Attorney General's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagohomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago http://www.mass.gov/Cago/RSS/Home/PressReleases_generic2.xml © 2008 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2008-08-21T00:00:00Z http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_08_21_donoyan_plea&csid=Cago 2008-08-21T00:00:00Z 2008-08-21T00:00:00Z

Yesterday, a Burlington man pled guilty in Middlesex Superior Court in connection with the theft of money from a youth organization in which he served as a volunteer. Raffi Donoyan, age 49, entered a change of plea to guilty on the charge of Larceny over $250 (2 counts). Donoyan is schedule to be sentenced on October 3, 2008, in Middlesex Superior Court before Judge Hiller Zobel.

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Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has named a new Chief of her office’s Enterprise and Major Crimes Division (formerly the Special Investigations and Narcotics Division). Attorney General Coakley has appointed Dean A. Mazzone, of Winthrop, an attorney with extensive experience handling major criminal and civil prosecutions and investigations.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office joined Vermont and 45 other states in filing an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that states should have the power to protect consumers when drug manufacturers fail to warn patients about known health risks. The brief, filed last week, argues that Congress did not intend to supersede longstanding state laws that protect consumers and require adequate labeling of risks associated with pharmaceuticals.

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Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office recently recovered an additional $218,920 from American International Group (AIG) for the Central Artery Tunnel (CA/T) Project. The payment, which was made in June, is part of an ongoing reconciliation of premiums and residual market payouts stemming from the insurer’s settlement of Big Dig workers compensation insurance premium issues with the Attorney General’s Office. AIG serves as the workers’ compensation carrier for the Central Artery Tunnel (CA/T) Project.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has reached an agreement with a Holden landscaping contractor and its owner for violating the Massachusetts Wage and Hour Laws. As part of the settlement agreement, Robert Arello, 73, of Princeton, and his company, Arello, Inc., were cited for intentionally failing to pay the prevailing wage to 18 employees who worked on several public construction projects in Massachusetts between August 2005 and June 2007. Arello and his company agreed to pay over $60,000 in restitution to the affected employees and nearly $25,000 in penalties.

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DEDHAM – A Norfolk Superior Court jury convicted a former Stoughton District Court security officer in connection with selling drugs in and around the Stoughton District Courthouse. Keely Johnson, age 32, of Stoughton, was convicted on charges of Distributing a Class C Drug (2 counts), Drug Violation Near a School or Park. Norfolk Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman sentenced Johnson to two years in the House of Correction on the charge of Drug Violation Near a School or Park. Johnson was also sentenced to three months in the House of Correction on one count of Distribution of a Class C Drug. Judge Fishman also sentenced Johnson to three years of probation on the remaining conviction for Distribution. These sentences will all run consecutively.

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A New Hampshire woman was arraigned earlier this week on charges she schemed to steal over $82,000 from her former employer. Michelle Hogan, age 39, was charged with Larceny over $250 (9 counts) and Falsifying Corporate Books.

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Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office issued an Advisory on Chapter 306 of the Acts of 2004, An Act Relative to the Health and Safety on Public Construction Projects. The Act requires employers on public construction sites in Massachusetts to ensure that their employees have training in construction safety and the advisory provides guidance with respect to the Attorney General’s interpretation and enforcement of the law.

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On Monday, prosecutors and investigators from every district attorney’s office across the Commonwealth participated in the first day of a three-day intensive cyber crime training entitled, “Investigations and Trial Advocacy in Cases Involving Digital Evidence.” Attorney General Martha Coakley provided opening remarks and highlighted the importance of properly training prosecutors and investigators in handling crimes with a digital component.

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This morning, Attorney General Martha Coakley delivered the keynote address at the meeting of the Women2Women International Leadership Conference and Cultural Exchange program. The event was held at Lesley University in Cambridge.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has obtained a consent judgment resolving claims that a Fitchburg landlord discriminated against a tenant and her children by terminating her tenancy because he did not want to comply with laws requiring him to de-lead the apartment for the safety of the children. The judgment, entered late last week by Judge John McCann of the Worcester Superior Court, permanently prohibits the landlord, Farag Mohamed, from discriminating against tenants or any person applying for housing and requires the landlord to pay the victim $4,000.

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In an effort to promote energy conservation and help consumers reduce their monthly energy bills, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has awarded $56,755 in grant funds to six municipalities and eight non-profit organizations. The grant funding is for consumer aid and educational programs designed to help consumers better navigate the energy market in Massachusetts by providing them with knowledge about energy contracts, weatherization methods, and competitive market options.

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A North Attleboro man pled guilty yesterday in Boston Municipal Court on charges he schemed to collect over $8,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work. Sean Lennon, age 28, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (13 counts) and Larceny Over $250. Following a change of plea from not guilty to guilty, Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville sentenced Lennon to one year supervised probation and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $8,064.

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Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley issued the following statement today regarding ongoing litigation pertaining to Rexhame Beach in Marshfield:

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Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office filed a housing discrimination complaint against Inna Bogina, the owner of a three-bedroom rental property in Quincy, and her daughter Tatiana Bogina, the rental agent for the property. The complaint, filed in Norfolk Superior Court, alleges that the Boginas violated state antidiscrimination laws by refusing to rent to recipients of housing subsidies and a family with children.

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Today, a Waltham man was arraigned on charges he schemed to collect over $9,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work. William Preston, age 37, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (19 counts) and Larceny over $250.

