Wednesday, January 30, 2013

King Charged For White's Homicide In Racine

Lucinda White and Ryan G. King

Suspect waived extradition from Tennessee to face a homicide charge in Wisconsin.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 30, 2013

Racine, WI - On Wednesday, Ryan G. King, 45, faced charges for  first-degree intentional homicide and a felon possession of a weapon for the January 6, murder of Lucinda White, 44, in Racine. King appeared in court on Wednesday for his initial hearing after being extradited from Tennessee to face charges for murder in Racine.
A judge found probable cause to proceed with two felony charges in the case and set a $500,000 cash bond for King. A preliminary hearing for King was scheduled for February 7.
More than three weeks ago, White was shot several times by King and left on the street to die. She was shot in the arm and head, but died three days later from her wounds.
King, a former boyfriend was taken into custody by police in Millersville, Tennessee after a traffic stop violation, when they discovered he was wanted in Wisconsin in connection with White's murder.
Police say, King had an injured hand and blood on his clothing. A handgun was recovered from the BMW SUV King was driving, according to police in Millersville.

49 Plaintiffs Filed Lawsuit Claiming MC Multiservicios Tax Service Kept Some Of Their Tax Refunds

The Contreras through a tax preparing service allegedly kept more than $11,000 of federal tax refunds from clients, according to a lawsuit filed on behave of 49 Plaintiffs. 

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 30, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, a major civil lawsuit was filed by the law firm of Stupar & Schuster, S.C. on behave of 49 plaintiffs claiming that MC Multiservicios, Inc.,  1010 S. César E. Chávez Dr. a southside tax preparing service owned by Jenny and Juan Contreras kept some of their federal tax refunds. The plaintiffs claim in their complaint, that they were short changed between $100 to $680 totalling $11,973 in 2010 of their 2009 tax refunds by the Contreras.
The lawsuit claims, that Jenny and Juan Contreras engaged in theft and "intentionally retained a portion of said tax refunds without the Plaintiff's consent." The Contreras filed the Plaintiffs federal tax returns electronically and the IRS refunded an amount that was then deposited in the MC Multiservicios bank account. Then MC Multiservicios made checks in different amounts from their own bank account and gave them to their clients who are now Plaintiffs in the complaint. 
The Plaintiffs paid for the tax preparation service and were unaware that the Contreras were keeping a hefty portion of their federal tax refunds without their consent, according to the lawsuit.
In September, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) first reported the MC Multiservicios tax withholding theft claims that were made by the Plaintiffs. The Contreras at that time would not comment about the allegations made by their clients who claimed that a portion of their tax refunds were kept after using the tax service.
In fact, the Contreras took out several full page ads in El Conquistador (issue November 2-8, 2012) and El Mañanero newspaper (issue November 7-20, 2012) accusing HNNUSA, victims, and a local newspaper (El Corre Caminos) of making false claims and were intentionally engaging in defamation against MC Multiservicios. The Contreras failed to mention in the ads why their former clients were accusing them of alleged theft.
Multiple former MC Multiservicios clients filed a complaint in September with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division.
MC Multiservicios is being represented by Attorney Victor Arellano.

49 Plaintiffs vs. Jenny Contreras, Juan Contreras,  MC Multiservicios Inc. (PDF) lawsuit at link: http://bit.ly/XWYv0G


Graph showing federal tax refund amounts withheld by MC Multiservicios, Inc., from former clients (49 Plaintiffs).

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Kombo Kolombia Band Members Were Kidnapped, Tortured And Then Executed

Four members of the Kombo Kolombia identified from 17 bodies found in abandon water well.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 29, 2013

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - Jorge Domene Zambrano, spokesman for the Nuevo León State Security agency confirmed during a press conference that 18 members, including crew from the Kombo Kolombia, a Vallenato style band had been kidnapped on early Friday, then tortured and 17 of them had been executed. Four of the band members were identified so far, they are José Antonio Villarreal,  39, Heimer Iván Cuéllar Pérez of Colombia, José Baudelio Santos López, 38, and Victor Angel Santamaria Cruz, 43. Villarreal was a vocalist in the band and Pérez was a Colombian citizen living in Hildago. The Colombian Consulate has been notified of Pérez' murder, according to Zambrano.
The bodies of the 17 members of the Kombo Kolombia band were found inside a water well in the (municipality) town of Mina. The well is located at the abandon Las Estacas ranch. Authorities with the help of a helicopter and one of the victims who had escaped were able to find the crime scene. 
Authorities say, it was with the aid of one of the members of the band that had escaped before being killed. He escaped and then got a ride from a passerby who dropped him off at a gas station. The surviving member called family members to let them know what had happened. The authorities were called afterwards.
The man told authorities that they were kidnapped by a group of 10 men, then were tortured to try and get information whether they sold drugs or were members of a rival criminal organization. They transported the kidnap victims in various vehicles.
When they arrived in Mina, the suspects took three members at a time and made them get on their knees and then shot them in the head. Their bodies were dumped in a well.
The bodies were wearing the Kombo Kolombia style logo and clothing.
On Thursday, the band members performed at La Carreta bar for a private party in the municipality of Hidalgo where most reside. At about 3:00 a.m. on Friday, a group of 10 armed men invaded the bar and kidnapped the band members.
They were reported missing after the performance when relatives couldn't reach them or get an answer on their cell phones.
Authorities found most of their vehicles at the bar. A truck from Nuevo Laredo was confiscated at the crime scene in Mina by authorities believed to have been used to transport the victims to the abandon water well.
Family of the band members were able to identify some of the victims. Forensic examination of the bodies continues to determine the identity of the rest of the victims. 
This is the second largest crime scene found in the state of Nuevo León, since 20 bodies of bus travelers were discovered in a mass grave several years ago.

Update: Nuevo León authorities released the names of the Kombo Kolombia Vallenato style band whose bodies have been identified. Their bodies were recovered from an abandon well in the town of Mina.

• José Antonio Villarreal Villarreal, 39;
•  Heiner Iván Cuéllar Pérez, 24;
• Víctor Ángel Santamaría Cruz, 43;
• José Baudelio Santos López, 38;
• Javier Flores Valerio, 29;
• Edgar Dimas Montes, 31;
• Francisco Javier Alfaro Hernández;
• Saúl Reynoso Sáenz, 30;
• Reyes Alejandro Mendoza Rodríguez, 25;
• Mario Alberto Beltrán Ortega, 24;
• Juan Ignacio Herrera Ortiz, 42;
• Juan Tomás Carrizales Rodríguez;
• Ricardo Alfonso Verduzco Sáenz, 27;
• Carlos Alberto Sánchez Aguirre, 37;
• José Rodríguez Rostro;
• Federico Iván Méndez; and
• José Francisco Jiménez Díaz.

