View Latest Cook County Probate Court
Corruption and Fraud Videos at this blog site:
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Judge blocks Madoff trustee’s suit against banks
By JTA
07/30/2011 09:18
US judge rules trustee charged with recovering assets lost in Madoff’s Ponzi scheme does not have standing to sue banks on behalf of victims.
A federal judge ruled that the trustee charged with recovering assets lost in Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme does not have standing to sue banks and other institutions on behalf of victims for failing to detect the fraud.
In a ruling issued Thursday, United States District Judge Jed Rakoff said that the bankruptcy trustee, Irving Picard, cannot make claims against third parties for money that was not received from Madoff.
In addition to trying to recoup funds from Madoff investors who had received payouts in excess of their deposits, Picard has sued banks and other entities that helped to funnel money to Madoff’s operations. Picard has argued that such banks violated their duties to investors by ignoring evidence that Madoff was engaged in a fraud.
Rakoff blocked $8.6 billion in claims from a lawsuit that Picard had initiated against the London-based bank, HSBC, and a pair of other defendants. The ruling could affect Picard’s other lawsuits against banks as well.
Rakoff ruled that the trustee could not represent the interests of Madoff’s victims in suits against third parties that did not involve money paid out by Madoff. He ruled that the bankruptcy trustee’s proper role was to recover assets on behalf of the debtor, in this case Madoff’s firm.
The judge’s ruling, however, does not prevent investors themselves from pursuing legal action against such third parties.
Hours before the judge’s ruling, Picower had announced a settlement of $1 billion with Tremont Partners, a Madoff feeder fund.
So far Picower has recovered almost half of the $17 billion in claims on principal invested with Madoff.
Please read complete article and links at link below:
http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=231634
Editor's note: Our readers may ask why your ProbateShark included this article concerning a Federal judge blocking banks' responsibility to not observe and report fraud. Well...many Chicago banks are in "bed" with the criminals running the Probate Court of Cook County. This ruling in Federal Court would have a profound effect in preventing the fraud being perpetrated every day in the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Central Texas-tied probate cases highlight estate abuse threats
View Latest Cook County Probate Court
Corruption and Fraud Videos at this blog site:
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Central Texas-tied probate cases highlight estate abuse threats
July 26, 2011
Two legal cases with central Texas ties provide interesting opportunity to discuss questionable probate actions. Anna Nicole Smith – and now her estate’s – pursuit of J. Howard Marshall II’s multi-million dollar estate has long made headlines and a recent court filing could open a new front in an action already ongoing for 15+ years. Meanwhile, the indictment of Waco attorney Ray Rushing along with former caregiver Melissa Adler presents an important example of another path by which alleged estate abuse can occur. While one case is a civil action and the other is criminal, while one involves a high-dollar estate and the other more modest asset values, the public must become aware of the dangers posed by Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) actions in which probate venues and probate instruments (wills, trusts, guardianships and powers of attorney) are used to divert assets from the dead, disabled, incapacitated and/or their intended heirs or beneficiaries.
The first case involves the saga of former Mexia resident Vickie Lynn Hogan who became famous as Anna Nicole Smith and infamous through waging a legal battle against Marshall’s designated heir upon the elder Marshall’s death 14 months into their marriage. Smith’s initial claim for half of the Marshall estate was based upon an oral promise she alleged that J. Howard Marshall II made. No physical evidence existed to support the claim with all estate planning documents naming Marshall’s son Pierce as his intended beneficiary.
A seven-month Houston probate trial allowed a jury to examine alleged beneficial entitlement by both Smith and a disinherited son, J. Howard Marshall III and culminated with a 2001 finding that neither claim was credible. A concurrent California bankruptcy action provided Smith’s team an additional legal front in which to keep the estate pursuit open. Despite Pierce Marshall’s 2006 death and Smith’s 2007 death, that action served as the basis for today’s continued challenge.
A new filing is now seeks to delay a final federal court ruling while an appeal of the Texas probate court’s decision against Smith’s claim is pursued. This new avenue would likely be prolonged, complicated and expensive further catapulting this case – seen by many as nothing more than a desperate money-grab – further into a never ending exploitative legal wasteland.
One need not be a lawyer but only an attentive observer to see that too often when these cases get going, reality becomes unimportant and integrity is supplanted by legal gamesmanship, billable hours generation and blatant disregard for final wishes. Upon applying a little common sense and analytical ability, the case now known as Stern v. Marshall appears nothing more than an attempt to use an unsubstantiated claim and the legal system to extort assets received via a legitimate inheritance. And fighting the battle takes on extra importance because if the Smith estate were to ever see a real court victory resulting in a financial distribution (and the setting of legal precedent), the inheritance rights of all Texans – maybe all Americans – would be seriously threatened.
In the other central Texas case, a McLennan County Grand Jury indicted both Ray Rushing, general counsel for the Texas State Technical College system, and Melissa Adler on four identical felony charges. Court documents indicate the charges are based on Adler’s relationship with Eugene Handley, an elderly man for whom she cared in a professional capacity.
Adler is described as continuing a relationship with Handley despite discontinuing her caregiver role while Rushing prepared a new will that eliminated prior heirs and bestowed Handley’s estate to Adler. Court documents assert that Rushing later executed the will which he knew to be invalid based on improper witnessing and notarization and also because Handley was not competent to have executed such a document. For these efforts, Adler is said to have paid Rushing $5,000 out of Handley’s estate around November 2005.
The indictment repeatedly refers to the overall estate value as “more than $100,000 but less than $200,000.” This amount is key as it illustrates how estates of all sizes can be targets of looting efforts. Probate abuse cases routinely contain identifiable patterns or occur within predictable scenarios. While the presumption of innocence must always be maintained, this case appears to contain many familiar elements.
The prosecution of this case as a criminal matter is interesting. Steal $250,000 from a bank, it’s a criminal act. Divert the same amount from intended beneficiaries in an estate and you’re usually relegated to the “pay-to-play” civil court system which is expensive and, for many, simply cost prohibitive. This point is well known to legal practitioners and other would-be looters while the public’s ignorance of such realities enhances their vulnerability. Why this case – especially with the value involved – is being prosecuted criminally remains unknown for now, but such treatment of these cases is always welcomed as an important deterrent of potential future acts.
With the transfer of wealth that is getting ready to occur in the upcoming years, the Involuntary Redistribution of Assets will likely skyrocket. People think proper estate planning will protect them – wrong! People think they don’t have enough assets to be a target – wrong!! No inoculation currently exists from the IRA threat, but using current cases to educate the public of looming dangers is an important step toward combating abusive probate actions.
Lou Ann Anderson is an advocate working to create awareness regarding the Texas probate system and its surrounding culture. She is the Online Producer at http://www.estateofdenial.com/, a Policy Advisor with Americans for Prosperity Foundation – Texas and a Director of Women on the Wall. Lou Ann may be contacted at info@EstateofDenial.com.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.estateofdenial.com/2011/07/26/central-texas-tied-probate-cases-highlight-estate-abuse-threats/
Corruption and Fraud Videos at this blog site:
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Central Texas-tied probate cases highlight estate abuse threats
July 26, 2011
Two legal cases with central Texas ties provide interesting opportunity to discuss questionable probate actions. Anna Nicole Smith – and now her estate’s – pursuit of J. Howard Marshall II’s multi-million dollar estate has long made headlines and a recent court filing could open a new front in an action already ongoing for 15+ years. Meanwhile, the indictment of Waco attorney Ray Rushing along with former caregiver Melissa Adler presents an important example of another path by which alleged estate abuse can occur. While one case is a civil action and the other is criminal, while one involves a high-dollar estate and the other more modest asset values, the public must become aware of the dangers posed by Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) actions in which probate venues and probate instruments (wills, trusts, guardianships and powers of attorney) are used to divert assets from the dead, disabled, incapacitated and/or their intended heirs or beneficiaries.
The first case involves the saga of former Mexia resident Vickie Lynn Hogan who became famous as Anna Nicole Smith and infamous through waging a legal battle against Marshall’s designated heir upon the elder Marshall’s death 14 months into their marriage. Smith’s initial claim for half of the Marshall estate was based upon an oral promise she alleged that J. Howard Marshall II made. No physical evidence existed to support the claim with all estate planning documents naming Marshall’s son Pierce as his intended beneficiary.
A seven-month Houston probate trial allowed a jury to examine alleged beneficial entitlement by both Smith and a disinherited son, J. Howard Marshall III and culminated with a 2001 finding that neither claim was credible. A concurrent California bankruptcy action provided Smith’s team an additional legal front in which to keep the estate pursuit open. Despite Pierce Marshall’s 2006 death and Smith’s 2007 death, that action served as the basis for today’s continued challenge.
A new filing is now seeks to delay a final federal court ruling while an appeal of the Texas probate court’s decision against Smith’s claim is pursued. This new avenue would likely be prolonged, complicated and expensive further catapulting this case – seen by many as nothing more than a desperate money-grab – further into a never ending exploitative legal wasteland.
One need not be a lawyer but only an attentive observer to see that too often when these cases get going, reality becomes unimportant and integrity is supplanted by legal gamesmanship, billable hours generation and blatant disregard for final wishes. Upon applying a little common sense and analytical ability, the case now known as Stern v. Marshall appears nothing more than an attempt to use an unsubstantiated claim and the legal system to extort assets received via a legitimate inheritance. And fighting the battle takes on extra importance because if the Smith estate were to ever see a real court victory resulting in a financial distribution (and the setting of legal precedent), the inheritance rights of all Texans – maybe all Americans – would be seriously threatened.
In the other central Texas case, a McLennan County Grand Jury indicted both Ray Rushing, general counsel for the Texas State Technical College system, and Melissa Adler on four identical felony charges. Court documents indicate the charges are based on Adler’s relationship with Eugene Handley, an elderly man for whom she cared in a professional capacity.
Adler is described as continuing a relationship with Handley despite discontinuing her caregiver role while Rushing prepared a new will that eliminated prior heirs and bestowed Handley’s estate to Adler. Court documents assert that Rushing later executed the will which he knew to be invalid based on improper witnessing and notarization and also because Handley was not competent to have executed such a document. For these efforts, Adler is said to have paid Rushing $5,000 out of Handley’s estate around November 2005.
The indictment repeatedly refers to the overall estate value as “more than $100,000 but less than $200,000.” This amount is key as it illustrates how estates of all sizes can be targets of looting efforts. Probate abuse cases routinely contain identifiable patterns or occur within predictable scenarios. While the presumption of innocence must always be maintained, this case appears to contain many familiar elements.
The prosecution of this case as a criminal matter is interesting. Steal $250,000 from a bank, it’s a criminal act. Divert the same amount from intended beneficiaries in an estate and you’re usually relegated to the “pay-to-play” civil court system which is expensive and, for many, simply cost prohibitive. This point is well known to legal practitioners and other would-be looters while the public’s ignorance of such realities enhances their vulnerability. Why this case – especially with the value involved – is being prosecuted criminally remains unknown for now, but such treatment of these cases is always welcomed as an important deterrent of potential future acts.
With the transfer of wealth that is getting ready to occur in the upcoming years, the Involuntary Redistribution of Assets will likely skyrocket. People think proper estate planning will protect them – wrong! People think they don’t have enough assets to be a target – wrong!! No inoculation currently exists from the IRA threat, but using current cases to educate the public of looming dangers is an important step toward combating abusive probate actions.
Lou Ann Anderson is an advocate working to create awareness regarding the Texas probate system and its surrounding culture. She is the Online Producer at http://www.estateofdenial.com/, a Policy Advisor with Americans for Prosperity Foundation – Texas and a Director of Women on the Wall. Lou Ann may be contacted at info@EstateofDenial.com.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.estateofdenial.com/2011/07/26/central-texas-tied-probate-cases-highlight-estate-abuse-threats/
Friday, July 29, 2011
Attorney Grant Goodman suspended without a hearing
View Latest Cook County Probate Court
Corruption and Fraud Videos at this blog site:
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Attorney Grant Goodman suspended without a hearing
Posted: 07/26/2011
By: Joe Ducey
By: Maria Tomasch
PHOENIX - An attorney who spoke out in a series of ABC15 investigations on probate court has now become the target of judicial review.
Longtime Arizona attorney Grant Goodman has made serious allegations over the last year against attorneys and guardians in Maricopa County Probate Court.
“Assets are being raped and pillaged every day,” said Goodman.
Accusations like that may have landed him in trouble.
“The conduct that’s going on in probate is in effect, unconstitutional," he said.
The State Bar of Arizona has now temporarily suspended Goodman's license to practice law.
The bar claims his conduct "will result in substantial harm, loss or damage to the public, the legal profession or the administration of justice."
“I haven't had a client so far that has complained,” said Goodman.
The suspension comes after Goodman filed lawsuits on behalf of incapacitated adults. They were adults Maricopa County Probate Court ruled couldn't handle their money or medical care.
The ABC15 Investigators reported on those lawsuits in a series of stories last year, uncovering flaws in the Maricopa County Probate System.
Families accused the court of allowing their loved ones to be isolated and heavily medicated while their assets were liquidated.
In an interview with ABC15 more than a year ago, Goodman described the county's probate process as criminal.
“These people are more organized than the mob. Plus, they have a court rubberstamp the proceeding.”
Many of the people mentioned in the motion that led to the Goodman's suspension, are people mentioned in our investigations. They are the same people Goodman is suing.
RETALIATION:
Goodman claims that it is no coincidence.
“You asked the question earlier about retaliation. It goes well above and beyond that. It is just simply about money,” said Goodman.
The bar claims he is a danger to the public. Goodman replied, “I am a danger to the judges and lawyers that I've sued.”
Goodman called the probate process "racketeering" claiming lawyers and guardians were controlling these people and taking all their money.
“There is no one willing to take up their cause," said Goodman.
The bar's suspension which came without a hearing, accuses Goodman of consistent misconduct.
The allegations also turn the tables on Goodman by claiming he was taking advantage of the very incapacitated adults he was hired to represent.
“I have not taken a nickel, not a nickel from any of these people that I represent. And they still continue harp about that,” said Goodman, “I am after the money? Really? I am after, in fact, that they have taken all the money. That's what they object to.”
The next step is for the Arizona Supreme Court to make the temporary suspension permanent. That could stay in effect for five years. Goodman could eventually get disbarred.
Follow this link to the special web page, “Greed v Guardianship” to see the entire series of investigative stories on probate court.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/attorney-grant-goodman-suspended-without-a-hearing
Editor's note: A lawyer friend once told me, "Every lawyer should see the movie, A Man for All Seasons. Sir Thomas Moore exemplified the paragon of excellence that all lawyers should strive to achieve." Mr. Goodman, name is appropriate, a good man who would be interchangeable with Sir Thomas. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Corruption and Fraud Videos at this blog site:
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Attorney Grant Goodman suspended without a hearing
Posted: 07/26/2011
By: Joe Ducey
By: Maria Tomasch
PHOENIX - An attorney who spoke out in a series of ABC15 investigations on probate court has now become the target of judicial review.
Longtime Arizona attorney Grant Goodman has made serious allegations over the last year against attorneys and guardians in Maricopa County Probate Court.
“Assets are being raped and pillaged every day,” said Goodman.
Accusations like that may have landed him in trouble.
