – the desire to get back together again and discuss exercises, discuss personnel exchanges, discuss responses to humanitarian assistance crises and the provision of disaster relief,” he said.

Meanwhile, Keating called the Chinese military’s plans to establish a new Web site Aug. 1 a positive step forward in promoting transparency and a better understanding of China’s military intentions.

Mutual understanding of each other’s intentions, along with a foundation of trust, are “critical to enhancing peace and stability all across Asia and the Pacific region,” he said.

Face of Defense: Reservist Marks 40 Years of Service

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:31:25 -0700

By Army Staff Sgt. Lesley Waters
Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti - Richard Nixon became the 37th president of the United States, gas cost 35 cents per gallon, the New York Mets won the World Series in five games over the Baltimore Orioles, and Catharine Zeta-Jones, Brett Favre, Renee Zellweger and Jennifer Aniston were born. The year was 1969.

It was also the year Army Reserve Sgt. Maj. Samuel Stoner, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa's joint intelligence chief and senior enlisted advisor, was drafted into the military. Stoner said he never dreamed of making a career of the Army when he first got drafted.

"After serving my first two years on active duty, I just wanted to put the military behind me and get on with life," Stoner said. "Instead, I felt I had something more to offer my country and my fellow soldiers, so I decided to continue my first six-year obligation in the Army Reserve."

It wasn't until after the end of his six-year obligation in the reserves that he decided to make the Army a career.

"My plan was [to be promoted to] E-8 at 20 years and then punch," he said. "Here I am 40 years later; who would have ever thought? Now I am looking forward to kicking my feet up and laying back in my recliner at 'Fort Living Room, Pa.’"

The Chambersburg, Pa., native credits his long career to his first brigade command sergeant major at Fort Riley, Kan. Each time the command sergeant major saw Stoner, he would stop and say hello or ask how his day was going.

Army Brig. Gen. Chris Leins, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa deputy commander, presents Army Sgt. Maj. Samuel Stoner with the Legion of Merit Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during his 40-year career of service, July 21, 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Awalt

"Even though I was intimidated, … I always respected him for his genuine concern for the soldiers and I thought, if given the chance, I would like to emulate that same sense of concern," Stoner said.

Stoner is neither the first nor the only person in his family to serve in the military. His father served in the Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He also has a son who enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and was mobilized during Operation Desert Storm.

"Even though my son didn't make the military a career like I did, just knowing he was willing to make the sacrifice makes me proud of him for the time he served his country," he said.

Stoner added that his older brother, Barry, a retired Army master sergeant, was – and still is – an inspiration.

"My brother has always been an inspiration and an example for me to follow throughout my military career," he said. "I have tried to call my family at least once a week since my deployment, but I've always made a special effort to call him just to get words of encouragement from him. He has been a true brother to me in every meaning of the word."

Stoner said he has seen quite a change in the military in his 40 years of service, especially in attitudes and professionalism from the Cold War and Vietnam War era to Desert Storm and the present day.

"The Vietnam War created a different kind of professional through the will to survive a war, unlike the wars the U.S. fought in past years," he said. "We fought a war with valor to come home with less than a hero's welcome.”

Today's servicemembers, he added, have the advantage of technology that allows them to be better equipped and educated to meet the modern challenges. They also have more support on the home front, he said.

“Today, we find soldiers fighting on multiple fronts and returning home to welcome home ceremonies and cheering crowds across the entire country," Stoner said.

Though he’s proud of his 40-year career, Stoner said, it hasn’t been about him.

"To me, it has always been about taking care of soldiers," he said. "A true leader can never give enough of himself to a soldier who has given of himself so freely to his country."

Stoner received the Legion of Merit for his 40 years of service. After serving nearly a year here, he will return to his home unit in St. Louis before retiring to his home in Pennsylvania.

(Army Staff Sgt. Lesley Waters serves in the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa public affairs office.)

Hidden-cam Video of US Sports Reporter Erin Andrews May Cause Malware Infection

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:39:28 -0700

Links to Erin Andrews peephole video may infect PC and Mac users

IT security and control firm Sophos is warning all internet users to be wary of websites claiming to host a controversial nude video of high-profile ESPN reporter Erin Andrews - hackers are using the hype surrounding the hidden camera tape to distribute malware that will infect both PC and Mac computer systems.

