Brown Announces $2.4 Million Settlement in Scheme That Fleeced Thousands of California Companies

Attorney General Jerry Brown announced today a $2.4 million settlement with the perpetrators of an illegal scheme that threatened thousands of companies throughout California with fines or even suspension of their right to conduct business if they failed to return official-looking but fraudulent forms along with a mandatory filing fee.

"These imposters used phony documents that appeared to originate from a government office to gain payment from law-abiding businesses," Brown said. "This settlement puts a stop to their scheme and secures restitution for the companies that were cheated."

The civil settlement filed in San Diego Superior Court names Annual Review Board, Inc.; Business Filings Division; Corpfilers.com, LLC; George Alan Miller; Rebecca J. Miller; Argishti Keshishyan, and Kristina Keshishyan. The settlement requires the defendants to make restitution of $1,750,000 to customers and pay an additional $650,000 in penalties and costs to the state.

To preserve the defendants' assets, the Attorney General moved successfully last year to freeze their bank accounts.

The bogus operation constitutes what is known as a corporate filing scheme. Solicited victims were told they had to pay a $195 filing fee accompanying return of the phony documents.

Brown's investigation found that the defendants, based in Los Angeles County, misled well over 5,000 customers into paying by utilizing phony forms that:

-Had an official looking seal

-Used a "control number"

-Had a "Corporation Number" or "LLC Number"

-Used official sounding titles and names, such as "Corporation Division", that implied a governmental connection

-Specified a "due date" and employed the phrase "Remit Immediately!"

-Described the payment as an annual fee

-Warned that failure to respond could lead to the recipient being suspended and losing its right to conduct business

The investigation was triggered by a flood of complaints to the Attorney General's office from businesses that had been victimized. The scheme flourished because the forms seemed routine and the payments demanded were small.

As part of the settlement, the defendants are permanently enjoined from making fraudulent representations. Brown urged businesses to be vigilant against similar scams.

Restitution will be handled by a claims administrator who will be named by the Attorney General's office. More information will be available on the Attorney General's website at http://ag.ca.gov/.

This is the latest settlement of eight actions the Attorney General has prosecuted against corporate filing schemes. In a case tried in San Diego Superior Court last year, Brown won a $1.2 million judgment against Gaston Muhammad and Ronna Green for running a corporate filing scheme that swindled California companies.

A copy of the complaint and the stipulation for entry of judgment filed in the San Diego County Superior Court are attached.

Movies with Maricor: The Fighter

Directed by David O. Russel
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo

The story captures the dynamic relationship between the oldest sibling Dicky Ecklund who is the black sheep of the family (Christian Bale,) and the youngest brother Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) the redeemer. It questions the posibilities of dreams coming true, if only we push aside the things that hold as back, even if the main hinderance is family.

Dicky had his moment of glory back when he was in a straight and narrow path towards greatness, having been able to knock out Sugar Ray Leonard. He failed to follow through since he had succumbed to smoking crack in his spare time.

In due time, Dicky lost his opportunities and is now living through his younger brother's abilities in the ring.

A contrast to Dicky is his little brother Mickey, ever faithful and ever loyal, he takes up boxing as the main bread winner of the clan. To take care of his mother and his full litter of sisters, he has to box, even if it means boxing agains a boxer twice his size. Mickey's loyalty is put to the test when he is offered better training contracts from a different management. Everything also gets complicated when he meets Charlene, played amazingly by Amy Adams, tough as nails bar tender chick who even stands up to a flock of angry women in one scene. Infuriated at his brothers lack of regard to their family, Mickey sets his priorities straight by excluding his family in his career. A full support from Charlene, he sets out to achieve glory without being held back by his stifling family.

