Pair of tax preparers charged with stealing $65M worth of COVID-19 funds
A pair of tax preparers have been indicted on more than 50 charges for allegedly stealing $65 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Federal prosecutors in Tennessee say that Mississippi natives Renata Walton and Nicole Jones face charges including wire fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns.
Walton is charged separately with turning in false paycheck protection and disaster loan applications to the Small Business Administration, which carries with it an obstruction of justice charge.
Both women pleaded not guilty on Monday, Nov. 25, and are out of jail on $100,000 bonds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Memphis said on Wednesday, Nov. 27, that the women used fake numbers sent to the Internal Revenue Service for personal and business loans from 2020 until 2024. Prosecutors allege that the women knowingly applied for COVID-19-related tax credits that their clients were not eligible for.
Federal prosecutors noted that clients received six-figure tax refunds while Walton and Jones would charge them hefty fees, adding that the pair would then launder the money through local banks.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not reveal how much money the clients paid the tax preparers but said that Walton and Jones filed fraudulent claims seeking tens of thousands of dollars.
If convicted, prosecutors said the women potentially face decades behind bars. They noted that only Walton faces an obstruction of justice charge, which they revealed could put her behind bars 20 years alone.
Thousands protest in Tbilisi as Georgia suspends EU membership talks
Police clashed with protesters in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi on Thursday, Nov. 28, after the country’s ruling party announced it paused talks on joining the European Union (EU) until the end of 2028. Nearly 50 protesters were reportedly arrested, and three police officers were injured in the protests.
Police in riot gear reportedly fired a water cannon and launched teargas as protesters tried to force their way into parliament.
As thousands of pro-EU activists blocked the streets, the country’s outgoing pro-EU president accused the government of declaring “war” on its own people and questioned whether the police were loyal to Georgia or Russia.
The government’s decision came after the European Parliament rejected the results of Georgia’s parliamentary elections in October 2024 and passed a resolution calling for new elections under international supervision.
Many Georgians called the results of the elections fraudulent, and a global research and data firm declared the results “statistically impossible.”
Official results gave Georgia’s ruling party nearly 54% of the vote. The opposition party has refused to take their seats due to concerns over election integrity.
Georgia’s relationship with the EU has become tense recently. Brussels accused the Georgian government of taking pro-Russian stances, which Georgia’s ruling party denies.
Ruling party officials accused the EU of using accession talks to spur a “revolution in the country,” citing this as the reason Georgia has decided to end talks about EU membership until 2028. Polls show around 80% of Georgians want the country to join the EU.
Meanwhile, domestic and foreign critics accuse Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party of steering the country back towards Moscow with recently passed laws, including one requiring any non-commercial person or organization receiving more than 20% funding from a “foreign power” register as a foreign agent or face significant fines.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the so-called foreign agent’s law. The EU gave Georgia candidate status in 2023 but noted that a number of the country’s “Russian-inspired” laws passed, including the foreign agent’s legislation, were obstacles to membership.
Georgia gained independence from Russia in 1991 and has no formal diplomatic relationship with Moscow since a war with the country in 2008.
‘Black Fraud Day’: Social media sees influx of Black Friday AI fraudsters
The ads for the best sales of the season and Black Friday deals are aimed at attracting those day-after Thanksgiving shoppers. Cyber security experts are sounding the alarm that scammers are now using AI to turn it into so-called “Black Fraud Day.”
Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Center in the U.K., said scammers are targeting bargain hunters by using artificial intelligence and becoming more sophisticated. The shady tactics include fake ads online, often for clothing and tech products. These are generally social media ads with huge discounts.
Users should be on the look out for phony links that direct users to websites that look real but are really after their personal and financial information. Often, the web link is slightly different from the real one and consumers can have a hard time recognizing the difference.
Consumer experts also said be careful when buying gift cards online. Fake gift cards are now a favorite of scammers. Gift cards make it almost impossible for the victim to get their money back. Instead, experts advise shoppers to go directly to the company website or buy gift cards at the physical store.
Another favorite of thieves is the fake delivery alert that shows up in a person’s email. Once the person clicks on the link that is attached, the scammer steals their information.
The British security chief says customers across the pond lost the equivalent of $14.5 million to thieves during the holiday shopping season last year and his country saw 16,000 reports of online scams.
Less than 24 hours left to stake claim in $15M CashApp settlement
Time is quickly running out to get some cash from CashApp. Users have until 11 p.m. PST on Monday, Nov. 18 (2 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 19) to file a claim as part of a $15 million settlement with CashApp, a digital wallet app.
