Six Plead Guilty in 3000+ Pound Marijuana Case Fugitive Sought

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 21, 2011

HOUSTON—A total of six men have entered guilty pleas in a case involving the smuggling of more than a ton of marijuana concealed in pallets of watermelons, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Humberto Reyes, 51, of Houston, and Victor Pena, 30, of Roma, Texas, entered their pleas today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana before United States District Judge David Hittner, while Orlando Ramirez, 41, Lauro Cisneros, 27, both of Roma, Texas; Leonel Pena, 34, of Houston; and Roel Reyna, 47, of Rio Grande City, Texas, pleaded guilty last Friday.

Beginning in June 2011, these men began transporting marijuana via tractor trailer and concealed in pallets of watermelons from McAllen, Texas, to a warehouse in Houston. Once the marijuana reached the warehouse, they would unload the pallets, remove the marijuana and load the marijuana into other vehicles to be delivered for sale.

At their respective plea hearings, the government described how agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted surveillance of the warehouse on July 28, 2011. At that time, Leonel Pena, Victor Pena and Cisneros unloaded pallets of watermelons from a tractor trailer, while Ramirez conducted countersurveillance in the area around the warehouse. Once the pallets were unloaded and the warehouse doors secured, agents observed Reyes and Roel Reyna drive past the warehouse at a slow rate of speed as Reyna was showing Reyes the location. Reyes returned to the warehouse later in a white panel van which he pulled into the warehouse. Agents then followed the van as it left the warehouse and stopped it a short time later. Agents discovered 84 bales of marijuana inside, while a search of the warehouse resulted in the seizure of an additional 53 bales of marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana seized was 3,158 pounds.

All of the defendants have been in custody since their arrests where they will remain pending their sentencing hearings. Judge Hittner has set sentencing for March 13, 2012, at which time they each face a minimum of 10 years and maximum of life in federal prison and a maximum $8 million fine. A seventh defendant, Agapito Lopez, 45, of Roma, Texas, remains a fugitive and a photo of him as attached. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact DEA at 713-693-3000. He is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.

The case was investigated by the DEA, FBI and the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard D. Hanes as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Photo Credit FBI

Metro-East Woman Sentenced on Mortgage Loan Fraud, Tax Fraud, and Food Stamp Fraud Offenses

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeDecember 21, 2011

A metro-east resident was sentenced today in the United States District Court in East St. Louis for participating in a conspiracy to defraud the United States and evade the payment of federal income taxes, for making false statements on a mortgage loan application, and for making false statements to obtain Food Stamp Program benefits, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Chamethele McKinney, 36, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment.

Court documents indicate that brothers Robert Todd McKinney and John Quinn McKinney owned and operated McKinney Hauling, a construction business located in East St. Louis, Illinois. In 2003, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began pursuing the brothers for unpaid taxes. The McKinney brothers evaded the payment of their tax obligations for the tax years 1999-2000, and 2002-2006, by diverting business income from McKinney Hauling into nominee bank accounts, which were used to pay personal and household expenses. Robert and John McKinney also admitted lying to federal officials about their business income and their home addresses. Belinda and Chamethele McKinney each pled guilty to falsifying mortgage loan documents while purchasing real estate—solely in their own names—so that business income earned by the husbands could be diverted into assets owned exclusively by their wives, thereby avoiding a combined IRS tax lien of $2,465,089.74, including penalties and interest.

On her loan application to purchase a house on Seasons Ridge in Maryville, Chamethele McKinney indicated that she was a manager at McKinney Hauling, she had a gross monthly income of $15,374.23, she had a letter indicating that she was a part owner of McKinney Hauling since January 1998, and that she had a verification of rent or mortgage; all of which were false and misled the lender. Knowing that her husband John Quinn McKinney had tax liens and poor credit, Chamethele McKinney submitted the loan applications in her own name only. After closing, Chamethele received a kickback of $45,541.16 from the seller, an amount above the actual cost of the house.

