Public Affairs Office, District of New Jersey
Friday, December 28, 2007
Public Affairs Office: 973-645-2888
Last updated December 28, 2007, 4 p.m.
12-28-07 -- NEWARK -- A Cub Scout den leader has been charged in a federal criminal Complaint with possession of child pornography. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Lutz Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
12-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Chilean citizen who filmed his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old child was sentenced today to 220 months in federal prison for transporting child pornography into the United States. AUSA Paul B. Matey, 973-645-2930.
Castro Valenzuela News Release (.pdf)
12-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Newark police officer was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for conspiring with another Newark police officer and others to obtain dozens of illegal prescriptions for the drug OxyContin, filling the prescriptions and then selling the pills for cash. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
12-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Plainfield man admitted today that while on vacation in Pakistan he killed his live-in companion and then attempted to benefit from the homicide by collecting assets of the man's estate, including his home, life insurance and retirement savings. AUSA Deborah J. Gannett, 973-645-2781.
12-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to steal the Francisco de Goya painting "Children with a Cart." AUSA Seth Kosto, 973-645-2737.
12-19-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Celebration, Fla., man pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with attempting to board an aircraft at the Atlantic City International Airport with a loaded firearm in his carry-on luggage. AUSA Joshua Drew, 856-968-4925.
12-19-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cherry Hill man was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison today for operating three separate investment fraud schemes. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
12-19-07 -- TRENTON -- A Pleasantville man was indicted today for conspiring with former Pleasantville Board of Education member Maurice "Pete" Callaway to obtain corrupt payments from a roofing company in exchange for Callaway's assistance in obtaining roofing work for the business from the Pleasantville Board of Education. AUSAs David A. Bocian and Christopher J. Gramiccioni, 609-989-2399 and 973-297-2067, respectively.
12-18-07 -- NEWARK -- Passaic City Council member Marcellus Jackson pleaded guilty today to attempted extortion, admitting that he accepted bribes from an undercover insurance brokerage company in return for his official assistance in steering public contracts to the company. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
12-14-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic County man pleaded guilty today to drug and gun trafficking charges. AUSA Diana Carrig, 856-968-4927.
12-14-07 -- CAMDEN -- Two Camden County men were convicted by a federal jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute multiple kilograms of cocaine and quantities of crack cocaine. AUSAs Matthew Skahill and Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-968-4929 and 856-757-5231.
12-14-07 -- TRENTON -- A former assistant manager of a Hudson City Savings Bank branch in West Long Branch was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for embezzling nearly $500,000 from the bank. AUSA John J. Hoffman, 609-989-0579.
12-13-07 -- Linked below is a letter today from U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie to the President of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the Chairman of the UMDNJ Board of Trustees, in which Christie informs them of his intention to terminate the federal oversight by the end of the year.
Christie Letter to UMDNJ Re: End of Monitoring (.pdf)
12-13-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment this afternoon against the mayor of Guttenberg and his wife, adding new charges that they subscribed to fraudulent tax returns for 2004 and 2005. AUSAs Thomas R. Calcagni and Richard E. Constable III, 973-645-2918 and 2719, respectively.
Delle Donna et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Delle Donna et. al. Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
12-12-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today for conspiring to distribute cocaine. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
12-12-07 -- TRENTON -- A California sureties broker pleaded guilty today to a charge of wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud a New Jersey company of approximately $800,000. AUSA Eric M. Schweiker, 609-989-0566.
12-12-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Egg Harbor City woman was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for conspiring with Dr. Charlene C. DeMarco, who purported to be able to “cure” amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," to defraud ALS patients and their families. AUSA Eugenia A. P. Cowles, 609-989-2354.
12-11-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a large cocaine trafficking network in Cumberland County was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-968-5233.
12-11-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic County man pleaded guilty today to drug and gun trafficking charges. AUSA Diana Carrig, 856-968-4927.
Campos-Diaz News Release (.pdf)
12-11-07 -- NEWARK -- An owner of a Bergenfield business pleaded guilty today to operating an unlicensed money remitting business that transferred more than $4 million to approximately 22 companies and nine individuals in China, Israel, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. AUSA Camelia M. Valdes, 973-645-2730.
12-11-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Far Hills councilman was sentenced today to 20 months in federal prison for conspiring to launder approximately $700,000 in what he believed to be the proceeds of loansharking and illegal gambling as part of a scheme to defraud the IRS of more than $200,000 owed in personal income taxes. AUSA Mark McCarren, 973-645-2867.
12-10-07 -- NEWARK -- Warren Hospital, a hospital system headquartered in Phillipsburg, has agreed to pay the United States $7.5 million to settle allegations that it defrauded the federal Medicare program. AUSA Rudolph A. Filko, 973-645-2829.
Warren Hospital News Release (.pdf)
Warren Hospital Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
12-10-07 -- CAMDEN -- Pleasantville Board of Education president James A. Pressley pleaded guilty today to attempted extortion, admitting that he accepted bribes in return for his official assistance in steering public contracts to an insurance brokerage company and a roofing business. AUSAs David A. Bocian and Christopher J. Gramiccioni, 609-989-2399 and 973-297-2067.
Pressley News Release (.pdf)12-07-07 -- CAMDEN -- A National Park man was convicted by a federal jury today for attempting to purchase and redistribute cocaine. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
12-05-07 -- NEWARK -- Monmouth County developer Anthony Spalliero pleaded guilty today to making bribe payments to then-Marlboro Township Mayor Matthew V. Scannapieco, and to conspiring with Scannapieco to conceal the bribe payments from the IRS and other government authorities. AUSA Michael A. Hammer, 973-645-2771.
11-30-07 -- NEWARK -- The former bookkeeper for a Paramus heating oil company pleaded guilty today to embezzling more than $1.5 million from the company and to filing false tax returns. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
11-28-07 -- TRENTON -- The former Chief of Staff to the Newark City Council President was indicted today, charged with accepting approximately $13,500 in cash bribes to use his influence with public officials in Newark, Irvington and elsewhere to steer insurance brokerage business to an undercover FBI company. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
11-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Puerto Rican man living in Vineland was convicted by a federal jury today for the distribution of cocaine and heroin. AUSAs Ronald Chillemi and Deborah Prinsinzano-Mikkelsen, 856-757-5232, 5152, respectively.
Carrion-Soto News Release (.pdf)
11-26-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former employee of a contractor working at a U.S. General Services Administration's distribution center in Burlington was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison for stealing government property valued at more than $300,000. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
11-20-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Linden building inspector pleaded guilty today to accepting $10,500 in cash payments from a cooperating construction company in exchange for his agreement to exercise his official influence to assist the construction company in obtaining building permits from the City of Linden. Contact: J. Gregory Reinert, PIO, 856-757-5233.
11-20-07 -- NEWARK -- The owner of a large landscaping and contracting business was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison today for tax evasion. AUSA Mark J. McCarren, 973-645-2867.
11-19-07 -- CAMDEN -- A leader of a major Camden cocaine distribution network pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than 150 kilograms of cocaine. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
11-14-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Special Agent of the United States Secret Service was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison today for fradulently acquiring a deceased woman's pension funds and passing bad checks. AUSA Erez Liebermann, 973-645-2874.
11-09-07 -- CAMDEN -- Two Buena Vista men were sentenced to federal prison terms today for distribution of crack cocaine, and one defendant also for illegal possession of an AK-47 rifle. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-968-4927.
Cuadrado et. al. News Release (.pdf)
11-09-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a large cocaine trafficking network in Cumberland County was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison today for his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
11-07-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City businessman pleaded guilty today to paying bribes to former Atlantic City Council President Craig Callaway. AUSAs Thomas J. Eicher and Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885 and 973-353-6092, respectively.
11-07-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bridgewater man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for his role in defrauding the energy company Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) of more than a half million dollars in a phony purchasing and billing scheme. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
11-02-07 -- TRENTON -- A Pleasantville man pleaded guilty today for transporting minor females from Allentown to Atlantic City for the purpose of having them engage in prostitution. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
11-02-07 -- TRENTON -- The owner/operator of two adult day care centers pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud Medicaid of approximately $5.5 million by submitting false claims for medical services that were never rendered. AUSAs Maureen Nakly and Camelia M. Valdes, 973-645-2723 and 2730, respectively.
Galletta et. al. News Release (.pdf)
George Galleta Information (.pdf)
Ernest Galletta Information (.pdf)
11-01-07 -- CAMDEN -- The former mayor of Atlantic City pleaded guilty today to defrauding the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of approximately $25,000 in benefits. AUSA Jason M. Richardson, 856-968-4869.
