Plea Agreement

I have agreed to enter into a plea agreement with the United States of America, pursuant to Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.The terms and conditions of this agreement are as follows:

1. CHARGE(S) TO WHICH I AM PLEADING GUILTY AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS
1. The Charges and Potential Punishment

My attorney has informed me of the nature of the charges and the elements of the charges that must be proved by the United States beyond a reasonable doubt before I could be found guilty as charged.

I agree to plead guilty to an Information, which is a charge brought by the United States Attorney as opposed to one returned by a Grand Jury. I am waiving and giving up my right to be charged by Indictment and have a Grand Jury vote on my probable guilt.

I will enter a plea of guilty to Counts 1 and 2 of the Information.

Count 1 charges me with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. The maximum statutory penalty is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of twenty years, plus a term of supervised release.

Count 2 charges me with making and subscribing a false 2006 tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). The maximum statutory penalty is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of three years, together with the cost of prosecution.

I understand restitution may be ordered, my assets may be subject to forfeiture, and fees may be imposed to pay for incarceration and supervised release. In addition, a $100 special assessment, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3013, will be imposed per felony count of conviction. I further understand my supervised release may be revoked if I violate its terms and conditions. I understand a violation of supervised release increases the possible period of incarceration.

I am pleading guilty as described above because I am in fact guilty and because I believe it is in my best interest to do so and not because of any threats or promises. There has been no promise made whatsoever by any agent or employee of the United States to me as to what the final disposition of this matter will be.

2. Waiver of Constitutional Rights Upon a Plea of Guilty

I acknowledge I have had all of my rights explained to me and I expressly recognize I have the following constitutional rights and, by voluntarily pleading guilty, I knowingly waive and give up these valuable constitutional rights:

1. The right to plead not guilty and persist in that plea;
2. The right to a speedy and public jury trial;
3. The right to assistance of counsel at that trial and in any subsequent appeal;
4. The right to remain silent at trial;
5. The right to testify at trial;
6. The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses called by the government;
7. The right to present evidence and witnesses in my own behalf;
8. The right to compulsory process of the court;
9. The right to compel the attendance of witnesses at trial;
10. The right to be presumed innocent;
11. The right to a unanimous guilty verdict; and
12. The right to appeal a guilty verdict.

2. SENTENCING PROVISIONS
   
   
1. General Matters

I understand the determination of what sentence should be imposed, within the confines of any applicable statutory minimums and maximums, is in the sole discretion of the Court subject to its consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (“guidelines” or “U.S.S.G”) and the factors set forth at 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). I understand I will have an opportunity to review a copy of my presentence report in advance of my sentencing hearing and may file objections, as appropriate. I will have an opportunity at my sentencing hearing to present evidence, bring witnesses, cross-examine any witnesses the government calls to testify, and argue to the Court what an appropriate sentence should be.

I understand I will not be eligible for parole during any term of imprisonment imposed. I have discussed sentencing issues with my attorney and realize there is a substantial likelihood I will be incarcerated.

I understand the Court is not bound by any recommendation or stipulation and may sentence me up to the statutory maximum. I understand I will not be allowed to withdraw my plea of guilty if the Court disregards the stipulations and/or recommendations set forth in the plea agreement. I understand the government will object to any sentence below the guideline range.

2. Sentencing Guidelines

I stipulate and agree that all matters pertaining to any of the counts of the charging document, including any dismissed counts, are relevant conduct for purposes of sentencing.

The parties agree that the 2006 edition of the United States Sentencing Guidelines Manual applies to Count 1 and that the 2007 edition of the United States Sentencing Guidelines Manual applies to Count 2 of the Information.

As to Count 1 of the Information, I stipulate that the value of the bribes totaled $124,600 and that the following guideline sections are applicable to my conduct:

As to Count 2 of the Information, I stipulate that the applicable tax loss is $44,741 and that the following guideline sections are applicable to my conduct:

The United States stipulates that the guideline sections set forth in this section should apply to my conduct.

I understand other guideline sections may be applicable to my case and the United States and I will be free to argue whether these sections should or should not apply; to the extent the arguments are not inconsistent with the stipulations, recommendations and terms set forth in this plea agreement.