At sentencing, the United States argued that incarceration was necessary to put an end Chamethele’s parasitic lifestyle.

Chamethele McKinney was also sentenced to five years of supervised release, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,512,384.22 to the Internal Revenue Service, in the amount of $267,678.47 to Deutsche Bank, and in the amount of $22,488.00 to the Illinois Department of Human Services, and ordered to pay $300 as a special assessment to the court.

On December 2, 2011, her husband John Quinn McKinney and her brother-in-law Robert Todd McKinney were both sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. On December 13, 2011, her sister-in-law Belinda Cheri McKinney was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by agents from the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liam Coonan and Steven D. Weinhoeft.

Woman Pleads Guilty To Theft of Road Home Money

U.S. Attorney’s Office

NEW ORLEANS, LA—RACHEL SAVAGE, age 48, a resident of Foley, Alabama, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information today for theft of government funds, based on her fraudulent receipt of over $100,000 from the Louisiana Road Home program, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the court documents, on or about December 8, 2001, SAVAGE’s residence in Slidell, Louisiana, was completely destroyed by fire. The home was not rebuilt prior to Hurricane Katrina making landfall in August 2005. However, following Hurricane Katrina, SAVAGE applied for and was awarded money from the Louisiana Road Home program totaling $104,935.00 after she made affirmative representations in her application that she had lived at the destroyed residence at the time of Hurricane Katrina and that it had been destroyed as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

SAVAGE faces not more than 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. SAVAGE will also be responsible for restitution to the government in the amount of $104,935.00. Upon release from any term of imprisonment, she is subject to up three years’ supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for March 28, 2012.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development–OIG with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Emily Greenfield.

Road Closure: Northcliffe Blvd from Keywest Ave to Vaughan Rd (Toronto)

Road Closure Information

Location:


Description: Northcliffe Blvd from Keywest Ave to Vaughan Rd closed due to watermain repairs

Proposed end: 2011-Dec-26 21:13


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FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending December 23, 2011

1. Headquarters: FBI Releases Preliminary Semiannual Crime Statistics for 2011
   Statistics released in the FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report indicate that the number of violent crimes reported in the first six months of 2011 and the number of property crimes decreased 3.7 percent. The report is based on information from more than 12,500 law enforcement agencies. Full Story
   
2. DOJ/FBI: Man Charged with Participation in Murder and Attempted Murder of ICE Agents Extradited from Mexico
   Julian Zapata Espinoza was extradited from Mexico to the U.S. to face charges related to his alleged participation in the murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila. Full Story
   
3. New Haven: Fourteen Romanian Citizens Charged in Internet Phishing Scheme
   Fourteen Romanian citizens were charged with conspiracy, fraud, and identity theft offenses stemming from their alleged participation in an extensive Internet phishing scheme. Full Story
   
4. Honolulu: Former Grant Administrator and Legal Assistant of American Samoa Non-Profit Legal Aid Corporation Plead Guilty to Stealing More Than $150,000 in Federal Grant Funds
   A former grant administrator and her daughter pled guilty to stealing more than $150,000 in federal grant funds awarded to a non-profit corporation in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Full Story
   
5. San Diego/Los Angeles: $20,000 Reward Offered in Search for “Geezer Bandit” Serial Bank Robber
   Several law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s assistance to identify and arrest the “Geezer Bandit,” who is believed responsible for 16 bank robberies dating back to August 28, 2009. Full Story
   
6. San Francisco: Convent Employee Charged with Embezzling More Than $100,000 from Catholic Nuns
   A former employee for the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Catholic Convent was charged with 14 counts of wire fraud and three counts of mail fraud in connection with allegedly embezzing cash and charging personal expenses to a convent charge card. Full Story
   
7. Houston: Six Plead Guilty in 3000+ Pound Marijuana Case
   A total of six men pled guilty in a case involving the smuggling of more than a ton of marijuana concealed in pallets of watermelons. One man remains a fugitive. Full Story
   
