Join us for our first trip in discovering our very own Stanly County. We will spend the day panning for gold at Reed and Cotton Patch Gold Mines. We hope to strike it rich! Lunch will be on your own at the Fresh House in Locust. Transportation, panning at both locations and a guide at each gold mine available for questions and answers are included in your cost. We will be offering periodical day excursions in our Discover Stanly County trips as we travel to new and interesting locations and learn about our great county.
704/986-3769

2nd Annual Antique Sale and Appraisal Fair - Historic Downtown Albemarle

May 16- Start Time: 9:00 AM

Antique Sale

Friday & Saturday
9:00am - 6:00pm

Sunday
12:00pm - 6:00pm

Appraisal Fair

Saturday Only
$5.00 per appraisal; maximun of two appraisals per person.

All proceeds go to the Stanly County Museum Expansion Project

The event will be held at the Stanly County Museum For more information please contact 704.986.3777

Class Reunion AHS Class

The AHS Class of 1948 will hold its spring reunion May 17 at the home of Harry and Mary Cook, 10889 Willow Oak Road, Norwood (near Piney Point Golf Club). Lunch will start about 1:00 p.m. but come early to visit with classmates or ride one of the pontoon boats. Contact Bob Beal by mail P. O. Box 7, Athens, GA 30603 or call 706-543-0928
Directions contact Harry Cook 704-474- 4650 or Betty Hartley 704- 982-1744.

CPR & First Aid Course

The American Red Cross, Stanly County Chapter, a United Way Agency, will offer Adult CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillation), Monday, May 5, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.; First Aid, Monday, May 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Child CPR/AED plus

Infant CPR, Monday, May 19, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. All classes will be held at the chapter office located at 243 West Main Street, Albemarle. For more information or to enroll, call 704 982-0070 weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

First Annual Princess of Stanly County Pageant

This is the First Annual Princess of Stanly County Pageant. It is a Preliminary to NC Princess State Scholarship Pageant. It will be held May 31, 2008 at Stanfield School. Doors open at 1pm. Open to all any girl in North Carolina ages 0-26 years. Early Bird Deadline is May 10 (Save $20) and Deadline to enter is May 24th. Contact Sandy Hartsell at 704-791-1275 or princessofstanly@yahoo.com or http://www.ponc.homestead.com

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: May 10th, 2008 (SAVE $20) Deadline to Enter: May 24th, 2008 Any entries postmarked after May 24th, 2008 will be subject to a $25 late fee.

Age Divisions
(Age determined as of the day of the pageant)
Doll Miss 0-14 Months
Baby Miss 15 Mo-30 Months
Wee Miss 31 Months-3 Years
Tiny Miss 4-6 Years
YearsLittle Miss 7-9
Junior Miss 10-12 Years
Young Miss 13-15 Years
Teen Miss 16-18 Years
Miss 19-26 Years

Mandatory Competitions for Age Division Titles 0-6 years Beauty & Casual Wear
7-26 years Beauty, Casual Wear and Interview
Optional Competitions
Photogenic, Best Dress, Best Casual Wear, Swimsuit,
Sleepwear (ages 0-6), Talent (7-24 years), Most Beautiful
**To be eligible for the Overall Mini and Overall Grand Supreme titles, you must compete in all optionals for your age**

~~Royalty Division is for anyone who has already qualified in a Princess of NC Preliminary for the 2008 State Pageant and wants to do the pageant for practice and receive judges scores. The judges do not know who is in the Royalty Division and who is competing for a title. We give everyone competing in the Royalty Division a gift. If we have at least 15 girls competing for the Royalty Division (no matter what age groups), we will give 1 highest scoring contestant their full entry fees paid to the 2008 PONC State Pageant (a $570 value). If we have under 15 Royalty contestants, we will give a monetary award to each contestant towards their state entry fees. If we have 30 girls competing in the Royalty Division, we will give 2 fully paid entry fees to 2 overall high scoring contestants.

AWARDS and REQUIREMENTS

Optional Awards (Winners will receive a medallion and/or nice gift):
These awards are for each age division
Most Photogenic
Most Beautiful
Best Dress (dress only in beauty competition)
Best Casual Wear (outfit only in Casual Wear competition)
Best Swimwear (swimsuit only in swimwear competition)
Sleepwear (ages 0-6) (outfit only during sleepwear competition)
Talent (ages 7-26)
Interview (ages 7-26)

Age Division Beauty Winners (Doll, Baby, Wee, Tiny, Little, Junior, Young, Teen, and Miss) Full Round Crown, Monogrammed Satin Banner, Crown Pin, Trophy, Nice Gift and Beauty fees paid to the Princess of NC State Pageant in August 2008

Overall Mini Supreme and Grand Supreme Winners (Mini-ages 0-6; Grand-ages 7-26) Contestant with the highest combined scores ages 0-6 years and ages 7-26 (Not eligible for Age Division Title) will win a Large Full Round Crown, Monogrammed Satin Banner, Crown Pin, Trophy, Nice Gift and Beauty Fees paid to Princess of NC State Pageant in August 2008.

*** In addition: The Mini Supreme and Grand Supreme Queens can win $200.00 sponsor fees paid to the 2008 Princess of North Carolina State Pageant, if we have 30 PAID contestants which compete in the SUPREME/Mini Supreme Packages for the Princess of Cabarrus County titles.
**BONUS!!!
If there are 50 paid contestants for the Supreme/Mini Supreme Packages, WE WILL PAY Full Sponsor and entry Fees paid to the 2008 Princess of North Carolina State Pageant. This is a prize package worth $570.

