2005 News Releases and Charging Documents
12-29-05 -- NEWARK -- The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey today agreed to complete a series of financial, management and personnel reforms and to reimburse the state and federal governments for its purposeful over-billing of Medicaid. In return for the successful completion of those reforms, the institution will avoid criminal prosecution for health care fraud under terms of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement.
UMDNJ Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
UMDNJ Deferred Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
New Jersey Governor Statement (.pdf)
12-28-05 -- CAMDEN -- A former inventory control associate at OfficeMax’s Delran Delivery Center was arrested on a federal Indictment today for his alleged scheme to cause electronic consumer goods and other merchandise to be fraudulently drop-shipped to addresses he controlled, causing a loss of approximately $185,000 to his employer.
12-21-05 -- NEWARK -- An owner of a driving school in Plainfield pleaded guilty today to conspiring for a decade with employees of the Division of Motor Vehicle Services to produce drivers’ licenses in exchange for illicit cash payments.
12-21-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Moorestown businessman was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison today on a wire fraud charge arising out of his scheme to defraud several lending institutions of approximately $6.5 million by obtaining fraudulent mortgages through the use of his title insurance agency.
12-19-05 -- CAMDEN -- A major Camden narcotics wholesale supplier was sentenced to life in federal prison today for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine, closing the book on an organization that protected its operations by threats and violence. AUSAs Kevin T. Smith and Jason Richardson, 856-968-4928, 4869, respectively.
12-08-05 -- CAMDEN -- A South Jersey trucking company pleaded guilty today to defrauding Anheuser-Busch out of revenue the brewing company should have received under transportation contracts between the two companies.
NFI Interactive Information (.pdf)
12-06-05 -- NEWARK -- The Saint Barnabas Corporation, doing business as Saint Barnabas Health Care System (SBHCS), has agreed to pay the United States more than $3.8 million to settle claims that it overcharged Medicare. AUSA John G. Silbermann, 973-353-6094.
Saint Barnabas Health Care News Release
Saint Barnabas Health Care Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
12-06-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Roman Catholic Priest pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging that he made fraud and false statements on a 2000 United States Individual Income Tax Return.
12-01-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Penns Grove man was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
11-30-05 -- NEWARK -- A former vice president of a wholesale supplier of aircraft parts pleaded guilty today to one count of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Commerce in connection with the exportation of aircraft parts to a “Specially Designated National” of Libya.
11-22-05 -- NEWARK -- Less than a week after his wife pleaded guilty, a second "enforcer" of the rules of discipline imposed upon young Honduran women smuggled into the U.S. and forced to work at three Hudson County bars pleaded guilty today to his role in the human trafficking ring. AUSAs Deborah J. Gannett and Camelia M. Valdes, 973-645-2781 and 2730, respectively.
11-21-05 -- NEWARK -- A Middletown committeeman arrested in February in a federal probe of corruption in Monmouth County was indicted today on charges of attempted extortion under color of official right, conspiracy and other charges. AUSAs James Nobile and A. Matthew Boxer, 973-645-2766, 2764, respectively.
O'Grady Indictment (.pdf file)
11-17-05 -- NEWARK -- Six men who administered and operated the "Shadowcrew.com" website - one of the largest online centers for trafficking in stolen credit and bank card numbers and identity information - pleaded guilty today in federal court. AUSA Kevin M. O'Dowd, 973-297-2098.
11-16-05 -- NEWARK -- An "enforcer" of the rules of discipline imposed upon young Honduran women smuggled into the U.S. and forced to work at three Hudson County bars pleaded guilty today to her role in the human trafficking ring. AUSAs Deborah J. Gannett and Camelia M. Valdes, 973-645-2781 and 2730, respectively.
11-16-05 -- CAMDEN -- A former federal grand juror was indicted today for tipping off the leader of a major Camden drug ring that the grand jury had indicted him and his codefendants, which allowed Darnell Tuten to avoid arrest for two-and-a-half months. AUSAs Kevin T. Smith and Jason Richardson, 856-968-4928, 4869, respectively.
11-10-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Beverly man pleaded guilty today to committing two Burlington County bank robberies and using a firearm in one of them. AUSA Steven D'Aguanno, 856-757-5011.
11-10-05 -- CAMDEN -- A 19-year-old Philadelphia man was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison today for committing five bank robberies, three in southern New Jersey and two in Philadelphia. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
11-09-05 -- NEWARK -- A Princeton scientist was sentenced today to 12 months of home confinement and five years of probation for defrauding the United States in connection with research grants he applied for and received for his company as well as for tax evasion. AUSAs Donna Gallucio and Stuart A. Minkowitz, 973-645-2786 and 2925, respectively.
11-09-05 -- NEWARK -- A Parsippany man pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of interfering with pilots of a passenger aircraft by shining a hand-held laser into the cockpit of a plane on approach to Teterboro Airport. Contact: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
11-07-05 -- NEWARK -- U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced today that his office has established an Election Day Hotline to receive and respond to reports of election irregularities, voter intimidation or any other activities that would interfere with a citizen's right to vote throughout Election Day.
11-01-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden man pleaded guilty today to assaulting and robbing a U.S. Postal Service contractor of a registered mail pouch that contained $28,517 worth of U.S. currency, checks, money orders and Civil War medals. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
10-25-05 -- NEWARK -- A Westchester County, N.Y. man pleaded guilty today to participating in a 2004 armed carjacking of a woman in a shopping center in Edison. AUSA Robert Kirsch, 973-645-2846.
10-24-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Clementon man pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and credit card fraud charges arising out of his scheme to defraud Commerce Bank of more than $320,000 and MBNA America Credit Cards of approximately $27,000. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
10-24-05 -- NEWARK -- The son of the alleged former acting boss of the Gambino crime family was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for running an illegal gambling business and tax evasion. AUSA Ronald D. Wigler, 973-645-2822.
10-21-05 -- NEWARK -- A Newark man was indicted today for robbing and attempting to rob eight banks in Essex and Union counties. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
10-20-05 -- NEWARK -- An Indian national and businessman was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in the transfer of $86,500 that was used as payment on the sale of a shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile in a conspiracy to aid terrorists. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
10-20-05 -- NEWARK -- Attorneys for former Philippines National Police official Michael Ray Aquino, who was indicted on Oct. 6, for allegedly conspiring to pass American intelligence secrets to individuals in the Philippines, today entered a not guilty plea on his behalf at Aquino's arraignment on the Indictment before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
10-18-05 -- NEWARK -- Four members of the murderous Jersey City street gang known as "Lex Mob" (or L.E.X Mob) pleaded guilty today, admitting their involvement in a racketeering enterprise that involved retaliatory murder, conspiracy to murder rivals and drug distribution. AUSAs Marc Agnifilo and Melissa Jampol, 973-645-3987 and 2772, respectively.
