On October 4, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it took action against over 4,100 internet pharmacies that are illegally selling dangerous or unapproved drugs this week.  The FDA partnered with numerous law enforcement and international regulatory agencies.  

 

The FDA reports that this year’s effort to control online sales and distribution is called Operation Pangea V.  The initiative occurred between September 25 and October 2, and over 18,000 illegal pharmaceutical websites were shutdown and more than $10.5 million was seized worldwide.  

 

The FDA identified a large number of illegal medicines sold by the pharmaceutical websites: 

 

• Domperidone: the medicine was removed from the United States in 1998 because it can cause an irregular heartbeat, sudden stop of the heart, and even sudden death.  The medicine is used for increasing milk production in nursing mothers. 

• Isotretinoin (Accutane): the medicine is strictly controlled and used to treat serious nodular acne.  The medicine has serious side effects like birth defects, so the medicine has restrictions in the U.S. 

• Tamiflu: this drug is used to treat the flu and is often sold in its generic form online.  There is no FDA-approved generic version of the drug, and the FDA reports that many generic version contain the wrong active ingredients.  

• Viagra: the drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction and is strictly regulated because it dangerous when used by people with certain heart conditions.  

 

The FDA reports that it also sent warning letter to over 4,100 websites.  According to FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., “Consumers in the United States and around the world face a real threat from Internet pharmacies that illegally sell potentially substandard, counterfeit, adulterated, or otherwise unsafe medicines.  The week’s efforts show that strong international enforcement efforts are required to combat this global public health concern.” 

 

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

On October 3, 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York stated that Theodore Shulman, a pro-choice supporter, was sentenced in a Manhattan federal court to 41 months in prison after he threatened to kill to pro-life supporters.  The announcement was made by Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  

 

The FBI reports that Mr. Shulman pled guilty in May of 2012 to “one count of transmitting a threat to injure another person.”  The guilty plea was presented before United States District Judge Paul A. Crotty, who also issued the sentence on October 3.  

 

According to court documents, Mr. Shulman made a threat to two pro-life advocates on January 14, 2010.  Mr. Shulman made the threat by post a message on a blog called “SecondHandSmoke” on the website, FirstThings.com.  The FBI reports that the message read, “If Roeder is acquitted, someone will respond by killing [Victim-1] of [the university] and [Victim-2] of Priests of Life.”  

 

The Roeder comment applied to Scott Roeder.  He was convicted in 2010 for murdering Dr. George Tiller, who provided abortions.  The FBI reports the threat was serious after they found cyanide, castor beans, and rosary peas in Shulman’s possession during his arrest on February of 2011.  

 

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated, “The vibrant exchange of ideas that is a hallmark of our society does not include threats.  As Theodore Shulman’s sentence makes clear, advocating one’s point of view through threats of violence is illegal conduct that will be punished.” 

 

Shulman is also sentenced to three years of supervised release.  The FBI was responsible for the investigation.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kan M. Nawaday and David Miller who were part of the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  

 

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

On October 3, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama announced that Corey L. Hooper, a Birmingham police officer, was convicted by a federal jury after he used excessive force on a handcuffed defendant in 2007.  The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Haley, III.  

 

In July of 2012, the federal jury indicted officer Hooper after he was charged with violating the civil rights of two apprehended individuals while he was on the job.  Both incidents occurred in 2007, and Mr. Hooper is still employed as a Birmingham police officer to this date.  

 

During the trial, it was found the officer Hooper repeatedly struck Martez Gulley with his hands and fists while Gulley was handcuffed and sitting in the backseat of the patrol car.  The incident occurred on September 6, 2007.  After deliberating for less than an hour and a half, the jury found Corey L. Hooper “guilty of depriving the civil rights of Martez Gulley.  Hooper was found not guilty for the second charge where he used a X26 taser stun gun on a handcuffed defendant on August 4, 2007.  

 

U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance stated, “Few police officers violate their oaths to uphold the law and protect the public, but those who do must be held accountable, as this defendant was today.  I thank the FBI for its hard work compiling the evidence in this case.  This was the district’s first civil rights trial since my office formed a Civil Rights Enforcement Unit to expand the office’s work in enforcing civil rights laws.  We are committed to aggressive civil rights enforcement.” 

