Companies that Own and Operate Oil Tanker Plead Guilty to Environmental Crimes

Companies Agree to Pay $2M for Deliberate Dumping of Oil from Ship 

Two related companies that operated the motor tanker PS Dream – Prive Overseas Marine LLC and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret – pleaded guilty to conspiracy, knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) and obstruction of justice related to the falsification of the tanker’s Oil Record Book, which is a required log.

 

Exhibit 1 in U.S. v. Prive Overseas Marine, LLC and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret, A.S., case number 24-cr-00074. Credit: USCG.

The guilty pleas were entered in federal court in New Orleans before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. If the court approves the plea agreement, the companies will be fined a total of $2 million and serve four years of probation. Separate charges have been filed against Captain Abdurrahman Korkmaz, a Turkish national who was the ship’s master.

The criminal case stems from the report of a crew member who, on Jan. 11, 2023, contacted the Coast Guard in New Orleans, which was the next port-of-call, and shared a video showing oil being pumped overboard and trailing behind the tanker. When the ship arrived in New Orleans two weeks later, this individual and another crew member blew the whistle and provided evidence to the Coast Guard. Video and photographic images were filed in court today by the prosecutors.

“Deliberate pollution from ships, intentional falsification of records and obstruction of justice are serious environmental crimes that will be vigorously prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Maritime laws regulating pollution from ships are intended to ensure that ocean waters are not used as a dumping ground.”

“This case involved deceit and willful pollution, and this prosecution is intended to hold both the corporations and individuals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Criminal prosecutions are needed to deter deliberate efforts to circumvent our Nation’s anti-pollution laws. Importantly, $500,000 of the criminal penalty will go toward environmental protection of the marine environment in our area.”

“This outcome sends a powerful message: those who falsify logs and take deliberate actions to conceal pollution will face significant consequences,” said Captain Greg Callaghan, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector New Orleans. “The Coast Guard and our partners remain steadfast in our shared commitment to safeguarding our waters and holding accountable those who threaten our marine ecosystems. We encourage individuals to continue reporting any suspicious activities, as each report plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment."

“It is long past time for the maritime industry to meet its obligations under international law and stop illegal pollution from ships,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Illegal ocean dumping and falsifying records to conceal those violations will not be tolerated by EPA and our federal law enforcement partners.” 

The falsified logs, presented to the Coast Guard during its inspection, were intended to conceal the fact that the crew had dumped oil-contaminated waste overboard on the voyage to New Orleans and was not complying with MARPOL Annex I, an international treaty regulating oil pollution from ships. According to court documents, the ship’s master ordered crew members to pump overboard from the residual oil tank, which contained oily waste. A portable pump placed inside the tank and connected to a long flexible hose was used to discharge directly into the ocean without any required pollution prevention equipment or monitoring. The waste oil, including sludge, originated in the engine room and had been improperly transferred into the residual oil tank on the deck of the ship by a prior crew. Senior managers at Prive Shipping were aware that the oil-contaminated waste remained in the tank and were informed by the ship’s master that it had been dumped overboard.

The proposed $2 million criminal penalty includes $500,000 in organizational community service payments that will fund various maritime environmental projects in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Those projects will be managed by the congressionally established National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. The court also has authority to award up to $500,000, half of the APPS portion of the fine, to the whistleblowers that provided evidence leading to conviction.

Prive Overseas Marine is based in Dubai and Prive Shipping is based in Turkey. The corporations were charged with four felonies: conspiracy, an APPS violation and two counts of obstruction of justice. Captain Korkmaz was charged with two counts: a violation of APPS and obstructing the Coast Guard’s inspection of the ship.

The Coast Guard Investigative Service and the EPA Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case with assistance from USCG Sector New Orleans.

Former Professor Charged With Obstructing Justice By Falsifying Records

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the filing of a Criminal Information charging MATTHEW QUEEN with falsification of records in connection with falsified notes Queen produced to the FBI related to an ongoing federal investigation.  QUEEN was arraigned on the Information before U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Matthew Queen attempted to interfere with a federal grand jury investigation by creating false notes in an attempt to corroborate his own lies.  The criminal obstruction charge announced today should exemplify the seriousness of attempts by any individual to manipulate or interfere with a federal investigation.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Matthew Queen, an interim Provost, allegedly failed to inform the FBI of a conspiracy to destroy evidence related to the ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct and instead produced falsified notes to investigators.  Queen’s alleged actions deliberately violated a court order and delayed justice for the sexual abuse victims.  The FBI will never tolerate those who intentionally lie and mislead our investigation in an attempt to conceal their malicious behavior.”