Lex Mob Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
10-17-05 -- CAMDEN -- Two New Jersey men and three others from Florida and New York were charged in a federal Indictment unsealed today with running an intricate stock fraud and money laundering scheme that cost public investors more than $15 million in losses. AUSA Thomas DiLeonardo, 856-757-5231.
Gordon et al. Indictment (.pdf)
10-13-05 -- NEWARK -- A Hunterdon County man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for embezzling approximately $2.2 million from the Fairleigh Dickinson University Federal Credit Union where he was formerly an operations manager. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. Calcagni, 973-645-2918.
10-12-05 -- NEWARK -- A South Brunswick man pleaded guilty today to one count of tax evasion and one count of structuring financial transactions to evade the reporting requirements of the U.S. Postal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Walsh.
10-11-05 -- NEWARK -- A Monmouth County developer and his son, both of whom also have ownership interest in several nightclubs in New Jersey, were charged today in a 14-count indictment with bribery and mail fraud. AUSAs Michael A. Hammer and Matthew Boxer, 973-645-2771 and 2764, respectively.
Spalliero et al. Indictment (.pdf)
10-06-05 -- NEWARK -- Former Philippines National Police official Michael Ray Aquino was indicted today for conspiring with a former FBI intelligence analyst in the passing of classified information to current and former officials in the Philippines. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
10-05-05 -- NEWARK -- The owner and sales manager at a custom motorcycle shop in South Toms River were arrested this morning, charged in a criminal complaint with laundering money through the sale of a high-end custom motorcycle to undercover IRS agents who the suspects believed were marijuana traffickers. AUSA Margaret Ann Mahoney, 973-645-2761.
Monaghan et al. Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
10-03-05 -- NEWARK -- A federal grand jury today indicted Keyport Mayor John J. Merla on charges of accepting corrupt payments, conspiracy and depriving the public of honest services for taking a total of $23,000 from undercover agents and a cooperating witness whom Merla believed was a corrupt contractor. AUSAs Matthew Boxer and Michael Hammer, 973-645-2764, 2771, respectively.
09-30-05 -- CAMDEN -- Former Superior Court Judge Stephen W. Thompson was convicted by a federal jury today on a charge of sexual exploitation of children for traveling to Russia to have sex with a young teenage boy for the purpose of producing a videotape and then transporting that videotape back to the United States. AUSAs Jacqueline M. Carle and Steven D'Aguanno, 856-968-4867 and 856-757-5011, respectively.
09-28-05 -- NEWARK -- A former Nutley man was sentenced today to eight years and one month in federal prison for traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a child. AUSA Kevin Walsh, 973-645-2909.
09-27-05 -- NEWARK -- A year long investigation into a fraudulent documents ring operating in New Jersey and Pennsylvania has resulted in the arrest today of eight individuals, including the women who is the ring leader and a former policeman who is a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation official.
Rosario et al. News Release (.pdf)
Rosario et al. Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
09-26-05 -- CAMDEN -- Three men were arrested today and a fourth is being sought on a three-count federal Indictment in connection with their scheme to extort money and stock through the use of threats, violence and fear. AUSA William E. Fitzpatrick, 856-757-5030.
09-26-05 -- TRENTON -- Opening arguments are scheduled to begin tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 27, at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the case against Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Co. of Phillipsburg, N.J. and several of its managers. The case is before U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper in the federal courthouse at 402 East State Street across from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Building.
09-22-05 -- CAMDEN -- An Egg Harbor City man pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information, admitting that he counterfeited $100 Federal Reserve Notes. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
09-22-05 -- TRENTON -- The owner of a defunct Wayne-based health benefits management company pleaded guilty today to mail fraud and tax evasion, admitting that he misled subscribing participants and employers about the management of premium payments, embezzled from commingled accounts and ran the business into bankruptcy. AUSA Lorraine S. Gerson, 973-645-2789.
09-22-05 -- CAMDEN -- Three former Officers of the Production Industrial Trade Workers Union (PITWU) pleaded guilty today in Camden to hiring and conspiring to retain a convicted felon on a union payroll. AUSA V. Grady O'Malley, 973-645-2725.
09-22-05 -- NEWARK -- A former senior manager for the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Central Jersey, Inc. pleaded guilty today to defrauding the non-profit organization and government health care programs of more than $900,000 in a false invoice scheme. AUSA John M. Vazquez, 973-645-2903.
09-21-05 -- NEWARK -- Solaris Health System, Inc., of Edison, which operates JFK Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, today agreed to pay $230,000 to settle claims that it overcharged Medicare. AUSA Daniel J. Gibbons, 973-645-2828.
09-21-05 -- NEWARK -- The former director of facilities for the Paterson Public School District was arrested this morning on an Indictment charging him with extorting approximately $78,000 in cash and home improvements from two contractors with a combined millions of dollars in contracts with the district. AUSAs Jeffrey S. Chiesa and Ricardo Solano, 973-645-2515 and 2724, respectively.
09-20-05 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City Tax Collector and his wife were convicted by a federal jury today on conspiracy and attempted robbery charges in connection with their scheme to use the husband's official position to arrange the robbery of city tax receipts. AUSAs Renee M. Bumb and Phillip H. Kwon, 856-757-5114 and 973-645-2742.
09-20-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Bridgeton man was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison today in connection with the July 2004 robbery of the Minotola National Bank located in Bridgeton. AUSAs Matthew Skahill and Renee M. Bumb, 856-757-4929, 856-757-5114, respectively.
09-19-05 -- NEWARK -- A former New Jersey real estate investor pleaded guilty today to charges that he conspired with others to commit mortgage fraud by inducing the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to insure mortgage loans for unqualified buyers, enabling he and his co-defendants to earn huge profits on the sale of run-down properties financed by the fraudulently induced loans. AUSA Richard E. Constable, III, 973-297-2719.
09-19-05 -- TRENTON -- Three Mercer County men were sentenced to federal prison terms today for their guilty pleas to criminal charges that resulted from a federal investigation into public corruption in Mercer County. AUSAs David Bocian and Jeffrey S. Chiesa, 609-989-2399 and 973-645-2515, respectively.
09-13-05 -- NEWARK -- Four company owner/operators of a Mount Laurel business pleaded guilty today to charges that they used their business to illegally transfer sensitive national-security controlled items to state-sponsored research institutes within the People's Republic of China. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
Manten Electronics Inc., et. al News Release
09-13-05 -- NEWARK -- A former federal police officer pleaded guilty Monday to concealing information from the U.S. Department of Labor to obtain Workers' Compensation benefits. AUSA Anthony Moscato, 973-645-2752.