 

Officer Hooper faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.  

 

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

On October 3, 2012, the Department of Justice announced that Wesley Anderson Williams, “King Bam,” pleaded guilty for “racketeering-related” charges.  He is a member of the North Carolina Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings).  The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S Attorney Ripley Rand.  

 

During his plea hearing, Wesley Williams admitted to being a member of the Latin Kings and committing home invasion, burglary, assault, arson, and check kiting.  Williams faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 for his crimes.  

 

The guilty plea comes after Williams and 13 other defendants were charged in February of 2012.  A superseding indictment stated that the defendants engaged in violent racketeering that involved robberies, kidnappings, robbery, arson, extortion, and more—all in violation of the Hobbs Act.  

 

The following defendants were named in the superseding indictment.  They admitted to being members of the Latin Kings in North Carolina, and they have since pleaded guilty.  There sentencing is not yet scheduled:  

 

• Luis Alberto Rosa, “King Speechless”

• Marcelo Ysreal Perez, “King Lyrix”

• Charles Lawrence Moore, “King Toasty”

• Richard Lee Robinson, “King Focus”

• Steaphan Acencio-Vasquez, “King Leo”

 

The following defendants were also named in the superseding indictment, and they have been identified as members of the Latin Kings in North Carolina.  Their trial is scheduled for October 15, 2012: 

 

• Carolos Coleman, “King Spanky”

• Jorge Peter Cornell, “King J”

• Russell Lloyd Kilfoil, “King Peaceful”

• Randolph Leif Kilfoil, “King Paul”

• Jason Paul Yates, “King Squirrel”

• Samuel Isaac Velasquez, “King Hype”

• Irvin Vasquez, “King Dice”

• Ernesto Wilson, “King Yayo”

 

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia M. Lee-Dixon under the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. J. Lang for the Middle District of NC.  

 

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

On October 4, the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced that an ex-TSA officer, Timothy G. Gregory, pleaded guilty to “conspiring and attempting to smuggle cocaine through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.” The announcement was made by United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.  

 

According to U.S. Attorney Yates and court documents, Gregory began abusing his powers in February of 2012.  He believed he was smuggling cocaine through security, but he was in a setup the whole time.  

 

An undercover officer gave Gregory give kilograms of fake cocaine on February 24, 2012 along with $5,000 cash.  Gregory then smuggled the fake cocaine through the checkpoint while he was wearing his TSA uniform.  He proceeded to deliver the fake drugs to another undercover agent at the terminal.  

 

Undercover agents provided Gregory with 10 pounds of fake cocaine on May 4, 2012 after he agreed to transport the drugs from Atlanta to Commerce, Georgia.  

 

Gregory was indicted on August 7, 2012 for three counts of drug trafficking.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of possession with intent to distribute.  The FBI reports that Gregory faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine up to $10,000,000.  

 

U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates stated, “Mr. Gregory abused his position as a TSA officer to smuggle sham drugs through the world’s busiest airport for people he thought were narcotics traffickers.  The citizens of this district deserve better.  They rightfully deserve law enforcement officers who obey the laws that they are entrusted to enforce.  Mr. Gregory now faces a lengthy prison sentence.”  

 

Gregory’s sentencing will occur on December 18, 2012.  The case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Marshals Service.  

 

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

On October 4, 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced that the Greeley Regional Anti-Gang Enforcement (RAGE) Task Force investigated, prosecuted, and sentenced 30 defendants for crimes involving drugs and guns.  The Task Force worked with the Greeley Police Department and the FBI during the investigation and prosecution.  The 30 criminals received a combined sentence of 142 years in federal prison.  

