WASHINGTON, June 30 - What do newly declassified documents about weapons grade uranium and dual-use technology diversions from the US reveal about the role of espionage in building Israel's secret arsenal? Did Israel's proposed nuclear weapons sales to apartheid South Africa signal they are still for sale if the partner and price are right? Do FBI and CIA cover-ups of investigations into Israeli nuclear espionage signal official US government approval or political acquiescence? Did cooperating with Israel's policy of "strategic ambiguity" ever make sense for the United States? Is the era of "nuclear opacity" now coming to an end? Are Israel's nuclear weapons of strategic benefit to the US? Join our panelists for an exciting discussion of these timely questions!
Sasha Polakow-Suransky is editor of Foreign Affairs magazine at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of the 2010 book "The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa."
John J. Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and the co-director of the Program on International Security Policy at the University of Chicago and author of the book "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" and coauthor of "The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy."
Grant F. Smith is director of the Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy (IRmep) and author of the books "Spy Trade," "America's Defense Line" and "Foreign Agents".
Moderated by Middle East analyst Jeffrey Blankfort, host of the Northern California public radio station KZYX international affairs program, "Takes on the World."
The sole sponsor of this event is IRmep's Mordechai Vanunu Open Nuclear Dialogue Initiative. This free panel discussion with Q&A and continental breakfast buffet begins at 10AM, July 7, 2010 in the International Spy Museum's special events room, 800 F Street NW--Washington, DC 20004. Seating is limited. Register online at http://www.irmep.org/nuclear.htm
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Thursday, July 1, 2010
Phoenix Attorney and Two Accountants Plead Guilty to Participation in Fraudulent Offshore Tax Shelter Scheme
WASHINGTON, June 30 - Attorney Steven W. Allen pleaded guilty in federal court in Arizona to taking part in a conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by promoting a fraudulent offshore trust scheme to hide his clients' income, the Justice Department and IRS announced today. Allen P. Goodmansen, a certified public accountant, pleaded guilty to participating in the same conspiracy. Charles D. Kober, an accountant, pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return for a client who used the trust scheme.
According to the indictment and the plea agreements, from at least 1997 to 2004, Allen, Goodmansen and others, participated in a scheme to help their clients evade their income taxes. Allen set up a series of offshore trusts in which his clients hid their income from the IRS. Allen also helped his clients hide their ownership of businesses and other assets by directing them to title their businesses and other assets in the names of their foreign trusts. Allen charged his clients between $10,000 and $30,000 to set up the trust packages.
The indictment and plea agreements further state that, at Allen's direction, accountants Goodmansen and Kober prepared false trust tax returns to create the appearance that their clients' income belonged to their trusts. Goodmansen and Kober also prepared fraudulent personal tax returns for some of their clients. These fraudulent tax returns omitted the income that the clients hid through the foreign trusts. To hide the fact that the scheme was taking place in Arizona, Allen caused the false trust tax returns to be mailed to the IRS from outside the United States. In fact, none of the clients' money or other assets were outside of the United States. Goodmansen also personally used the scheme in 2002 to hide his own income from the IRS.
Allen and Goodmansen face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Kober faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Allen will be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2010, and Goodmansen and Kober will be sentenced on Sept. 13, 2010.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation in Phoenix, and is being prosecuted by Tax Division Trial Attorneys Monica B. Edelstein and Michael J. Romano.
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According to the indictment and the plea agreements, from at least 1997 to 2004, Allen, Goodmansen and others, participated in a scheme to help their clients evade their income taxes. Allen set up a series of offshore trusts in which his clients hid their income from the IRS. Allen also helped his clients hide their ownership of businesses and other assets by directing them to title their businesses and other assets in the names of their foreign trusts. Allen charged his clients between $10,000 and $30,000 to set up the trust packages.
The indictment and plea agreements further state that, at Allen's direction, accountants Goodmansen and Kober prepared false trust tax returns to create the appearance that their clients' income belonged to their trusts. Goodmansen and Kober also prepared fraudulent personal tax returns for some of their clients. These fraudulent tax returns omitted the income that the clients hid through the foreign trusts. To hide the fact that the scheme was taking place in Arizona, Allen caused the false trust tax returns to be mailed to the IRS from outside the United States. In fact, none of the clients' money or other assets were outside of the United States. Goodmansen also personally used the scheme in 2002 to hide his own income from the IRS.