11-01-07 -- NEWARK -- Former Pleasantville Board of Education member Maurice "Pete" Callaway pleaded guilty today to attempted extortion, admitting that he accepted bribes, through intermediaries, from a cooperating roofing business and an undercover insurance brokerage company in return for his official assistance in steering public contracts to the companies. AUSAs David A. Bocian and Christopher J. Gramiccioni, 609-989-2399 and Christopher J. Gramiccioni, 973-297-2067.
10-31-07 -- NEWARK -- A Mercer County man who owned companies operating in three states, the Cayman Islands and elsewhere was arrested today, charged in an Indictment with failing to pay millions of dollars in taxes withheld from the salaries of employees at his companies. AUSA Seth Kosto, 973-645-2737.
Burgess et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
10-31-07 -- NEWARK -- A Chinese national was charged in a federal criminal Complaint today with attempting to export military-grade night-vision technology from the United States to the Republic of China. Contact: Michael Drewniak, Public Information Officer, 973-645-2888.
10-31-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal jury convicted six New Jersey men, including three brothers, who ran a cocaine distribution business that operated for almost six years in Jersey City. AUSAs Dennis C. Carletta and David E. Malagold, 973-645-2700.
Arzola et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Arzola et. al. Second Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
10-31-07 -- CAMDEN -- Agron Abdullahu pleaded guilty today to conspiring to provide firearms and ammunition to illegal aliens who allegedly plotted to kill U.S. soldiers at various installations, including the Fort Dix Army base in New Jersey. Contact: J. Gregory Reinert, 856-757-5233.
Abdullahu Superseding Information (.pdf)
10-30-07 -- TRENTON -- A former Newark Municipal Court clerk pleaded guilty today, admitting that he accepted cash bribes from an undercover agent in exchange for using his official position to sanitize a criminal record to help someone attempting to pass a U.S. Department of Homeland Security background check. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
10-29-07-- CAMDEN -- A Waterford man pleaded guilty today to robbing nine pharmacies in New Jersey and Philadelphia of controlled substances such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Endocet and Xanax. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
10-29-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cumberland County man was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison today for selling pipe bombs to an undercover FBI agent. AUSA Matthew Skahill, 856-968-4929.
10-29-07 -- NEWARK -- Two Monmouth County developers and a business partner pleaded guilty today to bribing a sewer authority official with thousands of dollars in architectural drawings to gain favor in getting sewerage service to their projects in Marlboro Township. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
10-26-07 -- TRENTON -- A former Florham Park man who held himself out to New Jersey investors as the owner and operator of businesses that dealt in "duty free" merchandise in Europe and elsewhere was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for defrauding investors of more than $13 million. AUSA Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2891.
10-25-07 -- TRENTON -- The owner of a small Trenton neighborhood grocery store was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for his role in defrauding the Food Stamp Program of $978,488. AUSA Eugenia A.P. Cowles, 609-989-2354.
10-25-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former Linwood woman pleaded guilty today in connection with the filing of 30 fraudulent claims for federal tax refunds, 28 of which she filed in the names of deceased individuals. DOJ Tax Attorneys Shawn T. Noud and Mark F. Daly, 202-514-5150.
10-25-07 -- NEWARK -- A former housing inspector for the City of Paterson was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for accepting and agreeing to accept bribes for performing housing inspections and other official assistance. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
10-24-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City businessman was sentenced today to three years of probation, which includes nine months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, for paying bribes to two Atlantic City councilmen. AUSAs Thomas J. Eicher and Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885 and 973-353-6092, respectively.
DiNicolantonio News Release (.pdf)
10-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A former City of Passaic building inspector pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with accepting and agreeing to accept bribes for his official assistance. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
10-24-07 -- NEWARK -- U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced the following sentencing results today for three Monmouth County public officials who previously pleaded guilty to corruption charges in the FBI's Operation Bid Rig Investigation. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Zambrano et. al. News Release (.pdf)
10-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal judge today sentenced a Union City man to 15 years in federal prison for his convictions for identity theft, credit card fraud, mail and wire fraud, and possession of counterfeit checks. AUSAs Kevin G. Walsh and Seth Kosto, 973-645-2909 and 2737, respectively.
Tagliamonte News Release (.pdf)
10-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County man was arrested last evening on an Indictment charging him with stealing the Francisco de Goya painting "Children with a Cart" last year. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Toledo Museum News Release (.pdf)
2006 Toledo Museum News Release (.pdf)
10-23-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Celebration, Fla., man was arrested and charged today with attempting to board an aircraft at the Atlantic City International Airport with a loaded firearm in his carry-on luggage. AUSA Joshua Drew, 856-968-4925.
10-23-07 -- NEWARK -- U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced the following sentencing results today for three Monmouth County public officials who previously pleaded guilty to corruption charges in the FBI's Operation Bid Rig Investigation. AUSA Mark J. McCarren, 973-645-2867.
Palughi et. al. News Release (.pdf)
10-23-07 -- CAMDEN -- Former Pleasantville Board of Education president Jayson G. Adams and Pleasantville Board of Education member Rafael Velez pleaded guilty today to attempted extortion, both admitting that they accepted bribes from an undercover insurance brokerage company and a cooperating roofing company in return for their official assistance in steering public contracts to the companies. AUSAs David A. Bocian and Christopher J. Gramiccioni, 609-989-2399 and 973-297-2067.
Adams et. al. News Release (.pdf)
10-22-07 -- NEWARK -- The former President and Chief Executive Officer and the former Chief Financial Officer of Wellesley Services, LLC, a now-defunct Bergen County company previously controlled by convicted con man Thomas Giacomaro, pleaded guilty today in connection with a $73 million investment fraud to conspiring to commit mail fraud and to evade the payment of federal income taxes. AUSAs Michael F. Buchanan, Adam S. Lurie and Rachael Honig, 973-645-2778, 2749 and 2777, respectively.
10-22-07 -- NEWARK -- The former owner of a website called "LadyParadise.com" was sentenced today to 65 months in federal prison for engaging in sex tourism, for facilitating the travel of at least one other individual knowing that the purpose of the travel was to engage in sexual activity with underage girls. AUSA Philip J. Degnan, 973-645-2713.
10-19-07 -- TRENTON -- Former state Assemblyman Alfred E. Steele pleaded guilty today to attempted extortion, admitting that he accepted a total of $15,500 in bribes from an undercover insurance brokerage company in return for his official assistance in steering public contracts to the company. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
10-19-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a cocaine trafficking network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison today for his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
10-18-07 -- NEWARK -- An Irvington lawyer was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison today on immigration fraud charges. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
Saint Preux et. al. News Release (.pdf)
10-18-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Philadelphia man pleaded guilty today to robbing thirteen pharmacies in New Jersey and Philadelphia of controlled substances such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Endocet and Xanax. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
10-17-07 -- NEWARK -- Monmouth County developer Moshe G. Gohar was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for making a $50,000 corrupt payment to former Ocean Township Mayor Terrance D. Weldon to gain zoning approvals for a development project. AUSAs Brian R. Howe and Charles B. McKenna, 973-645-2853 and 2716, respectively.
10-16-07 -- CAMDEN -- A bus company president pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with subscribing to a false Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
10-12-07 -- NEWARK -- A Union City bodega owner was sentenced to 50 months in prison today for illegally transporting more than $1 million to Mexico over a four-year period, money which in sifnificant part represented the earnings of Mexican women who had been smuggled into the United States and put to work as prostitutes. AUSA Leslie F. Schwartz, 973-645-3986.
10-10-07 -- CAMDEN -- A New Jersey Probation Officer pleaded guilty today running an illegal poker gambling operation. AUSA Jason M. Richardson, 856-968-4869.
10-10-07 -- CAMDEN -- Two brothers pleaded guilty today for their roles in a string of southern New Jersey bank burglaries. AUSA Jason M. Richardson, 856-968-4869.
Anderson et. al. News Release (.pdf)
10-10-07 -- NEWARK -- A licensed New Jersey doctor has been charged in a federal Indictment with prescribing controlled substances, including the powerful painkillers oxycodone and morphine sulfate, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Eatough et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Eatough et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
10-10-07 -- NEWARK -- A lead paint inspector for the City of Paterson was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison today for accepting bribes in exchange for exercising official action. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
10-10-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal grand jury today indicted former state Assemblyman and Orange Mayor Mims Hackett, Jr. on charges of attempted extortion under color of official right and bribery for allegedly accepting $5,000 in cash in exchange for his influence on municipal contracts. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
10-05-07 -- TRENTON -- A former Asbury Park police officer and another man were convicted by a federal jury today on charges in connection with the theft of diamond jewelry valued at more than $2,500 that occurred during the execution of a fugitive arrest warrant. AUSAs John J. Hoffman and Norv McAndrew, 609-989-0579 and 609-989-0569.