“The conduct that’s going on in probate is in effect, unconstitutional," he said.
The State Bar of Arizona has now temporarily suspended Goodman's license to practice law.
The bar claims his conduct "will result in substantial harm, loss or damage to the public, the legal profession or the administration of justice."
“I haven't had a client so far that has complained,” said Goodman.
The suspension comes after Goodman filed lawsuits on behalf of incapacitated adults. They were adults Maricopa County Probate Court ruled couldn't handle their money or medical care.
The ABC15 Investigators reported on those lawsuits in a series of stories last year, uncovering flaws in the Maricopa County Probate System.
Families accused the court of allowing their loved ones to be isolated and heavily medicated while their assets were liquidated.
In an interview with ABC15 more than a year ago, Goodman described the county's probate process as criminal.
“These people are more organized than the mob. Plus, they have a court rubberstamp the proceeding.”
Many of the people mentioned in the motion that led to the Goodman's suspension, are people mentioned in our investigations. They are the same people Goodman is suing.
RETALIATION:
Goodman claims that it is no coincidence.
“You asked the question earlier about retaliation. It goes well above and beyond that. It is just simply about money,” said Goodman.
The bar claims he is a danger to the public. Goodman replied, “I am a danger to the judges and lawyers that I've sued.”
Goodman called the probate process "racketeering" claiming lawyers and guardians were controlling these people and taking all their money.
“There is no one willing to take up their cause," said Goodman.
The bar's suspension which came without a hearing, accuses Goodman of consistent misconduct.
The allegations also turn the tables on Goodman by claiming he was taking advantage of the very incapacitated adults he was hired to represent.
“I have not taken a nickel, not a nickel from any of these people that I represent. And they still continue harp about that,” said Goodman, “I am after the money? Really? I am after, in fact, that they have taken all the money. That's what they object to.”
The next step is for the Arizona Supreme Court to make the temporary suspension permanent. That could stay in effect for five years. Goodman could eventually get disbarred.
Follow this link to the special web page, “Greed v Guardianship” to see the entire series of investigative stories on probate court.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/attorney-grant-goodman-suspended-without-a-hearing
Editor's note: A lawyer friend once told me, "Every lawyer should see the movie, A Man for All Seasons. Sir Thomas Moore exemplified the paragon of excellence that all lawyers should strive to achieve." Mr. Goodman, name is appropriate, a good man who would be interchangeable with Sir Thomas. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
North suburban man accused of bilking sleep-disorder investors
View Latest Cook County Probate Court Corruption and Fraud Videos at this blog site:
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
North suburban man accused of bilking sleep-disorder investors
By Cynthia Dizikes
Tribune reporter
11:39 AM CDT, July 27, 2011
A north suburban man has been charged with defrauding about $4 million from investors for a now-defunct sleep disorder business, spending much of the money on a Lake Forest mansion, a tattoo parlor and family vacations to Italy, Nevada, Florida and Alaska.
Kenneth Dachman, 52, allegedly wooed investors from about June 2008 to September 2010 to help fund Central Sleep Diagnostics and Advanced Sleep Devices, which purported to treat sleep apnea and sleep-related illnesses and sell related equipment.
The more than 50 investors who jumped onboard believed their money would be used to purchase sleep-related equipment, rent office space and retain and pay physicians to review diagnostic studies, according to the indictment.
In some cases, Dachman personally guaranteed he would repay investors’ principal, as well as monthly payments equal to between 5 and 24 percent annually, authorities said.
Instead, the indictment alleges that Dachman misappropriated at least $2 million of the co-mingled funds. Dachman was charged with 11 counts of wire fraud.
In addition to the house and multiple vacations, authorities said Dachman also purchased a new sport utility vehicle, rare books and antiques and funded gambling in Los Vegas and spent more than $200,000 on personal stock trading.
While pulling together money for his businesses, Dachman allegedly did not tell investors that he had almost no assets and that he had declared personal bankruptcy on seven prior occasions. He also falsely told investors that he had a PhD from Northwestern University, according to the indictment.
The indictment seeks at least $4 million as well as a 2008 Land Rover.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-north-suburban-man-charged-in-4-million-fraud-20110727,0,2552886.story
Editor's note: FEDS give me a break...a 2008 Land Rover? One of the hot shot GAL's in the Probate Court Of Cook County bought himself a posh summer home on the ocean in California with the funds stolen from helpless disabled wards. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
North suburban man accused of bilking sleep-disorder investors
By Cynthia Dizikes
Tribune reporter
11:39 AM CDT, July 27, 2011
A north suburban man has been charged with defrauding about $4 million from investors for a now-defunct sleep disorder business, spending much of the money on a Lake Forest mansion, a tattoo parlor and family vacations to Italy, Nevada, Florida and Alaska.
Kenneth Dachman, 52, allegedly wooed investors from about June 2008 to September 2010 to help fund Central Sleep Diagnostics and Advanced Sleep Devices, which purported to treat sleep apnea and sleep-related illnesses and sell related equipment.
The more than 50 investors who jumped onboard believed their money would be used to purchase sleep-related equipment, rent office space and retain and pay physicians to review diagnostic studies, according to the indictment.
In some cases, Dachman personally guaranteed he would repay investors’ principal, as well as monthly payments equal to between 5 and 24 percent annually, authorities said.
Instead, the indictment alleges that Dachman misappropriated at least $2 million of the co-mingled funds. Dachman was charged with 11 counts of wire fraud.
In addition to the house and multiple vacations, authorities said Dachman also purchased a new sport utility vehicle, rare books and antiques and funded gambling in Los Vegas and spent more than $200,000 on personal stock trading.
While pulling together money for his businesses, Dachman allegedly did not tell investors that he had almost no assets and that he had declared personal bankruptcy on seven prior occasions. He also falsely told investors that he had a PhD from Northwestern University, according to the indictment.
The indictment seeks at least $4 million as well as a 2008 Land Rover.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-north-suburban-man-charged-in-4-million-fraud-20110727,0,2552886.story
Editor's note: FEDS give me a break...a 2008 Land Rover? One of the hot shot GAL's in the Probate Court Of Cook County bought himself a posh summer home on the ocean in California with the funds stolen from helpless disabled wards. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Newark FBI office rolls out campaign designed to stop health care fraud
View Cook County Probate Court Corruption Videos at this blog site: http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Newark FBI office rolls out campaign designed to stop health care fraud
Published: Monday, July 25, 2011, 10:18 PM Updated: Monday, July 25, 2011, 10:18 PM
By Jason Grant/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger
Courtesy of the FBI The ads, aimed at increasing public awareness and reporting of health care fraud, will be posted on billboards and mall kiosks in New Jersey.
NEWARK — Pointing to estimates that say fraudulent billings to U.S. health care programs cost a "staggering" $60 billion to $200 billion in losses each year, the FBI's Newark division today launched a one-of-a-kind digital advertising campaign on New Jersey billboards and kiosks aimed at getting the public to blow the whistle on suspected health care fraud.
"Our purpose with this campaign is to generate an abundance of new leads," said Michael B. Ward, head of the division.
Division spokesman Bryan Travers said the campaign represents the first time the FBI has used ads to promote a general investigative program. He added that the FBI had designated it a "pilot program."
It will used on a national level if it works well here, he said.
"We think perhaps one of the reasons the public is not reporting health care fraud is they either don't recognize it or they recognize it but don't know what to do about it," Travers said.
The campaign's ads, which include an FBI phone number, will be placed on both digital kiosks at malls and electronic billboards along the New Jersey Turnpike and interstate highways.
Travers said he and other agents today explained some of the various types of health care fraud. It can range from — among other things — medical professionals billing for services never given, to pharmacists overbilling insurers or government programs, to false reporting of diagnoses in order to collect more money, to getting medicines on the black market, Travers said.
The program is being paid for with FBI health care fraud-designated funds, Travers said, although the FBI would not disclose the exact cost
Please read complete article with poster graphic at link below:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/newark_fbi_rolls_out_campaign.html
Editor's note: I'm sure our Chicago FBI knows about all the mischief on the 18th Floor of the Daley Center. Your ProbateShark has been "blowing the whistle" on this shark blog about the Probate Court of Cook County and health care fraud and yet nothing is being done. This fraud could not go on without the complete cooperation of the probate court judges... Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Newark FBI office rolls out campaign designed to stop health care fraud
Published: Monday, July 25, 2011, 10:18 PM Updated: Monday, July 25, 2011, 10:18 PM
By Jason Grant/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger
Courtesy of the FBI The ads, aimed at increasing public awareness and reporting of health care fraud, will be posted on billboards and mall kiosks in New Jersey.
NEWARK — Pointing to estimates that say fraudulent billings to U.S. health care programs cost a "staggering" $60 billion to $200 billion in losses each year, the FBI's Newark division today launched a one-of-a-kind digital advertising campaign on New Jersey billboards and kiosks aimed at getting the public to blow the whistle on suspected health care fraud.
"Our purpose with this campaign is to generate an abundance of new leads," said Michael B. Ward, head of the division.
Division spokesman Bryan Travers said the campaign represents the first time the FBI has used ads to promote a general investigative program. He added that the FBI had designated it a "pilot program."
It will used on a national level if it works well here, he said.
"We think perhaps one of the reasons the public is not reporting health care fraud is they either don't recognize it or they recognize it but don't know what to do about it," Travers said.
The campaign's ads, which include an FBI phone number, will be placed on both digital kiosks at malls and electronic billboards along the New Jersey Turnpike and interstate highways.
Travers said he and other agents today explained some of the various types of health care fraud. It can range from — among other things — medical professionals billing for services never given, to pharmacists overbilling insurers or government programs, to false reporting of diagnoses in order to collect more money, to getting medicines on the black market, Travers said.
The program is being paid for with FBI health care fraud-designated funds, Travers said, although the FBI would not disclose the exact cost
Please read complete article with poster graphic at link below:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/newark_fbi_rolls_out_campaign.html
Editor's note: I'm sure our Chicago FBI knows about all the mischief on the 18th Floor of the Daley Center. Your ProbateShark has been "blowing the whistle" on this shark blog about the Probate Court of Cook County and health care fraud and yet nothing is being done. This fraud could not go on without the complete cooperation of the probate court judges... Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Mass psychosis in the US
View Cook County Probate Court Corruption Videos at this blog site: http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Mass psychosis in the US
How Big Pharma got Americans hooked on anti-psychotic drugs.
James Ridgeway Last Modified: 12 Jul 2011 06:20
Drug companies like Pfizer are accused of pressuring doctors into over-prescribing medications to patients in order to increase profits [GALLO/GETTY]
Has America become a nation of psychotics? You would certainly think so, based on the explosion in the use of antipsychotic medications. In 2008, with over $14 billion in sales, antipsychotics became the single top-selling therapeutic class of prescription drugs in the United States, surpassing drugs used to treat high cholesterol and acid reflux.
Once upon a time, antipsychotics were reserved for a relatively small number of patients with hard-core psychiatric diagnoses - primarily schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - to treat such symptoms as delusions, hallucinations, or formal thought disorder. Today, it seems, everyone is taking antipsychotics. Parents are told that their unruly kids are in fact bipolar, and in need of anti-psychotics, while old people with dementia are dosed, in large numbers, with drugs once reserved largely for schizophrenics. Americans with symptoms ranging from chronic depression to anxiety to insomnia are now being prescribed anti-psychotics at rates that seem to indicate a national mass psychosis
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy.
Source: Al Jazeera
Please read complete article at link below:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/07/20117313948379987.html
Mass psychosis in the US
How Big Pharma got Americans hooked on anti-psychotic drugs.
James Ridgeway Last Modified: 12 Jul 2011 06:20
Drug companies like Pfizer are accused of pressuring doctors into over-prescribing medications to patients in order to increase profits [GALLO/GETTY]
Has America become a nation of psychotics? You would certainly think so, based on the explosion in the use of antipsychotic medications. In 2008, with over $14 billion in sales, antipsychotics became the single top-selling therapeutic class of prescription drugs in the United States, surpassing drugs used to treat high cholesterol and acid reflux.
Once upon a time, antipsychotics were reserved for a relatively small number of patients with hard-core psychiatric diagnoses - primarily schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - to treat such symptoms as delusions, hallucinations, or formal thought disorder. Today, it seems, everyone is taking antipsychotics. Parents are told that their unruly kids are in fact bipolar, and in need of anti-psychotics, while old people with dementia are dosed, in large numbers, with drugs once reserved largely for schizophrenics. Americans with symptoms ranging from chronic depression to anxiety to insomnia are now being prescribed anti-psychotics at rates that seem to indicate a national mass psychosis
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy.
Source: Al Jazeera
Please read complete article at link below:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/07/20117313948379987.html
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Norwich accountant expected to plead guilty in federal fraud case
View Cook County Probate Court Corruption Videos at this blog site: http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Norwich accountant expected to plead guilty in federal fraud case.
Posted Jul 20, 2011 @ 10:44 PM
Norwich accountant F. Robert LaSaracina is expected to enter a guilty plea today in his ongoing federal fraud and money-laundering case.
A hearing has been scheduled for 1 p.m. at U.S. District Court in Hartford for a “waiver of indictment and guilty plea proceeding” before U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Previous hearings have been postponed to allow time “to permit a negotiated resolution and guilty plea,” according to court records.
Federal charges were lodged against LaSaracina in October after an FBI investigation into an alleged scheme to defraud clients, including trust beneficiaries, by diverting money for his own use and others with whom he has a relationship, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The arrest followed a Norwich Probate Court ruling in which LaSaracina was ordered to pay $4.2 million for mishandling a trust fund account for the Kauppinen family, for which LaSaracina was the trustee. The probate court found LaSaracina was selling trust-owned properties and mortgaging others and using proceeds to pay off outstanding loans and generate cash, according to federal officials.
In the federal criminal case, he faces one count each of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
He is the target of several civil suits from investors.
He was charged by the Department of Revenue Services tax enforcement division in November for failure to file and pay tax returns for his own business, F. Robert LaSaracina CPA, LLC at 209 W. Town St. in Norwich. That case is pending in Hartford Superior Court.
LaSaracina is free on $500,000 bond in the federal case.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/archive/x121488140/Guilty-plea-possible-Thursday-in-LaSaracina-case#ixzz1SzBtEecg
Editor's note: Feds; why waste your time on a small time crook like LaSaracina! Your ProbateShark will show you where the big money is being laundered and stolen on the 18th floor of the Daley building in Chicago. One of the judges wears a rock on her finger the size of the "Hope Diamond"... on a judges salary? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Norwich accountant expected to plead guilty in federal fraud case.
Posted Jul 20, 2011 @ 10:44 PM
Norwich accountant F. Robert LaSaracina is expected to enter a guilty plea today in his ongoing federal fraud and money-laundering case.
A hearing has been scheduled for 1 p.m. at U.S. District Court in Hartford for a “waiver of indictment and guilty plea proceeding” before U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Previous hearings have been postponed to allow time “to permit a negotiated resolution and guilty plea,” according to court records.
