PRESS RELEASE: Murrieta Superior Court Judge Denies Football Coach’s Petition for Restraining Order Against Parent of a Former Player

Posted on September 13, 2023September 13, 2023 by Local Business Locator

Murrieta Superior Court Judge Denies Football Coach’s Petition for Restraining Order Against Parent of a Former Player

Vista Murrieta High School Defensive Backs Coach, who is also Head Coach and Commissioner of the Murrieta Broncos Junior All-American Football Team and the Frat Boyz Club 7 on 7 Football Team, claims to have feared for his life and sought protection.

Temecula, California Jun 5, 2023 – On May 10, 2023, Christopher Lee Mercadal filed California Judicial Form CH-109 – a Notice of Court Hearing (Civil Harassment Prevention), accompanied by Judicial Form CH-110 – Temporary Restraining Order (see photos), in a Murrieta Superior Court, seeking to have Tommy Sevilla, a former friend, former Murrieta Junior All-American Football Associate Chapter AD and Deputy Commissioner of the Murrieta Broncos, banned from all “Southern California Junior All-American Football” fields and schools in the Murrieta area where the Defendant’s children participate in youth sports (Mercadal v Sevilla Case #: CVSW2302721 ).

Later in the week, Petitioner Mercadal had the Riverside County Sheriff serve Defendant Sevilla at his home. The Sheriff’s Deputy was obligated by law to have Sevilla surrender any and all firearms that he had in his possession in lieu of the May 11th Superior Court Hearing. Sevilla had no weapons to surrender, and Sevilla would later testify to the Court that he has never owned a firearm, nor has he been in possession of one, and that Mercadal was making false statements about gun possession to deceive the Court into granting his baseless Petition, especially as firearms have never been mentioned in any of their conversations.

Mercadal’s Petition to the Court also claimed that Sevilla was a Central American “gang member” (Sevilla is Mexican and Puerto Rican) who owned, had possession of, or had access to guns and fellow gang members that Mercadal feared could harm him. Mercadal further testified to the Court that Sevilla labeled him as a “child abuser” and was upset that Sevilla made these allegations against him to Kyle Jackson – President of the Murrieta Broncos Junior All-American Football team, the principles within the Southern California Junior All-American Football organization, as well as Vista Murrieta High School administrators and to Head Coach – Coley Candaele; former Head Coach Pederson and their athletic director – Carl Galloway.

The feud between the former friends and colleagues within the Murrieta Junior All-American Youth Football Organization and Frat Boyz team organization started when Sevilla wrote an email to Coach Mercadal as a parent and friend, touching on matters of concern that directly affected his family and his son; namely that Sevilla’s son was loyal to Merc, had chosen to skip a TrialNet Study for Type 1 Diabetes at Standford University in order to accommodate Mercadal’s request for Sevilla’s son to play up in age group with the 12u Frat Boyz team in a tournament whereby they would play the elite OG Ducks team on Sevilla’s son’s birthday no less. When Sevilla’s son, a very skilled athlete, would receive zero playing time in that game, Sevilla’s son was dejected and both were obviously miffed at the fact that all of the coach’s son’s, many of whom are not at the skill level of Sevilla, played in the game. Sevilla, in his email to Merc, pointed out these things and told Merc that the rivalries were not between the players, but rather between the coaches who get the huge trophy afterward and whose sons get the MVP trophies while the rest of the players don’t so much as get a bottle of water, according to Sevilla’s email to Merc (see attached), written in a non-threatening and even pleasant manner, ending it with an invitation to smoke cigars and drink whiskey. Mercadal’s violent and disrespectful response to Sevilla about his son would set the tone for the future marked by retaliation. First, based upon information and belief, Mercadal would immediately lobby to have Sevilla removed from the MJAAF Board, which he was, but Sevilla, also the League’s Webmaster, would never learn of such a move until it was time to log in to the website from which he was now suddenly blocked from accessing. Following these events, Sevilla and his family would be harassed and threatened by a colleague of Mercadal’s – youth football coach, Reginald Kemp, known as “Coach Kemp”, who would threaten in text messages to harm Sevilla’s kids and his wife, repeatedly telling Sevilla that he knew where his kids slept and where he lived. When Sevilla reached out to MJAAF President – Kyle Jackson and Mercadal about their colleague and to intervene – they took no action and effectively refused to protect their player. What would follow would be the incident where his son, after Sevilla pulled him from the Murrieta organizations and placed him with Menifee Wildcats and Relentless Premier Athletes, the violent hits to his son and grandson in touch 7 on 7 football and tackle scrimmages; hence the paper trail of complaints that Mercadal would be upset by and take legal action against, claiming that he now feared for his life after the allegations of harming Sevilla’s son and grandson. Sevilla never responded to Mercadal’s response, which also degraded Sevilla’s son and told Sevilla to “kiss [his] ass” and to take his son to one of the many other organizations in the area. Sevilla’s son was a key player and defensive and special team starter on Mercadal’s 2021/2022 Micro Division Super Bowl Championship team and was starting quarterback for Mercadal’s Frat Boyz 10u team.

During the Court Hearing, Mercadal claimed that Sevilla never sought an investigation into the allegations but in Sevilla’s response to the Court, Sevilla produced letters to the Court in evidence; letters to Mercadal’s superiors and testified at length to the contrary stating that he wrote in complaint, adhering to the chain of command, by first requesting investigation by Kyle Jackson of the Murrieta Broncos (MJAAF), then Southern California Junior All American Football (SCJAAF), and only Vista Murrieta High School and District Officials after those organizations failed to respond to his written complaints and requests for investigation, informing Murrieta Valley School District Officials of a “rogue” coach whose coaching style and violent culture will expose them to liability issues and potential lawsuit from him as they, in effect, sanction and endorse his behavior by allowing him and his organizations to identify with the high school “Broncos” and utilize their facilities, warning them that other kids can fall victim in the future. According to Sevilla’s correspondence with Vista Murrieta and Murrieta Valley officials, he admonished them for choosing to remain deliberately indifferent and negligent. Sevilla has yet to receive the results of any investigation into the alleged intentional targeting of his son and grandson from Vista Murrieta High School, MJAAF, SCJAAF, or the Frat Boyz.