According to the allegations in the Information filed today in Manhattan federal court and other public statements made in court:[1]

Since approximately 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (“U.S. Attorney’s Office”) and the FBI have been investigating allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct related to a national religious denomination (the “Denomination”) and its affiliated entities, and the alleged cover-up of such allegations by individuals and entities associated with the Denomination.  In October 2022, as part of that investigation, a grand jury subpoena was issued to a seminary that is affiliated with the Denomination (the “Seminary).  Among other things, the subpoena required the production of all documents in the Seminary’s possession related to allegations of sexual abuse against anyone employed by or associated with the Seminary.

The following month, in November 2022, a Seminary employee (“Employee-1”) received a report alleging that a current Seminary student had committed sexual abuse.  Employee-1 immediately notified the campus police at the Seminary.  No further action was taken by the Seminary at that time, however, and the allegation was not reported to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

In January 2023, Employee-1 created a document describing the sexual abuse allegation Employee-1 received in November 2022, and the failure of the Seminary to take action regarding the allegation at that time  (the “Document”).  On January 26, 2023, Employee-1 met with MATTHEW QUEEN, the then-Interim Provost and professor at the Seminary, and a member of the Seminary’s executive staff (“Employee-2”).  During that meeting, and in QUEEN’s presence, Employee-2 directed Employee-1, in sum and substance, to destroy the Document.

In May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI interviewed MATTHEW QUEEN in Fort Worth, Texas regarding the January 26, 2023 meeting with Employee-2 and Employee-1.  During that interview, QUEEN falsely stated that he had not heard Employee-2 direct Employee-1 to destroy the document.  Three days after the interview, QUEEN falsely stated to another Seminary employee (“Employee-3”) that he had just located a notebook in his office containing purportedly contemporaneous notes of the January 26, 2023 meeting.  The notes falsely stated that during the January 26, 2023 meeting, Employee-2 and Employee-1 merely discussed providing the Document to a different department at the Seminary, and omitted the fact that Employee-2 had directed Employee-1 to destroy the Document.  Queen provided the falsified notes to Employee-2 to produce in response to the grand jury subpoena.

In June 2023, MATTHEW QUEEN provided the U.S. Attorney’s Office with a copy of his notes.  On June 20, 2023, QUEEN met again with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in New York and produced the original notebook containing his notes.  During his second interview, QUEEN initially falsely stated that he had written the notes contemporaneously with the January 26, 2023 meeting, but then during the same meeting, QUEEN falsely stated that he instead had written the notes months later, in April 2023. In truth and in fact, QUEEN had written the notes following his initial May 2023 interview with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI.

On June 21, 2023, MATTHEW QUEEN testified under oath that he had in fact heard Employee-2 direct Employee-1 to make the Document “go away.”

QUEEN, 49, of Greensboro, North Carolina, is charged with one count of falsification of records, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the FBI.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.   

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Kelly is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION

 

Appointments to Include Former Elected Officials, Civic and Faith Leaders, Community Members

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of a Charter Revision Commission (CRC), under chair Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, that will be tasked with reviewing the city charter and determining how to make New York City’s municipal government more responsive and transparent to the city’s residents.

 

The CRC will review the entire city charter to ensure that the city’s municipal government works efficiently and remains responsive to all New Yorkers. More specifically, Mayor Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can contribute to public safety and provide opportunities for greater community input and transparency when legislation is proposed that would impact public safety. Additionally, Mayor Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can better promote fiscal responsibility and support working-class New Yorkers. The CRC will have the ability to evaluate processes for determining the financial impact of proposed legislation on current and future fiscal years, whether the financial impact is funded, and making that information more transparent to the public.

 

Mayor Adams will announce the additional members of the CRC in the coming days.

 

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Carlo and this group of esteemed city leaders who will volunteer their time and expertise to serve on this commission,” said Mayor Adams. “Together, this group will look for ways to ensure that this city is working as efficiently as possible for all of our residents and delivering a city government that reflects the needs and aspirations of the millions of working-class New Yorkers who call the five boroughs home. Through careful examination and thoughtful reform, we will strengthen this city’s commitment to protecting public safety, rebuilding our economy, and creating a more livable city for everyday New Yorkers.”

