Attorney General McCollum and Looking Towards the Furure

hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

With an Attorney General "News Briefs" on the the OAG plans for the coming year.

----------

December 28, 2007 

              Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum 


As your Attorney General, I’m looking ahead with great anticipation to 
a new year of opportunities to serve the people of our state.  Among my 
top priorities will be to reach our goal of taking my CyberSafety 
education initiative to every high school and middle school in Florida.  
More than 16,000 students have already participated in this informative 
program to learn about potential dangers lurking online, and how to 
protect themselves from internet child predators.  But we need to reach 
thousands more, and I’m pleased that our new partnerships with the 
Florida Association of District School Superintendents and the Florida 
School Board Association among others will help make that happen. 

This new year will also bring the opening of several additional offices 
of my Child Predator CyberCrime Unit.  With bureaus now operating in 
Jacksonville and Orlando, I’m looking forward to offices in Fort 
Lauderdale, Tampa and Pensacola opening soon.  The unit has already 
arrested well over 50 people for internet crimes against children, 
including one just this week.  Joaquim Enrique Santana faces up to 20 
years in prison after soliciting someone he believed was a 13-year-old 
girl online and traveling to meet her in a Central Florida parking lot 
on Christmas Eve.  Additional offices and trained personnel will give 
us even more resources to pursue these predators. 

My office will have a full legislative agenda this spring as part of 
our mission to help make Florida a safer place to live, work and raise 
a family.  In 2008, our top legislative priority will be to address our 
state’s growing, deadly gang problem.  I am anticipating innovative, 
proactive proposals resulting from the Statewide Grand Jury organized 
by my Office of Statewide Prosecution to look into Florida’s criminal 
gang crisis.  

I am working with the Legislature as well to pass the Marijuana Grow 
House Eradication Act of 2008, which targets the increasing threat that 
these grow houses pose to Florida’s neighborhoods. The hydroponic 
marijuana cultivated by the organized criminals who operate the grow 
houses is extremely potent, containing up to 15 times the amount of THC 
- the addictive chemical found in marijuana - than the marijuana common 
20 years ago.  It trades pound-for-pound with cocaine, and attracts 
violent drug dealers motivated by big profit margins.  The bill targets 
the for-profit growers by increasing penalties for growing 25 or more 
plants, and contains powerful child protection provisions including 
tougher penalties if a child is present at a grow house.   

Our other legislative priorities will include cracking down on the 
growing crime of mortgage foreclosure rescue fraud, creating tough new 
anti-counterfeiting/anti-piracy measures, and making Florida among the 
first states in the nation to compensate victims of child pornography.  
I also expect recommendations next month on policy changes and 
proposals from the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys 
to have a positive impact on Florida’s families.

We have a busy year ahead, and a wealth of opportunities to continue to 
improve the quality of life in our beautiful state.    

Thank you.

----------

Evelyn out.

.AOLWebSuite .AOLPicturesFullSizeLink { height: 1px; width: 1px; overflow: hidden; }

Governot Cris Reflections of the Year

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a message from Governor Charlie Cris and reflections of the passing year achievements.

----------

Dear Friends,

    

As we prepare to welcome a new year, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Governor.  I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me, and I will continue to strive each day to honor that trust and confidence in my service to our great state.  

 

During this year, we have accomplished many good things.  Our Office of Open Government widened the window on Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine laws.  I was proud to be a part of the historic change to the Rules of Executive Clemency that allows certain ex-offenders who have paid their debt to society to have their rights restored without a hearing.  The new Florida Discount Drug Card announced last week will lower prescription drug costs for those who need it most.  We continue to work together to improve the quality of life for every Floridian, and here are just a few other highlights from this year:

  

Public Safety -- Florida's communities will be safer because of the Anti-Murder Act, which I signed as the first law of the 2007 legislative session.  Brutal felony offenders who violate probation can now be sent back to jail until the court determines whether the individual poses a danger to the community. 

    We also added 50 more child predator fighters in the Attorney General’s Child Predator/CyberCrime Unit.  I was honored to establish this unit in August 2005 as a pilot project in response to several tragic murders of children in Florida.  These dedicated professionals are helping stop predators and sex offenders before they prey on Florida’s children. 

  

Student Success -- I am committed to requiring accountability, transparency and high standards so that every student receives a year's worth of knowledge in a year's worth of time.  Additional reading coaches are helping more teachers develop students’ reading skills.  Virtual tutors are giving parents the tools they need to help their children do better in school.

    I am also working to increase teacher pay so that Florida is able to recruit and retain the best teachers for our students.  The 2007 Merit Award Program provides five-percent to 10-percent performance bonuses to the state’s best public school educators. 