Allen and Goodmansen face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Kober faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Allen will be sentenced on Sept. 20, 2010, and Goodmansen and Kober will be sentenced on Sept. 13, 2010.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation in Phoenix, and is being prosecuted by Tax Division Trial Attorneys Monica B. Edelstein and Michael J. Romano.
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JCP&L Announces 2010 Power Systems Institute Graduates
Successful Program Will Add 44 New Employees and 40 Summer Workers
MORRISTOWN, N.J., June 30 - Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), Raritan Valley Community College, and Brookdale Community College are pleased to announce the Power Systems Institute (PSI) Class of 2010. Forty-four graduates of the program have been hired by JCP&L. In addition, 40 students currently enrolled in the program have been hired as summer workers.
PSI is an award-winning, two-year educational program designed by JCP&L's parent company, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) , to prepare the next generation of utility line and substation workers. Students in the program can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus on electric utility technology, and may be eligible to receive free tuition, including college fees, books and required protective clothing.
Brookdale Community College Graduates joining JCP&L are: Michael Baniowski, Jason Bridges, Steven Brendel, Thomas Brown, Daniel Crenshaw, William Dahrouge, Anthony Durando, Kevin Froes, Robert Graczyk, Richard Greene, Doug Howe, Paul LaMonica, Thomas Liana, Josh Linkhart, Michael Marino, Jonathan Nelson, Christian Nguyen, Joseph Olini, Alonzo Rawls, Benjamin Seymour, Justin Shulske, John Thomas, and Tom Zadroga.
Raritan Valley Community College graduates joining JCP&L are: Antonio Amendoeira, Mark Blanco, James Boyer, Jeff Briggs, Richard Coates, Lance Cook, Andy Dabkowski, Ryan Derr, Ryan Farley, Thomas Farley, Alan Fernicola, Brian Fiorello, James Griner, Michael Hedlund, Kevin Kinney, Richard LaFevre, Kyle O'Loughlin, Ralph Price, James Schmidt, Brent Shoemaker and Anthony Virga.
"This year's graduating classes are examples of the success of the PSI program in educating and training the next generation of line and substation workers," said Don Lynch, JCP&L president. "Our new employees will continue to gain valuable experience while working alongside our veteran line and substation workers. They will also benefit from the additional programs we offer to provide continued training and opportunities for advancement. I am pleased to welcome them to JCP&L."
In addition to learning the skills necessary to become an electric utility worker, students completed academic courses including economics, applied physics and English composition. Students also earned first aid and CPR certifications and a Class A Commercial Driver's License.
Besides Raritan Valley Community College and Brookdale Community College, nine other colleges across FirstEnergy's service area offer the PSI program. More information on PSI is available at FirstEnergy's web site, http://firstenergycorp.com/career_center/technical_training/psi/index.html, or by calling 1-800-829-6801.
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties. JCP&L's service area includes all or portions of the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.
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MORRISTOWN, N.J., June 30 - Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), Raritan Valley Community College, and Brookdale Community College are pleased to announce the Power Systems Institute (PSI) Class of 2010. Forty-four graduates of the program have been hired by JCP&L. In addition, 40 students currently enrolled in the program have been hired as summer workers.
PSI is an award-winning, two-year educational program designed by JCP&L's parent company, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE) , to prepare the next generation of utility line and substation workers. Students in the program can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus on electric utility technology, and may be eligible to receive free tuition, including college fees, books and required protective clothing.
Brookdale Community College Graduates joining JCP&L are: Michael Baniowski, Jason Bridges, Steven Brendel, Thomas Brown, Daniel Crenshaw, William Dahrouge, Anthony Durando, Kevin Froes, Robert Graczyk, Richard Greene, Doug Howe, Paul LaMonica, Thomas Liana, Josh Linkhart, Michael Marino, Jonathan Nelson, Christian Nguyen, Joseph Olini, Alonzo Rawls, Benjamin Seymour, Justin Shulske, John Thomas, and Tom Zadroga.
Raritan Valley Community College graduates joining JCP&L are: Antonio Amendoeira, Mark Blanco, James Boyer, Jeff Briggs, Richard Coates, Lance Cook, Andy Dabkowski, Ryan Derr, Ryan Farley, Thomas Farley, Alan Fernicola, Brian Fiorello, James Griner, Michael Hedlund, Kevin Kinney, Richard LaFevre, Kyle O'Loughlin, Ralph Price, James Schmidt, Brent Shoemaker and Anthony Virga.
