FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending February 22, 2013

Washington, D.C. February 22, 2013

FBI National Press Office (202) 324-3691

Washington Field: Former Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Pleads Guilty to Campaign Fraud Charges

Former Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. pled guilty to conspiring to defraud his re-election campaigns of more than $750,000 in funds that were used to pay for a range of personal items and expenses, including jewelry, high-end electronics, celebrity memorabilia, furniture, kitchen appliances, and a home renovation project. Full Story
Headquarters/Multiple Field Offices: FBI Seeks to Identify Two Individuals Who May Have Information Regarding a Child Sexual Exploitation Investigation

The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining information to help identify two unknown individuals who may be able to provide valuable details regarding the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Full Story
DOJ/Atlanta: Former Officials and Broker of Peanut Corporation of America Indicted in Connection with Salmonella-Tainted Peanut Products

Four former officials of the Peanut Corporation of America were indicted for their alleged role in a scheme to sell and ship salmonella-contaminated peanuts and peanut products to their customers. The FBI is seeking victims in the case. Full Story
Baltimore: Man Sentenced for Sexual Bondage of 15-Year-Old Girl

John Andrew Blaes was sentenced to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to produce child pornography and transporting a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Blaes and his girlfriend recruited the girl and forced her to participate in their sadistic sexual relationship. Full Story
Los Angeles: Former Assemblyman Admits Defrauding Banks by Falsely Claiming to be Identity Theft Victim

Carl Edward Washington, a former California assemblyman who represented the state’s 52nd district, has agreed to plead guilty to federal bank fraud charges, admitting that he bilked financial institutions out of $193,661 by falsely claiming to be the victim of identity theft. Full Story
San Antonio: Nineteen Arrested in Connection with Austin-Based Cocaine Distribution and Bulk Cash Smuggling Operation

Federal, state, and local authorities have arrested 19 individuals in connection with a cocaine distribution and bulk cash smuggling conspiracy based in Austin. The indictment alleges G.R. Custom Body and Paint in Austin, owned by defendant Hugo Gaspar, served as the primary distribution hub for multiple sources of cocaine smuggled into the United States from Mexico. Full Story
Sacramento: FBI Evidence Recovery Team Concludes Linden Excavation

Special Agent in Charge Herb Brown announced the conclusion of the FBI’s excavation operation on a rural agricultural parcel in the Linden area of San Joaquin County; no remains were found. The FBI was searching for victim remains based on information provided by serial killer Wesley Shermantine. Full Story
Minneapolis: Coin Dealer Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Customers and Investors out of $2.7 Million

Coin dealer David Laurence Marion pled guilty to devising and executing a scheme to defraud customers and investors out of $2.7 million via his company, International Rarities Corporation, a business that bought, sold, and traded gold coins and precious metals, among other things. Full Story
Dallas: Man Indicted for Aiming a Laser Pointer at Aircraft

Kenneth Santodomingo was charged with one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, a Dallas Police Department helicopter, as it flew over a residential area. The intensity of the light obscured the pilot’s vision and impaired the pilot’s ability to control the aircraft. Full Story
Newark: Man Admits Role in Scheme to Steal Checks from U.S. Mail

Kurtis Steele admitted his role in a scheme to gain access to personal checks from the U.S. mail, fraudulently endorse them, and deposit them into personal checking accounts. Steele and his co-conspirators deposited $1.5 million in fraudulent checks. Full Story

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FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending February 22, 2013