8. Indianapolis: Three Indicted on Charges of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering
   Three individuals were indicted for their alleged role in defrauding an investor out of $1.7 million over the course of six months in 2007. Full Story
   
9. Boston: Man Sentenced to 166 Months for Arson of Church
   A man was sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison stemming from his role in the arson of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ, a predominantly African-American church, just hours after the election of President Barack Obama. Full Story
   
10. Albuquerque: Man Pleads Guilty in $74 Million Ponzi Scheme
    Douglas F. Vaughan pled guilty to wire and mail fraud charges that involved his operation of a Ponzi scheme in which he fraudulently obtained more than $74 million from approximately 600 investors who were promised extraordinary returns. Full Story

President, First Lady Wish Troops Happy Holidays

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2011 – During his weekly address on Christmas Eve, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sent holiday greetings to troops everywhere and their families.

After nearly nine years, the president said, the war in Iraq is over and troops are coming home to reunite with their families this holiday season.

“Let’s take a moment to give thanks for their service, for their families’ service and for our veterans’ service,” he said.

“And let’s say a prayer for all our troops standing post all over the world,” he added, “especially our brave men and women in Afghanistan who are serving, even as we speak, in harm’s way to protect the freedoms and security we hold dear.”

“This holiday season at the White House,” Michelle Obama said, “we wanted to show our thanks with a special holiday tribute to some of the strongest, bravest and most resilient members of our American family –- the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and the families who support them.”

To show how much Americans appreciate the sacrifice and service of veterans, troops and military families, Americans can “visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can get involved in your community,” she added.

“Giving of ourselves [and] service to others -– that’s what this season is all about,” the president said, “[and] for my family and millions of Americans, that’s what Christmas is all about.”

The belief in loving and supporting each other is not just at the center of the Christian faith, he added, “it’s shared by Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. It’s why so many of us, every year, volunteer our time to help those most in need, especially our hungry and our homeless.

“So whatever you believe, wherever you’re from, let’s remember the spirit of service that connects us all this season –- as Americans,” Obama said.

“Each of us can do our part to serve our communities and our country,” the president added, “not just today, but every day.”

Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Banks, Pharmacy

U.S. Attorney’s Office December 21, 2011

Western District of Missouri (816) 426-3122

JEFFERSON CITY, MO—Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing a pharmacy and two banks.
Louis Michael Patti, 28, of Columbia, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to the charges contained in a June 23, 2011, federal indictment.
Patti admitted that he robbed Flow’s Pharmacy, 1506 E. Broadway, Columbia, on March 17, 2011. Patti displayed what appeared to be a small black handgun and ordered a pharmacy employee to give him all of the hydrocodone and oxycontin. The employee gave Patti 10 manufacturer’s bottles of oxycontin, each containing 100 tablets, as well as six or seven bottles of hydrocodone. According to today’s plea agreement, the replacement cost of the drugs was $5,916.
Patti returned to Flow’s Pharmacy on May 13, 2011, at about 8 a.m. and wandered about the front of the store until the owner arrived. When the owner stepped behind the counter, Patti displayed an eight-inch knife and told the owner, “I want all your oxycodone.” The owner, who had armed himself with a handgun after the first robbery, retrieved his weapon and chased Patti from the store.
The next day, May 14, 2011, Patti stole $4,920 from Clay County Savings Bank, 8140 N. Brighton, Kansas City, Mo. Patti asked a teller for a deposit slip, on which he wrote a demand note that indicated he had a gun. The teller handed him cash from her drawer, and he quickly left the bank.
On May 20, 2011, Patti stole $2,192 from Boone County National Bank, 1916 Paris Rd., Columbia by presenting a demand note to a teller.
Under federal statutes, Patti is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 on each of the three counts. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department