Obama's Plan For Immigration Reform Similar To U.S. Senate Bipartisan Plan

Obama's immigration reform plan calls for strengthening border security, pathway to citizenship, stiff penalties and enforcement of laws prohibiting employers from hiring illegal workers and to streamline the legal immigration system.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 29, 2013

Las Vegas, Neveda - On Tuesday, President Barack H. Obama introduced his four part plan for immigration reform. Obama spoke in front of mayors, religious leaders, union workers, immigrant rights groups, Latino community organizers and leaders from around the country. 
The president's immigration plan is similar to the bipartisan plan that was unveiled yesterday by U.S. Senators. Obama's plan also  includes; First, continue to strengthen our borders. Second, crack down on companies that hire undocumented workers. Third, hold undocumented immigrants accountable before they can earn their citizenship; this means requiring undocumented workers to pay their taxes and a penalty, move to the back of the line, learn English, and pass background checks. Fourth, streamline the legal immigration system for families, workers, and employers.
Obama addressed a crowd at the Del Sol High School and told them, "I'm here because most Americans agree that it's time to fix a system that's been broken for way too long.  I'm here because business leaders, faith leaders, labor leaders, law enforcement, and leaders from both parties are coming together to say now is the time to find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as the land of opportunity.  Now is the time to do this so we can strengthen our economy and strengthen our country's future...
"Right now, we have 11 million undocumented immigrants in America; 11 million men and women from all over the world who live their lives in the shadows.  Yes, they broke the rules.  They crossed the border illegally.  Maybe they overstayed their visas.  Those are facts.  Nobody disputes them.  But these 11 million men and women are now here.  Many of them have been here for years.  And the overwhelming majority of these individuals aren't looking for any trouble.  They're contributing members of the community.  They're looking out for their families.  They're looking out for their neighbors.  They're woven into the fabric of our lives...
"Now, of course, there will be rigorous debate about many of the details, and every stakeholder should engage in real give and take in the process.  But it's important for us to recognize that the foundation for bipartisan action is already in place.  And if Congress is unable to move forward in a timely fashion, I will send up a bill based on my proposal and insist that they vote on it right away...
"First, I believe we need to stay focused on enforcement.  That means continuing to strengthen security at our borders.  It means cracking down more forcefully on businesses that knowingly hire undocumented workers.  To be fair, most businesses want to do the right thing, but a lot of them have a hard time figuring out who's here legally, who's not.  So we need to implement a national system that allows businesses to quickly and accurately verify someone's employment status.  And if they still knowingly hire undocumented workers, then we need to ramp up the penalties.
"Second, we have to deal with the 11 million individuals who are here illegally.  We all agree that these men and women should have to earn their way to citizenship.  But for comprehensive immigration reform to work, it must be clear from the outset that there is a pathway to citizenship.
We've got to lay out a path -- a process that includes passing a background check, paying taxes, paying a penalty, learning English, and then going to the back of the line, behind all the folks who are trying to come here legally.  That's only fair, right?
So that means it won't be a quick process but it will be a fair process.  And it will lift these individuals out of the shadows and give them a chance to earn their way to a green card and eventually to citizenship.
"And the third principle is we've got to bring our legal immigration system into the 21st century because it no longer reflects the realities of our time.  For example, if you are a citizen, you shouldn't have to wait years before your family is able to join you in America.  You shouldn't have to wait years.
If you're a foreign student who wants to pursue a career in science or technology, or a foreign entrepreneur who wants to start a business with the backing of American investors, we should help you do that here.  Because if you succeed, you'll create American businesses and American jobs.  You'll help us grow our economy.  You'll help us strengthen our middle class. 
"So that's what comprehensive immigration reform looks like:  smarter enforcement; a pathway to earned citizenship; improvements in the legal immigration system so that we continue to be a magnet for the best and the brightest all around the world.  It's pretty straightforward," Obama said.


Bipartisan Immigration Plan Unveiled By U.S. Senators

Plan calls for improved border security, green cards for those with degrees, would allow workers with visas into the country, create employment verification and enforcement, including stiff penalties for those who hire illegal workers and create a path to citizenship.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 29, 2013

Washington, D.C. - On Monday, a bispartisan Immigration reform plan was unveiled by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ). The immgration plan would improve border security, green cards for those with degrees, would allow workers with visas into the country, create employment verification and enforcement, including stiff penalties for those who hire illegal workers and create a path to citizenship. Senator Schumer said, he is confident that a just immigration bill will pass this year. Senator Rubio estimated that 40 percent of the undocumented immigrants in the U.S. had illegally overstayed their visas and improving border security would be a priority before passing a bipartisan immigration bill, since the 1986 amnesty law failed to secure and close the border. A bipartisan bill has not been drawn yet in the Senate or U.S. House of Representatives to debate the immigration reform issue.
In 1986, former President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Immigration Reform and Control Act that allowed a path for 3 million non-citizens to become U.S. Citizens. Reagans's amnesty also focused on border security and enforcement, but it failed to do both and allowed the undocumented population in the U.S. to increase to 12 million. 
In the last two years, the undocumented population in the country has decreased due to unemployment, the economy, and deportations that forced many to return voluntarily to their native countries. Last year, less Mexican nationals deemed illegal immigrants were crossing into the U.S. from Mexico, the government (ICE) reported. 
The latest path to citizenship plan would require registration with the federal government,  pay fines and back taxes, criminal background checks and a mandatory requirement to learn English.
President Barack H. Obama traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday where he is expected to release his plan for immigration reform.

The U.S. Senators bipartisan plan.

Introduction:

We recognize that our immigration system is broken. And while border security has improved significantly over the last two Administrations, we still don't have a functioning immigration system. This has created a situation where up to 11 million undocumented immigrants are living in the shadows. Our legislation acknowledges these realities by finally committing the resources needed to secure the border, modernize and streamline our current legal immigration system, while creating a tough but fair legalization program for individuals who are currently here. We will ensure that this is a successful permanent reform to our immigration system that will not need to be revisited.

Four legislative pillars:

1. Create a tough but fair path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants currently living in the United States that is contingent upon securing our borders and tracking whether legal immigrants have left the country when required;

2. Reform our legal immigration system to better recognize the importance of characteristics that will help build the American economy and strengthen American families;

3. Create an effective employment verification system that will prevent identity theft and end the hiring of future unauthorized workers; and,

4. Establish an improved process for admitting future workers to serve our nation's workforce needs, while simultaneously protecting all workers.

1. Creating a Path to Citizenship for Unauthorized Immigrants Already Here that is Contingent Upon Securing the Border and Combating Visa Overstays

- Our legislation will provide a tough, fair, and practical roadmap to address the status of unauthorized immigrants in the United States that is contingent upon our success in securing our borders and addressing visa overstays.

- To fulfill the basic governmental function of securing our borders, we will continue the increased efforts of the Border Patrol by providing them with the latest technology, infrastructure, and personnel needed to prevent, detect, and apprehend every unauthorized entrant.

- Additionally, our legislation will increase the number of unmanned aerial vehicles and surveillance equipment, improve radio interoperability and increase the number of agents at and between ports of entry. The purpose is to substantially lower the number of successful illegal border crossings while continuing to facilitate commerce.

- We will strengthen prohibitions against racial profiling and inappropriate use of force, enhance the training of border patrol agents, increase oversight, and create a mechanism to ensure a meaningful opportunity for border communities to share input, including critiques.

- Our legislation will require the completion of an entry-exit system that tracks whether all persons entering the United States on temporary visas via airports and seaports have left the country as required by law.

- We recognize that Americans living along the Southwest border are key to recognizing and understanding when the border is truly secure. Our legislation will create a commission comprised of governors, attorneys general, and community leaders living along the Southwest border to monitor the progress of securing our border and to make a recommendation regarding when the bill's security measures outlined in the legislation are completed.

- While these security measures are being put into place, we will simultaneously require those who came or remained in the United States without our permission to register with the government. This will include passing a background check and settling their debt to society by paying a fine and back taxes, in order to earn probationary legal status, which will allow them to live and work legally in the United States. Individuals with a serious criminal background or others who pose a threat to our national security will be ineligible for legal status and subject to deportation. Illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes face immediate deportation.

- We will demonstrate our commitment to securing our borders and combating visa overstays by requiring our proposed enforcement measures be complete before any immigrant on probationary status can earn a green card.

- Current restrictions preventing non-immigrants from accessing federal public benefits will also apply to lawful probationary immigrants.