Montgomery et. al. News Release (.pdf)
10-04-07 -- TRENTON -- A former bank employee pleaded guilty today to charges of bank fraud and identity theft for using his position to divert more than $440,000 from customer accounts for his own use and for using a customer's personal information to secure a credit account. AUSA Eugenia A.P. Cowles, 609-989-2354.
09-28-07 -- NEWARK -- Guttenberg Mayor David Delle Donna and his wife surrended today to Special Agents of the FBI on an Indictment that charges them, in part, with using their official positions to benefit a local bar owner in return for cash payments, which were used for the defendants' personal expenses, such as plastic surgery and gambling in Atlantic City. AUSA Thomas R. Calcagni, 973-645-2918.
Delle Donna et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Delle Donna et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
09-28-07 -- TRENTON -- A doctor with offices in Stafford Township and Montclair was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison today for his conviction of charges related to his substitution of a cheaper and unapproved drug for the FDA-approved drug BOTOX in the treatment of patients. AUSAs Eugenia A.P. Cowles and James P. Lynch, 609-989-2354 and 609-656-2504, respectively.
09-27-07 -- NEWARK -- Five companies that account for nearly 95 percent of the lucrative market in hip and knee surgical implants have avoided criminal prosecution over financial inducements paid to surgeons to use their products by agreeing to new corporate compliance procedures and federal monitoring under 18-month agreements with the Department of Justice. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Biomet Deferred Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
Biomet Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
DePuy Deferred Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
DePuy Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Smith & Nephew Deferred Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
Smith & Nephew Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Zimmer Deferred Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
Zimmer Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Stryker Non Prosecution Agreement (.pdf)
OTHER DOCUMENTS:
Biomet Civil Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
Biomet Corporate Integrity Agreement (.pdf)
DePuy Civil Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
DePuy Corporate Integrity Agreement (.pdf)
Smith & Nephew Civil Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
Smith & Nephew Corporate Integrity Agreement (.pdf)
Zimmer Civil Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
Zimmer Corporate Integrity Agreement (.pdf)
09-26-07 -- TRENTON -- A Staten Island, N.Y., dentist was convicted by a federal jury today for operating a scheme in which he fraudulently obtained $1.36 million in mortgages and spent the proceeds on luxury items including the purchase of a 46-foot yacht, a North Carolina residence and a GMC Yukon Denali. AUSAs Eric M. Schweiker and Joshua Drew, 609-989-0566 and 856-968-4925.
09-26-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Philadelphia businessman was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison today for bribing several Atlantic City council members. AUSAs Thomas Eicher and Judith H. Germano, 973-353-6092 and 973-645-2885, respectively.
09-25-07 -- NEWARK -- The former Chief Financial Officer of Photonic Products Group, Inc., pleaded guilty today to embezzling from the company and to filing false tax returns. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
09-25-07 -- NEWARK -- A Fort Dix corrections officer pleaded guilty today to smuggling tobacco products into the federal prison at Fort Dix. AUSA Thomas R. Calgani, 973-645-2918.
09-24-07 -- CAMDEN -- The major shareholder who also served as Chairman and CEO of TeleServices Internet Group, Inc., was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison today for operating an intricate stock fraud and money laundering scheme that cost public investors more than $15 million in losses. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall and Deborah Prisinzano Mikkelsen, 856-757-5031, 5152, respectively.
09-24-07 -- NEWARK -- An Indiana businessman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in connection with initial public offerings involving 23 mutual banks in New Jersey, Connecticut and across the country. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
09-20-07 -- NEWARK -- An Internal Revenue Service revenue agent pleaded guilty today in federal court to a series of fraud-related charges, including bank fraud, financial structuring, tax evasion, and for preparing fraudulent tax returns for himself and a company he was using to shelter income. AUSAs Thomas R. Calcagni and Robert A. Kirsch, 973-645-2918 and 973-645-2846, respectfully.
09-19-07 -- NEWARK -- A former computer systems administrator for Medco Health Solutions, Inc. pleaded guilty today to planting a "logic bomb" in Medco's computer systems that was designed to wipe out critical data stored on more than 70 servers. AUSAs Erez Lieberman and Marc Ferzan, 973-645-2874 and 2783, respectively.
09-17-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal jury today convicted a Bloomfield physician, Joan Jaszczult, of conspiring to illegally distribute thousands of OxyContin and Percocet pills. AUSAs R. Joseph Gribko and Jonathan W. Romankow, 973-645-2765 and 2884, respectively.
09-13-07 -- NEWARK -- A co-owner of International Trucks of Central Jersey located in Hillside and Howell pleaded guilty today to bribing a public official and also to conspiring to launder money purported to be loansharking and illegal sports gambling proceeds. AUSAs Mark McCarren and Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2867 and 973-645-2764.
09-12-07 -- NEWARK -- The owner of an Asbury Park restaurant pleaded guilty today to laundering cash from an individual who held himself out as involved in construction and demolition work, money laundering, and illegal loansharking. AUSAs Joyce M. Malliet and Thomas J. Eicher, 973-645-2876 and 973-353-6092.
09-11-07 -- NEWARK -- A Maplewood man pleaded guilty today to a string of bank robberies throughout northern New Jersey, for which he earned the monikers "Hat Bandit" and "Mad Hatter" from the media. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
09-10-07 -- NEWARK -- Angelo Prisco, a Capo in the Genovese Crime Family, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today for his role in attempting to assault an electrical contractor who was competing with another electrical contractor with close ties to Prisco. AUSA Steven D'Aguanno, 856-757-5011.
09-07-07 -- TRENTON -- A former financial analyst for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation was sentenced 24 months in prison Friday for employing a fraudulent scheme to divert matching charitable gifts from his former employer to himself. AUSA Scott McBride, 973-645-2708.
09-07-07 -- NEWARK -- A New Jersey-based defense contractor pleaded guilty on Thursday to the fraudulent manufacture of nuclear, biological and chemical filters used by the Department of Defense in military tanks. AUSA Anthony Moscato, 973-645-2752.
09-06-07 -- TRENTON -- In a public corruption investigation that progressed from southern to northern New Jersey, five members of the same local Atlantic County school board, two state Assemblyman from Passaic and Essex Counties, the mayor of Passaic and one current and one former Passaic city council member, and the chief of staff to the Newark City Council president were arrested today and charged with taking cash bribes to influence the award of public contracts. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Public Corruption News Release (.pdf)
Steele Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Rivera Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Hackett Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Soto Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Jackson Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Reid Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Adams Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Callaway & Mister Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
McCormick Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Pressley Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Velez Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
09-06-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bellmawr man was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for transporting a minor in interstate commerce, knowing that the purpose of this travel was for that individual to engage in sexual activity, and for possession of child pornography. AUSAs Philip James Degnan and Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2713 and 2779, respectively.
09-05-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Egg Harbor City doctor who purported to be able to "cure" amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for defrauding ALS patients and their families. AUSAs Eugenia A.P. Cowles and R. Stephen Stigall, 609-989-2354 and 856-757-5031.
09-04-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Willingboro man pleaded guilty today to committing two armed bank robberies and using of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. AUSA Matthew Skahill, 856-968-4929.
08-28-07 -- NEWARK -- An Irvington man was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for filing a false personal income tax return for tax year 2001. AUSA Lisa Rose, 973-645-2869.
08-27-07 -- NEWARK -- Terrance D. Weldon, the former mayor of Ocean Township and the city manager for Asbury Park, was sentenced today to 58 months in federal prison for extorting more than $60,000 in cash bribes from three developers between 1998 and 2001. AUSA Mark J. McCarren, 973-645-2867.
08-24-07 -- CAMDEN -- An electronics technician formerly with the Federal Aviation Administration in Atlantic County was sentenced today to one year in federal prison for his fraudulent receipt of $100,000 in federal workers' compensation benefits while running an aviation-related business on the side and failing to report income while receiving the federal assistance. AUSA Anthony Moscato, 973-645-2752.
08-24-07 -- NEWARK -- An East Brunswick podiatrist pleaded guilty today to defrauding the Medicare Program and agreed to pay $1,218,313.38 as part of a civil settlement and criminal restitution. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Tung Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
08-23-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Paterson Section 8 housing employee pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging her with accepting and agreeing to accept bribes for filling certain apartments with Section 8 participants and other official assistance. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
08-22-07 -- NEWARK -- A co-owner of International Trucks of Central Jersey located in Hillside and Howell pleaded guilty today to scheming to defraud various local governments of the honest services of their public officials by making corrupt payments to those officials. AUSA Mark McCarren, 973-645-2867.