Federal charges were lodged against LaSaracina in October after an FBI investigation into an alleged scheme to defraud clients, including trust beneficiaries, by diverting money for his own use and others with whom he has a relationship, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The arrest followed a Norwich Probate Court ruling in which LaSaracina was ordered to pay $4.2 million for mishandling a trust fund account for the Kauppinen family, for which LaSaracina was the trustee. The probate court found LaSaracina was selling trust-owned properties and mortgaging others and using proceeds to pay off outstanding loans and generate cash, according to federal officials.
In the federal criminal case, he faces one count each of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
He is the target of several civil suits from investors.
He was charged by the Department of Revenue Services tax enforcement division in November for failure to file and pay tax returns for his own business, F. Robert LaSaracina CPA, LLC at 209 W. Town St. in Norwich. That case is pending in Hartford Superior Court.
LaSaracina is free on $500,000 bond in the federal case.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/archive/x121488140/Guilty-plea-possible-Thursday-in-LaSaracina-case#ixzz1SzBtEecg
Editor's note: Feds; why waste your time on a small time crook like LaSaracina! Your ProbateShark will show you where the big money is being laundered and stolen on the 18th floor of the Daley building in Chicago. One of the judges wears a rock on her finger the size of the "Hope Diamond"... on a judges salary? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Caregiver crime growing
View Cook County Probate Court Corruption Videos at this blog site: http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Caregiver crime growing
By Bill Rankin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After the basement flooded, the squalor finally overwhelmed Johnny Ray Hill.
.“I wasn’t a tenant anymore,” Hill testified recently. “I’d become a hostage.”
Hill, 59, said he was trapped in a windowless basement room in a DeKalb County home for almost six months ending in March 2010, sharing the room with a mentally disabled stranger. For breakfast, they got Ramen noodles in Country Crock margarine containers; for dinner, two bologna sandwiches. They used 5-gallon paint buckets for toilets.
Their landlord, Chandra Renee Faust, 43, now faces criminal charges. County and state officials say the allegations shine light on a disturbing and growing phenomenon in which freelancing caregivers and renters prey on vulnerable people to get access to their disability checks.
DeKalb District Attorney Robert James said Faust offered to take the two men into her home to care for them.
“But in reality, they were being neglected and exploited,” he said. “This is a call to action. There are people taking in our seniors and disabled adults to get rich. They need to be licensed, they should be regulated and if there’s neglect and abuse, they should be punished.”
A DeKalb grand jury in December indicted Faust for false imprisonment, identity fraud, theft and exploitation and abuse of the disabled.
James Bulot, director of the state Division of Aging Services, citing national statistics, estimated that 40,000 to 60,000 elderly and disabled Georgia residents are abused, neglected and exploited each year. Included in this estimate are those being taken advantage of by unscrupulous and unlicensed caregivers, he said.
“It’s steadily increasing,” Bulot said. “Partly it’s due to the state of our economy and also because this involves vulnerable people who have a steady income.”
Bulot said disabled people who need a roof over their heads should turn to state-regulated personal care homes that must meet standards before receiving a license.
Most cases of abuse and exploitation involve relatives or personal care givers who gain their clients’ trust, Pat King, a state forensic investigator, said. But there are also those who recruit disabled individuals, going so far as to wait for patients to be discharged from psychiatric facilities and asking if they have a place to live.
“We see this stuff going on every single day,” King said. “They just want that check.”
At a hearing last month on what evidence can be used at Faust’s trial, a DeKalb prosecutor said Faust has been taking advantage of elderly and disabled individuals since 2002, although this is the first time she’s been charged.
Faust’s trial is scheduled for September. She denies the charges, her lawyer, Keith Adams, said last week. He declined comment on Hill’s account of the living conditions.
Hill, using a cane, walked unsteadily to the witness stand during the recent hearing. For about an hour he described how he came to live in Faust’s home — and how he finally escaped from it.
For years, Hill testified, he has been unable to work, collecting $600 a month in disability that he deposited in a Wachovia savings account. The former car detailer has been in and out of hospitals for tuberculosis, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, broken hips and hypertension. In June 2009, after being treated for a blood clot in his chest, Hill was living at the shelter at Peachtree and Pine streets downtown. One day, Hill testified, Faust drove up and asked if he needed a room, saying she rented them at her Decatur home. Hill declined.
Faust approached him two more times, and, on the second occasion, he took her up on it, Hill said.
Faust already had one tenant — Ben Wheeler, a mentally disabled man who lived in one of two basement rooms.
The living conditions were sparse. Each room had a lamp, a TV, a water jug, a small aluminum bowl to wash up in and a cot that sat on the floor. A paint bucket was to be used for going to the bathroom in case of an emergency; otherwise, the men could use the bathroom in the home upstairs. Faust told the men she intended to eventually renovate the basement, Hill testified.
Hill paid Faust $500 a month, and said that he accepted the conditions until September 2009 when Faust made him move into Wheeler’s room after water seeped into the basement because of heavy rains.
Hill said he complained so much that Faust became hostile. She also locked the door to the two men’s room and no longer granted them access to the bathroom upstairs, Hill said.
“The living conditions were unbearable,” Hill said. “I asked to leave. ... But she refused. She became like a prison guard.”
Faust also took Hill’s tote bag containing his birth certificate and Social Security card, he said.
Hill said he decided he had only two options: a homicide — his or hers — or an escape.
“I had my mind made up I was going to leave that basement,” he testified.
After hearing Faust’s Cadillac Escalade drive away on March 6, 2010, Hill said, he took a metal stem from his lamp and used it to pop the lock on his door. Then, with the help of Wheeler, he unlocked another basement door.
It was a chilly morning and Hill, wrapped in a quilt, set out walking in search of a police officer.
The officer found him first, pulling over to ask the disheveled figure what he was up to. After Hill told the officer he was escaping from squalid detention, he testified, she told him to take her there.
Hill said it had been so long since he had been outdoors, he had difficulty finding Faust’s home until they drove by and saw Wheeler standing outside. After the officer went into the basement and looked around, Hill said, detectives and other officers swarmed the scene.
Prosecutors allege that during the time Hill was locked downstairs, Faust put her name on his bank account and got her own debit card and personal checks — all without Hill’s permission. She made withdrawals and cashed a $1,280 check from his account in January 2010, according to evidence presented by prosecutors.
Faust exhibited little emotion as Hill testified. Adams, her lawyer, indicated that Faust’s two children — a teenage daughter and a younger son — lived in the Clifton Springs Manor home while Hill and Wheeler were in the basement.
Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Canavan said Faust engaged in similar behavior nine years earlier.
Canavan asked DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson to allow prosecutors to present evidence at trial of alleged, past misconduct to try to show Faust had a pattern of the same criminal activity and intent.
In May 2002, Canavan said, police were called to a house then being rented by Faust where they found a number of elderly people residing.
“The conditions they observed were abhorrent,” she said, noting that the volume was turned up on the TV in the house upstairs so complaints could not be heard from the residents living below.
One of the residents, a 67-year-old man, had escaped through a window. He told neighbors, who called 911, that he was dehydrated and felt as if he were in jail, Canavan said.
Most of the residents were sleeping on cots that looked just like the one Wheeler had, Canavan said. They were using the same kind of paint bucket for a toilet, eating out of Country Crock plastic containers and paying Faust with their disability checks, the prosecutor said.
“She gives people the bare minimum of care it takes to keep them alive so she can take their money,” Canavan said. “This is the modus operandi. This is why she picks people up ... and puts them in every nook and cranny of her home.”
Johnson, issuing a preliminary ruling, said she will allow some of the evidence to be admitted at trial.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/caregiver-crime-growing-trend-1020616.html
This type of confinement along with kidnapping is allowed by the Probate Court of Cook County. The only difference being, the Illinois wards are drugged into stupefaction. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, Probate Sharks.com
Caregiver crime growing
By Bill Rankin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After the basement flooded, the squalor finally overwhelmed Johnny Ray Hill.
.“I wasn’t a tenant anymore,” Hill testified recently. “I’d become a hostage.”
Hill, 59, said he was trapped in a windowless basement room in a DeKalb County home for almost six months ending in March 2010, sharing the room with a mentally disabled stranger. For breakfast, they got Ramen noodles in Country Crock margarine containers; for dinner, two bologna sandwiches. They used 5-gallon paint buckets for toilets.
Their landlord, Chandra Renee Faust, 43, now faces criminal charges. County and state officials say the allegations shine light on a disturbing and growing phenomenon in which freelancing caregivers and renters prey on vulnerable people to get access to their disability checks.
DeKalb District Attorney Robert James said Faust offered to take the two men into her home to care for them.
“But in reality, they were being neglected and exploited,” he said. “This is a call to action. There are people taking in our seniors and disabled adults to get rich. They need to be licensed, they should be regulated and if there’s neglect and abuse, they should be punished.”
A DeKalb grand jury in December indicted Faust for false imprisonment, identity fraud, theft and exploitation and abuse of the disabled.
James Bulot, director of the state Division of Aging Services, citing national statistics, estimated that 40,000 to 60,000 elderly and disabled Georgia residents are abused, neglected and exploited each year. Included in this estimate are those being taken advantage of by unscrupulous and unlicensed caregivers, he said.
“It’s steadily increasing,” Bulot said. “Partly it’s due to the state of our economy and also because this involves vulnerable people who have a steady income.”
Bulot said disabled people who need a roof over their heads should turn to state-regulated personal care homes that must meet standards before receiving a license.
Most cases of abuse and exploitation involve relatives or personal care givers who gain their clients’ trust, Pat King, a state forensic investigator, said. But there are also those who recruit disabled individuals, going so far as to wait for patients to be discharged from psychiatric facilities and asking if they have a place to live.
“We see this stuff going on every single day,” King said. “They just want that check.”
At a hearing last month on what evidence can be used at Faust’s trial, a DeKalb prosecutor said Faust has been taking advantage of elderly and disabled individuals since 2002, although this is the first time she’s been charged.
Faust’s trial is scheduled for September. She denies the charges, her lawyer, Keith Adams, said last week. He declined comment on Hill’s account of the living conditions.
Hill, using a cane, walked unsteadily to the witness stand during the recent hearing. For about an hour he described how he came to live in Faust’s home — and how he finally escaped from it.
For years, Hill testified, he has been unable to work, collecting $600 a month in disability that he deposited in a Wachovia savings account. The former car detailer has been in and out of hospitals for tuberculosis, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, broken hips and hypertension. In June 2009, after being treated for a blood clot in his chest, Hill was living at the shelter at Peachtree and Pine streets downtown. One day, Hill testified, Faust drove up and asked if he needed a room, saying she rented them at her Decatur home. Hill declined.
Faust approached him two more times, and, on the second occasion, he took her up on it, Hill said.
Faust already had one tenant — Ben Wheeler, a mentally disabled man who lived in one of two basement rooms.
The living conditions were sparse. Each room had a lamp, a TV, a water jug, a small aluminum bowl to wash up in and a cot that sat on the floor. A paint bucket was to be used for going to the bathroom in case of an emergency; otherwise, the men could use the bathroom in the home upstairs. Faust told the men she intended to eventually renovate the basement, Hill testified.
Hill paid Faust $500 a month, and said that he accepted the conditions until September 2009 when Faust made him move into Wheeler’s room after water seeped into the basement because of heavy rains.
Hill said he complained so much that Faust became hostile. She also locked the door to the two men’s room and no longer granted them access to the bathroom upstairs, Hill said.
“The living conditions were unbearable,” Hill said. “I asked to leave. ... But she refused. She became like a prison guard.”
Faust also took Hill’s tote bag containing his birth certificate and Social Security card, he said.
Hill said he decided he had only two options: a homicide — his or hers — or an escape.
“I had my mind made up I was going to leave that basement,” he testified.
After hearing Faust’s Cadillac Escalade drive away on March 6, 2010, Hill said, he took a metal stem from his lamp and used it to pop the lock on his door. Then, with the help of Wheeler, he unlocked another basement door.
It was a chilly morning and Hill, wrapped in a quilt, set out walking in search of a police officer.
The officer found him first, pulling over to ask the disheveled figure what he was up to. After Hill told the officer he was escaping from squalid detention, he testified, she told him to take her there.
Hill said it had been so long since he had been outdoors, he had difficulty finding Faust’s home until they drove by and saw Wheeler standing outside. After the officer went into the basement and looked around, Hill said, detectives and other officers swarmed the scene.
Prosecutors allege that during the time Hill was locked downstairs, Faust put her name on his bank account and got her own debit card and personal checks — all without Hill’s permission. She made withdrawals and cashed a $1,280 check from his account in January 2010, according to evidence presented by prosecutors.
Faust exhibited little emotion as Hill testified. Adams, her lawyer, indicated that Faust’s two children — a teenage daughter and a younger son — lived in the Clifton Springs Manor home while Hill and Wheeler were in the basement.
Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Canavan said Faust engaged in similar behavior nine years earlier.
Canavan asked DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson to allow prosecutors to present evidence at trial of alleged, past misconduct to try to show Faust had a pattern of the same criminal activity and intent.
In May 2002, Canavan said, police were called to a house then being rented by Faust where they found a number of elderly people residing.
“The conditions they observed were abhorrent,” she said, noting that the volume was turned up on the TV in the house upstairs so complaints could not be heard from the residents living below.
One of the residents, a 67-year-old man, had escaped through a window. He told neighbors, who called 911, that he was dehydrated and felt as if he were in jail, Canavan said.
Most of the residents were sleeping on cots that looked just like the one Wheeler had, Canavan said. They were using the same kind of paint bucket for a toilet, eating out of Country Crock plastic containers and paying Faust with their disability checks, the prosecutor said.
“She gives people the bare minimum of care it takes to keep them alive so she can take their money,” Canavan said. “This is the modus operandi. This is why she picks people up ... and puts them in every nook and cranny of her home.”
Johnson, issuing a preliminary ruling, said she will allow some of the evidence to be admitted at trial.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/caregiver-crime-growing-trend-1020616.html
This type of confinement along with kidnapping is allowed by the Probate Court of Cook County. The only difference being, the Illinois wards are drugged into stupefaction. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, Probate Sharks.com
Friday, July 22, 2011
Estate of Rosa Parks plundered, claims lawsuit
View Cook County Probate Court Corruption Videos at this blog site: http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/
Estate of Rosa Parks plundered, claims lawsuit
By Adam Sherwin
Saturday, 23 July 2011
AP
Rosa Parks riding on a bus in Alabama in 1955, the act of defiance that led to the civil rights movement
The estate of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks is facing bankruptcy, with historically important items of memorabilia at risk, papers filed in a Michigan court allege.
Ms Parks became the first lady of civil rights in 1955 when she defied segregation laws by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, to a white man. She was arrested and the resulting outcry prompted a boycott of Montgomery's buses.
Ms Parks died in 2005 aged 92, after instructing that her estate should fund an institute in her name which would teach young people leadership and character development. But her legacy has become mired in a long-running legal dispute.
A court filing by Steven Cohen, who represents the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, claims a judge allowed two other lawyers to pile up fees that drained about two-thirds of the estate's $372,000 (£228,000) value.
"Since Mrs Parks's death, the court system of her adopted city (Detroit) has embarked on a course to destroy her legacy, bankrupt her institute, shred her estate plan and steal her very name," Mr Cohen alleged.