As always, Christian Bale plays his character perfectly, pathetic and arrogant. A perfect picture of a once flourishing athlete, now in the pitfalls of regret and addiction. True to his performance is the physical change that Christian had to go through to play a drug addicted ex-boxer. Fit enough to handle real punches and blows, but skeletally thin as a drug addict. Also a scene stealer was the matriarch of the family Alice Ward, played by Melissa Leo, a street wise lady and tough as nails when it comes to managing her family. Melissa Leo captured a mother in denial about her drug addicted son, and her absent minded support for the other perfectly. Like many mothers in the world, she lays the guilt trip thick, forgoing Mickey's chance to shine just to keep the boxing business within the family. A mother needing to be needed, Melissa Leo captures the heart of a woman in the brink of a meltdown in the process of letting her two boys mature, no matter how late that maturation would be for Dicky.

The boxing sequnces were also delivered very well, it was said that Mark Wahlberg was actually taking real punches during the fight scenes in the ring. It was also said that Manny Pacquiao trained Wahlberg for the fighting sequences.

I give this movie 5 out of 5 hearts. I loved every scene, every character, the star quality deliverance each actor had brought fort from their performances. I would not be suprised if Christian Bale and Melissa Leo gets nominated for Oscars this year. Brilliant movie.

Sacramento Police seek Natomas Burglary suspects

On Monday, December 20, 2010, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a home located near Natomas Boulevard and Club Center Drive was victimized by a subject attempting to burglarize the residence.  The victim had a home surveillance system which captured an image of the suspect (see photo below). 

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, in his 20-30’s, 5’10-6’0, 170-210 lbs, short black hair, mustache and goatee, wearing a white t-shirt, black jacket, and black pants.  It appears the suspect knocked on the victim’s door and when there was no answer he forced entry from the rear of the house, but fled when the alarm sounded.  

Police would like to alert the neighborhood of this type of burglary as there have been other burglaries in the Natomas area with similar entry methods since December 18^th.  It is believed that the suspect (s) are knocking on the victim’s door to see if anyone is home and when there is no answer, the suspect (s) force their way into the residence.   

The burglaries have occurred at various hours of the day.  In one of the burglaries two suspects were seen and described as a male Hispanic, 20’s, 5’11-6’0, 185 lbs, facial hair, wearing dark clothing and a male White, in his 20’s, 5’9, 145 lbs, shaved head wearing a dark colored sweatshirt.  It is unknown at this time if all these burglaries are connected.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Sac Police to conduct DUI checkpoint tonight

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint on Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 21st Street/Capital. It will begin at 8:30 p.m. and run for 5-7 hours. Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers.

Officers will also check to assure all drivers have a valid driver's license.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety; increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and serves as a deterrent to potential impaired and unlicensed drivers.

In the event of inclement weather the DUI checkpoint will be converted to a DUI saturation patrol.

Sac Police investigate homocide; victim identity withheld

On Monday, December 27, 2010, at 6:51 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to a local hospital regarding a gunshot wound victim that was taken there by a private person for treatment.

Officers arrived and contacted the victim who was being treated for a gunshot wound to his upper body. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the victim died as a result of his injuries.

The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time pending further investigation. He is only being identified as an 18-year-old Sacramento man.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to investigate. At this time, investigators are actively investigating the circumstances that led to this homicide; however, they have yet to identify a suspect(s) or motive. Very few details are known at this point including the exact location of where the shooting occurred.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Sac Police seek help in capturing 'Sunglass' bank robber

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community’s help to identify a suspect who has robbed two banks in the City of Sacramento and may be involved in other robberies in the region.

On December 10, 2010, at 10:47 a.m., the suspect entered a bank near Folsom Boulevard and 64th Street. The suspect demanded money from the teller and then fled the scene on foot after obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash.

On December 21, 2010, at 9:55 a.m., the suspect entered a bank near West El Camino Avenue and Truxel Road. The suspect waited in line but left the bank as he got to the front of line without contacting any employee. It is unknown what the suspect’s intent was during this incident.

On December 21, 2010, at 4:38 p.m, the suspect entered a bank near Folsom Boulevard and Watt Avenue. The suspect demanded money from the teller and then fled on foot after obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 30’s, 5’7”, 180 lbs, medium build, wearing sunglasses.

Meat Clever Murderer Pleads, Gets Life

Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Lalesh Kumar pled guilty as charged to the June 2005 murders of Virginia Pulido and her three year-old son Ramiro Pulido with the use of a meat cleaver. Kumar admitted to the special circumstance allegation of the commission of multiple murders. He also pled guilty to two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon on two Sacramento police officers who tried to apprehend Kumar after he committed these crimes.