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A Shrewsbury woman was arraigned yesterday on charges she schemed to collect more than $11,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work. Johanna Simisky 46, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (28 counts) and Larceny over $250.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has entered into a settlement with Morgan Stanley & Company (Morgan) resolving allegations involving the investment bank’s sale of inappropriate auction rate security investments to Massachusetts municipalities. Morgan allegedly marketed auction rate securities, a risky long term investment vehicle, to municipalities as an appropriate investment when in fact that was not the case.

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Today, a lawyer and his business associate were arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court in connection with allegedly stealing mortgage payments from loan companies. The pair was also arraigned in connection with separate schemes uncovered by investigators during the course of the mortgage fraud investigation. Attorney Bruce Namenson, age 46, of Walpole, was arraigned on a variety of larceny, conspiracy, and embezzlement charges related to two separate incidents. Namenson’s business associate Gerald Schena, age 59, of Medford, was also arraigned on numerous larceny, credit card fraud, and identity fraud charges in association with three separate incidents uncovered in the course of the Attorney General’s investigation.

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Today, a Peabody painting company pled guilty in Peabody District Court in connection with failing to obtain an insurance policy to properly protect its workers. Olympic Painting and Roofing Co., Inc. (Olympic), pled guilty to the charge of Failure to Obtain a Workers Compensation Insurance Policy. As a result of the guilty plea, Olympic agreed to pay a fine of $1,000 and is debarred from performing any public work for a period of three years. Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has also reached an agreement with the company’s owner, George Vasiliades, age 44, of Ipswich, and Olympic to pay over $48,700 in restitution to 69 affected employees and nearly $10,300 in penalties for numerous violations including misclassification of workers as independent contractors, failure to properly pay workers and failure to pay overtime.

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Yesterday, a former Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at Pilgrim Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Peabody was arraigned in Peabody District Court in connection with the alleged assault of a 92-year-old resident at the facility. Kumba Tamba, age 64, of Lynn, is charged with Assault and Battery on an Elderly Person (2 counts).

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Today, a Middlesex Grand Jury indicted five men in connection with allegedly using fraudulent telemarketing practices to deceive over 1,000 donors to police and veterans’ charitable organizations and then allegedly using those funds for their own personal use. Ronald Seeley, age 38, of Medford, his son Brandon Seeley, age 20, also of Medford, William Lewis, age 57, of Brookline, NH, George Borden, age 53, of Quincy, and Frank Cariello, age 70, of Boynton Beach, FL, are all charged as follows:

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office today filed a motion with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) requesting that the DPU reconsider and clarify portions of its July 16 decoupling order.

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A Plainville man and woman were arraigned yesterday in connection with allegedly stealing funds from their auto insurance company, lying under oath, and obtaining fake Massachusetts identification cards. Efrain Colon, age 43, was charged with Motor Vehicle Insurance Fraud (2 counts), Conspiracy (2 counts), Larceny Over $250, Attempted Larceny, and Perjury. Efrain’s girlfriend, Rosita Colon, age 40, was charged with Motor Vehicle Insurance Fraud (2 counts), Larceny Over $250 (2 counts), Conspiracy (2 counts), Falsification of a Massachusetts Identification Card, and Attempting to Falsify a Massachusetts Identification Card.

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A Suffolk Grand Jury returned indictments against a lawyer and his business associate in connection with allegedly stealing mortgage payments from loan companies. The pair was also indicted in connection with separate schemes uncovered by investigators during the course of the mortgage fraud investigation. Attorney Bruce Namenson, age 46, of Walpole, was indicted on a variety of larceny, conspiracy, and embezzlement charges related to two separate incidents. Namenson’s business associate Gerald Schena, age 59, of Medford, was also indicted on numerous larceny, credit card fraud, and identity fraud charges in association with three separate incidents uncovered in the course of the Attorney General’s investigation.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley is currently seeking applicants for the fall 2009 Fellowship Program. The Fellowship Program is an entry-level work program for new attorneys seeking to gain practical legal experience working within the Attorney General’s Office.

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The Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley has reached an agreement with State Senator Dianne Wilkerson and her campaign committee to resolve alleged campaign finance irregularities dating from 2000 to 2007, including a civil enforcement action filed in Suffolk Superior Court on September 28, 2005. The agreement, which also includes the Office of Campaign & Political Finance (OCPF) as a party, features measures to ensure that the senator and her campaign committee fully comply with campaign finance requirements in the future. In addition, under the agreement, Senator Wilkerson will pay a civil forfeiture of $10,000 out of her personal funds, and she will release $29,524 in debt that she claimed the campaign committee owed her for unreimbursed expenditures made through 2007. Her campaign committee will also disgorge $2,200 in unlawful campaign contributions received between 2000 and 2006.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley has entered into an agreement with California based WMD Capital Markets, LLC that provides significant benefits to approximately 200 borrowers holding structurally unfair loans originated by Fremont Investment & Loan (“Fremont”). WMD Capital Markets recently purchased the Fremont-originated loans, which are subject to a preliminary injunction restricting foreclosures, issued by Suffolk Superior Court in February 2008. The Attorney General’s Office and WMD Capital Markets reached an agreement to memorialize how Fremont-originated loans would be modified in order to avoid unnecessary foreclosures and account for Fremont’s unfair and deceptive lending practices that are the subject of the Attorney General’s law enforcement action against California-based Fremont.

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A Wakefield woman was arraigned yesterday on charges she schemed to collect more than $8,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work. Kristen Emery, age 36, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (20 counts) and Larceny over $250.