With the money running out, Mr Cohen claimed lawyers John Chase Jr and Melvin Jefferson Jr persuaded a judge to order the Parks Institute to forfeit her vast memorabilia collection so it could be auctioned. Mr Cohen wants that decision overturned, along with a judge's decision to grant the lawyers – whose actions are backed by Parks's nieces and nephews -- the rights to license the Rosa Parks name.
The memorabilia collection, which includes medals, papers and the hat she wore on the historic ride, is now in the hands of a New York auction house. With the ownership of the collection valued at $10 m (£6m) in limbo, vital items are being lost, Mr Cohen argued.
The coat that Ms Parks wore on the bus ride, seen worldwide in photographs and one of the most valuable items in the collection, is missing. But Lawrence Pepper, a lawyer representing the Parks' nieces and nephews, said the coat had been lost long ago.
Ms Parks had given it to one of her nieces when she was attending college about 40 years ago. Her niece wore it and got rid of it. "She didn't realise it had any value," Mr Pepper said.
The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, reportedly bid $1.2m (£735,000) for the memorabilia collection. The relatives who challenged Ms Parks will want to give the Institute's share of the proceeds to charity and share the rest among themselves.
Ms Parks, who had no children, was a 42-year-old secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People when she made her stand. She received many honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Parks estate included $227,000 (£139,000) which Rosa won in 1999 after suing hip-hop band OutKast for using her name in a song without permission.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/estate-of-rosa-parks-plundered-claims-lawsuit-2319061.html
Editor's note: Strange...this article was initiated in jolly old England...yet it rings true...across an ocean to the mirror image corruption in the Cook County Probate Court. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Estate of Rosa Parks plundered, claims lawsuit
By Adam Sherwin
Saturday, 23 July 2011
AP
Rosa Parks riding on a bus in Alabama in 1955, the act of defiance that led to the civil rights movement
The estate of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks is facing bankruptcy, with historically important items of memorabilia at risk, papers filed in a Michigan court allege.
Ms Parks became the first lady of civil rights in 1955 when she defied segregation laws by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, to a white man. She was arrested and the resulting outcry prompted a boycott of Montgomery's buses.
Ms Parks died in 2005 aged 92, after instructing that her estate should fund an institute in her name which would teach young people leadership and character development. But her legacy has become mired in a long-running legal dispute.
A court filing by Steven Cohen, who represents the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, claims a judge allowed two other lawyers to pile up fees that drained about two-thirds of the estate's $372,000 (£228,000) value.
"Since Mrs Parks's death, the court system of her adopted city (Detroit) has embarked on a course to destroy her legacy, bankrupt her institute, shred her estate plan and steal her very name," Mr Cohen alleged.
With the money running out, Mr Cohen claimed lawyers John Chase Jr and Melvin Jefferson Jr persuaded a judge to order the Parks Institute to forfeit her vast memorabilia collection so it could be auctioned. Mr Cohen wants that decision overturned, along with a judge's decision to grant the lawyers – whose actions are backed by Parks's nieces and nephews -- the rights to license the Rosa Parks name.
The memorabilia collection, which includes medals, papers and the hat she wore on the historic ride, is now in the hands of a New York auction house. With the ownership of the collection valued at $10 m (£6m) in limbo, vital items are being lost, Mr Cohen argued.
The coat that Ms Parks wore on the bus ride, seen worldwide in photographs and one of the most valuable items in the collection, is missing. But Lawrence Pepper, a lawyer representing the Parks' nieces and nephews, said the coat had been lost long ago.
Ms Parks had given it to one of her nieces when she was attending college about 40 years ago. Her niece wore it and got rid of it. "She didn't realise it had any value," Mr Pepper said.
The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, reportedly bid $1.2m (£735,000) for the memorabilia collection. The relatives who challenged Ms Parks will want to give the Institute's share of the proceeds to charity and share the rest among themselves.
Ms Parks, who had no children, was a 42-year-old secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People when she made her stand. She received many honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Parks estate included $227,000 (£139,000) which Rosa won in 1999 after suing hip-hop band OutKast for using her name in a song without permission.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/estate-of-rosa-parks-plundered-claims-lawsuit-2319061.html
Editor's note: Strange...this article was initiated in jolly old England...yet it rings true...across an ocean to the mirror image corruption in the Cook County Probate Court. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
City official arrested and charged with Medicare fraud scheme
City official arrested and charged with Medicare fraud scheme
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/ View victim's videos...
BY FRANK MAIN AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters July 20, 2011 2:54PM
Two owners of a Palos Hills home health care business and a suspended podiatrist were hit Wednesday with federal Medicare fraud charges that accuse them of having illegally taken more than $1.5 million in fraudulent Medicare payments. One of the owners of the business, House Call Physicians, is Mohammed Khamis Rashed, who is also a coordinating engineer for the city of Chicago’s Department of Transportation.
Updated: July 20, 2011 5:57PM
A high-level City Hall official was arrested at work Wednesday on charges he was involved in Medicare fraud unrelated to his city job.
Mohammed K. Rashed, 45, of Chicago, is one of three men charged in an alleged scheme involving a home healthcare business Rashed owned with one of the other co-defendants, Bahir H. Khalil, 33, of Palos Hills.
Rashed — a $102,552-a-year coordinating engineer for the city’s Department of Transportation — was arrested Wednesday morning at his city office at 30 N. LaSalle and led out in handcuffs, stunning co-workers.
“It’s a shocker, a bombshell. This guy was a big shooter,” said a City Hall source who knows Rashed and asked to remain anonymous.
Rashed and Khalil, owners of House Call Physicians LLC, are accused of Medicare fraud of more than $1.5 million and of an illegal attempt to obtain a work visa for Khalil, according to a federal complaint unsealed Wednesday.
Khalil, the manager of House Call Physicians, is a native of Syria and a Canadian citizen who is not authorized to work in the United States, prosecutors said.
The alleged scheme involved billing for services as if they were performed by physicians when they were really done by physician assistants.
The defendants allegedly billed for podiatry services as if they were performed by a licensed podiatrist — when they were actually carried out by a third defendant, Paschal U. Oparah, 46, of South Holland, whose podiatry license was suspended.
Prosecutors also say the company falsely certified that patients were eligible for home health services and billed Medicare for unnecessary medical services.
A former House Call physician secretly recorded conversations with Khalil, prosecutors said. A physician assistant also cooperated in the investigation.
House Call Physicians opened in 2006, and the fraud took place from 2008 to this March, prosecutors said.
Rashed works closely with aldermen on lighting projects in the city’s 50 wards.
“This guy is a professional engineer in charge of other engineers. He’s supposed to be involved in designing lighting systems. He works with outside engineering firms and outside contractors. He works closely with aldermen on the lighting projects tied to their aldermanic menus. To have him led out of the office in handcuffs is stunning,” the City Hall source said.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/6614706-417/city-official-arrested-and-charged-with-medicare-fraud-scheme.html
Updated 7-21-11 5:41 A.M.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-medicare-fraud-20110721,0,5075069.story
Frank and Fran: Please don't waste your time on Mohammed and Bahir. Just spend a day on the 18th floor of the Daley Center in the Probate Court of Cook County. Your Probate Shark will give you a tour and point out which judges are on the take along with the "everyday" Medicare fraud that you may observe. One 99 year old nursing home resident had her one X-ray billed four times and Medicare paid it...without question. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/ View victim's videos...
BY FRANK MAIN AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters July 20, 2011 2:54PM
Two owners of a Palos Hills home health care business and a suspended podiatrist were hit Wednesday with federal Medicare fraud charges that accuse them of having illegally taken more than $1.5 million in fraudulent Medicare payments. One of the owners of the business, House Call Physicians, is Mohammed Khamis Rashed, who is also a coordinating engineer for the city of Chicago’s Department of Transportation.
Updated: July 20, 2011 5:57PM
A high-level City Hall official was arrested at work Wednesday on charges he was involved in Medicare fraud unrelated to his city job.
Mohammed K. Rashed, 45, of Chicago, is one of three men charged in an alleged scheme involving a home healthcare business Rashed owned with one of the other co-defendants, Bahir H. Khalil, 33, of Palos Hills.
Rashed — a $102,552-a-year coordinating engineer for the city’s Department of Transportation — was arrested Wednesday morning at his city office at 30 N. LaSalle and led out in handcuffs, stunning co-workers.
“It’s a shocker, a bombshell. This guy was a big shooter,” said a City Hall source who knows Rashed and asked to remain anonymous.
Rashed and Khalil, owners of House Call Physicians LLC, are accused of Medicare fraud of more than $1.5 million and of an illegal attempt to obtain a work visa for Khalil, according to a federal complaint unsealed Wednesday.
Khalil, the manager of House Call Physicians, is a native of Syria and a Canadian citizen who is not authorized to work in the United States, prosecutors said.
The alleged scheme involved billing for services as if they were performed by physicians when they were really done by physician assistants.
The defendants allegedly billed for podiatry services as if they were performed by a licensed podiatrist — when they were actually carried out by a third defendant, Paschal U. Oparah, 46, of South Holland, whose podiatry license was suspended.
Prosecutors also say the company falsely certified that patients were eligible for home health services and billed Medicare for unnecessary medical services.
A former House Call physician secretly recorded conversations with Khalil, prosecutors said. A physician assistant also cooperated in the investigation.
House Call Physicians opened in 2006, and the fraud took place from 2008 to this March, prosecutors said.
Rashed works closely with aldermen on lighting projects in the city’s 50 wards.
“This guy is a professional engineer in charge of other engineers. He’s supposed to be involved in designing lighting systems. He works with outside engineering firms and outside contractors. He works closely with aldermen on the lighting projects tied to their aldermanic menus. To have him led out of the office in handcuffs is stunning,” the City Hall source said.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/6614706-417/city-official-arrested-and-charged-with-medicare-fraud-scheme.html
Updated 7-21-11 5:41 A.M.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-medicare-fraud-20110721,0,5075069.story
Frank and Fran: Please don't waste your time on Mohammed and Bahir. Just spend a day on the 18th floor of the Daley Center in the Probate Court of Cook County. Your Probate Shark will give you a tour and point out which judges are on the take along with the "everyday" Medicare fraud that you may observe. One 99 year old nursing home resident had her one X-ray billed four times and Medicare paid it...without question. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Monday, July 18, 2011
Man held in slaying of elderly man who took him in
http://northshorelive.blogspot.com/ VIEW Videos on this new blogspot
Man held in slaying of elderly man who took him in
Staff report
7:04 PM CDT, July 18, 2011
A formerly homeless man who was taken in by an elderly Northwest Side man now faces murder charges in his benefactor’s slaying last fall, prosecutors said today.
Gilbert Feliciano, 40, was ordered held without bail in the slaying of Stanley Letkiewicz, 94, who was beaten in October 13, 2010, in his home in the 2800 block of North Long Avenue and died Nov. Nov. 23, after identifying Feliciano as his attacker, prosecutors said.
Letkiewicz had befriended Feliciano after seeing him begging at a neighborhood Aldi’s grocery store, a family member told the Tribune last year. Letkiewicz allowed Feliciano to move into his house last summer, then asked him to leave his home in August because Feliciano had stolen from him, assistant state’s attorney Jamie Santini said today in a hearing before Cook County Criminal Court Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr.
Feliciano came back and went up to Letkiewicz on Sept. 3 while he was taking out the trash and asked him for $40, prosecutors said. When Letkiewicz refused to give him the money, Feliciano forced Letkiewicz into his house and beat him up and stole $100 from him.
Letkiewicz identified Feliciano as his attacker, but police had not arrested him before Oct. 13, when a neighbor who had a key to Letkiewicz’s house found him severely beaten on his bedroom floor after noticing a broken basement window, Santini said.
In several interviews with police, Letkiewicz identified Feliciano as his assailant in the Oct. 13 attack, and said Feliciano again had stolen money from him. Letkiewicz died Nov. 23, and the Cook County medical examiner’s office found he had died from head injuries from an assault.
Feliciano fled to Ohio, but returned to the Chicago area after his mother died, and was arrested at a relative’s Northwest Side home in May, prosecutors said.
Feliciano is scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 8.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-man-held-in-slaying-of-elderly-man-who-took-him-in-20110718,0,982020.story
Man held in slaying of elderly man who took him in
Staff report
7:04 PM CDT, July 18, 2011
A formerly homeless man who was taken in by an elderly Northwest Side man now faces murder charges in his benefactor’s slaying last fall, prosecutors said today.
Gilbert Feliciano, 40, was ordered held without bail in the slaying of Stanley Letkiewicz, 94, who was beaten in October 13, 2010, in his home in the 2800 block of North Long Avenue and died Nov. Nov. 23, after identifying Feliciano as his attacker, prosecutors said.
Letkiewicz had befriended Feliciano after seeing him begging at a neighborhood Aldi’s grocery store, a family member told the Tribune last year. Letkiewicz allowed Feliciano to move into his house last summer, then asked him to leave his home in August because Feliciano had stolen from him, assistant state’s attorney Jamie Santini said today in a hearing before Cook County Criminal Court Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr.
Feliciano came back and went up to Letkiewicz on Sept. 3 while he was taking out the trash and asked him for $40, prosecutors said. When Letkiewicz refused to give him the money, Feliciano forced Letkiewicz into his house and beat him up and stole $100 from him.
Letkiewicz identified Feliciano as his attacker, but police had not arrested him before Oct. 13, when a neighbor who had a key to Letkiewicz’s house found him severely beaten on his bedroom floor after noticing a broken basement window, Santini said.
In several interviews with police, Letkiewicz identified Feliciano as his assailant in the Oct. 13 attack, and said Feliciano again had stolen money from him. Letkiewicz died Nov. 23, and the Cook County medical examiner’s office found he had died from head injuries from an assault.
Feliciano fled to Ohio, but returned to the Chicago area after his mother died, and was arrested at a relative’s Northwest Side home in May, prosecutors said.
Feliciano is scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 8.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-man-held-in-slaying-of-elderly-man-who-took-him-in-20110718,0,982020.story
Mary Sykes has two sisters. One sister (aunt yo) is 82 years old.
As you are aware, Mary Sykes has two sisters. One sister (aunt yo) is 82 years old. She and her daughter went to Court today to attempt to obtain visitation. The report that I received was that the Judge waited until the Courtroom cleared and then had a hearing.
The younger sister (aunt Yo) felt a strong need to see her sister and have the sisterly talks that are so common amongst siblings. For many months she has been totally denied contact, therefore her daughter Kathy took literally the propaganda put out by the State of Illinois and went to the Court to try to obtain something that the State of Illinois says is basic - free and unfettered contact (right of assembly) between family members.
The Court was informed by GAL Stern that Aunt Yo 'hated the plenary guardian. This is the very same GAL who did not think it important to tell the Court of the admitted neglect by the plenary guardian, the resultant loss of 10% of the ward's body weight, the extensive and expensive remodeling done by the plenary guardian etc. The long and short is that the sister has been granted 'SUPERVISED VISITATION' WITH NO RECORDING, NO CAMERAS, and a LIMITATION ON SUBJECT MATTER.
