INSIDER
What we learned from former US attorney in Trump estate search
Read full article: What we learned from former US attorney in Trump estate searchLocal 4 talked to an expert to contextualize what federal agents took out of Mar-a-Lago. To put into context exactly what federal agents took out and whether the situation is an argument of paperwork or something far more serious, we spoke with former United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
3 Metro Detroiters accused of 95 fraudulent unemployment claims as thousands struggle to get benefits
Read full article: 3 Metro Detroiters accused of 95 fraudulent unemployment claims as thousands struggle to get benefitsFederal officials said the two filed at least 66 fraudulent Michigan unemployment insurance benefits claims, causing a loss of more than $150,000. โAs I have said before, those who steal unemployment benefits steal from all of us. Court records show they had the fraudulent benefits deposited into a variety of bank accounts, including some connected to prepaid debit cards. Officials said Armstrong has filed fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of people in Michigan, California and Pennsylvania. โThe UIA remains committed to working closely with all of our federal and state partners on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force to bring unemployment fraud cases to justice.โ
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith faces 21 months in federal prison
Read full article: Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith faces 21 months in federal prisonMOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. โ Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smithโs long-held political sway quickly diminished in 2019 when Michigan State Police troopers raided his office and home for records. Nearly two years later, Smith admitted in a virtual hearing Wednesday to stealing over $74,000 from his campaign fund through two different fraud schemes, officials said. Read: Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justice, faces prison timeFederal investigators claim Smith brought employees into a back stairwell inside the Macomb County Prosecutorโs Office and worked to steer the investigation away from him. I accept my punishmentโโSome may view Smithโs conviction as a reason to lack confidence in our elected officials or our prosecutors. Smithโs case is that kind of case.
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justice, faces prison time
Read full article: Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justice, faces prison timeMACOMB COUNTY, Mich. โ Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith is facing a federal prison sentence after he admitted to stealing over $74,000 from his campaign fund through two different fraud schemes, officials said. Smith, 53, of Macomb Township, pleaded guilty Wednesday (Jan. 27) to one count of obstruction of justice. AdAs part of the plea, Smith admitted to stealing over $74,000 from his campaign fund through two different fraud schemes. MORE: Eric Smith accused of turning Macomb County Prosecutorโs Office into criminal enterpriseIn one scheme, Smith lied and said he was using funds to pay rent on office space for his re-election efforts, authorities said. In the second scheme, Smith wrote a check for $20,000 from the campaign fund to an assistant Macomb County prosecutor for โconsultingโ work, according to authorities.
Extended pause of winter contact sports in Michigan draws vocal opposition
Read full article: Extended pause of winter contact sports in Michigan draws vocal oppositionIt said many student-athletes have started to cross state lines to play or are losing faith theyโll ever play again. โThey are doing what you asked them to do, but itโs been 10 months since weโve played basketball in our state ... A petition is also circulating with more than 25,000 signatures to get the governor to restart contact sports. On Monday, a petition was started by group calling themselves a coalition of Michigan athletes asking for 5,000 signatures to show support for lifting the 2-week pause. โThe opposition, despair, and anger to the continuing suspension of winter โcontactโ sports is rapidly growing in the city and across the state.
Federal prosecutor Schneider resigns as Trump leaves office, will join private law firm based in Detroit
Read full article: Federal prosecutor Schneider resigns as Trump leaves office, will join private law firm based in DetroitDETROIT โ United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced on Thursday that he has resigned from his position. Saima Mohsin will be assuming the position of Acting United States Attorney. And, as the first woman, immigrant, Muslim United States Attorney in American history, her service is truly historic. Saima will be an outstanding representative and defender of our community as the Acting United States Attorney. It is a great honor to serve the citizens of the Eastern District of Michigan as Acting United States Attorney.