The settlement stems from a 2021 data and security breach that resulted in the unauthorized release of 8.2 million customers’ personally identifiable information. On top of that, the lawsuit alleged a former CashApp employee had gotten access to users’ personal information and downloaded it without their knowledge while still working there.
CashApp users who had unauthorized, fraudulent withdrawals or transfers on their accounts between Aug. 23, 2018 and before Aug. 20, 2024 are eligible to submit a claim for up to $2,500.
Bear costume used in alleged insurance fraud scheme: Officials
Four California residents allegedly used a bear costume to defraud insurance companies out tens of thousands of dollars, according to the state’s Department of Insurance (CDI) Thursday, Nov. 14. Investigators said they discovered the scheme by analyzing video evidence sent the insurance company by the suspects.
The suspects claimed on Jan. 28 a bear entered their 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost in Lake Arrowhead and caused interior damage. To help their case, they provided the video, but the insurance company had its doubts and suspected fraud.
CDI launched Operation Bear Claw. Detectives looked into the case and determined it was all part of a bear costume insurance fraud scheme.
The department discovered two additional insurance claims to two other insurance companies by the same suspects on the same day. Those supposed bear break-ins involved a 2015 and 2022 Mercedes and video was provided of those incidents as well.
To make sure they were on the right track, detectives enlisted the help of a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to review the three bear videos. The biologist concluded the culprit was not an actual bear but a human in a bear costume.
Detectives executed a search warrant in the suspects’ home and located a bear costume.
The four suspects were identified as Ruben Tamrazian, 26, of Glendale, Ararat Chirkinian, 39, of Glendale, Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, of Glendale and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, of Valley Village. In all, officials said they defrauded the insurance companies of $141,839.
All four suspects are charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy.
The crash occurred last October on the Belt Parkway in Queens. Ashpia Natasha was driving her 2021 Acura when a silver Honda suddenly pulled in front of her. To avoid a collision, Natasha stopped, but the Honda then reversed into her vehicle, causing $8,300 in damage.
The video shows four people getting out of the Honda after the crash, including 28-year-old Maikel Martinez, who prosecutors say was the ringleader of the scheme. After the crash, the group began taking photos and videos of the damage.
Martinez, along with three others, is accused of conspiring to commit insurance fraud, reckless endangerment, and other crimes. Martinez was arrested Thursday, Nov. 7, after returning to New York from Ecuador. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
The Queens district attorney called the actions reckless and dangerous, endangering not only the drivers involved but also other people on the road. Investigators say the crash was part of a larger scheme, and the investigation is ongoing.
Natasha told The New York Times that she suspected something was off but provided her insurance information when asked. She did not realize it was potential insurance fraud until she reviewed the dash cam footage at home.
The video, which has now been viewed more than 74 million times on TikTok, has become a warning to others. Natasha said she is relieved police were able to make an arrest, largely due to the footage she provided.
Feds warn of Election Day disinformation campaigns by Russia, Iran
Federal law enforcement agencies are issuing a warning to American voters over Russian and Iranian attempts to interfere with the election. The agencies say foreign actors are trying to make Americans doubt the integrity of the voting process — which they say could lead to violence against election officials.
In a joint statement, federal officials pointed to a recent article posted by Russian actors falsely claiming U.S. officials in swing states were orchestrating a plan to commit fraud. They also mentioned a video that falsely depicted an interview with someone claiming election fraud in Arizona.
Intelligence officials warned about a spike in what they call “manufactured content” on Election Day, so, if you haven’t voted yet — be careful what content you take in before you do.
The statement also said Iran remains a “significant foreign influence threat to U.S. elections.”
Microsoft analysts say these foreign actors have even created fake news sites and impersonated activists online in attempts to sway American voters’ decisions. Russia and Iran have denied claims they’re trying to influence the election.
Pennsylvania voter registration fraud investigation expands ahead of election
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, election officials in Pennsylvania have broadened their investigation into fraudulent voter registration applications across more counties. Straight Arrow News reported earlier this week that three counties are currently investigating suspected fraudulent applications. Lancaster County officials reported receiving 2,500 such applications.
Election officials said they identified irregularities during the processing of these applications. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams noted that some irregularities included incorrect or nonexistent addresses and false personal information, such as names or Social Security numbers.
Adams added that while some applications contained correct information, the individuals listed as the applicants claimed they didn’t fill them out. Investigators determined that 60% of these forms were fraudulent.
“At this point, it is believed that the fraudulent voter registrations are connected to a large-scale canvassing operation for voter registrations that date back to June,” Adams said.