I agree to accept responsibility for my conduct. If I comply with my obligations under this plea agreement and accept responsibility for my conduct, the United States will recommend the Court grant me a two-level reduction in my offense level, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1(a) and, if applicable, at sentencing, will move that I receive a one-level reduction in my offense level, pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1(b). However, I stipulate that `if I fail to accept responsibility for my conduct or fail to comply with any provision of this plea agreement, I should not receive credit for acceptance of responsibility.

3. Substantial Assistance

I understand the United States retains all of its rights pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 35(b), U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e). I understand even if I fully cooperate with law enforcement, the United States is under no obligation to make a motion for the reduction of my sentence. I understand if the United States makes a motion for a reduction in my sentence, the Court, after hearing the evidence, will determine how much of a departure, if any, I should be given.

4. Monetary Obligations

1. Special Assessments, Fines and Restitution

I understand persons convicted of crimes are required to pay a mandatory assessment of $100.00 per felony count of conviction. I agree I will submit to the U.S. Clerk’s Office, a certified check, money order, or attorney’s trust check, made payable to the “Clerk, U.S. District Court” for the total amount due for mandatory assessments prior to entering my plea of guilty.

I agree to pay restitution for the entire scope of my criminal conduct, including, but not limited to, all matters included as relevant conduct, of at least $124,600. In addition, I agree to pay any restitution required by law, including, but not limited to, amounts due pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 2259, 3663, and/or 3663A. I understand and agree a requirement I pay restitution for all of the above-stated matters will be imposed upon me as part of any final judgment in this matter.

I further agree to make good faith efforts toward payment of all mandatory assessments, restitution and fines, with whatever means I have at my disposal. I agree failure to do so will constitute a violation of this agreement. I will execute any documents necessary to release the funds I have in any repository, bank, investment, other financial institution, or any other location in order to make partial or total payment toward the mandatory assessments, restitution and fines imposed in my case.

I fully understand restitution and forfeiture are separate financial obligations which may be imposed upon a criminal defendant. I further understand there is a process within the Department of Justice whereby, in certain circumstances, forfeited funds may be applied to restitution obligations. I understand no one has made any promises to me that such a process will result in a decrease in my restitution obligations in this case.

I understand and agree, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 3613 and 3664(m), whatever monetary penalties are imposed by the Court will be due immediately and subject to immediate enforcement by the United States as provided for by statute. I understand if the Court imposes a schedule of payments, that schedule is only a minimum schedule of payments and not the only method, nor a limitation on the methods, available to the United States to enforce the judgment.

I agree to grant the United States a wage assignment, liquidate assets, or complete any other tasks which will result in immediate payment in full, or payment in the shortest time in which full payment can be reasonably made as required under 18 U.S.C. § 3572(d).

I agree the following provisions, or words of similar effect, should be included as conditions of probation and/or supervised release: (1) “The defendant shall notify the Financial Litigation Unit, United States Attorney's Office, in writing, of any interest in property obtained, directly or indirectly, including any interest obtained under any other name, or entity, including a trust, partnership or corporation after the execution of this agreement until all fines, restitution, money judgments and monetary assessments are paid in full” and (2) “The Defendant shall notify the Financial Litigation Unit, United States Attorney’s Office, in writing, at least 30 days prior to transferring any interest in property owned directly or indirectly by Defendant, including any interest held or owned under any other name or entity, including trusts, partnership and/or corporations until all fines, restitution, money judgments and monetary assessments are paid in full.”

The parties will also jointly recommend that as a condition of probation or supervised release, Defendant will notify the Financial Litigation Unit, United States Attorney's Office, before Defendant transfers any interest in property owned directly or indirectly by Defendant, including any interest held or owned under any other name or entity, including trusts, partnership and/or corporations. See 18 U.S.C. § 3664(k), (n).

Regardless of whether or not the Court specifically directs participation or imposes a schedule of payments, I agree to fully participate in inmate employment under any available or recommended programs operated by the Bureau of Prisons.

I agree any payments made by me shall be applied fully to the non-joint and several portion of my outstanding restitution balance until the non-joint and several portion of restitution is paid in full, unless the Court determines that to do so would cause a hardship to a victim of the offense(s).

