Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Fitch Sr. Arrested After Shootout With Saint Paul Police

Brian George Fitch Sr. and Scott Patrick

Fitch Sr. taken into custody after a shootout in North Saint Paul.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 30, 2014

Saint Paul, Minnesota - On Wednesday, Brian George Fitch Sr., 39, was taken into custody around 8:30 p.m. in North Saint Paul after a shootout with police. Fitch Sr. was wounded along with a female suspect. Both were taken to the Regions Hospital for treatment and are expected to survive, according to police.
Just after noon on Wednesday, Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick, 47, was reported killed around 12:20 p.m. while making a traffic stop near Dodd Road and Smith Avenue in West Saint Paul. Officer Patrick suffered a head wound and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Officer Patrick was standing by his police SUV when Fitch Sr., a wanted fugitive fired multiple shots at Patrick and fatally struck him in the head. Fitch Sr. had missed a court date for a burglary charge and was facing three years in prison. A warrant for his arrest was issued.
Patrick is survived by his wife and two teenage children. He is a 19-year veteran of the Mendota Heights Police Department. 
The West Saint Paul Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension and the Saint Paul Police Department are investigating the homicide of Officer Patrick.

Mendota Heights Police Officer In Minnesota Fatally Shot While Making Traffic Stop

Scott Patrick and Brian George Fitch Sr.

Officer shot by wanted suspect.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 30, 2014

West Saint Paul, Minnesota - On Wednesday,  Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick, 47, was reported killed around 12:20 p.m. while making a traffic stop near Dodd Road and Smith Avenue in West Saint Paul, according to police investigators. Officer Patrick suffered a head wound and later died at a local hospital.
Officer Patrick was standing by his police SUV when Brian George Fitch Sr., 39, a wanted fugitive fired multiple shots at Patrick and fatally striking him in the head.
Police are also looking for Brian George Fitch Jr., 20, in connection with Patrick's murder. Fitch Sr. remains at large and a reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Police believe that Fitch Sr. who has a long criminal record killed Patrick.
Fitch Sr. missed a court date for burglary and was facing three years in prison. A warrant for his arrest was issued.
Patrick is survived by his wife and two teenage children. He is a 19-year veteran of the Mendota Heights Police Department. 
The West Saint Paul Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension and the Saint Paul Police Department are investigating the homicide of Officer Patrick.
A candle light vigil for Officer Patrick will be held at 8:30 p.m. at Jim's Market parking lot in Mendota Heights and lights on for the Mendota Heights Police Department will be at 9:00 p.m. around the area on Wednesday night.

Man Shot In Drive-by On W. Lincoln Ave.

One man was hospitalized after getting shot and police search for evidence.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 30, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday,  Damian Carmona Jr., 29, was shot around 12:20 p.m. in the 1500 block of W. Lincoln Ave. in a drive-by. Multiple shots were fired by an unidentified suspect. Carmona Jr. was taken to a local hospital by a relative and is expected to survive, according to police.
Police blocked off the 1500 block of W. Lincoln Ave. to look for evidence. City sanitation workers had to be called to search a sewer for evidence. Apparently, the victim discarded some type of small item in the sewer after getting shot. Police were trying to recover the unidentified item.
Several suspects are being sought in connection with Carmona Jr.'s shooting and a third person related to the victim is being also sought. Police are investigating the drive-by shooting.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Alderman Bob Donovan To Challenge Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett In 2016

Robert "Bob" Donovan

Donovan filed a declaration of candidacy registration to run for Milwaukee Mayor in 2016.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 29, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, Robert "Bob" Donovan, the Alderman for the 8th District announced at Serb Hall that he is a candidate for Milwaukee Mayor. He submitted his declaration of candidacy paper work to the Milwaukee Election Commission. Ald. Donovan will challenge Mayor Tom Barrett in the 2016 Spring election.
Donovan told supporters, that Milwaukee is facing many challenges, almost everyday shootings and that certain neighborhoods are run by thugs. He is the first candidate to actually file a declaration of candidacy with the city's election commission. Barrett is expected to run for re-election. 

FedEx Corporation, Inc. Indicted By Feds For 15 Counts Including Distribution Of Control Substances

FedEx Corporation and two of its subsidiaries, FedEx Express, Inc. and FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. were named in a 15-count federal indictment for conspiring to distributing misbranded drugs and controlled substances since 1998.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 29, 2014

San Francisco, California - On Tuesday, FedEx Corporation, Inc. is scheduled to face a multiple count federal indictment in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California resulting from a nine year investigation for distributing illegal drugs ordered from Internet pharmacies. The federal 15-count indictment charged FedEx with 1-count for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; 9-counts for distribution of controlled substances; 1-count for conspiring to distribute misbranded drugs in Interstate Commerce; 1-count for conspiring to distribute controlled substances;  2-counts for distribution of controlled substances; and 1-count for conspiracy to distribute misbranded drugs in Interstate Commerce. FedEx Corporation, Inc. could face a forfeiture of more than $820 million, if found guilty on all counts and restitution to victims, as well. Corporate individuals are also facing up to five years in prison, if convicted, according to the indictment. 
On July 17, a federal 15-count indictment was filed in Northern California alleging that FedEx Corporation, Inc. and two of its subsidiaries, FedEx Express, Inc. and FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. conspired to distribute controlled substances and misbranded prescription drugs for Internet Pharmacies and did nothing, except profiting from the deliveries, according to a federal indictment. For 15 years, FedEx Corporation, Inc. two of it subsidiaries conspired to traffic in controlled substances and misbranded prescription drugs for its role in distributing controlled substances and prescription drugs for illegal Internet pharmacies, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Jay Fitzpatrick, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Acting Director of the Office of Criminal Investigations Philip J. Walsky.
The news release by U.S. Attorney Haag states that "Internet pharmacies began offering consumers prescription drugs, including controlled substances, based on the provision of information over the Internet. While some Internet pharmacies were managed by well-known pharmacy chains that required valid prescriptions and visits to the patient's personal physician, others failed to require a prescription before filling orders for controlled substances and prescription drugs. Rather, these Internet pharmacies filled orders based solely on the completion of an online questionnaire, without a physical examination, diagnosis, or face-to-face meeting with a physician. Such practices violated federal and state laws governing the distribution of prescription drugs and controlled substances."
As early as 2004, FedEx was notified by the DEA, FDA and members of Congress that illegal Internet pharmacies were using its shipping services to distribute controlled substances and prescription drugs in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), and numerous state laws. FedEx then implemented a "an Online Pharmacy Credit Policy requiring that all online pharmacy shippers be approved by the Credit Department prior to opening a new account. The stated reason for this policy was that many Internet pharmacies operated outside federal and state regulations over the sale of controlled drugs and many sites had been shut down by the government without warning, leaving a large balance owed to FedEx. According to the indictment, FedEx also established a Sales policy in which all online pharmacies were assigned to a "catchall" classification to protect the commission-based compensation of its sales professionals from the volatility caused by online pharmacies moving shipping locations often to avoid detection by the DEA."
Sales FedEx employees were expected to excel their previous year sales and if they lost an account, they were expected to immediately acquire another to replace the loses. The Pharmacy credit policy that FedEx implemented was to secure payments and gained profits, just in case a pharmacy was shutdown by the feds.
"FedEx is charged in the indictment with conspiring with two separate but related Internet pharmacy organizations: the Chhabra-Smoley Organization, from 2000 through 2008, and Superior Drugs, from 2002 through 2010. In each case, FedEx is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute controlled substances and prescription drugs, including Phendimetrazine (Schedule III); Ambien, Phentermine, Diazepam, and Alprazolam (Schedule IV), to customers who had no legitimate medical need for them based on invalid prescriptions issued by doctors who were acting outside the usual course of professional practice. The indictment charges that FedEx conspired with these organizations to violate the CSA, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846, and the FDCA, 21 U.S.C. §§ 331, et seq."
Also, "FedEx began delivering controlled substances and prescription drugs for Internet pharmacies run by Vincent Chhabra, including RxNetwork and USA Prescription, in 2000. When Chhabra was arrested in December of 2003 for illegally distributing controlled substances based on a doctor's review of an on-line questionnaire, Robert Smoley took over the organization and continued the illegal distribution of controlled substances and prescription drugs through FedEx.
"FedEx began delivering controlled substances and prescription drugs for Superior Drugs in 2002. FedEx's employees knew that Superior Drugs filled orders for online pharmacies that sold controlled substances and prescription drugs to consumers without the need for a face-to-face meeting with, or physical examination or laboratory tests by, a physician."
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 5 years of probation, and a fine of between $1 and 2.5 million, or twice the gross gain derived from the offense, alleged in the indictment to be at least $820 million. The defendants are also liable for restitution to victims of the crime, as well as forfeiture of the gross proceeds of the offense and any facilitating property. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553, according to the news release.