 

The prosecuted defendants and their sentences are listed below.  The defendants are from Greeley, Evans, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Eaton: 

 

Jeramy Antuna: 100 months

Anna Askvig: 15 months

Serena Benavidez: 18.5 months

Luis Dominguez: 60 months

Jose Luis Dominguez: 40 months

Rodolfo Dominguez: 132 months

Norma Enriquez: five years of probation

Randy Frias: 70 months

Domingo Garcia: 132 months

Chauvanna Gesick: 48 months

Roseann Gonzales: 8 months

Michael Gurule: 50 months

Desiree Marie Hernandez: 40 months

Freddie Kinzie-Garcia: 18 months

Elisia Llamas: 11 months

Aurelio Madrid: 100 months

Terry Margheim: sentence still pending

Jose Martinez: 30 months

Javier Medina: 87 months

Amanda Montes: three years of probation

Carlos Morales-Gonzales: 51 months

Elizabeth Navarro: 36 months

Anthony Rivera: 48 months

Todd Anthony Shelton: 150 months

Brian Thompson: 84 months

Onna Marie Trevino: 12 months

Anthony Trujillo: 78 months

Skyler Valencia: 40 months

Michelle Versemann: five years of probation

Ernest Ruseell Williams: 21 months

Alicia Baray-Deleon: 77 months

 

The defendants were charged with 139 counts of drug and gun crimes.  The drugs charges were for methamphetamine, and some of the charges were for distribution in a school zone and distributing where a child under 18 was present.  

 

U.S. Attorney John Walsh stated, “Our goal was to have a serious impact on criminals operating in Greeley.  Thirty defendants have been held accountable for their crimes, making Greeley a safer place to live.  Some of the defendants will be spending a significant amount of time behind bars for their drug and gun crimes.” 

 

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

 

WHAT IS FAMILY WATCH DOG?

 

 

As self described on their facebook site, "Family Watch Dog  is a tool…the public could use to keep their family informed and aware of different dangers in their area.  Our goal has always been to provide the most up-to date information to the public." The website, located at www.familywatchdog.us focuses primarily on sex offender awareness as well as keeping members of the community aware of food and drug recalls. 

 

 

WHAT INFORMATION CAN I RECEIVE ABOUT SEX OFFENDERS FROM THIS WEBSITE?

 

 

On the FAMILY WATCHDOG website one can find countless information on sex offenders living within the United States.  However, different States have different laws governing the dissemination of information and the only statistics available will often be those of level 2 and level 3 sex offenders.  These are individuals with a moderate to high risk of becoming a repeat offender.  By law, in most States, level 1 offenders, which are those who have a low risk of recidivism, may not be tracked by the public and the information regarding their sex offense is known only to law enforcement. 

 

 

FAMILY WATCHDOG compiles and maintains statistical data on the number of sex offenders living within a certain State.  The data includes the number of sex offender, the State population and the ratio of offenders per million residents in that State. 

 

 

FAMILY WATCHDOG also maintains an active and frequently updated map of registered sex offenders within The United States.  An individual looking for sex offenders in the community has two options.  They can either do a search based on an address plugged into the database or they can put a specific name in the database to find the location of a specific sex offender.  The data that FAMILY WATCHDOG uses is public information maintained by law enforcement agencies and the mapping is based off of current census data.

 

 

WHAT INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE MAP?

 

 

The mapping system provided by FAMILY WATCH DOG is very thorough.  Once a starting address is added the system will process a GPS type map of the area in question.  That map will have locations where registered sex offenders reside in color.  The color coding system designates different colors for the type of sexual offense depending on whether it was against a child, rape, sexual battery another offense.  It also has a color coding system to show whether the location is the offender's home or place of employment, etc.

 

 

 IS FAMILY WATCH DOG'S DATA RELIABLE?

 

 

For the most part FAMILY WATCH DOG is a highly respected citizen protection organization but it does have its limitations.  All data compiled and disseminated by FAMILY WATCH DOG is gathered from law enforcement and the census bureau.  It is the responsibility of a registered sex offender to register his/her address with law enforcement.  If he/she does not do so then FAMILY WATCH DOG has no way of knowing where the sex offender is residing.  Another problem is that census data is not always accurate.  Especially with the mapping system, if an address or location registered with the census bureau is incorrect it will be reflected in the mapping.