Reports: FBI warns of possible armed protests at 50 state Capitols starting Jan. 16
Read full article: Reports: FBI warns of possible armed protests at 50 state Capitols starting Jan. 16FILE - Trump supporters use their cell phones to record events as they gather outside the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington as Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Many in the mob that ransacked the Capitol did so while livestreaming, posting on Facebook and taking selfies, turning the Capitol into a theater of real-time far-right propaganda. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)A memo from the FBI to law enforcement agencies across the United States is warning of possible armed protests at all 50 state Capitols starting Jan. 16, several outlets are reporting Monday. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, whose jurisdiction covers a 34-county area including metropolitan Detroit, said investigators will review video footage and other evidence. Related: State capitols step up security amid new safety concerns
Nightside Report Jan. 8, 2021: What customers need to know about Loves Furnitureโs bankruptcy filing, Family in shock after woman killed in triple shooting on Detroitโs west side
Read full article: Nightside Report Jan. 8, 2021: What customers need to know about Loves Furnitureโs bankruptcy filing, Family in shock after woman killed in triple shooting on Detroitโs west sideView of Detroit from the Windsor sky camera on Jan. 8, 2021 at 9:18 p.m.What customers need to know about Loves Furnitureโs bankruptcy filingDETROIT โ Customers of Loves Furniture, the company that took over many closed Art Van Furniture locations, are concerned after the company filed for bankruptcy. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1Gov. Gretchen Whitmer โstrongly encouragedโ Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. Public schools in Michigan were shut down during the fall due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Their buildings have been closed for about two months -- since the state reported thousands of COVID-19 cases per day in November.
FBI, Michigan federal prosecutor seek tips in deadly siege on US Capitol Building
Read full article: FBI, Michigan federal prosecutor seek tips in deadly siege on US Capitol BuildingDETROIT โ Multiple Michigan residents have been taken into custody after Wednesdayโs deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building with more arrests likely to come. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said if they crossed state lines with intent to riot, they will be charged. RELATED: Several Michigan residents charged after deadly siege on US Capitol BuildingThe FBI has been receiving many tips from residents who are scared and want to help. Nearly everyone who went into the Capitol Building was caught on camera and authorities are looking to identify them. RELATED: Top federal prosecutor in Michigan seeks tips on Capitol mobโIf you think about the U.S. Capitol, there are cameras all over the place,โ Schneider said.
Morning Briefing Jan. 8, 2021: Top federal prosecutor in Michigan seeks tips on Capitol mob, Trump finally concedes, DeVos resigns
Read full article: Morning Briefing Jan. 8, 2021: Top federal prosecutor in Michigan seeks tips on Capitol mob, Trump finally concedes, DeVos resignsFILE - In this June 14, 2018, file photo, the FBI seal is seen before a news conference at FBI headquarters in Washington. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, whose jurisdiction covers a 34-county area including metropolitan Detroit, said investigators will review video footage and other evidence. โA new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20,โ Trump said in the video. In a resignation letter Thursday, DeVos blamed President Donald Trump for inflaming tensions in the violent assault on the seat of the nationโs democracy. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 512,751 as of Thursday, including 13,094 deaths, state officials report.
Top federal prosecutor in Michigan seeks tips on Capitol mob
Read full article: Top federal prosecutor in Michigan seeks tips on Capitol mobFull Screen Full Screen 1 / 6 Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Those types of crimes will be prosecuted by the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., Schneider said. Related: Several Michigan residents charged after deadly siege on US Capitol BuildingโIt looks like the acts took place in Washington, D.C. But it's under review right now โ what's the connection of the people in D.C. to the people in Michigan? We didn't encourage anybody to storm the Capitol, and I don't know any of the people that are involved with storming the Capitol."
23-year-old woman charged with making violent threats against Wayne County canvasser
Read full article: 23-year-old woman charged with making violent threats against Wayne County canvasserDETROIT โ A 23-year-old woman living in Olivet, Michigan was arrested and will be charged with sending threatening messages to Monica Palmer, the chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. Jones then sent Palmer two graphic photographs of a bloody, naked, mutilated, dead woman lying on the ground. Immediately following, Jones sent Palmer a photograph of Palmerโs minor daughter. United States Attorney Matthew SchneiderAccording to the affidavit, Jones knowingly and willfully sent violent threats to Palmer. Officials said she admitted to creating a TextMe account to send threatening messages to Palmer.