08-22-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County man who purported to be an investment advisor was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison for defrauding numerous New Jersey investors of more than $500,000. AUSA Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2891.
08-21-07 -- NEWARK -- A New Jersey man was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison today on a false bomb-threats charge. AUSA Andrew D. Kogan, 973-645-2754.
08-21-07 -- CAMDEN -- A federal prisoner originally from Philadelphia and another man were indicted today for allegedly running a wire fraud and money laundering scheme that involved misdirecting approximately $2 million in wire transfers from Cendant Mortgage Corporation to a Florida title agency. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
08-20-07 -- TRENTON -- A former bank employee was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison today for thefts totaling approximately $496,000 from bank teller drawers and automated teller machines at a Wachovia Bank branch in Ewing. AUSA Peter Katz, 609-989-0565.
08-16-07 -- NEWARK -- A former licensed appraiser and an appraisal coordinator for a purported real estate investment company pleaded guilty today for their respective roles in related conspiracies that defrauded hundreds of individual investors of over $50 million and banks of over $2 million. AUSA Robert Giallombardo, 973-645-2931.
Page et. al. News Release (.pdf)
08-15-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Swedesboro man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today on wire fraud and money laundering charges for his scheme to use the identity of another individual to defraud Commerce Bank of more than $550,000. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
08-14-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former Customs and Border Patrol Officer with the Department of Homeland Security was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison today for possession of child pornography. AUSA Paul B. Matey, 973-645-2930.
08-13-07 -- NEWARK -- The former executive director of the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority, Frank G. Abate, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison today for taking thousands of dollars worth of free architectural drawings for his home from developers in exchange for exercising his authority in favor of those developers. AUSAs Richard E. Constable, III and Rachael A. Honig, 973-645-2719.
08-09-07 -- NEWARK -- A Linden building inspector has been charged with extorting cash payments from a contracting company employee who was cooperating with the FBI. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Valvano Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
08-09-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Somerdale man pleaded guilty today to committing multiple pharmacy robberies in which he and his two co-defendants took controlled substances such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Endocet and Xanax. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
08-09-07 -- NEWARK -- A Lakewood woman formerly employed by the Internal Revenue Service pleaded guilty today to accessing taxpayers' tax returns and return information without authorization. AUSA Lorraine S. Gerson, 973-645-2789.
Snyderman Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
08-08-07 -- TRENTON -- A leader of the Bloods "Sex Money Murder" street gang in Trenton pleaded guilty today to distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine with a total wholesale value in excess of $1 million. AUSA Patrick C. Askin 609-989-2020.
08-08-07 -- NEWARK -- A North Bergen man was sentenced today to 200 months in federal prison for a string of armed bank robberies in New Jersey and New York. AUSA L. Judson Welle, 973-645-2735.
08-07-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Manager and Associate Director in the Research and Development Department at Able Laboratories, a now-defunct New Jersey generic drug manufacturer, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy involving the adulteration of a generic drug. AUSA Robert Kirsch, 973-645-2846.
08-03-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Wall Street executive and investment banker was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for conspiring to commit securities fraud in connection with initial public offerings involving mutual banks in New Jersey, Connecticut and across the country. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
08-03-07 -- NEWARK -- A Holmdel contractor was arrested today on a criminal Complaint that charges him and his daughter with structuring over $3.1 million in cash transactions to avoid detection by authorities. AUSA Ronald D. Wigler, 973-645-2822.
Ambrosio et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Ambrosio et. al. Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
08-02-07 -- NEWARK -- A landscape contractor based in Brielle and Brick Township pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with bribing the former Public Works Director of Brick Township in exchange for no-bid snow plowing work. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
08-02-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Vice President and Director of a New Jersey information technology consulting company has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a scheme to defraud dozens of private investors in the company of more than $5 million. AUSAs Robert Kirsch and Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2846 and 2891, respectively.
08-02-07 -- NEWARK -- A former City of Paterson housing inspector pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with conspiring to solicit and accept corrupt payments for performing housing inspections and other official assistance. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
08-01-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) employee pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with soliciting and accepting corrupt payments for his official action and inaction as an employee of the water commission. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
08-01-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden man was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison today for committing a string of bank robberies. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
07-31-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Browns Mills man was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison today on drugs and weapon charges. AUSAs Deborah Prisinzano Mikkelsen and Jacqueline M. Carle, 856-757-5152 and 856-968-4867, respectively.
07-31-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former Postmaster at the U.S. Post Office in Absecon pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information that charges him with making false entries and reports of moneys or securities in connection with his scheme to deceive the U.S. Postal Service. AUSA Matthew Skahill, 856-968-4929.
07-30-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City fireman was convicted by a federal jury today on five counts of tax evasion in connection with his attempts to avoid paying more than $110,000 in total taxes due on over $400,000 of unreported income. DOJ, Tax Division Trial Attorneys Andrew J. Kameros and Michael Ben'Ary, 202-514-5114.
07-27-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Director of housing rehabilitation for the City of New Brunswick was arrested today, charged in a 54-count Indictment with extorting and accepting approximately $112,500 in corrupt cash payments, as well as cut-rate home improvements, in exchange for official favors. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
Walker et. al. News Release (.pdf)
07-26-07 -- NEWARK -- A Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) official pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with soliciting and accepting corrupt payments for his official action and inaction as an employee of the water commission. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
Schweidereick News Release (.pdf)
Schweidereick Information (.pdf)
07-25-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Wall Township convenience store owner was arrested today on a one-count criminal Complaint for his alleged attempt to pay $40,000 to a U.S. Department of State employee, in exchange for a multiple entry visa for a citizen of India. AUSA Jason M. Richardson, 856-968-4869.
Patel Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
07-25-07 -- A former contractor for the U.S. Postal Service was arrested today on a federal Indictment which charges him with perjury and obstruction of justice. AUSA Joyce M. Malliet, 973-645-2876.
07-19-07 -- NEWARK -- A former housing inspector for the City of Paterson pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with accepting and agreeing to accept bribes for performing housing inspections and other official assistance. AUSA Hope S. Olds, 973-645-2764.
07-19-07 -- TRENTON -- A New Jersey man and New York man were sentenced today for using offshore brokerage accounts to evade federal taxes on more than $1.7 million in total gross income over two years. AUSA Grace Park, 973-645-2718.
Geldbach et. al. News Release (.pdf)
07-19-07 -- NEWARK -- A former director of Samsung America, Inc.'s Korea Export Department was arrested today on a criminal Complaint charging him with wire fraud arising out of his embezzlement of approximately $1.5 million from Samsung. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
07-18-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Marine who worked at times under two administrations in the Office of the Vice President of the United States was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for espionage and other charges for taking and transferring classified information to senior political and government officials of the Philippines in an attempt to destabilize and overthrow that country's government. Contact: Michael P. Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Aragoncillo & Aquino News Release (.pdf)
07-17-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Florham Park man who held himself out to New Jersey investors as the owner and operator of businesses that dealt in "duty free" merchandise in Europe and elsewhere pleaded guilty today to fraud charges, admitting that his businesses were a sham and that he defrauded New Jersey investors of more than $13 million. AUSA Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2891.
07-13-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden man was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of cocaine. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
07-12-07 -- NEWARK -- Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James was charged in an Indictment today with using city-issued credit cards to spend lavishly on himself, eight female companions and others during personal trips and vacations to such places as Martha's Vineyard, Rio de Janeiro, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Contact: PIO Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2877.
James/Riley News Release (.pdf)
07-11-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden man who had spent eight years on the lam after being indicted in 1998 was sentenced today to 82 months in federal prison for his role in a Camden cocaine trafficking organization that was operated by Jonathan Ringo. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
07-10-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Pleasantville man made his first appearance in federal court in Camden today on a federal Criminal Complaint which charges him with transporting minor females from Allentown to Atlantic City for the purpose of having them engage in prostitution. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
07-09-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Post Office operations manager for the U.S. Postal Service pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States through bribery and fraud.
07-05-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Wrightstown man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison today for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and illegal trafficking in firearms. AUSAs Deborah Prisinzano Mikkelsen and Jacqueline M. Carle, 856-757-5152 and 856-968-4867, respectively.
Amaya-Fiallos News Release (.pdf)
06-28-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden County man was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison today for running a fraud scheme in which he used unsuspecting individuals' identities to obtain credit cards and in turn defrauded financial institutions of more than $450,000. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
06-27-07 -- NEWARK -- A lead paint inspector for the City of Paterson pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging her with accepting bribes in exchange for exercising official action. Contact: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
06-25-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Newark Police officer, who had received award citations for apprehending drug dealers, was sentenced today to 82 months in prison for conspiring with others to sell the prescription painkiller OxyContin using fraudulently obtained doctor's prescriptions. AUSAs Judith H. Germano and Jonathan Romankow, 973-645-2885 and 2884, respectively.
06-21-07 -- CAMDEN -- A federal correctional officer employed at Fairton Federal Correctional Institution was arrested today on a one-count criminal Complaint alleging that he took monetary payments in exchange for smuggling contraband, such as prescription drugs, protein powder, work-out supplements and cigarettes, into the prison. AUSA Deborah Prisinzano-Mikkelsen, 856-757-5152.
06-21-07 -- NEWARK -- A Plainfield man under suspicion in the disappearance and death of his former companion was arrested today on charges of attempting to defraud him of his estate, including his home, life insurance and retirement savings. AUSA Deborah J. Gannett, 973-645-2781.
Gardazi Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
06-20-07 -- TRENTON -- The leader and another member of the "Bounty Hunters" set of the Bloods street gang were convicted by a federal jury today for distributing crack cocaine in Trenton. AUSA Patrick C. Askin, 609-989-2020.
Barlow et. al. News Release (.pdf)
06-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Monroe man today admitted possessing and distributing anabolic steroids. AUSA Deborah J. Gannett, 973-645-2781.
06-19-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a cocaine trafficking network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Deferred Prosecution Agreement Expires Tomorrow
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie today announced his intention to dismiss tomorrow the Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered into with BMS two years ago. A statement from Christie and the Executive Summary from the federal monitor, former U.S. District Judge Frederick B. Lacey, are linked below. For further background on the DPA and its origins, follow this link and scroll to June 15, 2005: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nj/press/2005releases.html
06-14-07 -- NEWARK -- Fifteen members and associates of the Bloods street gang were charged federally - 12 were rounded up in early morning arrests today - on drug-trafficking and weapons charges. Some of the defendants were trafficking in semi-automatic assault rifles and high-powered handguns and, in one case, a fully automatic machine gun. Contact: Michael Drewniak, U.S. Attorney's Office, 973-645-2888 and Paul Loriquet, Essex County Prosecutor's Office, 973-621-4021.
Curry Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Stradford Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Hayes Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Lovestorm & Hernandez Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Quiah & Curry Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
McCleave Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Bateman & Garcia Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Major Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
06-13-07 -- TRENTON -- A former Federal Aviation Administration supervisor at the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center pleaded guilty today in connection with a procurement fraud scheme in which he received approximately $159,000 in corrupt payments for steering government contracts to a company headed by a former FAA employee. AUSA Dave A. Bocian, 609-989-2399.
06-13-07 -- NEWARK -- The chief engineer of an ocean-going chemical tanker called the M/T Clipper Trojan was sentenced yesterday to five months in prison for his role in attempting to cover up illegal discharges of oil sludge and oil-contaminated bilge waste on board the ship. AUSA Bradley A. Harsch, 973-645-2734.
06-12-07 -- NEWARK -- A former officer of the non-profit charity "100 Black Men of New Jersey" was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for defrauding the organization of more than $156,000 during his tenure as executive vice-president. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
06-11-07 -- TRENTON -- The owner of two physical therapy clinics, one each in Ewing and Cherry Hill, was sentenced today to 54 months in federal prison for defrauding Medicare of approximately $3.79 million. AUSA Peter Katz, 609-989-0565.
06-11-07 -- NEWARK -- A Brooklyn man pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud, admitting he spent four years employing a counterfeit receipt scheme to defraud Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pier 1 Imports, Michaels Stores and F.Y.E. out of roughly $200,000. AUSA Scott B. McBride, 973-645-2708.
06-06-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a cocaine trafficking network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
06-05-07 -- CAMDEN -- Five men arrested last month for allegedly plotting an armed assault on Fort Dix in New Jersey were indicted today. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Duka et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Duka et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
06-04-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a cocaine trafficking conspiracy that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
06-01-07 -- NEWARK -- Three men charged in April with an attempted armed bank robbery in Readington, during which an FBI agent was shot and killed, were indicted today for that attempted robbery and four other armed bank robberies. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Berrios et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Berrios et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
05-31-07 -- CAMDEN -- U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie and DEA Special Agent in Charge Gerard P. McAleer, along with Acting Camden County Prosecutor Joshua M. Ottenberg, announced today that former Camden drug leader Raymond Morales pleaded guilty in July 2005, admitting that he contracted out six murders and the attempted murder of a witness, and has been cooperating with federal law enforcement authorities since before his guilty plea. Contact: Greg Reinert, PIO, 856-757-5233.
05-31-07 -- NEWARK -- Hilborn Hamburger, Inc., a Passaic, N.J. company that operates as a military insignia supplier, has agreed to pay the federal government more than $251,000 to settle allegations that it submitted false claims to the United States for defective and non-conforming military insignia items. AUSA Rudolph A. Filko, 973-645-2829.
Hilborn Settlement Agreement (.pdf)
05-30-07 -- CAMDEN -- A jury convicted three New Jersey residents on Tuesday of conspiring to unlawfully obtain drivers licenses for illegal aliens, who paid between $2,500 and $4,000 for the bogus credentials. AUSAs Kathleen O'Leary and Anthony Moscato, 973-645-2841 and 2752, respectively.
Rosario et. al. News Release (.pdf)
05-25-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal jury today convicted the former executive director of the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority, Frank G. Abate, of taking thousands of dollars worth of free architectural drawings for his home from developers in exchange for exercising his authority in favor of those developers. AUSAs Richard E. Constable, III and Rachael A. Honig, 973-645-2719 and 2777, respectively.
05-25-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former New Hampshire police officer was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison today in connection with his attempt to abduct a Galloway Township minor for the purpose of sexual contact and for engaging in sexually explicit conduct with another minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct in Passaic County. AUSA Jacqueline Carle, 856-968-4867.
05-24-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a cocaine trafficking network responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison today for his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
05-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Supervisory Clerk for the City of New Brunswick was arrested today, charged with extorting cash bribes in exchange for official favors. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
Roach Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
05-23-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Philadelphia businessman pleaded guilty today to bribing several council members of Atlantic City. AUSAs Thomas Eicher and Judith Germano, 973-645-6092 and 973-645-2885, respectively.
05-23-07 -- NEWARK -- A commercial truck salesman pleaded guilty today to scheming to make corrupt payments to the former general manager of First Vehicle Services of Neptune to influence the sale of commercial trucks to Neptune Township. AUSAs Hope S. Olds and Mark McCarren, 973-645-2764 and 2867, respectively.
05-22-07 -- NEWARK -- A Jersey City man who embezzled from a Brooklyn, N.Y. Montessori school and, before that, from the Hoboken Housing Authority, was sentenced today for both crimes to 41 months in federal prison. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
05-17-07 -- NEWARK -- Angelo Prisco, a Capo in the Genovese Crime Family, pleaded guilty today for his role in attempting to assault an electrical contractor who was competing with another electrical contractor with close ties to Prisco. AUSA Steven D'Aguanno, 856-757-5011.
05-16-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Wall Street executive and investment banker pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in connection with initial public offerings involving mutual banks in New Jersey, Connecticut and across the country. AUSA Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2779.
05-15-07 -- NEWARK -- A Chilean citizen who filmed his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old child pleaded guilty today to transporting child pornography into the United States. AUSA Paul B. Matey, 973-645-2930.
Valenzuela News Release (.pdf)
Statement from U.S. Attorney's Office Re: False Story on Camden Election Phone Blitz (.pdf)
05-11-07 -- NEWARK -- The manager of a Perth Amboy-based construction and maintenance business that received more than $900,000 in rehabilitation contracts from the City of New Brunswick pleaded guilty today to making concealed payments to multiple officials in exchange for contracting work and other official favors. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
05-11-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City man was convicted by a federal jury today for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. AUSAs Allen Harberg, Jr., and Jacqueline Carle, 856-757-5231 and 856-968-4867.
05-10-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Far Hills Councilman who served as the town council's police commissioner pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to launder approximately $700,000 in what he believed to be the proceeds of loansharking and illegal gambling as part of a scheme to defraud the IRS of more than $200,000 he owed in personal income taxes. AUSA Mark McCarren, 973-645-2867.
05-08-07 -- CAMDEN, N.J. -- Five radical Islamists - three of them brothers - have been arrested and charged with plotting to kill as many soldiers as possible in an armed assault at the Fort Dix Army base in New Jersey. A sixth defendant is charged with aiding and abetting the illegal possession of firearms by three of the members of the group.
