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Monday, November 30, 2015

UnitedHealth Group to Discuss 2016 Financial Outlook at Investor Conference

From UnitedHealth Group:


UnitedHealth Group to Discuss 2016 Financial Outlook at Investor Conference

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2015) — 
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) will host its annual Investor Conference with analysts and institutional investors in New York City on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST. At the meeting, senior leaders will discuss the Company’s performance and outlook, including reviewing business trends and specific initiatives related to its various business units.

The Company will host a webcast of the presentation and management question and answer portions of this meeting and will make a digital package of conference materials available on its Investors page atwww.unitedhealthgroup.com. A replay of the conference will be available on the Company web site through January 7, 2016. 

In conjunction with the meeting, the Company will affirm its outlook for net earnings of approximately $6.00 per share in 2015 and $7.10 to $7.30 per share in 2016. Revenues for 2016 are projected to be in a range of $180 billion to $181 billion and cash flows from operations to be in a range of $9.5 billion to $10 billion.

Adjusting earnings to exclude non cash amortization expense pertaining to acquisition-related intangible assets, the Company projects earnings of approximately $6.45 per share in 2015 and to be in a range of $7.60 to $7.80 per share in 2016.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. For more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com or follow @UnitedHealthGrp on Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements, estimates, projections, guidance or outlook contained in this document include “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). These statements are intended to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the PSLRA. Generally the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. We caution that actual results could differ materially from those that management expects, depending on the outcome of certain factors.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements include: our ability to effectively estimate, price for and manage our medical costs, including the impact of any new coverage requirements; new laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations, or their enforcement or application, including increases in medical, administrative, technology or other costs or decreases in enrollment resulting from U.S., Brazilian and other jurisdictions regulations affecting the health care industry; assessments for insolvent payers under state guaranty fund laws; our ability to achieve improvement in CMS star ratings and other quality scores that impact revenue; reductions in revenue or delays to cash flows received under Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE programs, including sequestration and the effects of a prolonged U.S. government shutdown or debt ceiling constraints; changes in Medicare, including changes in payment methodology, the CMS star ratings program or the application of risk adjustment data validation audits; our participation in federal and state health insurance exchanges which entail uncertainties associated with mix and volume of business; cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents; failure to comply with privacy and data security regulations; regulatory and other risks and uncertainties of the pharmacy benefits management industry; competitive pressures, which could affect our ability to maintain or increase our market share; challenges to our public sector contract awards; our ability to execute contracts on competitive terms with physicians, hospitals and other service providers; failure to achieve targeted operating cost productivity improvements, including savings resulting from technology enhancement and administrative modernization; increases in costs and other liabilities associated with increased litigation, government investigations, audits or reviews; failure to manage successfully our strategic alliances or complete or receive anticipated benefits of acquisitions and other strategic transactions, including our acquisition of Catamaran; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on our reported shareholders equity and results of operations; downgrades in our credit ratings; adverse economic conditions, including decreases in enrollment resulting from increases in the unemployment rate and commercial attrition; the performance of our investment portfolio; impairment of the value of our goodwill and intangible assets in connection with dispositions or if estimated future results do not adequately support goodwill and intangible assets recorded for our existing businesses or the businesses that we acquire; increases in health care costs resulting from large-scale medical emergencies; failure to maintain effective and efficient information systems or if our technology products do not operate as intended; and our ability to obtain sufficient funds from our regulated subsidiaries or the debt or capital markets to fund our obligations, to maintain our debt to total capital ratio at targeted levels, to maintain our quarterly dividend payment cycle or to continue repurchasing shares of our common stock.

This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain risk factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition and results of operations, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Any or all forward-looking statements we make may turn out to be wrong, and can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. By their nature, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict or quantify. Actual future results may vary materially from expectations expressed or implied in this document or any of our prior communications. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.