 Understanding Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law: Protecting Communities from Sexual Offenders

Introduction

Megan’s Law is a critical piece of legislation that plays a pivotal role in safeguarding communities across the United States from sexual offenders. Each state in the U.S. has its own version of Megan’s Law, aimed at monitoring and regulating the activities of individuals convicted of sexual offenses. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law, exploring its history, objectives, implementation, and the resources available for public awareness and safety. To ensure accuracy and credibility, we will primarily rely on information from government resources.

1. The Origins and Purpose of Megan’s Law

Megan’s Law is named after Megan Kanka, a young girl from New Jersey who was tragically sexually assaulted and murdered by a neighbor who was a previously convicted sex offender. Her death in 1994 was a wake-up call that highlighted the need for greater community awareness and protection against sexual predators.

Pennsylvania, like many other states, responded to this tragic event by enacting its own version of Megan’s Law. The primary objectives of Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania include:

1. Community Notification: To inform residents about the presence of sex offenders in their neighborhoods. This notification empowers residents to take precautions and make informed decisions to protect their families.

2. Law Enforcement Tool: To provide law enforcement agencies with tools to effectively monitor and manage registered sex offenders, thereby reducing the risk of re-offending.

3. Deterrence: To act as a deterrent by making potential sex offenders aware of the consequences they will face, including public registration and notification, if they commit sexual offenses.

1. Implementation of Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law is a comprehensive and multifaceted system designed to track, register, and manage individuals convicted of sexual offenses. The key components of its implementation include:

1. Registration: Under Pennsylvania law, individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses must register as sex offenders. This registration involves providing detailed personal information, including their name, address, photograph, fingerprints, and other relevant details.

2. Tier System: Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania employs a tier system to categorize sex offenders based on the severity of their offenses and the likelihood of re-offending. There are three tiers, with Tier 3 being the highest risk.

3. Community Notification: Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law emphasizes community notification. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for notifying the public about the presence of registered sex offenders, especially those classified under Tier 2 and Tier 3. The public is informed about the offender’s name, address, photograph, and the nature of their offenses.

4. Website Access: The Pennsylvania State Police maintain a publicly accessible website that allows residents to search for registered sex offenders in their communities. This online tool plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and empowering individuals to stay informed.

5. Lifetime Registration: In some cases, individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses are required to register as sex offenders for life, underscoring the state’s commitment to long-term monitoring.

III. Megan’s Law and Constitutional Considerations

While Megan’s Law has been instrumental in enhancing community safety, it has also raised constitutional questions and concerns, particularly regarding privacy and due process rights. Some individuals argue that the public shaming associated with community notification may infringe upon the constitutional rights of sex offenders who have completed their sentences and paid their debt to society.

The U.S. Supreme Court addressed these concerns in the case of Connecticut Department of Public Safety v. Doe (2003). In this case, the Court upheld the constitutionality of Megan’s Law-type statutes but also emphasized the importance of individualized risk assessment and periodic review.

Pennsylvania has made efforts to address these constitutional concerns by implementing a tiered system that takes into account the risk level posed by individual offenders. This approach is designed to balance public safety with the rights of the convicted.

1. Resources for Public Awareness and Safety

Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law places a strong emphasis on public awareness and community safety. To facilitate this, the state provides various resources to help residents stay informed and take proactive measures:

1. Pennsylvania State Police Website: The official Pennsylvania State Police website maintains an easily accessible database of registered sex offenders. Residents can search for offenders by name, location, or zip code to obtain relevant information about their presence in their communities.

2. Community Meetings: Law enforcement agencies often conduct community meetings to educate residents about Megan’s Law and the presence of sex offenders in their neighborhoods. These meetings provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and voice their concerns.

3. Online Safety Resources: The Pennsylvania State Police website also offers educational resources on internet safety, particularly for parents and guardians. Given the increasing use of technology for sexual offenses, these resources are crucial in protecting children and adolescents.

4. Crime Watch Programs: Many communities in Pennsylvania have active crime watch programs that work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. These programs are essential for fostering community vigilance and communication regarding potential threats.

5. Local Law Enforcement: Residents can contact their local law enforcement agencies for information and assistance related to Megan’s Law. Law enforcement officers are typically well-versed in the law’s provisions and can provide guidance on safety measures.

