FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending May 4, 2012

Washington, D.C.
May 04, 2012 FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691

1.Headquarters: Historic Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takedown

A nationwide takedown resulted in charges against 107 individuals, including doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their participation in fraud schemes involving approximately $452 million in false billing. Full Story


2.Cleveland: Five Men Arrested in Plot to Bomb Ohio Bridge

Douglas L. Wright, Brandon L. Baxter, Anthony Hayne, Connor C. Stevens, and Joshua S. Stafford were arrested and accused of conspiring to use explosives to destroy the Brecksville-Northfield High Level Bridge near Cleveland. Full Story


3.Chicago: Former City of Dixon Comptroller Charged in Long-Running Fraud Scheme

Rita A. Crundwell was indicted for allegedly obtaining more than $53 million from Dixon, Illinois since 1990 and using the proceeds to finance her horse-breeding business and lavish lifestyle. Full Story

4.San Diego: Twenty-One Defendants Charged with Corruption at DMV Offices

Employees at two California Department of Motor Vehicles offices were charged for their involvement in a long-running bribery conspiracy that resulted in the production of hundreds of fraudulent driver licenses for applicants who had failed or not taken the required driver license tests. Full Story


5.Philadelphia: Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to Terrorists

Mohammad Hassan Khalid, a Pakistani citizen and U.S. lawful permanent resident, pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to support, recruit, and coordinate members of a conspiracy in their plan to wage violent jihad in and around Europe. Full Story


6.Miami: Defendants Charged as Part of an Identity Theft Tax Refund Undercover Operation

Charges were brought against eight individuals, including two former NFL players, for fraudulently obtaining tax refund checks, ranging in total value from $70,000 to $120,000. Full Story


7.Miami: Eleven Indicted in Pharmaceutical Thefts

Eleven South Florida residents were indicted for the sale and distribution of more than $75 million worth of pharmaceuticals and other goods stolen from warehouses and tractor-trailers across the United States. Full Story


8.Detroit: Members and Associates of Howard Boys Street Gang Charged

Twelve individuals were charged in a 34-count indictment with racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, distribution of drugs, and various federal firearms violations. Full Story


9.New York: Queens Murder Suspect Extradited from Mexico

After more than 20 years on the run, Nikolay Natividad, wanted for a 1991 murder in Queens, was returned to the U.S. from Mexico to face charges. Full Story


10.Washington Field: Former Council Member Sentenced

Harry L. Thomas, Jr. was sentenced to 38 months in prison on federal theft and tax charges for using more than $350,000 in taxpayers’ money for his personal benefit. Full Story

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FBI — FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending May 4, 2012