Mutually Beneficial Cooperation: The Three Sisters

From the #USDA:


Rory Hagerty, a seventh grade student from Alice Deal Middle School, planting beans in USDA’s Three Sisters Garden
Rory Hagerty, a seventh grade student from Alice Deal Middle School, plants beans in USDA’s Three Sisters Garden, part of the People’s Garden on the National Mall in Washington. USDA’s Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships office sponsored the event. USDA photo by Bob Nichols.
USDA celebrates National Native American Heritage Month in November with a blog series focused on USDA’s support of Tribal Nations and highlighting a number of our efforts throughout Indian Country and Alaska. Follow along on the USDA blog.
For centuries, Native Americans have cultivated the soil and produced corn, beans and squash. Stories, ceremonies, songs and cultural traditions surround the annual planting, growing and harvest of gardens. Life lessons were learned throughout the gardening season. Stories of the Three Sisters refer to a tradition of interplanting corn, beans and squash in the same mound. It is a sophisticated, sustainable planting system that provided long term soil fertility and a healthy diet to generations of Native Americans.
Corn is the oldest sister. She stands tall in the center and provides strength and protection to her sisters below. She is not a lone plant, as she grows with a handful of corn sisters. Beans are the second sister. She surrounds sister corn and reaches to the sun, climbing up the corn stalks. Her role is to keep the soil fertile by converting the sun’s energy into nitrogen filled nodules that grow on its roots. As she grows, she shares and uses the stored nitrogen as food. Squash is the third sister. Her vines trail over the mound, her leaves protect the sisters from weeds and shade the soil from the sun, and her beautiful blooms invite the bees and pollinate the Sisters while keeping the ground cool and moist. Her prickly stems help to deter pests and rodents from eating the nutritious produce.
Whether you’re a beginning farmer, or a veteran producer, there’s an advantage in working together – much like the three sisters – to cooperate and benefit each other.
USDA Rural Development has resources to help producers succeed with developing a value-added product from what they grow and harvest; improving the energy efficiency of their operations to reduce input costs and bolster the bottom line on the ledger book; forming a cooperative for product marketing; or even working together to establish a small commercial kitchen to process and prepare the harvest into something marketable to feed customers whether locally or globally. There are even special funds set aside to support Native American projects – and Tribal entities are encouraged to apply.
Your nearest USDA Rural Development office has specialists on hand that can help determine how we can help support emerging rural small businesses and producers – just another form of cooperation that makes everyone better in the long run.
    

Rubicon Project President: Black Friday, in-store is not dead

Getting your portfolio ready for the robot revolution










Cyber Monday off to a strong start for Amazon

IMF admits China's yuan to elite currency club - Nov. 30, 2015

China's yuan has just won promotion to the premier league of global currencies.



The International Monetary Fund on Monday approved the yuan for inclusion in its elite basket of reserve currencies in what amounts to a major vote of confidence in Beijing's economic reforms.



IMF admits China's yuan to elite currency club - Nov. 30, 2015

Warren Buffett to appear with Hillary Clinton in Omaha - Nov. 30, 2015

Warren Buffett has long been a fan of Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton. Now the Oracle of Omaha is preparing to stump for her ... in Omaha.



Buffett will appear with Clinton at a campaign stop in Nebraska next month, a source close to the Clinton campaign confirmed to CNN's Dan Merica.



Warren Buffett to appear with Hillary Clinton in Omaha - Nov. 30, 2015

Keeping U.S. Meat Competitive on the World Stage

From the #USDA:


Craig Morris at a UNECE meeting
Being an integral part of this international effort ensures that the American meat industry is represented and remains competitive in markets all over the world. Pictured here is Craig Morris at a UNECE meeting.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has the vital mission of administering programs that help market American agricultural products competitively in the global marketplace.  One of the ways AMS meets this mission is through the development of our own globally recognized meat standards, developed by the program I oversee, the AMS Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program.  However, separately, AMS works to achieve our mission through our participation and leadership in international standards setting organizations such as the UNECE.
For many years, I have represented the U.S. as the Vice-Chairperson of the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat.  UNECE is one of the many sections of the United Nations (UN), and facilitates international trade by developing agricultural quality standards.
As Vice-Chairperson of this UNECE Specialized Section, I attend and help lead the meetings held at the United Nations complex in Geneva, Switzerland, and have led the development of several of the UNECE standards, including the UNECE’s beef, retail cut, poultry and processed poultry standards.  These standards encourage high-quality production, improve profitability and protect consumer interests across the globe – ensuring everyone across the supply chain speaks the same trade language.  Further, by the United States playing a leadership role in their development, we ensure that international standards never impeded the international trade of U.S.-produced products. 
The UNECE standards are used internationally by governments, producers, traders, importers, exporters and international organizations.  Prominent examples include the use of the standards by developing countries that don’t have the resources to develop and maintain their own national standards.  Much of the work conducted by the UNECE provides developing markets with the resources they need to remain connected to the global marketplace.
Currently, there are 16 standards for meat, ranging from Alpaca meat to turkey, and seven standards for egg products – all listed on the UNECE website.  In addition, I also attend meetings the Section holds in various countries, where we engage in the technical side of a standard, such as testing the standard in real-world conditions to ensure they work as intended and reflect the wide variety of products available.  Every session is translated into several different languages on-the-spot, which eases communications between all the countries in attendance. 
Being an integral part of this international effort ensures that the American meat industry is represented and remains competitive in markets all over the world.
    

Virgin Atlantic Unveils #FlyPE Free Ad Space Contest for Growing Businesses

If you’ve ever crafted a business plan or networked with other professionals while traveling in Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin, the company’s latest promotion may be for you.
Virgin Atlantic is currently accepting submissions for a #FlyPE contest that awards free ad space to small businesses that have used the company’s Premium Economy cabin to grow in some way. All you have to do to enter is send a tweet to @Virgin_Atlantic that includes #FlyPE and explains how Premium Economy has helped or could help you grow your business.


Virgin Atlantic Unveils #FlyPE Free Ad Space Contest for Growing Businesses

The Pre-Seed Stage Gap in Student Ventures

Student entrepreneurs face an important obstacle in developing their ventures. They often lack the money to develop working prototypes.
It’s not surprising to see entrepreneurs seeking validation for their early stage ventures before they have developed a functional prototype.


The Pre-Seed Stage Gap in Student Ventures

How to Tell Your Company Story in an Authentic Way

In a consumer world full of websites and apps that direct customers to the cheapest gas, best deals and lower-priced everything, it can be increasingly difficult to earn customer loyalty. Sometimes your business can’t or won’t compete on price for products and services, so you must gain customer attention through other means.
Making that human connection with a customer through telling your company’s story is one such way to get that attention. There is a collection of consumers out there that want their purchasing power to have meaning and to make a difference in the world. These are the people who bestow loyalty to companies that have a compelling story.


How to Tell Your Company Story in an Authentic Way

7 Must Haves for Your Holiday Social Media Strategy

The latest forecast for this holiday sales season is $965 billion – a number big enough that no savvy business should dare to miss out. Unfortunately, as you’re probably already aware, this rich retail environment results in a lot of white noise when it comes to holiday promotions. With what seems like every other business out there running splashy ads in magazines and on every TV channel, it can be difficult to see where and how you’ll stand out if you don’t have a big budget.
Fortunately, there are other options to explore that don’t have to bust your holiday marketing budget. Social media gives companies of any size and budget access to millions of people through both paid and organic advertising. If you want to build the kind of buzz that leads to sales this holiday season, here are essential elements your holiday social media strategy must have.


7 Must Haves for Your Holiday Social Media Strategy

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Five Ways to Keep the Grinch Out of Your Cybershopping: Tips from U.S. Bank Security Coach Jason Witty

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2015-- The thrill and chaos of holiday shopping is upon the American public, and unfortunately with that comes the inherent risk of cyber fraud. U.S. Bank is offering tips for online purchasing that help shoppers see visions of sugarplums, and not sour apples.

Historically, Americans spend billions of dollars over the last two months of the year. On Cyber Monday alone, as many as 183.8 million people will shop online, according to the National Retail Federation. With an increased threat of digital fraud, what can consumers do to secure their personal data?