  

Keeping Florida Affordable -- We are making progress to lower property insurance rates and property taxes so Florida families and businesses can prosper.  Property insurance reforms require insurers to promptly pay claims and prevent them from canceling policies during hurricane season.  We also launched a Web site that helps homeowners compare insurance rates throughout Florida – www.ShopAndCompareRates.com. I remain committed to seeking a national catastrophe fund in order to spread the risk of disasters across the country and strengthen the nation’s insurance markets.

    I am also working to bring down property taxes from their record-high levels. Skyrocketing property taxes have been keeping Floridians from purchasing their first home or locking them in their current homes. The people of Florida have the opportunity on January 29th to lower property taxes even more.

  

Florida's Environment -- Florida's natural environment is linked to Florida's economy.  Tourism is our number-one industry, and people come here to enjoy our beautiful lakes, beaches and weather.  For that reason, I am committed to restoring America's Everglades and improving the health of Lake Okeechobee and its rivers and estuaries.  I am also committed to addressing global climate change.  We are working to increase our energy efficiency and our use of renewable energy such as solar, wind and ethanol. 

 

We are truly blessed to live in the very best place on earth, at the best time in history. We have every reason to be optimistic about the opportunities ahead of us in the upcoming year. My optimism comes from you, the people of our great state -- from your strength, your diversity and your kindness.

 

May God bless you and the great state of Florida with a prosperous and safe new year.

 

  

  

----------

Evelyn out

Attorney General McCollum Announces Gang Reduction Proposals

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a message of the Attorney General Bill McCollum on Gang Reduction Proposals.

----------                                                               

News Release

December 20, 2007

                                                                   
          Attorney General McCollum Announces Gang Reduction Proposals          
                                                                                
       Two-day summit will lead to the development of multi-pronged strategy


      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced
several recommendations from this week’s two-day Gang Reduction Strategy
Summit which he hosted at the Florida Capitol. The summit featured speakers
and presentations from members of the Attorney General’s Gang Reduction
Strategy Executive Group which consists of several partnering state
agencies, and stakeholders from throughout Florida.

      "As we go forward with the creation of a statewide strategy to reduce
and ultimately eliminate gangs, input from our communities and the law
enforcement agencies charged with protecting those communities is vital,"
said Attorney General McCollum. "I am grateful to our partners and the many
interested parties who came forward to provide insight and to make
suggestions on how we can win this fight to take back our neighborhoods."
 

                              
      While the overall crime rate has decreased in Florida, gang-related
crimes continue to increase substantially in number. The Florida Department
of Corrections reports a 61 percent increase in the number of felony
convictions of gang members over the past three years. The Florida
Department of Juvenile Justice reports the alarming fact that gang
recruiting efforts are targeting children as young as 10 years old.

(Embedded image moved to file: pic00041.jpg)Secretary Walter McNeil and
Attorney General McCollum discuss the threat to Florida's youth
      One of the key recommendations is to press for all prevention and
intervention programs around Florida to involve parents and to include a
parent-focused element in the program. Another recommendation is to do a
more complete job of cataloging the different awareness and
prevention/intervention efforts in Florida, and assessing their
effectiveness.

      "Attorney General McCollum has it right," said Florida Secretary of
Juvenile Justice Walter McNeil. "Intervention and prevention are paramount
in our efforts to keep youth from penetrating the juvenile justice system.
This is a local, county, and state-wide issue and there are many parts to
the solution."

      Attorney General McCollum emphasized that education and outreach will
be critical in the ultimate reduction of the influence of gangs on
Florida’s young people, and that effort must include the involvement of
local leaders.

      "Our local governments and community leaders are vital in developing
strategies to keep our children engaged in school and away from gang
involvement," said Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith. "The Gang
Reduction Strategy Summit is an excellent learning opportunity for all
stakeholders to develop workable solutions for schools and classrooms
around the state."

      Drug trafficking and abuse remain one of the key factors in the
growth of gangs in Florida. Additional recommendations from the summit
include recognition that  rehabilitation and re-entry efforts aimed at
Florida’s juvenile and adult inmates must begin much earlier in their
incarceration and be more comprehensive if those efforts are to be
successful. Participants in the summit also acknowledged that the
successful effort to reduce gang and drug activity will be closely tied to
finding ways to reduce the demand for illegal drugs.

      "The Gang Summit initiative led by Attorney General McCollum is a
critical milestone in our effort to break the nexus of gangs, drugs, and
violence in Florida," said Colonel Bill Janes, Director of the Florida
Office of Drug Control. "The drug problem in Florida is aggravated
significantly by gangs selling drugs and terrorizing our communities.  To
stop this, our response must be comprehensive, coordinated, and immediate."

      Local and state leaders continued to voice their support for the
summit’s goals and the Attorney General’s efforts, particularly in those
communities that have already acknowledged the gang crisis and are working
to combat it.