Trophies/Gifts will also be awarded for the following OVERALL awards:
(1 winner in each Supreme division of the pageant: one winner in the age group of 0-6 years and one winner in the age group of 7-26 years)
*Overall Most Beautiful-Based on facial beauty score and judged during the beauty competition
*Overall Photogenic
*Overall Best Dress-Judged on Dress ONLY during Beauty competition
*Overall Best Casual Wear-Judged on Outfit only during Casual Wear Competition
*Overall Swimwear-Judged on Outfit only during Swimwear Competition
*Overall Sleepwear (Ages 0-6 only)-Judged on Outfit only during Sleepwear Competition
*Overall Talent (Ages 7-26 only)-Pulled from a combined score of your talent scores
*Overall Interview (Ages 7-26 only)-Pulled from a combined score of your interview scores

Competition Guidelines

Beauty: Doll, Baby, Wee, Tiny and Little Miss: Short pageant dress. Junior Miss: Short or Long Dress. Young, Teen Miss: Long pageant dress. Make-up is allowed but keep it toned down. Age Appropriate!
***Junior Miss will be allowed to wear short or long beauty dress, contestant's choice. Interview: ages 7-26 years, required. This is a closed interview and is timed at 3 minutes per contestant. Attire should be an age appropriate suit for all ages 10-26. Ages 7-9 can wear a Sunday Dress or Age Appropriate Suit. No glitz attire.

Casual Wear: Dress age appropriate, dressy, neat and stylish. This must be off the rack (it must have a label, not a seamstress label). PONC State Pageant is going to implement off the rack Casual Wear for the 2008 Pageant. No Pro-Am/Glitz outfits or custom made outfits.

Swimsuit: Optional: Ages 15 and under must wear one piece suits. One piece does NOT mean 2 pieces held together by a ring. Ages 16 & up may be one or two piece; however swimsuits must be no less than 2 inches below the belly button, and must be at least 1 & 1/2 inches on each side. Shoes are allowed but not required. (Contestants Choice) No strings ties allowed.

Sleepwear: Optional: Ages 6 & under. Carry on props allowed in this competition.

Talent: Ages 7-26; CD's and/or all tapes must be cued and ready. No other songs on the cd/tape other than the talent selection. Talent may not exceed beyond three minutes. Label CD or tape with contestants name as we will add their contestant # at registration. Must be age appropriate! Note - Always have a backup tape/CD with you in case of emergency. Mail self-addressed stamped envelope if you forget to pick up your music. No props allowed for talent!

Photogenic: Optional; Photo may be black & white or color. Pictures must be 8x10 professional photographs. Pictures must be placed inside a clear cover. Label photo cover with contestant name, we will add their number at registration. All photos should be headshots or head & shoulder shots. No Glamour Shots! Natural photo only. NO enhancements and NO retouched photos will be allowed. Pictures should look the age of the child! Photo(s) must be turned in at registration. Photos should be picked up following the pageant at the auditors table along with scores. If anyone forgets photo, please send a self-addressed postage paid envelope for us to return the photo to you. **We will be allowing additional photos to be entered at a cost of $10 per additional photo. Your photo receiving the highest score will be the one counted towards your Overall High Point total.

Babysitter's Training Course

The American Red Cross, Stanly County Chapter, will offer a Babysitter;s Training Course, Saturday, May 24, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the chapter office located at 243 West Main Street, Albemarle. This course is designed for youth ages 11-15. For more information or to enroll, call 704 982-0070 weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jean Hendley
Executive Director
Stanly County Chapter
American Red Cross
243 West Main Street
Albemarle, NC 28001
T 704 982-0070
F 704 985-1709

Annual Rabies Vaccination Clinic
Rabies in Stanly County

North Stanly Animal Clinic - Dr Link

New London School Yard&..May 17...12:15 - 1:00 p.m.
Old Richfield V.F.D. Town Hall ...17...1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
Ridenhour Comm. Building...May 17...2:10 p.m - 2:30 p.m.
Millingport School...May 17...2:35 - 3:30 p.m.

Locust Animal Clinic - Dr Mangum

Smith Grove Church&..May 17...8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Oakboro Elem. School...May 17...9:45 - 10:45a.m.
Big Lick Baptist Church...May 17...11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Corner Store, Hwy 200, Stanfield&..May...11:45 - 12:45p.m.
Stanfield School...May 17...1:00 -1:30 p.m.
Locust School...May17...1:45 -2:15 p.m.

Albemarle Animal Clinic - Dr. Griffin

East Albemarle School&..May 17...8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Frog Pond Crossroads...May 17...8:45 - 9:30 a.m.
Endy V.F.D...May 17...9:40 - 10:30 a.m.
Ridgecrest V.F.D..May 17...10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Bethany V.F.D...May 17...11:45 - 12:45 p.m.
Palestine 5 Point Int...May 17...12:55 - 1:30 p.m.
East Side V.F.D. No.1, Hwy 740 ...May 17...1:40 - 2:15 p.m.
North Albemarle Elem. School...May 17...2:30 -3:00 p.m.

GreenTop Ser.& Groc, Troy Rd...May 24...8:00 - 8:20 a.m.
Norwood School, Bus Parking...May 24...8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Cottonville Church...May 24...9:50 - 10:30 a.m.
Aquadale School&..May 24...10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Porter Methodist Church ...May 24...11:30 a.m.
Union Grove Church...May 24...12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
South Albemarle Baptist Church...May 24...12:50 - 1:15 p.m.
Wildlife art Taxidermy,32254 Valley Dr...May 24...1:30 - 1:45 p.m.

A vaccination fee of $ 7.00 will be charged and must be paid with cash only, at the time of the vaccination.

Pre -K Screenings Scheduled

Stanly County Schools will have screening April 8, and May 27 for the 2008-2009 school year. The child must be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31. The screenings will take place at 1503 W. Main St.
For more information call West Main Pre K at 704- 984-6549.

EMSC Recognizes Groups Contributions that Benefit Children

RALEIGH  A service organizations efforts aimed at equipping hundreds of North Carolina ambulances with color-coded pediatric bags drew praise and recognition Tuesday during a meeting of the North Carolina Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

The General Federation of Womens Clubs/North Carolina Juniors received a plaque during a meeting of the EMS Advisory Council at the Jane S. McKimmon Center in Raleigh. EMS-Children Program Manager Gloria Hale made the presentation.

