Latest news with #Knox
UPI
12 hours ago
- UPI
Four charged in 'largest ever' COVID-19 tax fraud scheme
1 of 4 | Federal officials have charged four people from California with what they call the largest COVID-19 tax credit fraud scheme ever identified in the United States, amounting to more than $90 million in payouts. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 27 (UPI) -- Federal officials have charged four people from California with what they call the largest COVID-19 tax credit fraud scheme ever identified in the United States, amounting to more than $90 million in payouts. Two of the defendants are also facing attempted murder charges for shooting one of their co-conspirators, the FBI's Los Angeles field office confirmed in a release. Kristerpher Turner, Toriano Knox, Kenya Jones and Joyce Johnson are all facing federal conspiracy to commit mail fraud; mail fraud; and conspiracy to submit false claims charges. Jones and Knox are also facing gun and attempted murder charges for shooting Turner in 2023, in an attempt to prevent him from speaking to authorities. A federal indictment was unsealed earlier this month against all four. Officials allege Turner operated the fraud ring that invoiced close to $250 million in COVID-19 relief payments to the federal government. "In total, from approximately June 2020 and December 2024, the defendants and their co-conspirators submitted and caused the submission of fraudulent forms for at least 148 companies, seeking a total of approximately $247,956,938 in tax refunds to which they were not entitled," the FBI statement reads. The group ultimately received at least $93 million in Treasury checks from the IRS. According to authorities, while Turner ran the scheme, Knox, Jones and Johnson served as recruiters, even luring friends and family members aboard and obtaining their personal or business information to submit false benefits claims. "At some point during the scheme, the now-defendants learned that the IRS and others were making inquiries about their fraudulent activity," the FBI statement reads, alleging Knox and Jones of carrying out a shooting to prevent him from acting as a witness. Turner was shot in August of 2023 and is now paralyzed. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation section and office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration were involved in the joint investigation. All four defendants are facing maximum sentences of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud charge if convicted. Knox and Jones are also facing 30-year sentences if convicted of attempted murder charges, while the gun charges carry maximum penalties of life in prison. The case is not the first multi-million-dollar fraud committed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, a June Chicago laboratory owner received a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of falsifying COVID-19 test results. Authorities contend the fraud scheme generated $14 million.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' Teaser Sees Grace Van Patten Telling Amanda's Harrowing Story
The teaser trailer for The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox sees Grace Van Patten as Amanda Knox, fighting for her life. The series is based on Knox's harrowing journey to prove her innocence and regain her freedom after being wrongfully imprisoned for her roommate's murder. Knox, a Seattle native, was studying abroad in Italy at the time. After being initially convicted for murder in 2007, she was later acquitted by Italy's highest court in 2015. More from The Hollywood Reporter How to Watch the Bonnaroo 2025 Livestream for Free Sterling K. Brown Playfully Shuts Down Crowd For Hurling Fake Boos at 'Paradise' Co-Star During 'THR Frontrunners' Panel Where to Stream Alex Cooper's First Documentary, 'Call Her Alex,' Online 'Many people think they know my story, but now it's my turn to tell it,' Van Patten's Knox can be heard saying in the footage (below), which debuted during game five of the NBA Finals on Monday. 'A limited series inspired by the story of how Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted for the tragic murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, and her 16-year odyssey to set herself free,' the show's logline reads. Sharon Horgan, John Hoogenakker, Francesco Acquaroli, Giuseppe De Domenico and Roberta Mattei round out the cast for The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. KJ Steinberg (This Is Us) created the series, which comes from 20th Television in association with The Littlefield Company. Executive producers include Warren Littlefield, Lisa Harrison, Ann Johnson and Graham Littlefield with The Littlefield Company; Monica Lewinsky with Alt Ending Productions; Amanda Knox and Chris Robinson with Knox Robinson Productions; and Michael Uppendahl, who also directs. The first two episodes of The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox premiere on Hulu Aug. 20, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays in the following weeks. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Steelers RB Najee Harris goes viral after being labeled a trade candidate