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Today, a tenth Boston longshoreman was sentenced in Suffolk Superior Court for his role in committing benefits fraud related to longshoreman labor provided to Massport. Shawn O’Donnell, age 40, of Saugus, pled guilty last week to charges of Procurement Fraud (two counts) and Submitting False Entries in Corporate Books (two counts). Today, Suffolk Superior Court Judge Margaret Hinkle sentenced O’Donnell to eighteen months in the House of Correction, with the sentence suspended for one year, on one of the counts of Procurement Fraud. Judge Hinkle also sentenced O’Donnell to one year of probation on the remaining count of Procurement Fraud, and on each of the two counts of Submitting False Entries in Corporate Books. These sentences will all run concurrently. O’Donnell was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine to be paid within one year, and must also perform 125 hours of community service.

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Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced investment bank and financial services firm UBS will make a payment to the Commonwealth of $1,000,000 relating to UBS’ sales of auction rate securities to certain Massachusetts towns and cities. In February 2008, the Attorney General’s Office began investigating allegations that UBS Financial Services, Inc., and UBS Securities, LLC, misled government entities regarding whether auction rate securities were a permissible investment for them under Massachusetts Law. UBS has agreed to entry of a consent judgment in Superior Court, and will make a payment to Massachusetts. As stated in the proposed consent judgment, the monies will consist of a $750,000 payment to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including for fees and costs, and an additional $250,000 payment to be used to provide support for cities and towns with respect to their investments. Such funds will be used by the Attorney General’s Office for education, training and assistance for treasurers and other financial officials of cities and towns with respect to appropriate investments, investment management practices, and financial controls. The Attorney General’s Office can also use the funds to develop guidelines for appropriate municipal investments and to help with review of city and town investment practices. The judgment must still be approved by the Suffolk Superior Court.

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Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley presented a donation on behalf of the entire Attorney General’s Office to the Norwell-based non-profit organization Cell Phones for Soldiers. Cell Phones for Soldiers collects used cell phones and cell phone accessories, as well as pre-paid calling cards and cash donations to provide calling cards to members of the military serving overseas. Attorney General Coakley today presented a donation of 160 cell phones, $825 in pre-paid calling cards, and $210 in check donations to the organization.

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A Middlesex Grand Jury returned indictments late yesterday against a New Hampshire woman charging her with scheming to steal over $82,000 from her former employer. Michelle Hogan, age 39, was charged with Larceny over $250 (9 counts) and Falsifying Corporate Books.

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A Lawrence man was arraigned yesterday on charges he schemed to fraudulently collect over $14,000 in unemployment benefits and workers’ compensation benefits. Rigoberto Tellez, age 38, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (23 counts), Workers’ Compensation Fraud and Larceny over $250 (2 counts).

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Attorney General Martha Coakley issued the following statement today regarding the Governor’s signing of An Act Further Protecting Children:

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Yesterday, a Gardner man was arraigned in Worcester Superior Court in connection with fraudulently obtaining workers’ compensation benefits as a result of injuries he sustained during a robbery he staged with his friend. Erik Teong, age 30, was arraigned on charges of Workers’ Compensation Fraud and Larceny over $250.

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Today, two brothers pled guilty in Norfolk Superior Court to multiple felony charges related to their ownership and operation of five Massachusetts nursing homes. Joel K. Logan, age 53, of Norwell, and Todd Logan, age 47, of Pembroke, pled guilty to charges of Larceny over $250, Medical Assistance Fraud by a Provider, Conspiracy, Fiduciary Embezzlement, and Neglect of Patients in Long-Term Care Facilities. Norfolk Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders sentenced both Joel and Todd Logan to five years probation on each charge, with these sentences to run concurrently. The men were also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution, with the condition that if one of the defendants cannot pay his share, the other must pay the rest of the amount. As a condition of probation, the defendants are prohibited from working in any capacity within the healthcare industry and cannot serve as an administrator in any capacity of an employee benefit plan. Joel Logan will not be allowed to seek reinstatement of his revoked nursing administrator’s license.

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Yesterday, a Boston longshoreman pled guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to alleged benefits fraud related to longshoreman labor provided to Massport. Shawn O’Donnell, age 40, of Saugus, pled guilty to Procurement Fraud (two counts) and Submitting False Entries in Corporate Books (two counts). Nine other defendants have already either pled guilty or been convicted at trial and sentenced. Another 10 longshoremen still face similar charges in Suffolk Superior Court.

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Today, a Revere man pled guilty on charges he schemed to fraudulently collect more than $15,000 in unemployment benefits. Christopher Bonsall, age 28, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (30 counts) and Larceny over $250 by a Single Scheme. Following the change of plea from not guilty to guilty, Suffolk Superior Court Judge D. Lloyd MacDonald sentenced Bonsall to three years of supervised probation and ordered Bonsall to pay restitution in the amount of $15,840.

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A Pittsfield man was arraigned in Pittsfield District Court on charges he oversaw the illegal removal of asbestos without notifying the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) at a residential building he manages and maintains in Pittsfield. Gerald Ely, age 68, was charged on Friday with Massachusetts Clean Air Act violations of failure to notify MassDEP of asbestos demolition (1 count) and failure to conduct proper asbestos removal (1 count). Ely was also charged with Violations of the Labor and Industries Act for failure to obtain a license for asbestos removal (1 count), unlawful work practices (1 count) and a violation of a cease and desist order. (1 count). At arraignment, Ely entered a plea of not guilty and was released on personal recognizance.

