Pensacola, Florida - Five individuals were arrested Wednesday on a 44-count federal indictment charging violations of the dogfighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and conspiracy to commit those violations.

Washington, DC - The Justice Department announced Wednesday a significant health care fraud enforcement operation across Florida and Georgia, involving charges against a total of 67 individuals across four federal districts for their alleged involvement in various schemes to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.  The conduct allegedly resulted in more than $160 million in fraudulent billings.  Those charged included physicians as well as other medical and business professionals. In addition, in the state of Florida, 16 defendants, including one licensed mental health professionals, have been charged with defrauding the Medicaid program out of over $1.2 million.  Florida’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigated these cases.

San Antonio, Texas - The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 against Lakeway Regional Medical Center, LLC (LRMC); Surgical Development Partners, LLC (SDP); G. Edward Alexander; Frank Sossi; and John Prater for improperly obtaining a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and for impermissibly distributing project funds relating to the development of Lakeway Regional Medical Center in Lakeway, Texas, the Department of Justice announced.

Washington, DC - The Department of Justice Wednesday announced a new online system for filing, storing, and searching registrations under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA).

Washington, DC - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a report on the effectiveness of a new technology used to block illegal cellphone signals in correctional institutions. Department officials are encouraged by the promising results and the potential for the technology to disable contraband cellphones in prisons.

Washington, DC - As the High Holy Days commence, Melania and I wish those observing Rosh Hashanah a blessed and happy New Year.