FedEx Corporation, Inc. federal indictment (PDF) at link: http://1.usa.gov/1nChXww

Monday, July 28, 2014

Javier Mendiola-Soto Charged With 21 Counts For Video Recording UD-Wilmington Students Using Restrooms

Mexican national doctoral student and employed at the University of Delaware-Wilmington under a work visa has been charged for placing hidden cameras to video tape women and men using in-and-off campus restrooms for more than two years.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 28, 2014

Wilmington, Delaware - The University of Delaware-Wilmington reported that Javier Mendiola-Soto, 38, of Mexico, enrolled as a doctoral student and who worked in the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI) has been charged with 21 felony counts for invasion of privacy. Mendiola-Soto allegedly placed hidden cameras in on-and-off campus restrooms between May 2012 and June 28, 2014. Bail has been denied for Mendiola-Soto and remains in jail on an immigration hold. His immigration work visa has been revoked and has been expelled from UD-Wilmington.
Mendiola-Soto was arrested on July 1 and on July 24 was eventually charged after a camera was found in a restroom by a student. The suspect was taken into custody hours after a hidden camera was found in the DBI women's restroom. Police later recovered 1,500 video files at his residence showing women and men in compromising and revealing positions using the restrooms. A laptop, computer hard drive and two cellphones were also confiscated by police.
At least 40 victims have been identified and contacted from the videos and most are women. Police are seeking to identify all of the victims in the videos. The UD-Wilmington is offering counseling for students affected in the case.
Restrooms in the following locations have been identified as places where Mendiola-Soto hid cameras and recordings were made, according to police. At the,

● Delaware Biotechnology Institute, first floor lobby restroom and first floor women's restroom in a secured area;
● Hugh Morris Library, women's restroom in first floor commons area (Bleecker St.);
● ISE Lab, first floor women's restroom in the Gore wing of building; and 
● Willard Hall Education Building, first floor, unisex handicapped-accessible restroom.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Eduardo Rosas Cruz Sought By Stockton Police For Non-compliance Treatment And Health Risk

Eduardo Rosas Cruz

Cruz failed to continue treatment for tuberculosis in San Joaquin County.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 26, 2014

Stockton, California - On Wednesday, a public health warrant was issued for Eduardo Rosas Cruz, 25, for failing to comply with a tuberculosis (TB) treatment order and not showing up for a scheduled appointment at the San Joaquin County Public Health Department. Cruz is originally from Mexico and might be carrying a type of drug-resistance tuberculosis, according to health officials.
Tuberculosis is higly contagious and the result is death, if not treated. Police are trying to locate Cruz to get him treatment. He is considered a transient and disappeared from San Joaquin County. Cruz left no forwarding address. He could refuse treatment, but Cruz would be facing up to a year in jail for not complying to take treatment. 
In March, Cruz went to a hospital in San Joaquin County for emergency treatment claiming he couldn't breathe and had been coughing for some time. Tests results were conclusive for TB. Cruz had an appointment for treatment, but failed to show up, according to police.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Motorcyclist Wearing Helmet Reported Killed In Waukegan



Woman driver exiting private driveway didn't yield to motorcyclist and fatally struck him.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 24, 2014

Waukegan, Illinois - On Wednesday, Omar O. Chami, 23, of Chicago was reported killed just before 3:45 p.m. while driving his motorcycle in Waukegan, according to the Waukegan Police Department. Chami was also wearing a helmet when he was struck by Yolanda De La Rosa, 32, of Waukegan coming out of a private driveway at the 3500 block of Sunset Blvd.
Police reported that De La Rosa was cited for driving without a license and failing to yield from a private drive. The investigation is ongoing, according to the news release. 
Chami was originally from Beirut, Lebanon and in 2008, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Last year, he began working at Telefonix, Inc. as an Engineer. Chami also previously worked at Envoy Airlines (formerly American Eagle Airlines).

Darryl Morin, Interim LULAC VP-Midwest Wants 54,000 Of Undocumented Children To Remain In The U.S.

Darryl Morin, Margaret Moran, Rosa Rosales, Manuel Rendon and Mickie Luna

LULAC has launched a nationwide campaign to allow more than 54,000 of undocumented children to stay in the U.S.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 24, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Darryl Morin, the interim LULAC Vice President-Midwest announced at a Southside community event that LULAC has launched a nationwide partnership to allow more than 54,000 of undocumented children to stay in the U.S. under refugee status. Morin doesn't believe that the children should be quickly deported without legal representation by the Obama administration to their crime ridden countries. The Obama administration is expecting more than 80,000 of unaccompanied children from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to cross into the U.S. illegally before the year ends.
The Border Children Relief Project that was launched as a humanitarian act by LULAC and three other groups, Speak Hispanic, Border Kids Relief Project and Kids In Need of Defense are working to find donors, volunteers and attorneys to aid the thousands of undocumented children detained by ICE along the U.S. - Mexico border and are in the process of quickly being deported by the Obama administration. Most of the children voluntarily turn themselves in to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents (border patrol) in the Texas border with Mexico.
On Tuesday, the Obama administration deported 13 children and 7 mothers including adults in three full planes to Guatemala, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed.
Morin wants to find sponsors to help temporarily house hundreds of children expected to arrive in Milwaukee from Texas during ICE processing for removal.
LULAC's action to help the unaccompanied children to seek refugee status and avoid deportation is expected to spread to foreign countries igniting another wave of thousands of undocumented children escaping poverty and crime in an attempt to enter the U.S. for a piece of the American dream. Morin and Nancy Hernández were selected as the King and Queen during this year's dinner event held by the Latino Carnival Parade 2014 organizers and sponsorship of LULAC at the Wherehouse Nightclub.
Morin made headlines last week after he resigned from the LULAC National Board due to controversial elections at the 85th LULAC National Convention in New York on July 12. Margaret Moran wouldn't accept his resignation because she needed his support to illegally extend her term as LULAC's National President and three other members, Rosa Rosales, Manuel Rendon and Mickie Luna to continue in control of the LULAC non-profit organization. 
Luis Roberto Vera Jr.who was appointed as Election Judge by Moran decided to postpone the LULAC National elections after getting a TRO in NY ordering Vera Jr., Moran and Manuel G. Escobar Jr., the National Legal Advisor from using Rules 12 to 21 in an attempt to influence the elections. It's the first time in LULAC's 85th history that elections had been suspended at a national convention.
About 825 delegates, including four former LULAC National Presidents took over the Assembly, reconvene and elected Maggie Rivera from Crystal Lake, Illinois as the new LULAC National President who defeated Roger C. Rocha Jr. from Laredo, Texas. Morin, who ran unopposed for VP-Midwest was re-elected, but had left the Assembly along with Vera Jr. and Moran. Vera Jr. told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that "there were no elections."
Moran, Rosales, Rendon and Luna have expired their four one-year terms on July 12 and can no longer serve as LULAC National officers as cited in the LULAC Constitution. Rosales and Elia Mendoza, including Vera Jr. as their attorney filed a TRO in San Antonio, Texas (Bexar County) enjoining Rivera and other National officers from taking office and to stop sending out correspondence concerning LULAC election results. Numerous LULAC Councils in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. have come out publicly recognizing Rivera as their new National President and a campaign to oust Moran, Rosales, Rendon and Luna has been launched this week.
The New York TRO hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 4 to see, if Vera Jr., Moran and Escobar Jr. violated the TRO order. The Texas TRO hearing is set for August 1.

