FRAUD, TERROR TOP FBI'S TOP 10 CRIMES OF THE WEEK

WE'RE NOT entirely sure we agree with the FBI's Top 10 Crimes of the Week but hey, they're the experts. Among the bonmots from the world of crime are: Mortgage fraud, drugs, funding terrorism and more drugs. A quick summation is below or you can click on the link and go the the FBI's website for a more comprehensive overview.
MORE FROM THE FBI
Chicago: Man Sentenced for Directing $35 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme Involving More Than 120 Residences in the Chicago Area. A former South Holland, Illinois man was sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison for directing a $35 million mortgage fraud scheme involving more than 120 residences on the city’s south

Phoenix: Eight Individuals Arrested in Connection with Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Investigation. Eight people were arrested on an eight-count indictment charging them with participating in a criminal enterprise, four conspiracies, and charges alleging possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, money laundering, and Arizona Motor Vehicle Division fraud.

Boston: New Hampshire-Based Red River Computer Co. Agrees to Pay $2.3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations. Red River Computer Co., Inc. agreed to pay $2.3 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act when doing business with various federal agencies.  

Washington Field: Eleven Arrested for Roles in Drug Networks Trafficking Cocaine, Marijuana. Eleven people were arrested following their indictments in connection with an ongoing investigation by the FBI and Metropolitan Police Department Safe Streets Task Force into drug distribution networks operating in the District of Columbia area. 

New York: Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to Engaging in Hawala Activity That Funded Attempted Times Square Bombing. Mohammad Younis pled guilty to operating an unlicensed money transfer business between the U.S. and Pakistan. One of the money transfers was used to fund the May 1, 2010, attempted car bombing in New York City’s Times Square by Faisal Shahzad.

San Antonio: Federal Jury Convicts Former Triton President and CEO in Ponzi Scheme. Kurt Barton, founder, president and CEO of Triton Financial, L.L.C., faces up to life in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him for carrying out a Ponzi scheme which victimized more than 300 individuals and resulted in a total estimated loss to investors of over $50 million. 

Norfolk: Somali Negotiator in Quest Attack Indicted for Piracy of Another Vessel. The man accused of being the negotiator for the ransom of four U.S. citizens held hostage on the high seas aboard the S/V Quest, who were killed before their release could be secured, was indicted for his alleged role in successfully extracting a ransom for a separate vessel , the M/V Marida Marguerite, and 22 hostages held by Somali pirates.  

Cincinnati: Four Charged with Running $13 Million Loan Fraud Scheme. A jury indicted four people who ran a Cincinnati real estate business known as American Equity Group with fraudulently obtaining more than $13 million in loans through a loan fraud scheme.  

New Orleans: Four Convicted in $4.7 Million Louisiana Medicare Fraud Scheme. The owner of a durable medical equipment company, a medical doctor, and two patient recruiters were each convicted for their roles in a $4.7 million Medicare fraud scheme.  

Albuquerque: Navajo Teen Girl Receives FBI Director’s Certificate in New Mexico. Ashley Nez, a 16-year-old Navajo girl, received an FBI Director’s Certificate for her heroic actions in defending her mother from an attacker last year.