2. Duty to Make Financial Disclosures

I understand in this case there is a possibility substantial fines and/or restitution may be imposed. In order to assist the United States as to any recommendation and in any necessary collection of those sums, I agree, if requested by the United States, to provide a complete and truthful financial statement to the United States Attorney's Office, within 30 days of the request or 3 days prior to sentencing, whichever is earlier, detailing all income, expenditures, assets, liabilities, gifts and conveyances by myself, my spouse and my dependent children and any corporation, partnership or other entity in which I hold or have held an interest, for the period starting on January 1st of the year prior to the year my offense began and continuing through the date of the statement. This financial statement shall be submitted in a form acceptable to the United States Attorney's office.

From the time of the signing of this agreement or the date I sign the financial statement, whichever is earlier, I agree not to convey anything of value to any person without the authorization of the United States Attorney's Office. I agree to take and pass a polygraph examination conducted by a qualified law enforcement examiner selected by the United States Attorney’s Office, if requested to do so, concerning the accuracy of my financial statement.

3. Understanding of Collection Matters

I understand:

1. as part of the judgment in this case I will be ordered to pay one or more monetary obligations;
2. payment should be made as ordered by the Court;
3. I must mail payments, by cashier's check or money order, payable to the "Clerk, U.S. District Court" to: Post Office Box 1234, Roanoke, VA 24006- 1234; and include my name and court number on the check or money order;
4. interest (unless waived by the Court) and penalties must be imposed for late or missed payments;
5. the United States may file liens on my real and personal property that will remain in place until monetary obligations are paid in full, or until liens expire (the later of 20 years from date of sentencing or release from incarceration);
6. if I retain counsel to represent me regarding the United States’ efforts to collect any of my monetary obligations, I will immediately notify the United States Attorney’s Office, ATTN: Financial Litigation Unit, P.O. Box 1709, Roanoke, Virginia 24008-1709, in writing, of the fact of my legal representation; and
7. I, or my attorney if an attorney will represent me regarding collection of monetary obligations, can contact the United States Attorney’s Office’s Financial Litigation Unit at 540/857-2259.

4. Payment of Taxes and Filing of Tax Returns

I agree to any motion by the United States under Rule 6(e)(3)(E) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, to disclose grand jury material to the Internal Revenue Service for use in computing and collecting my taxes, interest and penalties, and to the civil and forfeiture sections of the United States Attorney’s Office for use in identifying assets and collecting fines and restitution. I also agree to file true and correct tax returns for the year 2006 within sixty days and to pay all taxes, interest and penalties for the year 2006 within a reasonable time. I further agree to make all books, records and documents available to the Internal Revenue Service for use in computing my taxes, interest and penalties for the year 2006.

3. COOPERATION

I will cooperate fully and truthfully with the United States in the prosecution of this case, the conduct of the current federal investigation of violations of federal criminal laws, any other federal investigation resulting there from, and any litigation or other proceedings arising or resulting from any such investigation to which the United States is a party (“Federal Proceeding”). My ongoing, full, and truthful cooperation shall include, but not be limited to:

1. producing all non-privileged documents, including claimed personal documents, and other materials, wherever located, in my possession, custody, or control, requested by attorneys and agents of the United States;
2. making myself available for interviews, not at the expense of the United States, upon the request of attorneys and agents of the United States;
3. responding fully and truthfully to all inquiries of the United States in connection with any Federal Proceeding, without falsely implicating any person or intentionally withholding any information, subject to the penalties of making false statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001) and obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. § 1503, et seq.);
4. otherwise voluntarily providing the United States with any non-privileged material or information, not requested in (a) - (c) of this paragraph, that I may have that is related to any Federal Proceeding; and
5. when called upon to do so by the United States in connection with any Federal Proceeding, testifying in grand jury, trial, and other judicial proceedings, fully, truthfully, and under oath, subject to the penalties of perjury (18 U.S.C. § 1621), making false statements or declarations in grand jury or court proceedings (18 U.S.C. § 1623), contempt (18 U.S.C. §§ 401 - 402), and obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. § 1503, et seq.).

