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Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Atlantis Events, Inc., to Resolve ADA Violations

Source: United States Department of Justice

Headline: Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Atlantis Events, Inc., to Resolve ADA Violations

Today the Justice Department reached a settlement agreement with Atlantis Events, Inc., (Atlantis), a cruise and resort vacation company with offices in West Hollywood, California, to ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing are provided effective communication when travelling with the company.

The settlement agreement resolves complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in which individuals who are deaf alleged that Atlantis failed to provide them with effective communication on a cruise.  Atlantis cooperated with the Department throughout the investigation.

Under the agreement, Atlantis will ensure that interpreters, transcription services, written exchanges, assistive listening devices, captioning, or other auxiliary aids and services are provided to individuals with hearing disabilities free of charge when necessary for effective communication, and it will designate an ADA liaison on all of its cruises to respond to disability-related requests from passengers.  In addition, Atlantis will pay a civil penalty of $10,000 to the United States and $9,000 in damages to the complainants.

“The ADA guarantees people with disabilities equal access to public accommodations, including communications access,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division.  “People with disabilities who are deaf or hard of hearing must be given the opportunity to fully participate on cruises and at resorts, and enjoy the services and activities a vacation company offers.” 

“Individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a right under federal law to the equal enjoyment of the services that travel companies provide to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna for the Central District of California.  “Atlantis is to be complimented for acknowledging its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and agreeing to implement policies and practices to ensure equal access and effective communication.”

People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this settlement agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov.

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Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Arizona Election Officials to Protect the Rights of Military and Overseas Voters in Arizona Special Election

Source: United States Department of Justice

Headline: Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Arizona Election Officials to Protect the Rights of Military and Overseas Voters in Arizona Special Election

The Justice Department today announced that the United States District Court for the District of Arizona has approved an agreement between the Department and the state of Arizona to help ensure that military service members, their family members, and U.S. citizens living overseas have an opportunity to participate fully in the upcoming Feb. 27, 2018, special primary election and April 24, 2018, special general election to fill a vacancy in the state’s 8th Congressional District.  The agreement is necessary to ensure compliance with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

The agreement provides additional time for state election officials to receive and count absentee ballots from eligible UOCAVA voters, in order to ensure that such voters will have sufficient time to receive and submit their absentee ballots for the Feb. 27, 2018 special primary election.  Under the agreement, UOCAVA ballots sent back by mail will be accepted for an additional 10 days–until March 9, 2018–so long as they are executed and sent by Feb. 27, 2018 and otherwise valid.  The agreement also requires that election officials take measures to notify UOCAVA voters of this extension and notify them of their options of returning their marked ballots by electronic upload or fax, or express mail at no expense to the voter.  The agreement also provides additional steps, if needed, to protect UOCAVA voters for the April 24, 2018 special general election.

“This agreement reflects this Department’s deep commitment to protecting the right to vote for members of our armed forces, their families, and overseas citizens, and ensuring that these voters are afforded a meaningful opportunity to vote in all federal elections, including special vacancy elections,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore for the Civil Rights Division. “I commend Arizona, the Secretary of State’s office, and other state officials, who worked collaboratively with the Department to achieve our shared goal of providing UOCAVA voters a full and fair opportunity to participate in the state’s upcoming special election, and all future special federal elections.”

UOCAVA requires states to allow uniformed service voters, serving both overseas and within the United States, and their families, and U.S. citizens residing overseas to register to vote and to vote absentee for all elections for federal office.  States are required to transmit absentee ballots to these voters, by mail or electronically at the voter’s option, no later than 45 days before each federal election, including special elections to fill vacancies for federal office.

Arizona law mandates a truncated election schedule for holding special elections to fill a vacancy for U.S. Representative, which prevented election officials from sending final ballots to UOCAVA voters by the 45th day before the Feb. 27, 2018 special primary election.  Under the terms of the agreement, Arizona will also provide reports to the Department of the notice provided to affected voters, receipt of ballots for the special primary election, and transmission of ballots for the special general election.  The state is also required to take the actions necessary to ensure that UOCAVA voters have a fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in future federal special elections. 

More information about UOCAVA and other federal voting laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/uniformed-and-overseas-citizens-absentee-voting-act. Please report any complaints to the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.

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Former Head on Enfield Community Development Corporation Charged with Stealing Government Funds

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Former Head on Enfield Community Development Corporation Charged with Stealing Government Funds

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza today announced that DARRIN LAMORE, 47, of Enfield, has been charged by a federal criminal complaint with stealing government funds from the Enfield Community Development Corporation.