      "As a former police director, I’m all too familiar with youth crime
and gangs in particular," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "I
strongly believe that prevention and early intervention programs are the
keys to eliminating our youth gangs. I look forward to working with
Attorney General Bill McCollum and all partners on this important issue."

      The next step in the development of the Attorney General’s Gang
Reduction initiative will be to review input received during the summit and
formally present the resulting statewide strategy this spring.  Results of
the summit will be compiled and posted online at
http://www.safeflorida.net/safestreets
in January.

----------

Evelyn out.

 

Governor Crist Launches Florida Discount Drug Card Program.

hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a message from Governor Charlie Cris on launching of the Florida Discount Drug Card program.

----------

Dear Friends,       With the season of giving upon us, this is a great time to recognize the blessings we have received as a state. Florida has received two very special gifts this week.       On Tuesday, I joined our great Senate President Ken Pruitt and representatives from Max Planck, a German non-profit research society, to announce the addition of the Florida Max Planck Institute of Bio-imaging. This investment will help Florida continue to be a leader in economic development as it attracts high-tech, high-wage jobs for our people.        This week I also announced the Florida Discount Drug Card program, which will lower drug costs for those who need it most. The quality of life and the vitality and wellbeing of our state is linked to the health of our people. This discount drug card will help many Floridians struggling with high drug costs.           As I look back on this blessed year, I am proud to be a part of this great state and of all the things we have accomplished together.   Happy Holidays to you and your families and Merry Christmas to you all.   May God continue to bless the great state of Florida.

www.FLGov.com

----------

Evelyn out.

Attorney General Hosts Discussion on 2007 Accomplishments, Part One

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

The Attorney General Bill McCollum today hosted an overall roundtable discussion, which highlighted the accomplishments for the Attorney General’s Office over the 2007 year.

 

------------

 

AN OAG’S NEWS RELEASE

December 19, 2007

 

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL HOSTS

DISCUSSION ON 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS, Part One

 

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today hosted a

roundtable discussion highlighting the accomplishments for the Attorney General’s Office over the past year. Since taking office in January, Attorney General McCollum has championed legislation that has made Florida one of the states with the strongest penalties against internet child predators, has created an Executive Group of state agency heads tasked with developing a statewide gang reduction strategy, and has developed      strategies for combating cyberfraud and other threats to Florida consumers. The Attorney General spoke on several areas of policy development and discussed the Office’s priorities over the past 12 months.

 

      “When I took office in January, I immediately began working to fulfill my campaign promises to make Florida a safer place to live, work and raise a family,” said Attorney General McCollum. “Over the past several months, we have made significant progress toward protecting our children from child predators, we have taken steps to reduce the growth of gangs in the state, and we have developed meaningful initiatives to better serve the people of Florida.”

 

      A summarized list of highlighted accomplishments follows below. More information can be obtained from the Attorney General’s Communications Office.

 

CyberCrime

 

-     Attorney General Bill McCollum championed the CyberCrimes Against Children Act of 2007. The new law contains a first-in-the-nation provision that creates a separate penalty for internet predators who communicate with a child, or someone believed to be a child, online and then travel to meet that child to further sexually abuse him or her. Since the law took effect in October, three people have been arrested on traveling charges.

 

-     The groundbreaking law also increases penalties for the possession or

distribution of child pornography online and for offenders who misrepresent

their age to seduce a child over the internet, an act known as “grooming.”

 

-     At Attorney General McCollum’s request, lawmakers provided $4.3 million in funding to expand his Child Predator CyberCrime Unit across the state from six to 56 staff members. The first expansion happened in Jacksonville on October 4th followed by Orlando on October 8th.

 

CyberSafety

 

-     Attorney General McCollum kicked-off his statewide CyberSafety educational initiative at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year with a goal of reaching every middle and high school in Florida. To date, 16,000 students have received the cybersafety presentation and approximately 900 have disclosed victimization, both online solicitation and receipt of pornography.

 

-     Partners in Attorney General Bill McCollum’s efforts to educate students on cybersafety include the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, the Florida School Board Association, the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Association of School Administrators.

 

-     The Child Predator Cyber Crime Unit has also developed the Internet Student Advisory Council, designed to match technology-savvy teenagers with the unit’s Cybercrime Law Enforcement Team. The unit’s investigators are working closely with the students to identify new and popular internet trends, including those that could be potentially harmful to young people.

 

-     In addition, Attorney General McCollum launched an educational effort this spring to raise awareness about internet dangers. The Attorney General’s cybersafety website, http://www.safeflorida.net/safesurf, provides valuable information to adults, teens, and kids about staying safe while surfing the internet.

 

 

 

 

------------

 

Part Two continues om the entry below.

 

Evelyn out.