- Once the enforcement measures have been completed, individuals with probationary legal status will be required to go to the back of the line of prospective immigrants, pass an additional background check, pay taxes, learn English and civics, demonstrate a history of work in the United States, and current employment, among other requirements, in order to earn the opportunity to apply for lawful permanent residency. Those individuals who successfully complete these requirements can eventually earn a green card.

- Individuals who are present without lawful status – not including people within the two categories identified below – will only receive a green card after every individual who is already waiting in line for a green card, at the time this legislation is enacted, has received their green card. Our purpose is to ensure that no one who has violated America's immigration laws will receive preferential treatment as they relate to those individuals who have complied with the law.

- Our legislation also recognizes that the circumstances and the conduct of people without lawful status are not the same, and cannot be addressed identically.

For instance, individuals who entered the United States as minor children did not knowingly choose to violate any immigration laws. Consequently, under our proposal these individuals will not face the same requirements as other individuals in order to earn a path to citizenship.

Similarly, individuals who have been working without legal status in the United States agricultural industry have been performing very important and difficult work to maintain America's food supply while earning subsistence wages. Due to the utmost importance in our nation maintaining the safety of its food supply, agricultural workers who commit to the long term stability of our nation's agricultural industries will be treated differently than the rest of the undocumented population because of the role they play in ensuring that Americans have safe and secure agricultural products to sell and consume. These individuals will earn a path to citizenship through a different process under our new agricultural worker program.

2. Improving our Legal Immigration System and Attracting the World's Best and Brightest

- The development of a rational legal immigration system is essential to ensuring America's future economic prosperity. Our failure to act is perpetuating a broken system which sadly discourages the world's best and brightest citizens from coming to the United States and remaining in our country to contribute to our economy. This failure makes a legal path to entry in the United States insurmountably difficult for well-meaning immigrants. This unarguably discourages innovation and economic growth. It has also created substantial visa backlogs which force families to live apart, which incentivizes illegal immigration.

- Our new immigration system must be more focused on recognizing the important characteristics which will help build the American economy and strengthen American families. Additionally, we must reduce backlogs in the family and employment visa categories so that future immigrants view our future legal immigration system as the exclusive means for entry into the United States.

- The United States must do a better job of attracting and keeping the world's best and brightest. As such, our immigration proposal will award a green card to immigrants who have received a PhD or Master's degree in science, technology, engineering, or math from an American university. It makes no sense to educate the world's future innovators and entrepreneurs only to ultimately force them to leave our country at the moment they are most able to contribute to our economy.

3. Strong Employment Verification

- We recognize that undocumented immigrants come to the United States almost exclusively for jobs. As such, dramatically reducing future illegal immigration can only be achieved by developing a tough, fair, effective and mandatory employment verification system. An employment verification system must hold employers accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented workers and make it more difficult for unauthorized immigrants to falsify documents to obtain employment. Employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers must face stiff fines and criminal penalties for egregious offenses.

- We believe the federal government must provide U.S. employers with a fast and reliable method to confirm whether new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is essential to ensure the effective enforcement of immigration laws.

- Our proposal will create an effective employment verification system which prevents identity theft and ends the hiring of future unauthorized workers. We believe requiring prospective workers to demonstrate both legal status and identity, through non-forgeable electronic means prior to obtaining employment, is essential to an employee verification system; and,

- The employee verification system in our proposal will be crafted with procedural safeguards to protect American workers, prevent identity theft, and provide due process protections.

4. Admitting New Workers and Protecting Workers' Rights

- The overwhelming majority of the 327,000 illegal entrants apprehended by CBP in FY2011 were seeking employment in the United States. We recognize that to prevent future waves of illegal immigration a humane and effective system needs to be created for these immigrant workers to enter the country and find employment without seeking the aid of human traffickers or drug cartels.

- Our proposal will provide businesses with the ability to hire lower-skilled workers in a timely manner when Americans are unavailable or unwilling to fill those jobs.

Our legislation would:

- Allow employers to hire immigrants if it can be demonstrated that they were unsuccessful in recruiting an American to fill an open position and the hiring of an immigrant will not displace American workers;

- Create a workable program to meet the needs of America's agricultural industry, including dairy to find agricultural workers when American workers are not available to fill open positions;

- Allow more lower-skilled immigrants to come here when our economy is creating jobs, and fewer when our economy is not creating jobs;

- Protect workers by ensuring strong labor protections; and,

- Permit workers who have succeeded in the workplace and contributed to their communities over many years to earn green cards.

Casa Jalisco Opens In Milwaukee To Provide State Mexican Documents To Its Citizens

Mexican nationals from Jalisco can now get legal documents from their state in Milwaukee. 

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 29, 2013

Milwaukee,  WI - The Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation (WHSF) who operates the annual Mexican Fiesta has announced that it opened a Casa Jalisco on Friday in partnership with the state of Jalisco, Mexico in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate in Chicago.
At Casa Jalisco, Mexican nationals from the state of Jalisco will now be able to get legal documents like marriage licenses,  identification documents, birth certificates, other documents and online educational programs from their home state like the Mexican Consulate provides. It will now save time and avoid a trip to Chicago for their documents.
The Casa Jalisco in Milwaukee is the third of its kind in the U.S. Two other states, Illinois and California also have opened a Casa Jalisco and provide similar services, according to WHSF.
It will provide legal document services to Jalisco citizens only at the WHSF home, where Mexican Fiesta has its office, located at 2997 S. 20th St. in Milwaukee. 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Broughton Must Complete 30 Months In Prison For The Ortiz' Hit-and-Run Death

Sherman Broughton, Reina Rivera and Javier Ortiz

Broughton is the second suspect to be convicted and sentenced for last year's deadly hit-and-run thst killed Ortiz.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 28, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday,  Sherman Broughton, 23, was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison, but will actually do 30 months (2 1/2 years) in prison and three years probation for one felony count of hit-and-run resulting in death. Broughton was convicted for the September 1, 2012 death of Javier Ortiz, 27. He was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $6,262 to the Ortiz' family. 
Broughton was driving the 1992 tan Cadillac Seville that Ortiz rear crashed into when he lost control of his motorcyle while speeding to avoid hitting the Cadillac when it failed to stop at a corner.
Broughton was the second suspect convicted in the Ortiz' hit-and-run case. In October, Reina Rivera, 24, who is Broughton's girlfriend was convicted sentenced to one year in prison, but was suspended and given one year probation for one felony count of harboring or aiding a felon. She pled no contest in the case under a plead agreement. 
In early September, Ortiz was heading eastbound at the 1900 block of W. Mitchell Street when Broughton going southbound on S. Pearl Street crossed Mitchell blocking Ortiz' right of way, according to the criminal complaint. Ortiz tried to slow down quickly to avoid a collision with the 1992 tan Cadillac Seville that Broughton was driving. Ortiz applied the brakes hard causing his 2008 Kawasaki ZX600P sports motorcycle to flip over throwing Ortiz into the rear right bumper of the Seville. Ortiz died of blunt force trauma he sustained at the scene.
Broughton driving the Seville then sped southbound on Pearl St. according to video footage recovered by police near the deadly motorcycle crash.
Reina who owned the vehicle helped Broughton hide the Seville at a northside friend's garage. A tip to police led to Broughton's arrest.