 

“I am honored and grateful to be named chair of the New York City Charter Revision Commission by Mayor Eric Adams,” said Carlo Scissura, chair, Charter Revision Commission. “As a lifelong New Yorker, it is truly remarkable to get to continue to serve the city I love. Having served on two previous charter commissions, I am excited to work with my fellow commissioners and to listen to the voices of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

 

The CRC will be chaired by Carlo Scissura, who has participated in two Charter Revision Commissions in the past. Scissura currently serves as president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, a position he has held since January 2017. Previously, Scissura was president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Brooklyn Chamber, Scissura served as both chief of staff and general counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for nearly five years.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary April 2024 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for April 2024. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in March to 4.2% in April 2024.

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)
April 2023 and April 2024
(Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, April 2023 versus April 2024. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000. Unemployment Rates By County, New York State, April 2024 Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds New Yorkers of Summer Safety Tips Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

 

Tips Include Heat Safety, Children’s Safety and Outdoor Work and Fun Safety 

 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

Acting Secretary Hughes: “From staying informed of potential heatwaves and severe weather, to checking playground equipment before using, these simple safety tips can help ensure you and your family have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend and entire summer season.”

 

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of basic safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Summer safety tips are guides for enjoying, working and living during the summer without compromising one’s safety. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

 

“While New Yorkers gather this Memorial Day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, this weekend also marks the unofficial start of the summer season when many begin spending more time outdoors to enjoy the sun and warmer weather,” Acting Secretary of State Brendan C. Hughes said. “From staying informed of potential heatwaves and severe weather, to checking playground equipment before using, these simple safety tips can help ensure you and your family have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend and entire summer season.”

 

HEAT SAFETY TIPS:

• Keep Children and Pets Safe and Never Leave Them Unsupervised in Hot Cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths in children under 15 years of age. Heat stroke can happen when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees F. Parents and caregivers, get in the habit of always checking the back seat of your car before locking the doors. Never leave a child or pet in an unattended vehicle in the warm weather, not even with the windows slightly open or down, due to the risk of heatstroke (hyperthermia). To learn how to prevent hot car deaths, review our consumer alert on the topic.
• Stay informed.Check weather forecasts and sign-up for NY-Alert, the State’s Free Emergency Alert System to stay aware of any heatwaves or severe weather. 
• Beat the heatby minimizing, if possible, strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun's peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Stay safeduring extreme heat by reviewing heat safety tips from the NYS Department of Health and finding a cooling center near you.

 

CHILDREN SAFETY TIPS:

• Ensure playground safety.Check playground equipment for damage. To check if your public playground is safe to play, review the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Public Playground Safety Checklist. 
• Supervise water activities.Always supervise children near water, including pools, beaches and lakes. Teach them to swim and provide flotation devices for young children. Read our water safety consumer alert for more water safety tips.
• Respect the rules at amusement parks and fair rides. Many injuries that occur at amusement park and fair rides are preventable by following simple safety guidelines. Obey listed age, height, weight and health restrictions, and follow all directions posted on signs, given by ride operators or announced through recorded messages. These rules were created for everyone’s safety. Read ourconsumer alertfor more safety tips at amusement parks and fairs.

OUTDOOR FUN SAFETY TIPS:

• Wear a helmet. Always wear a helmet when biking or skateboarding and follow traffic rules. For more biking tips, check out our recentconsumer alert.
• Grill safely.Cookout fun can quickly turn dangerous if you don’t follow safety procedures when grilling. Remember to only use grills outside in a well-ventilated area. Never use a grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, next to your home or under a surface that will burn. For more safe grilling tips, check out our recent consumer alert.

OUTDOOR WORK SAFETY TIPS:

If you’re working outdoors in the next several months, follow some basic safety tips to avoid injuries when doing a variety of work around the home.

• Pay attention and check for product recalls.A product recall is a request to return a product after a safety issue or defect has been found that could be dangerous. Always check for recalls before buying new or used power tools. You can stay updated on marketplace safety by visiting the USCPSC database and connect with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection on social media for product recall highlights. 
• Prevent lithium-ion battery fires.Keep power tools and equipment stored safely in a cool, dry space. Learn general buying, usage, charging and storage tips by reviewing the Lithium-Ion Battery Consumer Safety Guide.