In exchange for a plea to these offenses and a waiver of appellate rights, the District Attorney’s Office agreed not to pursue the death penalty, but instead have Kumar sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole.

"This disposition was based upon an assessment of Kumar’s significant mental health problems, the strong possibility of a hung jury at the penalty phase at trial or the risk of Kumar being found not guilty by reason of insanity, Deputy District Attorney Dawn Bladet said. "The resolution of this matter assures that this dangerous individual will never get out of prison for the remainder of his life.”

Sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 22 of the Sacramento Superior Court with the Honorable Judge Russell Hom presiding.

Sacramento Sheriff's investigates suspicious death on Hood Franklin

On December 18, 2010, at 10:35 a.m., a woman walking on Hood Franklin Road near Corky Lane called 911 after she discovered a body on the side of the road. Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies arrived and found the body of an unidentified adult male, there were no obvious signs of trauma.

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators were called to the scene and initiated an investigation. They will treat the case as a suspicious death until the cause and manner of the man’s death are determined by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this man, or the circumstances surrounding his death, is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP; or send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Those who call or text can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Elk Grove PD twart Xmas decoration Grinches

If any Grinches existed in Elk Grove during this Holiday season, Elk Grove Police did their part to limit their damage early Sunday morning.

According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the 8900 block of Laguna Vista Court to investigate a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers discovered two suspects, 18-year old Clinton Mayhew and 19-year old Anthony Hernandez, both of Elk Grove, had been detained by a witness who observed the duo attempting to steal outdoor Christmas decorations.

Upon investigation, officers discovered stolen decorations in the suspects car along with, surprise, an open container of alcohol. Officers also determined the suspects had been drinking and driving prior to their decoration heist.

The duo were arrested and transferred to the county jail and the Christmas decorations were recovered.

Imposter Sac County Health Inspector Reported

County warns restaurant operators to check identification of health inspectors

Sacramento County Environmental Management Department (EMD) is alerting restaurant operators and others in the food facility industry about fraudulent activity involving an individual or individuals contacting food establishments claiming to be a health inspector.

EMD has received complaints that an individual using various names is contacting local food businesses by phone posing as a “health inspector” and stating an inspection is scheduled, usually for the next day. The operator is then given a phone number to call to verify the inspection, and in some cases a “confirmation number” is also given. However, there is no such inspection and the inspector imposter never arrives.

John Rogers, Environmental Health Chief, said he is aware that other California counties and states have been targeted by similar scams. “It’s unclear how the scam works or if the imposter is attempting to get personal information from the operator for other fraudulent schemes. We urge owners and operators to contact our office if they have any doubt about the identity of a person claiming to be a health inspector,” said Rogers.

Food facility health inspections are generally unannounced and conducted by certified and trained Registered Environmental Health Specialists. Inspectors do not collect money at food establishments and do not sell or endorse specific products. State law also requires inspectors to carry official photo identification. An owner or employee of the food establishment may refuse entry to an inspector who is unable to present official identification.

To report possible fraudulent activity or ask about other issues related to health inspections, contact the Environmental Management Department at (916) 875-8440.

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Barbershop Shooting Suspect Arrested In Los Angeles County

On December 16, 2010, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau detectives developed information that led them to believe Lonnie Orlando Mitchell was driving on southbound Interstate 5 toward Los Angeles.

Mitchell is a suspect in the December 14 barbershop shooting on Stockton Boulevard where two people were killed and five others wounded. Sheriff’s detectives caught up to Mitchell’s vehicle on I-5 on the Grapevine in Los Angeles County.

Detectives stopped his vehicle with the assistance of California Highway Patrol officers and took Mitchell into custody without incident. Mitchell was accompanied by two female adults who were identified and released.