"This year's graduating classes are examples of the success of the PSI program in educating and training the next generation of line and substation workers," said Don Lynch, JCP&L president. "Our new employees will continue to gain valuable experience while working alongside our veteran line and substation workers. They will also benefit from the additional programs we offer to provide continued training and opportunities for advancement. I am pleased to welcome them to JCP&L."
In addition to learning the skills necessary to become an electric utility worker, students completed academic courses including economics, applied physics and English composition. Students also earned first aid and CPR certifications and a Class A Commercial Driver's License.
Besides Raritan Valley Community College and Brookdale Community College, nine other colleges across FirstEnergy's service area offer the PSI program. More information on PSI is available at FirstEnergy's web site, http://firstenergycorp.com/career_center/technical_training/psi/index.html, or by calling 1-800-829-6801.
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties. JCP&L's service area includes all or portions of the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.
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Cash for Appliances
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 30 - The Sears Blue Appliance Crew(TM) is helping Nebraska residents access the $1,711,000 in rebates available for ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances beginning July 6 until funds are exhausted, as part of the "Cash for Appliances" rebate program. As the 2010 ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year, Sears has revamped its website, Sears.com/energystar to include even more tools to help Americans learn about ENERGY STAR, search for rebates and credits, find the right appliance and dispose of the old one properly, and take small steps to make a big difference. In an effort to help Nebraska residents better manage the rebate process, the Sears site also includes an interactive map, energy savings rebate calculator and information about ENERGY STAR products that qualify for the state rebates so customers can quickly and easily identify their favorite brands and models that are available for in-store purchase.
"At Sears, we're always looking for ways to make it easier and more affordable for Americans to swap out their old, inefficient appliances for new, ENERGY STAR models," said Doug Moore, president of Home Appliances for Sears. "This rebate money will go quickly, so we encourage our customers in Nebraska to take advantage of the stimulus plan as early as possible to ensure access to the state funds."
Under the U.S. Department of Energy-approved appliance rebate plan for Nebraska, residents are eligible for rebates from $100 to $200(I) at Sears. In order to qualify, residents are required to replace their old appliances with new, ENERGY STAR qualified models and must submit proof of purchase within 30 days. In addition, Nebraska residents must purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances from registered retailers, such as Sears, and "self-certify" replacement of their old units in order to qualify for the following rebates:
-- $150 for dishwashers (less than or equal to 307 kilowatt hours per
year and less than or equal to 5.0 gallons per cycle)
-- $100 for clothes washers (Tier I)
-- $200 for clothes washers (Tier II)
-- $200 for refrigerators (20% above Federal Standard)
Nebraska residents are also eligible for rebates on energy-efficient, whole-house heating and cooling systems including gas and propane furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners. Residents who are interested in purchasing these systems can visit Sears.com/energystar for a complete listing of qualifying products and available rebates, or call Sears Home Services at 1-800-766-6298 to arrange an in-home appointment.
"Sears is proud to be the first retail member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program, which demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the environment through responsible appliance disposal," Moore said. "Not only are we helping the environment by reducing emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases, but we are also making it easier for customers, like those in Nebraska, to dispose of their old appliances responsibly."
Through the RAD(II) program, the Sears Home Delivery Haul Away Service provides removal of one old, inefficient appliance for each new appliance purchased and delivered. Once the old appliance is removed, Sears and its partners ensure that the disposal process takes place in an environmentally friendly manner to avoid the discarding of appliances in landfills. Many of the components of the old appliance are then recycled.
For Nebraska residents interested in purchasing energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, the Sears Blue Appliance Crew will assist shoppers from start to finish. They can:
-- Provide information about which appliances qualify for state rebates
in store and online at Sears.com/energystar
-- Help shoppers find rebates - searching by product category and
customer's zip code
-- Submit rebates for purchases electronically, before they leave the
store
-- Provide customers with the documentation required in order to receive
state rebates
-- Remove customers' old appliances and dispose of them in a responsible
manner through the Sears RAD program
Sears recently introduced a new initiative called "The Big Switch," to help families make the switch to five million ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. The Big Switch is aimed at helping families remove and recycle millions of inefficient appliances from the energy grid for good and saving families more than $2,500 on their utility bills(III). Sears is also launching a new website, searsbigswitch.com, where customers can take the Sears ENERGY STAR Pledge and learn more about how they can help reduce their energy and water consumption and reduce their impact on the environment.