Darryl Morin's comments on unaccompanied children being deported at link: http://youtu.be/0u5SU083bew


Update: On Friday, July 25, 2014, President Barack H. Obama confirmed, most undocumented children to be deported, no refugee status for escaping poverty and crime. Obama's statement at link: http://alturl.com/7fi8s

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Two Albuquerque Homeless Men Fatally Beaten By Three Teens

Alex Rios, Gilbert Tofoya and Nathaniel Carrillo

Teens charged with two counts of murder each in connection with the brutal murder of two homeless men.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 23, 2014

Albuquerque, New Mexico - Three teens, Alex Rios, 18, Gilbert Tafoya, 15, and Nathaniel Carrillo, 16, were charged with two felony counts each for murder of two homeless men. In addition, Rios was charged with conspiracy to commit felony murder and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, three counts of battery and one count each with tampering with evidence and robbery.
The three suspects were arrested where both Carrillo and Tofoya live. The two young teens are brothers, but don't share the same last name. Police found a debit card and a license belonging to one of the victims at the home. Tofoya was still wearing clothing with blood on it when he was taken onto custody.
The suspects told police that they covered their faces with t-shirts and then beat the victims with sticks, a baseball bat and smashed their faces with a cinder block.
A $5M dollar bail was set for each suspect. If convicted on both charges, each of the suspects is facing two life terms in prison. Both Carrillo and Tofoya are charged as adults. 
The faces of the two victims were so badly disfigured beyond recognition that police are having a difficult time identifying them. The bodies of both homeless men were found last Saturday around 8:00 a.m. in a vacant lot adjacent to where the two of the youngest teens reside.
The two victims were killed and a third victim, Jerome Eskeets was able to escape a fatal beating. Eskeets was taken to a local hospital and was treated for injuries. He told police that one of the suspects that beat him lived at a nearby home where the bodies were found, according to the criminal complaint. Tofoya told police that he had broken with his girlfriend and got mad, so they all decided to go out and beat up homeless people. He also confessed that they have also beaten at least 50 other homeless people in the area. Police are also seeking information about other possible victims as well.
The suspects were identified as Navajo and Native Americans by another homeless man, Emerson Roanhorse, 62, who told police that he witnessed the attack.

Undocumented Central Americans Being Stop In Southern Mexico To Check For Visas

Crackdown on undocumented immigrants initiated in Southern Mexico.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 23, 2014

Southern Mexico - The latest initiative by Mexican immigration agents in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico to stop and check for legal documents from suspected undocumented immigrants and unaccompanied children from Central America attempting to board buses at the Ado Bus Central Station. 
Ruben Figueroa, a immigration rights activists in Mexico posted a photo on his Facebook account depicting Mexican federal immigration agents checking for legal visas from suspected undocumented Central Americans attempting to board bus into the interior of Mexico.
The Mexican government deployed hundreds of Federal Police, Immigration agents, military and marines to stop the illegal crossings by Salvadoran, Honduran, Nicaraguan and Guatemalan children into Mexico from the Guatemala border.
The Mexican government has launched a Southern border crackdown of illegal crossings into Mexico and are deporting those found not to have the proper visas to be in the country. It is now prohibited for undocumented immigrants to ride in La Bestia (Beast) freight train for their protection, also known at the train of death.
Gangs and drug cartels extort thousands of immigrants and collect at least $300 dollars from each one to ride the freight train between Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz and Tamaulipas on their to the U.S. border. Immigrants are raped, thrown off the train and killed, if they don't pay a quota.
The Mexican government immigration operation has actually affected and began to cut into the multimillion profit making by criminal organizations, gangs, corrupt police, immigration agents and government local, state and federal public elected officials, including government judicial and bureaucracy workers in the area.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Murder Suspect Killed And Two Edinburg Police Officers Reported Shot

After nearly a four stand-off, a Texas gang member suspected of murdering a Mexican national is killed after shooting two Edinburg police officers.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 22, 2014

La Joya, Texas - On Tuesday, Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra confirmed during a news conference shortly before 9:00 p.m. that Joaquin Cibrian, 29, had been killed during a shootout and stand-off in a La Joya neighborhood.  Cibrian, a Syndicate gang member was wanted by the Edinburg Police Department for capitol murder in connection with the death of Gerardo Omar Melendez Verdin, 19, a Mexican national whose body was discovered in the property of a vacant home in Edinburg.
Cibrian allegedly shot several Edinburg police officers while they attempted to serve a warrant in La Joya for the murder of Verdin. The wounded officers were removed from the scene after police were able to reach them and provide cover for their extraction from the area. They were taken to local hospital for treatment. 
Dramatic video of the multiple shootouts and the stand-off was posted on Facebook by Edwin Gonzalez as it was unfolding and ended with the death of Cibrian. Gonzalez lives several houses from where Cibrian had barricaded himself and warned police that he had planted explosives inside the home. The McAllen Police bomb squad assisted at the scene.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the standoff and shootings were, the Edinburg Police Department, La Joya Police, McAllen Police, Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Rangers and U.S. Marshal's Service.

Edwin Gonzalez's La Joya shootout video posted on Facebook: http://alturl.com/9e9kv

Defecation At Gurnee's Six Flags Skull Island Pool Caused Closure

Six Flags was forced to shut down the Skull Island pool after someone defacated.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 22, 2014

Gurnee, Illinois - On Saturday, Six Flags officials were forced to shut down the Skull Island pool after someone defacated. A family was turned away around 4:00 p.m. and people were not allowed to the area.
Also on Sunday, Katy Enrique, the spokeswoman for Six Flags Great America confirmed, that power was restored in affected areas that caused rides to stop. The power outage was reported around 7:30 p.m. just three hours before closing on Saturday night and all the people affected were safely unloaded from several rides, according to Enrique.
Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) reported previously that all the warning signs of danger  at Gurnee's Six Flags are only posted in English and lack signs in Spanish to warn the hundreds of Spanish speaking people that attend Great America daily.

Thousands Of Palestinian Supporters In Chicago Protest The Israel Attack On The Gaza

Palestine supporters have staged protests in Chicago against the continued bombing assault in the Gaza.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 22, 2014

Chicago, Illinois - On Tuesday, thousands of Palestine supporters marched along the Citibank on Madison Street in Chicago in protest of the Israel continued assault on the Gaza. Israel began bombarding the Gaza after peace talks failed and fighting among Palestinians and Israelis ignited.
The protests were initiated over the weekend nationally and continued in Chicago today. The U.S. provides about $3B in aid to Israel. The U.S. Senate Appropriation Defense Committee recently approved $351M totaling so far $621M geared for Israel's Iron Dome missile system.
The protesting in Chicago are calling for Israel to stop the bombing of the Gaza and occupation, which has claimed many lives, especially civilian casualties on both sides. More than 100 civilians, mostly Palestinian women and children has been killed by the Israeli bombings in the Gaza.
Pro-Israel rallies have been also held in support of the Israeli government and there actions to continue the bombings of the Gaza.