UAW agrees to monitor, voting changes after corruption probe
Read full article: UAW agrees to monitor, voting changes after corruption probeFILE - In this Nov. 6, 2019, file photo, United Auto Workers union President Rory Gamble answers questions in Southfield, Mich. But he said that current UAW President Rory Gamble is not a target of the investigation. The probe has led to 11 convictions of union members, including two former presidents. Currently the unionโs members vote on delegates to a convention, who then vote on a president. Former UAW President Dennis Williams in September pleaded guilty in the governmentโs investigation, and his successor as president, Gary Jones, pleaded guilty in June.
UAW agrees to monitor, voting changes after corruption probe
Read full article: UAW agrees to monitor, voting changes after corruption probeBut he said that current UAW President Rory Gamble is not a target of the investigation. The probe has led to 11 convictions of union members, including two former presidents. Currently the unionโs members vote on delegates to a convention, who then vote on a president. Former UAW President Dennis Williams in September pleaded guilty in the governmentโs investigation, and his successor as president, Gary Jones, pleaded guilty in June. Eleven union officials and a late officialโs spouse have pleaded guilty since 2017, although not all the crimes were connected.
Man pleads guilty to sex trafficking teen girl at Detroit motel
Read full article: Man pleads guilty to sex trafficking teen girl at Detroit motelDETROIT โ An undercover operation was launched to rescue a teenage girl who was being sold for sex in a motel room. Court documents reveal the man used several phones to advertise the teenage girl, communicate with her and capture and share explicit videos of her. A report by the Human Trafficking Institute said Michigan ranks eighth in the nation for the number of defendants convicted of human trafficking. Across the country in 2019, only six percent of all human trafficking cases being prosecuted were forced labor cases. READ: Stop the Trafficking: Unveiling the truth behind human traffickingView the Michigan summary from the 2019 federal human trafficking report below:View the entire 2019 federal human trafficking report below:
Michigan AG to GOP on voter fraud evidence: โPut up or shut upโ
Read full article: Michigan AG to GOP on voter fraud evidence: โPut up or shut upโDETROIT โ One day after Rudy Giuliani and several witnesses pushed voter fraud conspiracy theories before the Michigan House Oversight Committee, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says itโs time to โput up or shut upโ in regards to offering actual evidence. Despite Republicansโ questioning of vote counting in the city, there is no evidence to show such a discrepancy. Michiganโs Attorney General, who has noted the fact that no evidence has been submitted to law enforcement to support any voter fraud claims, again called for Republicans to deliver the evidence -- or to stop making claims. โ Dana Nessel (@dananessel) December 3, 2020In November, AG Nessel, responding to a wild claim by former state senator Patrick Colbeck, said Colbeck never filed any complaint of election fraud, despite claiming to have evidence. AG Barr: No evidence of voter fraud thatโd change election outcome
Metro Detroit doctors accused of profiting off fake medical diagnoses to help immigrants obtain citizenship
Read full article: Metro Detroit doctors accused of profiting off fake medical diagnoses to help immigrants obtain citizenshipDETROIT โ A psychologist and medical doctor were charged in a criminal complaint for their alleged role in a scheme to create fake medical diagnoses to help immigrants fraudulently obtain their U.S. citizenship, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. Van Horn typically received $500 each time she created the fake diagnosis and medical records. Van Horn asked how the witness was feeling, along with other basic questions a doctor typically asks a patient. Director of Field Operations for United States Customs and Border Protection, Christopher Perry, discussed allegations made against the two doctors. Perry stated, โMedical professionals are in a position of trust, profiting off of fake medical diagnoses to help others fraudulently obtain citizenship is a betrayal of that trust.