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On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities announced that it was setting fourth a plan to establish a new utilities rate adjustment structure, also known as “decoupling.” Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley issues the following statement on this action:

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has filed a housing discrimination and consumer protection complaint against Leisure Woods Estates, Inc., (Leisure Woods) the owner of Leisure Woods Mobile Home Park in Orange, Massachusetts. The complaint, filed late yesterday in Franklin Superior Court, alleges that Leisure Woods violated state anti-discrimination laws by refusing to allow a disabled homeowner to have her daughter reside with her as a caretaker on the grounds that the daughter was under the age of 55. The complaint also alleges that Leisure Woods committed unfair and deceptive acts and practices in violation of state consumer protection laws by attempting to impose an unauthorized over-55 age requirement for park occupants.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_17_workers_rights_campaign&csid=Cago 2008-07-17T00:00:00Z 2008-07-17T00:00:00Z

As part of its ongoing effort to educate employees and employers of legal rights and responsibilities under the Commonwealth’s Wage and Hour Laws, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office this week launched a statewide public awareness campaign. The primary goal of the campaign, which includes multi-lingual print and radio advertisements, as well as a specialized informational website, www.MassWorkRights.com, is to educate workers throughout the state, and particularly those for whom English is their second language, of their rights under the laws.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_17_distefano_judgment&csid=Cago 2008-07-17T00:00:00Z 2008-07-17T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office obtained a judgment in Suffolk Superior Court against Dino DiStefano, 41, of Boston, a former home improvement contractor who scammed Massachusetts homeowners by fraudulently advertising that he was a registered and insured home improvement contractor in order to persuade consumers to pay him substantial deposits for home improvement work.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_16_conti_arrest&csid=Cago 2008-07-16T00:00:00Z 2008-07-16T00:00:00Z

A former Framingham resident was arrested and arraigned in connection with having images of child pornography on computer media and in binders at his workplace. Kenneth Conti, age 43, of Johnston, Rhode Island, was arraigned yesterday afternoon in Dedham District Court on one count of Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Mary Sullivan ordered Conti held on $50,000 cash bail.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_16_marotta_langan_cop&csid=Cago 2008-07-16T00:00:00Z 2008-07-16T00:00:00Z

Today, a ninth Boston longshoreman was found guilty in Suffolk Superior Court of crimes related to benefits fraud related to longshoreman labor provided to Massport. Phillip Marotta, age 53, of Tewksbury, pled guilty to charges of Procurement Fraud, Conspiracy to Submit False Entries in Corporate Books, and Conspiracy to Commit Larceny over $250. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Margaret Hinkle sentenced Marotta to 18 months supervised probation, during which he must perform 150 hours of community service, and pay restitution in the amount of $8,861 on the charge of Procurement Fraud. Judge Hinkle also sentenced Marotta to 18 months supervised probation on each of the remaining charges. All of these sentences will run concurrently.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_15_bms_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-07-15T00:00:00Z 2008-07-15T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has entered into an agreement with international pharmaceutical manufacturer Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) to settle a variety of allegations of improper sales, marketing and price reporting practices. Under the terms of the settlement, BMS will pay $9,214,659.43 to the Massachusetts Medicaid Program.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_14_home_care_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-07-14T00:00:00Z 2008-07-14T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has reached an agreement with a Haverhill home oxygen supplier to settle allegations of improper billing practices. Home Care Specialists, Inc. (Home Care Specialists), has agreed to pay $118,524 to the state’s Medicaid Program.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_10_ag_letter&csid=Cago 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z

Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging passage of Senate Bill 3186, also known as the “Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer Act.” If passed, the bill would provide $2.53 billion in supplemental funding for FY 2008 for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_11_flaherty_sentence&csid=Cago 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z

Today, a South Boston man was sentenced in connection with crimes related to wage and procurement fraud related to his employment with Massport. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Margaret Hinkle sentenced Richard Flaherty, age 44, to 18 months in the House of Correction, with the sentence suspended for 18 months, on each charge of Fraud in the Procurement of Government Services and Conspiracy to Submit False Entries in Corporate Books. These sentences will run concurrently. Judge Hinkle also ordered Flaherty to pay a $5,000 fine and to perform 125 hours of community service. Flaherty was convicted by a jury yesterday in connection with fraudulently putting his then 12 year-old daughter on a union timesheet while working as a longshoreman on the Massport docks while he served as the business agent for the union, Local 805.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_11_epa_statement&csid=Cago 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z 2008-07-11T00:00:00Z

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an “Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” (ANPR) seeking public comment on using the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. According to the document, the ANPR “presents information relevant to, and solicits public comment on, how to respond to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Massachusetts v. EPA.” Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley issues the following statement on today’s development.

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Today, a Waltham man was indicted on charges he schemed to collect over $9,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work. William Preston, age 37, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (19 counts) and Larceny over $250.

