Press Release

For Immediate Release March 27, 2009

Washington D.C. FBI National Press Office (202) 324-3691

FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending March 27, 2009

1. FBI Director Presents Honorary FBI Medals

Director Robert S. Mueller, III presented 42 honorary FBI medals to 38 recipients to recognize exceptional acts by FBI personnel as well as other law enforcement officers working with the Bureau. Full Story

2. New York: Executive Director at Morgan Stanley Convicted

Darin Demizio was convicted of conspiring to commit securities fraud and wire fraud and of making false statements to agents of the FBI. Demizio was disguising kickbacks as “finder fees” and funneling them to his father and brother. Full Story

3. Tampa: 13 Arrests in Operation Dual Identity

Operation Dual Identity, an automobile theft and car-cloning investigation, involved the assistance of approximately 50 different law enforcement and private sector agencies throughout the U.S. This case involved losses in excess of $27 million. Full Story

4. Detroit: Woman Sentenced for Violating U.S. Embargo on Iraq

Dawn Hanna was sentenced for her role in exporting sensitive high technology equipment to Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s regime and money laundering. Full Story

5. Los Angeles: FBI Agent Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges

Joe L. Gordwin pled guilty to “honest services” wire fraud and compromised at least two criminal investigations. Full Story

6. Baltimore: President of Metropolitan Money Store Pleads Guilty

Joy Jackson pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme and was personally responsible for over $16.8 million in losses to mortgage lenders. Full Story

7. Los Angeles: Couple Pleads Guilty in Alien Smuggling Scheme

Evelyn Pelayo and her husband, Darwin Padolina, pled guilty to smuggling illegal aliens into the U.S. and forcing them to work at her elder care homes and at their residence. Full Story

8. Chicago: Mortgage Loan Industry Professionals Indicted

Operation Madhouse, an undercover investigation, resulted in the indictments of mortgage brokers, loan officers, loan processors, attorneys, accountants, an appraiser and a banker charging them with federal offenses relating to mortgage fraud. Full Story

9. Washington Field Office: Baseball Player Miguel Tejada Sentenced

Miguel O. Tejada was sentenced for withholding pertinent information about his knowledge of his teammate’s use of steroids and human growth hormones and by refusing and failing to state the nature and extent of discussions with other MLB players. Full Story

10. Houston: Conviction in Kidnapping Conspiracy and Murder-for-Hire Plot

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