1. The Evolving Landscape of Megan’s Law

Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania, like in many other states, has evolved over the years to address emerging challenges and adapt to changes in technology. Some notable developments and considerations include:

1. Online Presence: With the proliferation of social media and online platforms, there is a growing debate about whether registered sex offenders should be required to disclose their online presence and email addresses. Pennsylvania, like other states, has had to grapple with this issue.

2. Challenges of Monitoring: The ongoing challenge for law enforcement agencies is to effectively monitor and manage a growing number of registered sex offenders. This task requires dedicated resources and technological support.

3. Continued Legal Challenges: Legal challenges to Megan’s Law are not uncommon, with ongoing debates about the balance between public safety and the constitutional rights of offenders. The law is likely to continue evolving as courts address these challenges.

4. Community Engagement: Community engagement remains a critical aspect of Megan’s Law’s success. Public awareness, education, and cooperation are essential in creating safer communities.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law is a vital tool in the ongoing efforts to protect communities from sexual offenders. Its emphasis on community notification, tiered risk assessment, and public resources for awareness and safety make it a comprehensive and dynamic system. While it is not without its constitutional and logistical challenges, Pennsylvania continues to refine and adapt its Megan’s Law to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. As the landscape of sexual offender management evolves, Megan’s Law in Pennsylvania will likely continue to play a central role in community safety.

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WHAT IS PENNSYLVANIA’S POLICY ON MEGAN’S LAW?

PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGAN’S LAW is essentially an adjunct to the NATIONAL MEGAN’S LAW that was put into effect by then President Bill Clinton in 1996.  In 1995 then Governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Ridge, introduced legislation to protect the citizens of Pennsylvania from the threat of registered sex offenders living within the State.  The bill became active in April of 1996.  PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGANS LAW, which was signed as Act 24 of 1995 imposes a number of criteria upon registered sex offenders.

WHAT DOES PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGAN’S LAW REQUIRE OF SEX OFFENDERS?

The PENNSYLVANIA MEGAN’S LAW allows sentencing courts to impose life sentences on those sexually violent offenders who are deemed to be “predators.”  PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGAN’S LAW also requires sex offenders and sexually violent predators to register with the Pennsylvania State Police.  It also stipulated that communities be notified when and where a sexually violent predator moves into an area.

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS?

The State of Pennsylvania requires sex offenders, as per PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGAN’S LAW to register with the State Police Department for a period of time upon their release from prison.  The State breaks up the requirements to 10 years of registration to Life registration.

The requirement of 10 year registration is reserved for crimes including: kidnapping of a minor, luring a child into a motor vehicle, incest where the victim is over 12 years of age, obscene and other sexual materials where the victim is a minor, sexual abuse of children, unlawful contact with a minor, and a list of others that may be found at www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us.

The requirement of life registration is reserved for crimes including:  offenders with two or more convictions of any of the offenses set forth in the 10 year registration requirement, rape, sexual assault, incest where the victim is under 12 years of age and offenders considered sexually violent predators.  For a full list of the offenses that require lifetime registration see www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us.

WHAT INFORMATION DOES PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGAN’S LAW PROVIDE CITIZENS?

Pennsylvania seems to take a stricter stance on the amount of information that a sex offender living within the State must provide.  This data include:

·         Name and all known aliases;

·         Year of birth;

·         Street address, city, municipality, county, zip code and all residences, and where applicable the name of the prison or other place of confinement;

·         Name, address and all other information associated with an offenders school or employment;

·         Physical description of the offender, including photos;

·         Identification marks;

·         License plate numbers and descriptions of vehicles;

·         Current registry compliance status;

·         Whether the victim of the offense was a minor;

·         A description of the offense;

·         Date of conviction;

·         A map of where the offender lived and attends school, if applicable.

DOES PENNSYLVANIA RESTRICT THE LOCATION WHERE A SEX OFFENDER MAY LIVE?

PENNSYLVANIA’S MEGAN’S LAW does not restrict where a registered sex offender may reside.  The exception to the rule is that a registered sex offender may not live near a school, park, daycare center, nursing home, etc. in certain circumstances.  For more information please visit Pennsylvania’s State website.