09-12-05 -- NEWARK -- British arms dealer Hemant Lakhani was sentenced today to 47 years in prison for his convictions in April of attempting to provide material support to terrorists in the brokering of shoulder-fired missiles, among other charges. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
09-12-05 -- NEWARK -- An FBI intelligence analyst at Fort Monmouth and a former official with the Philippines National Police were arrested Saturday morning, charged in a federal criminal complaint with acting as unregistered agents of a foreign official and passing classified information to that official and others in the Republic of the Philippines. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Aragoncillo et al. News Release
Aragoncillo et al Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
09-12-05 -- CAMDEN -- A former federal corrections officer at Federal Correctional Institution at Fairton was sentenced to three months in federal prison today for having sexual relations with an inmate under her supervision. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
09-08-05 -- NEWARK -- Breeze-Eastern, a Union, New Jersey company that manufactures, overhauls and repairs helicopter hoists and hooks, has agreed to pay the government more than $1 million to settle allegations that it made false certifications to the United States military concerning the overhaul and repair of equipment. AUSA Stuart A. Minkowitz, 973-645-2925.
TransTechnology Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
09-08-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Penns Grove couple were sentenced to federal prison terms today for committing 10 bank robberies throughout Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
08-29-05 -- TRENTON -- A former manager of information systems for American Credit Alliance, Inc. was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison today on charges of wire fraud and tax evasion for his embezzlement of nearly $600,000 from the then Trenton-based not-for-profit debt consolidation company. AUSAs Joan Thomas and Milagros Camacho-Gutierrez, 609-989-0565 and 973-297-2078.
08-25-05 -- TRENTON -- Harry G. Parkin, former chief of staff to the Mercer County Executive and former member of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison for defrauding the public and Mercer County government of their right to his honest services by corruptly using his official position to advance his concealed financial interests in a recycling company that had a $14.5 million contract in Mercer County. AUSAs David A. Bocian and Jeffrey S. Chiesa, 609-989-2399 and 973-645-2515.
08-24-05 -- CAMDEN -- Three members of an Egg Harbor family pleaded guilty today to charges that they fraudulently incurred more than $140,000 in credit card debt, and that the father and daughter sought to eliminate the debt by filing for bankruptcy. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
08-24-05 -- NEWARK -- The former mayor of West Long Branch pleaded guilty today to extorting bribe payments for himself and others. AUSAs Mark J. McCarren and Marc D. Larkins, 973-645-2700.
08-23-05 -- NEWARK -- The former president of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 69 in Secaucus was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison for embezzling at least $120,000 of union and welfare fund money and spending it lavishly on himself and friends at nightclubs, restaurants and more. AUSAs V. Grady O'Malley and Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2725, 2885, respectively.
08-22-05 -- NEWARK -- Nearly four dozen leaders and associates of an international criminal enterprise have been charged in six indictments - forty-three of them were arrested over the weekend in New Jersey and other states - with running a smuggling ring that brought large quantities of counterfeit cigarettes, millions of dollars in high-quality counterfeit U.S. currency and drugs into the United States through Port Newark and other domestic ports. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
08-17-05 -- NEWARK -- New Jersey's highest-ranking member of the Genovese Crime Family and 15 other made members and associates were named in a Racketeering Indictment - 14 of them were arrested this morning - on charges of running a sports gambling, loansharking and extortion enterprise that took in millions of dollars for the New York-based crime family. AUSA Leslie Faye Schwartz, 973-645-3986.
Dentico et al. Indictment (.pdf)
08-09-05 -- NEWARK -- A retired public accountant was sentenced today to 26 months in federal prison for paying cash bribes to former Ocean Township Mayor Terrence Weldon and another public official. AUSA A. Matthew Boxer, 973-645-2764.
08-09-05 -- NEWARK -- An attorney involved in a conspiracy to "flip" more than 40 properties in Essex and Union Counties pleaded guilty today to defrauding Michigan-based Flagstar Bank. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
08-03-05 -- HARTFORD, Conn. -- A federal judge today sentenced former Cendant Corp. Vice Chairman E. Kirk Shelton to 10 years in prison for his convictions in January on all 12 counts against him in the accounting and securities fraud scandal at Cendant and predecessor company CUC International. Contact: District of New Jersey Press Office, 973-645-2888.
08-02-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Jersey City man pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging bank robbery in connection with an armed robbery of the Roma Bank in Florence. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
08-02-05 -- NEWARK -- The former superintendent of the Monmouth County Division of Bridges pleaded guilty today to conspiring to facilitate bribe payments to other Monmouth County officials. AUSAs Mark J. McCarren and Marc D. Larkins, 973-645-2867, 2704, respectively.
07-27-05 -- CAMDEN -- A cook aboard the ship "Snow Bird" was indicted by a federal grand jury today for smuggling nearly nine kilograms of cocaine into the United States. AUSA Matthew Skahill, 856-968-4929.
07-27-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Somers Point man was indicted by a federal grand jury today in connection with his scheme to smuggle flu vaccines into the United States and attempting to sell the unapproved vaccines to Shore Memorial Hospital. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
07-26-05 -- NEWARK -- A Monmouth County man whose company provided transportation services under contract with the county pleaded guilty today to money laundering. AUSAs Matthew Boxer and Michael Hammer, 973-645-2764, 2771, respectively.
07-26-05 -- NEWARK -- A former human resources manager who defrauded her employer of more than $350,000 and evaded paying taxes on the money was sentenced today to 37 months in prison. AUSA Bohdan Vitvitsky, 973-645-2879.
07-22-05 -- CAMDEN -- A husband and wife were sentenced today on federal charges arising from their harboring of an illegal alien for the purpose of cheap or free domestic services. AUSAs Diana V. Carrig and U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Sheila Berman, 856-968-4927.
07-22-05 -- CAMDEN -- A laborer was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison today for distribution of stolen quantities of Oxycodone, in the forms OxyContin, Percocet and others, to members of the Hell's Angels East Coast chapter. AUSA R Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
07-21-05 -- CAMDEN -- The wife of a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant pleaded guilty today to killing her four-year-old stepdaughter while in the couple's military housing unit on McGuire Air Force Base. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
07-21-05 -- NEWARK -- Ten people were indicted today, all alleged members of a ring operating in the United States and Honduras that smuggled young, undocumented Honduran women into the U.S. and forced them to work off their smuggling debt in bars in Hudson County.
Medrano Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
Williams Media Advisory (.pdf)
07-20-05 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City gambler was charged today in a 21-count Superseding Indictment with extortion and wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud more than 70 women across the United States whom he had targeted through the use of Internet and phone dating services. AUSAs Ronald Chillemi and Matthew Skahill, 856-757-5232, 856-968-4929, respectively.