The CHP officers booked Mitchell into the Los Angeles County Jail in Santa Clarita on a parole violation. Local officials are working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to return Mitchell to Sacramento where he will face charges in connection to the homicide. Homicide detectives continue their investigation into identifying witnesses and additional suspects.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Tipsters may also send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Barbershop killing suspect sought by Sac Sheriff

As a result of their intensive ongoing investigation into the December 14, 2010, shooting at the barbershop on Stockton Boulevard that resulted in the deaths of Monique Nelson and Marvion Barksdale, Sacramento County Sheriffs Department Homicide detectives have identified a suspect they believe is one of the shooters in the case. The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Sacramento resident Lonnie Orlando Mitchell.

Mitchell is a Black male adult, 5'10" tall, weighs 180 pounds, black hair, brown eyes and numerous tattoos. His last known address is in the 7800 block of Center Parkway in Sacramento.

Detectives believe Mitchell is one of the suspects who fired a gun during the gun battle that erupted inside the barbershop and in the parking lot. However, detectives cannot say whether or not he was responsible for firing the shots that killed either Nelson, or Barksdale.

Mitchell should be considered armed and dangerous. Mitchell faces the charges of assault with a deadly weapon and parole violation when he is caught.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Lonnie Mitchell, or has any information regarding this crime, is urged to call Sheriffs Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Tipsters may also send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000

Rancho Cordova Police to conduct DUI checkpoint

The Rancho Cordova Police Department will be holding a DUI Sobriety and Driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, December 17, 2010, in the City of Rancho Cordova. The checkpoint will be operational that day from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. the following morning.

Officers will be checking drivers for signs of impairment, providing educational materials outlining the dangers of driving while impaired, and checking for driver’s licenses. This checkpoint operation will be conducted utilizing funds from a grant provided to the Rancho Cordova Police Department by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Sac PD Seeks Carjacking, Robbery Suspects

The Sacramento Police Department is seeking the community’s help to identify four men wanted for robbery.

On Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at 8:27 a.m., the adult male victim had just left a convenience store in his vehicle and was on W Street, at 15th Street, when a car pulled in front of his and stopped.

The four male suspects got out of the car and two of them approached the victim. They ordered the victim out of his vehicle at gunpoint. The two suspects then jumped into the victim’s car and drove away. The other two suspects fled in the suspect vehicle.

The suspects were described as four male Hispanic adults, in their early 20’s. One suspect was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He was seen in the convenience store prior to the carjacking and was caught on surveillance video. He, and the suspect vehicle, are depicted in the attached photographs. The suspect vehicle was described as a small silver four door car, possibly a Kia.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000

Couple Convicted in Murder, Torture of Five Year Old

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Eduardo Zamora was convicted by jury of first degree murder, child homicide and torture for the June 2009 beating death of five year-old Braeden G.

The jury found the special circumstance allegation of intentional killing during the course of torture was not true. A separate jury convicted Amber Ingram of second degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death.

Jurors in this case were confronted with disturbing graphic evidence of the horrific violence that Zamora inflicted on Braeden, who died from massive internal and external injuries. Braeden’s mother, Amber Ingram, was aware of the abuse and allowed it to continue.

Deputy District Attorney Dawn Bladet states, “Today’s verdict is justice served for the torturous murder of a young child, whose own mother did not protect him. I commend the jury, Sacramento Sheriff Department Child Abuse Detectives Tom Koontz and Bruce Wanner as well as other law enforcement and medical professionals for their role in the successful prosecution of this case.”

Zamora is eligible for a term of 50 years to life and Ingram is eligible for a term of 15 years to life. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, January 14, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in Department 31 with the Honorable Judge Michael Kenny presiding.

Sacramento Man Approaching Juvenile Girls Arrested

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested 56-year-old James Nand for annoying and solicitation of female minors.

On Monday, December 6, 2010, at approximately 8 a.m., a 14-year-old girl was walking to school when she was approached at Munson Way and Florin Road by an unknown male. The male suspect asked the girl if she wanted to make some money. The victim ran away and reported the incident.

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, in the morning hours, a female juvenile was walking to school when she was approached at Munson Way and Florin Road by unknown male asking sexual related questions. The female ran away but did not report this incident until Friday.

On Thursday, December 9, 2010, at approximately 8 a.m., a 17-year-old female was approached near Munson Way and Florin Road by unknown male asking sexual related questions. The female ran away and a nearby witness was able to obtain the suspect’s vehicle license plate.

Based on the information provided by the witness, patrol and a school resource officer were able to identify the suspect and notified detectives for the follow up investigation. On December 10, 2010, detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for James Nand.

On December 10, 2010, around 7:45 p.m., officers arrested James Nand in the 7700 block of Quinby Way. Photo of the suspect is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation with other potential victims.

Orangevale Man Convicted on Molestation Charges

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that Lloyd Kindred was convicted by a jury of 18 counts of lewd acts with a child under 14, one count of an attempted lewd act on a child age 14, one count of using a minor to pose for child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The jury’s verdict represents conduct against five separate victims.

Kindred was an IT employee with CAL Fire. In December 2009, his 13 year-old stepgranddaughter disclosed that Kindred had been molesting her from the time she was 6 years old until just weeks before the disclosure. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Department investigated and learned that Kindred had molested two generations of family members. The victims ranged from age 6 up to 14 years old at the time of the assaults. Kindred had committed the assaults at his house in Orangevale and on some occasions at CAL Fire.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14th at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Honorable Judge Gary S. Mullen in Department 32 of the Sacramento Superior Court.

Sac Serial Rapist Convicted on Multiple Counts

Sacramento District Attorney Jan Scully announced that a jury convicted Shane Wilson today of two counts of kidnapping, six counts of rape, seven counts of forcible oral copulation, two counts of forcible digital penetration and one count of forcible sodomy.

In October 2008, Wilson picked-up victim Y while she sat at a bus stop on Stockton Blvd. Wilson drove the victim to a dark area near Power Inn Road and attacked her, physically beating her. He shackled her arms and feet with handcuffs, put a bag over her head, duct taped her hands and feet and placed her in his trunk. He then drove her to his house, where he sexually assaulted her.

In February 2009, Wilson picked-up victim M while she was walking to the store. He again, drove the victim to an area off Power Inn Road, attacked her, handcuffed her, taped her hands, feet, mouth and eyes and placed her in a large metal tool box in the back of his truck. He then drove M to his house, where he sexually assaulted her.

In March 2009, Sacramento Police Officers were investigating the assault on M and discovered the similarities between the two cases. Shane Wilson had been identified as the suspect in victim M’s assault. On further investigation into victim Y’s assault, crucial DNA evidence was discovered in Wilson’s car and home. The DNA was analyzed by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Crime Lab and a match was made to both victims Y and M.

"This defendant preyed on the most vulnerable of victims, whom he believed would never report the crimes. The successful prosecution of this case has stopped a serial rapist from committing future crimes," Deputy District Attorney Keith Hill said.

Sentencing is set for February 10th at 9:00 a.m. in Department 12 of the Sacramento Superior Court.

Sac Police make arrest in Panda Express shooting

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested a suspect responsible for a shooting that injured a 21-year-old man and a 10-year-old boy.

On November 26, 2010, the two victims were walking to Panda Express in the shopping complex located on 19th and S Street. Two suspects that were also walking in the area got into a verbal confrontation with the victims over gang affiliation.

One of the suspects, a 16-year-old male Hispanic, pulled out a gun and shot at the 21-year-old. The shooting resulted in both the 21-year-old and a 10-year-old being shot. Both victims received non-life threatening injuries.

Through a tip, detectives were able to identify the involved subjects and on December 7, 2010, they arrested the 16-year-old suspect without incident. The juvenile suspect will be facing charges of attempt murder, possession of a firearm by a minor with a gang enhancement.

 



Sacramento Police Warns of Internet Scammers

Many legitimate individuals use the Internet to sell products; unfortunately, fraudulent individuals also use the internet to reach people and then rob them.

These Internet predators use classified ad websites to lure potential buyers/sellers to locations. Once they arrive to the meeting location, victims are robbed of their money or merchandise.

The Sacramento Police Department wants to prevent you from falling victim to these internet predators. Below are some tips that will help you avoid being victimized.