The NC Juniors have done a tremendous job in fulfilling a great need in our communities, helping them to be better prepared for medical emergencies involving children, Hale said. We greatly appreciate their generous donations to EMS agencies throughout the state.

Two representatives of GFWC/NC Juniors received the plaque: Dottie Jennings of Elizabeth City, director of NC Juniors; and Stephanie Wallace of Fuquay-Varina, Juniors special projects chairman. Through the clubs ongoing efforts, begun in May 2006, more than 400 bags have been distributed at a cost of more than $55,000, about half the number needed to outfit all ambulances in the state.

The pediatric bags are used with color-coded measuring tapes that estimate the child's weight and size and that list the appropriate sized equipment and medication dosages. The bags help to organize corresponding pediatric equipment, supplies, and medication dosages by color. They help EMS responders to save critical time, reduce provider stress, and decrease the risk of potential dosing errors.

Contact: Jim Jones (919) 733-9190
Public Affairs Office

IRS Announces Economic Stimulus Payment Schedules,
Provides Online Payment Calculator
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it will begin sending more than 130 million economic stimulus payments starting May 2. The initial round of weekly payments will be completed by early July.

The IRS also announced the availability of a new online calculator on IRS.gov to help people determine the amount of their stimulus payments.

Stimulus payments will be made by direct deposit to people who choose to receive their 2007 income tax refunds through direct deposit. All others will receive their economic stimulus payments in the form of a paper check.

"To receive an economic stimulus payment, people just need to file their tax returns as they usually do," said IRS Acting Commissioner Linda E. Stiff. "The payments will be automatic for the vast majority of taxpayers. Some lower-income workers and recipients of certain Social Security and veterans benefits who don't normally need to file a tax return will need to do so in order to receive a stimulus payment. IRS.gov has all the information people need to help them obtain a stimulus payment."

Stimulus payments will be sent out in the order of the last two digits of the Social Security number used on the tax return.

Because the IRS will use the Social Security number to determine when checks are mailed, taxpayers may receive their checks at different times than their neighbors or other family members. On a jointly filed return, the first Social Security number listed will determine the mail-out time.

The IRS expects to make about 34 million payments within the first three weeks after the payment schedule begins May 2. With more than 130 million households expected to receive stimulus payments, more than 25 percent of the payments will be made in the first three weeks.

Taxpayers who choose direct deposit on their federal income tax returns can expect to receive their economic stimulus payments between May 2 and May 16 provided their returns were received and processed by April 15, 2008. For taxpayers who did not choose direct deposit on their tax return but whose returns were processed by April 15, the paper checks will be in the mail starting May 16, with the initial mailings completed by around July 11.

The IRS is also announcing today the availability of an on-line calculator on IRS.gov to help taxpayers determine if they are eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment and if they are, how much they can expect. Anyone who has prepared a 2007 income tax return can use the calculator. It will ask taxpayers a series of questions, so they should have their 2007 tax returns handy. After answering the questions, the calculator will provide the projected dollar value of the payment.

Below are the schedules for economic stimulus payments related to tax returns processed by April 15, 2008.

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns
Received and Processed by April 15

Direct Deposit Payments

If the last two digits of your Social Security number are:

Your economic stimulus payment deposit should be sent to your bank account by:

00 - 20..... May 2

21 - 75..... May 9

76 - 99..... May 16

Paper Check

If the last two digits of your Social Security number are:
Your check should be in the mail by:
00 - 09..... May 16

10 - 18.... May 23

19 - 25.... May 30

26 - 38.... June 6

39 - 51..... June 13

52 - 63..... June 20

64 - 75.... June 27

76 - 87..... July 4

88 - 99..... July 11

A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15.

All or part of an economic stimulus payment may be applied to back taxes or certain other debts of the taxpayer, such as delinquent child support and student loans. In such cases, the IRS will send a letter to the taxpayer explaining the offset.

To accommodate people whose tax returns are processed after April 15, the IRS will continue sending weekly payments. People who file tax returns after April 15 and receive a refund can expect to receive their economic stimulus payments in about two weeks after receiving their tax refunds, but not before the date they would have received their payment if the return had been processed by April 15. To ensure taxpayers receive their stimulus payment this year, they must file a tax return by Oct. 15.

Two bureaus of the Treasury Department are involved in making the payments. The IRS will calculate the amount of each economic stimulus payment based on the tax year 2007 income tax returns it receives. The IRS will then forward the information to the Financial Management Service (FMS), which is the bureau of the Treasury Department that makes federal payments such as Social Security benefits, federal income tax refunds and, now, economic stimulus payments.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that they can get their stimulus payments faster by using direct deposit when they file their tax return.

In addition, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically. For people who normally dont need to file a tax return, the IRS and Free File Alliance have a special program set up to allow for free electronic filing.

Older Americans Month 2008

Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities

The United States is nearing the start of a tremendous demographic shift. Beginning in 2011, the first of 78 million baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will start transitioning into retirement, kicking off an expansion in the number of elderly people that will continue for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every nine baby boomers will live to be at least age 90.

Our Nation will benefit in many ways from a larger population of older adults, a group that constitutes one of our greatest resources. Older adults support our society by providing millions of hours of volunteer, community, and civic service through formal organizations and a variety of informal arrangements. They enhance our communities and personal lives by sharing and transferring knowledge of cultures, values, and life experiences among generations. Thankfully, the contributions of older adults will continue to flourish in the coming years, since older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among the most active and engaged older adult populations in our Nations history.

An expanding older adult population also spotlights our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our older citizens. As a Nation, we are working diligently to address older adults unique health and long-term care challenges. The thousands of professionals, caregivers, and volunteers that make up the National Aging Services Network have been collaborating in innumerable ways for decades to fulfill the mission of the Older Americans Act. Led by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the Network is now engaged in modernizing systems of care to provide consumers with more control over their lives.