Giblin Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
07-19-05 -- CAMDEN -- The operator of an Atlantic City travel and money transfer business was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today on a charge of international money laundering for transporting what he believed to be illegal drug sales proceeds from the United States to the Dominican Republic. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
07-15-05 -- TRENTON -- A former Army logistics management specialist today was arrested on a federal Indictment charging wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud the United States and the Department of Defense through the submission of false travel vouchers for reimbursement. AUSA Michael Guadagno, 609-989-2354.
07-14-05 -- TRENTON - - A former church musical director pleaded guilty today to a one-count federal Indictment charging possession of child pornography. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 609-989-2258.
07-14-05 -- TRENTON -- A former director of development for a Princeton private school pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging possession of child pornography. AUSA Eric M. Schweiker, 609-989-0566.
07-14-05 -- NEWARK -- The former chairman of the Ocean Township Sewerage Authority pleaded guilty today in federal court to accepting $15,000 in bribes from a representative of an engineering firm as a reward for favoring the firm on large contracts with the authority. AUSAs Mark J. McCarren and Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2867, 2853, respectively.
07-13-05 -- NEWARK -- Another former employee of the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission pleaded guilty today to conspiring to unlawfully produce fraudulent drivers' licenses. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
07-13-05 -- TRENTON -- Two principals of a defunct Ocean County company were arraigned today on a federal Indictment charging them with conspiring in a scheme to collect advance fees from purportedly approved applicants seeking financing of commercial projects. AUSA Eric M. Schweiker, 609-989-0566.
Picchierri et. al. News Release
07-12-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Bridgeton man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison today for his role in the robbery of a Minotola National Bank in Bridgeton. AUSA Matthew Skahill, 856-968-4929.
07-12-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Maple Shade man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison today for selling counterfeit Rolex watches through Internet sites. AUSAs Matthew Skahill and Ronald Chillemi, 856-968-4929 and 856-757-5232, respectively.
07-11-05 -- TRENTON -- The former chief executive and chief financial officers of defunct cheese manufacturer Suprema Specialties, Inc. were indicted today on 38 counts of conspiracy, bank fraud, securities fraud and mail and wire fraud for allegedly participating in a scheme with several customers and suppliers to inflate Suprema's sales by engaging in sham transactions that enabled the company to book more than $600 million in mostly fictitious sales. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Cocchiola & Venechanos Indictment (.pdf)
07-08-05 -- NEWARK -- A federal judge today sentenced an 88-year former labor union officer and his son to prison for their convictions in an embezzlement scheme against Local 148 of the Novelty and Production Workers Union in Jersey City. AUSAs V. Grady O'Malley and Anthony Moscato, 973-645-2725 and 2752, respectively.
07-07-05 -- NEWARK -- Jean Pierre Collardeau, the former president Pro Net Link Corporation, was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison for conspiring with at least 12 other individuals to engage in an elaborate scheme to defraud investors of more than $20 million. AUSA Mauro Wolfe, 973-645-2825.
07-07-05 -- TRENTON -- Richard Vuola, a longtime commissioner of the Marlboro Township Municipal Utilities Authority and its chairman from February 2002 through January 2004, pleaded guilty today to attempting to bribe officials in Marlboro and Manalapan Township, extorting a builder, illegal possession of a firearm, and filing false federal income tax returns. AUSAs Michael A. Hammer and Scott A. Resnik, 973-645-2771, 2737, respectively.
07-06-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Lindenwold man was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison today for committing three bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery in Camden and Gloucester counties. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
07-06-05 -- NEWARK -- The leader or "Five Star General" of a notorious Jersey City set of the Bloods street gang pleaded guilty today to murder conspiracy and other violent crimes. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
06-29-05 -- NEWARK -- Hudson County businessman Rene Abreu was sentenced on Tuesday to 87 months in federal prison for his convictions for running a series of real estate and bank fraud schemes that enriched him and his companies and involved numerous of his employees. AUSAs Deborah Goldklang, Thomas Eicher and Matthew Boxer, 973-645-2729, 6092, 2764, respectively.
06-28-05 -- NEWARK -- Hudson County businessman Rene Abreu was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison for his convictions for running a series of real estate and bank fraud schemes that enriched him and his companies and involved numerous of his employees. AUSAs Deborah Goldklang, Thomas Eicher and Matthew Boxer, 973-645-2729, 6092, 2764, respectively.
06-24-05 -- CAMDEN -- A former employee of the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicle Services was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for conspiring to unlawfully produce drivers licenses and receiving between $100 and $200 per bogus license. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
06-21-05 -- NEWARK -- An indictment was returned today, charging the former President and Chief Executive Officer and the former Chief Financial Officer of Wellesley Services, LLC, a now-defunct company previously controlled by convicted con man Thomas Giacomaro. AUSA Rachael Honig, 973-645-2777.
Moody et al. Indictment (.pdf)
06-21-05 -- NEWARK -- The owners of a Nutley-based commercial painting business which performed painting and construction services for the Paterson Public School District pleaded guilty today to making concealed payments to a school district official in exchange for facilitating the receipt of contracting work and the renewal of contracts. AUSAs Scott A. Resnik and Jeffrey S. Chiesa, 973-645-2737, 2515, respectively.
06-20-05 -- TRENTON -- Former Ewing Township Mayor Alfred W. Bridges was sentenced today to five years of probation, including four months of home confinement with electronic monitoring and 200 hours of community service for each year of probation, for his guilty plea to possession of crack cocaine. AUSAs Jeffrey S. Chiesa and David Bocian, 973-645-2515.
06-20-05 -- TRENTON -- Stanley Young, a long time Planning Board member in Marlboro Township until his resignation earlier this year, pleaded guilty today to accepting bribes totaling approximately $7,700 from two developers who conducted business in Marlboro Township. AUSAs Michael A. Hammer and Scott A. Resnik, 973-645-2771, 2737, respectively.
06-17-05 -- TRENTON -- A Burlington Township man was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison today for distributing large amounts of heroin to street-level dealers throughout Trenton. AUSA Eric M. Schweiker, 609-989-0566.
06-15-05 -- NEWARK -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) has agreed to pay an additional $300 million in restitution and undertake a series of corporate reforms as part of an agreement with the government to defer prosecution on a charge of conspiring to commit securities fraud for the company's failure to disclose its "channel-stuffing" activities in 2000 and 2001. PIO Contact: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
Deferred Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
06-15-05 -- NEWARK -- Thirteen members or associates of MS-13 - an international gang with a "clique" operating in Elizabeth of mostly Latin American ethnic membership - were charged today with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and conspiracy to transfer false identification documents. AUSA Marc A. Agnifilo, 973-645-3987.