WATCH: Michigan AG, FBI discuss foiled militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
Read full article: WATCH: Michigan AG, FBI discuss foiled militia plan to kidnap Gov. WhitmerLANSING, Mich. โ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and individuals from other agencies across the state spoke regarding an alleged militia plan to kidnap Gov. More: 6 accused in militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds sayMichigan State Police Col. Joseph Casper is expected to be in attendance. So is Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan and Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Watch in the video player above
Michigan police working with feds to combat illegal firearms, violent crime
Read full article: Michigan police working with feds to combat illegal firearms, violent crimeDETROIT โ Police in Michigan are working with federal officials to take violent offenders off the street and confiscate illegal guns. Police officers and federal officials are finding illegal guns on many more people. โWe donโt want them there if they are illegal,โ Schneider said. Nobody would.โAs part of Operation Legend, federal officials plan to target violence in Americaโs most violent cities. Schneider said the reality is that since the expansion of the operation was announced over the summer, local police are working with feds to arrest violent offenders.
Michigan officials worried about people threatening, intimidating each other during contentious election
Read full article: Michigan officials worried about people threatening, intimidating each other during contentious electionOfficials in Michigan are reminding residents itโs a crime to threaten or intimidate people over their right to vote, even ahead of whatโs expected to be a very contentious election. โYou know what we have is a very contentious election coming up,โ U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said. โIt is a federal crime to interfere with somebodyโs right to vote.โSchneider spoke with the Local 4 Defenders just 36 days before the presidential election. โWhen people are angry, they take to Facebook.โHe said officials are looking for those cases so they can bring people to justice. Arguing over politics is an American tradition and protected by the First Amendment, but threatening people to keep them from voting is a crime, Schneider said.
Man who injured ICE agent during immigration arrest in Michigan gets 18 month prison sentence
Read full article: Man who injured ICE agent during immigration arrest in Michigan gets 18 month prison sentenceAccording to court records, Ortega-Escudero assaulted a federal officer during an immigration arrest on February 2. Following a foot pursuit, Ortega-Escudero again fought with an ICE agent and attempted to remove the agentโs firearm. The ICE agent was physically injured in the attack. Ortega-Escuderoโs case is just one of the many immigration enforcement cases being prosecuted by the United States Attorneyโs Office. โAn assault on a law enforcement officer is unobjectionable, and this individual, illegally present in the U.S., will now face time for his actions.
Michigan man sentenced in scheme to defraud Amtrak while in possession of firearms, explosives and narcotics
Read full article: Michigan man sentenced in scheme to defraud Amtrak while in possession of firearms, explosives and narcoticsNewby was sentenced by United States District Judge Gershwin Drain. According to court records, from March 2018 through January 2019, Newby fraudulently obtained credit card information for more than 1,100 credit card holders. Newby used the stolen credit card information to purchase Amtrak tickets online. After purchasing the tickets, Newby would then cancel the Amtrak tickets and receive vouchers for the value of those tickets from Amtrak. Newby then advertised and sold the Amtrak vouchers to unwitting buyers on eBay at a fraction of the cost.
Man pleads guilty to threatening Taylor woman due to her race
Read full article: Man pleads guilty to threatening Taylor woman due to her raceDETROIT โ Ronald Wyatt, 22, pleaded guilty Wednesday to intentionally threatening physical harm to a Taylor woman to obstruct her free exercise of religion. The Department of Justice said Wyatt admitted he targeted the woman because her race. โAlthough the First Amendment protects free speech, it doesnโt give anyone the right to obstruct the free exercise of religious beliefs by threatening violence or bodily harm. Prosecuting those who violate the civil rights of Michigan citizens is some of the most important work we do. This plea today is the first step towards justice for this innocent victim.โWyatt faces up to a year in prison.
Michigan sextortion survivors speak out in community webinar
Read full article: Michigan sextortion survivors speak out in community webinarThe problem is that predators are too, and experts are warning parents about the dangers of online predators. The U.S. Attorneyโs Office in Detroit held a webinar Friday with sextortion survivors, their parents, experts and law enforcement officials. โSextortionโ is a type of online child exploitation. Blockers and filters are another way to prevent your child from harmful content and predators lurking online. Itโs the predatorโs fault, but we always have to make sure thatโs always perfectly known,โ Schneider said.