This shameful situation is so reprehensible that all decent people should cry for the State of Illinois and its judicial system as it relates to the elderly. No only is a person who was named in a sworn complaint by Mary Sykes as a person that the aforesaid Mary Sykes needed a protective order against but that person was appointed Mary Sykes' plenary guardian with the power to 'drug her,' isolate her, and at will *****. A Judge of the Circuit of Cook County, two guardian ad litem, and a plenary guardian having all this information before them in essence continues the isolation well knowing that this type of isolation will significant injury Mary cause her death to be accellerated!
With the large number of abuse cases that NASGA and the Government Accounting Office have uncovered and reported either we criminalize getting old or we provide protection for the senior citizens. What is the purpose of social security benefits to assist abusers in isolating the elderly from the family members and activites that they love and to help 'pretenders' to go through the motions of being concerned! What possible rationale can any thinking person have for denying unsupervised and unfettered visitation between two siblings age 82 and 92 !
It has been reported me that the Judge in this case is on the title to President Obama's home in Kenwood (Chicago, Illinois). The President is supposed to be concerned about us 'older Americans!' If people such as ***** and the two GALs can spend my social security check President Obama can take my check and ******. Having a dollar to spend does a senior citizen no good if his/her Constitutional Rights are forfeit as easily as Mary Sykes' rights. Having a dollar to spend does Mary Sykes no good if a person that she sought a protective order against can limit even her visitation with her 82 year sister.
At some point in time we have to get real! Recently the Chicago Tribune reported the prosecution of an abuser (neglect) for causing the death of senior! What good does it do me as a senior to have my abuser prosecuted after I am dead when the two GALs, the plenary guardian and other assorted persons who are supposed to protect my rights, persons and immunity are allow carte blanc to prey on me while I am alive!!!!!!
Ken Ditkowsky
http://www.ditkowskylawoffice.com/
The younger sister (aunt Yo) felt a strong need to see her sister and have the sisterly talks that are so common amongst siblings. For many months she has been totally denied contact, therefore her daughter Kathy took literally the propaganda put out by the State of Illinois and went to the Court to try to obtain something that the State of Illinois says is basic - free and unfettered contact (right of assembly) between family members.
The Court was informed by GAL Stern that Aunt Yo 'hated the plenary guardian. This is the very same GAL who did not think it important to tell the Court of the admitted neglect by the plenary guardian, the resultant loss of 10% of the ward's body weight, the extensive and expensive remodeling done by the plenary guardian etc. The long and short is that the sister has been granted 'SUPERVISED VISITATION' WITH NO RECORDING, NO CAMERAS, and a LIMITATION ON SUBJECT MATTER.
This shameful situation is so reprehensible that all decent people should cry for the State of Illinois and its judicial system as it relates to the elderly. No only is a person who was named in a sworn complaint by Mary Sykes as a person that the aforesaid Mary Sykes needed a protective order against but that person was appointed Mary Sykes' plenary guardian with the power to 'drug her,' isolate her, and at will *****. A Judge of the Circuit of Cook County, two guardian ad litem, and a plenary guardian having all this information before them in essence continues the isolation well knowing that this type of isolation will significant injury Mary cause her death to be accellerated!
With the large number of abuse cases that NASGA and the Government Accounting Office have uncovered and reported either we criminalize getting old or we provide protection for the senior citizens. What is the purpose of social security benefits to assist abusers in isolating the elderly from the family members and activites that they love and to help 'pretenders' to go through the motions of being concerned! What possible rationale can any thinking person have for denying unsupervised and unfettered visitation between two siblings age 82 and 92 !
It has been reported me that the Judge in this case is on the title to President Obama's home in Kenwood (Chicago, Illinois). The President is supposed to be concerned about us 'older Americans!' If people such as ***** and the two GALs can spend my social security check President Obama can take my check and ******. Having a dollar to spend does a senior citizen no good if his/her Constitutional Rights are forfeit as easily as Mary Sykes' rights. Having a dollar to spend does Mary Sykes no good if a person that she sought a protective order against can limit even her visitation with her 82 year sister.
At some point in time we have to get real! Recently the Chicago Tribune reported the prosecution of an abuser (neglect) for causing the death of senior! What good does it do me as a senior to have my abuser prosecuted after I am dead when the two GALs, the plenary guardian and other assorted persons who are supposed to protect my rights, persons and immunity are allow carte blanc to prey on me while I am alive!!!!!!
Ken Ditkowsky
http://www.ditkowskylawoffice.com/
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Falls in elderly, experimental eye test are studied as possible clues to Alzheimer's disease
Falls in elderly, experimental eye test are studied as possible clues to Alzheimer's disease
MARILYNN MARCHIONE
AP Medical Writer
9:26 AM CDT, July 17, 2011
PARIS (AP) — Scientists in Australia are reporting encouraging early results from a simple eye test they hope will give a noninvasive way to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Although it has been tried on just a small number of people and more research is needed, the experimental test has a solid basis: Alzheimer's is known to cause changes in the eyes, not just the brain. Other scientists in the United States also are working on an eye test for detecting the disease.
A separate study found that falls might be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's. People who seemed to have healthy minds but who were discovered to have hidden plaques clogging their brains were five times more likely to fall during the study than those without these brain deposits, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
Both studies were discussed Sunday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France.
More than 5.4 million Americans and 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. It has no cure and drugs only temporarily ease symptoms, so finding it early mostly helps patients and their families prepare and arrange care.
Brain scans can find evidence of Alzheimer's a decade or more before it causes memory and thinking problems, but they're too expensive and impractical for routine use. A simple eye test and warning signs like falls could be a big help.
The eye study involved photographing blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer lining the back of the eyes. Most eye doctors have the cameras used for this, but it takes a special computer program to measure blood vessels for the experimental test doctors are using in the Alzheimer's research, said the study's leader, Shaun Frost of Australia's national science agency, CSIRO.
Researchers compared retinal photos of 110 healthy people, 13 people with Alzheimer's and 13 others with mild cognitive impairment, or "pre-Alzheimer's," who were taking part in a larger study on aging. The widths of certain blood vessels in those with Alzheimer's were different from vessels in the others and the amount of difference matched the amount of plaque seen on brain scans.
More study is planned on larger groups to see how accurate the test might be, Frost said.
Earlier work by Dr. Lee Goldstein of Boston University showed that amyloid, the protein that makes up Alzheimer's brain plaque, can be measured in the lens of the eyes of some people with the disease, particularly Down syndrome patients who often are prone to Alzheimer's.
A company he holds stock in, Neuroptix, is testing a laser eye scanner to measure amyloid in the eyes. Goldstein praised the work by the Australian scientists.
"It's a small study" but "suggestive and encouraging," he said. "My hat's off to them for looking outside the brain for other areas where we might see other evidence of this disease."
Eye doctors often are the first to see patients with signs of Alzheimer's, which can start with vision changes, not just the memory problems the disease is most known for, said Dr. Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic dementia expert with no role in the new studies.
Other signs could be balance and gait problems, which may show up before mental changes do. Susan Stark of Washington University in St. Louis led the first study tying falls to a risk of developing Alzheimer's disease before mental changes show up.
It involved 125 people, average age 74, who had normal cognition and were taking part in a federally funded study of aging. They kept journals on how often they fell, and had brain scans and spinal taps to look for various substances that can signal Alzheimer's disease.
In six months, 48 fell at least once. The risk of falling was nearly three times greater for each unit of increase in the sticky plaque that scans revealed in their brains.
"Falls are tricky" because they can be medication-related or due to dizziness from high blood pressure, a blood vessel problem or other diseases like Parkinson's, said Creighton Phelps, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging.
Falls also can cause head injury or brain trauma that leads to cognitive problems, said Laurie Ryan, who oversees some of the institute's research grants but had no role in the study. Older people who hit their heads and suffer a small tear or bleeding in the brain might seem fine but develop symptoms a month later, she said.
The bottom line: "If you see somebody who's having falls for no particular reason," the person should be evaluated for dementia, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director.
The warning signs of Alzheimer's:
—Memory loss that disrupts daily life
—Trouble planning or solving problems
—Difficulty completing tasks
—Confusion with time or place
—Trouble understanding images and spatial relationships
—New problems with speaking or writing words
—Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps
—Decreased or poor judgment
—Social withdrawal
—Changes in mood or personality
Online:
National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers.org
Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/
Marilynn Marchione can be followed at http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-eu-med-alzheimers-disease,0,6435697.story
Editor's note: One group that would oppose this important breakthrough would be the blood-sucking parasites of the Probate Court of Cook County. An Alzheimers cure would cut into their future inventory of victims and interfere with their "business plan". Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
MARILYNN MARCHIONE
AP Medical Writer
9:26 AM CDT, July 17, 2011
PARIS (AP) — Scientists in Australia are reporting encouraging early results from a simple eye test they hope will give a noninvasive way to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Although it has been tried on just a small number of people and more research is needed, the experimental test has a solid basis: Alzheimer's is known to cause changes in the eyes, not just the brain. Other scientists in the United States also are working on an eye test for detecting the disease.
A separate study found that falls might be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's. People who seemed to have healthy minds but who were discovered to have hidden plaques clogging their brains were five times more likely to fall during the study than those without these brain deposits, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
Both studies were discussed Sunday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France.
More than 5.4 million Americans and 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. It has no cure and drugs only temporarily ease symptoms, so finding it early mostly helps patients and their families prepare and arrange care.
Brain scans can find evidence of Alzheimer's a decade or more before it causes memory and thinking problems, but they're too expensive and impractical for routine use. A simple eye test and warning signs like falls could be a big help.
The eye study involved photographing blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer lining the back of the eyes. Most eye doctors have the cameras used for this, but it takes a special computer program to measure blood vessels for the experimental test doctors are using in the Alzheimer's research, said the study's leader, Shaun Frost of Australia's national science agency, CSIRO.
Researchers compared retinal photos of 110 healthy people, 13 people with Alzheimer's and 13 others with mild cognitive impairment, or "pre-Alzheimer's," who were taking part in a larger study on aging. The widths of certain blood vessels in those with Alzheimer's were different from vessels in the others and the amount of difference matched the amount of plaque seen on brain scans.
More study is planned on larger groups to see how accurate the test might be, Frost said.
Earlier work by Dr. Lee Goldstein of Boston University showed that amyloid, the protein that makes up Alzheimer's brain plaque, can be measured in the lens of the eyes of some people with the disease, particularly Down syndrome patients who often are prone to Alzheimer's.
A company he holds stock in, Neuroptix, is testing a laser eye scanner to measure amyloid in the eyes. Goldstein praised the work by the Australian scientists.
"It's a small study" but "suggestive and encouraging," he said. "My hat's off to them for looking outside the brain for other areas where we might see other evidence of this disease."
Eye doctors often are the first to see patients with signs of Alzheimer's, which can start with vision changes, not just the memory problems the disease is most known for, said Dr. Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic dementia expert with no role in the new studies.
Other signs could be balance and gait problems, which may show up before mental changes do. Susan Stark of Washington University in St. Louis led the first study tying falls to a risk of developing Alzheimer's disease before mental changes show up.
It involved 125 people, average age 74, who had normal cognition and were taking part in a federally funded study of aging. They kept journals on how often they fell, and had brain scans and spinal taps to look for various substances that can signal Alzheimer's disease.
In six months, 48 fell at least once. The risk of falling was nearly three times greater for each unit of increase in the sticky plaque that scans revealed in their brains.
"Falls are tricky" because they can be medication-related or due to dizziness from high blood pressure, a blood vessel problem or other diseases like Parkinson's, said Creighton Phelps, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging.
Falls also can cause head injury or brain trauma that leads to cognitive problems, said Laurie Ryan, who oversees some of the institute's research grants but had no role in the study. Older people who hit their heads and suffer a small tear or bleeding in the brain might seem fine but develop symptoms a month later, she said.
The bottom line: "If you see somebody who's having falls for no particular reason," the person should be evaluated for dementia, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director.
The warning signs of Alzheimer's:
—Memory loss that disrupts daily life
—Trouble planning or solving problems
—Difficulty completing tasks
—Confusion with time or place
—Trouble understanding images and spatial relationships
—New problems with speaking or writing words
—Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps
—Decreased or poor judgment
—Social withdrawal
—Changes in mood or personality
Online:
National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers.org
Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/
Marilynn Marchione can be followed at http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-eu-med-alzheimers-disease,0,6435697.story
Editor's note: One group that would oppose this important breakthrough would be the blood-sucking parasites of the Probate Court of Cook County. An Alzheimers cure would cut into their future inventory of victims and interfere with their "business plan". Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Arriving at what's best for elderly parents
Arriving at what's best for elderly parents
Specialized mediators can work with families to settle elder care disputes
By Erin Peterson, Kiplinger Personal Finance
July 14, 2011
In 2007, John and Ginger Price knew that it was time to move John's mother, Mayna, from an assisted-living facility in South Carolina to a nursing home near their home in Seven Hills, Ohio. John's sister, who lived in South Carolina, could no longer shoulder the increasing caregiving responsibilities.
But Mayna was having none of it.
"She didn't want to move," says Ginger, 65. "If anything, she wanted us to move to South Carolina."
As tensions escalated, the Prices realized they might need outside help. They called John Bertschler, an elder mediator and co-owner of Northcoast Conflict Solutions. The family met with Bertschler in his Cleveland office to discuss possible solutions to the impasse.
Just 90 minutes after the meeting began, Mayna decided that she was ready to make the move to Ohio.
"Dr. Bertschler was able to approach the issue in a way that helped her understand that the move would be good for her," Ginger says. Mayna died in 2008, a year after moving into the nursing home.
As society ages, it's become more common for adult children to provide assistance to their elderly parents. But making sure that everyone, including the parent, agrees on a care plan can often be a challenge. A new type of go-between, known as an elder mediator, can guide squabbling siblings and elderly parents to solutions before conflicts tear a family apart.
A decision to see a mediator is usually prompted by disputes over at least one of three issues, says Carolyn Rosenblatt, an elder mediator in San Rafael, Calif.
"The trigger points tend to be how money will be spent, who will take care of the elder and whether the person who wants to do the caregiving is competent to do it," she says.
One common scenario, according to Patti Bertschler, co-owner with her husband of Northcoast Conflict Solutions, is when "an out-of-town sibling will swoop into town, upset with the level of care that the primary caregiver is providing, with little recognition of how backbreaking it can be to take care of mom or dad," she says. Or dad could be near death, and the kids can't agree on whether he should be kept alive by artificial means.
Mediators will guide the conversation to get input. And while mediators can share ideas that have worked for other families if there is a deadlock, says Patti Bertschler, "the parties themselves make the decision."
Elder mediators can help family members hammer out a process for solving problems, says Debbie Reinberg, a partner at Elderesolutions in Denver. For example, once the family decides mom will move, she says, "an elder mediator will help the family determine what kind of place she needs to move to, who's going to do the research on those places and how that information will be communicated so that decisions can be made."
How to find a family referee
You'll need to do research to find a good elder mediator. There's no national credentialing agency, but you can find lists of mediators at sites such as Eldercare Mediators (eldercaremediators.com), the National Care Planning Council (longtermcarelink.net) and mediate.com.
Once you have a short list of mediators in your area, ask about their credentials and their work with older adults.
"I would provide a one- or two-sentence description of what your dispute is about," says Carolyn Rosenblatt, an elder mediator in San Rafael, Calif. "If the mediator says 'Yes, I handle cases like that regularly,' that should give you confidence."