On Tuesday,  Palestinian supporters in Chicago were counter protesting pro-Israel supporters from the a Zionist organization "Stand with Us" who held a rally in front of the Israeli Consulate at the 500 block of Madison St. around noon. Palestinian supporters staged a die-in as mock scene.  The rallies were peaceful and no arrests were reported.

Campaign To Oust Four LULAC Executive Committee Members Initiated

Margaret Moran, Rosa Rosales, Manuel Rendon and Mickie Luna

Delegates of the 85th LULAC National Convention and members of numerous LULAC Councils have begun a campaign to oust four members of the Executive Committee who have served out their four one-year terms and continue to serve in violation of the LULAC Constitution.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 22, 2014

Washington, D.C. - 0ver the weekend, the LULAC National Executive Committee met in Washington and decided to extend the terms of four members, despite a clear violation of its own organization's Constitution. Delegates from the 85th LULAC National Convention and members from numerous LULAC Councils around the country began a national campaign to oust Margaret Moran, serving as LULAC National President; Rosa Rosales, serving as Past National President, Manuel Rendon, serving as National Vice President of Young Adults and Mickie Luna, serving as National Vice President-Farwest. Moran, Rosales, Rendon and Luna are accused of illegally serving in the Executive Committee after serving out their four one-year terms by the LULAC convention delegates, LULAC membership and Voice of the Mainland (VM), a blog exclusively used to post LULAC's activities. Moran currently makes about $60,000 a year plus travel expenses, accommodations and other benefits.
Last week, Darryl Morin, who was the National Vice President-Midwest sent his resignation claiming that he wanted to spend more time with his family and mention that he was not happy about what happened at the National Convention regarding the Assembly elections. The elections were postpone by Election Judge Luis Roberto Vera Jr. after a TRO was filed on Friday, July 11 and then provided to LULAC executives just before the elections the next day. Vera Jr. under the recommendation by Moran and National Legal Council Manuel Escobar did postponed the elections after taking a two hour recess, failed to reconvene or adjourn the Assembly. The delegates reconvene without Vera Jr. or Moran because they had left the Assembly. They elected an interim National President, picked an Election Judge and parliamentarian to proceed with the elections. A whole new slate of candidates were elected by the delegates including Maggie Rivera from Crystal Lake, Illinois, who won the LULAC National President leadership position and Morin who ran unopposed was re-elected as Vice President-Midwest. But Morin resigned the following Monday and on Wednesday decided to continue as VP-Midwest after he was convinced by Moran to stay on and that she wouldn't accept his resignation because she needed his deciding vote to remain in office illegally after serving out her term. 
The TRO filed in Bronx County, New York was issued to prevent Vera Jr. who told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. that there "were no elections" from using Rules 12 to 21, which would allow him to actively prevent a fair election and allow Roger C. Rocha Jr. to get elected, according to the delegates. Vera Jr.'s postponement of the elections would allow the Executive Committee members and the LULAC National Board to continue serving after their term ended on July 12.
It's the first time in LULAC's 85th history that elections have been suspended at an annual national convention. A hearing on the New York TRO is set for July 28.
Rivera won the election by 60% (800 votes) of the delegate vote after quorum (825 delegates) was confirmed to continue with the elections. More than 1600 delegates had been registered and verify to vote at the 85th LULAC National Convention. Delegates were required to show a valid photo ID in order to vote, even though the LULAC Constitution or By-laws don't require it. Moran and Vera Jr. imposed the photo ID rule at the Convention.  
Some delegates in support of Rocha Jr. decided to leave the Assembly after Vera Jr. announced the postponement of the elections, but a majority of delegates stayed and reconvene the election process guaranteed by the LULAC Constitution and By-laws.
Vera Jr., and Moran are accused of conspiring in an attempt to get Rocha Jr. from Laredo, Texas elected, but since Rocha Jr. didn't have the expected turn out of delegates the elections were postponed in order to for Moran to remain in power and control of the LULAC organization.
Rosales and Elia Mendoza filed a TRO in Bexar County, Texas to prevent Rivera and other newly elected National officers from disseminating information to the membership about the election results from the Convention and accused them of trying to takeover the LULAC organization, regardless of them being active candidates for national leadership positions. 
VM also reported that over the weekend, Moran and Rosales attempted to get the Executive Committee members to approve about $120,000 to pay for Hilton Hotel rooms that were reserved for Rocha Jr.'s delegates who failed to show up. The rooms remained vacant and couldn't be rented out. The Committee didn't approve for Brent Wilkes, the executive director of the National LULAC to pay for Rocha Jr. delegates hotel bill, according to VM.
Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has attempted to contact Moran to comment about her taking over LULAC and not recognizing the elections that took place at the Convention in New York City to no avail. HNNUSA has also reached out to Rocha Jr., Morin and Rosales for comment, but was unsuccessful. 
Rosales and Mendoza's TRO against Rivera and others is expected to be heard on August 1 in Bexar County by Judge Larry Noll. They filed in Bexar County in San Antonio hoping that their influence and connections in the Bexar judicial system can be favorable to their TRO, according to delegates.
LULAC was established in Texas and members from Texas have been reluctant to allow traditional Mexican desent and Puerto Rican members from other states to become National LULAC Presidents, other than a Mexican-American. LULAC is not owned by any particular individual, but its entire membership, voting delegates and the majority under a democracy system who get to choose the direction and future of said organization. 

Please note: 

The National LULAC Constitution, By-laws and Protocol.  Article VIII. National Officers. Section 6. Tenure of Elected Office.Subsection c. A National Officer may serve in the same office for four terms, consecutively or intermittently, if duly elected to such office, but in no case may an officer be elected to the same office for more than four one-year terms. Any move to draft or otherwise impose on the League a person who has exhausted his eligibility to hold the same office for more than the stipulated terms shall be deemed a gross violation of this Constitution.

Monday, July 21, 2014

El Chapo And La Barbie Mastermind Hunger Strike At Mexican Maximum Security Prison

Altiplano prison warden and guards accused of violating inmates rights and two cartel leaders behind bars stage hunger strike to expose conditions.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 21, 2014

Almolaya de Juárez, Mexico, Mexico - Last Wednesday, a hunger strike was initiated at the Altiplano maximum security prison by both Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzman Loera and Édgar Valdez Villarreal, aka, "La Barbe," drug cartel leaders. Guzman is in isolation and managed to organize a hunger strike with Villarreal,  the Processo news magazine reported.
The hunger is ongoing until further notice. At least 1,000 inmates have joined the hunger strike. They claim, that the Altiplano Prison Warden Valentin Cárdenas Lerma has failed to provide adequate medical care, lack of medication, using underwear is prohibited, can't wash prison clothing regularly, won't allow regular family and conjugal visits, lack of access to prison store and food poisoning incidents. Recently, 20 inmates at Altiplano prison were food poisoned after being fed spoiled chicken. 
Guzman is the druglord for the Cartel de Sinaloa and Villarreal headed his criminal organization after breaking away from the Sinaloa Cartel and working for the Beltran-Leyva crime family.
Mexican federal prison authorities are looking into how both Guzman and Villarreal,  including the rest of the inmates managed to organize the hunger strike, since Guzman is in isolation for his protection.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Power Outage Restored On Sunday At Six Flags In Gurnee

Six Flags reported that people that were stranded in some rides at Great America on late Saturday night were safely removed from rides after power went out in some areas.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 20, 2014

Gurnee, Illinois - On Sunday, Katy Enrique, the spokeswoman for Six Flags Great America confirmed, that power was restored in affected areas that caused rides to stop. The power outage was reported around 7:30 p.m. just three hours before closing on Saturday night and all the people affected were safely unloaded from several rides, according to Enrique.
Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) reported previously that all the warning signs of danger  at Gurnee's Six Flags are only posted in English and lack signs in Spanish to warn the hundreds of Spanish speaking people that attend Great America daily.