The internet has been abuzz with news that a voyeur had secretly filmed the glamorous US sports reporter through the peephole of her hotel room door. Lawyers working for Andrews said that they will take legal action against anyone distributing the footage, which was taken without her knowledge or consent. However, opportunists and hackers have been quick to set up websites claiming to contain the illicit content, in the hope of driving internet traffic to their websites or infecting innocent victims.

Computer users who visit many of these sites are running the risk of being infected by the OSX/Jahlav-C Trojan horse on Macs, or the Mal/FakeAV-AY Trojan if visiting from a Windows computer. Once a hacker has control of your computer they can steal sensitive information and con unsuspecting computer users into paying for bogus online protection.

"If you want to look at naked women, buy yourself an adult magazine or get yourself a girlfriend. If you go searching for sleazy videos then don't be surprised if it's not just your mind that ends up corrupted, but your computer too," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, on his blog. "What's more, these attacks are aimed at both Mac and Windows users - hackers often now try to kill two birds with one stone by setting up malicious pages that can determine what type of computer you are using, and serve up the right malware accordingly."

As the hype continues to escalate online, Sophos notes that hackers have also taken to posting links to the malicious sites in as many places as possible including as comments on blogs written on the subject. Sophos advises that all computer users should avoid following untrusted links from blog and news story comments.

Schaumburg Murder Suspect Sought

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:10:26 -0700

CHICAGO, IL - Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public’s help in locating a former Hanover Park man who is wanted for the May 2001 beating death of a neighbor.

JOSE CAMACHO, age 41, whose last known address was 2335 Glendale Terrace in Hanover Park, Illinois has been the subject of a nationwide manhunt coordinated by the Chicago FBI since June of 2001, when he was charged by a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with one count of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP), which is a felony offense.

According to the complaint, CAMACHO was charged by local authorities in Schaumburg, Illinois with First Degree Murder for the May 25, 2001 beating, stabbing and drowning death of a then 28-year old neighbor, Flavio Venancio, whom CAMACHO had met and befriended, earlier that day. Venancio’s lifeless body was found floating face down in a retention pond near the Schaumburg Metra station by a work crew spraying for mosquitoes.

Subsequent investigation by the Schaumburg Police Department (SPD) identified CAMACHO as the killer, citing an alcohol induced argument as the motive for the killing. However, CAMACHO was never located and it is believed that he fled the state, shortly after the murder.

CAMACHO, who is also known as Homero Alvarez Salgado, is described as a Hispanic/male, 41 years of age, 5’ 8” tall, medium build, with black hair and brown eyes. CAMACHO has a tattoo that says “Veronica Solo Tu Un An Helo” on his left inner arm. He is believed to have relatives in and around the Anaheim, California area. CAMACHO has no known prior criminal record, but given the nature of the crime, he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone recognizing CAMACHO or having any information about his current whereabouts is asked to call either the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700 or any law enforcement agency.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DoD Committed to Supporting Guardmembers, Families

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:29:54 -0700

By Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Department of Defense is committed to supporting Guard and Reserve members and their families through policies that maintain strong family programs and innovative efforts, such as the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, a senior DoD official told lawmakers, July 22.

"They have unique issues and opportunities," said Air Force Col. Cory Lyman, the assistant director of individual and family support policy for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. "Great responsibilities have been placed on the shoulders of Guard and Reserve members and their families."

Lyman and several other DoD representatives testified in a hearing before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Lyman said reserve component family programs address family needs that differ in "meaningful ways" from active component families.

"For instance, Guard and Reserve families are community-based and connected," he said. "They're also dispersed geographically across some 4,000 communities nationwide. These realities create challenges and also offer great opportunities to link with community resources."

Lyman said that one advantage to the geographic dispersal of the reserve components is that friends and neighbors become more aware of a Guard family's sacrifices.

"I think that these families many times approach their challenges with tremendous courage and grace," he said. "And the people around them may not see the kinds of pressures under which they're functioning."

Lyman added that since these families live off of military installations, it is important to build awareness within their communities.

Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston said he believes the reserve components provide a vital link to the American public.

"When there's a natural disaster, and it's ... those Soldiers out there that are providing relief in those communities, they're the ones that really directly impact and make an impact on Americans out there in those communities."

To help reserve component members through the deployment cycle, the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program was developed and "it works hand in hand with the family program to enhance family readiness, and it helps to smooth many of the potential challenges of military deployments," Lyman said.

He added that the department will continue to collaborate with the many agencies and programs that help deliver critical family programs to Guard and Reserve members and their families.

Rep. Dave Loebsack of Iowa said he has heard several complaints about the Yellow Ribbon Program, including: families are alienated by the overuse of PowerPoint presentations; meetings are held during drills, which leads to the misperception that they are only for Guard members; Veterans Affairs should be involved to provide one-on-one counseling, assistance with paperwork and an explanation of benefits; and finally meetings are not required to be held over a certain period of time, which leads to meetings being held close together.

He said often the stress does not appear for several weeks or months after a Guard member returns home. Lyman said with the help of DoD's Office of Military Family and Community Policy, kits have been provided to Guard units that will help make these events more "family friendly."

These kits are provided to each joint force headquarters in the National Guard, and they include a "movie in a box" and other activities to involve children in these events. Lyman said these meetings are often held at the local armory, but it is recommended that "they be held in a location where the family can feel relaxed and get the message that they are important to the military and that we want them to participate and feel welcomed."

The Centers of Excellent for Yellow Ribbon Reintegration will be the clearinghouse for feedback from family members and will help to formulate best practices that can be pushed to the states.

Also, an advisory group has been established, which will provide some guidance and direction to the program. Lyman said there is an effort at the local level to assess these events to make sure that they are continually improving.

Negative experiences could be very detrimental to the program, "and we've got to make sure that across the board we have a high level of excellence and the people feel like. This is something I want to come back to," he said.

TERRORISM TAKEDOWN: Seven Charged in North Carolina

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:21:16 -0700

NORTH CAROLINA - FBI agents this morning arrested a group of homegrown terrorists in North Carolina who were heavily armed, organized, and making plans to wage jihad overseas. The seven men arrested - including a father and his two sons - were charged with providing material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim, and injure people overseas.

The father, Daniel Patrick Boyd, once fought in Afghanistan and trained in terrorist camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan. All of the defendants are North Carolina residents, and all but one are U.S. citizens.

“The threat that terrorists and extremists pose to America and our allies has not dulled or gone away,” said Owen D. Harris, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Charlotte Division. “These arrests today show there are people living among us, in our communities in North Carolina and around the U.S., that are honing their skills to carry out acts of murder and mayhem.”

The seven-count indictment details a conspiracy that began in earnest in 2006 and continued until shortly before today’s arrests. The defendants trained in the U.S. for battle and were willing to die as martyrs. They raised money to support their training and in some cases recruited and radicalized others to further their cause overseas. In one case, Daniel Patrick Boyd traveled in March 2006 with one of his sons to Gaza to introduce him to individuals who believed violent jihad was a religious obligation. A year later, Boyd and several of the defendants went to Israel to wage jihad but returned without success.

The defendants, as well as some of the additional charges they face, are:

Daniel Patrick Boyd: The 39-year-old Boyd faces charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime, receiving a firearm through interstate commerce, and also selling a firearm to a felon.
Dylan Boyd: One of Daniel Boyd’s sons, Dylan, 22, is also charged with selling a firearm—a 9mm Beretta handgun—to a felon.
Zakariya Boyd: Also a son of Daniel Boyd, Zakariya, 20, is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime.
Hysen Sherifi: The 24-year-old Kosovo native is a legal U.S. resident. As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges he traveled to Kosovo in July 2008 to engage in violent jihad, then returned in April to raise support for the mujahedeen. Sherifi allegedly supplied $500 to help fund Daniel Boyd’s overseas efforts.
Anes Subasic: The 33-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen discussed preparations with Daniel Boyd to send two people overseas.
Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan: A 22-year-old U.S. citizen.
Ziyad Yaghi: The 21-year-old U.S. citizen traveled to Jordan in October 2006 to engage in violent jihad.

The indictment details the arsenal the defendants built up over several years, including handguns, assault rifles, and a Bushmaster M4A3 that Daniel Boyd allegedly received illegally in 2006. Over the past two months, the defendants practiced with the weapons and developed their military tactics on private property in rural Caswell County.

The Raleigh Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI Charlotte Division led the multi-year, multi-agency investigation, dubbed “Triangle Terror Takedown” in reference to the state’s research triangle, along with the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

“We will remain vigilant, so must the public,” Special Agent in Charge Harris said. “If you see or hear something, act. Call your local police department or the FBI.”