Today in the Department of Defense, 12/24/2011

Special Weather Statement: Icy Roads

Special Weather Statement

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
916 AM EST FRI DEC 23 2011

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-232215-
NIAGARA-ORLEANS-MONROE-WAYNE-NORTHERN CAYUGA-OSWEGO-JEFFERSON-
LEWIS-NORTHERN ERIE-GENESEE-WYOMING-LIVINGSTON-ONTARIO-CHAUTAUQUA-
CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY-SOUTHERN ERIE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NIAGARA FALLS...MEDINA...ROCHESTER...
NEWARK...FAIR HAVEN...OSWEGO...WATERTOWN...LOWVILLE...BUFFALO...
BATAVIA...WARSAW...GENESEO...CANANDAIGUA...JAMESTOWN...OLEAN...
WELLSVILLE...ORCHARD PARK...SPRINGVILLE
916 AM EST FRI DEC 23 2011

...POTENTIAL FOR ICING ON ROADS TODAY...

WET ROADS COMBINED WITH TEMPERATURES FALLING BELOW FREEZING BY THE
EARLY AFTERNOON WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ICING ON UNTREATED
ROADS TODAY. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN
DRIVING AS ROADS MAY BECOME SLIPPERY...PARTICULARLY ON BRIDGES AND
OVERPASSES.

THE THREAT SHOULD DIMINISH BY THIS EVENING AS ROADS DRY OUT.

$$

FOR ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION, CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT
WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BUFFALO OR MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR THE
LATEST INFORMATION... FORECASTS...AND WARNINGS.

Former Los Gatos Convent Employee Charged with Embezzling More Than $100,000 from Catholic Nuns

Former Director of Food Services Embezzled Cash, Charged Personal Expenses to Convent Credit Card
U.S. Attorney’s Office
December 22, 2011

Northern District of California
(415) 436-7200
SAN JOSE, CA—A former lay employee for the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Catholic Convent (the Convent) in Los Gatos, Calif., was charged yesterday with 14 counts of wire fraud and three counts of mail fraud, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced. According to the indictment, Linda Gomez (a/k/a Linda Surrett), 65, of Sunnyvale, Calif., used her administrative positions to embezzle cash and to charge personal expenses to a Convent charge card.

According to the indictment, between 1987 and 2010, Gomez worked for the Convent in various administrative capacities, including as the director of food services and the manager of an on-site convenience store. As part of her professional responsibilities, Gomez made purchases for the 75 Catholic nuns and 60 lay employees at the Convent. The Indictment charges that between March 2008 and her resignation in May 2010, Gomez used various methods to embezzle from the Convent, including obtaining fraudulent reimbursements or credits for products she falsely claimed she had purchased for the Convent and its nuns. The Indictment states that Gomez embezzled more than $100,000 from the Convent. In addition to embezzling more than $47,000 in cash, Gomez also fraudulently diverted more than $53,000 of Convent funds for personal expenses such as jewelry, high-end cutlery, purses, shoes, kitchen appliances, and numerous purchases on the QVC and Home Shopping Networks,

The defendant will be issued a summons to make an initial appearance on Jan. 10, 2012, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal. The case is assigned to United States District Court Judge Lucy Koh.

The maximum statutory penalty for wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and mail fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, is 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million, plus restitution. Any sentence following conviction would, however, be determined by the court after considering the federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account a number of factors, and would be imposed in the discretion of the court.

Please note: An indictment contains only allegations against an individual and, as with all defendants, Gomez must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Fazioli is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Legal Assistant Kamille Singh. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Further Information:

Case #: CR 11-00955 LHK

Former Union Leader Admits Theft of Union Funds

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that former union leader Ellis Woods, 61, of Clarence, N.Y., pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that the defendant devised a scheme to defraud the Buffalo Educational Support Team (“BEST”). BEST is a union representing more than 900 teacher’s aides and assistants in the Buffalo school district. While working as the elected president of BEST, Woods was provided a union-issued credit card. Between November 18, 2008, and February 7, 2011, 

Woods used the union credit card to pay for personal expenses, including gambling expenses that he incurred at local area casinos. In total, Woods stole $44,987.70 in union funds.