On February 16, 2018, LAMORE appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $25,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents, LAMORE was the executive director of the Enfield Community Development Corporation (“ECDC”), a non-profit corporation that oversees economic development projects in Enfield, primarily in the Thompsonville section of the town.  The ECDC is supported with federal funds administered by the State of Connecticut.  From June 2012 to October 2015, LAMORE conspired with an employee of the Town of Enfield to falsify invoices and divert funds intended for economic development in Enfield and apply them to LAMORE’s salary.  Through this scheme, LAMORE stole more than $95,000 from the ECDC.

The complaint charges LAMORE with theft from a program receiving federal funds, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Enfield Police Department.  The Task Force also includes members from the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan.

Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.

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Justice Department Settles National Origin Discrimination Claim Against New York Restaurant

Source: United States Department of Justice

Headline: Justice Department Settles National Origin Discrimination Claim Against New York Restaurant

The Justice Department today announced it has reached a settlement with Food Love 125 Inc., d/b/a Ichiba Ramen, a New York City restaurant, to resolve the Department’s investigation into whether the restaurant violated the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) anti-discrimination provision. 

A worker’s complaint initiated the Justice Department’s investigation, which revealed that Ichiba Ramen’s former chef discriminated against a job applicant when it refused to hire him as a server because he is not Korean or Japanese.  The investigation also revealed that prior chefs had not placed such limitations on the restaurant’s hiring of servers. The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers with four to 14 employees from discriminating against individuals because of their national origin.

Under the settlement agreement, Ichiba Ramen will pay a civil penalty, undergo training on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, and post notices informing workers about their rights under the INA.  The restaurant also paid $1,760 in back pay to compensate the affected applicant.

“Today’s settlement should serve as a reminder to small employers that hiring discrimination based on national origin violates the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, and the Justice Department is committed to holding employers accountable for such violations,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. 

The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), formerly known as the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA.  Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation and intimidation.  Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits national origin discrimination by employers that employ 15 or more workers. 

For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email IER@usdoj.gov; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.

Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to retaliation; different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.

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Third arrest in Canning Town murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Third arrest in Canning Town murder

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in Canning Town have made a third arrest.

A 17-year-old boy [C] was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, 19 February. He was taken to an east London police station where he remains in custody.

An investigation was launched after officers were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 20:00hrs on Wednesday, 14 February to reports of a male suffering stab injuries on Goldwing Close, E16.

Officers attended and 17-year-old Lord Promise Nkenda – known as Promise – who was from Newham was pronounced dead at the scene at 20:38hrs.

A post-mortem examination held at East Ham Mortuary on Thursday, 15 February gave cause of death as stab wounds to the chest.

On Saturday, 17 February, two 17-year-old boys [A and B] were arrested. They were both charged with the murder of Lord Promise Nkenda and robbery.

They appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 February and are due to appear in custody at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 21 February.

Detective Inspector Perry Benton from the Homicide and Major Crime Command is leading the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Crime Command incident room on 020 8345 3775 or via 101 quoting reference 8884/14Feb.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Website Available With Information for Potential Victims of Credit Card Skimming Scheme

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Website Available With Information for Potential Victims of Credit Card Skimming Scheme

MADISON, WIS. — Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 29, 2017, Alejandro Arias-Perez, 29, Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of device making equipment.  There is a website with information for those who believe they may the victims of the defendant’s credit card theft scheme.  Information on the scheme and the website is provided below.

The government’s investigation into Arias-Perez revealed that from August to September 2016, Arias-Perez was involved in a credit card skimming scheme involving gas stations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota, including: 

  1. On August 12, 2016, Arias-Perez placed a skimming device inside a gas pump at the Shell gas station at 4821 East Washington Avenue in Madison.  The skimmer was discovered on August 23, 2016.  A forensic analysis of the skimmer revealed that it contained 382 credit or debit card numbers.
  1. On August 16, 2016, police officers discovered a skimmer inside a gas pump at a Super America gas station in Maple Grove, Minnesota.  The investigation revealed that Arias-Perez likely placed the skimmer in the gas pump between August 9 and August 16, 2016.  A forensic analysis of the skimmer revealed that it contained 269 credit or debit card numbers.  
  1. On September 1, 2016, Madison police officers discovered a skimmer placed inside a gas pump at the BP gas station located at 318 South Park Street.  The investigation revealed that Arias-Perez placed the skimmer inside of the pump between August 9 and August 12, 2016. A forensic analysis of the skimmer revealed that it contained 547 credit or debit card numbers.

