Latest news with #RacketeerInfluencedandCorruptOrganizationsAct
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
They followed the money: Burke County authorities make record racketeering bust
A husband and wife chiseled a Waynesboro auto-parts manufacturer out of more than $620,000 over four years, Burke County investigators said Tuesday afternoon. Susan Jennifer Perez Godbee Wimberly and Michael Wimberly each were charged with racketeering for their "connection with a complex, years-long embezzlement scheme," according to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. The FBI aided the investigation. Further federal charges are expected, the sheriff's office said. What we know: Did Georgia Power contractors steal money from Fort Gordon barracks? Mrs. Wimberly worked at CMS, an Italy-based company whose plant off Burke Veterans Parkway in Waynesboro produces automotive components by forming flat sheets of metal into three-dimensional shapes. "Through an exhaustive process involving dozens of subpoenas, search warrants and administrative requests," sheriff's Lt. Heather Sims led an investigation that "uncovered a sophisticated financial scheme in which the stolen funds were used to fraudulently acquire vehicles, farming equipment and even a local restaurant," the sheriff's office noted in prepared remarks. The charges are the first issued by the Burke County Sheriff's Office under Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. The financial loss in the case also was a record amount handled by the sheriff's office, it said. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Burke County RICO bust nets husband, wife over missing $620,000 Solve the daily Crossword
Hindustan Times
22-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
What are the charges against Ca$h Out? What to know as rapper is sentenced to life in prison
Rapper Ca$h Out, whose real name is John‑Michael Hakeem Gibson, has been sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years after being convicted on multiple charges, WSB-TV Atlanta reported. On July 18, Gibson was found guilty of rape, aggravated sodomy, violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for leading a prostitution enterprise, two counts of trafficking a person, pimping, pandering, keeping a place of prostitution, battery, possession of a firearm during a felony, and other offenses. Ca$h Out, 34, born in Columbus was found guilty of rape, aggravated sodomy, violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.((Instagram/@1cashout)) He was acquitted of felony aggravated assault, according to his defense attorney Careton R. Matthews, according to USA Today report. Also Read: Rapper Ca$h Out gets life sentence; mother and cousin also convicted in RICO case John Gibson's mother and friend convicted Gibson's mother, Linda Smith, and his friend, Tyrone Taylor, were also convicted. Prosecutors told the 12-person jury that they ran a business and forced victims into prostitution. During the trial, Matthews said the prosecution failed to prove its case and called some charges 'overblown.' He added that accusers 'voluntarily reconnected with Gibson and contradicted themselves repeatedly.' Before sentencing, the judge said the evidence showed 'the very worst of human behavior toward other human beings.' The judge stated that the verdict demonstrated prosecutors 'proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the diabolical conduct of the defendants occurred,' and the sentence reflected that. Matthews said Monday, 'We do respect the court's process and jury's decision, however we're disappointed with the verdict and the sentence. He maintains his innocence on many of these charges and may file an appeal or a motion for a new trial.' Ca$h Out, 34, was born in Columbus, Georgia. He signed with Epic Records and released his 2011 single "Cashin' Out," which reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. In August 2014, Gibson released the album "Let's Get It," which included the hit single "She Twerkin."