May is Older Americans Month, a great time to bring attention to the issues that affect older adults. This years theme is Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities, which speaks to the opportunities we have to create better care and reinforce healthier societies for all ages. Working together, our communities can improve older adults overall quality of life by helping them:

· Make behavioral changes in their lifestyles that can reduce risk of disease, disability, and injury.

· Obtain the tools they need to make informed decisions about, and gain better access to, existing health and long-term care options in their communities.

· Have more options to avoid placement in nursing homes and remain at home as long as possible

Americans of all ages and backgrounds can celebrate Older Americans Month. Contact Stanly County Senior Services at 704/986-3769 and volunteer for activities in your area, promote community, state and national efforts to serve older adults, and find ways to enrich the lives of the older adults who touch your life. By working together we can improve the health and well being of our Nations older adults and pave the way for future generations.

2008 BLOOD DRIVES

Friday, May 16, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
South Stanly High School
40488 South Stanly School Road,
Norwood

Tuesday, May 20, 3:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Central United Methodist Church
172 North 2nd Street,
Albemarle

Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Trey Ennis in Memory of Officer Jeff Shelton
Officer Jeff Shelton
Memorial Park,
Officer Jeff Shelton Drive,
Locust
For an appointment call 704 576-2245

Donors must be 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, provide photo ID and be in general good health.

Stanly County Schools Graduations

June 6 - TICKET REQUIRED

West Stanly - 10:00 a.m.

Albemarle - 2:00 p.m.

North Stanly - 5:00 p.m.

South Stanly - 8:00 p.m.

Each school will be distributing tickets to their seniors and marshals in late May/early June

First ever Got to Be NC Festival set for State Fairgrounds June 5-8

RALEIGH -- A four-day festival celebrating North Carolinas agricultural heritage and locally produced foods will take place June 5-8 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

The Got to Be NC Festival will feature a food trade show, antique tractors, draft horse and antique tractor pulls, the official state barbecue cooking championship, carnival rides, games, a petting zoo, pig races, a bluegrass band competition and country, bluegrass and beach music performances.

Festival hours will be 3 p.m.-midnight Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Tickets to events in the Sam Rand Grandstand will be $5.

"We're excited to show off agriculture in North Carolina with more than 70 N.C. food companies sampling and offering delicious foods for sale," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "In addition, this could be the largest gathering of antique farm equipment in North Carolina, based on the response we've gotten so far. Mix in the N.C. Barbecue Championship and great music, and it's going to be a real celebration of our agricultural heritage."

Teams from across North Carolina will compete in the 2008 N.C. State Barbecue Cooking Championship on Friday and Saturday. It is sponsored by the N.C. Pork Council.

The bluegrass band competition will be in Heritage Circle Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. There also will be daily music from Sweet Potato Pie, a North Carolina band that performs a musical blend of bluegrass, country, classical and blues.

Each night, the Sam Rand Grandstand will host entertainment. Greenville's Super Grit Cowboy Band kicks off the series Thursday. The Coastline Band of Charlotte brings beach music on Saturday, and Steep Canyon Rangers from Asheville plays bluegrass on Sunday. The winner of the bluegrass competition will open for the Sunday show. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. A draft horse and mule pull will take place in the Grandstand Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

The key festival sponsor is Kids' Green Earth. Additional sponsors include Food Lion, Touchstone Energy, Kerr Drug, Quality Equipment LLC, Golden LEAF Foundation, Clearwater and Davi's Guns.

For more information, log on to www.ncagfest.com.

"The Gospel Ship" Vacation Bible School

PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH

502 Prospect Church Road
Albemarle, NC 28001
Chruch - 704-982-5284
Parsonage - 704-986-2176

June 23 - June 27, 2008
(ages 3 - 5th grade) under age 3 MUST have parent present
6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Pre-register your child(ren) by picking up a registration form at the church office M- Th until 2:00 p.m. or register the first night of VBS. Pre-registration helps us plan.
Friday, June 27 will be Family Fun Night with blow up rides, games, etc. Hot dogs will be served.

West Stanly Reunion

West Stanly High School Class of 1978 will have it 30th year class reunion June 28th at Family Sport & Fitness Center, Stanfield.
Contact are Roger Love and Donna Mabry Furr.

"The Tale of the Three Trees" Music Camp

PROSPECT BAPTIST CHURCH

502 Prospect Church Road
Albemarle, NC 28001
Chruch - 704-982-5284
Parsonage - 704-986-2176

"The Tale of the Three Trees" Music Camp
July 21 - July 24, 2008 with Friday, July 25 being the grand finale of Music Camp when the children present "The Tale of the Three Trees." (for children who have completed kindergarten -fifth grade). 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Pre-register by picking up a registration form at the church office, M-Th until 2:00 p.m. or register the day of Music Camp.

N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO "FIGHT THE BITE!"

RALEIGH  State environmental and public health officials are reminding all North Carolinians that warmer weather and rain bring mosquitoes and ticks, which carry dangerous diseases. All North Carolinians are urged to take simple steps to prevent the threat of biting insects and reduce insect breeding conditions around the home.

"Spring rains and warmer weather provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and ticks," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Jeff Engel. Ticks and mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance - they can also make people seriously ill. Now is the time to fight the bite!"

Dr. Nolan Newton, chief of the Public Health Pest Management Section of the Division of Environmental Health, said that people can take steps to prevent illness.

"You can make your backyard a whole lot less tick- friendly," he said. "Keep grass short and remove plants that attract wild animals like deer and rodents, which carry ticks."

Newton said that removing any containers that hold water will take away mosquito breeding grounds.

"Now is the time to take a good look at your environment, before the mosquitoes really start biting," he said. "Things like bird baths, old tires, planters and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive."

