Latest news with #RacketeerInfluencedandCorruptOrganizations
The Hill
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Ex-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro disbarred in New York
Ex-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, who helped devise President Trump's alternate electors strategy in 2020, has been disbarred in New York. A panel of judges on the Appellate Division — New York's midlevel appeals court — ruled Thursday that Chesebro's guilty plea in Georgia's probe of efforts to subvert the state's 2020 election results qualifies as a 'serious crime,' a finding that begets disciplinary action. The panel wrote that Chesebro's guilty plea on one felony count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents is 'unquestionably serious.' 'On that basis alone, respondent's conduct brings into question his integrity and fitness to continue engaging in the practice of law in New York,' the decision reads. But the former lawyer's conduct went a step further, the panel said, undercutting 'the very notion of our constitutional democracy that he, as an attorney, swore an oath to uphold.' 'Given the testimony and evidence produced at the hearing, we conclude that respondent should be disbarred based on his conviction of a serious crime,' they wrote. Chesebro pleaded guilty in the Georgia case in 2023 — a plea he's unsuccessfully tried to invalidate — narrowly avoiding becoming the first of dozens of defendants to go to trial over efforts to keep Trump in power after he lost the 2020 presidential election in the state. Trump himself faces several criminal charges in the case, which has been on hold since Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's office was booted from prosecuting the case. Her office has appealed that decision. Chesebro helped craft the so-called 'fake electors' scheme that pushed to certify slates of Trump supporting electors in battleground states instead of the true electoral votes for former President Biden. He initially faced seven felony counts, including the state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charge with which all defendants were charged. The allegations against him primarily reflected his efforts to organize the pro-Trump electors. Alternate electors convened in Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Nevada and Wisconsin — all states won by Biden that election. The fake electors claimed without basis that they were 'duly elected' electors, and criminal charges have since been filed in several of those states. Chesebro's New York law license was suspended last fall. He still faces criminal charges in Wisconsin over his role there in the scheme. Several other Trump lawyers who were charged in connection with the alternate electors plan have faced disciplinary action or disbarment for their roles, as well.
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
What Happens to Your Assets When You Go to Prison: Property, Accounts, and Legal Rights Explained
When an individual is incarcerated, their assets—ranging from real estate to financial accounts—can quickly become vulnerable to government action, civil claims, and mismanagement. In particular, prison and frozen bank accounts are a serious concern, often triggered by court orders, investigations, or unpaid financial obligations. Knowing how incarceration affects personal property and finances is critical to ensuring long-term protection and legal compliance. Bank accounts can be frozen upon incarceration, especially if tied to financial crimes or outstanding debts. A Power of Attorney (POA) is crucial to allow someone you trust to manage your assets legally while you're in prison. Real estate and vehicles remain your responsibility, and without proper planning, they can be foreclosed, repossessed, or seized. Asset forfeiture laws can result in permanent loss of property even without a conviction if linked to criminal activity. Post-release asset recovery requires swift legal action to reclaim accounts, titles, and property ownership. Once a person is incarcerated, they are typically unable to directly manage or access their assets. Without prior arrangements, control of bank accounts, business holdings, and property becomes complex. In most cases, a trusted family member or an appointed Power of Attorney (POA) must be legally designated to act on behalf of the inmate. Without this, mortgages may default, accounts may go dormant, and properties may be seized or neglected. Financial institutions may place holds or restrictions on accounts if notified of the incarceration, particularly in cases involving fraud, money laundering, or financial crimes. Joint account holders may still access funds unless a legal freeze is in place. A durable POA executed before incarceration ensures uninterrupted access and management. Bank accounts can be frozen through court orders or enforcement actions tied to criminal investigations or unpaid debts. These freezes are often preventative, ensuring that assets are available for restitution or fines. When this occurs, all account activity halts, including bill payments, withdrawals, and transfers. Frozen assets may be subject to federal or state seizures, especially under laws related to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), asset forfeiture, or financial fraud. To challenge a freeze, legal counsel must file motions to demonstrate that the funds are not tied to criminal conduct. Inmates who own property remain responsible for taxes, mortgages, and maintenance. Failing to make timely payments due to frozen accounts or lack of authorized access can result in foreclosure or tax lien sales. For rented properties, absentee landlords must designate a property manager to handle leases and repairs. Prisoners may also risk losing their primary residence through divorce settlements, civil litigation, or default judgments filed during incarceration. Without a strong legal defense, even legitimate property holdings can be diminished or sold off by creditors or the state. Automobiles and titled vehicles must be maintained, insured, and protected during imprisonment. If the incarcerated person is the sole owner, they must assign ownership rights or grant POA to ensure the vehicle is not towed, ticketed, or repossessed. Failure to keep insurance active can lead to fines, license suspension, or asset seizure by the DMV or local authorities. In certain jurisdictions, vehicles used during a criminal act can be seized and sold under civil asset forfeiture laws. A strong legal case is necessary to retrieve or protect such property. Business owners face