At the Hearing, Mercadal, after seeing the voluminous response filed by Sevilla, would return to Court, after the recess, with defaming written statements from Sevilla’s ex-assistant baseball coaches of several seasons (Sevilla was Head Coach): Destrian Vallejo and George Uhila, both of whom were brought into the aforementioned Murrieta youth football organizations by Sevilla but the Judge would cut Mercadal’s introduction of his alleged new exhibits short and admonish him about the burden he carries to prove his allegations, rather than defame the Defendant, as well as proper discovery to the Defendant, who was previously unaware of such written letters and was not previously served with them. The Murrieta Judge further informed Mercadal that Sevilla had a right to make such complaints to his “employers”, as Mercadal referred to them as being, and that Sevilla’s response to Mercadal’s alleged actions was understandable in light of the context of physical injury to his child and grandchild and that he saw no evidence of Sevilla ever having engaged in gang activity or having any recent criminal legal troubles. The Judge would however, ask Sevilla point blank if he challenged Mercadal to a fight and Sevilla admitted to the Court that his statement to Mercadal, which Mercadal produced in Court relative to challenging Mercadal to settle the matters like grown men, were true, but promised to the Court that he would not beat Mercadal up for allegedly harming his son and grandson and that the aforementioned organizations should’ve been responsible in sanctioning Mercadal.

Petitioner Mercadal’s Petition was DENIED in its fullness and the previous Temporary Restraining Order Pending Hearing was VACATED.

Sevilla adds that he was approached after the Hearing by others present in the hallway, including his young son, who overheard an adult couple ask Mercadal if he had “won” his Hearing after he exited the Courtroom and to which Mercadal reply confidently, “I’ll get him next time,” while doing the Crip Walk.

Statement from Defendant Sevilla:

“Chris Mercadal or Coach Merc as he is known is a legend in his own mind and can now also be known as one who has made many false and unprovable allegations to the Superior Court of California to cause further injury to my child, grandchild, and family. Here he is, a grown-ass man who is known within the youth football community for his lack of class, inciteful behavior, and starting shit while hiding behind his coaches and parents – teaching his players to yell out ‘SQUUUUAAAADDD’, (i.e. hit squad) along with him, his coaches and parents after scores, violent hits and simply to incite and taunt the opposing teams. He is like a little Chihuahua who is all bark and no bite. He says things like ‘come catch a fade’; squats down and throws up signs like a gang member during his photo ops but runs to the authorities and his superiors when somebody real and who doesn’t play around calls his bluff. Apparently, he thought that he could hurt me by – based upon information and belief – causing serious physical injury to my then 11-year-old son and 13-year-old grandson, most recently.

What kind of man does that?

There are many labels to describe such a man, especially when it only happened when I wasn’t present as he knows better than to do that shit when I’m there! I had to hear about it from multiple parents, coaches, and team officials who – based upon information and belief – all believed that it was intentional and at the very least, unwarranted, classless, and illegal. To this very day and even in open Court, Merc has yet to deny the allegations and apologize to all affected but would rather double down and cause further damage with his many false allegations that he failed to prove in Court.

The dude is all about himself as a Coach and should fear every parent whose child is seriously injured by his team’s classless culture and disrespectful style of play. The best thing we ever did was take my son to the Menifee Wildcats and Relentless; those coaches and organizations have shown themselves to be the real deal and have valued my son’s play and leadership, with Coach Darris and Coach D being exceptionally involved and protective against Murrieta Broncos and Frat Boyz bullshit and gossip. Those dudes don’t play either.

For God’s sake, my grandson was clotheslined in a touch football game by Merc’s Frat Boyz team and he and his coaches, parents, and players celebrated the hit and a near riot ensued while he hid behind his coaches and parents as usual.

My son? Merc’s players – my son’s former teammates – called him a ‘traitor’ at JAAF Weight Certification, and he and his coaches were heard by our Menifee coaches and parents all telling their players to ‘get violent’ – according to their statements – before they took my quarterback son out at his knees well after the whistle.

Shame on Celeste Scallion, Vista Murrieta Principal and Coach Pederson, and Candaele and his staff, along with Kyle Jackson of MJAAF, for not taking the matter seriously and not even investigating and responding to me with the results of the investigation. To this very day, I have yet to receive a response from his superiors on my request for investigation, but rather, they have chosen to coddle the one alleged to have acted inappropriately and illegally. They share in Merc’s responsibility, and in Court, I will hold them accountable for their liability in these matters.

Any coach who coaches with or for him and any parent who allows their kid to play for such a guy needs a character check.

The awesome part about all of this and evidential of my son’s character is that he never once complained or raised these issues, however, it greatly affected him emotionally as we as parents could readily see. It was the principals within the organizations, video evidence, and other parents who confirmed Merc’s alleged behavior and that of his players when I wasn’t present and out on business or with my son for the California State Wrestling Championships. he’s a fiercely loyal kid who never complains and can sure as hell handle himself. My follow-up to all of this shameful behavior – as a coach myself for more than 41 years – is to protect other kids and to warn those in the authority of one who doesn’t belong in the coaching ranks or among kids. Hell, Merc has failed to acknowledge my son personally at the subsequent football games and especially in Court where he acted pridefully and arrogantly. At least my son sees now what that dude is all about.”

Sevilla’s son would suffer total pancreatic failure – Type 1 Diabetes – during this timeline of events and season. However, he continues to excel in sports (wrestling, boxing, basketball, baseball, and football) and set an example for others while Insulin-dependent.

The Court transcripts and case information may be accessed here: Media Information (ca.gov)

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Media Contact

So Cal Local Sports Media
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Categories : Family , Legal , Lifestyle , Society , Sports
Tags : chris mercadal , vista murrieta football , coley candaele , kyle jackson , murrieta broncos , frat boyz , southern california junior all american football , murrieta junior all american football , coach merc , mercadal defensive backs coach

The Return of Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve: Phillips & King now exclusively distributing the much-sought-after cigar in Corojo and Maduro

Posted on October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 by Local Business Locator

Phillips & King Contact:
Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@phillipsandking.com

The Return of Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve

Phillips & King now exclusively distributing the much-sought-after cigar in Corojo and Maduro.

(October 2022) Phillips & King is giving a hero’s welcome to Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve. This highly
desired cigar is returning to the premium cigar category 10 years after its initial release, and is now
being exclusively distributed by Phillips & King as of late September 2022. Known in the industry for
their exceptional product selection and service, Phillips & King is pleased to add this customer-favorite,
whose bold blend helped put Rocky Patel on the map when it was first launched.

“Rocky Patel’s Olde World Reserve is an iconic
cigar that every premium tobacconist should
have in stock,” says Jason Carignan, President of
Phillips & King. “And the royal treatment from
Phillips & King is ideal for its grand re-entry to
the market. We are excited to partner with the
great minds and industry veterans at Rocky
Patel, and are even more excited to get these
cigars into the hands of our retail customers.
The smokes are beautifully nuanced, and truly
incomparable. We see great success ahead for
both of our brands.”

One of Rocky Patel’s best-selling cigars to date, the Olde World Reserve offers a medium-to-full-bodied
profile, with Nicaraguan binders and fillers, and two wrappers that bring their distinct regional flavors to
the overall experience:

The Maduro. Richly dark in color, this cigar is
hand-rolled at Rocky Patel’s TaviCusa Factory in
Esteli, Nicaragua, and delivers flavors of
volcanic earthiness, natural tobacco sweetness,
and black pepper with a salted caramel finish. It
is available in the following sizes: Robusto, Sixty,
Toro

The Corojo. Hand-rolled at the Paraiso Factory
in Danli, Honduras, this smooth cigar offers
notes of toasty wood and graham cracker
complemented by the natural sweetness of the
Corojo leaf. It is available in the following sizes:
Robusto, Sixty, Toro

With an extensive network of distribution and tax compliance capabilities, Phillips & King will be
shipping the Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve cigars to retailers in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Guam, Puerto Rico, and globally to US military bases. For more information or to place an order to carry
Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve, please visit phillipsandking.com or call 800-532-4427.

# # #

About Phillips & King

Phillips & King, a subsidiary of Kretek International, Inc., is a leading distributor of specialty tobacco,
alternative smoking products, and accessories in the United States. Since 1906, the company has built a
strong reputation by focusing on independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor
retailers. Phillips & King offers an unparalleled catalog of products and ships to all 50 states, the US
Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and globally to US military bases, providing hassle-free tobacco tax
compliance, easy web-ordering and a team of knowledgeable customer service experts. For more
information, please visit phillipsandking.com.

United States Department of Justice – ADA Complaint – Filed Against Menifee Girls Softball – USA Softball – ASA Softball

Posted on June 22, 2021June 22, 2021 by Local Business Locator

United States Department of Justice – ADA Complaint – Filed Against Menifee Girls Softball – USA Softball – ASA Softball

Menifee Girls Softball President – Jennifer Martinez and the MSG Board – Censor a MSG 8u Manager – Selectively Punish Him in Violation of Their Own Rules While Protecting Fellow Board Members Who Violated Code of Conduct – Appeal Met with Corruption

A United States Department of Justice ADA Complaint was filed against Menifee Girls Softball, ASA Softball and USA Softball, alleging willful discrimination and retaliation against 8 year old Type 1 Diabetic Menifee Girls Softball Player – Gracie Sevilla and her parents.

Gracie Sevilla, age 8, is a Type 1 Diabetic Athlete who suffered total pancreatic failure at age 4 and is Insulin dependent, requiring multiple daily injections of Insulin to metabolize the carbohydrates she eats in her meals and snacks throughout the day; in a healthy individual, this is the job of the functioning Pancreas. Gracie also wears a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System; a small device with a filament that inserts below the skin and continuously tests the interstitial fluid for accurate Glucose levels, then brings the reading back to her parents’ mobile device every 5 minutes. The Dexcom alerts both high and low Glucose levels for immediate treatment decisions.

Gracie has endured Blood Glucose Levels as high as 600 + and as low as 24. Both exceedingly high or low levels, such as these, can result in Diabetic Coma or Ketoacidosis, both of which can be fatal in a short matter of time.

Gracie’s father, Tommy Sevilla, was Manager of Menifee Girls Softball (MSG https://www.menifeegirlssoftball.com) 8u 3-0 Florida Gators team and was one of 5 different Managers that were ejected by overzealous umpires on one day and weekend; Sevilla pointed out an illegal Coach Pitching motion that allowed for the opposing player to easily hit the ball and score runs, in violation of MSG Rules but was rebuffed by the Umpire – who arrived to the game in a foul mood 25 minutes after it had started. According to MSG rules, a Manager who is ejected during a game, must also serve an additional game suspension and must immediately leave the premises – not owned by MSG – and cannot be physically present for the next game. However, in retaliation for his free speech and non-threatening comments about overzealous umpires on the MSG Coaches Social Media Thread, Coach Sevilla was censored, as Board Member at Large, Alysa Mugica, her husband and others; including MSG Board Vice-President, David Miller – openly disparaged him on the thread, both before and after he was censored, and while Board President, Jennifer Martinez did nothing but allow the open disparagement; thus violating MSG’s Social Media Policy and Code of Conduct; they were not punished in any form but within minutes of censoring Sevilla on the thread, a vote was taken by the MSG Board to remove him as Manager of the team and thus also nullifying the requirement for him to have to serve the additional game suspension as Manager.

Coach Sevilla appealed their game loss officially, on the grounds that the opposing team won the game due to runs scored with an illegal soft toss underhand pitching motion by the opposing coach that was recorded on video, as well as the game not being a “regulation game” since the game started almost 20 minutes late on account of the Umpire showing up late and the game having to be started by a Board Member acting as an Umpire. However, the MSG Board would attempt to delay and suppress the Appeal by first demanding a $35 fee to hear the Appeal then fail to provide a method or mode of payment for the Appeal when Coach Sevilla was diligent in trying to pay the fee then, not showing up to the designated meeting place (practice field) to pick up Coach Sevilla’s payment. Official witnesses and evidence provided by Sevilla for his Appeal was not considered, in violation of League Appeals Policy and without notice and unbeknownst to Coach Sevilla, the Appeal was heard illegitimately, falsely and corruptly; claiming video evidence not supplied by Coach Sevilla – with no witness testimony and Sevilla not present or being invited to attend; the Board would lie and falsely claim that the opposing Coach pitched in a League approved pitching motion and essentially that the game started on time, despite abundant evidence to the contrary.

Gracie Sevilla subsequently, was not allowed to play in the next game because despite being warned of a potential ADA violation (Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Regulations; Part 35 – non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disabilities, et. al….), because her mother, Melodie Sevilla couldn’t attend the game and her father, who is trained to be able to manage her Diabetes, was banned from the game now as her parent, due to the unprofessionalism, spite and retaliation from MSG Board President, Jennifer Martinez and fellow Board Members: David Miller, Vice-President, Steven Cordova, Coaches Agent, Rachelle Wade, Player Agent, Lindsey Duffy, Treasurer, Ashley Vidal, Secretary, Kyle Titterness, UIC and others. Ultimately, Board President, Jennifer Martinez refused to make a reasonable accommodation for Gracie to play in the game and scoffed at the requirement of law and remained deliberately indifferent to Gracie’s qualifying disability, bent on punishing her father as a parent. Jennifer Martinez would threaten to call law enforcement if Gracie’s father, the censored Coach were to show up but backed off that threat when she was appraised of the fact that she had no authority to do so on private property not owned by but only used buy the league; Marion Ashley Park is a public facility. However, Martinez would then threaten to punish the entire Gators’ team of 8 year old girls with a “forfeit” if their Coach – Sevilla – were to be at the game to watch the team and his daughter play and also be there to treat her Diabetes so that she could play in the game.