He added that it is also important to remember to make sure you tightly screen all openings on rain barrels used for water conservation. A window screen makes an excellent screening mechanism on rain barrels to prevent breeding grounds for mosquitoes, while allowing you to continue your conservation efforts.

Engel and Newton said that insect repellant can also be useful, particularly against mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several repellants against mosquitoes - DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years old. Repellents containing permethrin provide excellent protection against ticks but may only be used on clothing. Consumers should look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients, and should read and follow all label instructions.

Exposure to both mosquitoes and ticks can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their families for ticks when in tick-prone areas.

Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks, getting as far forward near the head as possible and pulling steadily. Note the day you removed the tick on a calendar. If you become ill in the next three weeks, be sure to tell your physician the date you removed the tick.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common tick- borne illness in North Carolina. According to the N.C. Division of Public Health, 544 cases of RMSF were reported in North Carolina during 2007. The state also has other tick- borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, with 47 cases reported last year and ehrlichiosis with 54 cases. Tick-borne diseases occur statewide.

La Crosse virus is the most common mosquito- borne illness; it is found mostly in the western part of the state. Two other mosquito-borne diseases, Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus, are also found in North Carolina. While Eastern equine encephalitis is found largely in the eastern part of the state, West Nile virus is found statewide.

For additional information regarding mosquitoes and ticks, please visit the following Web sites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm, www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbov irus and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/tick.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

CONNECTICUT MAN SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN PRISON
FOR CRIMINAL COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Forty Defendants Convicted in Operation Copycat to Date

WASHINGTON  David M. Fish, 26, of Woodbury, Conn., was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, Calif., to 30 months in prison on charges of criminal copyright infringement and circumvention, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Joseph P. Russoniello announced today.

Fish was also sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ronald M. Whyte to a three year term of supervised release following his release from prison, a mandatory special assessment of $500, and the forfeiture of computer and other equipment used in committing the copyright offenses.

The case is part of Operation Copycat, an investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office targeting online warez groups, which illegally distribute newly-released movies, games, software and music online. Operation Copycat has resulted in 40 convictions thus far and is part of a larger federal crackdown against the illegal online distribution of copyrighted materials known as Operation Site Down.

On Feb. 27, 2006, Fish pleaded guilty to five counts in federal court in San Jose, including four counts in the Northern District of California case for conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement; distribution of technology primarily designed to circumvent encryption technology protecting a right of a copyright owner and aiding and abetting; circumventing a technological measure that protects a copyright work and aiding and abetting; copyright infringement by electronic means and aiding and abetting. On the same day, Fish also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal infringement of a copyright in the Southern District of Iowa. The two cases involved separate investigations and conduct in both jurisdictions. The charges were consolidated and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California.

In the Northern District of California case, according to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, from approximately August 2004 to July 2005, Fish served as the site operator as well as a scripter, equipment supplier, broker and encoder for warez sites. As a site operator, he built and managed the warez site and controlled the daily operations of the site and server. Fish also circumvented technology measures designed to protect or limit access to copyrighted materials. Without circumvention, many of the copyrighted works could not be reproduced and made available to others. Once the DVDs were circumvented, they were uploaded onto the warez site and downloaded and accessed by hundreds of other warez participants.

Scripters for warez sites create, program and help build the sites. Suppliers provide an unauthorized copyrighted movie, game or software while equipment suppliers provide hardware (such as hard drives, computer parts, and computer servers) to the warez site. Brokers find groups to participate on the warez site and encoders circumvent the technological measures and protections of copyrighted works on the DVDs designed to prevent unauthorized access and copying.

In the Southern District of Iowa case, Fish participated in a separate warez site from Jan. 21, 2003, through April 21, 2004. The warez server used in this case was determined to contain approximately 13,000 pirated software titles including movies, games, utility software and music. Transfer logs confirm that defendant Fish assisted in the uploading of 131 software titles and downloading 373 software titles to and from the warez FTP server between Aug. 16, 2003, and March 29, 2004. The Iowa case resulted from an earlier national initiative against online piracy known as Operation FastLink.

Operation Site Down and Operation FastLink are the largest and most successful global criminal enforcement actions ever taken against the organized piracy groups which are responsible for most of the initial illegal distribution of copyrighted movies, software, games and music on the Internet. Consisting of multiple FBI undercover investigations, these two operations have so far resulted in a total of 108 felony convictions; more than 200 search warrants executed in 15 countries; the confiscation of hundreds of computers and illegal online distribution hubs; and the removal of more than 100 million dollars worth of illegally-copied copyrighted software, games, movies and music from illicit distribution channels. Countries participating in these U.S.-led operations include: France, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Hungary, Israel, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Belgium and Germany.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Krotoski, currently at the Criminal Divisions Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case with the support of Paralegal Lauri Gomez. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hanley Chew and Shawna Yen have also assisted on the prosecution of other defendants convicted in Operation Copycat. CCIPS Assistant Deputy Chief Clem McGovern and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Richards prosecuted the Southern District of Iowa case with the assistance of the FBI.

U.S. Department of Justice

Ansonia Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Participating in Two Jewelry Store Armed Robberies

U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Connecticut
Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street
New Haven, Connecticut
06510
www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY CURRAL, 31, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in two jewelry store armed robberies. On February 5, 2008, CURRAL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, CURRAL, along with Charles Kertesz, participated in the armed robberies of Hannoush Jewelry in Natick, Massachusetts, on July 20, 2005, and Lux Bond and Green in South Windsor, Connecticut, on February 1, 2006. On each occasion, Charles Kertesz entered the store dressed in women's clothing and wearing a wig. He then brandished a firearm and forcibly stole diamond rings and other jewelry. CURRAL served as a getaway driver for both robberies.

On February 19, Kertesz pleaded guilty to federal charges related to these and two other jewelry store robberies. He awaits sentencing.