“Union members contribute hard earned money to benefit the union as a whole, not to line the pockets of union leaders,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Our office will not tolerate such behavior and will vigorously prosecute officials in any organization who seek to take advantage of members.”

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Christopher M. Piehota.

Sentencing is scheduled for April, 19, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Buffalo, N.Y. 

Source: FBI whom is also responsioble for content

Gila River Man Sentenced to 230 Months in Prison for Murder

PHOENIX—Raymond Herman French, 41, of Sacaton, Ariz., was sentenced yesterday by Judge Frederick J. Martone to 230 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. French pleaded guilty on May 31, 2011, to the crime of second-degree murder.
French murdered the victim, Jeffrey Thomas, on January 22, 2011, when he shot the victim with a firearm. The victim died as a result of the injury. The crime occurred on the Gila River Indian Community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Heather H. Belt, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-11-149-PHX-FJM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2011-284(French)


Source: FBI whom is responsible for content

DHS and DOD Announce Continued Partnership in Strengthening Southwest Border Security

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced they will continue their critical partnership to further strengthen the already unprecedented levels of personnel, technology, and infrastructure along the Southwest border - representing the Administration's ongoing commitment to secure the border and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.

Since the summer of 2010, National Guard troops have acted as a critical support bridge while the Administration brought on new assets provided by the 2010 supplemental appropriation dedicated to effective border management and security. To date, Guardsmen stationed at the border supported civilian law enforcement on the ground through surveillance and criminal analysis.

With additional DHS civilian law enforcement assets, including a record number of U.S. Border Patrol agents, now in place, the DOD mission at the border will transition as part of a new strategic approach, adding a number of new multi-purpose aerial assets equipped with the latest surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, DOD will provide air mobility support to the Border Patrol, allowing for faster response capabilities to a wide range of activities. The deployment of these new DOD technical assets, along with the additional DHS personnel on the ground, will enable DOD to reduce the number of National Guard troops at the Southwest border while enhancing border security.

The addition of aerial surveillance assets allows the National Guard to better support DHS by shifting surveillance from fixed sites to mobile ones that can quickly match the dynamic environment of the border - a significant enhancement in the ability to detect and deter illegal activity at the border - and provide greater support to the thousands of men and women involved in border security.

The transition to the new DOD/DHS strategic approach will begin in January, with additional aviation assets in place by March 1st. The aerial assets, which include both rotary and fixed-wing, will provide additional benefits including:

• Increased ability to operate in diverse landscapes: Operating environments differ from sector to sector and even within sectors. An aerial platform provides a much greater field of vision for surveillance in places with challenging terrain.

• Additional deterrence: The additional DOD aerial assets, which establish a greater visible presence from a distance to individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, coupled with the Border Patrol boots on the ground, will provide even greater border deterrence capabilities.

• A faster response time: The air assets will reduce enforcement response time, enabling Border Patrol officers to quickly move from one location to another on short notice to meet emerging threats of illegal activity or incursion. Aircraft also provide the ability to quickly reach areas in rugged terrain or areas without roads that were previously difficult to access.

• Flexible and adaptive surveillance as opposed to relying on fixed sites.

In FY 2011, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions - a key indicator of illegal immigration - decreased to 340,252, down 53 percent since FY 2008 and one fifth of what they were at their peak in FY 2000. Since 2004, the size of the Border Patrol has doubled to 21,444.

###

Statement by Secretary Napolitano on Commissioner Bersin's Resignation

Biography of Mr. Aguilar

"I want to thank Alan Bersin for his distinguished leadership over the past two years as the CBP Commissioner. During his tenure, CBP has taken historic steps to secure our borders while facilitating legal travel and trade. Commissioner Bersin has also been instrumental in facilitating new international agreements and public-private partnerships as well as developing new paradigms throughout the world in combating terrorism and international crime. Commissioner Bersin has helped set CBP on a path to continuously adapt and seek new and innovative ways of keeping our country – and our communities – safe.

Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar will serve as Acting Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations Thomas Winkowski will serve as Acting Deputy Commissioner. Both bring decades of experience on the front line and will continue their proven leadership of the men and women at CBP as they protect our country against terrorist threats, secure our borders and foster lawful travel and trade."

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Special Weather Statemment from NWS Buffalo

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
827 AM EST TUE DEC 20 2011

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-202030-
NIAGARA-ORLEANS-MONROE-WAYNE-NORTHERN CAYUGA-OSWEGO-JEFFERSON-
LEWIS-NORTHERN ERIE-GENESEE-WYOMING-LIVINGSTON-ONTARIO-CHAUTAUQUA-
CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY-SOUTHERN ERIE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NIAGARA FALLS...MEDINA...ROCHESTER...
NEWARK...FAIR HAVEN...OSWEGO...WATERTOWN...LOWVILLE...BUFFALO...
BATAVIA...WARSAW...GENESEO...CANANDAIGUA...JAMESTOWN...OLEAN...
WELLSVILLE...ORCHARD PARK...SPRINGVILLE
827 AM EST TUE DEC 20 2011

...MIXED PRECIPITATION POSSIBLE TONIGHT...

A WEAK WARM FRONT WILL UP LIFT ACROSS WESTERN AND NORTH CENTRAL
NEW YORK TONIGHT AND EARLY WEDNESDAY...AND THIS FEATURE WILL
GENERATE SOME LIGHT PRECIPITATION. IT MAY BE COLD ENOUGH FOR THE
PRECIPITATION TO INITIALLY BEGIN AS A MIX OF SLEET OR FREEZING
RAIN...PARTICULAR SOUTH OF BUFFALO AND ROCHESTER WHERE LOW LEVEL
COLD AIR WILL BE CONCENTRATED IN THE VALLEYS. THE PRECIPITATION
EAST OF LAKE ONTARIO MAY EVEN START AS A BIT OF LIGHT SNOW BEFORE
CHANGING OVER TO A LIGHT MIX OF SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN.

WHILE THERE WILL BE A FEW HOURS WHEN THERE WILL BE THE THREAT FOR
A WINTRY MIX...ALL OF THE PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE TO JUST LIGHT
RAIN DURING THE COURSE OF TONIGHT AND EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING.

REMEMBER THAT IT ONLY TAKES A TRACE OF FREEZING RAIN TO PRODUCE AN
ICY GLAZE ON ROADWAYS AND SIDEWALKS.

Niagara Falls Blvb be prepared to stop

Niagara Falls Blvb at Gelnnalbi - NF Blvb at a standstill due to a two car accident

Meet the Home Healthcare Worker Who Inspired the President

Your Daily Snapshot for Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011

Meet the Home Healthcare Worker Who Inspired the President In 2007, then-Senator Obama spent a day "in the shoes" of Pauline Beck, a home healthcare worker. Today Pauline will be at the White House to watch as President Obama announces proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will level the playing field so workers like Pauline are fairly compensated. Watch Pauline's story: In Case You Missed It Here are some of the top stories from the White House blog: By the Numbers: 1.5 Million  Approximately 1.5 million Americans served in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. From the Archives: President Obama Announces the End of Combat Operations in Iraq A look back at President Obama's speech marking the end of combat operations in Iraq. President Obama at Fort Bragg: "Welcome Home" President Obama travels to Fort Bragg, North Carolina -- home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces -- to salute the service of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines who helped to bring an end to the war in Iraq. Today's Schedule All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). 10:50 AM: The President and the Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing 12:00 PM: The President delivers a statement at a We Can’t Wait event  12:30 PM: The President and the Vice President have lunch 1:00 PM: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney  4:00 PM: The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden attend a holiday reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Blair House.  Indicates that the event will be live-streamed on WhiteHouse.gov/Live

OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO

Abolish the TSA, and use its monstrous budget to fund more sophisticated, less intrusive counter-terrorism intelligence.
Response to We The People Petition on the Abolishment of the Transportation Security Administration
By John Pistole


Thank you for participating in the We the People platform, we respect the right of the petitioners to be heard and value the feedback we receive from travelers who share their experiences – good or bad – with us. The men and women of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have a challenging, but critical mission, and they take their jobs very seriously. TSA understands that the terrorist threat remains real and continues to evolve, as evidenced by the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day 2009 and the disrupted air cargo bomb plot last year.


Why TSA Exists.


TSA was created two months after the September 11 terrorist attacks, when Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) [.pdf] to keep the millions of Americans who travel each day safe and secure across numerous modes of transportation.


Over the past 10 years, TSA has strengthened security by creating successful programs and deploying technologies that were not in place prior to September 11, while also taking steps whenever possible to enhance the passenger experience. Here are just a few of the many steps TSA has taken to strengthen our multi-layered approach to security:


Establishing an Intelligence-Driven Approach.


TSA uses intelligence in real-time to strengthen security and share key information with state, local, and international partners, to ensure they can respond to evolving threats.


Vetting of Passengers and Transportation Workers.


Today, 100 percent of passengers flying to, from, and within the United States are prescreened against terrorist watch lists under TSA's Secure Flight program. In addition, employees with access to airports and ports, and those who transport higher risk materials, are vetted to ensure a secure environment.


Screening for Explosives.


TSA screens 100 percent of carry-on and checked baggage for dangerous items including explosives. TSA has also deployed explosives-detection canine teams. The teams are used to detect explosives and deter terrorism in aviation, mass transit, and cargo environments.


Deploying Advanced Technology to Detect Evolving Threats.


As part of its multi-layered approach to security, TSA uses Advanced Imaging Technology and Automated Target Recognition software to detect metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons and explosives concealed under layers of clothing on passengers. Using Advanced Technology X-ray, Bottled Liquid Scanners and Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) Technology, TSA can more efficiently and effectively screen checked and carry-on bags for potential threats.


Covert Testing.


Covert testing provides TSA with valuable information that can be used to modify security measures, improve training and inform the development of future technology. The statistic cited in the petition was from testing performed nearly eight years ago and doesn't reflect the current security environment. Since then, TSA has implemented new security measures and deployed enhanced technology to address evolving threats to aviation.


Strengthening In-Flight Security.


Hardened cockpit doors and the Federal Air Marshal Service serve as additional layers of security against an act of terrorism.


Establishing a Professionalized Workforce.


Transportation Security Officers (TSO) working at 450 airports today are hired through a rigorous vetting process and go through extensive training that did not exist prior to September 11. Today's TSOs have an average of three and a half years of experience on the job and have a turnover rate of approximately 6 percent. This compares to an average of 3 months of experience and a turnover rate of 125 percent for screeners prior to the creation of TSA.


TSA's Next 10 Years.


TSA is working to enhance its risk-based, intelligence-driven security initiatives to strengthen security while continuing to improve the passenger experience whenever possible. Current efforts include: changing the way TSA screens passengers ages 12 and under, evaluating the expanded use of behavior detection techniques, and piloting expedited screening for known travelers. Efficiencies gained by implementing more risk-based security methods allow us to make the best possible use of the resources to secure air travel.


Additionally, new software has been deployed to further strengthen privacy protections by eliminating passenger-specific images on Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines. The new software has been installed on all millimeter wave AIT units currently in airports, with plans to test and deploy similar software for backscatter units in 2012.


Our Nation is safer and better prepared today because of these and other efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and our Federal, state, local and international partners. TSA is constantly identifying ways to continue to strengthen security and improve the passenger experience and appreciates the feedback of the public.


We invite you to stop by TSA's blog to continue this discussion.


John Pistole is the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration