Artist Shepard Fairey has plead guilty to a federal criminal charge for destroying documents, falsifying evidence “and other misconduct” in his civil litigation with Associated Press two years ago, the US District Attorney in Manhattan has announced.
“Shepard Fairey went to extreme lengths to obtain an unfair and illegal advantage in his civil litigation
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A Staunton contractor accused of defrauding the Virginia Department of Transportation has pleaded guilty to commercial fraud.
Thirty-two-year-old Jeffrey T. Jennings faces up to 15 years in prison.
The News Leader reports that Jennings entered his plea last week in August County Circuit Court. In exchange for his plea, seven counts of obtaining money by false pretenses were dropped.
The state contracted with Jennings’ company, Legacy Builders, for snow removal services. Augusta County chief deputy prosecutor Rupen Shah said Jennings filed paperwork with the Department of Transportation between 2007 and 2009 falsely claiming his fleet of vehicles was insured.
Shah says Jennings received thousands of dollars in fees.
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Former Toms River Regional Schools superintendent Michael Ritacco pleaded guilty to public corruption and tax evasion charges Thursday.
Federal prosecutors claimed Ritacco accepted between $1 million and $2 million in cash and gifts from the district’s insurance broker. The broker on Monday pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to bribe the superintendent.
Ritacco’s guilty plea in federal court in Newark, N.J., came just days before he was scheduled to stand trial.
IRS special agent Rob Glantz tells the Asbury Park Press the 64-year-old could face up to 14 years in prison when sentenced July 12.
Ritacco also agreed to forfeit his 2010 Mercedes and more than $8,000 in cash that was seized at his home when it was raided in April 2010.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: East NewsTopics: insurance fraudHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk
A former co-owner of one of the country’s top marketers of auto service contracts has pleaded guilty in Missouri to theft and fraud.
Darain Atkinson founded St. Charles-based US Fidelis with his brother, Cory Atkinson. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster says Darain Atkinson pleaded guilty to one count each of consumer fraud, insurance fraud and stealing consumer refunds.
Sentencing in St. Charles County Circuit Court is scheduled for July 16. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of eight years.
A grand jury in St. Charles County last year indicted Darain Atkinson on 14 counts and his brother on 13 counts. Cory Atkinson faces trial Sept. 4.
US Fidelis was headquartered in Wentzville, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. US Fidelis sold motor vehicle extended service contracts, sometimes called auto extended warranties, which are regulated by the Department of Insurance. In addition to extended service contracts, US Fidelis sold additive product contracts.
The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2010 amid accusations it used illegal telemarketing ploys and sold worthless warranties.
Lawsuits were filed in several states over alleged fraudulent activity associated with US. Fidelis.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Email ThisPrintNewslettersTweetCategories: Midwest NewsTopics: cory atkinson, darain atkinson, extended service contracts, felony, Fraud, Missouri, us fidelisHave a hot lead? Email us at newsdesk