Gracie’s mother, Melodie Sevilla, would reach out to Martinez then the USA Softball Board of Directors; including but not limited to: State Commissioner, Christina Drumm, President, Mike Schuck, who never responded to calls and emails and when she reached out to Rhonda Shirey, the Eastern District Commissioner, she was again met with deliberate indifference as Shirey promised to intervene and get back to Mrs. Sevilla by days end, she never did and ignored all follow up urgent phone calls and voicemails left and emails sent to her by Mrs. Sevilla.

Menifee Girls Softball Board President, would openly scoff at the issue, make no effort to provide a reasonable accommodation in accordance with Federal Law, focus on Coach Sevilla now being punished as a Parent, while no longer a Manager of a Team, and ultimately causing tremendous undue stress and trauma upon Gracie and her family, as well as the team itself, who now lost their Manager, faced forfeit scenarios and a season ruined by Menifee Girls Softball Board of Directors politics.

Gracie Sevilla was deprived of the opportunity to play in the game in question and subsequently, several additional games due to this controversy and the deliberate indifference and attitude toward her disability by the MSG board of Directors, ASA Softball and USA Softball, who refuse to intervene and honor the American with Disabilities Act.

On June 8, 2021, a Complaint was filed with the Department of Justice alleging that Jennifer Martinez, et al, the MSG Board, USA softball and ASA Softball, have willfully discriminated and retaliated against 8u girls softball player – Gracie Sevilla and her family.

Gracie Sevilla is a Folkstyle Youth Wrestling Champion for Team So. Cal of Temecula, winning her first two tournaments in Bakersfield, California and Phoenix, Arizona, even being awarded the “Most Outstanding Wrestler Award” as an athlete new to the sport of competitive wrestling. Gracie also excels in Gymnastics, Basketball, Soccer; she was the quarterback on her fathers Friday Night Lights Football team; and is a Pitcher on her Menifee 8u Girls Softball team, recording 8 strikeouts against 9 batters faced in her first ever game as Pitcher.

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU ANNOUNCES ACTION AGAINST CITIZENS BANK, N.A.

Posted on January 30, 2020January 30, 2020 by Local Business Locator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 30, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Communications
Tel: (202) 435-7170

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU ANNOUNCES ACTION AGAINST CITIZENS BANK, N.A.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) filed suit against Citizens Bank, N.A. (Citizens), a national banking association headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The Bureau’s complaint alleges violations of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and TILA’s implementing Regulation Z, including violations of amendments to TILA contained in the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD Act).

As described in the complaint, the Bureau alleges that for several years Citizens violated TILA, as amended by the FCBA, and Regulation Z by failing to properly manage and respond to credit card disputes. The complaint alleges that Citizens automatically denied consumers’ billing error notices and claims of unauthorized use in certain circumstances. The complaint further alleges that Citizens failed to fully refund finance charges and fees when consumers asserted meritorious disputes or fraud claims, and failed to send consumers required acknowledgement letters and denial notices in response to billing error notices.

The Bureau further alleges that for several years Citizens violated TILA by violating provisions passed under the CARD Act. The Bureau alleges that Citizens violated TILA and Regulation Z by failing to provide credit counseling referrals to consumers who called Citizens’ toll-free number designated for that purpose. These alleged violations of TILA—including those under the FCBA and the CARD Act—and Regulation Z also constitute violations of the Consumer Financial Protection Act.

The Bureau filed its complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island on January 30, 2020. The Bureau’s complaint seeks, among other remedies, an injunction against defendants and the imposition of civil money penalties.

The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendant has violated the law.

The complaint is available at: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_citizens-bank_complaint_2020-01.pdf.

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that helps consumer finance markets work by regularly identifying and addressing outdated, unnecessary, or unduly burdensome regulations, by making rules more effective, by consistently enforcing federal consumer financial law, and by empowering consumers to take more control over their economic lives. For more information, visit consumerfinance.gov.

TPE 2020: New Products Releases, Streamlined Scheduling, Smart Panels, and 1 Big Party The first big show of the year aims to position all attendees on a path to success.

Posted on January 15, 2020January 15, 2020 by Local Business Locator

For immediate release:

CONTACT
TPE Show Contact: Dawn Conger

dawnconger@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

TPE 2020: New Products Releases, Streamlined Scheduling, Smart Panels, and 1 Big Party

The first big show of the year aims to position all attendees on a path to success.

January 2020 – With thousands of products and buyers, exclusive show deals and experiences, and the latest industry information, attending the Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 (TPE 2020) is the ideal way to start the year for all facets of the tobacco business. Happening Wednesday, January 29, 2020 through Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, the show offers 3 days of business, learning, networking, and fun, paving the way for a successful and profitable year for the industry.

It Starts Here: Business

With TPE 2020 projecting increased numbers over 2019 attendance and exhibiting brands, selective exhibitors are taking notice, and TPE 2020 may be your only chance to meet with some of them. And many companies are releasing new products at TPE 2020, giving this year’s attendees an extra advantage in keeping inventory fresh for their customers. To easily find these new launches amidst the thousands at the show, TPE 2020 will feature a Product Spotlight, where attendees can expect to see new products from brands like:

Agnorsa Leaf
Alec Bradley Cigars
Drew Estate
Espinosa
Fratello
Illusione
Jas Sum Kral
JRE Tobacco
Maya Selva Cigars
Nova Cigars
Republic Tobacco
Room 101
Santa Clara
Vicarias
Villiger

Committed to hosting a fun, educational, and successful show, the Tobacco Media Group (TMG) is pleased to offer the TPE Connect Program, an online platform that matches buyers and exhibitors, and allows them to schedule meetings during show hours. To optimize your TPE time and participate in TPE Connect, just log in to your attendee or exhibitor portal prior to the show and update your product preferences so you can be matched to meet with colleagues relevant to your business.
Learning: The Best Way to Get Ahead

Moderated by tobacco industry leaders, TPE is proud to offer IGNITE- a series of educational sessions aimed at keeping attendees and exhibitors on the cutting edge of our industry. From regulations and retail growth to merchandising and market trends, TPE 2020 offers relevant information with your growth in mind. For a complete list of session topics and times, please visit: https://tobaccoplusexpo.com/education/. And did we mention that 14-time NBA All-Star Karl Malone is the TPE 2020 Keynote Speaker? You won’t want to miss this.