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Rapper Ca$h Out sentenced to life in prison on rape, prostitution ring charges
Rapper Ca$h Out was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, July 21, after being convicted in a rape and racketeering case in Georgia, attorneys said. The Atlanta-based rapper, whose legal name is John-Michael Gibson, was found guilty July 18, of charges including rape, aggravated sodomy and violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act for leading a prostitution enterprise, a spokesperson for the Fulton County District Attorney's Office told USA TODAY. Gibson was also convicted of two counts of trafficking a person, pimping, pandering, keeping a place of prostitution, battery, possession of a firearm during commission of felony and other crimes, Fulton County media relations director Pallavi Bailey said. He was found not guilty of felony aggravated assault, Gibson's defense Attorney Careton R. Matthews said. During the trial, Matthews told USA TODAY he argued the state failed to prove its case, called some of the charges against him "overblown," and said testimony from the accusers showed they "voluntarily reconnected with Gibson and contradicted themselves repeatedly." Gibson, who rose to fame more than a decade ago with hits including "Cashin' Out" and "She Twerkin," had been on trial since June 2 before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftridge. Gibson's mother, Linda Smith, and his friend, Tyrone Taylor, were also convicted in connection to the case in which prosecutors told a 12-person jury they ran a business and lured victims into prostitution. 'A little bit naive': Linkin Park talks Emily Armstrong backlash, the Chester Bennington song they won't play Ca$h Out's mother, friend co-defendants in case Before sentencing, the judge said evidence at trial had "shown the very worst of human behavior toward other human beings," local media outlet WXIA-TV reported. The judge said the verdict reflected prosecutors had "proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the diabolical conduct of the defendants occurred, and her sentence would be responsive to that." The judge sentenced Gibson to life and an additional 70 years in connection to the case. Smith was sentenced to 30 years for her crimes, and Taylor received the same sentence as Gibson, Matthews confirmed. "We do respect the court's process and jury's decision, however we're disappointed with the verdict and the sentence," Matthews said Monday afternoon. "He maintains his innocence on many of these charges and may file an appeal or a motion for a new trial." Murder retrial? Man convicted in infamous 1979 Etan Patz slaying could get new trial Who is Ca$h Out? Ca$h Out, is 34, and was born in Columbus, Georgia. He signed with Epic Records to release his 2011 single "Cashin' Out", which peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. In August 2014, Gibson released the album, 'Let's Get It," supported by the single hit, 'She Twerkin." Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
The Hill
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
The strategic importance of designating Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization
The Peruvian government's recent call for all members of the Organization of American States to declare the transnational criminal group Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization is a landmark action that will reverberate positively throughout the Western Hemisphere. The statement — supported by the U.S., Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama and Paraguay — requests that OAS member states consider designating Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, or to adopt equivalent legal frameworks that allow for greater prosecution capacity, asset freezes and enforcement actions. Tren de Aragua, which began in a Venezuelan state prison around 2014, is today one of the most dangerous transnational criminal organizations in the Americas. The group has rapidly expanded its operations into neighboring countries and beyond, leaving a trail of violence, exploitation and suffering. It operates as a highly organized criminal corporation, using violence and a hierarchical structure to control illicit markets, and terrorist tactics to eliminate competition and instill fear. Tren de Aragua has sown chaos, undermined local governance and endangered the lives of countless citizens. Thriving on fear and financial gain, Tren de Aragua is estimated to have around 5,000 members, and its annual profits range between $10 million and $15 million. Their use of extreme violence, targeted assassinations and mass intimidation to maintain control and expand influence aligns with the modus operandi of terrorist organizations. Its expansion has been swift and violent, exploiting deficient law enforcement, corruption and large migrant flows. Many nations in the region have been affected by the influence of this criminal network, which has disrupted communities in vulnerable border areas. Its operations have rapidly expanded into cities, effectively transforming into a new form of urban terrorism. The expansion of Tren de Aragua represents a significant regional crisis. This gang engages in drug trafficking, extortion and hired killings. It utilizes terrorist tactics such as torture and public displays of violence to instill fear and maintain control. Members often disseminate graphic content on social media to intimidate both rivals and law enforcement agencies. In April, the U.S. filed charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act against 27 members and associates of Tren de Aragua for acts committed both in America and abroad. This case showcases the need to address this pervasive threat further through coordinated international action. The recent U.S. designation of Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization marks a crucial strategic step. First, by recognizing Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group, the U.S. gains a broader set of tools to dismantle the its financial infrastructure. Many criminal organizations rely on transnational banking systems and shadowy financial channels to launder money and fund their operations. Cutting