Credit card account holders and financial institutions who believe they may be potential victims of Arias-Perez’s credit card theft scheme will find additional information about this case at:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/case/united-states-v-alejandro-arias-perez-case-no-17-r-00040.  Potential victims who can document direct and proximate harm, including financial loss suffered as a result of the charged conduct, may complete a “Declaration of Loss” and/or a “Victim Impact Statement” which can be found on the above site, and return them to the United States Attorney’s Office for determination of their crime victims’ rights status. Victims of this crime may be entitled to restitution.

On April 27, 2017, a search warrant was executed at Arias-Perez’s residence in Miami.  During the search, agents located various electronic devices and equipment used for stealing credit card information.  Based on a forensic analysis of the electronic equipment recovered from Arias-Perez’s residence and the recovered skimmers in the case, investigators have determined that Arias-Perez is responsible for the theft of approximately 57,000 credit card numbers.

Arias-Perez will be sentenced on April 3, 2018.

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Sallisaw Man Sentenced To 65 Months For Oxycodone Distribution

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Sallisaw Man Sentenced To 65 Months For Oxycodone Distribution

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kevin Wayne Sanders Jr., age 29, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 65 months imprisonment and 6 years supervised release for Distribution Of Oxycodone, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). The Indictment alleged that on or about January 14, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Sallisaw Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The misuse of Oxycodone and other prescription pain medications is wreaking havoc on our communities. Those people that unlawfully distribute those drugs do so for their own profit without regard for the lives that will be devastated, and they must be stopped. The investigation and prosecution of the defendant has stopped him from further distribution and hopefully will deter others from getting involved in the drug trade business. The law enforcement agencies that contributed to this investigation should be commended for their efforts.” 
                                
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer represented the United States.

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Weleetka Man Sentenced To 24 Months, $100,000 Fine For Health Care Fraud

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Weleetka Man Sentenced To 24 Months, $100,000 Fine For Health Care Fraud

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Guy William Sheneman, age 61, of Weleetka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, $100,000 fine and 3 years supervised release for Health Care Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347. 

The Information alleged that beginning on January 3, 2012, and continuing through October 31, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant knowingly and willfully, with the intent to defraud, devised and executed a scheme to defraud the Medicaid and Medicare programs by causing fraudulent claims to be filed, in that defendant submitted claims for reimbursement for more expensive drugs than were actually dispensed to the patients.  
                                
The charge arose from an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Schemes like the defendant’s that defraud Medicaid and Medicare drive up the cost of health care and in essence steal tax dollars that should be used for legitimate medical claims. This investigation and prosecution of Mr. Sheneman put an end to the fraudulent padding of his pockets and holds him accountable. This office is thankful for the work of the HHS Inspector General and the FBI which allowed us to successfully prosecute the defendant.” 
                                
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Jude in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson represented the United States.

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Durant Man Sentenced To 40 Months For Bank Robbery

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Durant Man Sentenced To 40 Months For Bank Robbery

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Graham Allen Helms, age 30, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment, and 3 years supervised release for two counts of Bank Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). Helms was ordered to pay $6,000.00 in restitution. The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department, the Coal County Sherriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The Information alleged that on or about July 24, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, by force, violence and intimidation did take from the person and presence of another, money belonging to and in the care, custody, control, management and possession of IBC Bank, located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, a bank whose deposits were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 

The Information further alleged that on or about August 1, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, by force, violence and intimidation did take from the person and presence of another, money belonging to and in the care, custody, control, management and possession of Shamrock Bank, located in Coalgate, Oklahoma, a bank whose deposits were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.             

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Over the course of one week the defendant committed two bank robberies, each time by using a note to threaten violence. Although he had no prior criminal history, these offenses were serious in nature and the defendant is being held accountable for his criminal conduct. It is our hope that his time in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons and the three year period that he is supervised by the United States Probation Office following his imprisonment will serve to protect the public and also deter Mr. Helms from committing additional criminal acts.” Kuester added, “I would like to commend the Ardmore Police Department, the Coal County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for their investigation and swift apprehension of the defendant following the robberies.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

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Cherry Tree Man Sentenced To 51 Months For Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Cherry Tree Man Sentenced To 51 Months For Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Leeroy Soap Jr, age 40, of Cherry Tree, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment, and 3 years supervised release for Assault With A Dangerous Weapon In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3), 1151 and 1153.  The charge arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Adair County Sherriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 13, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, within Indian country, on an Indian allotment the Indian title to which had not been extinguished, and within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly assault J.E. with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. 
                                
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with state, local, tribal and federal agencies to combat violent crime. The investigation and prosecution of Mr. Soap involved four different agencies working cooperatively to achieve justice for the victim and to hold the defendant accountable for his actions.” 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.