Today, Judge Burns ordered CURRAL, jointly and severally with Kertesz, to pay restitution in the amount of $345,777.88 to the victim jewelry stores and their insurance company.

CURRAL has been detained since his arrest on September 25, 2007.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Haven Violent Crimes Safe Streets Task Force, and the members of local law enforcement agencies including the Greenwich, South Windsor, Glastonbury, Bridgeport, Ansonia, Shelton and Natick (MA) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Kaplan and Assistant United States Attorney Paul Murphy.

CONTACT:
Tom Carson
Public Information Office
(203) 821-3722
(203) 996-1393 (cell)

Former Oakdale Resident Indicted for Tax Evasion, Mail Fraud, and Embezzlement of Employees' Pension Plan

FRESNO, Calif.United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that a grand jury returned a six-count superseding indictment against PATRICK NEAL YOUNG, 40, formerly of Oakdale, with four counts of tax evasion for the years 2001 through 2004 and for embezzlement of the employees pension plan accounts.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Stanley A. Boone, who is prosecuting the case, YOUNG was the former operating officer of Plyco Foundation Vents, Inc. of Waterford, California. Beginning in 2000 and continuing to August 2004, the defendant embezzled approximately $710,389 from Plyco for his own use. He used the embezzled Plyco funds to purchase a home in Oakdale, landscape his yard, buy automobiles, travel, including a trip to Europe, and for other personal expenses. In May 2003, the defendant requested that certain employee benefit accounts be closed because the employees were no longer working for the business. In truth, however, some of the employees were still working for Plyco. The monies were mailed to YOUNG who then did not remit the pension funds to the employees who were entitled to them.

The tax evasion and embezzlement of pension benefit counts carry a maximum of five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The mail fraud count carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.

The charges are only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

United States Department of Justice

Minneapolis couple indicted for document trafficking, conspiracy to commit a crime against the U.S.

A Minneapolis couple was indicted this week by a federal grand jury in connection with a scheme to steal others identities for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining money and prescription drugs.

Eric Christopher Thorsen, 25, and Amy Ruth Bergquist, 30, were both charged April 22 in Minneapolis with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime against the United States, one count of document trafficking and one count of aggravated identity theft. The targeted victims were people the two met on the Internet. Both Thorsen and Bergquist made their initial appearances in federal court today.

Their indictment alleges that from August 2007 through March 9, 2008, Bergquist and Thorsen did knowingly and willfully conspire with each other to commit several offenses against the U.S. Those offenses are: 1) knowingly possessing with intent to use unlawfully five or more identification documents which were not issued to the defendants for their use; 2) knowingly possessing and using, without lawful authority, the identification of another person with intent to commit an unlawful act; and 3) knowingly stealing and taking mail from a mailbox.

Thorsen and Bergquist allegedly placed advertisements on the Internet seeking to meet other adults to engage in sexual acts, and would meet those who responded to the ads in either a hotel room or a private residence. The indictment alleges that while Thorsen and Bergquist were inside one of these locations they would steal, among other items, an identification document of one of the other adults.

The indictment also alleges that Thorsen and Bergquist would use the stolen documents to fraudulently obtain money and other items, including prescription drugs, as well as steal mail from the victims home mailboxes in order to obtain personal checks and other identifier information.

More specifically, the indictment highlights several dates when Thorsen and Bergquist allegedly stole identification documents. On Aug. 13, 2007, they stole a victims drivers license and bank debit card, and allegedly used the card to make purchases at a Bloomington grocery store.

On Sept. 12, 2007, they allegedly used a counterfeit check to paid for two forged prescriptions for Adderall and Dexedrine in the name of another victim. Also on Sept. 12, they allegedly purchased merchandise at a Roseville store using fraudulent checks in the name of two victims. On Sept. 16, they allegedly purchased medical items from a St. Paul store using a counterfeit check in the name of two victims.

On Sept. 18, they allegedly cashed a counterfeit check in the name of another victim at a Richfield grocery store, and cashed another counterfeit check in that victims name at a Roseville store on Sept. 24. On March 9, 2008, they allegedly cashed a stolen check at a Minnesota casino and obtained cash from the same casino using a victims stolen bank credit card.

The indictment alleges that on Sept. 29, 2007, the defendants knowingly possessed five or more identification documents, including the drivers licenses of three Minnesota victims and one Massachusetts victim, as well as the birth certificate of a fifth victim.

If convicted, Thorsen and Bergquist each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy count, five years on the document trafficking count and two years on the identity theft count. All sentences are determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force, the Roseville Police Department, with assistance from other local law enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erica H. MacDonald and Kimberly A. Svendsen.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by the defendant. The defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

Frank J. Magill,
Acting United States Attorney< BR> David Anderson,
Public Affairs Specialist
(612) 664-5684; cell: (612) 730-2251

Department of Justice Press Release

McGregor W. Scott,
United States Attorney
Eastern District of California
Contact: (916) 554-2700

Forex Trading Guru Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Scamming Over $11 Million from Investors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that JOEL NATHAN WARD, 49, of Turlock, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr. to nine years in prison for masterminding a Ponzi scheme in which nearly 100 investors lost over $11 million. WARD was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,275,501.53 and to serve three years of supervised release after the completion of his prison sentence. He was remanded into custody immediately following the sentencing hearing.

This case is the product of an extensive joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation Division.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency that regulates commodity futures and options markets in the United States, has noted the sharp rise and increasing complexity of foreign currency exchange (forex) trading scams. WARD, a frequent commentator and seminar speaker on forex trading, ran an elaborate forex trading scam through an investment fund he controlled called the Joel Nathan ForexFund.