off access to these resources will severely weaken Tren de Aragua. Second, this move also sets the stage for enhanced regional collaboration. By highlighting the threat the group poses on the global stage, the U.S. sends a powerful message of mutually beneficial collaboration with its Latin American partners. Increased intelligence sharing, joint operations and technical assistance will help dismantle this criminal network. Third, the U.S. designation underscores the importance of a safer region and a stronger partnership with the Americas. It is a signal that the U.S. is committed to addressing one of the primary root causes of insecurity and instability in Latin America and within the U.S. By taking a stand against Tren de Aragua, the U.S. affirms its role as a partner in building a safer, more stable region where democracy and economic opportunity can thrive. The call for a unified response to combat Tren de Aragua across borders is critical. Together with its allies, the U.S. can champion an 'Americas-First Foreign Policy,' as suggested by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and reaffirm shared values with countries throughout the region. This would complement other security and defense cooperation from the U.S. and make its presence and influence more important and tangible. No other global power can make a greater commitment to working in the region to ensure that groups like Tren de Aragua cannot operate with impunity.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Diddy trial shows society doesn't care about women's suffering
He's a man known by many names: Diddy; Puff Daddy; Puffy; Sean Combs; and now a convicted criminal. His music was ubiquitous with the 2000s, collaborating with some of the biggest names in pop, from Christina Aguilera to Justin Bieber. His Bad Boy Record label brought artists such as Janelle Monáe and Machine Gun Kelly to the world. But now, after two months on trial his fame should pale in significance to the crimes he committed. Over a period of eight weeks, a jury at Manhattan's Federal Court in New York City heard the case against Sean Combs. He was tried on two counts of transportation for prostitution in relation to Cassie Ventura and another woman known as 'Jane', as well as two charges of sex trafficking with regards to Ventura and 'Jane', and one charge of racketeering conspiracy. On June 6, he was found guilty on both counts of transportation for prostitution, and not guilty on the other three charges. Combs denied all allegations against him and pleaded not guilty to all charges. This case has garnered significant attention, not least from the media and fans alike. A fan outside the court wore a T-shirt that read 'A Freako is not a R.I.C.O'. The so-called 'Freak-offs' are drug-fuelled, days-long sex parties, where hundreds of bottles of baby oil seized from Diddy's Los Angeles home became an emblem for the excess and distress. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act has been used in the past to tackle criminal organisations, most notably in 1985 when Rudy Giuliani charged the heads of the so-called 'Five Families' of the New York Mafia. But where do we go from the news that one of the most recognisable men in music is dangerous? In May 2024 leaked surveillance footage from 2016, showed the world how Diddy brutally assaulted his then girlfriend Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in L.A . In a response on Instagram, Diddy described his 'behaviour as inexcusable.' The footage is difficult to watch: what I see is a woman in a moment of desperate hope trying to flee her abuser. But I'm not convinced that everybody sees this pain in the way I do. The video is right there for all to see, but yet the era of disinformation has equipped some with the ability to think: 'Well, maybe we're not getting the whole story here'. Ignorance is the best case scenario for those who waited outside the Diddy court holding bottles of baby oil, rooting for his imminent release. But at worst, I think that fundamentally these people don't care about how women are treated. Heavily pregnant and weeping on the stand, Ventura told the court about her relationship with Diddy. She told the court about being plied with drugs and coerced into having sex with male prostitutes - which was sometimes recorded by Diddy. This was not the first public declaration by Cassie about Diddy's abuse. In 2023, the singer went public with allegations of rape and abuse that she suffered from Diddy. The media mogul settled this case out of court for $20million. Reading her testimony from the 2025 trial, the resilience to carry on in the hope of justice is inspiring. In a move that is both insensitive to survivors and out of touch with the testimony that came before, Diddy's defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo in closing arguments on June 27, described their relationship as a "great modern love story". He said: "It's complicated, but they are truly in love with each other, and that is what defines their relationship. It is based on love." Love should not result in bruises, split lips, and non-consensual sex. Love should not hurt. This is not a modern love story; this is a nightmare that plays out for far too many women. The National Centre for Domestic Violence defines domestic abuse as ranging from physical and sexual abuse to threatening or coercive behaviour. They report that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime. When the verdict was read out in court, Diddy buckled with relief. His legal team put in a request for bail pending sentencing, which was denied. He remains behind bars until the proposed sentencing date of October 3. The New York Times reported that when this decision was handed down by Judge Arun Subramanian his jubilance turned to a 'darkened demeanour'. Outside the court Ventura's lawyer, Douglas H. Wigdor praised the singer for her bravery, saying: "She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." But orbits are not eternal, and will eventually decay away, dropping stars out of alignment. Survivors will be the change-makers, as they continue to come forward and advocate for future women's safety. It is what we must do to ensure that powerful men cannot commit crimes unhindered.
