Thread: FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending July 24, 20

Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2009

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691


FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending July 24, 2009

1. Newark: Political Corruption and International Money Laundering Ring Disrupted

The mayors of Hoboken, Secaucus and Ridgefield, the Jersey City deputy mayor and council president, two state assemblymen, numerous other public officials and political figures and five rabbis from New York and New Jersey were among 44 individuals charged in a public corruption and a high-volume, international money laundering conspiracy. Full Story

2. Los Angeles: FBI Top Ten Fugitive Apprehended in Mexico

Emigdio Preciado, Jr., a member of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, was arrested in Mexico by officers with the Policia Federal Ministerial. Preciado was wanted for the brutal attack on two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies during a routine traffic stop. Full Story

3. Chicago: Suburban Businessman Charged in $77 Million Ponzi Scheme

Frank A. Castaldi is charged with allegedly operating a more than 20-year Ponzi scheme that resulted in more than 300 investors sustaining losses totaling over $31.5 million. Castaldi induced more than 450 investors to invest over $77 million in purported six-month promissory notes, which Castaldi falsely represented would pay guaranteed returns of 10 to 15 percent. Full Story

4. Denver: Second Top Ten Fugitive Apprehended in One Week Found in Wyoming

FBI Top Ten Fugitive Edward Eugene Harper was arrested on July 23, 2009. Harper was wanted for his alleged involvement in the sexual assault of two Mississippi girls, ages 3 and 8. Full Story

5. St. Louis: Cathy M. Gieseker Indicted for Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme

Cathy M. Gieseker, Owner of T.J. Gieseker Farms and Trucking, was indicted on multiple fraud charges including mail and wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property, involving a $27 million grain fraud scheme. Full Story

6. Houston: Father, Daughter, Wife Indicted in Mortgage Fraud Conspiracy

An 11-count indictment was unsealed charging Claymon “Butchâ€

Did they recoup money, too?