Ex-Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith faces up to 21 months in jail following guilty plea
Read full article: Ex-Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith faces up to 21 months in jail following guilty pleaFormer Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith is no stranger to a courtroom, but Friday he was just another defendant. United States Attorney Matthew Schneider said the FBI had been investigating Smith for more than a year. โOur state has seen a number of public officials who have sworn to uphold their oaths and then they violated that,โ Schneider said. Smith was given a $10,000 unsecured bond, he canโt leave the state without approval and has to surrender his CPL. He faces up to 21 months in custody and a $250,000 dollar fine.
Former Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justice
Read full article: Former Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justiceFormer Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith faced a federal judge Friday in connection to an alleged embezzlement scheme. Smith said he had told three people -- two assistant prosecutors and a friend -- to lie about he use of campaign funds. Smith faces up to 20 years in prison, but will likely serve less than two years on the federal charge. He is also facing charges of embezzlement and racketeering for his spending of $600,000 from an obscure Macomb County forfeiture fund. Of that $20,000, Smith gave the consultant $5,000 and kept the remaining $15,000, which he used for his own personal use.
Feds say Macomb County prosecutor had secret stairwell talk, asked others to lie to FBI about scheme
Read full article: Feds say Macomb County prosecutor had secret stairwell talk, asked others to lie to FBI about schemeFederal officials said Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith had a secret talk in a stairwell, checked to make sure associates werenโt recording him on cellphones and asked employees to lie to FBI agents in an attempt to cover up how he was using thousands of dollars' worth of campaign funds.
Corruption scandal, COVID-19 pandemic leave UAW at crossroads on Labor Day
Read full article: Corruption scandal, COVID-19 pandemic leave UAW at crossroads on Labor DaySOUTHFIELD, Mich. Labor Day is usually a day for the United Auto Workers union to flex its muscles as one of the largest labor unions in the country, but with the ongoing corruption scandal and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this year is very different. This year, the UAW is facing a crossroads on Labor Day. RELATED: Ex-UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty in corruption caseThe traditional Labor Day Parade didnt happen Monday because the virus forced a cancelation. The UAW is going to close the National Training Center in Warren and one in Kokomo, Indiana. The union negotiated the closures in the UAW national contract last year as part of the federal investigation.
Flashpoint 9/6/20: US attorney Matthew Schneider weighs in on pressing issues facing region
Read full article: Flashpoint 9/6/20: US attorney Matthew Schneider weighs in on pressing issues facing regionDETROIT From Operation Legend to corruption surrounding the United Auto Workers to coronavirus aid fraud, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, has worked on high profile cases. On Sunday, he will make an appearance on Flashpoint to discuss some of the latest issues making headlines. There will also be a discussion on how the pandemic has impacted development in Detroit. Segment OneUS Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider. Segment ThreeFlashpoint host Devin Scillian wraps up this weeks episode.
Novi man charged in connection with federal wire fraud scheme
Read full article: Novi man charged in connection with federal wire fraud schemeA Novi man was arrested and charged in a wire fraud scheme involving $3.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of Michigan, 44-year-old Antonio George is charged in a criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud. The PPP loan is guaranteed by Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act). Small businesses across Michigan have received loans from the Paycheck Protection Program, and these loans have kept these businesses alive, said U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider in the release. Every dollar stolen from the program is a dollar stolen from struggling businesses in need.
Former UAW president Dennis Williams is 15th person charged in corruption case
Read full article: Former UAW president Dennis Williams is 15th person charged in corruption caseFormer UAW president Dennis Williams rose to prominence within the union, starting as secretary-treasurer in 2013. He is the 15th person charged the UAW corruption investigation -- a list that includes former president Gary Jones. RELATED: Ex-UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty in corruption caseIt was a year ago that the FBI raided Jones home in Canton and went into Williams home in California. Williams allegedly had taken more that $71,000 in union money. Jones was Williams choice and though he was elected it was baked into the cake before any convention.