 

Follow safety precautions when using the following tools and electricity:

 

Power Tools Safety Tips:

• Make sure you read the directions first and follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
• Protect yourself while you work: wear snug clothing and remove jewelry that could get caught in tools.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• When using power tools, never carry them by the cord and keep cords away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
• One power tool that is regularly involved in injuries is a table saw. No matter how expert you are, always use the blade guard for through cuts and use a push stick for small pieces.
• When using battery-powered tools, only use the battery and charger provided by the manufacturer.
• Always keep hands away from moving parts.
• Extreme caution is required when operating a chainsaw. Never cut over your head (kickback can land the chainsaw into your face or shoulder).
• Bear in mind that power tools and alcoholic beverages do not mix well; stay sober to stay safe.

Lawn Mowing Safety Tips:

• Do not allow children to ride on a mower as a passenger. To keep children safe, children should never be in the yard when mowing.
• Before you start mowing, pick up objects like stones, branches and toys, which potentially could become flying objects if you run over them.
• Dress appropriately for the job: sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes, eye protection, heavy gloves and hearing protection, when needed.
• Do not mow in reverse, unless absolutely necessary, and always look down and behind you before and while going in reverse.

Electrical Safety Tips:

• Electrical power used outdoors poses a shock or electrocution hazard. Make sure that extension cords are properly grounded, not damaged with exposed wires, rated for outdoor use and suitable for the intended current of the equipment you’re using.
• Avoid using corded power tools in damp or wet conditions. Ensure that receptacles used to supply outdoor power have properly tested ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection or use a portable GFCI.
• Make sure you check your deck for loose hardware (nails or screws), rotting boards and eroding foundations.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

 

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Disbarred Attorney Sentenced To Nine Years In Prison For COVID-19 Relief Loan Fraud Scheme

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that DOUGLAS RAYMOND ARNTSEN was sentenced to nine years in prison for his scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of more than $1.4 million in government-funded loans designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  ARTSEN previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, who imposed today’s sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Douglas Raymond Arntsen, a disbarred attorney and recidivist fraudster, took advantage of a national emergency to line his pockets, masterminding a scheme to defraud the government out of more than $1.4 million by submitting fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications.  Thanks to the hard work of this Office and our law enforcement partners, Arntsen is being held accountable for his fraud.” 

According to the Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court:

Between about June 2020 through about August 2020, DOUGLAS RAYMOND ARNTSEN orchestrated a scheme to defraud the SBA by submitting fraudulent loan applications through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) Program.  In doing so, ARNTSEN recruited multiple co-conspirators.  ARNTSEN promised potential co-conspirators a way out of their difficult financial circumstances.  Certain of those co-conspirators trusted ARNTSEN because they thought he was an attorney.  In reality, ARNTSEN had been disbarred. 

ARNTSEN asked his co-conspirators to give him their personal information, including social security and driver’s license numbers, and then used this information to submit fraudulent loan applications to the EIDL program.  The applications submitted by ARNTSEN falsely claimed that the co-conspirators owned businesses that had substantial revenue.  Often, the co-conspirators named as owners of the businesses, in fact, had no legitimate connection to the businesses at all.  After the loan applications were submitted, ARNTSEN directed his co-conspirators to lie to the SBA during the loan diligence process.

ARNTSEN also directed his co-conspirators to recruit additional participants to his fraudulent scheme.  After one co-conspirator had obtained a fraudulent loan, ARNTSEN directed him, in sum and substance, to “[g]et me one more warm body.”  The co-conspirator proceeded to give ARNTSEN the personal information of a relative, which was then used to obtain another fraudulent loan.

In total, ARNTSEN and his co-conspirators obtained at least approximately $1.4 million in fraudulent loans and attempted to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional loans that the SBA declined to fund.  After one fraudulent loan was approved by the SBA, ARNTSEN texted a co-conspirator, in sum and substance, “Need how you want your bank checks.  Your chariot has arrived this morning.” 

Prior to the instant offense, in 2012, ARNTSEN, then a barred attorney working for Crowell & Moring, was convicted and sentenced to four to 12 years in prison for engaging in a multi-year scheme to steal more than $10 million in clients’ money from escrow accounts.

In addition to his prison term, ARNTSEN, 45, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,430,200 and to forfeit the same amount.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and additionally thanked the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.