Bodies Wearing Kombo Kolombia Band Clothes Discovered In Mina Abandon Water Well

Second largest crime scene found in Nuevo León.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 28, 2013

Mina, Nuevo León, Mexico - On Sunday, some of the bodies of the 16 members of the Kombo Kolombia band have been found inside a water well in the (municipality) town of Mina. The well was found at 5:00 p.m. at the Coyote ranch by authorities with the help of a helicopter and with the aid of a victim that had escaped.
Authorities say, it was with the aid of one of the members of the band that had escaped before being killed. He escaped and then got a ride from a passerby who dropped him off at a gas station. The surviving member called family members to let them know what had happened. The authorities were called afterwards.
The man told authorities that they were kidnapped by a group of men and then were beaten. They transported the kidnap victims in various vehicles.
When they arrived in Mina, the suspects took three members at a time and made them get on their knees and then shot them in the head.
The first of the bodies was brought to the surface around 11:00 p.m. and was wearing the Kombo Kolombia style of clothing.
The band members performed at a bar for a private party on Friday in the municipality of Hidalgo where most reside. They were reported missing after the performance when relatives couldn't reach them or get an answer on their cell phones.
Authorities found most of their vehicles at the bar. A truck from Nuevo Laredo was confiscated at the crime scene in Mina by authorities believed to have been used to transport the bodies to the abandon water well.
At least 16 members of the Kombo Kolombia band and four crew members have been reported missing since early Friday. Nuevo León Governor Rodrigo Medina confirmed, that the bodies found at the water well in the town of Mina are believed to be members of the band that were reported missing.
Forensic examination of the bodies is underway to determine, if in fact they're the missing band members. The bodies taken out of the water well were wearing clothing consistent with the group's style of performing clothes and logo, according to authorities.
This is the second largest crime scene found in the state of Nuevo León, since 20 tourist bodies were discovered several years ago.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Illinois Governor Quinn Signs Bill Allowing Non-citizens To Apply For State Driver's Licenses

Illinois Governor Quinn signs into law a bill allowing more than 250,000 of non-citizens to become eligible for state driver's licenses.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 27, 2013

Chicago, Illinois - On Sunday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) signed into law a bill allowing non-citizens to apply for state driver's licenses. The measure will take effect in November and will allow more than 250,000 non-citizens residing in the state to apply for a legal driver's license.
“Driving means taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of others on the road,” Governor Quinn said. “Despite the stalemate on immigration reform in Washington D.C., Illinois is moving forward. This common sense law will help everybody, regardless of their background, learn the rules of the road, pass a driving test and get insurance. As a result, our roads will be safer, we will create more access to job opportunities and our economic growth will be strengthened.”
A signing ceremony was held at the Instituto del Progress Latino in Chicago, which serves more than 14,000 participants and families (immigrants) with education, training and job placement a year.
Earlier in the month, a bipartisan group of Illinois state legislators in the House of Representatives on a margin of 65-46 passed a state license bill to allow non-citizens to become eligible for driver's licenses. In December, a similar bill was passed by the state senate.
In November, the driver's license law will grant more than 250,000 of non-citizens in the state of Illinois eligibility to apply for licenses. Non-citizens would have to provide proof (copy) of a one year state residency by providing a lease, a utility bill(s) or other documentation. Temperary Visitor Licenses offered to tourists legally in the U.S. will also be available to non-citizens and they can be renewed every three years, but won't be valid as an ID to board a plane, buying a gun or voting purposes.
Last November's surge of Hispanic voters in Illinois gave a majority to Democrats in state government. Some Republicans in the legislature had also joined Democrats in a bipartisan push to pass the measure allowing non-citizens to get licenses.
The Illinois Highway Safety Coalition reported that an estimated 80,000 accidents per year are caused by unlicensed and uninsured drivers. The total accident costs have reached about $650 million in damages, including $64 million in damages caused by non-citizens driving without licenses, according to the Saftey Coalition.
Illinois will join both the state of Washington and New Mexico in granting licenses for non-citizens.
On January 1, 2013, California granted driver's licenses to immigrants with a federal work permit.

Williams Charged With Double Milwaukee Southside Homicide

Maltese L. Williams and Dajuan Shaquille Collins

Second murder suspect charged with double murder.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 27, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, Maltese L. Williams,  18, was charged with double felony murder in the homicides of Arthur L. Robinson, 29, and Michael J. Parker, 44, at the 1100 block of S. 24th St. on January 15. A cash bail was set at $200,000 for Williams. If convicted on both murder counts, Williams is facing life in prison.
Last Wednesday,  Dajuan Shaquille Collins, 19, was also charged with two felony counts of murder in the homicides of Robinson and Parker. Collins is facing two life terms in prison without the possibility of parole. A $500,000 cash bail for Collins was set and he remains in custody.
The criminal complaint stated, Maltese Williams and Collins' girlfriend told police that Collins had fatally shot both victims. 
Collins confessed that he and Williams had gone to Parker's residence to steal drugs and money. When they arrived at Parker's home, Parker and Williams went to the kitchen to make a transaction while Robinson slept on the couch. Then a scuffle ignited and Williams shot both men.
In contrary,  Williams told police that Collins had fatally shot both men and Collins' girlfriend told police that Collins had confessed to her that he actually shot the victims. After shooting the victims, Collins jumped out of the living room window dropping a hat and his cell, which police recovered at the crime scene and traced back to Collins.
Parker apparently fled the scene after being shot and dropped dead at the southeast corner of S. 24 and W. Scott. Police recovered his body and went into the residence where they found Robinson's body inside.

University of Puerto Rico Board Voted To Eliminate $800 Tuition Surcharge

Governor Garcia Padilla providing additional funding to the University of Puerto Rico system.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 27, 2013

San Juan, Puerto Rico - On Saturday, the Board of Directors of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) voted to eliminate the $800 tuition surcharge it initiated several years ago that sparked student protests and the resignation of the university system president. Luis Berrios Amadeo, the UPR Board President says, the Board decided to eliminate the surcharge, which takes effect on July 1. After the newly elected Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla pledged and pushed to introduce legislation to provide additional funding for the university system.
The statewide university system operates on a $1.5 billion budget shared among 11 campuses that includes more than 64,000 students and more than 5,000 faculty members. 
Several years ago, the UPR Board approved an increase of $800 tuition surcharge to help offset a $70 million budget deficit.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Lieja-Sanchez Brothers On Trial For Racketeering, Murder And Fake ID Operation In Chicago

The Lieja-Sánchez criminal organization from Chicago manufactured fake driver licenses, green cards, social security cards for illegal aliens who paid hundreds of dollars and then forced them to work for the organization to pay off their debt, according to the federal prosecutor.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 26, 2013

Chicago, IL - On Thursday, the federal racketeering, illegal alien smuggling, contract murders and fake ID operation trial of Julio Lieja-Sánchez, including Manuel Lieja-Sánchez and Gerardo Salazar-Rodriguez began. A federal jury on Thursday saw a video where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents went undercover to buy fake ID's in the parking of the Little Village discount mall and then went to a business owned by Elias Muñoz that provided photos for ID's and passports. Elias is the father of Alderman Ricardo Muñoz. Elias later pled guilty for his involvement in the Lieja-Sánchez operation and was sentenced to 4 years in prison.
A wiretapped conversation will show that Julio Lieja-Sánchez gave orders to kill Freddy Ramirez-Camella, aka, "Bruno," a once trusted insider of the Lieja-Sánchez operation that conspired with another fake ID competitor known as "Montes" in starting their own operations. In 2007, Montes was killed in Mexico by orders of the Lieja-Sànchez brothers. Julio also wanted Bruno to be kidnapped from Montes funeral in Mexico and then burned alive and chopped into little pieces.
Next week, Bruno will testify against Julio, Manuel and Gerardo. The defendants have denied their involvement in the criminal organization and homicides. But damaging federal wiretapped conversations implicated them.
Julio is one of three brothers, Manuel Lieja-Sánchez, Pedro Lieja-Sánchez and 24 other defendants who were busted in April 2007 resulting in charges that led to the dismantling of an alleged fraudulent document ring that operated in and around the Little Village Discount Mall and generated nearly $3 million in annual profits. The indictment was unsealed after their fake ID operation at the 26th Discount Mall was raided by federal agents and confiscated ID making equipment. 
Video surveillance footage, wiretapped conversations and witnesses testimony during trial will show how the Lieja-Sánchez criminal organization used violence, the Latin Kings gang who were paid to protect their operation in Chicago's Little Village area for 20 years (since 1993), according to the feds.
Montes, a rival who tried to muscle in on their operation was killed in Mexico. The Lieja-Sánchez criminal organization operated in both Mexico and Chicago. 
The Mexico-based Leija-Sánchez organization was supervised by an overall leader living in Chicago, and the leadership position rotated among the three Leija-Sánchez brothers, according to an October 2007 indictment. The leader in Chicago and others allegedly ordered violent acts against competitors, rivals and others. The indictment alleged that the organization sold as many as 50 to 100 sets of fraudulent identification documents each day, charging customers approximately $200 to $300 cash per "set," consisting of a Social Security card and either an Immigration "green card" or a state driver's license.
Julio Leija-Sánchez and his brothers allegedly conspired to murder Guillermo Jimenez-Flores, a former member of their organization who became a fledgling rival and was allegedly shot to death in Mexico in April 2007 by co-defendant Gerardo Salazar-Rodriguez, who was paid by and conspired with the three Leija-Sánchez brothers. The same four defendants also allegedly conspired about the same time to kill a second victim in Mexico.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Milwaukee County Sheriff Clarke Calls For Arms And Partnership To Protect Public

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr.

Sheriff Clarke urges Milwaukee County residents to take up arms in order to defend and protect themselves against violent criminals until help arrives.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 25, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. has released a public safety message on the radio urging the public to take a gun public safety course to learn how to handle a gun in order to defend and protect themselves and their families. "So you defend yourself until we get there," Clarke said, your personal safety is no longer a spectator sport and "I need you in the game."
Clarke continues, "With officers laid off and furloughed, simply calling 911 and waiting is no longer your best option. You could beg for mercy from a violent criminal, hide under the bed, or you can fight back. You have a duty to protect yourself and your family. We're partners now. Can I count on you?"
Sheriff Clarke came short of actually asking for and creating an arm Posse of volunteers in Milwaukee County.

Sheriff Clarke audio public safety message at following link: http://bit.ly/XBokDv

Jimmy Kimmel Sucks!, Show Segment Hosted By Damon Hilarious

An array of stars appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Sucks! show on ABC network.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 25, 2013

Hollywood - On Thursday,  Matt Damon in revenge hosted Jimmy Kimmel Sucks! show, while Jimmy was gagged and tied up with an array of stars who showed up to mock Jimmy. All through the show, Jimmy never said a word. 
Damon began with "Welcome to tonight's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Sucks!" Then he asked the audience, if they liked it and everyone cheered and applaided while Jimmy remained bound in the backdground in a wheelchair.
Damon said, he took over Jimmy's show as a pay back for being skip from the show at least 1,205 times over a period of ten years. Due too, Jimmy always running out of time to have Damon on the show. 
Some of the stars were Demi Moore, Andy Garcia (who replaced Guillermo), Jennifer Lopez, Robin Williams (who did jokes), Ben Affleck (who did cue cards), John Krasinski, Robert De Niro, Don Cheadle, Reese Witherspoon, Sally Field, Oprah Winfrey, Sara Crow (who tookover Kimmel's band leader Cleto Escobedo III), Nicole Kidman, Gary Oldman and Amy Adams.
During the show Williams before leaving and Kidman when she arrived went up to Jimmy who was tied up to a wheel chair and then sat on top of him and candidly grind on him.
It was a hilarious and unique show to watch on the ABC network. ;)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Rubio And Karsten Charged In El Rey Family Market Arson

Alexander J. Karsten and Miguel Rubio

Two suspects have been charged in the early January El Rey Family Market blaze.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 24, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, both Miguel Rubio, 18, and Alexander J. Karsten, 17, of Milwaukee were charged each with one felony count of arson for the early January El Rey Family Market fire at the 5200 block of W. Oklahoma Ave. Karsten is being charged as an adult. Both Rubio and Karsten remained free on a $10,000 signature bond and are expected back in court next month.
Both suspects were caught on video surveillance cameras in the front of the store before the blaze was started.
The blaze caused more than $750,000 in food and building damages, according to the store manager. The store reopened last Friday.

Cassez, A French Convicted Kidnapper Freed From Mexican Prison

Florence Cassez

The Mexican Supreme Court freed a convicted kidnapper.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 24, 2013

Paris, France - On Wednesday,  Florence Cassez, 38, a Fench citizen was released from a Mexican prison after being convicted for kidnapping in 2005. Cassez was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
She was accused of being a member of a kidnapping gang led by her boyfriend who is originally from Mexico.
Cassez was known to ask kidnapped victims what would they rather choose to be cut off, a finger or an ear to send family members in order to force them to pay a ransom. Some of the victims were murdered after the ransom was paid.
A Mexican Supreme Court panel voted 3-2 to release Cassez citing that procedural and her rights were violated during her arrest. Police were also accused of staging an arrest raid to detain Cassez for media outlets.
The court didn't say whether she was innocent or guilty, but that multiple irregularities occurred during Cassez' arrest.
Cassez arrived in Paris on Thursday as a free woman and told media outlets that she had been vindicated. 
Kidnapped victims relatives and a victim who testified against Cassez said, that it was unjust to free a convicted kidnapper. Cassez says, now she will focus on writing a book about her ordeal while being incarcerated in Mexico.
Cassez' boyfriend is still awaiting trial, after seven years.

Feerick, The Alleged Southeastern Bathroom Bandit Arrested For Theft

Cory Feerick

Bathroom bandit is accused of stealing thousands of dollars ($50K) of bathroom automatic flush valves from area batrooms and then selling them for scrap at a junk yard.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 24, 2013

Greenfield, WI - Greenfield police confirmed that Cory Feerick, 30, of Brookfield has been arrested for alleged theft. For several months, Feerick allegedly went to southeastern area businesses, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and the Marquette University Campus to steal automatic bathroom flush valves worth thousand of dollars and then selling them for several hundred dollars as brass scrap. He stole at least 30 valves between UWM and Marquette University. 
A scrap junk buyer tipped police that Feerick had been supplying the junk yard with the valves. The scrap buyer saw a segment of Crack that Case on Today's TMJ 4 news cast and recognized Feerick. He then called police who later took Feerick into custody.
Feerick's charges are pending, according to Greenfield police.

Waukesha County Sheriff's Office Investigating Villarreal's Death

Alfredo Emilio Villarreal

Villarreal had been assaulted by an inmate or inmates at the Walworth County jail and was taken to Aurora Lakeland Medical Center for treatment, according to family members. 

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 24, 2013

Town of Geneva, WI - On Monday, a Walworth County deputy sheriff fatally shot Alfredo Emilio Villarreal, 18, of Janesville, an inmate being held for probation and parole hold who was taken to the Aurora Lakeland Medical Center (ALMC) in the Town of Geneva for treatment. Villarreal was "undergoing tests and observation for a personal medical issue," according the Walworth County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) press release. Villarreal had been convicted for a battery charge.
At ALMC, Villarreal attempted to escape by attacking the deputy guarding him. Villarreal struck and kicked the deputy multiple times in the face and then tried to hit the deputy with a chair. The deputy tried to used his Taser to control Villarreal, but the Taser failed to operate it. The deputy then fatally shot Villarreal at the scene.
Walworth County Sheriff David Graves said, the deputy's Taser failed to work. The incident occurred shortly after the deputy had released Villarreal's shackles from his bed so, he could go to the bathroom.
The WCSO released the following statement, "At approximately 6:47 p.m., Villarreal attacked the Deputy in an attempt to escape custody, punching and kicking the Deputy in the face multiple times. The Deputy called for assistance and multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the medical center. The Deputy deployed (his) Taser, which failed to stop the inmate.
Villarreal then used a chair to try to break out the window in his room. When this attempt failed, the inmate attempted to strike the Deputy over the head with the chair. The Deputy discharged (his) handgun, striking the inmate. Lifesaving measures were immediately implemented by law enforcement and medical staff.
Villarreal died at the scene," the WCSO reported. The Deputy has not been identified and has been placed in administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. 
Villarreal's family says, Villarreal had no medical issues, but had beenrecently assaulted by an inmate or inmates while in custody. That's why he was taken to ALMC for treatment. The WCSO hasn't confirmed, that Villarreal had been beaten by an inmate at the jail.
The WCSO has turned over the investigation of Villarreal's death to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Collins Charged With Double Homicide in Milwaukee

Dajuan Shaquille Collins

Second murder suspect yet to be charged.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 23, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday,  Dajuan Shaquille Collins, 19, was charged with two felony counts of murder for the January 15, homicides of Arthur L. Robinson, 29, and Michael J. Parker, 44, at the 1100 block of S. 24th St. Collins is facing two life terms in prison without the possibility of parole. A $500,000 cash bail for Collins was set and he remains in custody.
The criminal complaint stated, Maltese Williams and Collins' girlfriend told police that Collins had fatally shot both victims. 
Collins confessed that he and Williams had gone to Parker's residence to steal drugs and money. When they arrived at Parker's home, Parker and Williams went to the kitchen to make a transaction while Robinson slept on the couch. Then a scuffle ignited and Williams shot both men.
In contrary,  Williams told police that Collins had fatally shot both men and Collins' girlfriend told police that Collins had confessed to her that he actually shot the victims. After shooting the victims, Collins jumped out of the living room window dropping a hat and his cell, which police recovered at the crime scene and traced back to Collins.
Parker apparently fled the scene after being shot and dropped dead at the southeast corner of S. 24 and W. Scott. Police recovered his body and went into the residence where they found Robinson's body inside.
Williams has not been charged in the crime.

Russian Bolshol Ballet Director Attacked With Acid

Sergei Filin

Filin suffered third-degree burns to his face and intensive damage to his eyes.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 23, 2013

Moscow, Russia - The daily Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda reported that Sergie Filin, 42, remained in stable condition after last Thursday's acid attack to his face. Filin is the artistic director of the Bolshol Ballet. 
On late Thursday, a suspect attacked Filin with acid when he was getting out of his vehicle near his residence in Moscow. The suspect threw sulfuric acid in Filin's face and then fled.
Nearby video surveillance camera caught the attack. Filin underwent surgery and is expected to have multiple plastic surgeries. He received intensive damage to his eyes, but won't lose his eyesight, according to Pravda. 
Filin acknowledged that he had received threats, but didn't expect an attack. Police continue to investigate the incident and are confident that they will make arrests on Filin's attack.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Milwaukee Licenses Committee Denied Liquor License For Jes Apna Restaurant and Bar Over Pending FBI Bribery Probe



James "Jim"  N. Witkowiak and Inderjeet S. Dhillon

Witkowiak confirmed that the FBI has an ongoing bribery probe against the owner or agent for "Jes Apna Restaurant, Inc. and Jes Apna Restaurant and Bar."


By H. Nelson Goodson
January 22, 2013

Milwaukee,  WI - On Tuesday, the City of Milwaukee Licenses Committee unanimously denied a request to grant a Class B Tavern License and Food Dealer License for "Jes Apna Restaurant, Inc. and Jes Apna Restaurant and Bar" at 551 W. Becher St. The denial of the liquor license came after a surprising statement by former 12th District Alderman James N. Witkowiak that Inderjeet S. Dhillon, the owner or agent for both "Jes Apna Restaurant, Inc. and Jes Apna Restaurant and Bar" had attempted to bribe Witkowiak on January 27, 2011 for $2,500 to help him get the liquor license.
Witkowiak stated that he met Dhillon at the Royal India Restaurant at the 3400 block of S. 27 Street on January 2011 and while at the restaurant, Dhillon made multiple attempts to give an envelope to Witkowiak. Witkowiak repeatedly refused to take a sealed business envelope from Dhillon who placed the envelope on Witkowiak's coat pocket.
After leaving the restaurant, Witkowiak immediately reported the bribery attempt incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Three FBI agents then met Witkowiak at his business and they opened the sealed envelope, which contained $2,500 in cash. The FBI instructed Witkowiak to call Dhillon while attaching audio recording equipment on his phone.
Witkowiak called Dhillon and asked him, "What was the purpose of the Money? Dhillon replied,  So you will help me get my liquor license for my store on 6th and Becher." The conversation was recorded by the FBI, which has an ongoing probe into attempted bribery allegations of a public official.
Dhillon has a laundromat business at the 551 W. Becher St. location that was being converted into a restaurant and bar pending the liquor license.
Witkowiak told the Licensing Committee that the FBI was aware of his intent to provide the information about the bribery attempt to the committee.
After Witkowiak's testimony, the committee recessed at 12:12 p.m. and when it reconvened at 12:23 p.m. Attorney David Carr who represented Dhillon at the hearing unexpectedly redrew and left the hearing. Also, former Alderman Marvin Pratt and Juan Carlos Ruiz, a community organizer who supported Dhillon's request for a liquor license left the meeting and abandoned Dhillon. The Licenses Committee voted 4-0 to deny Dhillon a liquor license based on neighborhood testimony,  according to the preliminary minutes of the meeting.
Dhillon's business is located on Alderman T. Anthony Zielinski's district, which was just across from former Witkowiak's Aldermanic 12th District. Witkowiak was opposing a liquor license request by Dhillon.
Dhillon apparently held a joint fundraising event for both Alderman Zielinski and Aldermanic candidate for the 12th District José Pérez before the April election. Pérez defeated Witkowiak in the election last year.
Aldermen Zielinski and Pérez are current members of the City of Milwaukee Licenses Committee. Zielinski Chairs the committee. 
The FBI's Dhillon bribery probe is ongoing and is investigating whether other public elected officials are involved in the Dhillon bribery investigation. The FBI or the U.S. Attorney's Office in Milwaukee has not indicted anyone yet in the case, including Dhillon.

Alleged bribery statement by former Alderman James Witkowiak: Interjeet Dhillon's liquor license hearing at Milwaukee Licenses Committee dated 1/22/2012 video link at http://is.gd/V5P4Hi





Walker's Former Deputy Chief Of Staff, Russell Sentenced to Two Years In Prison For Theft

Timothy D. Russell

Russell pled guilty to stealing more than $21K from a non-profit Veterans organization created by former Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 22, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Hansher sentenced Timothy D. Russell, 49, to two years in prison and five years probation, including paying restitution for a felony theft conviction. Before sentencing Russell, Judge Hansher said, that Russell had no true regret, remorse, or repentance or any shame for what he did. Eventhough, he pled guilty in November to stealing more than $21,000 from a non-profit Veterans group called Operation Freedom. The group held an annual picnic event at the Milwaukee County Zoo to raise funds.
Russell was the former deputy chief of staff and housing director to former Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, who is the current governor of Wisconsin.

Local People Take Up Arms To Fight Crime And Drug Cartels In Guerrero

At least in six municipalities in the state of Guerrero, Mexican citizens have taken up arms against paid killers, organized crime and drug cartels.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 22, 2013

Ayutla, Guerrero,  Mexico - Since last week, the Mexican citizens from the municipality of Ayutla have armed themselves with machetes, weapons and assault rifles including covering their faces to help take control of their town against organized crime and drug cartels. Corruption and extortion among their local officials, including municipal police and organized criminal activity led to the arm defense takeover of the municipality by its citizens.
They complained and requested help from state and the federal government,  but to no avail. The citizens finally got fed up with the increasing crime wave, then decided to arm themselves and takeover the public safety control in the municipality. 
They held an outdoor public meeting on January 20 and decided to continue with their civil armed defense until the federal and state government send marines to the area. So far, 40 criminals or paid killers (sicarios) have been taken into custody by the Ayutla civil defense group and will be prosecuted for their criminal activities that includes murder.
Ayutla is one of five other municipalities that have recently taken up arms against organized crime and local cartels. The five other coastal municipalities in Guerrero are Cualac, Copala, Florencio Villarreal, San Marcos and Tecuanapa.
In late October, the citizens in the municipality of Olinalá took control of the area after months of corruption, criminal activity and extortion of businesses by members of organized crime that involved local police and municipal officials. Mexican marines finally arrived on November 5, to secure Olinalá. The citizens took down road blocks and makeshift checkpoints from the six main entrances to the town.
Authorities told the armed civil defense group to put their weapons away. The weapons used by the Olinalá civil defense that included assault rifles were not confiscated by the military. 
The armed citizens who have taken over their municipalities requested military security, investigation of corrupt municipal authorities and local police.
The arm resistance by citizens against organized crime and Mexican drug cartels is spreading and getting national attention. 

Monday, January 21, 2013

Sheriff Mueller Won't Enforce Federal Gun Control Laws Deemed Unconstitutional

Sheriff Tim Mueller

Sheriff won't enforce gun laws considered unconstitutional in Linn County.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 21, 2013

Albany, Oregon - Last week, Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller made headlines for sending a letter to Vice President Joe Biden strongly opposing any gun control laws that would be considered unconstitutional. Sheriff Mueller stated that previous criminal events like the Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Connecticut has triggered politicians to attempt "to exploit the deaths of innocent victims by advocating for laws that would prevent honest, law abiding Americans from possessing certain firearms and ammunition magazines."
Sheriff Mueller became the first law enforcement official in the country to publicly oppose any type of federal gun control bill deemed unconstituional that would be proposed or approved by the federal government restricting further the rights of law abiding citizens in his county when buying weapons. 
Sheriff Mueller wrote, "Any federal regulation enacted by Congress or by executive order of the President offending the constitutional rights of my citizens shall not be enforced by me or by my deputies, nor will I permit the enforcement of any unconstitutional regulations or orders by federal officers within the borders of Linn County Oregon."
Vice President Biden recommended that assault rifles and high capacity 30-round magazines should be ban. The government would only allow 10-round magazine to be sold and acquire by law abiding citizens. Biden suggested, making it a mandatory for a universal background check when buying guns. The background check would eliminate private owner gun sales. Also, making records of the mentally ill people more accessible to law enforcement. President Barack H. Obama signed multiple executive orders concerning the proposed gun law restrictions recommended by Biden.
The U.S. Congress would have to approve any gun control legislation backed by Obama and Biden.
The following is the full contents of Sheriff Mueller's letter to Vice President Biden dated January 14.

Dear Mr. Vice President, 

I am Sheriff Tim Mueller, elected twice by the citizens of Linn County Oregon who have entrusted me with a noble cause: to keep them and their families safe. My deputies and I take that responsibility very seriously and, like you, have sworn to support the Constitution of the United States. I take that oath equally as serious as protecting our citizens. I have worked for the people of Linn County for over 28 years as a member of the Linn County Sheriff's Office as well as serving three years active duty as a Military Police Officer in the US Army, where I also swore a similar oath.
In the wake of the recent criminal events, politicians are attempting to exploit the deaths of innocent victims by advocating for laws that would prevent honest, law abiding Americans from possessing certain firearms and ammunition magazines. We are Americans. We must not allow, nor shall we tolerate, the actions of criminals, no matter how heinous the crimes, to prompt politicians to enact laws that will infringe upon the liberties of responsible citizens who have broken no laws.
Any federal regulation enacted by Congress or by executive order of the President offending the constitutional rights of my citizens shall not be enforced by me or by my deputies, nor will I permit the enforcement of any unconstitutional regulations or orders by federal officers within the borders of Linn County Oregon.
In summary, it is the position of this Sheriff that I refuse to participate, or stand idly by, while my citizens are turned into criminals due to the unconstitutional actions of misguided politicians.

Respectfully, 

Sheriff Tim Mueller
Linn County Sheriff

Rosa Parks' Bronze Statue To Be Place At Statuary Hall In Washington, D.C. Capitol Building

Rosa Louis McCauley Parks

Photo: Reuters

Parks' statue to be unveiled later this year.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 21, 2013

Washington, D.C. - Later in the year, a full-size bronze statue of Rosa Louis McCauley Parks of Tuskegee, Alabama will be placed at the National Statuary Hall in the Washington, DC. Capitol Building in her honor, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) confirmed during President Barack H. Obama's second inauguration luncheon at the Statuary Hall. Parks, an African-American civil rights activist on December 1, 1955 refused an order by Montgomery, Alabama bus driver James F. Blake to move back of the bus from the colored section and give up her seat to a white passenger after the white seating section was filled.
She was arrested and sparked a major civil rights movement against segregation and a boycott of the Montgomery bus company.
Parks actions led to her termination as a seamstress from a local department store. She then moved to Detroit and found a similar job.
Between 1965 to 1988, Parks worked as a secretary and receptionist for former U.S. Representative John Conyers, an African-American. 
Parks passed away on October 24, 2005 at the age of 92. She became the first woman and second non-government official to lie in honor at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington,  D.C.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Obama Officially Sworn In For A Second Term As U.S. President

Obama takes oath of office.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 20, 2013

Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, Barack H. Obama (D) was officially sworn in as U.S. President for a 2nd term at noon in the White House. Obama became the 44th U.S. President to get elected and sworn in as prescibe in the U.S. Constitution.

President Obama sworn in for second term. Photo: White House

Saturday, January 19, 2013

21-year-old Man Injured In Milwaukee Southside Hit-and-Run Incident

Photo: HNG

Hit-and-run victim left with two broken legs along W. National Ave.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 19, 2013

Milwaukee,  WI - On Saturday, police were investigating a hit-and-run incident that left a 21-year-old man laying on the Westbound lane of W. National Ave. at the 3100 block. Witnesses say, a light color vehicle going Eastbound slammed into the victim as he crossed the street. The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m.
The victim suffered twl broken legs and was severely injured by the impact, according to witnesses who were trying to provide aid to the victim before fire rescue personnel and police arrived.
The hit-and-run driver did stop after hitting the victim. Police will try to get video surveillance footage from several businesses located in the block.
The street was reopen for traffic shortly after 4:05 p.m. The victim was transported to a local hospital, according to police.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Duque And Mexican Consul General Arnal Palomera To Receive Prestigious "Caballero y Dama Azteca Awards" In Chicago

Clarisol Duque and Eduardo Arnal Palomera

Duque and Arnal Palomera to be honored at Azteca Gala event in Chicago.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 18, 2013