Shnewer, Mohamad Ibrahim Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Duka, Eljvir Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Duka, Shain Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Duka, Dritan Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Tatar, Serdar Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Abdullahu, Agron Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
05-03-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Dover postmaster pleaded guilty today to misappropriating more than $10,000 in United States Postal Service funds. AUSA Joyce M. Malliet, 973-645-2700.
05-02-07 -- CAMDEN -- Two former Atlantic City councilmen were sentenced today for accepting bribes in exchange for using their influence on city contracts, while a contractor who offered bribes was sentenced on an unrelated drug charge. AUSAs Thomas Eicher and Judith Germano, 973-353-6092 and 973-645-2885.
Jacobs et. al. News Release (.pdf)
05-01-07 -- TRENTON -- A federal jury today convicted a Newark man on all counts related to his conspiracy to murder a confidential witness in a drug case against him and drug trafficking. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Baskerville News Release (.pdf)
05-01-07 -- CAMDEN -- A long time politically active Atlantic City businessman pleaded guilty today for paying bribes to two Atlantic City councilmen. AUSAs Thomas J. Eicher and Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885 and 973-353-6092, respectively.
DiNicolantonio News Release (.pdf)
04-30-07 -- NEWARK -- A Newark man pleaded guilty today to phoning in false bomb threats targeting the Hoboken PATH Station. AUSA Andrew Kogan, 973-645-2754.
04-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Pennsauken man pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin. Contact: J. Gregory Reinert, 856-757-5233.
04-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Bellmawr man pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of having the minor engage in sexual acts with another man. AUSAs Philip James Degnan and Karl H. Buch, 973-645-2713 and 2779, respectively.
04-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cherry Hill man pleaded guilty today to interstate travel in aid of racketeering for traveling to Philadelphia to threaten a man who he believed owed an illegal sports gambling debt. AUSA Steven D'Aguanno, 856-757-5011.
04-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bayonne architect was convicted today of tax evasion by a federal jury for accepting $100,000 in what the government alleged were cash kickbacks from a contractor responsible for construction of a $16 million housing complex in Bayonne. AUSA Richard E. Constable, III, 973-645-2752.
04-24-07 -- NEWARK -- Four former labor union officers and employees, as well as the union's accountant, were indicted today for their scheme to embezzle more than $250,000 from the International Union of Production, Clerical and Public Employees Local 911. AUSA V. Grady O'Malley, 973-645-2869.
Vergallito News Release (.pdf)
04-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A former quality control manager at Able Laboratories, a now-defunct New Jersey generic drug manufacturer, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy involving rampant manipulation and falsification of testing data of its drugs. AUSA Robert A. Kirsch, 973-645-2846.
04-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A North Brunswick man was arrested today on an Indictment charging him with failng to file tax returns and filing false tax returns. AUSA Andrew Kogan, 973-645-2754.
04-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County man who purported to be an investment advisor pleaded guilty today to fraud charges, admitting that he engaged in an investment scheme that defrauded numerous New Jersey investors of more than $500,000. AUSA Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2891.
04-20-07 -- NEWARK -- An Irvington lawyer pleaded guilty last evening to immigration fraud charges. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
Saint Preux News Release (.pdf)
04-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A former construction inspector and assistant zoning officer for the City of New Brunswick pleaded guilty today to accepting more than $30,000 in corrupt cash payments and other benefits in exchange for official favors. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
04-19-07 -- CAMDEN -- Former Camden City Councilman Ali Sloan El was sentenced today to 20 months in federal prison for accepting $36,000 in bribes in exchange for steering Camden redevelopment work to a contractor. AUSAs Thomas Eicher and Judith H. Germano, 973-353-6092 and 973-645-2885, respectively.
04-18-07 -- NEWARK -- A particularly ruthless member of the once notorious Double ii Bloods street gang was sentenced today to 34 years in federal prison for racketeering acts that included murder of a man in front of his 8-year-old son. Contact: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
04-17-07 -- TRENTON -- A Lakewood couple pleaded guilty today to devising and running a scheme in which they profited by selling merchandise that was fraudulently purchased below retail prices from Target stores through the use of fake bar code labels. AUSA Eugenia A.P. Cowles, 609-989-2354.
Bailey et. al. News Release (.pdf)
04-17-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Atlantic City gambler was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison today on wire fraud charges for his scheme to defraud more than 100 women across the United States whom he had targeted through the use of phone dating services. AUSAs Ronald Chillemi and Matthew Skahill, 856-757-5232 and 856-968-4929, respectively.
04-17-07 -- CAMDEN -- Four Philadelphia men were sentenced to federal prison terms, ranging from 424 months to 480 months, in connection with a December 2005 home invasion robbery in which the occupants were bound with duct tape and a safe was stolen from the home. AUSAs Steven D'Aguanno and Howard Wiener, 856-757-5011 and 856-968-4926, respectively.
Mines et. al. News Release (.pdf)
04-13-07 -- NEWARK -- The owner of a large landscaping and contracting business in Monmouth County has pleaded guilty to tax evasion, admitting that he evaded more than $300,000 in federal income taxes. AUSA Mark J. McCarren, 973-645-2764.
04-12-07 -- NEWARK -- Five individuals were charged today - three were arrested - on charges that they purchased at least $4.5 million in untaxed contraband cigarettes and resold them for significant profits to Chinese restaurants, retailers and others in New Jersey. Contact: Michael Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
Cigarette Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
04-10-07 -- NEWARK -- The former owner of a Clifton company that prepared mailings for other companies pleaded guilty today to charges that he defrauded the U.S. Postal Service of more than $1 million. AUSA Andrew Kogan, 973-645-2754.
04-09-07 -- CAMDEN -- The major shareholder who also served as Chairman and CEO of TeleServices Internet Group, Inc., was convicted by a federal jury today for his role in an intricate stock fraud and money laundering scheme that cost public investors more than $15 million in losses. AUSAs R. Stephen Stigall and Deborah Prinsinzano Mikkelsen, 856-757-5031 and 856-757-5152, respectively.
04-05-07 -- NEWARK -- Four men, two of them employees from the energy company Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), pleaded guilty today in federal court to defrauding PSEG of more than half a million dollars in a phony purchasing and billing scheme. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Glassberg et. al. News Release (.pdf)
04-02-07 -- NEWARK -- The former chief executive officer and the former chief financial officer of defunct cheese manufacturer Suprema Specialties, Inc. were convicted today by a federal jury of conspiracy, bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission. AUSAs John M. Fietkiewicz and Eric H. Jaso, 973-645-2780, 2781, respectively.
04-02-07 -- NEWARK -- A Jersey City man who purported to be an investment advisor was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for defrauding investors of more than $400,000. AUSAs Robert Kirsch and Adam Lurie, 973-645-2846, 2749, respectively.
03-29-07 -- TRENTON -- New Jersey State Sen. Wayne R. Bryant was indicted today by a federal grand jury, accused of unlawfully using his power and influence to obtain a paid, no-work job at UMDNJ's School of Osteopathic Medicine in exchange for lobbying and bringing millions of dollars in extra funding to the school, and using that job and others to fraudulently nearly triple his state pension. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Bryant et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Bryant et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
03-27-07 -- NEWARK -- Three companies that own and operate an oceangoing chemical tanker named the M/T Clipper Trojan were indicted today in connection with an attempt by crew members to cover up the illegal dumping of oily waste in international waters. AUSA Bradley A. Harsch, 973-645-2734.
03-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Monroe man was indicted today for selling large quantities of marijuana. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-968-4927.
03-27-07 -- NEWARK -- Former West Long Branch councilman Joseph DeLisa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison today on a charge of extortion for taking a $1,500 cash bribe in an Atlantic City hotel room from someone he believed to be a corrupt contractor seeking business with the borough. AUSAs Marc D. Larkins and Rachael A. Honig, 973-645-2700.