Texas TRO Filed To Keep LULAC National Officers In Power Another Year

Rosa Rosales, Elia Mendoza, Luis Roberto Vera Jr., Magdalena "Maggie" Rivera, Baldomero "Baldo" Garza Jr. III and Ralina Cordona

A TRO was filed in Bexar County, Texas by several LULAC members to maintain last year's LULAC National Officers and Executive Committee in power for one more year.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 20, 2014

San Antonio, Texas - On Friday, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was filed by Attorney Luis Roberto Vera Jr. on behalf of both (Plaintiffs) Elia Mendoza and Rosa Rosales, a former LULAC National President and current LULAC members against members (Defendants) Eduardo LaGuerre, Magdalena "Maggie" Rivera, Ralina Cordona, Enrique Dovalina, Baldomero "Baldo" Garza Jr. III, Ray Mancera and other un-named Defendants. The Plaintiffs are seeking for a court to keep Rivera from taking office as the newly elected LULAC National President and Garza from taking office for a fourth term, as LULAC Vice President-Southwest and Cordona as LULAC Vice President-Northeast. The TRO also seeks for Defendants to stop sending correspondence to other LULAC members concerning the results of the National elections because it is causing reputable harm to the organization.
The Plaintiffs alleged that the Defendants conspired to take over the LULAC non-profit organization, despite that the Defendants were actually candidates for National officers and are certified voting members. The Defendants are accused of committing "fraud, tortuous interference with the national elections of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), declaratory judgement and civil conspiracy." 
The Plaintiffs are claiming that the Defendants, Garza and LaGuerre purposely conspired with the other Defendants to filed a TRO at a Bronx court in New York on Friday, July 11 against the current LULAC National President Margaret Moran and her National Legal Advisor Manuel G. Escobar Jr. to restrict them from taking action on Rules 12 to 21, thus usurping the powers of the National Assembly and withheld information of the TRO until shortly before the LULAC National elections would take place on Saturday. The lack of information about the TRO gave Moran and Escobar Jr. limited time to counter react and deal with the TRO order. 
Vera Jr. who filed the TRO in San Antonio was also the Election Judge appointed by Moran that decided to postpone the 85th LULAC National Convention elections. Its the first time in LULAC's 85th history that elections have been suspended at an annual national convention. The delegates at the convention say, that Vera Jr. recessed the Assembly and then returned several hours later and never reconvene or adjourned the Assembly as required by the LULAC By-laws and parliamentary procedures. Vera Jr. left the Assembly after he announced that the yearly elections were postpone due to a TRO order. 
Veteran members at the Assembly took over and selected their officers to conduct the elections and Rivera was elected by 60% of the delegates who decided to stay for the elections. One thing for sure, if the elections wouldn't have been postponed by Vera Jr. and Moran, Rivera would have still been elected as LULAC National President. Because the majority of the delegates present were in favor of electing Rivera who defeated Roger C. Rocha Jr. from Laredo, Texas. Rivera of Crystal Lake, Illinois became the first Hispanic woman to be elected LULAC National President from the Midwest that advocated reform.
The Plaintiffs claim that the Defendants had committed fraud and interfered with the LULAC National elections is frivolous, according to delegates.
Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned that Moran wouldn't accept Darryl Morin's resignation as the LULAC Vice President-Midwest because with Morin's vote on the National Board, Moran has 7 votes to continue as National President and Maggie Rivera, the newly elected President has 6 votes. Morin back on the Board will be considered the wild card for reform or a Judas?
Moran can only serve four years in one year terms as an elected National President and earns about $60,000 annually, plus travel expenses, accommodations and other benefits as LULAC National President. Morin only gets reimbursement for travel and accommodations for LULAC business.
Apparently over the weekend in Washington, D.C., the National Executive Board met and decided that Margaret Moran, Rosa Rosales, Manuel Rendon and Mickie Luna would be allowed to serve a fifth term after serving their final one year term of four terms allowed under the LULAC Constitution. No National officer is allowed to serve a fifth term after serving four years at one year terms.
The majority of the LULAC membership is calling it a disgrace and a gross violation of their Constitution and voting rights. LULAC has a history of fighting and advocating for justice, voting rights, civil rights and integrity, but as usual, the current leadership violates the very principles they're sworn to uphold. Morin was considered as the scapegoat to allow those out termed members to continue to serve illegally. Morin has not released a statement about his support for Moran and the others to remain in office.
LULAC members are requesting for Moran, Rosales, Rendon and Luna to gracefully bow out and allow other reputable members to serve as elected.
As some delegates have explained, the Texas based Mexican-Americans don't want to turn the organization over to traditional Mexican descent members or to Puerto Rican members to lead at the national level. But basically, the elected leadership or expired termed leadership don't own LULAC, they are elected custodians who are employed by the majority of the voting delegates and financed by the whole membership. The majority of delegates voted for a new National President at the 85th LULAC National Convention and should be recognized by Brent Wilkes, the Executive Director of LULAC National, according to delegates at the convention.
Rivera, who was elected National President is currently being cheated out of her term. Several TRO's have been filed, one in Bronx County, NY and the NY TRO hearing to review the case, if the order was abide is set for July 28. The second TRO was filed in Bexar County, Texas regarding the issue of the 2014 LULAC elections, results and a hearing is set for August 1.


Rosales v. LaGuerre, Texas TRO at link: http://scribd.com/doc/234544944


The Editor of the Voice of the Mainland rebuttaled Mendoza, Rosales and Vera Jr.'s claims and in an editorial form addressed most allegations on the TRO. The Editor also alleged that Rosa Rosales, former LULAC National President and current LULAC National President, Margaret Moran engaged and "have been one of ruthlessness, cheating, theft of LULAC resources, taking hundreds of thousands of dollars under the table, all to advance their goals and not the goals of LULAC."  The Editor was named as one of the Defendant's co-conspirator.
The Editor's rebuttal can be viewed at the following copy of the Texas TRO link: http://alturl.com/3cx5c


LaGuerre v. Moran, Bronx County, NY TRO http://scribd.com/doc/234200268


Letter dated July 15, 2014 that was sent to Brent Wilkes, Executive Director of LULAC National Office from Enrique "Kiki" Vigil, the New Mexico State Director in support of the newly elected LULAC National officers. Letter cites LULAC Constitutional and By-laws legal procedures used to hold national officer elections. Link: http://scribd.com/doc/234073157


One Facebook posting has been circulating among LULAC delegates and members on the soical network requesting for Maggie Rivera from Crystal Lake, Illinois be recognized as the new elected National LULAC President. The second posting alleges an early dispute and division among Mexican-American and Puerto Rican descent LULAC leaders. Rivera who is of Mexican descent received a large percentage of voting Puerto Rican delegates at the 85th LULAC Convention elections held by the delegates, which the appointed Election Judge Luis Roberto Vera Jr. claims there "were no elections." Vera Jr. apparently failed to reconvene or adjourned the Assembly and was later replaced by delegates after he walked out of the pending National officers elections. (Click on image to enlarge)

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Harry Devert Confirmed Dead By Mexican Authorities In Guerrero

DNA test has confirmed that the body parts found in several bags in the state of Guerrero are from Devert, an American missing tourist.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 19, 2014

Lagunillas, Guerrero, Mexico - Mexican authorities in Guerrero have confirmed through DNA tests that the body parts found in several plastic bags is Harry Devert, 32, from New York. Seven days ago, the Public Ministry police in the state of Guerrero recovered two garbage bags with decomposing body parts and a deteriorated motorcycle in a remote area in the township of Lagunillas located in the municipality of Union Isidro Montes de Oca, state of Guerrero. A tip led Mexican authorities to the scene. A joint effort by Ministry police, the military and Mexican marines in the area helped recovered several bags of a decomposed body and a motorcycle. The body parts from the bags were taken to a forensic lab in Zihuatanejo for DNA testing and the identity of the body has been confirmed.
Authorities say, that the body of missing U.S. tourist Harry Devert and his missing 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle with license plate NY67SD67 has been found. Devert was travelling through Mexico on his way to the Brazil World Cup Soccer games. He was last seen heading to the Cerró Pelon Butterfly Reserve in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. 
Evidence at the scene also suggested that the two bags containing body parts and the motorcycle were buried at another location, then exhumed and placed where they were recovered.
Devert disappeared on January 25. His mother provided a DNA sample to local Mexican authorities. 

TRUE Skool Celebrates 10th Anniversary At Milwaukee's Wherehouse Nightclub

Emphr one spraying art on the canvas cube.

10th Anniversary celebrated with family reunion during a day long Day Party, Boat Cruise and after party at the Wherehouse Nightclub.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 19, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, TRUE Skool initiated its 10th Anniversary celebration at Milwaukee's Southside Wherehouse Nightclub, 800 S. Water Street. The whole day began a a day party inside the club that included music, entertainment and an outdoor graffiti cube. The cube was created by Graffiti style street artist, Emphr one (EO), whose own brand is Emphcon. EO says, that he built the battle cube to spray graffiti art as a neutral friendly competition between graffiti style artists to promote their positive artistic talent.
Also Hip Hop style of music and a break dancing battle was presented at the event.
The TRUE Skool non-profit organization will have a series of documentry film screenings, work shops, community murals and ending their year long celebration with a Gala.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Anti and Pro-Groups Face Each Other At I-94 Overpass In Oak Creek

Dozens of pro-immigration supporters gathered at the I-94 overpass in Oak Creek to counter protest anti-immigrant conservative groups.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 18, 2014

Oak Creek, WI - On Friday, dozens of pro-immigrant supporters gathered at the I-94 and College Ave. overpass to counter protest a conservative anti-immigrant group from the state. The Overpassess for America-Wisconsin (OAW) associated with the Tea Party held a rally in Oak Creek in an attempt to stop the transfer of hundreds of undocumented children to Milwaukee.  
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection was seeking area organizations and church charities to help provide shelter to temporarily house unaccompanied children from South and Central America detained at the U.S. border in Texas for illegally crossing into the country. Dozens of flights have been scheduled to deport hundreds of undocumented children including mothers for the upcoming weeks, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The conservative groups began to hold two-day protests around the nation against an Obama amnesty for undocumented immigrants. Apparently, the conservative groups failed to realize that President Barack H. Obama is seeking to pass a bill to make it quicker to deport unaccompanied children and ordered to deport most of the children as soon as possible. 
More than 80,000 of undocumented children are expected to cross into the U.S. during 2014. On Monday, ICE deported 21 children and 17 mothers to Honduras. 
Pro-immigration supporters who outnumbered the OAW favor for the undocumented children to be transferred to Wisconsin, while being processed to be deported.

At least nine Overpasses of America-Wisconsin anti-immigrants showed up at the College Avenue I-94 overpass in Oak Creek on Friday to rally against amnesty for undocumented immigrants and calling to Impeach Obama. Pro-immigrant supporters outnumbered them by two to one.

Update: Another face-off in Milwaukee on Saturday at the W. Howard Ave. I-94 overpass. About a dozen Tea Party anti-immigrants showed up, as well as dozens of pro-immigrant supporters. Video: http://vimeo.com/m/101176906

298 Lives Lost After Missile Strikes Malaysia Airflight MH 17 Over Ukraine

Malaysia Airlines alleged that terrorists launched a surface-to-air missile striking flight MH 17 and causing debris to crash in the Ukraine killing 298 passengers including 15 crew members.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 17, 2014

Ukraine - On Thursday, Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile killing 298 passengers including 15 crew members. MH 17's debris came down crashing in a remote area known as Grabovo in the Donetsk Region, Ukraine controlled by rebels backed by Russia, which made it difficult to recover the bodies and allow investigators in the area. The hundreds of bodies and body parts, which are not expected to be removed from the site will decompose within days.
The missile is believed to have originated from the Russian border nearly 35 miles from where MH 17 crashed, according to a preliminary investigation. Flight MH 17 was heading to Kuala Lumper from Amsterdam in a cruising altitude when it was struck by a missile. 
The U.S. and the Malaysian government suspect that a terrorist group was responsible for the deadly attack. An ongoing fight between rebels backed by Russia and the Ukrainian government troops has escalated in the area. Each faction is blaming the other for the attack on MH 17.
The Ukrainian security forces say, that they intercepted a communications in which Igor Belzer, the rebel leader; Vasily Geranin, aka, Major and another rebel called Greek were discussing the strike on the plane. Other rebels were sent to the crash site.
Belzer confirmed that he and the Minera Group had just shot down a plane. Major responded, the plane broke apart in the air and came down over some homes.
Since the downing of MH 17, all European flights have been assigned alternative routes to avoid the usual route over Ukraine. Malaysia airlines representatives in a statement said, "With immediate effect, all European flights operated by Malaysia Airlines will be taking alternative routes avoiding the usual route...As opposed to the earlier statement, the flight was carrying a total number of 298 people – comprising 283 passengers including three infants of various nationalities and 15 crew of Malaysian nationality. Some of the nationalities of the passengers are yet to be determined." 

Nationality of deceased passengers:

Netherlands - 154

Malaysia - 43 (including 15 crew & 2 infants)

Australia -  27

Indonesia - 12 (including 1 infant)

United Kingdom - 9

Germany - 4

Belgium - 4

Philippines - 3

Canada - 1

Unverified 41

Total 298

Several hundred bodies of MH 17 flight victims unaccounted for, probe continues.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Moran Refused To Accept Morin's Resignation As LULAC Vice President-Midwest

Darryl Morin, Margaret Moran, Luis Roberto Vera Jr., Roger C. Rocha Jr. and Maggie Rivera