Ex-Steelers RB Najee Harris has been making headlines for trade-related reasons — despite signing with the Chargers less than four months ago. Harris was recently added to Bleacher Report's trade block big board — and here is what B/R's Kristopher Knox had to say about his inclusion on the list: "That said, Harris is on a one-year deal and may not be viewed as a long-term piece for L.A.," Knox said. "The Chargers also drafted Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick in April, and the North Carolina product might walk into an every-down role. "Teams in need of running back help would at least be wise to call about Harris' availability. While he was never a high-level starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a dependable high-volume back who topped 1,000 rushing yards in all four campaigns." Knox then speculated that the Cowboys and the Steelers — yes, you read that right — would be potential trade fits. As absurd and unlikely as the Chargers trading away Harris in 2025 would be, Pittsburgh showing any interest in their former running back after letting him hit free agency might be the most hilarious trade prediction out there. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Axios
2 days ago
- Business
- Axios
DMPS considers how much to ask for in bond
The DMPS board is considering how much money to ask from voters for an upcoming bond referendum — possibly scaling back from a $500 million request. Why it matters: The district's long-term plan to overhaul outdated schools and expand academic programs hinges on voter support for a multimillion-dollar bond, but some board members want to avoid inflicting sticker shock at the polls and leaving empty-handed. Catch up quick: DMPS is working toward its 10-year Reimagining Education plan, which would help modernize its schools, offer new Montessori programs, and add preschool programming, specialty schools and grade reconfigurations. Des Moines has 72 school buildings, many averaging 70–80 years old. State of play: The projected cost of the plan is $683 million, including renovations and inflation. Initial board discussions have called for a $500 million bond to help fund it. At that dollar amount, owners of a Des Moines home assessed at $200k would pay an additional $356 annually for 20 years, according to projections shared with the school board last week. What they're saying: Several DMPS board members expressed concern the plan could falter at the ballot box without changes. Board member Jenna Knox noted the difficulties Cedar Rapids has faced trying to get a bond referendum passed. In 2023, a $220 million request failed. This year the district is asking for $117 million. "This is a lot of money. I'm not going to just sugarcoat it," Knox said during the meeting. "We should be smart about it, versus getting absolutely nothing." Zoom in: To pass, the referendum requires 60% voter approval in the Nov. 4 election. School board chair Jackie Norris suggested DMPS officials research more on a $250-$300 million bond and how that would impact the project. Current projections show that a $300 million bond would cost an additional $213.88 annually for a home assessed at $200k.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Browns Tied to Pro Bowl Tight End in Unlikely Trade Scenario
Browns Tied to Pro Bowl Tight End in Unlikely Trade Scenario originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While the Cleveland Browns focus on the quarterback competition this offseason, there are other position groups that will require attention. Advertisement After the team shipped wideout Amari Cooper off to Buffalo last season, the team is short a pass catcher. While there are rumors about a possible return of Cooper, the Browns could use another pair of hands. That could be either at wide receiver or, as Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox thinks, tight end. Knox suggests a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, tight end for Kyle Pitts. "The Cleveland Browns may also want to kick the tires on Pitts," Knox wrote. "They've shown a willingness to add promising players who have underwhelmed before — they traded for Jerry Jeudy last offseason —and could view Pitts as a potential long-term contributor. Cleveland did just draft Harold Fannin Jr. in Round 3, but David Njoku is entering the final year of his contract." Advertisement It's an odd suggestion because of their current tight end situation. David Njoku is still under contract through next season with an $11.5 million salary. And the team just spent a third-round pick on Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. If the Browns make a trade for Pitts, it would likely mean the end of Njoku's time in Cleveland. Another potential issue is that Pitts, while playing well for four seasons in Atlanta, hasn't lived up to the hype after being the No. 4 overall pick. After a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season, the former Florida Gator hasn't been back since. There have been no All-Pro selections either. Advertisement Is that a product of his offense and lack of quarterback talent in Atlanta? Or is that on the player? We don't know. But a trade for Pitts seems unlikely. On all fronts. Related: Buccaneers Legend Names Choice for Next Ring of Honor Inductee This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