 

Attorney General Hosts Discussion on 2007 Accomplishments, Part 2

 

                        ATTORNEY GENERAL HOSTS ROUNDTABLE

DISCUSSION ON 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Part 2

 

Combating Gang Violence

 

-     In October, Attorney General Bill McCollum announced a collaborative effort to develop a first-of-its-kind Statewide Gang Reduction Strategy. He formed an Executive Working Group of state agency heads to explore a two-pronged approach – a law enforcement effort and an educational effort focused on prevention and intervention – to address the critical issues concerning gang membership identification, gang recruitment, risk factors for youth, prevention, crime suppression and post conviction or adjudication diversion. A list of members of the Attorney General’s leadership team and additional information on the Anti-Gang Strategy is available online at http://www.safeflorida.net/safestreets.

 

-     The next step in the formation of a statewide Anti-Gang Strategy is underway this week. The Attorney General is hosting a two-day Gang Reduction Strategy Summit in Tallahassee. Designed to obtain input from stakeholders and other interested parties across the state, the summit is the next step in developing a Statewide Gang Reduction Strategy. Participants include law enforcement officials, educators, health care providers, social agency workers, faith leaders, and elected officials with the specific goal of reducing gangs.

 

-     At the request of the Attorney General’s Statewide Prosecutor, the 18th Statewide Grand Jury was impaneled in August to investigate the increase in crimes related to gang activity. Organized by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Grand Jury is investigating criminal gang activity and indicting for crimes, which can include drug trafficking, robbery and assault as well as violations of the Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Act. The grand jury announced its first indictments on December 14, 2007, charging 10 South Florida gang members with criminal racketeering charges.

 

Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys

 

-     The Attorney General’s Office houses the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. The Council began meeting in February with the goal of making research-based policy recommendations to improve the lives of members of Florida’s minority communities. The Council’s report is due in January and will be available on the Council’s new website at http://www.cssbmb.com.

 

Civil Rights

 

-     2007 marks the 15th anniversary for the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights. One specific area of concern for Attorney General McCollum is familial discrimination. The Office of Civil Rights issued a series of subpoenas in July to the Cornerstone Group and several of its apartment complexes in South Florida, seeking to determine if the company is discriminating against families with children, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. This investigation is ongoing.

 

-     In April, Attorney General McCollum wrote a letter to Congress, expressing his strong support for federal legislation that would put in place long-overdue penalties for those who commit hate crimes.

 

-     Also in April, the Attorney General required a Broward County condominium association in to change its rules so all its Jewish residents can hang mezuzahs on their doors. The agreement was reached after a condominium owner complained to the Attorney General that she was not being permitted to attach her mezuzah to the outside of her door, but other residents were permitted to hang other holiday decorations.

 

Consumer Protection Efforts

 

-     The Attorney General’s Office continues to investigate issues related

to the sale of grouper in Florida restaurants. In October, the Attorney

General sent subpoenas to the nation’s largest distributor of fish and

several other distributors seeking to identify the source of fish being

falsely sold as grouper.

 

-     In light of the changing mortgage markets, the Attorney General’s

Office is currently investigating various aspects of mortgage fraud,

particularly scams related to “rescue foreclosure” offers. The Attorney

General’s Economic Crimes Division has the authority to file litigation

against companies or individuals violating the Florida Unfair and Deceptive

Trade practices act through mortgage-related scams.

 

-     In July, the Attorney General launched a formal investigation into

several entities in the prepaid calling card industry including multiple

distributors and service providers. The investigation will work to identify

prepaid calling card providers and examine their marketing practices which

have been called into question as deceptive or deliberately fraudulent. The

investigation is ongoing.

 

-     In November, Attorney General McCollum unveiled a sophisticated team to combat internet-related fraud and simultaneously announced the first agreement reached by the newly created CyberFraud Task Force. The CyberFraud Task Force was created to review and investigate complaints against companies or individuals found taking advantage of consumers through internet-related fraud. The task force has already reached a $1 million settlement with one internet marketing company and has sued another company, alleging it was engaging in blatantly deceptive business practices

and cramming charges onto consumers’ wireless phone bills. Additional investigations are ongoing.

 

-     In December, the Florida Board of Governors unanimously approved the Attorney General’s Code of Conduct for Student Lending at public universities. The Code is designed to protect students and their families from being inappropriately steered to certain lenders. The Code’s adoption coincides with an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s Office into the student lending industry as a whole.

 

-     Attorney General Bill McCollum regularly hosts Shred-A-Thons around

the state to raise awareness of identity theft.

 

Government Accountability Project

 

-     In March, the Attorney General’s Office launched the Government Accountability Project, in partnership with the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida. The objective of the Government Accountability Project is to encourage state and local governments to be proactive in providing Florida’s citizens the information and records they need to hold government accountable. As part of the

project, the Attorney General’s Office has posted the agency’s contracts on the GAP website for public access.

 

-     In September, Attorney General McCollum addressed the participants of the 2007 Florida Freedom of Information Summit, sponsored by the Brechner Center, to highlight his office’s commitment to open government.