Morin has second thoughts about resigning after Moran, the current LULAC National President refused to accept his resignation.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 17, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Darryl Morin of Muskego and current Board Member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. posted on his Facebook account that he had second thoughts about resigning after Margaret Moran, the current LULAC National President refused to accept his resignation. Last Monday, Morin submitted his resignation to the LULAC National Board after Moran and Luis Roberto Vera Jr. attempted to postpone the National officers election by postponing the elections. The LULAC Executive Committee would have taken over the non-profit organization until the next elections, which would be in Utah, at the 86th LULAC National Convention in 2015.
Morin in his statement wrote, "After further consideration, and for your calls, texts and emails, as well as the personal efforts of LULAC National President Margaret Moran, who refused to accept my resignation and pledged her support for reforms, I today announce my intention to continue serving as LULAC National VP-Midwest." If Morin believes that Moran will actually support reforms within the troubled organization, then Morin might expect the LULAC Board to confirm Maggie Rivera from Crystal Lake, Illinois as the new LULAC National President after receiving 60% of the delegate vote at the 85th LULAC National Convention in New York City, since she has been the only one pledging real reform. Rivera defeated Roger C. Rocha Jr. from Laredo, Texas who Moran and Vera Jr. seemed to support as national president. Rocha Jr. has not conceded yet and has not responded to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) repeated requests for a statement. Rivera became the first woman national president to be elected from the Midwest.
On Saturday, LULAC National had announced in a news release that it had postponed the National Elections due to a court order and failed to mention that Rivera had been elected LULAC National President. Vera Jr. when contacted on Tuesday told HNNUSA, "There is nothing I can say at this time other then there were no elections. As per the LULAC constitution the national officers stay status quo until all legal issues are resolved. No further comments will be forthcoming at this time."
Vera Jr. apparently recessed the National Convention Assembly on Saturday and later came back to announce that the elections had been postponed by order of a NYC court that granted a TRO. Then, Vera Jr. and Moran left the Assembly Hall which had an attendance of more than 1,600 voting delegates who were previously confirmed and validated to vote. Moran ordered for the stage microphone system be shut off, including the lights. Security were advised to call NYC police to vacate the Assembly Hall full of delegates. The delegates refused to leave and opened the proceedings for an election following By-laws and the LULAC Constitution,  according to delegates at the event.
The delegates claimed that Vera Jr. never reconvene the Assembly after a long recess and never adjourned the election process or gathering to cast votes and elect national officers. The delegates were forced to present a photo ID to vote, which the LULAC National By-laws don't require one.
Vera Jr.'s absence left the door open for delegates, Board members and former national presidents to select an interim LULAC President who appointed an Election Judge and parliamentarian to proceed with the elections as allowed under the LULAC By-laws. Vera Jr. also failed to get an opinion from the Assembly and to get enough votes to decide on an outcome before making a decision to postpone.
The Assembly had more than the number of delegates present to reach quorum, according to the delegates present. Some supporters for Rocha Jr. had left the Assembly after Vera Jr. said that the elections were postpone.  But more than 900 delegates in support of Rivera remained and conducted the election. The election process was video taped and delegates say, it will withstand a legal challenge. 
The LULAC National Board will have to approve the election process and allow it to stand before Rivera and other national officers can take office.

On Wednesday,  Darryl Morin posted a letter addressed to the LULAC National Board on Facebook accepting to continue as LULAC Vice President-Midwest after resigning on Monday over National officers elections. Morin ran unopposed and was re-elected at the 85th LULAC National Convention in New York City over the weekend. Maggie Rivera from Crystal Lake, Illinois was elected LULAC National President by 60% of the delegate vote defeating Roger C. Rocha Jr. from Laredo, Texas. The LULAC National Board would have to approve the election results at their next scheduled meeting. (Hispanic News Network U.S.A.)

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Mexican Feds And Michoacán State Police Liberate 596 Victims Held Captive At Orphanage

Rosa del Carmen Verduzco Verduzco

Mexican federal authorities and Michoacán authorities rescued 596 victims held against their will at a local orphanage in the city of Zamora.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 15, 2014

Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico - On Tuesday, the Mexian Federal Attorney General's Office (PGRF), Federal Police, The Michoacán State Police and military raided an orphanage called "La Gran Familia or Casa Mamá Rosa" and rescued 596 victims held against their will. The victims were forced to sleep on rat and flea infested floors, were given spoiled food, children had to beg for money at local homes or in the streets, many were malnourished, physically and sexually abused and were prohibited from leaving the orphanage, the PRGF reported on Tuesday during a press conference. Jesús Murillo Karam, the Mexican federal prosecutor stated, five people came forward to denounce that their children were being held against their will at an orphanage in Zamora and when they tried to recover them, the operators of the orphanage would not release them to their parents. 
The orphanage is located at Calzada Jacona in Zamora. At least 50 kidnapping complaints have been filed against Rosa del Carmen Verduzco Verduzco, the operator of La Gran Familia orphanage or homeless refuge. Verduzco was taken into custody by authorities along with eight other staff members. La Gran Familia had been operating for the last 40 years.
Salvador Jara Guerrero, the Governor of Michoacán confirmed, that the first complaints against Verduzco were filed about a year ago and authorities were investigating the allegations. Until finally, a joint federal and state law enforcement operation was initiated on Tuesday to rescue the victims, according to Governor Guerrero.
One of the victims claimed, when she turned 18, she wanted to leave the orphanage, but was held captive for 13 more years. The victim had two daughters at the orphanage, but Verduzco registered them as her daughters. The victim was allowed to visit with her daughters every two months for three hours. The victim in her last visit had offered to pay Verduzco about $10,000 pesos ($769 U.S.) to get her daughters, but Verduzco told her to get more money and come back. The victim then decided to go to authorities and report Verduzco's abuses and kidnappings. 
Authorities rescued 278 male minors, 174 female minors between the ages of 3 to 17, 138 adults between the ages of 18 to 40-years-old. Also, six babies were rescued between the ages 2-months-old to 3-years-old.
Ten additional parents have also come forward to file criminal complaints against Verduzco and eight of her staff members, according to Karam.

Rosa del Carmen Verduzco Verduzco, aka, "Mamá Rosa" 2011 video about her orphanage: http://youtu.be/uScqtx6z4pc

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Morin Resigns As LULAC Vice President Of The Midwest

Darryl Morin, Luis Roberto Vera Jr., Margaret Moran, Baldomero "Baldo" Garza lll, Roger C. Rocha Jr. and Maggie Rivera

Darryl Morin's letter of resignation as LULAC VP-Midwest dated July 14, 2014 (Click on image to enlarge)

Video of the actions taken at the LULAC convention Assembly in New York City to elect national officers will show the legality of the election process, according to Paul "Pablo" A. Martinez, President of LULAC Council 120 in New Mexico.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 15, 2014

