FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending November 26, 2010

Washington, D.C.
November 26, 2010 FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691

1.Headquarters: FBI Releases 2009 Hate Crime Statistics

The FBI released Hate Crime Statistics, 2009, which indicated that 6,604 criminal incidents involving 7,789 offenses were reported as a result of bias toward a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or physical or mental disability. Full Story


2.Norfolk: Five Somalis Convicted of Piracy Against USS Nicholas

A federal jury convicted five men from Somalia of engaging in piracy and related offenses in their attack on the USS Nicholas, marking what is believed to be the first piracy trial conviction in the United States since 1820. Full Story


3.New York: Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition of Senior Aide to Albanian Foreign Minister Charged with Murder, Kidnapping, and Other Racketeering Offenses

The extradition of Almir Rrapo from Albania was announced for his involvement in a racketeering enterprise that engaged in murder, kidnapping, narcotics trafficking, extortion, robbery, arson, obstruction of justice, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Full Story

4.Washington Field: Former Executive Director of SunRise Academy Accused of Stealing More Than $2.4 Million Meant for Special Education

Charles Ike Emor, the founder and former executive director of SunRise Academy, was indicted on charges that he stole more than $2.4 million in government money intended for students. Full Story


5.Jacksonville: $100 Million Ponzi Scheme Indictment Returned

The unsealing of a 14-count indictment was announced charging Lydia I. Cladek with wire and mail fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Cladek faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count and a $3.5 million fine. Full Story


6.Sacramento: Former Financial Advisor Charged with Defrauding Investors of at Least $2 Million

Jesse Alvin Cripps Sr. surrendered to the FBI and was charged with 27 counts of mail fraud and three counts of money laundering. Cripps appeared before the magistrate judge in Dallas and is scheduled to appear in Fresno before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary S. Austin on Dec. 8, 2010. Full Story


7.Charlotte: Atlanta Securities Attorney Convicted of Fraud Scheme and Sale of Unregistered Securities

Gregory Bartko, an Atlanta, Georgia securities attorney, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud; the sale of unregistered securities and money laundering, four counts of mail fraud, and one count of the sale of unregistered securities. The defendant faces a maximum of 90 years' imprisonment. Full Story


8.Atlanta: Health Care Insurance Fraud

Eleven defendants pleaded guilty to one count of health care insurance fraud against American Family Life Assurance Company, AFLAC. Full Story


9.St. Louis: National Prearranged Services, Inc. Controlling Officials Indicted

Six controlling officials of National Prearranged Services, Inc. were named in a 50-count indictment charging wire, bank, mail, and insurance fraud; money laundering; and multiple conspiracy charges involving the sale of pre-paid funeral services. Full Story


10.Phoenix: Flagstaff Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Selling Methamphetamine

Larry Keams Kahn was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Full Story

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