"At Sears, we're always looking for ways to make it easier and more affordable for Americans to swap out their old, inefficient appliances for new, ENERGY STAR models," said Doug Moore, president of Home Appliances for Sears. "This rebate money will go quickly, so we encourage our customers in Nebraska to take advantage of the stimulus plan as early as possible to ensure access to the state funds."
Under the U.S. Department of Energy-approved appliance rebate plan for Nebraska, residents are eligible for rebates from $100 to $200(I) at Sears. In order to qualify, residents are required to replace their old appliances with new, ENERGY STAR qualified models and must submit proof of purchase within 30 days. In addition, Nebraska residents must purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances from registered retailers, such as Sears, and "self-certify" replacement of their old units in order to qualify for the following rebates:
-- $150 for dishwashers (less than or equal to 307 kilowatt hours per
year and less than or equal to 5.0 gallons per cycle)
-- $100 for clothes washers (Tier I)
-- $200 for clothes washers (Tier II)
-- $200 for refrigerators (20% above Federal Standard)
Nebraska residents are also eligible for rebates on energy-efficient, whole-house heating and cooling systems including gas and propane furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners. Residents who are interested in purchasing these systems can visit Sears.com/energystar for a complete listing of qualifying products and available rebates, or call Sears Home Services at 1-800-766-6298 to arrange an in-home appointment.
"Sears is proud to be the first retail member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program, which demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the environment through responsible appliance disposal," Moore said. "Not only are we helping the environment by reducing emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases, but we are also making it easier for customers, like those in Nebraska, to dispose of their old appliances responsibly."
Through the RAD(II) program, the Sears Home Delivery Haul Away Service provides removal of one old, inefficient appliance for each new appliance purchased and delivered. Once the old appliance is removed, Sears and its partners ensure that the disposal process takes place in an environmentally friendly manner to avoid the discarding of appliances in landfills. Many of the components of the old appliance are then recycled.
For Nebraska residents interested in purchasing energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, the Sears Blue Appliance Crew will assist shoppers from start to finish. They can:
-- Provide information about which appliances qualify for state rebates
in store and online at Sears.com/energystar
-- Help shoppers find rebates - searching by product category and
customer's zip code
-- Submit rebates for purchases electronically, before they leave the
store
-- Provide customers with the documentation required in order to receive
state rebates
-- Remove customers' old appliances and dispose of them in a responsible
manner through the Sears RAD program
Sears recently introduced a new initiative called "The Big Switch," to help families make the switch to five million ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. The Big Switch is aimed at helping families remove and recycle millions of inefficient appliances from the energy grid for good and saving families more than $2,500 on their utility bills(III). Sears is also launching a new website, searsbigswitch.com, where customers can take the Sears ENERGY STAR Pledge and learn more about how they can help reduce their energy and water consumption and reduce their impact on the environment.
North Carolina MS-13 Members Sentenced to Prison for Role in Racketeering Conspiracy
WASHINGTON, June 30 - Seven members of the gang known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, were sentenced to prison Tuesday for their participation in a racketeering enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Anne M. Tompkins for the Western District of North Carolina.
All seven defendants were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. of the Western District of North Carolina.
-- Heverth Ulises Castellon, aka "Misterio" and "Sailor," was sentenced
to 240 months in prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Jaime Sandoval, aka "Pelon," was sentenced to 222 months in prison and
five years of supervised release;
-- Jose Efrain Ayala-Urbina, aka "Peligroso," was sentenced to 168 months
in prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Santos Canales-Reyes, aka "Chicago," was sentenced to 144 months in
prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Alexi Ricardo Ramos, aka "Pajaro," was sentenced to 108 months in
prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Mario Guarjardo-Garcia, aka "Speedy," "Iran Guerrero-Gomez," and "Luis
Angel Galindo," was sentenced to 94 months in prison and five years of
supervised release; and
-- Nelson Hernandez-Ayala, aka "Sixteen," was sentenced to 42 months in
prison and three years of supervised release.
"These prison sentences send a strong message that participating in a gang like MS-13 will have serious consequences," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "The Department of Justice and our partners in state and local law enforcement will continue aggressively to prosecute and seek significant prison sentences for individuals who participate in violent, criminal organizations."