 

-     Citizen forums are also being planned as part of the Government Accountability Project to give Floridians a voice in the public records process and the opportunity to discuss records they have requested but may have had trouble accessing.

 

Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

 

-     The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has undergone substantial growth and development since January 2007, including a reorganization of regional responsibilities, new training initiatives, and new procedures for case management. The unit has also created a new bureau tasked with investigating and litigating multi-state false claims cases involving the Florida Medicaid program.

 

------------

 

Evelyn out.

The Attorney General's “News Briefs” The General Looks over This Year’s Achievements

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

In this week's edition of the Attorney General's “News Briefs” the General looks over this year’s achievements within the OAG.

 

---------

 

December 21, 2007

 

Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum

 

Looking back over the year 2007, I am pleased that the Attorney General’s Office has made significant progress toward protecting our children from child predators, taken steps to reduce the growth of gangs in the state, and developed meaningful initiatives to better serve the people of Florida.

 

This year, I supported the passage of the CyberCrimes Against Children Act of 2007. The new law contains a first-in-the-nation provision that creates a separate penalty for internet predators who communicate with a child, or someone believed to bea child, online and then travel to meet that child to further sexually abuse him or her.  I also secured funding to expand my CyberCrime Unit across the state from six to 56 staff members.

 

The law enforcement efforts are important to combat internet child predators, but so are education and prevention measures. We kicked off our statewide CyberSafety educational initiative at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year with a goal of reaching every middle and high school in Florida. To date, 16,000 students have received the cybersafety presentation. My cybersafety website, http://www.safeflorida.net/safesurf, provides valuable information to adults, teens and kids about staying safe while surfing the internet.

 

In October, I announced a collaborative effort to develop a Statewide Gang Reduction Strategy. My office formed an Executive Working Group of state agency heads to explore a two-pronged approach - a Law Enforcement effort and an educational effort focused on prevention and intervention - to address the critical issues concerning gang membership identification, gang recruitment, risk factors for youth, prevention, crime suppression and post conviction or adjudication diversion. This week, I hosted a two-day Gang Reduction Strategy Summit in Tallahassee. That summit was the next step in developing a Statewide Gang Reduction Strategy. Participants included law enforcement officials, educators, health care providers, social agency workers, faith leaders and elected officials.

 

In addition to the policy development, my Office of Statewide Prosecution is overseeing the 18th Statewide Grand Jury, impaneled in August to investigate the increase in crimes related to gang activity. The grand jury announced its first indictments last week, charging 10 South Florida gang members with criminal racketeering charges.

 

Another important initiative my office has undertaken is the development of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. The Council began meeting in February with the goal of making research-based policy recommendations to improve the lives of members of Florida’s minority communities. The Council’s report is due in January and will be available on the Council’s new website at http://www.cssbmb.com.

 

Government accountability is one of the most important assets in our citizens’ efforts to hold their government responsible. In March, I launched the Government Accountability Project to encourage state and local governments to be proactive in providing Florida’s citizens the information and records they need. As part of the project, the Attorney General’s Office has posted the agency’s contracts on the GAP website for public access. Citizen forums are also being planned as part of the Government Accountability Project to give Floridians a voice in the public records process and the opportunity to discuss records they have requested but may have had trouble accessing.

 

One specific area of concern for me as Attorney General is protecting our civil rights, particularly in situations involving familial discrimination. My Office of Civil Rights issued a series of subpoenas in July to the Cornerstone Group and several of its apartment complexes in South Florida, seeking to determine if the company is discriminating against families with children, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. This investigation is ongoing.

 

In April, I wrote a letter to Congress, expressing my strong support for federal legislation that would put in place long-overdue penalties for those who commit hate crimes. Also in April, my Office of Civil Rights required a Broward County condominium association to change its rules so all its Jewish residents can hang mezuzahs on their doors.

 

Consumer protection continues to be one of the founding principles of the Attorney General’s Office. We are in the midst of an investigation into the sale of grouper in Florida restaurants and in October, my Economic Crimes Division sent subpoenas to the nation’s largest distributor of fish and several other distributors seeking to identify the source of fish being falsely sold as grouper.

 

In July, I launched a formal investigation into several entities in the prepaid calling card industry including multiple distributors and service providers. We are working to identify prepaid calling card providers and examine their marketing practices which have been called into question as deceptive or deliberately fraudulent.

 

Just last month, I unveiled a sophisticated team to combat internet-related fraud and simultaneously announced the first agreement reached by the newly-created CyberFraud Task Force. The CyberFraud Task Force was created to review and investigate complaints against companies or individuals found taking advantage of consumers through internet-related fraud. The task force has already reached a $1 million settlement with one internet marketing company and has sued another company, alleging it was engaging in blatantly deceptive business practices and cramming charges onto consumers’ wireless phone bills. Additional investigations are ongoing.