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin B. Wagner and Ellen V. Endrizzi, who prosecuted the case, sentencing documents filed in the case show that WARD offered investors the opportunity to invest in the foreign exchange interbank spot market through his fund. Between early 2003 and November 2006, WARD took in over $15 million from investors. Of that, about 85% was diverted to other purposes, including promoting WARDs business interests, salary, travel and other expenses, and purchasing a foreign exchange trading school in Sacramento called Learn:Forex. WARD also used about $3.7 million to make Ponzi payments back to investors who sought to withdraw funds. According to trading records, he only actually traded about $2 million, and lost virtually all of it in the foreign exchange market. WARD concealed his diversion of funds by sending false account statements to investors purporting to show trading profits. He also defrauded investors in a second scheme relating to a purported real estate investment project in Mississippi. Nearly 100 investors lost a total of over $11.3 million.

Joel Nathan Ward earned every minute of the nine- year sentence the court imposed. He brazenly defrauded scores of victims out of over $11 million, stated US Attorney Scott.

Several victims spoke during the sentencing hearing, telling the judge about the financial devastation caused by WARDs conduct, and their hopes for restitution. In sentencing WARD today, Judge Burrell stated that WARD defrauded many people. He caused losses over $11 million, and many investors suffered devastating losses.

The defendant had proposed that he be allowed to remain out of prison while he attempted to generate funds to repay investors. In rejecting that plan, Judge Burrell stated that the magnitude of his crimes, the manner in which the economic crimes were committed and concealed, and the duration of the criminal activities required a lengthy prison sentence

Horton named acting director of Division of Health Service Regulation

RALEIGH  DHHS Secretary Dempsey Benton announced Wednesday that Jeff Horton will assume duties on May 1 as acting director of the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation.

In his service as chief operating officer for the division Jeff Horton has shown that he has the leadership and skills needed to oversee operations of this diverse division and its many components, Benton said. He has a keen perspective for the role of the division within DHHS, as well as the role of each section within the division.

Benton made the appointment to follow the retirement of Bob Fitzgerald who served as division director since 2001. Fitzgeralds retirement is effective May 1.

Horton has worked within the division since 1993 as a long-term care surveyor, a hospital surveyor and he managed regulatory programs involving nursing facilities, hospitals, home care, home health, hospice, dialysis and mental health facilities. In 2006, he was named chief operating officer of the division.

I am humbled by the appointment, and look forward to continuing our efforts to see that the people of North Carolina receive appropriate care in safe facilities, Horton said.
Contact: Jim Jones (919) 733-9190

BEAUMONT MAN GETS FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCE FOR HURRICANE FRAUD

BEAUMONT TX  United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that a 44-year-old Beaumont man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison for hurricane- related fraud in the Eastern District of Texas.

DEMITRI LEE DAVIS was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2007 and charged with making a false statement to FEMA in connection with an application he filed for federal disaster relief. He pleaded guilty to those charges today and was sentenced to 7 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Thad Heartfield.

According to information presented in court, beginning in October 2005, Davis filed a claim with FEMA in which he requested Disaster Housing and Individual Assistance for losses he reportedly suffered from Hurricane Rita, although he did not suffer those losses. Davis received $2,000.00 in assistance as a result of his fictitious claims.

In September 2005, the U.S. Department of Justice created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force  chaired by Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division  includes members of the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others.

This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall L. Fluke.

CONTACT: DAVILYN WALSTON
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
PHONE: (409) 839-2538
CELL: (409) 553-9881

Flowers and Ornamentals Brighten Landscape

RALEIGH  With longer, warmer days and ample rainfall, many homeowners are anxious to get outside to repair some of the damage done to their landscapes by last years drought. With a little planning, landscapes can be revived and filled with plants that are beautiful, drought tolerant and locally grown.

More than 1,000 varieties of flowers and ornamentals are raised in the state, said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. North Carolina ranks sixth nationally in floriculture production and were in the top 10 for production of many high- demand plants.

Gov. Mike Easley recently recognized May as Floriculture Month, based on the industrys economic impact of more than $202 million.

There are many resources available to provide homeowners information about how to select appropriate plants, such as the Water- Wise Works! tips available at TarHeelGardening.com. Retail nurseries and garden centers are also stocking more drought tolerant plants and are prepared to help homeowners select plants to suit their needs.

Gardeners can find North Carolina-grown plants at retail nurseries and garden centers and at the state-run farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax, Lumberton and Raleigh. Many smaller farmers markets also have plant vendors on-site during the spring season.

Additional information on the North Carolina floriculture industry is available at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Web site, www.ncagr.com, or the N.C. Commercial Flower Growers Association Web site, www.nccfga.org

NCDA&CS Public Affairs
Division, Brian Long, Director
Mailing Address:
1001 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh NC 27699- 1001
Physical Address:
2 West Edenton Street,
Raleigh NC 27601
Phone: (919) 733-4216;
FAX: (919) 733-5047

CONTACT:
John Aydlett, marketing specialist
NCDA&CS Marketing Division (252) 331-4773

United States Attorney
EAST HAVEN HOUSING AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HUSBAND, CHARGED WITH STEALING HUD PROGRAM FUNDS

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kenneth M. Donohue, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, today announced that CASSANDRA ASHE, 36, and her husband JONATHAN ASHE, 43, of North Haven, have been arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint charging them with conspiracy and theft from a program receiving federal funds. CASSANDRA ASHE is the Executive Director of the East Haven Housing Authority.

The affidavit in support of the criminal complaint alleges that CASSANDRA ASHE and JONATHAN ASHE have engaged in an ongoing scheme to steal money from a bank account used by the East Haven Housing Authority to administer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in East Haven. Under the program, qualifying low-income individuals receive assistance in obtaining rental housing on the private market from HUD. It is alleged that from approximately May 1, 2007 through March 2008, CASSANDRA ASHE and JONATHAN ASHE conspired to and did steal approximately $173,000 from the East Haven Housing Authority bank account through approximately 253 separate ATM withdrawals.

CASSANDRA ASHE and JONATHAN ASHE were arrested this morning. They appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford and were released on bonds in the amount of $200,000.