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Today, the seventh Boston longshoreman was convicted of crimes related to wage and procurement fraud related to their employment with Massport. A Suffolk Superior Court jury convicted Richard Flaherty, age 44, of South Boston, of Fraud in the Procurement of Government Services and Conspiracy to Submit False Entries in Corporate Books. Flaherty was convicted in connection with fraudulently putting his 12 year-old daughter on a union timesheet while working as a longshoreman on the Massport docks and serving as the business agent for the union, Local 805. He will be sentenced tomorrow in Suffolk Superior Court at 10 a.m.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_08_ward_fellowship&csid=Cago 2008-07-08T00:00:00Z 2008-07-08T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley served as host and special guest yesterday to the weekly meeting of the John William Ward Public Service Fellowship program. The meeting was held at the Attorney General’s Office in Boston. Attorney General Coakley spoke about her career in public service including her role as Attorney General and the work being done by the Attorney General’s Office.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has issued a citation against Victor M. Fernandes, of Acushnet and his company, Fernandes Masonry, Inc., of New Bedford, for an intentional violation the Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Laws. The citation requires the company to pay $7,710 in penalties and $166.72 in restitution.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has obtained a civil rights preliminary injunction against a Quincy man accused of committing a bias-motivated attack on a Quincy resident because of his perceived sexual orientation. The order, granted yesterday by Norfolk Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Connors, prohibits Jeffrey O’Connor, age 24, from threatening, intimidating or coercing the victim or anyone else in the Commonwealth on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation. A violation of the injunction is a criminal offense punishable by up to a fine of $5,000 and two and a half years in a house of correction, or if bodily injury results from such violation, a $10,000 fine and up to ten years in state prison.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_02_moneygram_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-07-02T00:00:00Z 2008-07-02T00:00:00Z

Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office, along with 43 other states and the District of Columbia, entered into a settlement agreement with MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc., (MoneyGram) resolving concerns about the use of the company’s wire transfer services by fraudulent telemarketers. According to the settlement agreement, MoneyGram will fund a $1.1 million national consumer awareness program to educate consumers on dangers of fraud-induced wire transfers and will prominently display consumer warnings on the forms used by consumers to wire money. The consumer program will be governed by a separate agreement between MoneyGram and the AARP Foundation. The agreement is still subject to approval by the states.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_02_tramontozzi_fine&csid=Cago 2008-07-02T00:00:00Z 2008-07-02T00:00:00Z

On Tuesday, Francis D. Tramontozzi, age 72, of Tewksbury, and his son Thomas M. Tramontozzi, age 47, of Fitchburg, were found guilty after pleading no contest to charges of causing asbestos to be released into the air in the center of Fitchburg and with conducting an asbestos removal without notifying the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). As part of the sentence, District Court Judge Paul Magill imposed a $2,000 fine on each defendant for violating the Massachusetts Clean Air Act by failing to control asbestos emissions (1 count) and a $1,000 fine on each defendant for failure to file notice with MassDEP of asbestos removal (1 count).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_02_dillon_tree_penalty&csid=Cago 2008-07-02T00:00:00Z 2008-07-02T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has reached an agreement with the owner of a Shrewsbury tree removal company to settle allegations that he violated the Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law. Joseph Dillon, age 72, of Shrewsbury, and his company, Dillon Tree Service, Inc. have agreed to pay $20,000 in restitution and penalties for violating the Commonwealth’s Prevailing Wage Laws.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_01_tramontozzi_jury&csid=Cago 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z

Jury selection is scheduled to begin today in Fitchburg District Court in the trial of Francis D. Tramontozzi, age 72, of Tewksbury, and his son Thomas M. Tramontozzi, age 47, of Fitchburg. Both are charged with causing asbestos to be released into the air in the center of Fitchburg and with allegedly conducting an illegal asbestos removal without notifying the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Francis D. Tramontozzi and Thoman M. Tramontozzi are each charged with Massachusetts Clean Air Act violations of failure to control asbestos emissions (1 count) and failure to file notice of asbestos demolition/removal (1 count).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_01_champagne_drywall_fine&csid=Cago 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office issued a civil citation against an Agawam drywall company and its owner for intentionally violating the Massachusetts Independent Contractor Laws and Records Keeping Laws in connection with work done at the Holyoke Mall in Holyoke. Ronald Champagne, of Feeding Hills, and his company, Champagne Drywall, Inc., were cited for failing to list six drywall workers as employees on the company’s payroll records. Champagne and his company were also cited for failing to keep true and accurate payroll records in accordance with the state’s Records Keeping Laws. The company and its owner were fined a total of $20,000 for the violations.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_01_dematos_cop&csid=Cago 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z

A Falmouth couple has pled guilty in Suffolk Superior Court for failing to report over $300,000 worth of income on tax returns they filed. Yesterday Custodio Dematos, age 64, and his wife Fernanda, age 59, both pled guilty to charges of Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Income Tax Return (3 counts) and Willful Aiding or Assisting in the Preparation or Presentation of a Return, which is Fraudulent or is False. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Stephen Neel sentenced both Custodio and Fernanda Dematos to two years of probation on each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently. Judge Neel also ordered the Dematoses to pay a $5,000 fine.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_01_odonnell_plea&csid=Cago 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z

Today, a Wakefield man was sentenced to eighteen months in jail in connection with his role in a scheme that illegally gave benefits to other fellow longshoremen working on the Massport docks in South Boston. Suffolk Superior Court Judge Margaret Hinkle sentenced Hugh O’Donnell, age 51,to 18 months in the House of Correction on one count of Fraud in the Procurement of Government Services. Judge Hinkle also sentenced O’Donnell to one year in the House of Correction, with the sentence suspended for two years, on each of the following charges: Fraud in the Procurement of Government Services (15 counts), Filing False Entries in Corporate Books (29 counts), Larceny over $250 (10 counts), and Conspiracy to Submit False Entries in Corporate Books (2 counts). The sentences on these charges will run concurrently with each other and on and after the eighteen month sentence.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_07_01_rosa_trust_settlement&csid=Cago 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z 2008-07-01T00:00:00Z

Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office entered into a settlement agreement with Massachusetts-based North Andover Rosa Trust, resolving allegations it violated the Massachusetts Safe Drinking Water Act by operating a public water system at its Hubbardston property without approval from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The trust leases space in a building on the property to commercial and municipal lessees, including a child day care center and the town’s fire department. Under the terms of the agreement, the trust must pay a civil penalty of $50,000 to the Commonwealth. The judgment also orders the trust to construct a new water supply well that complies with the state’s drinking water regulations.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_30_bostonian_group_aod&csid=Cago 2008-06-30T00:00:00Z 2008-06-30T00:00:00Z

Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance with health insurance broker the Bostonian Group to resolve allegations that a letter sent by Bostonian Group to its clients misrepresented the compensation information and financial incentives that were known by clients’ consultants. Under the terms of the Assurance, Bostonian Group will be required to pay $45,000 to the Commonwealth, send a corrective letter to dozens of consumers affected by the alleged actions, and comply with other injunctive terms.

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In a letter to Governor Deval Patrick issued today, Attorney General Martha Coakley has re-appointed Louis Malzone, an employee health benefits specialist, to the Board of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector. Malzone begins his new three-year term on July 1, 2008.

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Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office reached a settlement with Rhode Island-based Factory Mutual Insurance Company (“FM Global”) resolving allegations that FM Global’s premium reporting practices enabled Boston-based insurance broker William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, Inc. (“WGA”) to pad its customers’ insurance premiums with undisclosed fees.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_27_direct_finance&csid=Cago 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z

Two bank employees, a mortgage broker, an assistant of the mortgage broker, and a Worcester man had 106 indictments returned against them late yesterday in connection with allegedly creating false or misleading bank documents that were then used to obtain fraudulent mortgage loans in the millions of dollars. Four of the five individuals are expected to be arraigned this afternoon. Erik Tancun, age, 29, of Marshfield, Steven Stapleton, age 36, of Waltham, Kenneth Garabedian, age 51, of Worcester, Martha Sass, age 46, of Marshfield, and Thomas Itemere, age 28, of Worcester, are all charged as follows:

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_27_super88&csid=Cago 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has reached an agreement with Super 88, LLC and its corporate officers, George Luu, age 35, of Brookline, and Peter Luu, age 56, of Malden, to settle allegations they violated the Commonwealth’s wage and hour laws by failing to pay their employees the minimum wage, overtime, Sunday and holiday pay at six Super 88 Supermarkets in Greater Boston. Under this Agreement, Super 88 agrees to pay $175,000 in restitution to over 300 current and former employees, along with a fine of $25,000 to the Commonwealth.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_27_weavers_cove&csid=Cago 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z

Today, the offices of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles announced that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce has issued a key ruling against the proposed Weaver’s Cove LNG terminal in Fall River. On Thursday, the Secretary of Commerce’s Office determined that the proposed LNG project is not consistent with the objectives of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act because the national interests furthered by the project do not outweigh its adverse coastal effects. The Secretary of Commerce’s Office also determined that the project is “not necessary in the interest of national security.” The Secretary’s decision acts as a bar to federal agencies from issuing any licenses or permits for construction of the project.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_27_mortgage_scheme_arraignment&csid=Cago 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z 2008-06-27T00:00:00Z

Two bank employees, a mortgage broker, an assistant of the mortgage broker, and a Worcester man had 106 indictments returned against them late yesterday in connection with allegedly creating false or misleading bank documents that were then used to obtain fraudulent mortgage loans in the millions of dollars. Four of the five individuals were arrested this morning and arraigned today in Superior Court. A fifth individual will be summonsed for arraignment at a later date. Erik Tancun, age, 29, of Marshfield, Steven Stapleton, age 36, of Waltham, Kenneth Garabedian, age 51, of Worcester, Martha Sass, age 46, of Marshfield, and Thomas Itemere, age 28, of Worcester, are all charged as follows:

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_26_pinehills_settlement&csid=Cago 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office entered into a settlement agreement with the Massachusetts-based developer, Pinehills, LLC, and related entities, for alleged violations of the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act that arose from the discharge of thousands of gallons of raw sewage at the company’s 3,100-acre mixed-use development in Plymouth, known as “The Pinehills.” Under the terms of the settlement, Pinehills must pay a $135,000 civil penalty, $25,000 of which will be waived if the developer complies with the terms of the settlement. The settlement also requires Pinehills to contribute an additional $15,000 to study water quality in the Plymouth Harbor/Eel River estuary and to take certain specified steps to prevent future discharges of untreated sewage into waters of the Commonwealth.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_26_mandamus_statement&csid=Cago 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z

On April 2, 2008, the first anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA, Massachusetts and the other Petitioners to the case filed a mandamus petition with the D.C. Circuit requesting the Court to order the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to move the regulatory process forward by issuing a determination on whether greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health or welfare. Today, the D.C. Circuit denied that petition. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley issues the following statement on today’s development:

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_26_leadership_southcoast&csid=Cago 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley was the commencement speaker yesterday at the Leadership SouthCoast Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Woodland Commons on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. Attorney General Coakley congratulated the students and advised them on skills needed to be a leader in the workplace and the community.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_26_msiiaa_meeting&csid=Cago 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z 2008-06-26T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley was the keynote speaker yesterday at the Annual Meeting of the MetroSouth Independent Insurance Agents Association. The meeting was held at the Shaws Center in Brockton. Attorney General Coakley spoke about the recent developments in auto insurance and homeowners insurance throughout the Commonwealth.