Michigan UIA employee, Detroit woman charged in $1.8M unemployment scam
Read full article: Michigan UIA employee, Detroit woman charged in $1.8M unemployment scamTwo people, including an employee of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, have been charged for their alleged role in a $1.8 million unemployment insurance fraud scheme. His duties included reviewing, processing and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims. Beginning in May, 2020, it is alleged that Rose used his insider access to release payment on hundreds of fraudulent claims. Rose attempted to override another $761,000 in fraudulent unemployment claims, but the State was able to prevent payment on those additional claims. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Operation Legend: What federal agents will be focusing on in Detroit
Read full article: Operation Legend: What federal agents will be focusing on in DetroitDETROIT โ US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider spoke Wednesday about the plan to bring bring federal agents to Detroit. โLet me be clear: there are no federal troops coming to Detroit or Michigan to interfere with protesters,โ Schneider said. The city of Detroit will be getting 44 ATF agents and 12 FBI agents -- some with permanent jobs, some temporary. RELATED: โOperation Legendโ to bring federal agents to Detroit: Hereโs what that will look likeIn many cases, children are getting caught in the crossfire. RELATED: Surge of federal agents leaves many questions unanswered
Operation Legend: What federal agents will be focusing on in Detroit
Read full article: Operation Legend: What federal agents will be focusing on in DetroitOperation Legend: What federal agents will be focusing on in DetroitPublished: July 29, 2020, 5:25 pmUS Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, spoke Wednesday about the plan to bring bring federal agents to Detroit.
LIVE STREAM: US Attorney to discuss plan to bring federal agents to Detroit
Read full article: LIVE STREAM: US Attorney to discuss plan to bring federal agents to DetroitDETROIT โ US officials will detail expanded plans to bring federal agents to Detroit during a news conference on Wednesday morning. US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, will provide details on the plan, which was originally announced by President Trump last week. Who: United States Attorney Matthew Schneider, along with ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir, FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven DโAntuono, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ken Kleinschmidt, and United States Marshal Owen Cypher. The federal agents brought in is phase two of โOperation Relentless Pursuit,โ and there have been other agents in the city working alongside police for months. RELATED: Surge of federal agents leaves many questions unanswered
Local 4 News at 5 -- July 29, 2020
Read full article: Local 4 News at 5 -- July 29, 2020Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 5:Operation Legend: What it means for our streetsU.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said federal forces are coming to Detroit to tackle an alarming rise in gun crimes. Those agents are going to be focusing on pockets of the city that are seeing the worst of it.
Detroit woman charged in $2 million unemployment fraud scheme
Read full article: Detroit woman charged in $2 million unemployment fraud schemeDETROIT โ A Detroit woman has been charged for her alleged role in a multi-million dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme, according to officials. View more Detroit crime reports hereBrandi Hawkins, 39, was a contract employee for the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. She was involved in the reviewing, processing and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims. More than $2,000,000 of federal and state funds intended for unemployment assistance during the pandemic were fraudulently released. READ: Michigan investigating if new hires are stealing from Unemployment Insurance AgencyMore than $200,000 in cash was found at her residence by police.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, UAW President Rory Gamble meet to discuss UAW reform
Read full article: U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, UAW President Rory Gamble meet to discuss UAW reformDETROIT Members of the United Auto Workers met with federal prosecutors on Tuesday in the first step to bring reform to the union. The meeting was between U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider and UAW President Rory Gamble. During the meeting, Gamble and UAW representatives detailed reform measures that Gamble and the International Executive Board put in place for the union. READ: Former UAW President Gary Jones pleads guilty, faces up to 57 months in prisonThe Justice Department seeks genuine and sincere reform of the UAW so as to provide the best possible representation for its members, said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. Todays discussion was productive and both the U.S. Attorney and I have the same goal for the UAW International Union.