Networking and Fun

What’s a TPE Show without entertainment? This year, we have a 4-in-1 all-industry party on Wednesday, Jan 29 at the Sahara Hotel & Casino (formerly the SLS Hotel) from 6pm to 9pm. Held at 4 venues in close proximity, party-goers can relax at Club 101 with dueling pianos and a cigar-lounge, cavort over carving stations at Bazaar Meat, enjoy a club scene with DJ Eli from Drew Estate at the Theater, and revel in classic Vegas at the Gaming Casino. Whether you hit all the parties or settle in at one, it’s a night of food, drinks, and networking that should not be missed.

“We’ve invested in TPE and our industry,” says Ellie Hansen, Trade Show Director for Tobacco Media Group. “We’ve put together a show that offers what people are looking for- solid brands and products, quality buyers actively looking to stock their shelves, education panels to keep people informed and ahead of industry happenings, and networking opportunities that are actually fun. We’re feeling good, and are planning to see you at TPE 2020.”
The Path to Success for 2020
Tickets are still available for TPE 2020, so do not miss your chance to set yourself up for growth and profit in the new year. Please visit www.tobaccoplusexpo to register.
# # #
About TPE:
Under the banner of Tobacco Media Group (TMG) owned by Kretek International, Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is the largest B2B tobacco trade show highlighting the full-spectrum of tobacco, vapor, alternatives and general merchandise products available on the ever-evolving market. TPE 2020 is planning to deliver the industry’s most compelling content, products, and information, and will be held January 29, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about the show, please visit the website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

Press Release: Tobacco Plus Expo: Supporting the Support Beams of the Tobacco Industry

Posted on December 18, 2019December 18, 2019 by Local Business Locator

For immediate release:

CONTACT

TPE Show Contact: Hilary Manning

hilarymanning@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

NATO Contact: Thomas Briant

info@natocentral.org

Tobacco Plus Expo: Supporting the Support Beams of the Tobacco Industry

Tradeshow partners with NATO, offering contributions and a platform to help all facets of the tobacco business.

December 2019 – With the Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 (TPE) shaping up to be a must-attend event for the new year, the Tobacco Media Group, Inc. (TMG), is pleased to announce its continued support and partnership with the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), which includes a significant presence at the TPE 2020 show, held Wednesday, January 29, 2020 through Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With 60,000 members, NATO works endlessly to protect the rights and interests of tobacco retailers and consumers, while influencing significant business decisions and legislation. They are a resource to all, disseminating details on FDA regulations and local, state, and federal issues regarding tobacco, e-cigarettes & vapor, adult rights, and retailer freedoms. TMG has battled regulations right alongside NATO, using Tobacco Business, their popular magazine, as a means of distributing information and being a reputable resource for the latest industry news.

Like many in the industry, TMG and their parent company, Kretek International, Inc. also contribute monetarily to NATO, facilitating and fighting legislation that affects the entire tobacco business. In addition to this financial support, TMG is dedicated to elevating the organization by bringing NATO to TPE and bringing the industry to NATO.

NATO will be a strong presence at this year’s show, occupying a booth with team members offering information and insight to attendees and exhibitors. They will also be leading several of TPE 2020’s IGNITE educational sessions, speaking on market trends and current legislation.

“We see the TPE show as a huge opportunity to partner with organizations like NATO,” says Ben Stimpson, Managing Director of the Tobacco Media Group, Inc. “Tom Briant and his team are leading a comprehensive and imperative legislative charge to help educate and fight for all businesses in the tobacco industry. The information we share, and the money we donate helps their legislation efforts at local and state levels and strengthens our industry as a whole. NATO is the ace in all of our pockets.”

The first major tradeshow of the year for the tobacco and alternative industries, TPE 2020 brings together retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry media for three days of solid business, networking, learning, and fun. For information about exhibiting or attending, please visit www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

# # #

About TPE:

Under the banner of Tobacco Media Group (TMG) owned by Kretek International, Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) is the largest B2B tobacco trade show highlighting the full-spectrum of tobacco, vapor, alternatives and general merchandise products available on the ever-evolving market. TPE 2020 is planning to deliver the industry’s most compelling content, products, and information, and will be held January 29, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about the show, please visit the website: www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

About NATO:

Started over 15 years ago, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Inc. (NATO) is a national trade association organized to strengthen the business interests of all tobacco retailers on a collaborative and individual basis. Headquartered in Minneapolis, it helps its over 60,000 members across the country navigate and stay on top of tobacco-related legislation on the local, state, and federal levels. To learn more about NATO, please visit the website www.natocentral.org.

Press Release: Corona Friday Night Lights Flag Football Championship – Sophomore Division – Silver

Posted on November 27, 2019November 27, 2019 by Local Business Locator

For Immediate Release

Ohio State Buckeyes Win the Corona Friday Night Lights – Flag Football Sophomore Division (Silver) League Championship

(Norco, California – Silver Lakes Sports Complex) On Friday, November 15, 2019, the Ohio State Buckeyes (2^nd & 3^rd Grade) of the Corona Friday Night Lights Football League, which serves: Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Riverside, Mira Loma and Jurupa Valley, won 3 straight playoff games, as the #3 seed, to win the league title in dominating fashion – 24-0 against the Auburn Tigers.

The Buckeyes, led by 8 year old phenom Quarterback, Luke Sevilla, beat the #6 seed UCLA Bruins (18-0) and the #2 seed, Penn State Nittany Lions (12-8).

Luke Sevilla threw 4 touchdown passes, snagged 6 interceptions, ran for 2 touchdowns, and scored a touchdown at Receiver.

Also scoring throughout playoffs were Sevilla’s favorite targets, WR/QB/RB/DB – Louie Leon, WR/RB/DB – Reid Felkins and QB/WR/DB – Fiona Phalen, one of 2 girl players in the league; Fiona threw a touchdown pass and caught a 2 point conversion pass in the Semifinal game against Penn State.

The Buckeyes, a prolific scoring team, laid the foundation for the their title run with their lockdown defense, led by Luke Sevilla at Safety, Louie Leon at Cornerback, Reid Felkins at Cornerback, Fiona Phelan at Linebacker, Xavier Camarillo at Linebacker, Jayden Candia on the Defensive Line, Maximus Aguilar on the defensive Line, Guillermo Becerra at Nose Guard and Center, Jayden Eddington on the Defensive Line.

Jayden Candia and Reid Felkins also had interceptions in the playoffs; Felkins was a Pick Six.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to defend their Title in the Spring with most players returning.