4. ADDITIONAL MATTERS

1. Waiver of Right to Appeal

Knowing that I have a right of direct appeal of my sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3742(a) and the grounds listed therein, I expressly waive the right to appeal my sentence on those grounds or on any ground. In addition, I hereby waive my right of appeal as to any and all other issues in this matter and agree I will not file a notice of appeal. I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving any right to appeal. By signing this agreement, I am explicitly and irrevocably directing my attorney not to file a notice of appeal. Notwithstanding any other language to the contrary, I am not waiving my right to appeal or to have my attorney file a notice of appeal, as to any issue which cannot be waived, by law. I understand the United States expressly reserves all of its rights to appeal. I agree and understand if I file any court document (except for an appeal based on an issue that cannot be waived, by law, or a collateral attack based on ineffective assistance of counsel) seeking to disturb, in any way, any order imposed in my case such action shall constitute a failure to comply with a provision of this agreement.

2. Waiver of Right to Collaterally Attack

I waive any right I may have to collaterally attack, in any future proceeding, any order issued in this matter, unless such attack is based on ineffective assistance of counsel, and agree I will not file any document which seeks to disturb any such order, unless such filing is based on ineffective assistance of counsel. I agree and understand that if I file any court document (except for an appeal based on an issue not otherwise waived in this agreement; an appeal based on an issue that cannot be waived, by law; or a collateral attack based on ineffective assistance of counsel) seeking to disturb, in any way, any order imposed in my case, such action shall constitute a failure to comply with a provision of this agreement.

3. Information Access Waiver

I knowingly and voluntarily agree to waive all rights, whether asserted directly or by a representative, to request or receive from any department or agency of the United States any records pertaining to the investigation or prosecution of this case, including without limitation any records that may be sought under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, or the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. §552a.

4. Waiver of Witness Fee

I agree to waive all rights, claims or interest in any witness fee I may be eligible to receive pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1821, for my appearance at any Grand Jury, witness conference or court proceeding.

5. Proffer Evidence

I understand information given during a proffer or during cooperation will not be used against me to enhance my sentence pursuant to Sentencing Guideline Section 1B1.8, but may be referred to by the presentence report preparer as an indication of my acceptance of responsibility and may be referred to as my version of the events leading to these charges. I further understand if I supply untruthful information during any proffer, or at any other time, I may be prosecuted for perjury, for giving a false statement, or for obstruction of justice.

6. Additional Obligations

I agree not to commit any of the following acts:

• attempt to withdraw my guilty plea;
• deny I committed any crime to which I have pled guilty;
• make or adopt any arguments or objections to the presentence report that are inconsistent with this plea agreement;
• obstruct justice;
• fail to comply with any provision of this plea agreement;
• commit any other crime;
• make a false statement; or
• fail to enter my plea of guilty when scheduled to do so, unless a continuance is agreed to by the United States Attorney's Office and granted by the Court.

5. REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED STATES

I hereby stipulate and agree that the United States Attorney's office and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice may, at their election, pursue any or all of the following remedies if I fail to comply with any provision of this agreement: (a) declare this plea agreement void; (b) refuse to dismiss any charges; (c) reinstate any dismissed charges; (d) file new charges; (e) withdraw any substantial assistance motion made, regardless of whether substantial assistance has been performed; (f) refuse to abide by any provision, stipulations, and/or recommendations contained in this plea agreement; or (g) take any other action provided for under this agreement or by statute, regulation or court rule.

I agree that in any further prosecution of me if I fail to comply with any provision of this agreement, any documents, statements, information, testimony, or evidence provided by me to attorneys or agents of the United States, federal grand juries, or courts and any leads derived there from, may be used against me in any such further prosecution. In addition, I unconditionally waive my right to challenge the use of such evidence in any such further prosecution, notwithstanding the protections of Fed. R. Evid. 410.

In addition, I agree if, for any reason, my conviction is set aside, or I fail to comply with any obligation under the plea agreement, the United States may file, by indictment or information, any charges against me which were filed and/or could have been filed concerning the matters involved in the instant investigation. I hereby waive my right under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 7 to be proceeded against by indictment and consent to the filing of an information against me concerning any such charges. I also hereby waive any statute of limitations defense as to any such charges.