"The impact of gang-related criminal activities on a community like Charlotte is a major concern of law enforcement and residents. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with our law enforcement partners, pledges to continue with our swift and thorough response to gangs who persist as substantial threats to our public safety," said U.S. Attorney Tompkins.
On May 18, 2010, four other MS-13 members were sentenced to prison for their participation in the same conspiracy.
-- Yelson Olider Castro-Licona, aka "Diablo," was sentenced to 75 months
in prison and three years of supervised release;
-- Oscar Manuel Moral-Hernandez, aka "Truchon," was sentenced to 34
months in prison and three years of supervised release;
-- Manuel Cruz, aka "Silencioso," was sentenced to 27 months in prison
and three years of supervised release; and
-- Javier Molina, aka "Big Psycho" and "Gringo," was sentenced to time
served and three years of supervised release.
All 11 defendants previously pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy (RICO) charge, admitting that they conspired to participate in a pattern of racketeering activity with others involved in the MS-13 gang in the Western District of North Carolina and elsewhere from approximately 2003 until July 27, 2009. This activity included murder, robbery, extortion, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and various federal firearms violations.
The RICO count to which all eleven defendants pleaded guilty charged that each defendant, along with others, were involved in the MS-13 gang throughout North Carolina, including Mecklenburg, Guilford, Wake, and Durham counties, and elsewhere. According to court documents, each of the individuals was required to complete an initiation process, often referred to as being "jumped in" or "beat in," in order to join MS-13. Court documents further describe that each member engaged in criminal activity and was sometimes required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang, including violence against rival gangs. Gang members were responsible for preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation and profits of the gang through the use of intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults and murder.
The RICO conspiracy charge was part of an indictment originally returned by a federal grand jury in Charlotte, N.C., in June 2008. The indictment charged 26 members of MS-13 with conspiring to participate in the affairs of a racketeering enterprise and the related criminal charges. Six of the 26 members were convicted in January 2010 by a federal jury in Charlotte of criminal charges including the RICO conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, assault, cocaine trafficking and numerous related federal firearms offenses. Those six defendants are currently in federal custody awaiting sentencing.
According to the indictment, the MS-13 gang is a violent international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador. The purpose of the racketeering enterprise and conspiracy was to preserve and protect the power, territory and profits of the MS-13 enterprise through violent assault, murder, threats of violence and intimidation.
On April 19, 2010, a federal jury found Alejandro Enrique Ramirez Umana guilty of the RICO count; two counts of murder in aid of MS-13; two counts of murder resulting from the use of a gun in a violent crime; possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; one count of extortion; and two criminal counts associated with witness tampering or intimidation. On April 28, 2010, the federal jury voted unanimously to impose the death penalty against Umana. Umana is also currently in federal custody awaiting a July 27, 2010, formal sentencing hearing.
The long-term investigation was initiated by the FBI's North Carolina "Safe Streets" Gang Task Force when a witness came forward with information about the violent operations of a single MS-13 cell operating out of the Charlotte area. The Task Force is composed of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Gastonia, N.C., Police Department. The FBI's MS-13 National Gang Task Force played a significant role in coordinating the international aspects of the investigation, and additional critical assistance was provided by the Transnational Anti-Gang (TAG) Center. Additional investigative support was provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Greensboro Police Department and the Durham Police Department. Substantial assistance has been afforded by the U.S. Marshals Service for the Western District of North Carolina. The investigation of the wide-sweeping enterprise resulted in the prosecution of 26 MS-13 members. Eighteen of the defendants have pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy in the indictment. Eleven of those defendants have now been sentenced and seven other defendants who have pleaded guilty await sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Zolot, Jill Rose and Adam Morris from the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney Sam Nazzaro from the Criminal Division's Gang Unit.
All seven defendants were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. of the Western District of North Carolina.
-- Heverth Ulises Castellon, aka "Misterio" and "Sailor," was sentenced
to 240 months in prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Jaime Sandoval, aka "Pelon," was sentenced to 222 months in prison and
five years of supervised release;
-- Jose Efrain Ayala-Urbina, aka "Peligroso," was sentenced to 168 months
in prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Santos Canales-Reyes, aka "Chicago," was sentenced to 144 months in
prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Alexi Ricardo Ramos, aka "Pajaro," was sentenced to 108 months in
prison and five years of supervised release;
-- Mario Guarjardo-Garcia, aka "Speedy," "Iran Guerrero-Gomez," and "Luis
Angel Galindo," was sentenced to 94 months in prison and five years of
supervised release; and
-- Nelson Hernandez-Ayala, aka "Sixteen," was sentenced to 42 months in
prison and three years of supervised release.