Tips:

If you have to meet, avoid locations that you are unfamiliar with.

Agree to meet during daylight hours in a public place that is well lit, has heavy pedestrian traffic, and would commonly be known as having a surveillance system such as banks, shopping centers and parking lots of police stations. If they refuse to meet at a place you select, cancel the deal.

Avoid meeting alone. Take a cell phone in case you need to call for help.

If possible, avoid paying with cash. Try to use a traceable method of payment.

Keep documentation such as the posting, any e-mails, and phone numbers the other party used.

Tell someone where you are going and when you should be back.

Once you are at a meeting location and things don’t “look or feel” right, then leave. Trust your gut instincts.

Once you are at the meeting location, don’t agree to go to a different location, it could be a setup.

Sac FBI makes local arrests in Opertation Broken Trust

SACRAMENTO, CA—Following an announcement today by Attorney General Eric Holder in Washington, D.C., representatives of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force in Sacramento, including U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michelle Klimt, and IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Scott O’Briant, announced the regional results of Operation Broken Trust, a nationwide operation, which targeted investment fraud in the Eastern District of California and throughout the country. Operation Broken Trust is the first nationwide operation of its kind to target a broad array of investment fraud schemes that directly prey upon the investing public.

Continued...

Pharmacy Owner Pays $175,000 to Settle Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act

 

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin Wagner announced today that Ronald T. Lim, of Redding, has paid $175,000 to settle the government’s claims for civil statutory violations occurring at his three pharmacies: Lim’s Family Pharmacy, in Redding; Susanville Family Pharmacy, in Susanville; and Lim’s Shasta Lake Pharmacy, in Shasta Lake.

The Controlled Substances Act authorizes the Drug Enforcement Administration to regulate controlled substances to create a “closed” system of distribution that provides the legitimate drug industry with a unified approach to narcotic and dangerous drug control. The CSA establishes a classification system for all controlled substances, including prescription medications, based upon the potential for abuse, dependence profile, and medicinal value of the drugs. The CSA requires pharmacies to maintain certain records and inventories of these controlled substances to allow the DEA to protect the distribution system, and to prevent drug diversion and abuse. The government contends that Lim’s Family Pharmacy and Susanville Family Pharmacy violated the CSA by failing to maintain certain records and failing to accurately record certain transactions involving controlled substances. In addition, audits of the pharmacies’ inventories demonstrated shortages of several controlled substances, along with overages of several others.

The False Claims Act allows the United States to recover damages and penalties for fraud. The government contends that Ronald Lim submitted or caused to be submitted claims for payment to the Medicare Program and the California Medicaid Program, in violation of the False Claims by billing for certain drugs that were not dispensed to beneficiaries; instead of reimbursing the government, Lim kept the monies and returned the subject drugs to inventory.

In addition to the monetary payment, the settlement requires the three pharmacies to engage in certain record keeping and return to stock compliance measures, including: to maintain a real-time inventory using a perpetual inventory log for all Schedule II drugs; to run a daily computer inventory report for all Schedule II drugs dispensed on every business day to compare with the perpetual inventory log on each day; to reimburse all federal health care programs within three weeks for any and all drugs billed but ultimately not dispensed; and to designate a DEA Compliance Officer who will confirm reimbursement for drugs that are not dispensed and perform a quarterly audit of 50 individual drugs that were dispensed but not picked up to assure that the subject federal health care program was refunded for the drug.

This settlement is the product of a joint investigation by the DEA Sacramento Diversion Group, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Catherine Swann.

Sac PD investigating the death of a homelss man

On Sunday, December 5, 2010, at 7:38 a.m., officers responded to the area of Northgate Blvd, near the Hwy 160 overpass to investigate a report of a possible dead body. Officers arrived and located the body of an adult man inside a sleeping bag. The victim had obvious trauma to his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sacramento Police Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene. Detectives believe that the victim died as a result of the head injuries inflicted on him. At this time, detectives have not identified a suspect or determined a motive for the killing. The victim’s identity is not being released at this time pending notification to his family.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Herbert Brown Named Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento Division

Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Herbert Brown special agent in charge of the FBI’s Sacramento Division. Mr. Brown most recently served as the section chief for the Gang Criminal Enterprise Section, in which he oversaw all domestic and international gang/drug operations.