serious disruption upon incarceration. If no succession or contingency plan exists, operations may stall, leading to insolvency or forced sale. A pre-appointed manager or POA can keep the business functional, pay taxes, and respond to legal inquiries. Courts may also intervene in closely held corporations if disputes arise among shareholders due to the incarceration. Licensing and permits may also be revoked or expire if left unattended. Bankruptcy proceedings or hostile takeovers are common risks for businesses without clear legal continuity. Incarceration does not absolve an individual from financial responsibilities such as child support or spousal maintenance. Courts may allow temporary modification of these obligations, but failure to file for such relief can result in debt accumulation, wage garnishment, or liens on property. Civil suits for damages, unpaid rent, or personal injury can still be filed and ruled upon during incarceration. If a judgment is entered, creditors may garnish prison wages, seize bank accounts, or force the sale of property. Asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of being linked to criminal activity, even before a conviction. This includes cash, vehicles, homes, and other valuables. If not contested effectively, seized property can be auctioned or retained permanently by the state. Civil forfeiture cases place the burden of proof on the property owner, requiring them to demonstrate the legitimacy of their assets. Inmates must act swiftly through legal counsel to challenge unjust forfeitures. Before sentencing or surrender, it is crucial to: Establish a durable Power of Attorney Update property deeds and beneficiary designations Transfer assets to trusted relatives or irrevocable trusts Set up automatic payments for critical bills Consult a financial and criminal defense attorney These steps protect against administrative holds, creditor claims, and potential government action. For those serving long sentences, property degradation becomes a major issue. Unattended homes may suffer from vandalism, unpaid taxes, or zoning violations. Vehicles may depreciate or be lost through neglect. Banks may close dormant accounts, and investment portfolios may stagnate. Family disputes over inheritance, estate access, or POA misuse also commonly arise. Without structured oversight, even wealthy inmates may return to little or no financial security upon release. Upon release, former inmates must act fast to regain control. This involves: Reinstating account access Clearing liens and legal holds Filing motions to reverse forfeitures or asset seizures Updating titles, deeds, and legal documents Rebuilding credit and tax records Post-release reentry services can assist, but private legal representation often yields better results in asset recovery and dispute resolution. Being incarcerated drastically alters one's control over assets. From frozen bank accounts to the potential loss of real estate and vehicles, the legal and financial consequences are significant. Preparing before incarceration and acting quickly afterward is essential to preserving property, finances, and future stability. Comprehensive legal counsel and proactive planning remain the strongest safeguards. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
SC Solicitor pushing for gang statute, RICO law to fight crime
BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WSAV) – A push for tougher penalties to fight gang violence is gaining momentum in South Carolina. Local prosecutors said what they have now isn't enough to stop organized crime which is why they said a new law could help keep communities safer. 'Take out the organization that that allows the fentanyl to get on the streets to begin with,' 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone said. 'That's an essential tool that prosecutors in South Carolina need.' And a tool that 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone said he and other prosecutors have been asking for, for three years. 'We have a statute basically now that no one uses,' Stone said. 'Which is a five-year felony, for either enticing somebody to join a gang or trying to keep them from leaving a gang. And I don't know that anyone's ever prosecuted anybody for that. The penalty is not stiff enough for it to make any difference. And the second thing is that no one's going to testify that they were forced into a gang.' What Stone wants is a RICO or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law. Something 33 other states, including Georgia, already have in place. 'It began as a federal law to go after organized crime and arrest people for big conspiracies, but it was written much broader than that,' Eric Segall, Georgia State Professor, chair of College of Law said. Officially, it provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. In broad terms, the statute would allow prosecutors to connect suspects to each other and to their crimes. A group of three or more can be a 'gang' and face an additional charge and up to 20 more years behind bars. It's a statute that Stone's office is already preparing for. 'We now have an investigator, a prosecutor and an intelligence analyst focused on nothing but gang members in our in our office,' Stone said. 'We did that several months ago. And we are collecting data now to determine how many individual gang members we have. I see gangs operate from Jasper County into Buford County and vice versa Collison County into Hampton County. It already has exceeded over 100 gang members in the 14th circuit.' 'Every time you hear about a drive by shooting, generally speaking, that is a that's gang activity, whether it's drive by into a car, into a house, into a crowd of people, it almost always is three or more people getting together to maybe retaliate against people who had shot at them or something like that.' 'By definition, if you choose to be a gang member, you're probably a career criminal. So, part of our intelligence is determining who those people are and making sure that that we treat them accordingly.' Stone said the SC General Assembly currently has three versions of potential gang or RICO statutes waiting for debate. He said they hoped they will bring them to the floor and pass them next session. 'They're very good bills. I've seen all three of them, and they're very they're very good,' Stone said. 'But they're going to have to pass it for us to be able to use it. Prosecutors throughout South Carolina have been pushing for this for a number of years, and the people in this District or in the Circuit would see the difference almost immediately. I think a lot of I know cases that I would be able to use that statute on now.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Time of India