The team was coached by Tommy Sevilla

For Press Inquiries:

Sevilla Local Media

tommy@sevillalocalmedia.com

(951) 289-1710

Press Release: Karl Malone, Keynote Speaker of TPE 2020

Posted on November 14, 2019November 14, 2019 by Local Business Locator

For Immediate Release:

CONTACT
TPE Show Contact: Dawn Conger

dawnconger@tobaccoplusexpo.com

TPE Press Contact: Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@kretek.com

Karl Malone, Keynote Speaker of TPE 2020

Malone to kick off Tobacco Plus Expo with insight and inspiration for all facets of the Tobacco Industry.

November 2019 – The Tobacco Media Group (TMG) is excited to announce 14-time NBA All-Star Karl Malone as the Keynote Speaker for the Tobacco Plus Expo 2020 (TPE 2020). Well-respected for his performance, talent, and many achievements on the court, including being the NBA’s 2^nd all-time leading scorer, a 2-time Olympic Champion, and a 2-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Malone has brought his leadership and vision off the court and into the tobacco industry, developing a premium cigar using tobacco aged in rum barrels in collaboration with Guillermo Leon Herbert, the owner of LA Aurora. Malone has long since enjoyed relaxing with cigars, and the development process has given him a new view on the industry. As the TPE 2020 Keynote Speaker, Karl Malone will offer attendees insight as an enthusiast, a manufacturer, and even as a retailer on behalf of his daughter, Kadee Malone, who owns Legends Cigar & Vape. Perfect for a B2B show that brings the entire industry together, the Keynote Session at TPE 2020 will lead a well-rounded schedule of interesting educational sessions covering different categories, facets, and perspectives.

The first major tradeshow of the year for the tobacco and alternative industries, TPE 2020 runs Wednesday, January 29 through Friday, January 31 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. For TPE 2020, TMG set out to re-invigorate the trade show’s educational benefits by bringing in some of the premium tobacco industry’s biggest disruptors and headliners. Each session of IGNITE has been designed to empower retailers and manufacturers and improve their businesses with insights from companies and entrepreneurs who are making a difference and challenging the status quo of their respective industries.

“TMG’s mission and goal is to provide our audience with timely, useful content that will help them do business better. When it came time to plan out the educational lineup for TPE 2020, we wanted to bring the same energy and top-notch content we feature in each issue of Tobacco Business Magazine into the upcoming trade show,” says Antoine Reid, Senior Editor and Digital Content director for TMG. “We understand that the typical educational conference can be boring and a chore to sit through, but that’s not what TPE 2020’s educational sessions will be. IGNITE will be informative, engaging and feature a diverse lineup of speakers and experts that will leave attendees feeling inspired, invigorated and ready to take on the rest of 2020 with excitement and the knowledge needed to be successful in business.”

In addition to the Keynote Address, TMG is pleased to announce the following sessions and moderators, which will also include a panel of industry experts on each topic:

Thursday 1/30/20

11:30-12:15 Sisters of the Leaf: Selling, Marketing, and Promoting Tobacco Products to Women, moderated by Erica Arroyo

2:30-5pm NATO: Local, State, and Federal Tobacco Legislation and Regulations: What Industry Members Need to Know with Thomas Briant

Friday 1/31/20

11:30-12:15pm Tobacco Retail Rebooted: Jumpstart and Rejuvenate Your Retail Operation, moderated by Dave Garofalo

2:30-3:30pm State of the Union: Cigar Legislation Update, moderated by Glynn Loope

Our education session calendar is continuously being updated as new conferences are added to the show. For additional details and the most up to date scheduling information, please visit www.tobaccoplusexpo.com.

It’s not too early to secure your pass for TPE and success in 2020. Just visit www.tobaccoplusexpo to register.

# # #

About TPE:

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Trafficking, Faces 15 Years in Prison

Posted on October 29, 2019October 29, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Western District of Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Trafficking, Faces 15 Years in Prison

‘I Should Have Stayed in the Bushes’ He Tells Officers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Chicago, Illinois, man who was arrested while driving through northern Missouri pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine to distribute.

Kevin M. Phyfiher, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the Dodge Caravan Phyfiher was driving on Interstate 29 in Andrew County, Missouri, on May 8, 2017. In addition to Phyfiher, co-defendant Donta Mosley, 27, of Chicago, was in the cargo area of the van, and there were two female passengers. Phyfiher was not identified as a lawful driver of the vehicle, which had been rented by his cousin (who was not present).

Officers directed Phyfiher and the passengers to get out of the van while they deployed a police support canine. Mosley, who had a handgun in his waistband, was arrested. The others were instructed to get on the ground during the search. Phyfiher then fled, running into the underbrush, and law enforcement officers were unable to find him. During a later search of the vehicle, officers found two plastic baggies that contained a total of 907 grams of methamphetamine.

The next day, a vehicle was reported as stolen from Jesse’s Last Stop Gas Station in Andrew County. At about 6:19 a.m., a state trooper saw Phyfiher driving the stolen vehicle on 36 Highway. The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle attempted to evade the officer. After several miles of pursuit at high rates of speed, the stolen vehicle was stopped by spike strips that were deployed in the road by other law enforcement officers. Phyfiher, who surrendered and was arrested, told officers, “I should have stayed in the bushes.”

According to today’s plea agreement, investigators discovered several live stream video recordings taken by Phyfiher in the days before his arrest. The videos show Phyfiher on a road trip to Las Vegas and California. In one of the videos, Phyfiher and Mosley are holding large stacks of money. In another video, Phyfiher refers to getting some “Cali dope.”

Mosley was sentenced on Jan. 30, 2019, to five years and four months in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Phyfiher is subject to a sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues to Promote Elder Justice Initiative by Partnering with Meals on Wheels

Posted on July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 29, 2019

U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues to Promote Elder Justice Initiative by Partnering with Meals on Wheels

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina continues to promote the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) throughout the Wake County area. On July 22, 2019, the Eastern District partnered with Meals on Wheels in Wake County to conduct Phase II of its outreach to approximately 1,300 seniors in the area to raise awareness about DOJ’s Elder Justice Initiative and provide facts about financial exploitation and how seniors can protect themselves from falling victim.

Below are some facts shared with the community about financial exploitation:

Examples of financial exploitation include:
- Using ATM cards without permission
- Forging a signature on a check or property title (wills, deeds)
- Using a power of attorney to benefit oneself rather than the older adult
- Unauthorized sales, such as a family ring or the family farm
- Threats to harm precious property if money is not handed over
How to protect yourself from financial exploitation
- Check your financial statements each month
- Store financial materials in a locked drawer or out of sight
- Talk to your bank about age-friendly banking options
- Contact a civil legal attorney before signing documents
- Visit ftc.gov every year to get your free credit reports

The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate DOJ’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and scams that target our nation’s seniors by promoting justice for older adults; helping older victims and their families; enhancing state and local efforts through training and resources; and supporting research to improve elder abuse policy and practice.

For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. You can also contact the Victim Connect Hotline between 9am-6pm, Monday through Friday, at: 1- 855-4VICTIM (1-855-4842846), or contact the Elder Justice Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina at (919) 856-4530.

Topic(s):

Elder Justice

Component(s):

USAO – North Carolina, Eastern

Updated July 29, 2019

Justice Department Settles with T-Mobile and Sprint in Their Proposed Merger by Requiring a Package of Divestitures to Dish

Posted on July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 26, 2019

Justice Department Settles with T-Mobile and Sprint in Their Proposed Merger by Requiring a Package of Divestitures to Dish

Divestiture Will Enable DISH’s Entry as a Fourth Nationwide Facilities-Based Wireless Competitor and Expedite Deployment of High-Quality 5G for American Consumers

The Department of Justice announced today that it and the Attorneys General for five states reached a settlement with T-Mobile and Sprint regarding their proposed merger. The settlement requires a substantial divestiture package in order to enable a viable facilities-based competitor to enter the market. Further, the settlement will facilitate the expeditious deployment of multiple high-quality 5G networks for the benefit of American consumers and entrepreneurs.

The Department’s Antitrust Division, along with the offices of five state Attorneys General (Plaintiff States), filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block the proposed transaction. At the same time, the Department and the Plaintiff States filed a proposed settlement that, if approved by the court, would resolve the Department’s and the Plaintiff States’ competitive concerns. The participating state Attorneys General offices represent Nebraska, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

Under the terms of the proposed settlement, T-Mobile and Sprint must divest Sprint’s prepaid business, including Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Sprint prepaid, to Dish Network Corp., a Colorado-based satellite television provider. The proposed settlement also provides for the divestiture of certain spectrum assets to Dish. Additionally, T-Mobile and Sprint must make available to Dish at least 20,000 cell sites and hundreds of retail locations. T-Mobile must also provide Dish with robust access to the T-Mobile network for a period of seven years while Dish builds out its own 5G network.

“With this merger and accompanying divestiture, we are expanding output significantly by ensuring that large amounts of currently unused or underused spectrum are made available to American consumers in the form of high quality 5G networks,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s settlement will provide Dish with the assets and transitional services required to become a facilities-based mobile network operator that can provide a full range of mobile wireless services nationwide. I want to thank our state partners for joining us in this settlement.” Delrahim added, “In crafting this remedy, we are also mindful of the significant commitments T-Mobile, Sprint, and Dish have made to the Federal Communications Commission.”

The Department and the Plaintiff States said that, without the divestiture, the proposed acquisition would eliminate competition between two of only four facilities-based suppliers of nationwide mobile wireless services. According to the complaint, T-Mobile and Sprint both operate mobile networks and offer nationwide coverage to consumers, and they are particularly close competitors to each other for the roughly 30% of retail subscribers who purchase prepaid mobile wireless service. The combination of T-Mobile and Sprint would eliminate head-to-head competition between the companies and threaten the benefits that customers have realized from that competition in the form of lower prices and better service.

T-Mobile US Inc. is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. In 2018, T-Mobile posted revenues of more than $43 billion. Deutsche Telekom AG, a German corporation headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is the controlling shareholder of T-Mobile US Inc.

Sprint Corporation is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. In 2018, its posted revenue was over $32 billion. Sprint is controlled by SoftBank Group Corp., a Japanese Corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed consent decree, along with the Department’s competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days of its publication to Scott Scheele, Chief, Telecommunications and Broadband Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 7000, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the court may enter the final judgment upon a finding that it serves the public interest.

Attachment(s):

Download Complaint

Download Proposed Final Judgment

Download Stipulation and Order

Download Explanation of Tunney Act Procedures

Topic(s):

Antitrust

Component(s):

Antitrust Division

Press Release Number:

19-812

Updated July 26, 2019

Press Release: Detroit Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Selling Drugs In A Detroit Park

Posted on July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 29, 2019

Detroit Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Selling Drugs In A Detroit Park

Danny Lee Woods, 46, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced on July 23, 2019, to a total of 20 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh, III, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. Woods pleaded guilty on February 27, 2019.

Schneider was joined in the announcement by James M. Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Detroit Police Department Chief James Craig.

According to court records, Woods, who was on parole at the time, was selling crack cocaine and heroin that was mixed with fentanyl at Sasser Playground, a neighborhood park located in Detroit. While making the sales, Woods had a loaded pistol in his waistband, which Woods later hid behind a tree inside the park. Woods was being surveilled by officers of the Detroit Police Department and was subsequently arrested. The case was adopted for federal prosecution.

As part of his plea, Woods agreed that he qualified as a Career Offender under the Sentencing Guidelines.

“Parks should be a place where families feel safe to gather,” said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “We will continue to work closely with our local police

partners to prosecute violent offenders who threaten us, so we can protect innocent children and families who just want to enjoy a nice day at the park.”

“Danny Lee Woods put innocent lives in danger when he chose to sell drugs and toss a handgun in a public park,” said Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Instead of improving his life following previous felony convictions, Woods continued to break the law. ATF stands with our law enforcement partners to rid our community of dangerous individuals.”

“We certainly appreciate the partnership of our federal partners and commend the great work by the men and women of this department,” said Detroit Police Chief James Craig. “Our families deserve to have safe and drug free parks and we will not tolerate behavior that will compromise the well-being of our residents. We will continue our efforts in working with our federal agencies in attacking the drug epidemic that plagues our society and dampens the quality of life within our communities.”

This case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers of the Detroit Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Michael Buckley and Trevor Broad of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Topic(s):

Drug Trafficking

Component(s):

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

USAO – Michigan, Eastern

Updated July 29, 2019

Michigan Defendant Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Steal From an Organization Receiving Federal Funds

Posted on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 15, 2019

Michigan Defendant Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Steal From an Organization Receiving Federal Funds

A Boca Raton, Florida, resident pleaded guilty today in Flint, Michigan, to conspiring to impede the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and conspiring to steal from an organization receiving federal funds, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

According to court documents, from January 2013 through December 2017, Scott Jawetz and his co-defendants executed a scheme, using the company Blue Horseshoe Consulting Inc. (Blue Horseshoe), to obtain police reports, stolen from the Detroit Police Department, which contained automobile crash victim information. Jawetz and his co-conspirators used the stolen information to solicit automobile accident victims for medical and chiropractic services. Jawetz and his co-conspirators also underreported to the IRS gross receipts they received from Blue Horseshoe business operations and the total wages Blue Horseshoe paid to its employees.