UAW, prosecutor consider a monitor for avoiding corruption
Read full article: UAW, prosecutor consider a monitor for avoiding corruptionDETROIT A federal prosecutor and the United Auto Workers president are looking at using an independent monitor to make sure that a wide-ranging union corruption scandal never happens again. The monitor was one option discussed during a two-hour meeting Tuesday between UAW President Rory Gamble and Matthew Schneider, the U.S. Attorney in Detroit, according to a joint statement. Ten union officials have pleaded guilty in the scandal, with some spending thousands in union money for golf, lodging and fancy meals. An independent monitor would give union members the assurance of reforms so as to reduce the possibility of a recurrence of corruption, the statement said. Among the union officials to plead guilty is former President Gary Jones, who was accused of conspiring with UAW cronies to embezzle more than $1 million.
Auto workers chief, prosecutor to discuss reforming union
Read full article: Auto workers chief, prosecutor to discuss reforming unionFILE - In this March 11, 2019 file photo, Gary Jones, president of the United Auto Workers union addresses delegates to the union's bargaining convention in Detroit. An expected guilty plea to corruption charges by former United Auto Workers President Gary Jones has been delayed due to the coronavirus and traveling concerns. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)DETROIT The head of the United Auto Workers will meet this month with the U.S. attorney in Detroit to discuss potential changes for the union following a wide-ranging corruption probe. Ten union officials and a late officials spouse have pleaded guilty since 2017, including former President Gary Jones. In a joint statement Monday, the union and Schneider said current UAW President Rory Gamble will meet with Schneider June 30 in Detroit to start negotiations on changes for the union.
Michigan Sen. Peter Lucido seeks investigation into placing COVID-19 patients at nursing homes
Read full article: Michigan Sen. Peter Lucido seeks investigation into placing COVID-19 patients at nursing homesLANSING, Mich. Republican Sen. Peter J. Lucido on Monday called for an investigation into Gov. READ MORE: Michigans policy of housing COVID-19 nursing home patients with uninfected patients comes under scrutinyNursing homes are not hospitals, and no one expects them to be. Theyre not equipped or prepared to handle the type of work or administer the type of care that hospitals provide. Yet, somehow, knowing this, someone decided that people sick with COVID-19 should be sent into nursing homes and kept there. It was completely illogical and further threatened the health of already vulnerable people residing at nursing home facilities as well as their caregivers.
Latin Counts gang member sentenced to 30 years in prison for southwest Detroit drive-by shooting
Read full article: Latin Counts gang member sentenced to 30 years in prison for southwest Detroit drive-by shootingA Latin Counts gang member was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider, Special Agent in Charge James Deir of the ATFs Detroit Division, and Chief James Craig of the Detroit Police Department. Ryan Jose Taylor of Detroit was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland for planning and carrying out with fellow Latin Counts gang members a drive-by shooting in a residential neighborhood of southwest Detroit that took place on Oct. 7, 2017, killing one victim and injuring two others. Taylor, 24, also goes by the name Loco. According to court records, Taylor fired the gunshot that killed the deceased victim. Also according to court records, the Latin Counts gang operates primarily in southwest Detroit and the downriver communities of Lincoln Park and Ecorse. The Latin Counts are a criminal enterprise responsible for murders, robberies, and the distribution of illegal drugs.
Flashpoint 7/7/19: Rooting out corruption in Michigan; civility in a heated political climate
Read full article: Flashpoint 7/7/19: Rooting out corruption in Michigan; civility in a heated political climateDETROIT - Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:Rooting out corruption means more cases in Michigan than anywhere else. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Matthew Schneider discussed the issue Sunday. The second segment of Flashpoint featured Nolan Finley, editorial page editor of The Detroit News and Stephen Henderson, host of Detroit Today on WDET. Both discussed how to maintain civility in today's heated political climate. Segment One:U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Matthew SchneiderSegment Two:Nolan Finley, editorial page editor of The Detroit News and Stephen Henderson, host of Detroit Today on WDET.
Sterling Heights man pleads guilty to exporting firearms parts...