How Walmart and Target may have worked together to bust a $100,000 AirPods theft ring
Two women from New York, US, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a multistate retail theft ring involving over $100,000 worth of goods, including Apple AirPods , from Walmart and Target stores. Prosecutors in Cherokee County initially considered charges in May 2024 when Walmart Global Investigations met with their Gang and Organized Crime Unit to discuss a "large theft ring involving both Walmart and Target." The two retail giants collaborated to investigate the thefts by sharing information with each other before contacting law enforcement agencies, according to prosecutors. From June 2022 through August 2024, the women stole nearly $141,000 worth of merchandise in 187 incidents across 21 states, including Georgia. The women, Ebony Fallon Washington (aka Stephanie Harris), 43, and Melissa Holland (aka Keisha Wilson), 46, pleaded guilty to three counts of violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office said to USA Today. How these women used to steal AirPods from Walmart and Target store Their scheme involved buying Apple AirPods with cash and using tools to remove the genuine products from their packaging. They would then replace the AirPods with cheaper items and reseal the boxes to appear unopened. The fraudulent items were then returned for full cash refunds. In some cases, the refunded cash was used to purchase more AirPods, continuing the cycle. The authentic Apple products were kept and resold for profit, according to prosecutors. The suspects were arrested in September 2024 in Coweta County. During a search of their rental car, officers found hotel receipts for locations near the targeted stores and tools for opening AirPods packaging. Prosecutors noted that five cellphones seized from the defendants contained additional evidence. Each woman received a 10-year prison sentence, followed by 10 years of probation, and was ordered to pay $134,951.86 in restitution—the remaining balance after recovered items were deducted from the total theft value. A Walmart spokesperson told USA Today on May 9 that the company is deferring further comment to law enforcement, and Target had not responded to requests for comment. 'Organised retail crime is a growing problem not only in our community, but nationwide,' DA Susan Treadaway said in a statement (as seen by USA Today). The DA also noted that these two women were 'clearly involved in an organised scheme' that impacted stores 'throughout the country.' Meanwhile, Rachel Murphy, Assistant District Attorney of the Gang and Organized Crime Unit said: 'These defendants operated in a coordinated effort with a specific plan in place. Although only two stores in Cherokee County were directly affected, Georgia's RICO Act enabled us to prosecute this broader criminal enterprise.'
USA Today
09-05-2025
- USA Today
Walmart, Target work together to thwart AirPod theft scheme stretching 21 states, DA says
Walmart, Target work together to thwart AirPod theft scheme stretching 21 states, DA says Two New York women were sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing over $100,000 in items from Walmart and Target stores across the country. Show Caption Hide Caption Walmart begins using bodycams on employees The retailer Walmart is starting its body cam pilot program at select U.S. locations, fitting store level associates with body cameras. Cheddar Two New York women were sentenced to a decade in prison for operating a multistate retail theft ring that involved stealing over $100,000 worth of goods from Walmart and Target stores. Ebony Fallon Washington (a.k.a. Stephanie Harris), 43, and Melissa Holland (a.k.a. Keisha Wilson), 46, both pleaded guilty to three counts of violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office said. According to prosecutors, from June 2022 through August 2024, the women stole nearly $141,000 worth of merchandise in 187 different incidents across 21 states, including Georgia. 'Organized retail crime is a growing problem not only in our community, but nationwide,' DA Susan Treadaway said in a statement. The DA added that the two women were "clearly involved in an organized scheme" that impacted stores "throughout the country." Women's scheme involved returning fraudulent AirPods: DA The women's scheme consisted of them buying Apple AirPods with cash, using tools to remove genuine products from their packaging, replacing them with cheaper items, resealing the boxes to appear unopened and returning the fraudulent items for full cash refunds, the DA's office said. In some cases, they used the refunded cash to buy more AirPods, thus continuing the cycle. They would also keep the authentic Apple products to resell for profit, according to prosecutors. 'These defendants operated in a coordinated effort with a specific plan in place. Although only two stores in Cherokee County were directly affected, Georgia's RICO Act enabled us to prosecute this broader criminal enterprise,' Assistant District Attorney Rachel Murphy, of the Gang and Organized Crime Unit, said in a statement. Walmart and Target joined together in effort to curb theft scheme Prosecutors in Cherokee County first considered bringing charges against the women in May 2024, when Walmart Global Investigations met with their Gang and Organized Crime Unit to discuss a "large theft ring involving both Walmart and Target," the DA's office said. The two retail giants worked together to investigate the thefts and opted to share information with each other before going to law enforcement agencies, according to prosecutors. The women were eventually arrested on Sept. 13, 2024, in Coweta County, southwest of Atlanta. While executing a search warrant, authorities found receipts for hotels near retail stores targeted in the scheme and tools used to open AirPods packaging in the women's rental car, according to the DA's office. Authorities found more incriminating evidence on five cellphones that were being used by the women, prosecutors said. In addition to the 10-year prison sentences, the women will also have to serve 10 years of probation and pay a total of $134,951.86 in restitution, which reflects the remaining balance after the value of recovered items was deducted from the total theft amount, the DA's office said. USA TODAY contacted Walmart and Target on May 9 but has not received a response. Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@