Officials believe an Arizona-based organization is behind this canvassing operation. Monroe County officials reported about 30 voter registration applications with irregularities.
Mancuso posted on Facebook that several forms were not completed by the individuals named. At least one of the listed individuals is deceased.
“The fraudulent voter registration forms have been traced to a specific person,” he stated.
According to Mancuso, the person is affiliated with a company called Field and Media Corps. The group is a subsidiary of FieldCorps.
The DA indicated that Field and Media Corps is operating out of Lancaster County and is responsible for submitting the questionable forms.
WGAL News in Lancaster reported that the company’s website listed various Democratic campaigns as clients, including Biden-Harris, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Arizona Democrats.
Someone has since taken down the Field and Media Corps website.
In York County, officials are investigating over 3,000 voter registration applications submitted last week, with an update provided Thursday, Oct. 31.
About 47% of these applications were verified as legitimate and approved. Approximately 29% had incomplete information. Officials won’t approve these applications until the necessary information is provided.
Officials declined about 24%. Those are under further review by the York County District Attorney’s Office.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry stated in a press release the investigation was ongoing and any offenders will be held accountable under the law.
With six days until the election, former President Donald Trump stumped in Allentown, Pennsylvania as Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her “closing argument.” We have what each said about what’s at stake next Tuesday. Also, details on what happened after a gunman opened fire from a hotel in Atlanta. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.
Harris gives closing argument as Trump addresses Biden’s comments
Some twists on the campaign trail with under a week to go now to Election Day and already more than 50 million ballots cast. Both presidential candidates gave dueling speeches Tuesday night, Oct. 29.
The Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivered what she described as her “closing argument” to the American people near the White House as the Republican nominee former President Donald Trump looked to court Latino voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
During her address at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., the vice president emphasized its significance as the same site where former President Trump spoke to his supporters right before the riots on the capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
“So tonight, I will speak to everyone about the choice and stakes in this election,” she said. “Look, we know who Donald Trump is. He is the person who stood at this very spot nearly four years ago and sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol to overturn the will of the people in a free and fair election.”
The vice president also told voters she will seek common ground, saying she will give those who disagree with her a “seat at the table.”
“As Americans, we rise and fall together,” she said. “America, for too long, we have been consumed with too much division, chaos and mutual distrust. And it can be easy then to forget a simple truth: it doesn’t have to be this way. It doesn’t have to be this way. We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms.”
In Pennsylvania, former President Trump reached out to voters during a rally in the majority Hispanic town of Allentown.
“I’m here today with a message of hope for all Americans,” he said. “With your vote this election — oh, do I look forward to this election. We — I’m going to say ‘we’ because we are going to do it as a group. We will end inflation. Wwe will stop the invasion of criminals into our country. And we will bring back the American dream. We’re doing it together, Pennsylvania.”
During his rally, the former president asked his supporters to vote and send in their mail-in ballots early, saying “they’ve already cheated” in the state — a reference to law enforcement in Lancaster County announcing they were investigating around 2,500 voter registration forms for alleged fraud.
Trump turned his attention to President Joe Biden after Florida Sen. Marco Rubio joined him on stage.
“I wasn’t going to say anything, but I have breaking news for you Mr. President,” Rubio told Trump. “You may not have heard this: just moments ago, Joe Biden stated that our supporters are garbage, are garbage. He’s talking about the border patrol, he’s talking about nurses, he’s talking about teachers, he’s talking about everyday Americans who love their country and want to dream big again and support you Mr. President.”
“Remember Hillary [Clinton], she said ‘deplorable’ and then she said ‘irredeemable,’ right?” Trump responded. “But she said ‘deplorable.’ That didn’t work out. Garbage, I think, is worse right?”
What they were referring to were comments made by President Biden during a Voto Latino campaign call Tuesday night. Biden spoke about the comedian who made controversial jokes about Puerto Rico during Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally over the weekend.
“Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a ‘floating island of garbage,’” the president said. “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
The White House issued a statement saying, “The president referred to the hateful rhetoric at the Madison Square Garden rally as ‘garbage.’” President Biden himself followed up on his comments with a post on X saying, “Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage…the comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.”
During an appearance on Fox News Tuesday night, Trump told host Sean Hannity nobody from his campaign vetted the comedian before the MSG rally.
As it pertains to the alleged voter fraud in Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro told CNN there will be safe elections in the state and when asked about Biden’s “garbage” comment, Shapiro said, “It’s certainly not the words I would choose.”