03-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- An owner of a Perth Amboy-based construction and maintenance business, which received more than $900,000 in rehabilitation contracts from the City of New Brunswick's Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, pleaded guilty today to making concealed payments to multiple officials in exchange for the receipt of contracting work and other official favors. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
03-26-07 -- PHILADELPHIA, PA -- A Rhode Island man was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison today for threatening to murder a federal judge who sits in Camden. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
03-26-07 -- NEWARK -- Fourteen current and former public officials and employees from Paterson and Passaic - including the former Deputy Director of Paterson's Section 8 housing program and a Paterson Municipal Court clerk - have been charged with soliciting and accepting bribes from an individual they believed to be a local property manager who in fact was cooperating with federal agents. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Cortez & Cruz Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Griffin Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Holland Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Hooks Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Nunez & Rosa Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Ortiz & Williams Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Ramos Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Reaves Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Schweiderick & Morgan Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
Lane Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
03-23-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former inventory control associate at OfficeMax's Delran Delivery Center was sentenced today to six months in federal prison to be followed by six months of home confinement for his role in a scheme to cause electronic consumer goods and other merchandise to be fraudulently shipped to addresses he controlled, causing a loss of approximately $180,000. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
03-23-07 -- TRENTON -- A New York City man who led an interstate prostitution enterprise that recruited and prostituted minor girls in several U.S. cities and a second associate pimp were sentenced today to federal prison terms. AUSA Jason Richardson and DOJ Trial Attorney Sherri A. Stephan, 856-968-4869 and 202-353-4438, respectively.
03-21-07 -- NEWARK -- A Customs and Border Patrol Officer with the Department of Homeland Security was indicted today on federal charges for receiving and possessing child pornography. AUSA Paul B. Matey, 973-645-2930.
03-21-07 -- NEWARK -- A Monmouth County mortgage broker pleaded guilty today to committing a $25 million bank fraud against PNC Bank. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
03-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Superseding Indictment was returned today against two Monmouth County developers, adding allegations that they paid $60,000 in bribes to the former mayor of Marlboro Township to gain planning approvals for a development. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
Meiterman et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Meiterman et. al. Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
03-20-07 -- TRENTON -- A former bank employee pleaded guilty today to thefts totaling approximately $496,000 from bank teller drawers and automated teller machines at a Wachovia Bank branch in Ewing. AUSA Peter Katz, 609-989-0565.
03-20-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cumberland County man pleaded guilty today to selling pipe bombs to an undercover FBI agent. AUSA Matthew W. Skahill, 856-968-4929.
03-20-07 -- TRENTON -- A doctor with offices in Stafford Township and Montclair was convicted by a federal jury today for substituting a cheaper, unapproved drug for the FDA-approved drug BOTOX. AUSAs Eugenia A.P. Cowles and James P. Lynch, 609-989-2354 and 609-656-2504.
03-20-07 -- NEWARK -- A Superseding Indictment was returned today against Monmouth County developer Anthony Spalliero, adding accusations that he paid a $5,000 to a Keyport official and conspired with former Marlboro Mayor Matthew Scannapieco to defraud the government. AUSA Michael A. Hammer, 973-645-2771.
Spalliero et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Spalliero et. al. Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
03-15-07 -- NEWARK -- The owners of a New Brunswick based construction and maintenance business, which received more than $1.3 million in rehabilitation contracts from the City of New Brunswick's Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, pleaded guilty today to making concealed payments to multiple officials in exchange for the receipt of contracting work and other official favors. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
McNulty et. al. News Release (.pdf)
03-13-07 -- NEWARK -- A former licensed appraiser for a purported real estate investment company pleaded guilty today to participating in a conspiracy that defrauded mortgage lenders of at least $3 million. AUSA Robert Giallombardo, 973-645-2931.
03-13-07 -- NEWARK -- A Newark Municipal Court Clerk was arrested today, charged with extorting cash bribes from an undercover agent for using his official position to help an individual unlawfully sanitize that person's criminal record and pass a U.S. Department of Homeland Security background check. AUSA Brian R. Howe, 973-645-2853.
March Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
03-13-07 -- CAMDEN -- Former Atlantic City Councilman Craig Callaway was sentenced today to 40 months in federal prison for accepting $36,000 in bribes to assist a contractor in obtaining major construction work in Atlantic City. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
03-08-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Vice President in charge of the Quality Control Department and three supervisory chemists at now-defunct New Jersey generic drug manufacturer Able Laboratories pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy involving the rampant falsification and manipulation of testing data of its drug. AUSA Robert A. Kirsch, 973-645-2846.
Able Laboratories News Release (.pdf)
03-08-07 -- NEWARK -- A North Bergen man pleaded guilty today in connection with a string of armed bank robberies in both New Jersey and New York. AUSA L. Judson Welle, 973-645-2735.
03-07-07 -- NEWARK -- Former Sussex County political party chairman Charles W. Cart was sentenced today to six months in federal prison and six months of house arrest for conspiring to use his health benefits management company to pilfer from and ultimately bankrupt the labor union he once founded. AUSAs V. Grady O'Malley and Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2725 and 2885, respectively.
03-05-07 -- NEWARK -- The former owner of an East Brunswick export company pleaded guilty today, admitting that he conspired with an employee of Vectron International to orchestrate a scheme in which his export business was used as a straw buyer to defraud Vectron International. AUSA R. Stephen Stigall, 856-757-5031.
03-05-07 --TRENTON -- The owner of two physical therapy clinics admitted defrauding Medicare of approximately $3.8 million. AUSA Peter Katz, 609-989-0565.
03-05-07 -- TRENTON -- A Buena Vista man pleaded guilty today to distribution of crack cocaine. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-968-4927.
03-05-07 -- TRENTON -- The last remaining defendant charged as a result of a long-term task force investigation into drug distribution networks operating in the Asbury Park area was sentenced today to a long federal prison term. AUSA John J. Hoffman, 609-989-0579.
03-02-07 -- TRENTON -- A Millville drug dealer was sentenced to 211 months in federal prison today for distribution of crack cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
02-28-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Post Office operations manager for the U.S. Postal Service has been indicted for conspiring to defraud the United States, for making false statements and entries and falsifying material facts, and accepting corrupt payments from the owner and operator of a Newton automobile repair and mobile wash service. AUSA Joyce M. Malliet, 973-645-2876.
02-28-07 -- TRENTON -- A Fairless Hills, Pa., man was indicted today for selling approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine on two occasions in Trenton. AUSA Patrick C. Askin, 609-989-2020.
02-27-07 -- CAMDEN -- Five Camden County men were indicted today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute multiple kilograms of cocaine and quantities of crack cocaine. AUSA Matthew Skahill, 856-968-4929.
Perez et. al. News Release (.pdf)
02-27-07 -- NEWARK -- Five members of the Fruit Town Brims (FTB) set of the Bloods street gang based in Paterson and Jersey City have been indicted for the July 19, 2004, murder of an innocent Jersey City teenager, whom they mistakenly believed was non-gang member who had disrespected and shot at a fellow FTB member during a drug-related dispute earlier that day. AUSAs Melissa L. Jampol and Scott McBride, 973-645-2772 and 2708, respectively.
02-27-07 -- NEWARK -- An employee of a Newark towing company was arrested today, charged with beating a cooperating government witness whose assistance led to the guilty plea in 2005 of the manager of emergency towing services for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. AUSAs Marc Larkins and Richard E. Constable, III, 973-645-2704 and 2719, respectively.
02-23-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden County man pleaded guilty today to running a fraud scheme in which he used unsuspecting individuals' identities to obtain credit cards and in turn defrauded financial institutions of more than $450,000. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
02-23-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Philadelphia man pleaded guilty today to conspiring with his mother in a scheme to steal the federal tax refunds of relatives and friends, which totaled over $10,000. AUSA Ronald Chillemi, 856-757-5232.
02-16-07 -- NEWARK -- The owner of a large Monmouth County landscaping and contracting business was arrested late Thursday after being indicted for tax evasion. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
02-16-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County man was arrested today on a federal criminal Complaint charging that he defrauded New Jersey investors out of more than $500,000 by soliciting their money under the guise that he was running an investment fund focused on the top companies in New Jersey. AUSA Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2891.
Melendez Criminal Complaint (.pdf)
02-15-07 -- CAMDEN -- A wholesale supplier to a drug trafficking network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
02-09-07 -- NEWARK -- A Bergen County construction consultant pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, admitting he used employees at a construction company to hide more than $1 million in consulting fee checks. AUSA Scott McBride, 973-645-2708.
02-07-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Woodmere, N.Y., man pleaded guilty today to his role in an intricate stock fraud and money laundering scheme that cost public investors millions of dollars in losses. AUSAs R. Stephen Stigall and Deborah Prisinzano Mikkelsen, 856-757-5031, 5152, respectively.
Deutsch et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Deutsch et. al. Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
02-07-07 -- NEWARK -- Notorious and violent Newark heroin and cocaine trafficker Hakeem Curry was sentenced today to life in prison for his convictions last July on drug conspiracy and money laundering charges in connection with his leadership of a ring that sold thousands of pounds of drugs in Essex and Union county neighborhoods. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PAO, 973-645-2888.
02-06-07 -- NEWARK -- A federal jury today convicted a Union City man of identity theft, credit card fraud, mail and wire fraud and possession of counterfeit checks. AUSAs Kevin G. Walsh and Seth B. Kosto, 973-645-2909 and 2737, respectively.