Mr. Brown entered on duty as a special agent in August 1987. He was assigned to the Denver Division, Colorado Springs Resident Agency. Mr. Brown was a member of the SWAT team and the organized crime/drug program. He also worked as a full-time undercover agent, alongside the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Division.

In August 1990, he was transferred to the Los Angeles Division, Santa Ana Resident Agency. Mr. Brown was a SWAT team leader and assigned to the organized crime/drug program.

In 1995, Mr. Brown was promoted to supervisory special agent in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters and detailed to the Organized Crime Section.

Mr. Brown was promoted to supervisory special agent in March 1998 in the Los Angeles Division. He served as the supervisory special agent of the Joint Drug Intelligence Group and the senior supervisory resident agent of the West Covina Resident Agency, where he oversaw counterterrorism and criminal operations.

He was promoted to assistant special agent in charge, Los Angeles Division, in 2002. He served as the criminal, crisis management, and administrative program manager. Mr. Brown was the crisis response on-scene commander in Athens, Greece during the 2004 Olympics.

In 2005, Mr. Brown became the FBI’s on-scene commander in Baghdad, Iraq, overseeing FBI criminal and counterterrorism operations.

Mr. Brown was promoted to section chief for the Gang Criminal Enterprise Section in April 2008.

Mr. Brown is a native of San Diego, California. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California in 1979. Prior to his employment with the FBI, he served as a police officer for the Capitola and San Jose Police Departments from 1979-87.

Mr. Brown and his wife have one daughter

Killers sentenced to life terms

District Attorney Jan Scully announced that Khae Saephan and Xeng Saetern were sentenced by the Honorable Roland Candee to life terms in state prison for the 2005 murder of Si Saeturn and her unborn fetus.

Saephan and Saetern agreed to kill Si Saeturn at the request of her estranged boyfriend. On Dec. 29, 2005, the defendants drove to the victim’s workplace and waited for her shift to end.

As she left work and headed to her car, defendant Saetern shot her in the stomach and head. The victim, who was 5 months pregnant, died instantly and the fetus did not survive.

Defendant Saetern was 14 years old at the time of the shooting. He was prosecuted as an adult and convicted by a jury of two counts of first degree murder while personally using a gun, as well as conspiracy to commit murder and special circumstances. He received a total sentence of 100 years to life.

Saephan was 19 years old and charged with two counts of first degree murder, one count of conspiracy to commit murder and two special circumstances. Near the end of his trial, he chose to plead no contest to all counts and received two consecutive life without parole terms.

Sacramento County Supervisors Honors Local Volunteer Heroes

In a ceremony during the Tuesday, Nov. 30 meeting of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisor, dozens of community volunteers were recognized during the Fourth Annual Heroes of Human Services Awards Recognition event.

The awards ceremony, organized by the Sacramento County Human Services Coordinating Council, recognized 10 honorees and 31 outstanding honorable mention candidates from the county’s five supervisoral districts who have collectively volunteered several thousands hours of service to the community.

Addressing a standing-room-only chamber filled with well-wishers, District 1 Supervisor Roger Dickerson praised the selfless work of all the honorees and expressed the county’s gratitude.

“This is a way we can appropriately elevate the services that you give throughout the year by letting the entire community know just how caring your are,” Dickerson said. “We deeply appreciate it in all times, but especially in these times.”

Among the 10 individuals recognized during the ceremony perhaps the most notable was 82-year old Ella Doyle. An 19-year volunteer with the Cordova Community Food Locker, Doyle is credited with tirelessly working five hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday packing 18-pound bags of food.

Supervisor Don Nottoli, whose District 5 includes Rancho Cordova, noted not only Doyle’s length of service to the food locker, but also her personal warmth. “This lady is a hero because she has given so tremendously from her heart,” he said.