If convicted, CASSANDRA ASHE and JONATHAN ASHE each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of theft from a program receiving federal funds, and a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the conspiracy charge.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Wines.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FORMER UCLA HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE INDICTED FOR SELLING INFORMATION FROM CELEBRITIES MEDICAL FILES TO MEDIA

A Los Angeles woman has been indicted for accessing the private medical records of celebrity patients at the UCLA Medical Center and selling information obtained from those files to a national media outlet.

Lawanda Jackson, 49, w as indicted under seal on April 9. That indictment, which alleges one count of illegally obtaining individually identifiable health information for commercial advantage, was unsealed this morning.

Jackson, an administrative specialist at the UCLA Medical Center from 2006 until she w as terminated on May 21, 2007, allegedly received at least $4,600 from the media outlet in exchange for providing the private medical information. The media outlet paid Jackson by w riting checks to her husband, the indictment alleges.

Jackson, who faces a potential sentence of 10 years in prison if she is convicted of the charge, is expected to be arraigned on the felony count on June 9 in United States District Court in Los Angeles.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case w as investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Thomas P. OBrien
United States Attorney
Central District of California
Thom Mrozek,
Public Affairs Officer
(213) 894-6947
thom.mrozek@usdoj.gov www.usdoj.gov/usao/cac

The United States Department of Justice

DRUG TRAFFICKER USES HOT IRON TO SEND MESSAGE, INDICTMENT SAYS

KANSAS CITY, KAN.  A Kansas man was assaulted with a hot iron over a drug deal, according to a federal indictment filed Thursday charging five individuals with trafficking in crack cocaine.
Cecil A. Brooks, 45; L emark D. Robertson, 46; Ronda R. Barnett, 40; Gaylon W. Steele, 50; and Luis M. Rivera-Cotto are charged in a 12-count superseding indictment. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from April 3 to July 14, 2006, in Topeka, Kan., and Kansas City, Kan.

The indictment charges that the defendants conspired to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Topeka High School, 800 W. 10th Street in Topeka, Kan.

According to the indictment, on Nov. 23, 2007, in furtherance of the conspiracy, Brooks attacked and injured another man, Adam G. Newton, during an encounter in the Winstone Apartment Complex, 800 SW Polk in Topeka. Brooks accused Newton of being responsible for stealing or losing $1,000 work of crack cocaine that belonged to Brooks. Brooks struck Newton on the side of the head with a bottle, knocking Newton to the ground. Then Brooks picked up a hot iron and burned Newton on the back with the iron several times. The attack was for the purpose of sending a message to Newton and other people that Brooks and his co- conspirators would not tolerate anyone stealing crack cocaine from them.

The defendants face the following charges:

Cecil A. Brooks: One count of conspiracy, and one count of maintaining a residence (1942 N. 24th, Kansas City, Kan.) in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Lemark D. Roberson: One count of conspiracy, one count of maintaining a residence (800 SW Polk, Apt. 38) in furtherance of drug trafficking; one count of maintaining a residence (800 SW Polk, Apt. 35) in furtherance of drug trafficking; and one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Ronda R. Barnett: One count of conspiracy, and one count of distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Topeka High School.
Gaylon W. Steele: One count of conspiracy and three counts of distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Topeka High School. Luis M. Rivera-Cotto: One count of conspiracy, two counts of distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Topeka High School, one count of maintaining a residence (800 SW Polk, Apt. 16) in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
 Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years and not more than life in federal prison and a fine up to $8 million.
 Maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than one year and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.
 Distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school: Not less than 1 year and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.
 Possession with intent to distribute more than 5 grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school: Not less than 5 years and not more than 80 years and a fine up to $4 million.
 Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or less of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school. Not less than 1 year and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.

The Topeka Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

A grand jury meeting Thursday in Kansas City also returned the following indictments:

Raymond F. Gentry is charged with intellectual property crimes. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from April 3, 2006, to July 14, 2006, in Shawnee County, Kan.

Gentry is charged with one count of unlawfully making copies of copyrighted motion pictures on DVDs, and one count of circumventing technological measures meant to protect the copyrighted DVDs. A separate count seeks the forfeiture of a DVD duplicator, a computer and DVDs seized during the execution of a search warrant at his home in Topeka.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not more than 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawfully making copies; and a maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $500,000 on the charge of circumventing technology to protect copyrighted material.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation worked on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Hare is prosecuting.

Dion Coates, 28, is charged with escaping from custody at the Federal Prison Camp in Leavenworth, Kan., after having been convicted of drug trafficking in Missouri. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 14, 2008.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service is investigating the case and attempting to apprehend Coates. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.

Erick Jeovany Lopez-Flores, 26, a citizen of El Salvador, and Felix Antonio Guardado-Delgado, 21, a citizen of El Salvador, are charged with one count of conspiracy to pass counterfeit bank drafts, two counts of passing counterfeit bank drafts, and one count of possessing false documents in order to stay in the United States. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 12, 2008, in Shawnee County, Kan.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the conspiracy charge, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.

James M. Zimmerman, 47, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of maintaining a residence at 138 O Lane, Clearview City, Kan., in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August 2006 in Johnson County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the possession charge, and a penalty of not less than year and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the charge of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Johnson County Sheriffs Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.

Christopher Jackson, 32, is charged with unlawful possession of a home made knife while he was an inmate at the U.S. penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 5, 2007.

If convicted, he faces a maximum of 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Federal Bureau of Investigation worked on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.

Juan Cenciceros-Jurado, 38, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re- entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found April 8, 2008, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.

Salvador Beltran-Lara, 28, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm that had been altered to remove the serial number. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 23, 2008, in Kansas City, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession by an illegal alien, and a maximum of 5 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm that had been altered to remove the serial number. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.

As in any criminal case, a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

Contact: Jim Cross
PHONE: 316-269-6481
FAX: 316-269-6420