MIAMI –– A former Alcatel CIT (Alcatel) executive was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in prison in a bribery scheme that involved paying Costa Rica officials $2.5 million to obtain a mobile telephone contract from a state-owned telecommunications authority, the Justice Department said. U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Seitz in Miami also ordered Christian Sapsizian,…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com DEA agents busted up a drug ring that smuggled cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York by concealing it inside children’s toys, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said . Authorities unsealed a 9-defendant indictment in New York Tueday, capping a five-month investigation into the ring that was headed by Jose Diaz,…
Behind every good meltdown is a potential scandal. With the financial market melting quickly, the FBI is stepping in to see if there’s any criminal wrongdoing. By Lara Jakes Jordan The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The FBI is investigating four major U.S. financial institutions whose collapse helped trigger a $700 billion bailout plan by the…
The Department of Homeland Security is easing policies when it comes to gathering citizen information at border crossings. Is it good for Americans or does it go to far? By Ellen Nakashima Washington Post Staff Writer WASHINGTON – The U.S. government has quietly recast policies that affect the way information is gathered from U.S. citizens…
While other NBA refs get ready to head to the hardwood floors, Tim Donaghy heads off to federal prison today. A disgraceful end to a distinguished career. Jon Saraceno USA TODAY Today marks a historic moment for the NBA, but not one it wants to commemorate. The league contends that for the first time in major…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — A former State Department employee pleaded guilty Monday to illegally accessing hundreds of confidential passport applications of celebrities, athletes and game show contestants, the Justice Department said. Lawrence C. Yontz, 48, of Arlington, Va, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of unauthorized access, the Justice Department…
Pakistan said thanks but no thanks to an offer from the FBI to help investigate the suicide bombing in Islamabad. Is it a another sign of the tension between the two nations or is it just national pride? By Paul Wiseman and Zafar M. Sheikh USA TODAY ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan on Sunday rejected a…
A parade of Washington insiders could take the stand in the high-profile public corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens. Jury selection began today in Washington. Opening statements are expected Wednesday. By The Associated Press WASHINGTON – Several powerful senators and former Secretary of State Colin Powell are among possible witnesses at the corruption trial of…