 

In early December, the Florida Board of Governors unanimously approved my Code of Conduct for Student Lending at public universities. The Code is designed to protect students and their families from being inappropriately steered to certain lenders. The Code’s adoption coincides with an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s Office into the student lending industry as a whole.

 

In light of the changing mortgage markets, we are also investigating various aspects of mortgage fraud, particularly scams related to "rescue foreclosure" offers. The Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division has the authority to file litigation against companies or individuals violating the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act through mortgage-related scams.

 

An additional area of growth for the Attorney General’s Office this year has been in our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The unit has undergone substantial development since January 2007, including a reorganization of regional responsibilities, new training initiatives and new procedures for case management. The unit has also created a new bureau tasked with investigating and litigating multi-state false claims cases involving the Florida Medicaid program.

 

This has been a year of significant progress for the Attorney General’s Office and I have enjoyed developing these initiatives, interacting with Florida’s citizens, and the promise of many more opportunities to serve the people of our great state in the years to come.

 

Thank you.

 

----------

 

Evelyn out.

Consumer Advisory - Attorney General Offers Computer Safety Tips for Parents

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

On Friday, the Attorney General issued the following Consumer Advisory for parents who children have use of computers.

 

---------------

 

December 21, 2007

 

         ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFERS COMPUTER SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

 

 McCollum: Simple steps can go a long way toward protecting children online

 

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Noting that new computers are popular holiday gifts

for children, Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer advisory offering cybersafety measures and guidelines for parents to use

when setting up computers or other new technology in their homes.  The Attorney General reminded Floridians that there are simple steps to be taken that can help protect children from internet child predators and other dangers lurking online.

 

      “It is important for parents to be aware of simple, proactive steps they can take to keep their children safe while online, and the best time to start practicing cybersafety is the very first time a computer is used, “said Attorney General Bill McCollum”. Education and communication is the key to protecting our kids and minimizing the risks they face while surfing the internet. I encourage parents to become familiar with their children’s virtual environment and keep the lines of communication honest and open about online dangers.”

 

      The Attorney General suggested the following steps for parents to take to protect their children while online:

 

-     Place the computer in a common area within the home.

 

-     Install parental control software, which allows parents to control who communicates with the children using the computer; prohibits children from visiting inappropriate sites; and allows for the creation of time limits on computer usage.

 

-     Teach your children why it is dangerous to give out personal information, including their full name, address, phone number, school name, practice schedules and where they spend time after school, to people they “meet” online.

 

-     Have frequent conversations with your children about what they are doing while online and check the computer’s internet history regularly.

 

-     Have open and honest discussions about dangers that exist online.

 

-     If your child has an account on a social networking site, encourage him or her to add the Attorney General as a “friend” so the Cybercrime Unit’s badge will appear on his or her site.

 

      For more tips on safe internet surfing, parents, students, and educators are encouraged to log on to the Attorney General’s cyber safety website, http://www.safeflorida.net/safesurf, for valuable information about staying safe while online. The Attorney General’s MySpace page can be visited at http://www.myspace.com/florida_cpcu.

 

---------------

 

Evelyn out.

Welcome to ‘The Constituent”

Welcome to ‘The Constituent” formerly known as "The Woman Within". With the exception of its new name, this blog remains the same in content and format. What is ‘The Constituent”? It is where I post some of today pressing issues. Sometimes I add my voice to those issues. Many of its links relate to health, education, careers, and the prevention of various crimes.

 

Created on September 24, 2005 "The Woman Within" although appearing harsh at times has enjoyed more than two years as a positive presence on the web. I am sure that in the years to come that ‘The Constituent” will do as well. As always, this is a public blog and is intended for the readers 21 and over. PARENTAL CONTROL IS STORNGLY ADVISED.

 

Evelyn F. Altheimer-Fain © The Constituent 2007

LEE COUNTY WOMAN PLED GUILTY TO TRAFFICKING COCAINE

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

As one woman discovered, gender is not factor when it comes to breaking the law or serving the time.

----------

 

Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

 

__________________________________________________________

December 19, 2007            

 

Lee County Cocaine Dealer gets More than 10 Years in Prison

 

 

                TALLAHASSEE, FL - Attorney General Bill McCollumtoday announced that a Lee County woman pled guilty to trafficking cocaine and was sentenced to just over 124 months in prison. Donna Sierra Williams was prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution for trafficking more than $20,000 of cocaine in Lee County.

 

                Authorities with the Combined Law Enforcement Against Narcotics (CLEAN) Task Force conducted an undercover narcotics operation in February 2006. Using a confidential source, they set up four controlled buys with Williams, purchasing more than 16 ounces of cocaine. Immediately following the last cocaine buy in April 2006, the task force served a search warrant on Williams’s Bonita Springs residence and seven additional ounces of cocaine were seized by narcotics agents. The value of all the cocaine purchased or seized from Williams was approximately $20,000. Williams was arrested by authorities with the task force.