Chicago, Illinois - On Friday, the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois (MCS) announced that both Clarisol Duque, Chicago Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator (D-IL) and Mexican Consul General Eduardo Arnal Palomera in Chicago were chosen as recipients of the prestigious "Caballero y Dama Azteca Awards" for their contributions to the Mexican and Mexican-American communities in Chicago.
Arnal Palomera became the Consul General for the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago in 2011. He served as the Consul General for the Denver Mexican Consulate between 2007 to 2011.
Duque is currently the Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Richad J. "Dick" Durbin in Chicago.
In an e-mail to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), Evelia Rodriguez from the MCS wrote that the "Caballero y Dama Azteca," Award is awarded each year to an individual who has strived for the betterment of the Mexican and Mexican-American community with the assistance of community organizations, private corporate sector, or within government. This year we have selected the Hon. Eduardo Arnal Palomera General Consul of Mexico in Chicago for his administrations' open door policy assisting millions of Chicago's residents and for successfully working with our community to manage the second largest Mexican Consulate in the world. We have also selected Clarisol Duque, for her dedicated and important work within the public sector as Chicago Chief of Staff for U. S. Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL).
The MCS was founded in 1969, and is a 501c3 non-for profit organization that has been promoting the culture and traditions of Mexico by hosting civic and educational events throughout the Chicagoland area. Being one of the oldest Latino organizations in Chicago, the MCS has established recognition with governing officials, schools, and hometown organizations in Mexico to further serve and promote the history of Mexico in Chicago.
This year, the awards will be announced during the 2013 Queen Coronation Aztec Gala Banquet, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013 at Lobo de Mar Banquets located at  5505 W. Cermak Road, 2nd Floor Cicero, IL, according to Rodrguez.


King Arrested In Connection With White's Fatal Shooting In Racine

Lucinda White and Ryan G. King

A suspect was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old Racine woman.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 18, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, the Milwaukee County Coroner's office confirmed that Lucinda White, 44, who was shot several times on Wednesday around 10:45 p.m. in the city of Racine has died of her injuries. White was found shot in the arm and head near 6th and Villa Streets in the Racine downtown area.
She was taken to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee where she later succumbed to her injuries on Thursday night.
On Thursday afternoon,  Ryan G. King, 45, a former boyfriend was taken into custody by police in Millersville, Tennessee in connection with White's murder.
King was taken into custody around 2:30 p.m. after police made a traffic violation stop on I-65 in Sumner County in Tennessee. The suspect had an injured hand and blood on his clothing. After further investigation, police discovered King had an open warrant from Racine and was arrested. A handgun was recovered from the BMW SUV King was driving.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

La Familia Gang Murder Plot To Kill Four Milwaukee Cops

Gabriel Guerrero, Joe Frazier, Eliezer Cruz Jr., Maricela Gullicksen and Michael Geluk

Court records indicate that Milwaukee police executed several warrants to acquire prepaid cell-phones and weapons in alleged plot by members of La Familia gang to kill five people including four police officers.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 17, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Milwaukee police confirmed that  several warrants were executed to acquire prepaid cell-phones and weapons to be used in plot to murder five people, including four Milwaukee police officers from the Police 2nd District Station. The murder plot was discovered in September after several tips to police were made about the plan to commit multiple murders.
The criminal complaint states that one of the key gang members planning the murder and an informant tipped police about the plot.
Five men and a woman, Eliezer Cruz Jr., 20, Joe Frazier, 20, Michael Geluk, 21, Gabriel Guerrero, 24, and Maricela Gullicksen, 29, are facing a felony charge each for conspiracy to commit first-degree intentional homicide, according to Milwaukee County Circuit Court records. The suspects are known members of La Familia gang. If convicted, each suspect is facing up to 60 years in prison.
Police confiscated cell phones that had been already purchasd by Guerrero and were supposed to be thrown away after the murders had taken place. The criminal complaint says, Cruz came up with the idea to provide decoys to lure two officers to an area to kill them or to shoot the officers at home while they did outdoor chores. Another officer was suppose to be killed at a relative's home. All four officers that were targeted to be kill were named in the criminal complaint.
Frazier was suppose to be the main shooter. Geluk would be a lookout while the crimes occurred. Guerrero planned the murder plot and Gullicksen knew of the plot and encouraged it.
The murder plot was initiated after August 11, 2012 when two alleged gang members, Anthony Johnson and Cassandra Barbossa (Barossa) were shot and wounded near S. 6th Street and W. Lapham. One of their targets, Robert R. Lopez, aka, "Puppet" leader of Los Primos (a southside rival gang member) is related to a Milwaukee officer who became a second target. Three other officers were also targeted in the murder plot.
Police confiscated seven weapons from a relative's home of one of the suspects, that included a 12-gauge shotgun and an Ak 47 assault rifle.
The murder plot was triggered by taking revenge for the August shooting. Police continue their investigation into the murder plot and other arrests could result from the investigation.

Three Schaumburg Police Officers Charged For Drug Manufacturing And Sales

Terrance O'Brien, John Cichy and Matthew Hudak

Officers facing more than 70 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, if convicted for multiple felony drug related charges including official misconduct, manufacturing and delivering cocaine.  

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 17, 2013

Village of Schaumburg,  Illinois - On Thursday,  three Village of Schaumburg Police Officers, Terrance O'Brien, 47, John Cichy, 30, and Matthew Hudak, 29, were charged with manufacturing and delivery up to 400 grams of cocaine;  armed violence;  criminal drug conspiracy;  official misconduct;  theft between $10K to $100K in school or place of worship and burglary.  Both Cichy and Hudak were charged with an additional felony for conspiracy to manufacture and delivery between 100 to 400 grams of cocaine. DuPage County Judge Elizabeth Sexton set a cash bail of $750,000 for each officer and they must remain in custody until any cash bail posted can be cleared from being drug money that the officers profited from their drug sales.
The officers were taken into custody on Wednesday by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after a two week sting. Several weeks ago, a federal warrant executed at a storage locker in Carol Stream rented by the officer's informant netted 275 grams of cocaine. The informant help the DEA to setup a sting by wearing a wire and then the three accused officers were caught on video surveillance and audio engaging in the drug operation. 
The three Schaumburg officers had executed legal search warrants in drug raids and then managed to steal some of the drugs including marijuana. The stolen drugs were then turned over to their informant to resale them on the street and the profit sales were then divided among the three officers. 
Federal authorities also charged Nicole Brehm, 44, with one felony count for drug conspiracy for allowing her Hoffman Estates home to be used as a  "stash house."
Both officer Hudak and O'Brien confessed to authorities. Hudak admitted to his actions that were caught on video surveillance, including audio and O'Brien told authorities that they all did it for "the thrill of it," according to DuPage County prosecutor Audriana Anderson.

Vandal Charged For $40k Worth Of Graffiti Criminal Property Damage

Lukas Bagemehl

Suspected graffiti vandal accused of doing more than $40K in criminal property damage in the last six years.

By H. Nelson Goodson
January 17, 2013

Sheboygan,  WI - On Wednesday,  charges were filed against Lukas J. Bagemehl, 21, accused of spraying graffiti in local homes, public property and businesses in the last six years causing more than $40,000 in criminal damage to properties. Bagemehl was charged with one felony count for graffiti, a one felony count for maintaining a drug trafficking place and several misdemeanors for possession of THC (marijuana) and drug paraphernalia. Cash bail for Bagemehl was set at $750.00, according to court records.
Bagemehl tagging and identifying insignia was "HSK" and "Mad1," according to police. Similar graffiti was found in the basement at his current home and former residence.