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Today, a Middlesex Grand Jury indicted a lawyer and his business associate in connection with stealing money from a 95 year-old Medford man. Bruce Namenson, age 46, of Walpole, and his business associate Gerald Schena, age 59, of Medford, are each charged with Larceny over $250, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny over $250, Larceny from a Person over 65, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny from a Person over 65, Forgery (2 counts), Conspiracy to Commit Forgery (2 counts), Uttering (2 counts), and Conspiracy to Commit Uttering (2 counts).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_24_cloutman_citation&csid=Cago 2008-06-24T00:00:00Z 2008-06-24T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has cited a Danvers man for not properly paying his employees. David Cloutman, age 43, and his company DC Tile Installations, based in Danvers, were both cited for violating the Massachusetts Prevailing Wage and the state’s Independent Contractor Laws during work performed at four Holyoke Public Schools.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_24_subway_citation&csid=Cago 2008-06-24T00:00:00Z 2008-06-24T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has cited JK Subways LLC, a company based in Holyoke, and managed by Kimberly McCarthy, age 40, of Westhampton, for violating the state’s Child Labor Laws. The company operates the Subway restaurant on College Highway in Southampton, where the violations occurred. The restaurant employed five minors as “sandwich artists.” During the period of October 2007 through December 2007, the company scheduled these minors to work later than the law permits and failed to obtain employment permits prior to starting work. As a result, the company was ordered to pay $3,600 in civil penalties for 20 separate violations that occurred during the fall of 2007.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_23_vivar_indict&csid=Cago 2008-06-23T00:00:00Z 2008-06-23T00:00:00Z

A Westborough woman was indicted Friday on charges she schemed to steal over $220,000 from her former employer over a four year period. Eda Vivar, age 44, was charged with Larceny over $250 (2 counts).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_20_panamlic_settlement&csid=Cago 2008-06-20T00:00:00Z 2008-06-20T00:00:00Z

Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office obtained a consent judgment in Suffolk Superior Court resolving claims that Pan-American Life Insurance Company unfairly advertised, marketed and sold unapproved health insurance products in Massachusetts that did not cover mandated health benefits and services in the weeks leading up to the December 31, 2007 deadline for residents to obtain health insurance under the new health reform law. Under the terms of the agreement reached in court, Pan-American must pay all of the 764 affected consumers back all of the premiums Pan American received minus any claims paid out by Pan-American. As part of this settlement, Pan-American will pay $86,400 to the Commonwealth and pay affected consumers back approximately $100,000

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_20_central_autoworks_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-06-20T00:00:00Z 2008-06-20T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office entered into an agreement today with a Worcester auto repair shop resolving allegations that it allegedly failed to comply with Massachusetts law by failing to obtain consumer authorization before performing repair work and failing to provide the consumer with invoices for the work performed. According to the Assurance of Discontinuance, filed today in Suffolk Superior Court, Central Autoworks agreed to resolve the allegations by paying $10,000 into a restitution fund, $5,000 in civil penalties, and $10,000 in suspended penalties. The restitution fund will be used to pay any legitimate claims as a result of allegations brought by the Attorney General’s Office.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_19_athol_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z

This week, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office entered into a compliance agreement with the Town of Athol related to the Town’s public bidding practices. According to the Attorney General’s agreement, the Town will be required to take a series of steps to improve its compliance with the Commonwealth’s public bidding laws and be subject to monitoring of its bidding practices by the Attorney General’s Office. The compliance agreement was the result of a review of Athol’s procurement and contract administration practices related to the recently completed police station construction project. A letter issued to Athol’s Town administrator summarized concerns the Attorney General’s Office had with Athol’s handling of its relationship with the building contractor on the project.

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Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has cited Umi Restaurant, located in Kenmore Square, and its owner, Frankie Hui Shu Huang, age 41, of Newton, for failing to properly pay an employee. Both the restaurant and owner were ordered to pay $7,500.00 in restitution and $1,600.00 in penalties as a result of failing to pay the minimum wage and for not keeping true and accurate payroll records.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_19_bmchp_settlement&csid=Cago 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office obtained a consent judgment in Suffolk Superior Court against Boston Medical Center Corporation (“BMC”) and Boston Medical Center Health Plan, Inc. (“BMCHP”) resolving allegations that BMC and BMCHP improperly used protected health information to conduct deceptive marketing of its health plan. Under the terms of the consent judgment, BMC and BMCHP will pay $562,000 to the Commonwealth, including $430,000 to Mass Health, $112,000 to the Attorney General’s Local Consumer Aid Fund, and $20,000 in attorneys’ fees.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_19_medina_indictment&csid=Cago 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z

An Essex County Grand Jury indicted a Peabody man in connection with allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover Massachusetts State Trooper. Miguel Medina, age 37, was indicted on charges of Distribution of a Class B Substance (Cocaine) and Trafficking Cocaine over 14 Grams.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_19_school_climate_grants&csid=Cago 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z 2008-06-19T00:00:00Z