United States District Court Judge Matthew F. Leitman scheduled sentencing for Jawetz for Jan. 15, 2020. Jawetz faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the two conspiracy counts. Jawetz also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Mark McDonald and William Guappone, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.

PRESS RELEASE: DSH Program Essential for Iowa’s Hospitals

Posted on June 3, 2019June 3, 2019 by Local Business Locator

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2019

Contact: Matt Sinovic, (515) 423-0133

In Case You Missed It:

DSH Program Essential for Iowa’s Hospitals

Des Moines, Iowa – Last week, 302 members of the House of Representatives sent a bipartisan letter to Congressional leaders calling for a delay in cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program. Three of Iowa’s four representatives, including Democrats and Republicans, signed the letter.

The Medicaid DSH program provides vital support to Iowa hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. The DSH program is essential to ensuring that such hospitals can continue to serve low-income patients who don’t have private insurance.

“In treating those who have nowhere else to turn, these hospitals incur uncompensated costs…Medicaid DSH payments allow them to continue serving our constituents and communities,” the letter reads.

According to the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), if the cuts are implemented, Iowa hospitals could lose $6.6 million the first year and double that number the following year. Industry experts warn that the proposed cuts to the program are unsustainable for struggling safety net hospitals, especially in rural areas, and could force some of them to reduce services or even close their doors.

The full letter can be read here.

Signees include:

Rep. Abby Finkenauer
(D, IA-01)
Rep. Cindy Axne (D,
IA-03)
Rep. Steve King (R,
IA-04)

PRESS RELEASE: California Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor He Met While Playing “Clash Of Clans”

Posted on May 31, 2019May 31, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 31, 2019

California Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor He Met While Playing “Clash Of Clans”

A Fresno, California, man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison followed by seven years of supervised release for using the internet to coerce and entice a minor into producing child pornography.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia and Acting Assistant Director in Charge John P. Selleck of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.

Emilio Morales, 29, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Morales met the 11-year-old victim while playing the online game “Clash of Clans.” In 2017, Morales began grooming the victim over Clash of Clans before proposing that he and the victim communicate privately over the online chatting application Kik Messenger. While communicating over Kik Messenger, Morales coerced and persuaded the victim to produce and send him sexually explicit images and videos. The conduct ceased when, despite Morales’s attempts at manipulation, the minor victim refused to participate in any further sexual activity.

The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Prince William County Police Department, with substantial assistance from the High Technology Investigative Unit of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The case was prosecuted by CEOS Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds and Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney D. Russell of the Eastern District of Virginia.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Press Release: Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of North Carolina

Posted on May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 by Local Business Locator

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Phone Provider Found Guilty For Role In $11 Million International Telemarketing Scheme

Educational Seminar on How to Avoid Getting Scammed Is Scheduled for June 10, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tyvola Senior Center in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An Ohio man was found guilty late yesterday for his role in a $7 million telemarketing scheme that defrauded primarily elderly victims in the United States from call centers in Costa Rica.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray of the Western District of North Carolina, Inspector in Charge David M. McGinnis of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Charlotte Divison, Acting Special Agent in Charge William Cheung of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI) Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS CI Charlotte Field Office and Special Agent in Charge John Strong of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

Following a five-day jury trial, Donald Dodt, 76, originally of Cleveland, Ohio, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit international money laundering and 10 counts of international money laundering.

According to evidence presented at trial, Dodt worked in a call center in Costa Rica in which co-conspirators, who posed as representatives of the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and federal agencies, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and who also posed as federal judges, contacted victims in the United States — primarily senior citizens – to tell them that that they had supposedly won a substantial “sweepstakes” prize. After convincing victims that they stood to receive a significant financial reward, the co-conspirators told victims that they needed to make a series of up-front cash payments before collecting, purportedly for items like insurance fees, taxes and import fees. Co-conspirators used a variety of means to conceal their true identity, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services provided by Dodt that made it appear that they were calling from Washington, D.C., and other places in the United States.

As the evidence presented at trial illustrated, Dodt was an integral part of this scheme in that he knowingly provided services that were necessary for the scheme to operate and that facilitated the concealment and, ultimately, success of the scheme for many years. Specifically, Dodt provided and maintained VoIP phone technology and assigned phone numbers associated with locations in the United States through which members of the conspiracy were able to make the fraudulent calls to victims in the United States and conceal their identities and location. Dodt specifically assigned virtual phone numbers with area codes associated with Washington, D.C., to make it appear that the calls originated from within the United States and that also bolstered conspirators’ misrepresentations that they were representatives of government agencies located in Washington. Dodt also warned the co-conspirators if certain numbers were “hot” – i.e., there were customer complaints or law enforcement inquiries – and replaced those phone numbers with new phone numbers that the co-conspirators then used in furtherance of the scheme, the evidence showed.

Dodt and his conspirators stole more than $7 million from victims, the evidence showed.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the FBI with assistance from the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Fraud Section Trial Attorneys William Bowne, Jennifer Farer and Philip Trout. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina provided substantial assistance with this matter.

The Western District’s Elder Justice Initiative

In March 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in North Carolina announced the Western District’s Elder Justice Initiative, which aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid getting ripped off by scammers; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners.

In addition to the criminal prosecution of perpetrators, the Elder Justice Initiative aims to raise awareness through outreach, including a series of seminars to educate older adults and prevent victimization. Our next such seminar is scheduled for June 10, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tyvola Senior Center. This seminar is free of charge.

Among the topics covered will be financial fraud and scams targeting seniors, including:

Lottery phone scams – in which the callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before they can receive lottery winnings.
Grandparent scams – which convince seniors that their grandchildren are in trouble and need money to make rent, repair a car, or even money for bail.
Romance scams – which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose.
IRS imposter scams – which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes.
Sham business opportunities – which convince victims to invest in lucrative business opportunities or investments.

The seminar will also focus on prevention and how to avoid falling victim to a financial scam. Some of such tips on preventing becoming a victim of fraud are:

Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know.
Don’t pay a fee for a prize or lottery winning.
Don’t click on pop-up ads or messages.
Delete phishing emails and ignore harassing phone calls.
Don’t send gift cards, checks, money orders, wire money, or give your bank account information to a stranger.
Don’t fall for a high-pressure sales pitch or a lucrative business deal.
If a scammer approaches you, take the time to talk to a friend or family member.
Keep in mind that if you send money once, you’ll be a target for life.
Remember, it’s not rude to say, “NO.”
A good rule of thumb is, if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.

For more information about the Elder Justice Initiative, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/elder-justice-initiative. To view our Public Service Announcement, please visit: https://youtu.be/qBGGAA7Mxbo