Mediators typically charge by the hour; hourly costs range from $100 to more than $300, depending on your location.
While minor disagreements may be wrapped up in less than two hours, some complicated cases can drag on for weeks. Ideally, all of the involved parties will agree to meet in person at the mediator's office. Large groups could appoint two or three family members to represent the group.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sc-health-0713-senior-health-mediator20110714,0,5694798.story
Editor's note: Erin, Unfortunately in the corrupt atmosphere of the Probate Court of Cook County, most mediators fall under the category of "whores of the county". Their task is not to mediate, but to create greater dissension among relatives to "churn" the estate in order to promote more billable hours for lawyers and court lackeys. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Specialized mediators can work with families to settle elder care disputes
By Erin Peterson, Kiplinger Personal Finance
July 14, 2011
In 2007, John and Ginger Price knew that it was time to move John's mother, Mayna, from an assisted-living facility in South Carolina to a nursing home near their home in Seven Hills, Ohio. John's sister, who lived in South Carolina, could no longer shoulder the increasing caregiving responsibilities.
But Mayna was having none of it.
"She didn't want to move," says Ginger, 65. "If anything, she wanted us to move to South Carolina."
As tensions escalated, the Prices realized they might need outside help. They called John Bertschler, an elder mediator and co-owner of Northcoast Conflict Solutions. The family met with Bertschler in his Cleveland office to discuss possible solutions to the impasse.
Just 90 minutes after the meeting began, Mayna decided that she was ready to make the move to Ohio.
"Dr. Bertschler was able to approach the issue in a way that helped her understand that the move would be good for her," Ginger says. Mayna died in 2008, a year after moving into the nursing home.
As society ages, it's become more common for adult children to provide assistance to their elderly parents. But making sure that everyone, including the parent, agrees on a care plan can often be a challenge. A new type of go-between, known as an elder mediator, can guide squabbling siblings and elderly parents to solutions before conflicts tear a family apart.
A decision to see a mediator is usually prompted by disputes over at least one of three issues, says Carolyn Rosenblatt, an elder mediator in San Rafael, Calif.
"The trigger points tend to be how money will be spent, who will take care of the elder and whether the person who wants to do the caregiving is competent to do it," she says.
One common scenario, according to Patti Bertschler, co-owner with her husband of Northcoast Conflict Solutions, is when "an out-of-town sibling will swoop into town, upset with the level of care that the primary caregiver is providing, with little recognition of how backbreaking it can be to take care of mom or dad," she says. Or dad could be near death, and the kids can't agree on whether he should be kept alive by artificial means.
Mediators will guide the conversation to get input. And while mediators can share ideas that have worked for other families if there is a deadlock, says Patti Bertschler, "the parties themselves make the decision."
Elder mediators can help family members hammer out a process for solving problems, says Debbie Reinberg, a partner at Elderesolutions in Denver. For example, once the family decides mom will move, she says, "an elder mediator will help the family determine what kind of place she needs to move to, who's going to do the research on those places and how that information will be communicated so that decisions can be made."
How to find a family referee
You'll need to do research to find a good elder mediator. There's no national credentialing agency, but you can find lists of mediators at sites such as Eldercare Mediators (eldercaremediators.com), the National Care Planning Council (longtermcarelink.net) and mediate.com.
Once you have a short list of mediators in your area, ask about their credentials and their work with older adults.
"I would provide a one- or two-sentence description of what your dispute is about," says Carolyn Rosenblatt, an elder mediator in San Rafael, Calif. "If the mediator says 'Yes, I handle cases like that regularly,' that should give you confidence."
Mediators typically charge by the hour; hourly costs range from $100 to more than $300, depending on your location.
While minor disagreements may be wrapped up in less than two hours, some complicated cases can drag on for weeks. Ideally, all of the involved parties will agree to meet in person at the mediator's office. Large groups could appoint two or three family members to represent the group.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sc-health-0713-senior-health-mediator20110714,0,5694798.story
Editor's note: Erin, Unfortunately in the corrupt atmosphere of the Probate Court of Cook County, most mediators fall under the category of "whores of the county". Their task is not to mediate, but to create greater dissension among relatives to "churn" the estate in order to promote more billable hours for lawyers and court lackeys. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Friday, July 15, 2011
Autopsy: Nursing home resident died from assault
Autopsy: Nursing home resident died from assault
By Deanese Williams-Harris
Tribune reporter
5:35 PM CDT, July 15, 2011
An 86-year-old nursing home resident's death was ruled a homicide today after autopsy results revealed she died from brain injuries due to an assault, officials said.
Mercedes Iverson of the 1700 block of East Lake Avenue in Glenview was pronounced dead Thursday at NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital, according to a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Preliminary reports had said Iverson fell at the nursing home, but an autopsy revealed she suffered brain injuries due to an assault, according to the medical examiner's office.
Iverson had lived at Maryhaven NSG and Rehabilitation in Glenview.
"We were shocked to hear about this. We had no official word," said Kevin Feeney, Resurrection Healthcare director of marketing and public relations. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the family."
Maryhaven is managed by Resurrection Healthcare. Feeney said early this evening they had not yet been contacted by the Glenview Police Department regarding Iverson's death.
He also said officials will review any kind of evidence, but he had no other further details about the incident.
Glenview Police Sgt. Dave Sostak said detectives were investigating the incident, but could not immediately provide further information.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-autopsy-nursing-home-resident-died-from-assault-20110715,0,3762220,print.story
Please read updated Tribune article 7-16-11 at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-investigation-continues-in-death-of-woman-86-20110716,0,2550585.story
Please read updated Sun-Times article Case is Homicide at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/6555424-417/assault-at-glenview-nursing-home-was-homicide-officials-say.html
This sure sounds like the Cefalu battery that was covered up by the nursing home and hospital. The key word in both cases was "fall". I wonder if the Probate Court of Cook County was involved with this atrocity? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
By Deanese Williams-Harris
Tribune reporter
5:35 PM CDT, July 15, 2011
An 86-year-old nursing home resident's death was ruled a homicide today after autopsy results revealed she died from brain injuries due to an assault, officials said.
Mercedes Iverson of the 1700 block of East Lake Avenue in Glenview was pronounced dead Thursday at NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital, according to a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Preliminary reports had said Iverson fell at the nursing home, but an autopsy revealed she suffered brain injuries due to an assault, according to the medical examiner's office.
Iverson had lived at Maryhaven NSG and Rehabilitation in Glenview.
"We were shocked to hear about this. We had no official word," said Kevin Feeney, Resurrection Healthcare director of marketing and public relations. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the family."
Maryhaven is managed by Resurrection Healthcare. Feeney said early this evening they had not yet been contacted by the Glenview Police Department regarding Iverson's death.
He also said officials will review any kind of evidence, but he had no other further details about the incident.
Glenview Police Sgt. Dave Sostak said detectives were investigating the incident, but could not immediately provide further information.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-autopsy-nursing-home-resident-died-from-assault-20110715,0,3762220,print.story
Please read updated Tribune article 7-16-11 at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-investigation-continues-in-death-of-woman-86-20110716,0,2550585.story
Please read updated Sun-Times article Case is Homicide at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/6555424-417/assault-at-glenview-nursing-home-was-homicide-officials-say.html
This sure sounds like the Cefalu battery that was covered up by the nursing home and hospital. The key word in both cases was "fall". I wonder if the Probate Court of Cook County was involved with this atrocity? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
2 charged with criminal neglect after death of father
2 charged with criminal neglect after death of father
Staff report
3:24 PM CDT, July 15, 2011
Two Northbrook women have been charged with criminal neglect, a day after their 83-year-old father died from an infection, officials said today.
Werner Bernhard of the 2800 block of Beckwith Road in the northern suburb was pronounced dead at 8:18 p.m. Thursday, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
An autopsy conducted today concluded that Bernhard died from sepsis from a hip fracture that he suffered in a fall. The medical examiner’s investigation attributed the fall to “failure to thrive due to neglect.” The medical examiner’s office also noted that Bernhard had dementia.
Bernhard’s daughters, Lisa Bernhard, 57, and Susan Bernhard, 52, were both charged with criminal neglect of an elderly person, according to a statement by Northbrook police.
Police began investigating Werner Bernhard’s living situation in March after he was hospitalized and nurses and doctors at Glenbrook Hospital caring for him noticed signs of neglect, including bedsores, said Det. Sgt. Dan Strickland. The doctors also told police it appeared that Bernhard had been on the floor of his home for an extended period after his fall, Strickland said.
Werner Bernhard lived with his older daughter at the Beckwith address, though he also spent time with the younger daughter at another home around the corner on High Point Lane.
Both daughters were in court today before a judge and released on $30,000 recognizance bonds.
Please read complete article at link below:
www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-2-charged-after-death-of-northbrook-man-called-homicide-by-neglect-20110715,0,729162.story
The difference between this case and the preceding Cefalu case is that the nursing home and hospital (concerning Mrs. Cefalu) are being protected by a cover up. The two sisters were reported for criminal negligence without a cover up because he was living at home. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Staff report
3:24 PM CDT, July 15, 2011
Two Northbrook women have been charged with criminal neglect, a day after their 83-year-old father died from an infection, officials said today.
Werner Bernhard of the 2800 block of Beckwith Road in the northern suburb was pronounced dead at 8:18 p.m. Thursday, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
An autopsy conducted today concluded that Bernhard died from sepsis from a hip fracture that he suffered in a fall. The medical examiner’s investigation attributed the fall to “failure to thrive due to neglect.” The medical examiner’s office also noted that Bernhard had dementia.
Bernhard’s daughters, Lisa Bernhard, 57, and Susan Bernhard, 52, were both charged with criminal neglect of an elderly person, according to a statement by Northbrook police.
Police began investigating Werner Bernhard’s living situation in March after he was hospitalized and nurses and doctors at Glenbrook Hospital caring for him noticed signs of neglect, including bedsores, said Det. Sgt. Dan Strickland. The doctors also told police it appeared that Bernhard had been on the floor of his home for an extended period after his fall, Strickland said.
Werner Bernhard lived with his older daughter at the Beckwith address, though he also spent time with the younger daughter at another home around the corner on High Point Lane.
Both daughters were in court today before a judge and released on $30,000 recognizance bonds.
Please read complete article at link below:
www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-2-charged-after-death-of-northbrook-man-called-homicide-by-neglect-20110715,0,729162.story
The difference between this case and the preceding Cefalu case is that the nursing home and hospital (concerning Mrs. Cefalu) are being protected by a cover up. The two sisters were reported for criminal negligence without a cover up because he was living at home. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Judge Kawamoto -
Editor's Note: When Judge Kawamoto of the Probate Court of Cook County selected a court documented psychotic person to to be guardian of a 99 year old disabled great-grandmother, your ProbateShark truly questioned the judge's judgement. Now Judge Lynne Kawamoto has outdone her own previous poor judgement by not preventing the unfortunate 86 year old Mrs. Cefalu from being brutally beaten twice by the same monster at a local nursing home. Judge, view your work on the photo's by clicking on the link below. Documentation on the cover up to follow in future postings. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15658009/2011-07-13-%20Second%20revision.pdf
KawamotoDragon.com
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Chicago cop is accused in $50,000 swindle of dad's estate
Chicago cop is accused in $50,000 swindle of dad's estate
7:22 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2011
A veteran Chicago police officer was charged Wednesday with swindling his elderly father out of more than $50,000 to cover gambling debts and other personal expenses.
Joseph Simpson Jr., 37, also was accused of trying to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars more from his father's retirement fund by posing as his dad.
A 12-year veteran assigned to patrol in the Near North District, Simpson was charged with aggravated identity theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, theft and wire fraud. On Wednesday, he was out on bond, set at $40,000. He has been stripped of police powers and reassigned to desk duty by the department.
Westmont Prosecutors said Simpson was appointed his father's co-guardian in September 2009, a year after Joe Simpson Sr. was brought to Chicago to live due to his declining mental capacity and poor health. The father died last year at 69.
Within a year of the father being placed in a Westmont nursing facility, more than $60,000 in unpaid bills had mounted, and the Illinois Department of Public Health launched a probe, according to prosecutors.
After the Illinois State Police were called in, it was discovered from bank and charge card records that Simpson spent more than $50,000 from his father's checking accounts on his own personal expenses, including large gambling debts, Assistant State's Attorney Sandra Stavropoulos said.
According to information filed in probate court, Simpson spent $13,000 at a Harrah's Casino shortly before he was removed as his father's guardian.
Simpson also made "multiple calls" in 2009 to JP Morgan Retirement services claiming to be his father, seeking the withdrawal of the victim's entire retirement savings of $102,000, Stavropoulos said.
"The only reason (Simpson) was not able to secure these funds is the fact that the check was mailed to the victim's Kentucky address, where (he) no longer resided," Stavropoulos said.
Simpson, still posing as his dad, made several "frantic attempts" to get the check redelivered to his Chicago address, according to the prosecutor.
Simpson's attorney, Daniel Herbert, described his client as a "decorated officer" with no disciplinary history.
Herbert denied the theft allegations, saying Simpson "mismanaged" some of his dad's finances. He said the probate court already handled the matter properly, and Simpson is making monthly restitution payments to the nursing facility.
"There really is no victim here," Herbert told Criminal Court Judge Laura Sullivan
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-cop-financial-fraud-20110629,0,3265347.story
Editor's note: No honor among thieves...This cop crook is cheating the thieves at the Probate Court of Cook County out of what they consider (Joe Simpson, Sr.'s property) as their own. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
7:22 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2011
A veteran Chicago police officer was charged Wednesday with swindling his elderly father out of more than $50,000 to cover gambling debts and other personal expenses.
Joseph Simpson Jr., 37, also was accused of trying to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars more from his father's retirement fund by posing as his dad.
A 12-year veteran assigned to patrol in the Near North District, Simpson was charged with aggravated identity theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, theft and wire fraud. On Wednesday, he was out on bond, set at $40,000. He has been stripped of police powers and reassigned to desk duty by the department.
Westmont Prosecutors said Simpson was appointed his father's co-guardian in September 2009, a year after Joe Simpson Sr. was brought to Chicago to live due to his declining mental capacity and poor health. The father died last year at 69.
Within a year of the father being placed in a Westmont nursing facility, more than $60,000 in unpaid bills had mounted, and the Illinois Department of Public Health launched a probe, according to prosecutors.
After the Illinois State Police were called in, it was discovered from bank and charge card records that Simpson spent more than $50,000 from his father's checking accounts on his own personal expenses, including large gambling debts, Assistant State's Attorney Sandra Stavropoulos said.
According to information filed in probate court, Simpson spent $13,000 at a Harrah's Casino shortly before he was removed as his father's guardian.
Simpson also made "multiple calls" in 2009 to JP Morgan Retirement services claiming to be his father, seeking the withdrawal of the victim's entire retirement savings of $102,000, Stavropoulos said.
"The only reason (Simpson) was not able to secure these funds is the fact that the check was mailed to the victim's Kentucky address, where (he) no longer resided," Stavropoulos said.
Simpson, still posing as his dad, made several "frantic attempts" to get the check redelivered to his Chicago address, according to the prosecutor.
Simpson's attorney, Daniel Herbert, described his client as a "decorated officer" with no disciplinary history.