Read full article: Sterling Heights man pleads guilty to exporting firearms parts...STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - A Sterling Heights man pleaded guilty Friday to willfully exporting firearms parts without a license, according to Matthew Schneider, United States attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Rrok Martin Camaj, 34, entered the guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Terrence G. Berg. According to court records, from March 2018 through January 2019 Camaj sent firearms partsincluding pistol frames, firing pins, springs, ejectors and magazinesthrough the mail to cohorts in Australia. To lawfully ship firearms and certain firearms partsincluding those sent by Camajan individual or business must be licensed. To avoid detection by law enforcement officers, Camaj hid the firearms parts inside large motorized toy motorcycles.
Melvindale resident sentenced for defrauding Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
Read full article: Melvindale resident sentenced for defrauding Michigan Unemployment Insurance AgencyWAYNE COUNTY, Mich. - A Melvindale resident was sentenced Thursday to 70 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with an unemployment compensation scheme, United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced Friday. Once Constantine falsely applied for the benefits, he would receive a prepaid debit card charged with unemployment insurance benefit funds and use them for his personal benefit. Constantine submitted 63 false claims that resulted in a loss to the agency of $188,946. Unemployment insurance is designed to provide benefits for employees who need money while they are out of work, Schneider said. People who abuse the system will pay the consequences.The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jihan Williams.
UAW official Vance Pearson, others, accused of embezzling thousands
Read full article: UAW official Vance Pearson, others, accused of embezzling thousandsThe UAW's Region 5 covers the tens of thousands of UAW members from Missouri and the sixteen states to the southwest, including California. The Detroit criminal complaint charges Pearson with conspiring with other UAW officials to embezzle UAW money for the personal benefit of Pearson and other senior UAW officials by concealing personal expenditures in the cost of UAW Region 5 conferences held in Palm Springs, California, Coronado, California, and Missouri. From the U.S. Attorney's office:"For example, Pearson and other senior UAW officials used UAW money to buy sets of golf clubs, individual clubs, and other golf equipment that cost thousands of dollars. UAW funds were also used to pay for meals for senior UAW officials at high-end restaurants outside the time periods of the UAW conferences to which they were charged." UAW statementThe UAW released this statement on the charges against Pearson:"Our highest priority is maintaining the trust and confidence of United Auto Worker members.
3 Flint men charged in conspiracy to rob marijuana grow operation
Read full article: 3 Flint men charged in conspiracy to rob marijuana grow operationThe men named in the federal indictment include Paul Drinkwine, Justin Cooper, and John Williams. DETROIT - An indictment was unsealed Monday charging three Flint men with conspiring to rob a Sanilac County marijuana grow operation, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. The men named in the federal indictment include Paul Drinkwine, Justin Cooper, and John Williams. The indictment alleges that on Nov. 19, 2017 the defendants and others travelled from Flint to a residence in Sanilac County in order steal marijuana and marijuana proceeds. The indictment also alleges that the men covered their faces, put on gloves, and brandished firearms as they approached the home.
Engineering firm owner convicted of bribing Washington Township officials
Read full article: Engineering firm owner convicted of bribing Washington Township officialsWASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - The owner of an engineering firm was convicted Friday by a jury on all four counts of bribery which he was charged with, United States Attorney Matthew Schneider said. The five day trial was conducted before United States District Judge Robert H. Cleland in Port Huron. Both township officials that he was trying to bribe were working with the FBI. This case is part of the governments wide-ranging corruption investigation centered in Macomb County. The conviction of Khan brings the number of individuals convicted in this corruption investigation to 22.
US Attorneys on Michigan marijuana legalization: We will not unilaterally immunize anyone
Read full article: US Attorneys on Michigan marijuana legalization: We will not unilaterally immunize anyoneHowever, marijuana continues to be an illegal drug under federal law. As the chief federal law enforcement officers in Michigan, we are providing this statement regarding the enforcement of federal marijuana laws in light of the passage of Proposal One. We will continue to approach the investigation and prosecution of marijuana crimes as we do with any other crime. The seriousness of the offense and impact on a community includes a broad range of related activity and concerns for federal law enforcement. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to assess the federal law enforcement interest for every case as it comes in.