 

                Williams plead guilty to three counts of trafficking in cocaine, over 28 grams and two counts of trafficking in cocaine, over 200 grams. Both charges are first-degree felonies. She was also ordered to pay $350,000 in fines as well as $3,500 for the costs of the investigation and prosecution. The sentence was handed down by 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Thomas S. Reese.

 

----------

 

Evelyn out.

ATTORNEY GENERAL MCCOLLUM LAUNCHES GANG

Hello everyone,

Evelyn here,

with a nessage frrom the Attoney General Bill McCollon on Prevention of Gangs related crimes in our neighborhoods.

-----------

Bill McCollum

Attorney General

News Release

 

__________________________________________________________

December 19, 2007    

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL MCCOLLUM LAUNCHES GANG

REDUCTION STRATEGY SUMMIT

 

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP

SHARE INFORMATION AND FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS

 

            TALLAHASSEE, FL – Bringing together federal, state and local expertise Attorney General Bill McCollum today launched a two-day Gang Reduction Strategy Summit in Tallahassee.  Designed to obtain input from stakeholders and other interested parties across the state, the summit is the next step in developing Florida’s Statewide Gang Reduction Strategy.

 

            “Our goal over the next two days is to hear from members of our communities in order to have a better understanding of the gang-related problems around our state, to learn about local efforts and initiatives that have been successful, and to receive advice and recommendations for developing an effective statewide strategy,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum.  “Ultimately, the implementation of the strategy will be a grassroots effort and the participation of our community stakeholders at this stage is critical.” 

 

            Opening the summit, Attorney General McCollum welcomed the members of his Executive Group and participants attending from across Florida and emphasized the need for statewide cooperation in developing and implementing a gang reduction strategy.  The Attorney General stressed the importance of input from local agencies and organizations that are impacted by gangs and gang-related violence in their local jurisdictions. 

 

            "The NAACP abhors criminal gang activity and especially those who prey on and operate in our neighborhoods and communities," said Dale Landry, Chair of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Committee, Florida State Conference NAACP. "Likewise, the NAACP believes solutions designed to overcome criminal gang activities and the threats to these neighborhoods and communities require collaborative partnerships. These partnerships must include local government, criminal and juvenile justice agencies, schools, businesses, faith institutions, and most importantly, the residents (youth and adults) of neighborhoods and communities impacted by criminal gangs and we acknowledge Attorney General McCollum’s initial efforts in addressing this problem that jeopardizes the safety for all Floridians.”

 

            According to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency, Florida experienced more growth in gang activity over a twenty-five year period than any other state in the nation. These statistics underscore the importance of the cooperative strategy.  Members of federal, state and local law enforcement have fully supported the Attorney General’s efforts and many representatives from around the state traveled to Tallahassee to attend.

 

            "Stopping gang activity is a collaborative effort," said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.  "We've laid the foundation and we're already starting to see focused, cooperative and highly effective initiatives."

 

            Statewide participants represented many areas of Florida’s communities including law enforcement, education, criminal justice, intervention, prevention, and the court system.  Six discussion groups will be held throughout the summit on the following topics:

 

•           Risk-based Prevention

•           Intervention

•           Gang Suppression and Deterrence

•           Prosecution and Criminal Justice Enhancements

•           Rehabilitation and Reentry

•           Community Resources, Infrastructure and Implementation

 

            The goal of the discussion groups is to use the expertise and experiences of the participants to create a foundation for the Statewide Gang Reduction Strategy to reduce the criminal gangs comprised of youth 24 years of age and younger.  Attorney General McCollum has stated that without a comprehensive, coordinated statewide effort, this growing activity will translate into a much larger threat to the State of Florida and its communities for years to come. 

 

            Previously gathered information has confirmed that Florida gangs traffic illegal drugs throughout Florida’s communities; are involved in an increasing number of violent crimes utilizing firearms; and commit a large number of personal and property crimes. The statewide gang reduction strategy will address the critical issues concerning gang membership identification, gang recruitment, risk factors for youth, prevention, crime suppression and post conviction or adjudication diversion.

 

            “Florida’s concerted effort to defeat criminal gangs is timely.  The Gang Reduction Strategy is right on target,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary James McDonough.  “The Department will do its part.  We will disperse all gang members we receive in our prisons, deny them a base of operations or any chance to network, and take disciplinary action whenever any of them seek to continue gang-like behavior.” 

 

            The long-range plan will include gang suppression and deterrence techniques; prosecution and criminal justice system enhancements; prevention and intervention; data and intelligence sharing; education and training; and rehabilitation and reentry efforts for former gang members.