New York, New York -  On Tuesday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned that Darryl Morin, of Muskego, WI had resigned on Monday from his leadership position as LULAC Vice President of the Midwest after running unopposed and getting re-elected during the 85th LULAC National Convention in New York City. Morin is also a Board member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. that sponsors the annual three-day Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee. The LULAC National Board or the Executive Committee will fulfill Morin's vacancy. HNNUSA attempted to get a statement from Morin, but was unsuccessful. 
News about Morin's resignation was first posted in a news letter by Paul "Pablo" A. Martinez, President of LULAC Council 120 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. On Monday, HNNUSA broke the news that Maggie Rivera, of Crystal Lake, Illinois had been elect LULAC National President after an alleged attempt was made by both outgoing LULAC National President Margaret Moran and Luis Roberto Vera Jr., Moran's appointed legal advisor and Election Judge to prevent Rivera from getting elected. Rivera defeated Roger C. Rocha Jr. from Laredo, Texas. Rivera became the first elected LULAC National President from the Midwest.
On Saturday, LULAC National had announced in a news release that it had postponed the National Elections due to a court order and failed to mention that Rivera had been elected LULAC National President. Vera Jr. when contacted on Tuesday told HNNUSA, "There is nothing I can say at this time other then there were no elections. As per the LULAC constitution the national officers stay status quo until all legal issues are resolved. No further comments will be forthcoming at this time."
A TRO order was granted in New York City to prevent both Moran and Vera Jr. from implementing an influence to circumvent the election process at the convention Assembly gathering and cancelling the election. Vera Jr. attempted to postpone the election of the national officers claiming that the TRO had restricted LULAC from conducting the election process. Delegates at the convention Assembly claim that the TRO didn't prevent an election process from taking place, but that it prevented both Moran and Vera Jr. from influencing the outcome.
This year, Moran and Vera Jr. required for registered delegates to have a valid photo ID to vote, which some said it was a voter suppression tactic and the LULAC National By-laws don't require it.
The following is the news letter provided by Martinez from Council 120 to its membership in Las Cruces. Martinez posted, "Over 1,600 delegates from across the country turned out in the "Big Apple" to vote for a new national president, as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), this nation's oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization celebrated its legacy of 85 years. The convention venue was excellent and outstanding for those wishing to visit New York City for the first time and make the annual conventions into a vacation and family reunion. Over the last four years, with the exception of the 2010, 2013 and 2014 conventions (non-contested election years), there has been a decline in participation from the legitimate long existing LULAC councils. There appears to have been a decline in the amount of exhibitors and even the Federal Training Institute. This granted, may be due to the budget austerities and the economy. Many of us, that truly believe in democracy, integrity and fairness have seen tactics over the last four years that have been unprecedented and both arbitrary and capricious. That is, with respect to abusing the Rule's Committee with rules not specifically following the National LULAC Constitution and By-laws and abusing the authority of the Legal Advisor requiring the 2/3 vote rule to overturn his or her authority. In the past years in question, many of us that were delegates to these conventions witnessed this abuse. The legal advisor and the election chair would not allow a proper count via a census count nor a division of the house to so determine whether or not there was a 2/3 vote to overturn the legal advisor's opinion. The elections judge and legal advisor would determine this with the naked eye and even admitted to this in an Arizona Court lawsuit Soto v. LULAC, et al that they did not take a division of the house or census count to determine if in fact there was not the 2/3 vote to overturn.
"At this year's National Convention, based on past practices at the CA, AZ, TX and National Conventions, coupled with concerns reported by the National Treasurer and dissidents (whistle blowers that were expelled by the totalitarian leadership) exposed some compelling allegations of sales of LULAC Housing facilities in 2008 and 2012. There were several news publications investigating this matter. Several of these concerned LULAC members did report to the appropriate law enforcement agencies the concerns. The NY and PR delegation (the two other largest delegations and with the most legal standing) felt compelled to prevent the perceived abuse of power displayed in previous elections. The NY LULAC State Director filed a temporary restraining order again the LULAC leadership; i.e., Margaret Moran and National LULAC legal Advisors from implementing specific rules that adversely impacted the outcome of the election. Evidently, this was done Friday, prior to the election by the NY Delegation where they obtained the Court Order. The Convention Elections Chair-Judge, Luis Vera reported prior to the Credentials Report that Mr. Baldomero Garza, National V.P. for the Southwest served the National President and the National LULAC Legal Advisor with a law suit and this will now cause a delay in the elections and the delegation would have to stay later because of the NY and PR delegations. The powers refused to allow Baldo Garza the right to speak on the rebuttal or essential facts. Soon thereafter, National President Margaret Moran came to the podium and accused the NY LULAC State Director for causing the problems and "suing LULAC". Both the National President and the LULAC legal advisors left. One of the legal advisors, Miguel Ortiz stayed back. The Credential Committee did come up to give a preliminary report. 
"Over 1,600 delegates and National Officers were present. Ms. Yolanda Escobar provided the report. The majority of the delegates were from Puerto Rico, Texas, New York and Illinois. Ms. Escobar opened for challenges. Various delegation heads were approaching the microphones to present challenges. Meanwhile, Miguel Ortiz, the Texas LULAC Legal Advisor told the delegation that no challenges or actions could be made without the presence of the election's chair. This is erroneous because the credential committee chairwomen could have also presided or in absence of the National President or Committee Chair, the National V.P. for the SW (customary practice) could have also presided and allowed challenges. This egregious ruling was challenged and caused uproar with several hundred delegates. Baldo Garza was advised of his power. He attempted to exercise this power and the power that were cut off the microphones and stage lights. This was around approximately noon and Luis Vera returned to advise that he called a recess until 2:30 pm. This outraged the entire Assembly. Several legal observers were astonished that these individuals in power were not acting in good faith and appeared to be deliberately violating the conditions of the court order (TRO). NM LULAC State and District I officials were attempting to challenge the credentials of Council 34. Accordingly to the State Treasurer, Lynn Baca and Past District I Director Dennis Montoya, this council has not paid their state and district dues. The other challenge was the qualification of Ms. Patricia Roybal Caballero who is an elected official (member of the NM House of Representatives) was attempting to run for National Treasurer. The LULAC Constitution and By-laws prohibit any member serving in any LULAC elected or appointed positions whom are elected officials with the exception of School Board. 
"This challenge was cut short when Mr. Luis Vera returned to the podium at 2:20 pm, claiming that because of the short notice of the court order they (the National President and Legal Advisors) decided to end the convention and suspend elections. This caused havoc and outrage within the delegation. Luis Vera and his entourage of security did order that the hotel staff cut off the microphones and back lights again. Half of the Texas and California delegations left. Some of the smaller states left because some of National Staff were threatening to call the police to have people arrested if they stayed. More than half stayed and were encouraged to remain calm and orderly.
"Over 800 delegates stayed to proceed with the convention. The constitution requires at least 1/3 of the delegation present to constitute an assembly. This was ½ of the delegates enumerated in the above referenced credentials report as opposed to the 1/3 required. The other requirement was that you need ½ of the National Executive Committee present to constitute a quorum. There are other factors to be considered that were unequivocally met. There are 13 positions. One of these Vice President's positions is vacant, which is the V.P. for the Northwest. This position has been vacant for several years due to the lack of certified states required to fill that position. You would then consider half of the 12 required for quorum of the National Executive Committee. Present were: Baldo Garza, SW VP; Carlos Elizardi, SE VP; Ralina Cardona, NE VP; Elsie Valdez Lizardi, VP for Women; Maggie Rivera, National Treasurer; Roman Rodriguez, National Youth President. Mr. Manuel Rendon, National VP for Young Adults did return during the calling of quorum, but left soon thereafter. Also present were several past national presidents: Ed Pena (1978-79), Belen Robles (1994-98); Rick Dovalina (1998-2002); and Hector Flores (2002-2006). Immediate Past National President Rosa Rosales address the delegation decrying this as a law suit against LULAC, accused Mr. Ray Mancera, her former National Parliamentarian and VP of the SW of not being an attorney and not able to give an opinion, but yet she was also criticized by delegates for trying to give a legal opinion. Baldo Garza is an attorney and spoke after her agreeing with Ray Mancera who was asked by the Executive Committee to act as parliamentarian. They were informed that the constitution requires that those 6-7 members present. They were visible by the Assembly and filmed. With this being obvious a quorum was declared. The National Executive Committee held a meeting (customary the VP of the SW or another in the chain of command in the absence of that VP). The Executive Committee elected Baldo Garza as the Presiding Chair. He then appointed Ms. Belen Robles, Past National President to preside over the elections. The delegation voted to seat the delegation based on the interim Credentials Committee report presented. The Rules with the exception of those identified in the TRO were adopted in order to be in compliant with the TRO. Elections were held and the following officers were elected: Maggie Rivera, National President; Carlos Lizardi, Treasurer; Baldo Garza, VP for SW; Benny Diaz, VP for Far-west; Darryl Morin, VP for Midwest; Ralina Cardona, VP for NE; Yvonne Quinones, VP for SE; Elzie Valdez Lizardi, VP for Women; Lucy Arce, VP for the Elderly, Stanley de la Cruz, VP for Young Adults, Ana Estrada Valenzuela, VP for Youth; and Puerto Rico for 2017 Convention Site.
"There will undoubtedly be more legal challenges. However, the video evidence that will be submitted in support of these elections will prove with a preponderance of the evidence that this was in compliance of the National Constitution and By-laws. We hope that all of the Staff will be on board are realize that this was done in pursuant to the National LULAC Constitution and By-laws.
"NM LULAC congratulates the newly elected national officers. We hope that this matter is resolved swiftly and promptly so that we can proceed on the bigger issues. The resolutions and amendments were tabled to the October full board meeting. The proposed amendments were in violation of the constitution because they were not sent out to all council presidents 30 day prior to the convention as required.
"Since the election, Mr. Darryl Morin resigned his position as National VP for the Midwest," Martinez wrote in a news letter for the LULAC Council 120 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.