The remedies set forth above are cumulative and not mutually exclusive. The United States’ election of any of these remedies, other than declaring this plea agreement void, does not, in any way, terminate my obligation to comply with the terms of the plea agreement. The use of “if” in this section does not mean “if, and only if.”

6. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Limitation of Agreement

This agreement only binds the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice. It does not bind any state or local prosecutor, other United States Attorney’s Office or other office or agency of the United States Government.

2. Effect of My Signature

I understand my signature on this agreement constitutes a binding offer by me to enter into this agreement. I understand the United States has not accepted my offer until it signs the agreement.

3. Effective Representation

I have discussed the terms of the foregoing plea agreement and all matters pertaining to the charges against me with my attorney and am fully satisfied with my attorney and my attorney's advice. At this time, I have no dissatisfaction or complaint with my attorney’s representation. I agree to make known to the Court no later than at the time of sentencing any dissatisfaction or complaint I may have with my attorney's representation.

4. Final Matters

I understand the Court is not bound by any recommendations or stipulations contained in this agreement and may sentence me up to the maximum provided by law.

I understand if the sentence is more severe than I expected, I will have no right to withdraw my guilty plea.

I understand a thorough presentence investigation will be conducted and sentencing recommendations independent of the United States Attorney's Office and the Antitrust Division will be made by the presentence preparer, which the Court may adopt or take into consideration. I understand any calculation regarding the guidelines by the United States Attorney's Office, the Antitrust Division or by my attorney is speculative and is not binding upon the Court, the Probation Office or the United States Attorney's Office or the Antitrust Division. No guarantee has been made by the United States Attorney's Office or the Antitrust Division regarding the effect of the guidelines on my case.

I understand the prosecution will be free to allocute or describe the nature of this offense and the evidence in this case and, in all likelihood, will recommend I receive a substantial sentence.

I understand the United States retains the right, notwithstanding any provision in this plea agreement, to inform the Probation Office and the Court of all relevant facts, to address the Court with respect to the nature and seriousness of the offenses, to respond to any questions raised by the Court, to correct any inaccuracies or inadequacies in the presentence report and to respond to any statements made to the Court by or on behalf of the defendant.

I willingly stipulate there is a sufficient factual basis to support each and every material factual allegation contained within the charging documents to which I am pleading guilty.

I understand this agreement does not apply to any crimes or charges not addressed in this agreement. I understand if I should testify falsely in this or in a related proceeding I may be prosecuted for perjury and statements I may have given authorities pursuant to this agreement may be used against me in such a proceeding.

I understand my attorney will be free to argue any mitigating factors on my behalf; to the extent they are not inconsistent with the terms of this agreement. I understand I will have an opportunity to personally address the Court prior to sentence being imposed.

This writing sets forth the entire understanding between the parties and constitutes the complete plea agreement between the United States and me, and no other additional terms or agreements shall be entered except and unless those other terms or agreements are in writing and signed by the parties. This plea agreement supersedes all prior understandings, promises, agreements, or conditions, if any, between the United States and me.

I have consulted with my attorney and fully understand all my rights. I have read this plea agreement and carefully reviewed every part of it with my attorney. I understand this agreement and I voluntarily agree to it. I have not been coerced, threatened, or promised anything other than the terms of this plea agreement, described above, in exchange for my plea of guilty. Being aware of all of the possible consequences of my plea, I have independently decided to enter this plea of my own free will, and am affirming that agreement on this date and by my signature below.

I have fully explained all rights available to my client with respect to the offenses listed in the pending charging document(s). I have carefully reviewed every part of this plea agreement with my client. To my knowledge, my client's decision to enter into this agreement is an informed and voluntary one.

If I will continue to represent my client regarding the United States’ efforts to collect any monetary obligations, I will notify the United States Attorney’s Office, ATTN: Financial Litigation Unit, P.O. Box 1709, Roanoke, Virginia 24008-1709, in writing, of the fact of my continued legal representation within 10 days of the entry of judgment in this case.