In an effort to assist schools and communities in their comprehensive violence prevention efforts, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has awarded over $400,000 in grant funding through the Improving School Climate initiative to qualified community organizations and partnering schools throughout the Commonwealth. The funds can be used for education, outreach and peer mediation programs that are research-based and support and improve school climate.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_18_sohmer_settlement&csid=Cago 2008-06-18T00:00:00Z 2008-06-18T00:00:00Z

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved a settlement between Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office and 10 mortgage lenders and servicers that funded or serviced loans which facilitated fraudulent foreclosure rescue transactions by Brockton attorney Alec Sohmer. The Settlement Agreement with the lenders, entered last week by Judge Joan Feeney, was reached by the Attorney General’s Office and the Chapter 7 trustee in Sohmher’s bankruptcy case. The Settlement impacts 26 residential properties that are part of Sohmer’s bankruptcy case and is designed to return homeowners to their financial position before Sohmer arranged foreclosure rescue transactions that stripped their home equity and required payment of Sohmer’s fees and high settlement costs. The settlement will also provide an opportunity for Sohmer’s victims to reacquire the legal title to their homes.

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A Plymouth County Grand Jury returned indictments against a Plainville man and woman in connection with allegedly stealing funds from their auto insurance company, lying under oath, and obtaining fake Massachusetts identification cards. Efrain Colon, age 43, was charged with Motor Vehicle Insurance Fraud (2 counts), Conspiracy (2 counts), Larceny Over $250, Attempted Larceny, and Perjury. Efrain’s girlfriend, Rosita Colon, age 40, was charged with Motor Vehicle Insurance Fraud (2 counts), Larceny Over $250 (2 counts), Conspiracy (2 counts), Falsification of a Massachusetts Identification Card, and Attempting to Falsify a Massachusetts Identification Card.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_13_aaa_sprinkler_citation&csid=Cago 2008-06-13T00:00:00Z 2008-06-13T00:00:00Z

This week, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office issued a civil citation against Richard S. Crowley, age 58, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and his company, AAA Sprinkler Co., Inc. (AAA Sprinkler), located in Warwick, Rhode Island, for failing to properly pay employees according to the state’s Prevailing Wage Laws. The Attorney General’s citation requires the company to pay $5,000 in penalties and $13, 079 in restitution to the affected employees.

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Today, a Marshfield man and his son pled guilty in Suffolk Superior Court on charges they ran two schemes to steal money from the state while hauling construction materials as subcontractors on the Central Artery/Tunnel project. James Roderick, Sr., age 62 owner of now-defunct Y2Krush Corp., and his son, James Roderick, Jr., age 38, of Marshfield, owner of Durod Ltd., both pled guilty to charges of Larceny over $250 by Continuous Scheme (2 counts), Fraud in Procurement, Presentation of False Claims, and Conspiracy (3 counts).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_12_jk_harris_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z

A South Carolina tax-relief company that claims to be able to settle consumers’ debt with the IRS for “pennies on the dollar” has agreed to stop misleading consumers about its services and pay $1.5 million in restitution, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office announced today.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_12_greenview_realty_agreement&csid=Cago 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office and Greenview Realty, L.L.C., R & C Realty Trust, and C & R Realty Trust, reached a settlement agreement that will require Greenview Realty and the trusts to dismiss their case against the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). As part of the agreement, Greenview Realty has also agreed to repay $1.25 million in cleanup costs spent by the DEP at an undeveloped hazardous waste site in Holliston if they proceed with the purchase of the property.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_12_acorn_report&csid=Cago 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has been recognized by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) for her Office’s work in responding to the foreclosure crisis. The grassroots organization released a first of its kind report earlier this week, “Attorneys General Take Action: Real Leadership in Fighting Foreclosures” that analyzed the work of 51 Attorneys General in responding to the foreclosure crisis and recommends best practices and cutting edge strategies they have employed. Along with Attorney General Coakley, 5 other Attorneys General received a score of A+.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_12_tellez_indict&csid=Cago 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z 2008-06-12T00:00:00Z

Today, a Lawrence man was indicted on charges he schemed to collect over $14,000 in unemployment benefits and workers’ compensation benefits. Rigoberto Tellez, age 38, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (23 counts), Workers’ Compensation Fraud and Larceny over $250 (2 counts).

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_10_dagostino_citation&csid=Cago 2008-06-10T00:00:00Z 2008-06-10T00:00:00Z

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http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_06_energy_education_grants&csid=Cago 2008-06-06T00:00:00Z 2008-06-06T00:00:00Z

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_05_youth_employment&csid=Cago 2008-06-05T00:00:00Z 2008-06-05T00:00:00Z

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_05_csec_springfield&csid=Cago 2008-06-05T00:00:00Z 2008-06-05T00:00:00Z

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Yesterday, a Fairhaven man was sentenced to state prison for numerous crimes relating to his conduct individually, as well as for conduct of his company, EJJA Carpentry, Inc., a construction company located in Fall River. On Tuesday, June 3, a Bristol Superior Court jury convicted Joel DeAlmedia, age 47, as an individual defendant, on charges of Attempted Larceny by Check over $250 (five counts), Failure to Pay Wages, and Failure to Provide Proper Pay Stubs. Bristol Superior Court Judge Gary Nickerson sentenced DeAlmeida to one year in the House of Correction on each of these charges, with all sentences to run concurrently with each other.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagopressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago&b=pressrelease&f=2008_06_05_goyette_arraignment&csid=Cago 2008-06-05T00:00:00Z 2008-06-05T00:00:00Z

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