Nottoli added that not only has it been estimated that Doyle is responsible for packing up to 80 percent of 500,000 food bags that have been distributed by the food locker during her time there, but she has also initiated personalized packages homeless individuals and families with infants.

“She really wants to personalize her services as much has possible,” Nottoli said.

Upon receive her award, Nottoli asked Doyle if there was any advice she wanted to offer, to which she happily quipped, “It’s a good job.”

Others recognized during the ceremony included Dr. Luz Guerrero and Eric Rodriguez, District 1; Bob Crimmons and May O. Lee, District 2; Ed Longstreth and Edward McGadney, District 3; Chad Thompson, District 4; and Richard and Linda Gunn, District 5.

Sac County DHA to fund winter shelter for area homeless

The Department of Human Assistance (DHA), in conjunction with its partners, Volunteers of America and Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center (SAEHC) will provide winter housing and shelter to homeless families from December 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. DHA will provide $150,000 in funding.

With half of this funding Volunteers of America will be able to provide up to 25 beds for families at 3547 Myrtle Avenue, and with the other half SAEHC will be able to provide up to 25 beds for families at 3671 5th Avenue.

“Sacramento County is committed to helping the homeless in our community,” said Paul Lake, DHA Interim Director. “While the funding amount is less than in previous years, it will provide shelter for many homeless families who otherwise would be spending very cold and rainy nights on the streets. We are thankful to our partners who provide these much needed services.”

Other partners, Sacramento Steps Forward (SSF), Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), and homeless service providers, will support winter shelter for single adults.

Sacramento Steps Forward is coordinating a faith-based nomadic shelter program to house up to 100 single adults per night. SHRA also plans to contract with Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center (SAEHC) to provide motel vouchers for the most vulnerable homeless families and individuals. Funding for these efforts will come from private faith contributions, anticipated foundations grants, and up to $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds received by SHRA and approved by the Board in 2009 for homeless activities.

The Department of Human Assistance provides homeless programs from emergency shelters and transitional housing. Both provide different levels and kinds of services. DHA is also a partner with the City of Sacramento in the 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2006.

Elk Grove Police Receives Grant to Fight DUI Deaths

The Elk Grove Police Department announced this moring that it has been awarded a new traffic safety grant for a year-long anti-DUI program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways.

Additional enforcement measures in place to combat impaired driving are coming as a result of a recent $245,000.00 grant awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety to Elk Grove.

“The Elk Grove Police Department is committed to making sure that our streets remain free of impaired drivers,” Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said. “This grant will ensure that our department continues to take a proactive role in locating and identifying those drivers who choose to drive impaired.”

The special DUI Enforcement and Awareness grant is to assist in efforts to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions in the community. The grant activities will specifically target impaired driving offenders as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. This will be done through the use of sobriety / driver’s license checkpoints, saturation patrols, warrant service operations, stakeouts for repeat DUI offenders and educational programs.

“Everyone in California should be heartened with these figures,” Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) said. “But as encouraging as this is, we can’t let up on the efforts to promote and enforce traffic safety. Far too many are still losing their lives or being severely injured on our roadways.”

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Wilton's Second Annual Winter Festival This saturday

On Saturday, December 4, Wilton will host its Second Annual Winter Festival. Last year's inaugural event was sponsored under the direction of our the Sacramento County Parks & Recreation Council 

Despite some cool weather, turn-out was strong and a good times were shared by many partiicpatnts. The event culminates with a special "early" appearance by Santa in the parade entertaining both young and old and with some community singing around the Firehouse Christmas Tree.

The day's schedule is tentatively inlcudes the following events:

7:00 to 10:00 a.m.  a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Cub Scouts--location: Firehouse at corner of Wilton and Dillard Roads.

10:00 a.m. -Vendors begin to set up.

11:00-am to 4:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts will be serving lunch; also at the firehouse.

12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. vendors will be open with all kinds of good stuff that you must have!

3:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Parade from Dillard School to the firehouse; (similar setup that was used in the 2008 Centennial parade.)

This event promises to be a lot of fun and offers an opportunity for Wilton folks to visit and relax with neighbors while the kids enjoy a somewhat old-fashioned approach to the Christmas season.