MS-13 Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
06-15-05 -- NEWARK -- The son of the alleged former acting Gambino crime boss pleaded guilty today to running an illegal gambling business and tax evasion. AUSA Ronald D. Wigler, 973-645-2822.
06-14-05 -- TRENTON -- An Easton, Pa. man was sentenced to nine years in prison today for possessing a loaded semi-automatic firearm while being a previously convicted felon. AUSA Eric M. Schweiker, 609-989-0566.
06-13-05 -- CAMDEN -- A production plant worker pleaded guilty today to criminal copyright infringement for reproducing and distributing copyrighted images from the packaging of the video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" over the Internet in federal district court. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
06-10-05 -- CAMDEN -- A major Camden drug wholesaler was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison today for his role in orchestrating a scheme that used profits from a powder and crack cocaine business to buy abandoned and dilapidated properties in Camden, supplied crack cocaine as payment to workers to do cosmetic repairs and then reaped enormous profits through the sale of the homes by arranging fraudulent mortgages for unsophisticated and unqualified buyers. AUSAs Marc-Philip Ferzan and Ronald Chillemi, 973-645-2783 and 856-757-5232, respectively.
06-10-05 -- CAMDEN -- A prominent real estate developer was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison today for defrauding financial institutions to obtain more than $36 million in loans - all of which went into default - which he used for business projects and the purchase of personal property. AUSAs Thomas DiLeonardo and R. Joseph Gribko, 856-757-5231 and 973-645-2765, respectively.
06-08-05 -- NEWARK -- Three Chinese nationals appeared on a federal complaint in the District of New Jersey this week, facing charges of bilking their employer in an international fraud estimated at more than $1 million. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
06-08-05 -- NEWARK -- An owner and operator of a Newton automobile repair and mobile wash service pleaded guilty today to misappropriating more than $180,000 in United States Postal Service funds. AUSA Joyce M. Malliet, 973-645-2876.
06-07-05 -- NEWARK -- A former New Jersey man was being sought and a New York man was arrested today on charges that they conspired to commit mortgage fraud by inducing the Fair Housing Administration to insure certain mortgage loans for unqualified buyers, enabling the defendants to earn profits on the sale of run-down properties financed by the fraudulently induced loans. AUSA Kevin M. O'Dowd, 973-297-2098.
Fauntleroy et al. News Release
Fauntleroy et al. Indictment (.pdf)
06-07-05 -- NEWARK -- Five individuals were arrested yesterday and appeared in court today on an 11-count Indictment charging them with conspiring to distribute oxycontin. AUSAs Ronald D. Wigler and Andrew Kogan, 973-645-2822, 2754, respectively.
Gallicchio et al. News Release
06-07-05 -- NEWARK -- A Dumont man was arrested and charged today with a violation of federal immigration laws relating to the issuance of immigrant visas. AUSAs Philip J. Degnan and Jill S. Andersen, 973-645-2713, 2747, respectively.
06-06-05 -- CAMDEN -- Two leaders and mid-level managers for a large drug distribution ring in Camden were convicted by a federal jury today on drug and weapons charges, with the jury finding that the defendants conspired to protect their drug operation through the use of violence that included the murders of Hiram Rosa, Kenneth Allen, and Troy James. AUSAs Kevin Smith and Jason Richardson, 856-968-4928, 4869, respectively.
06-03-05 -- NEWARK -- A promoter of Russian entertainment was sentenced today to 60 months in prison - the maximum allowed under the law - for conspiring to force Russian women to dance in New Jersey strip clubs and extorting exorbitant fees from them for their work. AUSA Leslie F. Schwartz, 973-645-3986.
06-02-20 -- NEWARK -- Two residents of the Bronx, N.Y. were arrested today by Special Agents of the FBI, charged in a seven-count loansharking conspiracy Indictment. AUSA Anthony Moscato, Jr., 973-645-2752.
06-01-05 -- TRENTON -- A Tinton Falls man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today for his conviction on charges of conspiracy and false distress in connection with his and his wife's scheme in which they reported his fake drowning at a Long Branch beach for the purpose of collecting on a $1 million life insurance policy. AUSA Hope Olds, 609-989-2258.
06-01-05 -- NEWARK -- A New York man pleaded guilty today to retaliating against a government cooperating witness by hitting the man in the face with a large pepper-grinding mill while seated in an Italian restaurant. AUSA Ronald D. Wigler, 973-645-2822.
05-24-05 -- NEWARK -- A Union man pleaded guilty today to engaging in a bank fraud scheme that cost Wachovia Bank and three of its account holders $57,700. AUSA Kevin Walsh, 973-645-2909.
05-23-05 -- NEWARK -- A Califon man pleaded guilty today to embezzling approximately $2.2 million from the Fairleigh Dickinson University Federal Credit Union where he was formerly an operations manager. AUSA Thomas R. Calcagni, 973-645-2918.
05-23-05 -- NEWARK -- East Orange Councilman Zachary V. Turner pleaded guilty today to conspiracy and extortion for $22,000 in corrupt payments he demanded and received while a member of the city council and to mail fraud in fraudulently securing a mortgage for his home. AUSAs Phillip Kwon and Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., 973-645-2742, 2743, respectively.
05-19-05 -- NEWARK -- A former stock broker from Staten Island pleaded guilty today to charges from three federal court districts, admitting that he and others were involved in a stock manipulation and kickback scheme that enriched the conspirators and caused customer losses totaling more than $7 million. AUSA Nancy Hoppock, 973-645-6087.
05-17-05 -- NEWARK -- Former Hoboken mayor Anthony J. Russo was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $317,000 in restitution to the citizens of Hoboken for bribe money he took from the owner of a city accounting firm in exchange for Russo's influence in awarding contracts to the firm. AUSAs Luis A. Valentin, Ralph J. Marra, Jr., 973-645-2708, 2773, respectively.
05-12-05 -- NEWARK -- A Superseding Indictment returned today against former Marlboro Township official Richard Vuola adds two new corruption counts, including that Vuola extorted a builder in his role as chairman of the Municipal Utilities Authority and that he schemed with another developer to pay Planning Board members for their votes in a rezoning. AUSAs Michael A. Hammer and Scott A. Resnik, 973-645-2771, 2737, respectively.
Vuola Second Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
05-11-05 -- NEWARK -- The former emergency services supervisor for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority pleaded guilty today to accepting approximately $3,800 in benefits in return for exercising his influence on behalf of a towing contractor. AUSA Marc Larkins, 973-645-2704.
05-10-05 -- NEWARK -- Four men, including a father and two sons, were sentenced yesterday and today for their guilty pleas to running an illegal gambling business. AUSA Ronald D. Wigler, 973-645-2822.
05-10-05 -- NEWARK -- A Toms River doctor today agreed to pay the government $75,000 to settle allegations that he failed to properly secure his prescription pads, resulting in their theft and fraudulent use. AUSA Stuart Minkowitz, 973-645-2925.