Tagliamonte News Release (.pdf)
02-06-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Denver, Colo., securities attorney pleaded guilty today to his role in two intricate stock fraud and money laundering schemes, one of which cost public investors more than $15 million in losses. AUSAs R. Stephen Stigall and Deborah Prisinzano Mikkelsen, 856-757-5031, 5152, respectively.
02-06-07 -- NEWARK -- A New Jersey plastics manufacturer who pleaded guilty in June to insider trading in the purchase of stock in the Musicland stores chain and another company, C-Cube Microsystems, Inc., was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison. AUSA Craig Carpenito, 973-645-2891.
02-05-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cherry Hill man pleaded guilty today to structuring bank transactions to evade reporting requirements and bankruptcy fraud charges. AUSA Deborah Prisinzano Mikkelsen, 856-757-5152.
Rosenkrantz News Release (.pdf)
02-02-07 -- TRENTON -- The chief engineer of a Danish-owned ocean-going chemical tanker pleaded guilty today to charges of presenting a false document to the Coast Guard and attempting to obstruct an inspection to cover up the ship's overboard discharges of oil sludge and oil-contaminated bilge waste. AUSA Bradley A. Harsch, 973-645-2734.
02-01-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cherry Hill man pleaded guilty today to federal charges for operating three separate investment fraud schemes. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
01-30-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Camden County man was indicted today for running a fraud scheme in which he used unsuspecting individuals' identities to secure credit cards to defraud financial institutions of more than $450,000. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
01-30-07 -- BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The former chief financial officer to a predecessor company of Cendant Corp. was sentenced today to three years of probation with six months of home confinement for his role in the accounting scandal that ultimately led to prosecutions and long prison sentences for Cendant's former chairman and vice chairman. Contact: Michael Drewniak, PIO, 973-645-2888.
Corigliano News Release (.pdf)
01-30-07 -- CAMDEN -- A major Bridgeton narcotics distributor was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison today for distribution of crack cocaine. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
01-29-07 -- NEWARK -- A Mercer County podiatrist was arrested today on a federal Indictment in connection with health care fraud schemes that cost more than $1 million in total losses. AUSA Lisa Rose, 973-645-2869.
Cavalli et. al. Indictment (pdf)
01-26-07 -- NEWARK -- A New Jersey man who used his computer business to launder millions of dollars in South American cocaine trafficking proceeds was convicted today on all counts against him. AUSAs Margaret Mahoney and Grace Park, 973-645-2761 and 2718, respectively.
Chu et. al. News Release (.pdf)
01-26-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Cherry Hill man pleaded guilty today to his role in a stock fraud and money laundering scheme that cost public investors more than $15 million in losses. AUSAs R. Stephen Stigall and Deborah Prisenzano Mikkelsen 856-757-5031, 5152, respectively.
01-25-07 -- NEWARK -- A business partner of former state Sen. John A. Lynch was sentenced today for tax evasion to three months in federal prison and seven months of home confinement with electronic monitoring. AUSA Jeffrey S. Chiesa, 973-645-2515.
01-25-07 -- CAMDEN -- An electronics technician with the Federal Aviation Administration in Atlantic County was convicted today on all six counts against him in connection with his receipt of $100,000 in federal workers' compensation benefits while running an aviation-related business on the side and failing to report income while receiving the federal assistance. AUSA Anthony Moscato, 973-645-2752.
01-24-07 -- NEWARK -- A New York man was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison today for crossing state lines for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual contact with a minor. AUSA Philip J. Degnan, 973-645-2713.
01-23-07 -- NEWARK -- A former Fair Lawn business owner was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for defrauding credit card companies of as much as $2.5 million through bogus charges at his business and elsewhere. AUSA Judith H. Germano, 973-645-2885.
01-22-07 -- NEWARK -- A Keansburg man was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet. AUSAs Philip James Degnan and Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2713, 2749, respectively.
01-22-07 -- NEWARK -- An Indian national was sentenced today to 20 months in federal prison for immigration fraud for fraudulently assisting hundreds of immigrant aliens to live and work illegally in New Jersey and elsewhere in the United States. AUSA Adam S. Lurie, 973-645-2749.
01-19-07 -- TRENTON -- Ten men and one woman from New Jersey, New York and Florida were charged today in an 11-count federal Indictment in connection with their automobile insurance and bank fraud schemes that cost over $1 million in total loses. AUSA Eric M. Schweiker, 609-989-0566.
Cotona et. al. News Release (.pdf)
Cotona et. al. Indictment (.pdf)
01-17-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Wrightstown man pleaded guilty today to federal charges for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and illegal trafficking in firearms. AUSA Deborah Prinsinzano Mikkelsen, 856-757-5152.
Amaya-Fiallos News Release (.pdf)
01-17-07 -- NEWARK -- A former employee of a purported real estate investment company pleaded guilty today to participating in a conspiracy that defrauded various mortgage lenders of at least $7 million. AUSAs Donna Gallucio and Robert Giallombardo, 973-645-2786 and 2931.
01-17-07 -- TRENTON -- A Trenton man was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison today for assaulting a United States Postal Service mail carrier. AUSA John J. Hoffman, 609-989-0579.
Vega-Lopez News Release (.pdf)
01-17-07 -- TRENTON -- A Brooklyn, N.Y. man pleaded guilty today for traveling to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. AUSAs Jonathan D. Levy and Patrick C. Askin, 609-989-2258 and 2020, respectively.
01-17-07 -- BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Walter A. Forbes, the former chairman of Cendant Corp., was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit securities fraud and other charges against him resulting from the massive accounting fraud at the company formerly known as Cendant. Contact: Michael P. Drewniak, 973-645-2888.
01-17-07 -- NEWARK -- The former mayor of Keyport pleaded guilty today to extorting bribe payments for himself. AUSAs Mark J. McCarren and Rachael A. Honig, 973-645-2867 and 2777, respectively.
01-16-07 -- CAMDEN -- An Evesham man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison today for possession of child pornography. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-968-4927.
01-11-07 -- TRENTON -- The leader of a Camden drug trafficking organization which operated in the Ablett Village public housing community was sentenced today to 174 months in federal prison. AUSAs Howard Wiener and Jason Richardson, 856-968-4926, 856-968-4869.
01-11-07 -- CAMDEN -- A Clementon man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today on bank fraud and credit card fraud charges arising out of his scheme to defraud Commerce Bank of more than $320,000 and MBNA America of approximately $27,000. AUSA Howard Wiener, 856-968-4926.
01-10-07 -- NEWARK -- A stockbroker pleaded guilty today to his role in a scheme to manipulate the stock market and defraud investors, many of whom resided in New Jersey. AUSAs Nancy Hoppock and Jill S. Andersen, 973-353-6087 and 973-645-2747, respectively.
Montani Second Superseding Indictment (.pdf)
01-09-07 -- CAMDEN -- Two New Jersey men and a Philadelphia man were indicted today with robbing pharmacies of controlled substances such as Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Endocet and Xanax. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
Brown et. al. News Release (.pdf)
01-08-07 -- TRENTON -- A former co-owner/operator of a Cape May County tax service was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for peparing and filing materially fraudulent and false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns. AUSA Eugenia A.P. Cowles, 609-989-2354.
01-08-07 -- NEWARK -- The former mayor of Brick Township pleaded guilty today to accepting cash bribes from an unnamed real estate developer in Brick. AUSA Marc D. Larkins, 973-645-2700.
01-05-07 -- TRENTON -- The manager and three employees of a small neighborhood grocery store located in Trenton pleaded guilty yesterday to embezzling from the U.S. Food Stamp Program. AUSA Peter Katz, 609-989-0565.
01-05-07 --CAMDEN -- A Swedesboro man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and money laundering charges for his scheme to utilize the identity of another individual to defraud Commerce Bank of more than $550,000. AUSA Allen Harberg, Jr., 856-757-5231.
01-05-07 -- CAMDEN -- A former federal Air Marshal was sentenced to three years of probation today on one count of making materially false and fraudulent statements on questionnaires used in background investigations for federal security clearance approval. AUSA Jason Richardson, 856-968-4869.
01-05-07 -- CAMDEN -- A member of a cocaine trafficking network that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in the Cumberland County area pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy. AUSA Diana V. Carrig, 856-757-5233.
01-03-07 -- TRENTON -- An Oradell man pleaded guilty today to a one-count Information charging him with robbing a Hudson City Savings Bank in Mercer County. AUSA Jonathan Levy, 609-989-2258.