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It's Still Thanksgiving | Final Thoughts with Tomi Lahren

Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Armed Bank Robbery and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon

FBI Tampa Division #News Release:


Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Armed Bank Robbery and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeNovember 23, 2015
  • Middle District of Florida(813) 274-6000
FORT MYERS, FL—U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Orental James Allen, Jr. (23, Ft. Myers) to 10 years in federal prison for armed bank robbery and possession of a firearm and ammunition. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a .40 caliber Sig Sauer P229 pistol and ammunition. Further, as part of his sentence, the Court entered a money judgment in the amount of $5,499, the proceeds of the armed bank robbery.
Allen pleaded guilty on August 19, 2015.
According to court documents, on December 23, 2013, three individuals, including Allen, entered the Fifth Third Bank located at 2068 Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers, Florida. All three carried firearms and two of them jumped over the bank teller counter. The three then took money from the teller drawers and Allen forced a bank employee to accompany him at gunpoint from an office, to the lobby of the bank. The amount of money stolen during the robbery was $5,499.
On January 18, 2014, Fort Myers Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic infraction, and Allen was the front passenger. A trained canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers subsequently located a plastic Wal-Mart grocery bag, which contained a black Hogue firearm grip, numerous empty white pill capsules, and numerous small clear plastic Ziploc baggies inside the glove box of the vehicle. Due to the vehicle’s driving pattern, officers conducted a search of the area where the vehicle had traveled and located a .40 caliber Sig Sauer P229 loaded with ammunition. The firearm, magazine, and ammunition were processed and identified as belonging to Allen.
Allen was a previously convicted felon and, therefore, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under state law. The State of Florida Office of Executive Clemency certified that his civil rights had not been restored, specifically not the authority to own, possess, or use firearms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Yolande G. Viacava and Michael BaggƩ-HernƔndez.
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Leader of Bank Fraud Conspiracy Sentenced to 33 Months in Custody

FBI San Diego Division #News Release:


Leader of Bank Fraud Conspiracy Sentenced to 33 Months in Custody

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeNovember 23, 2015
  • Southern District of California(619) 557-5610
SAN DIEGO—A leader of a sophisticated bank fraud scheme that used dozens of bank accounts in the names of fictitious businesses was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for his role in causing $689,000 in losses to Bank of America.
U.S. Chief District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz sentenced Vahag Stepanyan of Las Vegas, Nevada, to almost three years in custody based on the defendant’s “brazen” scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution, as well as for his participation in a separate tax fraud scheme that resulted in millions of dollars in fraudulent claims for tax refunds.
As a part of the bank fraud scheme, Stepanyan guided other co-conspirators in the creation of fictitious business entities in Nevada that were used to set up accounts at Bank of America. Stepanyan and other co-conspirators then engaged in a series of bank transactions that allowed co-conspirators to withdraw recently deposited funds from the bank accounts before Bank of America learned that the accounts did not have sufficient funds to cover the withdrawals. The scheme resulted in a loss of $689,000 to Bank of America.
In addition, as a part of a separate scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, Stepanyan cashed checks drawn on accounts that had received fraudulent tax refunds. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Moskowitz remarked that Stepanyan’s participation in a scheme to defraud the United States “added insult to injury” because he sought to take advantage of the nation that had welcomed him from Armenia.
At the conclusion of today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Moskowitz remanded Stepanyan into custody to begin serving his 33-month sentence.
DEFENDANTS
  • Vahag Stepanyan
  • Age: 34
  • Las Vegas, NV
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
  • Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349
  • Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, $250,000 fine, restitution
AGENCY
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation
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Patterson Man Sentenced for Wells Fargo Bank Robbery

FBI Sacramento Division #News Release:


Patterson Man Sentenced for Wells Fargo Bank Robbery

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeNovember 23, 2015
  • Eastern District of California(916) 554-2700
FRESNO, CA—Jose Valadez Jr., 35, of Patterson, was sentenced today to nearly 10 years in prison today for an armed bank robbery, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced Valadez to two years and 10 months in prison for armed bank robbery and a consecutive sentence of seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on June 19, 2014, Juan Carlos Reyes, 25, of Tracy, and Valadez robbed the Wells Fargo Bank located inside the Save Mart Supermarket in Patterson. Customers and employees were held at gunpoint as Reyes instructed tellers to “open the drawers” and demanded that money be placed in a bag. Reyes and Valadez fled the area separately with law enforcement in pursuit. Valadez was arrested shortly thereafter and assisted officers in locating the firearm and clothing he discarded after fleeing the scene of the robbery.
Officers located a firearm, clothing and the money stolen from the bank in another location. DNA evidence from the clothing provided law enforcement with Reyes’ identity. Reyes was arrested on October 11, 2014, in Manteca. Reyes pleaded guilty and was sentenced on October 19, 2015, to two years and six months in prison for armed bank robbery, and a consecutive sentence of seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melanie L. Alsworth prosecuted the case.
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FBI, Allegheny County Police Department, and Homestead Police Department Seek the Public’s Assistance in Identifying Waterfront Bank Robber

FBI Pittsburgh Division #News Release:


FBI, Allegheny County Police Department, and Homestead Police Department Seek the Public’s Assistance in Identifying Waterfront Bank Robber

FBI PittsburghNovember 24, 2015
  • Supervisory Special Agent Gregory A. Heeb(412) 432-4281
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Homestead Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the unknown male responsible for robbing the First Commonwealth Bank, 500 Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, around 11:50 a.m. on November 24, 2015.
The robber entered the bank carrying a dark colored hard case claiming it contained a bomb. He fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported.
The robber is described:
  • Sex: Male
  • Race: White
  • Build: Thin
  • Hair: Dirty blonde/ light brown hair
  • Facial Hair: Beard
  • Clothing: Business casual with dark sunglasses
  • Carried a black square cube-type case
Bank surveillance photographs from First Commonwealth Bank – 500 Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA on Tuesday November 24, 2015:
 Homestead, Pennsylvania Bank Robbery Suspect, Photo 1 of 3 (11/24/15)  Homestead, Pennsylvania Bank Robbery Suspect, Photo 2 of 3 (11/24/15)  Homestead, Pennsylvania Bank Robbery Suspect, Photo 3 of 3 (11/24/15)
Anyone with information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, 24 hours a day, at telephone number (412) 432-4000. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Indiana, Pennsylvania Investment Adviser Indicted on Criminal Fraud Charges

FBI Pittsburgh Division #News Release:


Indiana, Pennsylvania Investment Adviser Indicted on Criminal Fraud Charges

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeNovember 23, 2015
  • Western District of Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH—A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of securities fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on Nov. 19 and unsealed Friday, named Bernard M. Parker, 55, of Indiana, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Parker was an investment advisor in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He was the principal in Parker Financial Services. He solicited investments from his clients to purchase Investor Contracts which purportedly were vehicles to purchase tax lien certificates. The vast majority of the funds received were used for personal expenses and not the purchase of tax lien certificates.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
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Philadelphia Man Charged in Fraud Scheme Involving Counterfeit Credit Cards

FBI Philadelphia Division #News Release:


Philadelphia Man Charged in Fraud Scheme Involving Counterfeit Credit Cards

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeNovember 25, 2015
  • Eastern District of Pennsylvania(215) 861-8200
PHILADELPHIA—Christopher Castillo, 22, of Philadelphia, was charged in an Indictment with producing and selling counterfeit credit cards, possessing credit card making equipment, and aggravated identity theft of a Scotiabank credit card account holder, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, among the items found in Castillo’s possession were over 150 white plastic credit card templates, multiple partially manufactured credit cards, multiple sheets of holographic stickers resembling the holograms found on Visa and MasterCard cards, documents containing personally identifiable information, and a desktop credit card printer.
If convicted the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of 35 years in prison, three years’ supervised release, a fine, and a $400 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
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