05-09-05 -- TRENTON -- A Trenton man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. AUSA Norv McAndrew, 609-989-0569.
05-05-05 -- TRENTON -- The musical director at Christ United Methodist Church in Lakewood was indicted today on a federal charge of possession of child pornography. AUSA Michael Guadagno, 609-989-2354.
05-05-05 -- NEWARK -- A grand jury today returned an 18-count Superceding Indictment against two members of the Bloods "Sex Money Murder" street gang that was based in Jersey City but has been obliterated by federal prosecution. The new indictment follows a string of 12 guilty pleas since last fall from members of the Sex Money Murder set. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
Sex Money Murder Gang News Release
05-04-05 -- NEWARK -- Bayonne Medical Center, a hospital in Hudson County, today agreed to pay over $242,000 to settle claims that it overcharged Medicare. AUSA Stuart A. Minkowitz, 973-645-2925.
05-03-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Penns Grove man pleaded guilty today to 10 counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine as a result of an investigation into cocaine distribution in Salem County by the Salem County Prosecutor's Office and Carneys Point Police Department. AUSAs Jacqueline Carle and John J. Hoffman, 856-968-4867, 609-989-0579, respectively.
05-03-05 -- NEWARK -- The former president of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 69 in Secaucus pleaded guilty today to embezzling at least $120,000 of union and welfare fund money and spending it lavishly on himself and friends at nightclubs, restaurants and more. AUSAs V. Grady O'Malley and Judith Germano, 973-645-2725, 2885, respectively.
05-03-05 -- NEWARK -- A West Paterson tax consultant was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison today for defrauding his clients and others of more than $1.5 million, in part by fraudulently assuring clients that he was negotiating settlements on their behalf with the Internal Revenue Service. AUSA Marc P. Ferzan, 973-645-2783.
05-03-05 -- NEWARK -- Monmouth County developer Anthony Spalliero was arrested and charged today with offering cash bribes and corrupt payments totaling approximately $143,500 to former Marlboro Mayor Matthew Scannapieco and the then-director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Spalliero Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
05-02-05 -- SANDY HOOK, N.J. -- U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie today presented checks totaling $2 million to the National Park Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in New Jersey - money from the settlement of criminal charges against the Evergreen International ocean shipping company for purposefully discharging oil in U.S. waters. Contact: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
DOJ Evergreen News Release (.pdf)
04-27-05 -- NEWARK -- After just more than seven hours of deliberations, a federal jury today convicted a British arms dealer of attempting to provide material support to terrorists in the brokering of a shoulder-fired missile that he recommended be used to shoot down a commercial airliner in the United States. Contact: Public Affairs Office, 973-645-2888.
04-27-05 -- NEWARK -- Former Monmouth County freeholder director Harry Larrison, Jr., was charged today with accepting cash bribes and corrupt payments totaling at least $8,500 from two developers doing work in Monmouth County, including Marlboro Township. AUSA Mark J. McCarren, 973-645-2867.
Larrison Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
04-25-05 -- NEWARK -- The former CEO of a now-bankrupt safety helmet manufacturer was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for his guilty plea to filing a false personal income tax return. AUSA Michael Martinez, 973-645-2701.
04-25-05 -- TRENTON -- The former senior vice-president of a Neptune City business that distributed pet products and published pet care books and materials was sentenced today to three years of probation for conspiring with the company's chairman and major shareholder, Herbert Axelrod, to conceal income in Swiss bank accounts and filing a false tax return. AUSA Michael Guadagno, 609-989-2354.
04-14-05 -- NEWARK -- A contractor who performed millions of dollars worth of window installation and construction work for the Paterson Public School District pleaded guilty today to over billing the school district and providing concealed benefits to two school district officials in exchange for facilitating the receipt of contracting work, the renewal of contracts and receipt of payment without the requisite inspections of work performed. AUSA Scott Resnik, 973-645-2737.
04-14-05 -- TRENTON -- A Trenton man made an initial appearance today in federal court on a charge that he possessed a loaded stolen Uzi semi-automatic handgun while being a previously convicted felon. AUSA Norv McAndrew, 856-989-0569.
04-13-05 -- CAMDEN -- Couple Pleads Guilty in Connection with Keeping a Sri Lankan Woman in Their Home for Financial Gain. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-968-4927.
04-12-05 -- NEWARK -- Two ringleaders of a conspiracy to "flip" more than 40 properties in Essex and Union Counties pleaded guilty today in federal court to defrauding Michigan-based Flagstar Bank in 2003 and 2004. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
04-12-05 -- NEWARK -- The former accountant for a series of real-estate partnerships controlled by Charles Kushner was arrested today on conspiracy, tax fraud and obstruction of justice charges. AUSAs Scott A. Resnik and Thomas J. Eicher, 973-645-2737 and 6092, respectively.
04-12-05 -- CAMDEN -- Matthew V. Scannapieco, who served as Mayor of Marlboro Township from 1992 to 2003, pleaded guilty today to accepting bribes totaling approximately $245,000 from a developer who conducted business in Marlboro Township, and to tax evasion. AUSAs Michael A. Hammer and Scott A. Resnik, 973-645-2771 and 2737, respectively.
Scannapieco Information (.pdf)
04-11-05 -- NEWARK -- An East Orange tax preparer admitted today in federal court that she assisted approximately 500 taxpayers in a scheme to submit fraudulent individual tax returns to the IRS for calendar years 1998 and 1999. USAO Press Office: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888, Special Agent Al Drucker, IRS, 973-921-4228.
04-07-05 -- NEWARK -- A former Nutley man pleaded guilty today to traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a child. AUSA Kevin Walsh, 973-645-2909.
04-06-05 -- CAMDEN -- A former New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission employee was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring with others to produce approximately 750 fraudulent driver's licenses for which she received $300 each. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
04-05-05 -- TRENTON -- A major Vineland area marijuana wholesaler was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison today for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and possession of firearms in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. AUSA Norv McAndrew, 609-989-0569.
04-05-05 -- NEWARK -- A former Sussex County man was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for fraudulently running up the stock price of his small company that purported - within two weeks of Sept. 11, 2001 - to have patented a device to cleanse the air of chemical and biological agents unleashed by terrorists. AUSA Robert Kirsch, 973-645-2846.
03-24-05 -- CAMDEN -- A Philadelphia man pleaded guilty today to committing five bank robberies, three in southern New Jersey and two in Philadelphia. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
03-24-05 -- NEWARK -- A Randolph certified public accountant was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for conspiring with the management of the collapsed Millburn securities brokerage firm First Interregional Equity Corp. to obstruct the collection of income taxes, for assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return, and for perjury in connection with Trustee depositions. AUSAs Amy Winkelman and Joyce M. Malliet, 973-645-2906, 2876.