 

            Members of the Executive Group include the following individuals:

 

•           Commissioner Gerald Bailey, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

•           Commissioner Eric Smith, Department of Education

•           Secretary Robert Butterworth, Department of Children and Families

•           Secretary James McDonough, Department of Corrections

•           Secretary Walter McNeil, Department of Juvenile Justice

•           Colonel Bill Janes, Office of Drug Control Director

•           Electra Bustle, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles               Director

•           Colonel John Czernis, Florida Highway Patrol Director

•           Baker County Sheriff Joey Dobson, Florida Sheriffs Association President

•           Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell

•           Juno Beach Police Chief H.C. “Skip” Clark II, Florida Police Chiefs             Association President

•           State Attorney Willie Meggs, of the 2nd Judicial Circuit

•           Chief Noland McLeod, Auburndale Police Department

 

----------

 

Evelyn out.

Bad History and Lies That Bind

Hello Everyone,

 

Evelyn here,

 

Several years ago, when I was attempting to start a much-needed Crime Prevention program for my community, I ran afoul of some of the unsavory residents. Regardless of the fact I had the approval of one the St Petersburg Police crime prevention officer to start the program, I was constantly hassled and harassed.

 

This was the time when the drugs pushers moved has setup residency on my street (they later moved to the corner where they are today), and I happened to see two of them counting and packaging their illegal drugs in small plastic bags. It was about 2 AM in the morning and I reported it. Unfortunately, I did not know that someone had told them that it was I who was reported them. 

 

These pushers had worked with children in a home based daycare center. So there were multitudes of cars coming and going all the time on our street. The regular residents had a hard time coming and going or just trying to walk on the street wherever these people were in operation. Because these pushers were forewarned that someone from the police department might want to talk with them, they covered their tracks, and I, the eyewitness, was harassed that much more, along with my son and husband who were both clueless and somewhat disbelieving. They simply did not want to believe this about a group of people who spoke kindly to them and smile graciously at them, while harassing me to no ends. The word wasthat these people wanted me to mind my own business as they sold their drugs, bullied me, bullied my family, and bullied any other families who did not want their drug on ours streets. 

 

Year after year they would harass me, I would report them, some would be forewarned them, and again, I would be harassed. Finally I day said to hell with them and turned away from the vicious circle they had created but that never stop their harassment, damaging private property, harming and maiming household pets or corrupting good people wherever I went. Yes, that meant stalking. They still do it, as well as turning their car in my direction as if the drive into me. I reported this many times and it would stop for a while. After the hospital write up they started again and included my husband and I believe they got him of November 28th. Luckily, the damage was limited to the car’s bumper, and there was nothing to be gained financially from the accident. Why do I think as I do? Try coming home from a night at church to find when you turn onto that corned that they have placed a dull black horizontally on that street, and that there were no lights between their house and the next corner.  Yes, I believe.

 

Of their attempts to intimidate me there is one direction where they go that more reflection of their twisted need for revenge, and it is inciting people from different racial backgrounds with some nonsense to me join their harassment of me. I do not know what our foreign residents were told, but it been clear to me that the people on my block that are trying to cause me  as much trouble as possible in anyway they think will work and not be traced back to them. In addition, their actions shows that they do not care about the truth and are using people from different racial backgrounds without regards as towhat might become of them. They do not care if these foreigners are caught or if they got themselves arrested, imprisoned, or deported all to save a lousy group of drug pushers.

 

Well, sadly this is still the case today, a family whose grandson set fire to my vegetable garden a few years back were attempting to intimidate me by this same manner and lack of respect and regard for foreigner they were using. It did not work and now their secret is told.  Are they in with those on the corner? Yes, and have been for years. I let the grandson go and did not press the manner any further, which I know now was a mistake on my part. He and his young friend were misled by the same adults who at the time did not care if the two got themselves arrested. They repaid my kindness with more harassment.

 

Why is all this happening? My guess is that they are upset about their involvement with what happened to me in that hospital a few years ago and of the beating of my son, by supposedly unknown person, and that my husband, who they were targeting for ill, turned from them. He has learned that they only wanted use him. Perhaps to say “He socializes with us and we don’t know what she talking about. I am a very Christian woman and fortunately an intelligent one. I see beyond the glamour to who they really are.

 

However, and this is for our foreigners. I come from a very large and diverse family, which is comprised of many racial and ethnic backgrounds. As a whole, I am proud of my family and all of its interracial ties that to my personal knowledge have spanned a period of a century and a half. 

 

I find way in which the non-black and not just the foreigners, of our city are used by those on my street and those from that corner to be a disgrace. I find their use (and there is no other word for what is happening) an affront to all that racial equality and racial acceptance has come to mean to me as a woman, a black person who respects the laws of this land, and as a Christian.

 

I have no more to say.

 

Evelyn out.