Herbert denied the theft allegations, saying Simpson "mismanaged" some of his dad's finances. He said the probate court already handled the matter properly, and Simpson is making monthly restitution payments to the nursing facility.
"There really is no victim here," Herbert told Criminal Court Judge Laura Sullivan
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-cop-financial-fraud-20110629,0,3265347.story
Editor's note: No honor among thieves...This cop crook is cheating the thieves at the Probate Court of Cook County out of what they consider (Joe Simpson, Sr.'s property) as their own. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Man who stole rings from deceased cancer patient gets two years in prison
Man who stole rings from deceased cancer patient gets two years in prison
BY DAN ROZEK Staff Reporter/drozek@suntimes.com July 7, 2011 1:40PM
Updated: July 7, 2011 2:53PM
A former hospital worker who pawned the wedding and engagement rings he stole from the finger of a deceased patient to pay his cable TV bill was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison.
Frederick Tapley, 37, pleaded guilty earlier to felony theft for taking the rings from 72-year-old Dolores Yukness after she died from complications related to cancer last July at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
Tapley’s attorney sought probation for the Romeoville man--who told police he was overwhelmed by financial problems that included a mortgage foreclosure when he took the rings valued at more than $3,000.
But DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin rejected that sentence, noting that Tapley had been convicted of a similar theft at an Oak Park hospital a decade ago and been placed on court supervision--a type of probation.
“It’s a moral affront when the deceased are victimized and you’ve victimized the deceased again and again,” Guerin told Tapley as he imposed the prison sentence. “I think you don’t understand the seriousness of this offense.”
Yukness’ daughter said she was satisfied with the prison term.
“I feel the sentence was extremely fair, given the circumstances, given the emotion of the situation and the gravity of what Mr. Tapley did to my mother,” said Kristen Yukness, who recalled how much her mother valued her engagement and wedding rings as symbols of her long and happy marriage.
Her parents were married for 45 years until her father, William, died of cancer in 2001, Kristen Yukness said.
“Those rings were everything to my mother. She never took them off,” said Yukness, a special agent for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service who called the theft a sign of “disrespect.”
Tapley took the rings while he was transporting the woman’s body to the hospital morgue after she died, prosecutors said.
He later sold the rings for $200 at a Lansing pawnshop and used the cash to pay his cable bill, prosecutor Mary K. Cronin said.
Tapley pleaded guilty in March and faced up to five years in prison.
He helped police recover the stolen rings and repaid the money he received from the pawnship, defense attorney George Kallas said as he asked that Tapley be spared a prison term.
Tapley offered a tearful apology before being sentenced, saying he was “truly sorry” for the theft.
“If there was any way I could take this back, I would. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t remember this,” he said, turning in the courtroom to face Kristen Yukness, who looked away.
Tapley was taken into custody immediately to begin serving his sentence, which likely will keep him behind bars for less than a year.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/6391673-417/man-who-stole-rings-from-deceased-cancer-patient-gets-two-years-in-prison.html
Editor's note: The judges and lawyers of the Probate Court of Cook County loot the assets of the dead, dying and disabled regularly and yet...no one ever prosecutes them. Why not? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
BY DAN ROZEK Staff Reporter/drozek@suntimes.com July 7, 2011 1:40PM
Updated: July 7, 2011 2:53PM
A former hospital worker who pawned the wedding and engagement rings he stole from the finger of a deceased patient to pay his cable TV bill was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison.
Frederick Tapley, 37, pleaded guilty earlier to felony theft for taking the rings from 72-year-old Dolores Yukness after she died from complications related to cancer last July at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
Tapley’s attorney sought probation for the Romeoville man--who told police he was overwhelmed by financial problems that included a mortgage foreclosure when he took the rings valued at more than $3,000.
But DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin rejected that sentence, noting that Tapley had been convicted of a similar theft at an Oak Park hospital a decade ago and been placed on court supervision--a type of probation.
“It’s a moral affront when the deceased are victimized and you’ve victimized the deceased again and again,” Guerin told Tapley as he imposed the prison sentence. “I think you don’t understand the seriousness of this offense.”
Yukness’ daughter said she was satisfied with the prison term.
“I feel the sentence was extremely fair, given the circumstances, given the emotion of the situation and the gravity of what Mr. Tapley did to my mother,” said Kristen Yukness, who recalled how much her mother valued her engagement and wedding rings as symbols of her long and happy marriage.
Her parents were married for 45 years until her father, William, died of cancer in 2001, Kristen Yukness said.
“Those rings were everything to my mother. She never took them off,” said Yukness, a special agent for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service who called the theft a sign of “disrespect.”
Tapley took the rings while he was transporting the woman’s body to the hospital morgue after she died, prosecutors said.
He later sold the rings for $200 at a Lansing pawnshop and used the cash to pay his cable bill, prosecutor Mary K. Cronin said.
Tapley pleaded guilty in March and faced up to five years in prison.
He helped police recover the stolen rings and repaid the money he received from the pawnship, defense attorney George Kallas said as he asked that Tapley be spared a prison term.
Tapley offered a tearful apology before being sentenced, saying he was “truly sorry” for the theft.
“If there was any way I could take this back, I would. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t remember this,” he said, turning in the courtroom to face Kristen Yukness, who looked away.
Tapley was taken into custody immediately to begin serving his sentence, which likely will keep him behind bars for less than a year.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/6391673-417/man-who-stole-rings-from-deceased-cancer-patient-gets-two-years-in-prison.html
Editor's note: The judges and lawyers of the Probate Court of Cook County loot the assets of the dead, dying and disabled regularly and yet...no one ever prosecutes them. Why not? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Nurses charged with bilking taxpayers
Nurses charged with bilking taxpayers
Money to train LPNs went to personal checking account, per federal indictment
10:56 p.m. CDT, July 6, 2011
SPRINGFIELD — Two Chicago women were charged with stealing up to $500,000 in taxpayer funds, marking the first indictments stemming from an ongoing federal investigation of questionable state grants that include several tied to recently retired Sen. Rickey Hendon.
Margaret A. Davis, 59, a former program director for the Chicago Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, was charged with 14 counts of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering, according to a June 9 indictment quietly unsealed in U.S. District Court over the holiday weekend. Tonja Cook, 43, a former treasurer of the association, was charged with a single count of mail fraud.
Elections Davis and Cook entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments Wednesday. Neither Davis nor her attorney would comment. Cook's attorney could not be reached.
Federal authorities allege Davis and Cook directed, solicited and received more than $1 million in grants between December 2005 and June 2009 from several state agencies, including a $460,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. That grant was for a program called the "Young Enough to Make a Difference" project, which the agency said was to encourage more minority members in Chicago to become nurses.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-nurses-group-indictment-20110707,0,1091273.story
FEDS, what are you waiting for? Whistle blowers are available for the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Money to train LPNs went to personal checking account, per federal indictment
10:56 p.m. CDT, July 6, 2011
SPRINGFIELD — Two Chicago women were charged with stealing up to $500,000 in taxpayer funds, marking the first indictments stemming from an ongoing federal investigation of questionable state grants that include several tied to recently retired Sen. Rickey Hendon.
Margaret A. Davis, 59, a former program director for the Chicago Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, was charged with 14 counts of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering, according to a June 9 indictment quietly unsealed in U.S. District Court over the holiday weekend. Tonja Cook, 43, a former treasurer of the association, was charged with a single count of mail fraud.
Elections Davis and Cook entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments Wednesday. Neither Davis nor her attorney would comment. Cook's attorney could not be reached.
Federal authorities allege Davis and Cook directed, solicited and received more than $1 million in grants between December 2005 and June 2009 from several state agencies, including a $460,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. That grant was for a program called the "Young Enough to Make a Difference" project, which the agency said was to encourage more minority members in Chicago to become nurses.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-nurses-group-indictment-20110707,0,1091273.story
FEDS, what are you waiting for? Whistle blowers are available for the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Saturday, July 2, 2011
lawyer allegedly stole $186K
Be sure to check WANTED LIST for updates...
Greenfield lawyer allegedly stole $186K
Elderly clients won personal injury settlement
Updated: Monday, 27 Jun 2011, 10:45 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 27 Jun 2011, 10:45 AM EDT
Anthony Fay
GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Greenfield lawyer has been indicted by a Franklin County grand jury, for allegedly stealing more than $186,000 from an elderly couple he represented in a personal injury case.
Edward Pepyne, Jr., 58, of South Deerfield, has been indicted on a charge of larceny over $250 on a person over 60 years of age.
According to a news release from the office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, Pepyne had represented an elderly couple following a 2006 auto accident. Pepyne had settled the couple’s personal injury claim without bringing the case to trial.
The couple had agreed to pay Pepyne one third of their settlement, but the Attorney General’s Office says that Pepyne told the couple he had to keep even more money in order to pay for outstanding medical expenses. No such expenses existed, and Pepyne allegedly used the more than $186,000 on himself.
Pepyne has since been disbarred, after his alleged activities were reported to the Office of Bar Counsel.
He will be arraigned in Franklin Superior Court at a later date.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/franklin/Greenfield-lawyer-allegedly-stole-$186K
Editor's note: How come our State's Attorney or Attorney General won't go after the crooks in the Probate Court of Cook County as did Attorney General Martha Coakley? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Greenfield lawyer allegedly stole $186K
Elderly clients won personal injury settlement
Updated: Monday, 27 Jun 2011, 10:45 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 27 Jun 2011, 10:45 AM EDT
Anthony Fay
GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Greenfield lawyer has been indicted by a Franklin County grand jury, for allegedly stealing more than $186,000 from an elderly couple he represented in a personal injury case.
Edward Pepyne, Jr., 58, of South Deerfield, has been indicted on a charge of larceny over $250 on a person over 60 years of age.
According to a news release from the office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, Pepyne had represented an elderly couple following a 2006 auto accident. Pepyne had settled the couple’s personal injury claim without bringing the case to trial.
The couple had agreed to pay Pepyne one third of their settlement, but the Attorney General’s Office says that Pepyne told the couple he had to keep even more money in order to pay for outstanding medical expenses. No such expenses existed, and Pepyne allegedly used the more than $186,000 on himself.
Pepyne has since been disbarred, after his alleged activities were reported to the Office of Bar Counsel.
He will be arraigned in Franklin Superior Court at a later date.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/franklin/Greenfield-lawyer-allegedly-stole-$186K
Editor's note: How come our State's Attorney or Attorney General won't go after the crooks in the Probate Court of Cook County as did Attorney General Martha Coakley? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
financial exploitation of the elderly
Woman who stole money and sent flowers to self headed to prison
6:04 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2011
A bookkeeper who used part of about $120,000 she stole to purchase flowers that she had sent to herself with other people’s names signed on the greeting cards was sentenced today to seven years in prison.
Raimonda Uva, 37, of the 400 block of Victoria Drive in Wood Dale, pleaded guilty in April to financial exploitation of the elderly and theft for stealing about $107,000 from an elderly Bloomingdale man, and $13,000 from an Oak Brook widow with five children. Both had hired her as a personal bookkeeper.
Assistant DuPage County Helen Kapas Erdman told Judge Robert Kleeman that Uva spent the money on nail salons for pedicures, cigarette stores, bracelets and rings from Tiffany & Co. jewelers in Oak Brook, restaurant meals, and gifts for members of her family. And “on numerous occasions (she spent the money on) flowers that she would send to herself bearing the names of people who really didn’t send her the flowers,” Kapas Erdman said.
The thefts occurred between 2005 and 2009. Uva received probation in 2004 on forgery charges stemming from her former job as a Gurnee bank loan officer.
“I’m ashamed and disgraced,” Uva said in court. “I bought things I couldn’t afford and I wanted to make people look at me more successfully. Now my family is ashamed of me.”
Kleeman responded, “You’re a thief, pure and simply. We all want those things, but that’s not how you go about it.”
Uva, who faced up to 15 years in prison, was also ordered by Kleeman to pay $107,000 in restitution to the Bloomingdale man. The Oak Brook woman has already been compensated by the defendant’s family.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-wood-dale-embezzler-gets-7-years-in-prison-20110629,0,1150334.story
Editor's note: Another independent contractor competing with the corrupt Probate Court of Cook County for "financial exploitation of the elderly". Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Be sure to check the "WANTED LIST" for updates.
6:04 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2011
A bookkeeper who used part of about $120,000 she stole to purchase flowers that she had sent to herself with other people’s names signed on the greeting cards was sentenced today to seven years in prison.
Raimonda Uva, 37, of the 400 block of Victoria Drive in Wood Dale, pleaded guilty in April to financial exploitation of the elderly and theft for stealing about $107,000 from an elderly Bloomingdale man, and $13,000 from an Oak Brook widow with five children. Both had hired her as a personal bookkeeper.
Assistant DuPage County Helen Kapas Erdman told Judge Robert Kleeman that Uva spent the money on nail salons for pedicures, cigarette stores, bracelets and rings from Tiffany & Co. jewelers in Oak Brook, restaurant meals, and gifts for members of her family. And “on numerous occasions (she spent the money on) flowers that she would send to herself bearing the names of people who really didn’t send her the flowers,” Kapas Erdman said.
The thefts occurred between 2005 and 2009. Uva received probation in 2004 on forgery charges stemming from her former job as a Gurnee bank loan officer.
“I’m ashamed and disgraced,” Uva said in court. “I bought things I couldn’t afford and I wanted to make people look at me more successfully. Now my family is ashamed of me.”
Kleeman responded, “You’re a thief, pure and simply. We all want those things, but that’s not how you go about it.”
Uva, who faced up to 15 years in prison, was also ordered by Kleeman to pay $107,000 in restitution to the Bloomingdale man. The Oak Brook woman has already been compensated by the defendant’s family.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-wood-dale-embezzler-gets-7-years-in-prison-20110629,0,1150334.story
Editor's note: Another independent contractor competing with the corrupt Probate Court of Cook County for "financial exploitation of the elderly". Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Be sure to check the "WANTED LIST" for updates.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ex-Joliet fire chief to be paroled from prison
Viewers, please check for updates on our WANTED LIST
Ex-Joliet fire chief to be paroled from prison
10:53 a.m. CDT, July 1, 2011
Joliet’s former fire chief, who went to prison in 2007 for bilking more than $212,000 from an elderly woman, is scheduled to be released from prison today.
Joseph Drick and his wife, Cheri, were each sentenced to eight years in prison after a judge found them guilty of stealing money from Gladys Farrington, a woman they picked up on her way to church. The court also ordered restitution to the victim.
But the attorney for the woman’s estate said the couple has yet to repay the money.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-exjoliet-fire-chief-to-be-paroled-from-prison-20110701,0,1162884.story
Editor's note: How come Joe and Cheri Drick get 8 years for bilking money from and elderly widow and the crooked judges and lawyers in the Probate Court of Cook County get away without any punishment for the same crime? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Ex-Joliet fire chief to be paroled from prison
10:53 a.m. CDT, July 1, 2011
Joliet’s former fire chief, who went to prison in 2007 for bilking more than $212,000 from an elderly woman, is scheduled to be released from prison today.
Joseph Drick and his wife, Cheri, were each sentenced to eight years in prison after a judge found them guilty of stealing money from Gladys Farrington, a woman they picked up on her way to church. The court also ordered restitution to the victim.