03-24-05 -- NEWARK -- Former Hudson County Executive Robert C. Janiszewski was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for extortion and tax evasion in connection with more than $100,000 in cash bribes he admitted taking while in office. AUSA Phillip H. Kwon, 973-645-2742.
03-23-05 -- NEWARK -- A Parsippany man was indicted today on federal charges of interfering with pilots of a passenger aircraft by shining a hand-held laser into the cockpit and with twice lying to the FBI about that event and another when he allegedly directed the laser at a Port Authority helicopter investigating the first incident. PIO: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
03-22-05 -- TRENTON -- A Trenton tax preparer was sentenced to six months in federal prison today on charges of aiding in the preparation of false individual tax returns. AUSA Norv McAndrew, 609-989-0569.
03-22-05 -- NEWARK -- A special operation inspector with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service) was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for his leading role in a visa fraud and bribery scheme to help illegal aliens gain entry to the country. AUSA Scott A. Resnik, 973-645-2737.
03-22-05 -- NEWARK -- A Newark man already charged with drug trafficking was indicted today on new charges of conspiring with others in the murder a confidential witness in the drug case against him. AUSA John Gay, 973-297-2018.
Baskerville Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
03-21-05 -- TRENTON -- Harry G. Parkin, former Chief of Staff to Mercer County Executive Robert Prunetti and former member of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, today was convicted by a federal jury of defrauding the public and Mercer County government of their right to his honest services by corruptly using his official position to protect and advance his concealed financial interests in a recycling company that had a $14.5 million contract in Mercer County. AUSAs David Bocian, 609-989-2399 and Jeffrey Chiesa, 973-645-2515.
03-21-05 -- TRENTON -- Herbert Axelrod, the former owner of a Neptune City business that distributed pet products and published pet care books and materials, was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the filing of a false tax return by the company's former vice president. AUSAs Michael Guadagno & Joan Thomas, 609-989-2354, 0565, respectively.
03-18-05 -- NEWARK -- A Michigan man was arrested today on a federal charge that he hired a New Jersey juvenile to conduct highly destructive computer attacks on competitors of his online sportswear business, including a web-based New Jersey company. PAO: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
03-17-05 -- NEWARK -- A New Jersey company founded by two former Lucent Technologies employees and a third individual pleaded guilty today to a wire fraud scheme in which it unlawfully appropriated copyrighted proprietary information belonging to Lucent which was analyzed when developing its own prototype product for integrating voice, data and digital images over the internet. AUSA Charles McKenna, 973-645-2716.
03-17-05 -- NEWARK -- An Old Tappan businessman pleaded guilty today to conspiring with at least 10 others in a boiler room and $20 million Ponzi scheme involving Clover Merchant Group, LTD. (CMG), which purported to be a New Jersey merchant bank. AUSA Mauro Wolfe, 973-645-2825.
03-17-05 -- NEWARK -- The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and University Physician Associates of New Jersey, Inc. has agreed to pay a total of $1,407,448 to settle claims that they overcharged Medicare. AUSA Stuart A. Minkowitz, 973-645-2925.
UMDNJ & University Physician Associates News Release
03-16-05 -- NEWARK -- The owner of an illegal Jersey City gambling business pleaded guilty today to conspiring with a former Jersey City police detective to obstruct the laws of the State of New Jersey. AUSA Deborah Goldklang, 973-645-2729.
03-15-05 -- NEWARK -- Former Asbury Park councilman James Condos was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for involvement in two fraud schemes, including accepting a liquor license from developer Philip Konvitz in exchange for his votes on issues favoring Konvitz. AUSA Mark J. McCarren, 973-645-2867.
03-10-05 -- NEWARK -- Criminal complaints were unsealed today charging a Monmouth County truck and equipment contractor, a transportation service owner and a Far Hills councilman with laundering large sums of cash in exchange for kickbacks from undercover agents in an FBI corruption investigation. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Greenwald & Appolonia Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Ingram Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
03-08-05 -- TRENTON -- An Ocean County loan broker pleaded guilty today to assisting others in the fraudulent procurement of commercial loans backed by the United States Small Business Administration. AUSA Anthony Moscato, Jr., 973-645-2752.
Lenkiewicz et al. Indictment (.pdf)
03-04-05 -- NEWARK -- Real estate developer and political contributor Charles Kushner was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his pleas of guilty to assisting in the filing of false tax returns, retaliating against a cooperating witness and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission. Contact: Public Affairs Office.
03-03-05 -- TRENTON -- A purchasing manager for a New York seafood distributor was sentenced today to four months in federal prison and four months of home confinement with electronic monitoring for tax evasion in connection with his scheme to have three Massachusetts seafood suppliers pay kickbacks in exchange for wholesale purchases. AUSA Joan Thomas, 609-989-0565.
03-03-05 -- NEWARK -- A federal judge today granted an order to show cause requested by the U.S. Attorney's Office, which is seeking to have the operator of a jet that crashed last month at Teterboro Airport comply with a subpoena issued as part of the Federal Aviation Administration's investigation. Laura Brown at FAA, 202-267-3455 and PAO: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
03-02-05 -- TRENTON -- The principal of one of the biggest customers of defunct cheese manufacturer Suprema Specialties, Inc. pleaded guilty today to conspiracy and securities-fraud charges, admitting that he participated in a scheme to inflate Suprema's assets by engaging in sham transactions that enabled Suprema management to book more than $350 million in sales - most of which were fictitious - over a four-year period. PAO: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
03-01-05 -- NEWARK -- Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and U.S. Attorney Christie J. Christie have announced that Camden will be among selected cities in the United States to get a team of federal law enforcement officers led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist in fighting gun trafficking and violence, with the goal of identifying and prosecuting the most violent individuals.
02-28-05 -- NEWARK -- The president and technical administrator of a Belarus-based child pornography and money-laundering enterprise pleaded guilty today to running the operation, which catered to untold thousands of subscribers worldwide. AUSAs Carlos Ortiz and Kevin M. O'Dowd, 973-645-2768.
02-23-05 -- NEWARK -- A federal grand jury today returned a five-count indictment against a former Sussex County political party chairman and two other individuals for their roles in embezzlement schemes that victimized Local 16 of the United Service Workers of America in Newton and its now-bankrupt health fund. AUSAs Matthew Boxer and V. Grady O'Malley, 973-645-2764, 2725, respectively.