"These prison sentences send a strong message that participating in a gang like MS-13 will have serious consequences," said Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "The Department of Justice and our partners in state and local law enforcement will continue aggressively to prosecute and seek significant prison sentences for individuals who participate in violent, criminal organizations."
"The impact of gang-related criminal activities on a community like Charlotte is a major concern of law enforcement and residents. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with our law enforcement partners, pledges to continue with our swift and thorough response to gangs who persist as substantial threats to our public safety," said U.S. Attorney Tompkins.
On May 18, 2010, four other MS-13 members were sentenced to prison for their participation in the same conspiracy.
-- Yelson Olider Castro-Licona, aka "Diablo," was sentenced to 75 months
in prison and three years of supervised release;
-- Oscar Manuel Moral-Hernandez, aka "Truchon," was sentenced to 34
months in prison and three years of supervised release;
-- Manuel Cruz, aka "Silencioso," was sentenced to 27 months in prison
and three years of supervised release; and
-- Javier Molina, aka "Big Psycho" and "Gringo," was sentenced to time
served and three years of supervised release.
All 11 defendants previously pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy (RICO) charge, admitting that they conspired to participate in a pattern of racketeering activity with others involved in the MS-13 gang in the Western District of North Carolina and elsewhere from approximately 2003 until July 27, 2009. This activity included murder, robbery, extortion, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and various federal firearms violations.
The RICO count to which all eleven defendants pleaded guilty charged that each defendant, along with others, were involved in the MS-13 gang throughout North Carolina, including Mecklenburg, Guilford, Wake, and Durham counties, and elsewhere. According to court documents, each of the individuals was required to complete an initiation process, often referred to as being "jumped in" or "beat in," in order to join MS-13. Court documents further describe that each member engaged in criminal activity and was sometimes required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang, including violence against rival gangs. Gang members were responsible for preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation and profits of the gang through the use of intimidation, violence, threats of violence, assaults and murder.
The RICO conspiracy charge was part of an indictment originally returned by a federal grand jury in Charlotte, N.C., in June 2008. The indictment charged 26 members of MS-13 with conspiring to participate in the affairs of a racketeering enterprise and the related criminal charges. Six of the 26 members were convicted in January 2010 by a federal jury in Charlotte of criminal charges including the RICO conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, assault, cocaine trafficking and numerous related federal firearms offenses. Those six defendants are currently in federal custody awaiting sentencing.
According to the indictment, the MS-13 gang is a violent international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador. The purpose of the racketeering enterprise and conspiracy was to preserve and protect the power, territory and profits of the MS-13 enterprise through violent assault, murder, threats of violence and intimidation.
On April 19, 2010, a federal jury found Alejandro Enrique Ramirez Umana guilty of the RICO count; two counts of murder in aid of MS-13; two counts of murder resulting from the use of a gun in a violent crime; possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; one count of extortion; and two criminal counts associated with witness tampering or intimidation. On April 28, 2010, the federal jury voted unanimously to impose the death penalty against Umana. Umana is also currently in federal custody awaiting a July 27, 2010, formal sentencing hearing.
The long-term investigation was initiated by the FBI's North Carolina "Safe Streets" Gang Task Force when a witness came forward with information about the violent operations of a single MS-13 cell operating out of the Charlotte area. The Task Force is composed of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Gastonia, N.C., Police Department. The FBI's MS-13 National Gang Task Force played a significant role in coordinating the international aspects of the investigation, and additional critical assistance was provided by the Transnational Anti-Gang (TAG) Center. Additional investigative support was provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Greensboro Police Department and the Durham Police Department. Substantial assistance has been afforded by the U.S. Marshals Service for the Western District of North Carolina. The investigation of the wide-sweeping enterprise resulted in the prosecution of 26 MS-13 members. Eighteen of the defendants have pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy in the indictment. Eleven of those defendants have now been sentenced and seven other defendants who have pleaded guilty await sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Zolot, Jill Rose and Adam Morris from the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of North Carolina, and Trial Attorney Sam Nazzaro from the Criminal Division's Gang Unit.
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