FBI's Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending October 24, 2008

FBI Investigating White Powder Letters

The FBI, along with U.S. Postal Inspectors and state and local law enforcement, is investigating a series of hoax letters sent to banks around the country containing a white powder substance. A photo of the letter along with its envelope has been posted. 

Newark: Former Mayor Sentenced

Former New Jersey Assemblyman and Orange Mayor Mims Hackett, Jr. was sentenced for accepting a bribe from an insurance brokerage company. 

Chicago: Police Commander Arrested

Former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge was arrested for allegedly lying about whether he and other officers under his command participated in the torture of suspects in police custody. 

Chicago: White Supremacist Indicted

Self-proclaimed white supremacist William White was indicted for soliciting violence against the foreperson of the jury that convicted another white supremacist. 

San Antonio: Sentencing in Airport Bomb Hoax

Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez was sentenced for sending false bomb threats via the Internet to the McAllen Miller International Airport in 2007. 

Detroit: Execs Found Guilty

Three former managers of Comprehensive Environmental Solutions, Inc. were found guilty of illegally discharging untreated liquid wastes in violation of the Clean Water Act. 

Boston: Guilty Plea in Hate Crime

Adam Bonito, the third co-conspirator, pled guilty to repeatedly vandalizing and damaging vehicles belonging to two Arab-Muslim families. 

Detroit: Guilty Plea in Spam Conspiracy

Frank Tribble, an expert in stock market manipulation, pled guilty to conspiring to use spamming in a “pump and dump” scheme.  (pdf)

New York: Undercover Sting Nets Nine

A Canadian-based stockbroker, Philip Wong, was sentenced and eight other defendants were charged with conspiring to commit securities fraud and commercial bribery. 

San Francisco: Operation Devil Horns Nabs 29

Twenty-nine individuals were indicted on federal racketeering charges as a result of a three-year investigation targeting Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members.