02-22-05 -- NEWARK -- Eleven sitting and former Monmouth County public officials -- including the current mayors of Keyport, Hazlet and West Long Branch -- were arrested early this morning, charged with extorting cash bribes and free work from a contractor who was cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A news conference is scheduled for 12:30 today at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark, in the 7th Floor Conference Room. Below is the press release and criminal complaints for each of the individuals arrested. They will be appearing in court later in the day, sometime after the news conference. No further information will be available until the news conference.
Monmouth Corruption News Release
Merla & Hyer Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Coughlin Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Zambrano & DeLisa Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Hamilton, Jr. Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Iadanza & McCurnin Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
O'Grady Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Broderick Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Townsend Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
02-18-05 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County contractor engaged in the business of oil tank removal was indicted today for filing false federal corporation and personal income tax returns for the years 1994, 1995 and 1996 and for falsely using another's Social Security number in obtaining three credit cards. AUSA James B. Nobile, 973-645-2766.
02-17-05 -- NEWARK -- The former supervisor of maintenance and custodial services for the Paterson Public School District pleaded guilty today to accepting benefits in excess of $10,000 in return for approving work performed by a contractor to the school district. AUSA Scott Resnik, 973-645-2737.
02-17-05 -- NEWARK -- A Newark high school teacher and his wife, an Irvington police officer, were arrested today and charged in connection with gun-trafficking. The teacher, William Mayes, 41, of Irvington, is charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to traffic in firearms and trafficking in firearms without having a license to do so.
Mayes Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Smurda Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
02-15-05 -- NEWARK -- Three men have been charged and a third is being held by authorities in Italy in connection with a stock manipulation and kickback scheme that resulted in millions of dollars in losses to investors. AUSAs Nancy Hoppock and Anthony Moscato, Jr., 973-353-6087, 973-645-2752, respectively.
Labella et al. Indictment (.pdf)
02-03-05 -- TRENTON -- The former senior vice-president of a Neptune City business that distributed pet products and published pet care books and materials pleaded guilty today to conspiracy in a scheme with the company's chairman and major shareholder, Herbert Axelrod, to defraud the United States by concealing income that was paid into Swiss bank accounts and filing a false tax return. AUSA Michael Guadagno, 609-989-2354.
02-02-05 -- NEWARK -- Two former employees of major New Jersey pharmaceutical companies were sentenced today for the illegal sale of nearly $300,000 in prescription drug samples to pharmacies in New Jersey and Florida, as well as a separate scheme to defraud Schering-Plough Corp. of more than $500,000. AUSA Joshua Drew, 973-645-2734.
02-02-05 -- TRENTON -- A former truck driver who falsely claimed to have been injured and permanently disabled in the terror attack on the World Trade Center pleaded guilty today to making fraudulent personal-injury claims to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. PAO: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
01-27-05 -- TRENTON -- A former employee of the U.S. Social Security Administration Office in Trenton pleaded guilty today to an Information charging that she agreed with others to distribute genuine Social Security cards to illegal aliens. AUSA Norv McAndrew, 856-989-0569.
01-27-05 -- NEWARK -- Five conspirators in a scheme to steal confidential credit report profiles of more than 3,500 customers of Weichert Financial Services, Inc., of Morris Plains, were sentenced today to prison. AUSA Robert Kirsch, 973-645-2846.
01-27-05 -- NEWARK -- New Jersey political fund raiser David D'Amiano was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for soliciting and accepting $40,000 in cash and political contributions from a Piscataway farm owner to influence state and county officials to offer a favorable price to preserve the farmland. PIO: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
01-21-05 -- CAMDEN -- Former Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra boss Ralph Natale was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison today for his leadership role in a racketeering conspiracy. AUSAs Mary A. Futcher, 609-656-2504 & Barry Gross, EDPA.
01-19-05 -- CAMDEN -- A former federal grand juror was arrested today for tipping off the leader of a major Camden drug ring that the grand jury had indicted him and his codefendants, which allowed Darnell Tuten to avoid arrest for two-and-a-half months. AUSA Kevin T. Smith, 856-968-4928.
01-13-05 -- CAMDEN -- A major Camden drug wholesaler was convicted by a federal jury today for running a $1 million scheme that used powder and crack cocaine profits to buy abandoned and dilapidated residential properties in Camden, used crack cocaine as payment to workers for cosmetic repairs and then reaped enormous profits from the sales of those properties by arranging fraudulent mortgages for unsophisticated and unqualified buyers. AUSAs Marc-Philip Ferzan and Ronald Chillemi, 856-968-4864, 856-757-5232, respectively.
01-11-05 -- NEWARK -- Sentencing is scheduled for April for Jorge Reyeros, a former United States Customs Service inspector, who along with his brother Juan Reyeros was convicted last week of conspiring to import 150 kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States in 1999. AUSAs Marion Percell and Richard O.I. Brown, 973-645-2733, 2767, respectively.
01-06-05 -- NEWARK -- A New York man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $12 million in real estate for engaging in fraudulent transactions involving loans collateralized by victims' privately held stock. AUSA Sherry Hutchins Henderson, 973-645-2723.
01-06-05 -- NEWARK -- Two Belarusians have been extradited from France and are appearing in federal court today to answer charges that they ran an international Internet child pornography and money-laundering enterprise that catered to untold thousands of subscribers. AUSA Carlos F. Ortiz, 973-645-2768.
01-06-05 -- CAMDEN -- U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie, along with U.S. Marshal James Plousis, DEA Newark Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Pasterchick, FBI Philadelphia Division Special Agent in Charge John C. Eckenrode, ATF Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Mark W. Potter, Camden City Police Chief Edwin Figueroa, Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi, and Camden County Sheriff Michael W. McLaughlin, announced today a cooperative effort to assist local law enforcement in their mission to combat crime in the City of Camden.
01-05-05 -- TRENTON -- The former president of a Secaucus-based jewelry manufacturer pleaded guilty in Trenton today to conspiracy to make false statements to a bank which suffered a $16 million loss due to the fraud. AUSA Thomas R. Calcagni, 973-645-2918.
01-05-05 -- NEWARK -- The former head of Stockgenie.com, an Internet stock promotion web site, pleaded guilty today to conspiring with at least five other individuals to engage in an elaborate scheme to defraud investors of more than $20 million. AUSA Mauro Wolfe, 973-645-2825.
01-04-05 -- HARTFORD, Conn. -- A federal jury today convicted E. Kirk Shelton, the former vice chairman of Cendant Corp., of all 12 counts of the Indictment, including conspiring to fraudulently inflate reported earnings at Cendant and at a predecessor company, CUC International. Contact: Public Affairs Office, 973-645-2888.
01-04-05 -- NEWARK -- Joseph Billy Jr. Special Agent in Charge of the New Jersey Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that the FBI filed a federal complaint against David Banach, age 38, of Parsippany, New Jersey today charging him with violation of U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1993 (a)(5) and (8), and 1993(b).
For questions or comments call 973-645-2888.