But the attorney for the woman’s estate said the couple has yet to repay the money.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-exjoliet-fire-chief-to-be-paroled-from-prison-20110701,0,1162884.story
Editor's note: How come Joe and Cheri Drick get 8 years for bilking money from and elderly widow and the crooked judges and lawyers in the Probate Court of Cook County get away without any punishment for the same crime? Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Family of Zsa Zsa Gabor Feuds In Actress' Final Days
Family of Zsa Zsa Gabor Feuds In Actress' Final Days
By Danielle and Andy Mayoras
June 27, 2011
Zsa Zsa Gabor, who appeared in dozens of movies and television shows throughout a career that spanned five decades, is approaching the end. She has a feeding tube, can hardly tell when she’s at home or in the hospital, and is barely able to communicate. According to a recent Associated Press story, she’s been admitted to the hospital nearly two dozen times since last summer, and she recently was in a coma.
Like what you see? Click here to sign up for Financial Planning's daily newsletter to get the latest on advisor market trends, investment management, retirement planning, practice management, technology, compliance and new product development.
Sadly, her final days are surrounding by fighting between her husband of 25 years and her only daughter. Frederic Prinz von Anhalt is her ninth husband, and he’s been her devoted caregiver and says he is constantly by her side.
Gabor’s daughter, Francesca Hilton (yes, from that Hilton family), tells a different story of Von Anhalt. She says he doesn’t let her visit her mother, won’t update her about her medical condition, and that she learned of a recent hospitalization from a reporter, since Von Anhalt won’t talk to her.
Hilton says she wants to see her mother and have independent confirmation that she is being well cared for. She is struggling with having gone from speaking with her mother 10 times a day, she says, to being shut out. Hilton is furious about the publicity Von Anhalt has sought, including a recent picture he released of Gabor sipping champagne. Von Anhalt feels that Hilton is threatened by his relationship to his wife, and that Hilton views her mother as “life insurance.”
Reportedly, both have caused Gabor’s will to be rewritten without telling the other. They also don’t see eye-to-eye about Gabor’s house and other property. Von Anhalt has recently listed the house on the market, for $15 million, noting that Gabor doesn’t know where she is, so there is no need to keep her long-time residence. He’s also auctioning off some of her more famous items and antiques -- including the dress she wore when she slapped a cop in 1989.
Hilton disputes that Von Anhalt has the authority to sell the house. They fought each other in court over the house in 2005 (when Hilton refinanced the house, to protect her mother’s investments she said, but Von Anhalt felt that was improper). It would certainly be no surprise if the pair ended up facing each other in court again soon.
Sadly, this type of feud is all-too-common in second-marriage situations (or ninth-marriage, in some cases). When there is distrust between children from a prior marriage and a spouse, tensions often erupt when the parent/spouse in the middle becomes incapacitated. Often, in fact, it sets the stage for heated guardianship fights in court.
In most cases, the spouse has power-of-attorney and can control the situation. But, if the children feel that something improper is going on, they can (and often do) ask a judge to void the power of attorney and impose a guardianship to protect their parent, if they feel he or she is no longer competent.
Other times, the fight happens after the person dies, focusing on the handling of the estate, including what happens to the real estate and other property (as in the Gabor situation).
Inevitably in these types of conflicts, both sides think that they are only protecting their loved one, and the other side is interested in the money, control, or both. Emotions are usually raw from the reality that a close family member is dying. This can make the dislike for the newer spouse, or children from a prior marriage, turn ugly.
Anyone going through this situation should consult with an experienced guardianship attorney to learn what options there may be. Attorneys who have been through this before realize that trying to reach a middle-ground outside of a court fight is usually best for everyone. But often, the emotions of the situation prevent this from happening.
Hopefully Von Anhalt and Hilton will be able to work out their differences and keep the feud from court, so they can both focus on letting Gabor pass away with dignity.
By Danielle and Andy Mayoras, co-authors of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, husband-and-wife legacy expert attorneys, and hosts of an upcoming national PBS special. The charismatic duo has appeared on the Rachael Ray Show, Forbes, ABC’s Live Well Network, WGN-TV and has lent their expertise and analysis to hundreds of media sources, including The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Kiplinger, and The Washington Post, among many others. As dynamic keynote speakers, Danielle and Andy delight audiences nationwide with highly entertaining and informative presentations, dishing the dirt on celebrity estate battles while dispensing important legal information to help people avoid family fights among their heirs. The couple spends their free time with their 8-year old son and seven-year old boy/girl twins.
For the latest celebrity and high-profile cases, with tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your clients, subscribe to The Legacy Update at http://www.trialandheirs.com/.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.financial-planning.com/news/zsa-zsa-gabor-will-guardianship-power-of-attorney-estate-planning-2673992-1.html
Editor's note:
One of our contributing "Sharkets" had this comment:
Read the line at the bottom:
Anyone going through this situation should consult with an experienced guardianship attorney to learn what options there may be.
I BET guardianship attorney's would just LOVE to probate that woman's multi-million dollar estate. I can't believe it's even suggested in the article but her daughter should be warned!
By Danielle and Andy Mayoras
June 27, 2011
Zsa Zsa Gabor, who appeared in dozens of movies and television shows throughout a career that spanned five decades, is approaching the end. She has a feeding tube, can hardly tell when she’s at home or in the hospital, and is barely able to communicate. According to a recent Associated Press story, she’s been admitted to the hospital nearly two dozen times since last summer, and she recently was in a coma.
Like what you see? Click here to sign up for Financial Planning's daily newsletter to get the latest on advisor market trends, investment management, retirement planning, practice management, technology, compliance and new product development.
Sadly, her final days are surrounding by fighting between her husband of 25 years and her only daughter. Frederic Prinz von Anhalt is her ninth husband, and he’s been her devoted caregiver and says he is constantly by her side.
Gabor’s daughter, Francesca Hilton (yes, from that Hilton family), tells a different story of Von Anhalt. She says he doesn’t let her visit her mother, won’t update her about her medical condition, and that she learned of a recent hospitalization from a reporter, since Von Anhalt won’t talk to her.
Hilton says she wants to see her mother and have independent confirmation that she is being well cared for. She is struggling with having gone from speaking with her mother 10 times a day, she says, to being shut out. Hilton is furious about the publicity Von Anhalt has sought, including a recent picture he released of Gabor sipping champagne. Von Anhalt feels that Hilton is threatened by his relationship to his wife, and that Hilton views her mother as “life insurance.”
Reportedly, both have caused Gabor’s will to be rewritten without telling the other. They also don’t see eye-to-eye about Gabor’s house and other property. Von Anhalt has recently listed the house on the market, for $15 million, noting that Gabor doesn’t know where she is, so there is no need to keep her long-time residence. He’s also auctioning off some of her more famous items and antiques -- including the dress she wore when she slapped a cop in 1989.
Hilton disputes that Von Anhalt has the authority to sell the house. They fought each other in court over the house in 2005 (when Hilton refinanced the house, to protect her mother’s investments she said, but Von Anhalt felt that was improper). It would certainly be no surprise if the pair ended up facing each other in court again soon.
Sadly, this type of feud is all-too-common in second-marriage situations (or ninth-marriage, in some cases). When there is distrust between children from a prior marriage and a spouse, tensions often erupt when the parent/spouse in the middle becomes incapacitated. Often, in fact, it sets the stage for heated guardianship fights in court.
In most cases, the spouse has power-of-attorney and can control the situation. But, if the children feel that something improper is going on, they can (and often do) ask a judge to void the power of attorney and impose a guardianship to protect their parent, if they feel he or she is no longer competent.
Other times, the fight happens after the person dies, focusing on the handling of the estate, including what happens to the real estate and other property (as in the Gabor situation).
Inevitably in these types of conflicts, both sides think that they are only protecting their loved one, and the other side is interested in the money, control, or both. Emotions are usually raw from the reality that a close family member is dying. This can make the dislike for the newer spouse, or children from a prior marriage, turn ugly.
Anyone going through this situation should consult with an experienced guardianship attorney to learn what options there may be. Attorneys who have been through this before realize that trying to reach a middle-ground outside of a court fight is usually best for everyone. But often, the emotions of the situation prevent this from happening.
Hopefully Von Anhalt and Hilton will be able to work out their differences and keep the feud from court, so they can both focus on letting Gabor pass away with dignity.
By Danielle and Andy Mayoras, co-authors of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, husband-and-wife legacy expert attorneys, and hosts of an upcoming national PBS special. The charismatic duo has appeared on the Rachael Ray Show, Forbes, ABC’s Live Well Network, WGN-TV and has lent their expertise and analysis to hundreds of media sources, including The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Kiplinger, and The Washington Post, among many others. As dynamic keynote speakers, Danielle and Andy delight audiences nationwide with highly entertaining and informative presentations, dishing the dirt on celebrity estate battles while dispensing important legal information to help people avoid family fights among their heirs. The couple spends their free time with their 8-year old son and seven-year old boy/girl twins.
For the latest celebrity and high-profile cases, with tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your clients, subscribe to The Legacy Update at http://www.trialandheirs.com/.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.financial-planning.
Editor's note:
One of our contributing "Sharkets" had this comment:
Read the line at the bottom:
Anyone going through this situation should consult with an experienced guardianship attorney to learn what options there may be.
I BET guardianship attorney's would just LOVE to probate that woman's multi-million dollar estate. I can't believe it's even suggested in the article but her daughter should be warned!
Sad retirement outlook for Midwest Baby Boomers
Sad retirement outlook for Midwest Baby Boomers
BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.com June 30, 2011 11:49PM
Reprints ShareUpdated: July 1, 2011 12:19AM
Nearly three-quarters of middle-income Baby Boomers who live in the Midwest — 72 percent — say their financial situation, and not their age, is the key trigger for when to retire, according to a study by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement.
Two-thirds of those with incomes between $25,000 and $75,000 said they are behind where they had expected to be at this point in their lives.
Nearly half, or 46 percent, of the Midwestern Baby Boomers said they have saved less than $100,000 for retirement; 16 percent have saved less than $10,000.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/business/6249214-420/sad-retirement-outlook-for-midwest-baby-boomers.html
Editor's note: Bad news for Boomers, but good news for the Probate Court of Cook County. $10K to $100K plus the 1/3 of Boomers who are "comfortable", not to speak of Vets, Medicaid,Medicare and pension benefits. They are "fillet mignon" to the bloodsuckers in the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.com June 30, 2011 11:49PM
Reprints ShareUpdated: July 1, 2011 12:19AM
Nearly three-quarters of middle-income Baby Boomers who live in the Midwest — 72 percent — say their financial situation, and not their age, is the key trigger for when to retire, according to a study by the Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement.
Two-thirds of those with incomes between $25,000 and $75,000 said they are behind where they had expected to be at this point in their lives.
Nearly half, or 46 percent, of the Midwestern Baby Boomers said they have saved less than $100,000 for retirement; 16 percent have saved less than $10,000.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.suntimes.com/business/6249214-420/sad-retirement-outlook-for-midwest-baby-boomers.html
Editor's note: Bad news for Boomers, but good news for the Probate Court of Cook County. $10K to $100K plus the 1/3 of Boomers who are "comfortable", not to speak of Vets, Medicaid,Medicare and pension benefits. They are "fillet mignon" to the bloodsuckers in the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Prosecutors accuse Chicago man of swindling Medicare out of $20 million
Prosecutors accuse Chicago man of swindling Medicare out of $20 million
By Associated Press
3:21 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2011
CHICAGO (AP) — Federal authorities say they've arrested the operator of two Chicago-area home health care businesses on charges he swindled Medicare out of at least $20 million over the last five years.
In a news release Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office says Jacinto "John" Gabriel Jr. of Chicago was indicted on fraud and money laundering charges after he allegedly schemed with others to submit false claims for reimbursement for home health care services.
Real Estate In the release, the FBI alleges Gabriel and unidentified "co-schemers" used more than $5.5 million to buy jewelry, cars and real estate, gamble at casinos and bribe doctors in exchange for patient referrals.
The 43-year-old Gabriel is the only person charged in the alleged scheme.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/sns-ap-il--medicarefraud-arrest,0,2949601.story?obref=obinsite
More links for this article:
http://fredericacade.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/press-release-jacinto-%E2%80%9Cjohn%E2%80%9D-gabriel-jr-operator-of-two-home-health-care-businesses-indicted-in-alleged-20-million-medicare-fraud-scheme/
Perpetual Home Health, Inc., based in Oak Forest, and Legacy Home Healthcare Services, which was located on the city’s north side. Both firms have ceased operating and no longer receive Medicare payments. Between May 2006 and January 2011, Perpetual submitted more than 14,000 Medicare claims seeking reimbursement for services allegedly provided to beneficiaries. As a result of those claims, Perpetual received more than $38 million in Medicare payments, making it one of the largest, if not the largest, recipients of Medicare payments for home health services in Illinois. Between 2008 and January 2011, Legacy submitted more than 2,000 claims for Medicare reimbursement and received more than $5 million.
More info on both facilities may be found here:
http://apps.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/CorporateLlcController
Editor's note: It makes one wonder if this guy and his company are involved with the corrupt Probate Court of Cook County? Your Probate Shark always suspected the case management companies, guardian ad litems, and judges were in bed with the care providing companies that were joined at the hip with the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
By Associated Press
3:21 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2011
CHICAGO (AP) — Federal authorities say they've arrested the operator of two Chicago-area home health care businesses on charges he swindled Medicare out of at least $20 million over the last five years.
In a news release Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office says Jacinto "John" Gabriel Jr. of Chicago was indicted on fraud and money laundering charges after he allegedly schemed with others to submit false claims for reimbursement for home health care services.
Real Estate In the release, the FBI alleges Gabriel and unidentified "co-schemers" used more than $5.5 million to buy jewelry, cars and real estate, gamble at casinos and bribe doctors in exchange for patient referrals.
The 43-year-old Gabriel is the only person charged in the alleged scheme.
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/sns-ap-il--medicarefraud-arrest,0,2949601.story?obref=obinsite
More links for this article:
http://fredericacade.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/press-release-jacinto-%E2%80%9Cjohn%E2%80%9D-gabriel-jr-operator-of-two-home-health-care-businesses-indicted-in-alleged-20-million-medicare-fraud-scheme/
Perpetual Home Health, Inc., based in Oak Forest, and Legacy Home Healthcare Services, which was located on the city’s north side. Both firms have ceased operating and no longer receive Medicare payments. Between May 2006 and January 2011, Perpetual submitted more than 14,000 Medicare claims seeking reimbursement for services allegedly provided to beneficiaries. As a result of those claims, Perpetual received more than $38 million in Medicare payments, making it one of the largest, if not the largest, recipients of Medicare payments for home health services in Illinois. Between 2008 and January 2011, Legacy submitted more than 2,000 claims for Medicare reimbursement and received more than $5 million.
More info on both facilities may be found here:
http://apps.ilsos.gov/corporatellc/CorporateLlcController
Editor's note: It makes one wonder if this guy and his company are involved with the corrupt Probate Court of Cook County? Your Probate Shark always suspected the case management companies, guardian ad litems, and judges were in bed with the care providing companies that were joined at the hip with the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)