Supreme Court rules RFK Jr. will remain on ballot in 2 swing states
It was unlikely the Supreme Court would have ruled in his favor, because voting is already underway in both states. Kennedy’s name also remains on the ballot in some other states, but he did not ask the Supreme Court to take it off anywhere but Wisconsin and Michigan in an apparent move to secure more voters for his ally Trump.
Steve Bannon spends first day out of prison stumping for Trump
Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon wasted no time showing his support for the former president after being released from prison early Tuesday morning. Bannon just finished serving a four-month sentence for defying a subpoena from Congress during its investigation into the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
Bannon’s first order of business was to resume his podcast “WarRoom.” He then held a news conference urging Republicans to turn out in droves to vote for Trump on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
“I’ve been empowered by my four months at Danbury Federal Prison,” Bannon said during the news conference.
He added, “Obviously with seven days or six days left, you have to have a convergence of the get out the vote effort. I am not a huge believer in our ability to actually participate in rallies or do rallies because right now I think President Trump does great and he has people long there are going to do rallies in the different states. Our focus is one thing to make sure that we get as many American citizens, either early voting when they can or to the polls next Tuesday.”
He has pleaded not guilty to money laundering, conspiracy, fraud and other charges. His trial in that case is scheduled to begin in December.
Paul Pelosi attacker sentenced to life term on state charges
A judge sentenced the man who broke into former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s northern California home and attacked her husband, Paul, with a hammer to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
David DePape, 44, was already serving 30 years in federal prison for the attack when a San Francisco jury found him guilty of multiple state charges in June.
Both the prosecution and defense said the life without parole sentence will be served concurrently with DePape’s federal sentence. It has not yet been determined where he will serve his punishment.
Suspect in custody after shots fired at Atlanta Four Seasons
A police officer and a suspected shooter are recovering after gunfire broke out at a building that houses a Four Seasons Hotel and residences in Atlanta Tuesday. The Atlanta police chief said the officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
UPDATE: Barricaded Gunman turned Active Shooter Situation Zone 5 at 75 14th Street Sound from Mayor Andre Dickens & Chief Darin Schierbaumhttps://t.co/TjSDcj3YTj
Authorities say the man fired at least once from the balcony of a residence on the 33rd floor of the 53-story high-rise building. They say he also shot through walls and doors, but no other injuries were reported.
Police said the suspect lives in the residential portion of the building and was not a guest at the Four Seasons hotel portion.
Yankees deny Dodgers a World Series sweep with Game 4 win
Despite another Freddie Freeman home run — becoming the first player to homer in games 1, 2, 3, and 4 — the Yankees crushed the Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4 Tuesday night in the Bronx, highlighted by three home runs including a grand slam by shortstop Anthony Volpe.
The game also featured an odd moment when Yankees fans tried to pry a foul ball out of the glove of Dodgers’ Mookie Betts. The fans were escorted from their seats by stadium security after that play.
The 11 runs were the most by the Yankees in a World Series game since Game 5 of the 1978 series when they scored 12 against the Dodgers.
Now the Yankees are hoping to do what no other team has done in Major League Baseball history: come back from being down 3-0 in the Fall Classic to win it all.
The Dodgers still just need one more win to claim the championship.
Arrests made in connection with $1M teacher cheating scheme in Texas
Texas authorities revealed that they have uncovered a massive teacher certification cheating ring. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced on Monday, Oct. 28, the arrests of several individuals in connection with an approximately $1 million alleged scheme involving hundreds of people taking false exams, and at least 200 teachers instructing students across the state with fraudulent credentials.
Ogg said on Monday, “Today, five people have been charged with two counts each of engaging in organized criminal activity, and all face first or third-degree felony charges that can carry sentences ranging from two years to life imprisonment.”
Three of the people charged with the alleged scheme worked at Houston Independent School District, including two assistant principals and a high school basketball coach.
Investigators said that the basketball coach was the ringleader and made around a million dollars, charging $2,500 for each certificate, and sometimes more.
Ogg revealed how the alleged crime took place during her press conference Monday, saying, “They are accused of running a fraudulent teacher certification testing scheme right here in Houston that utilized a test-taking proxy or teacher impersonator to take the test along with a corrupt testing proctor to allow the switch between the applicant and the proxy test-taker.”
She said alleged sexual predators even used their wrongfully gained employment within schools to commit crimes against children. Ogg revealed that at least two of the people who allegedly paid to have fake certifications were charged with indecency and online solicitation of a child.
Houston Independent School District said it was unaware of the scheme until shortly before the arrests and all employees implicated in the charges were placed on leave. The district added that it working in cooperation with the investigation, and that if any teachers working in the district are discovered to be part of the alleged scheme that they will be fired.