U.S. Marshals Offer Deals on 'Cyber Monday'

Public encouraged to shop fed auctions; proceeds returned to crime victims

Washington – On “Cyber Monday,” Nov. 30, U.S. Marshals continue to work for victims of crime by asking the public to consider placing a bid on unique items for sale in online auctions of forfeited assets that were seized during the course of two significant criminal investigations. Net proceeds will be returned to victims of the fraud-related crimes.

The first auction that closes on Dec. 1, includes assets seized from Rita Crundwell, the former comptroller of Dixon, Illinois, who in 2012 was convicted of stealing more than $53.7 million over two decades from the city where she was employed. She is serving a nearly 20-year federal prison sentence. More than 390 lots are being auctioned, to include 150 belt buckles.

The second online auction includes a wine collection of approximately 2,800 bottles seized from prominent wine dealer Rudy Kurniawan, who is serving a 10-year federal prison sentence following his conviction on fraud-related charges. The online auction of 537 lots closes on Dec. 8. Another online auction of approximately 1,900 bottles of wine will run from Dec. 1 - 15.

“Cyber Monday is generally thought to be the start of the online holiday shopping season,” said Jason Wojdylo, Chief Inspector of the U.S. Marshals Service Asset Forfeiture Division. “We would like to encourage shoppers who are already online in search of bargains to consider stopping by our auction website to bid on forfeited assets.”

“Make no mistake,” said Wojdylo.“these online auctions are designed to generate proceeds from ill-gotten gains to give back to victims.”

To access USMS online auctions, go to http://www.usmarshals.gov/assets/sales.htm.

For more information on the cases:

www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-dixon-comptroller-rita-crundwell-sentenced-nearly-20-years-federal-prison-537

www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2014/september/rare-wine-dealer-sentenced-in-counterfeiting-scheme

www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/prominent-wine-dealer-rudy-kurniawan-sentenced-in-manhattan-federal-court-to-10-years-in-prison-for-selling-millions-of-dollars-of-counterfeit-wine

The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program is a key component of the federal government’s law enforcement efforts to combat major criminal activity by disrupting and dismantling illegal enterprises, depriving criminals of the proceeds of illegal activity, deterring crime and restoring property to victims. The U.S. Marshals Service plays a critical role by efficiently managing and selling assets seized and forfeited by DOJ. Proceeds generated from asset sales are used to operate the Asset Forfeiture Program, compensate victims and support various law enforcement and community initiatives.

New York Murder Suspect Arrested in Richmond County, North Carolina by U.S. Marshals Task Force

Greensboro, NC – The man who is responsible for the murder of Gary Paris on May 14, 2015, is in custody. Today, Daniel A. Jones, a 32 year old, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force (JFTF) out of Greensboro. Jones was wanted by the Syracuse Police Department out of New York for 2nd Degree Murder and Criminal in Possession of a Weapon. The warrant for Jones arrest was issued out of Onondaga County, on June 26, 2015.

On May 14, 2015, it is alleged that Jones and the victim were engaged in a verbal altercation that escalated when Jones pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed the victim. Jones then fled the scene. The incident took place at a homeless shelter in Syracuse, New york.

This morning, the JFTF developed information through investigative efforts that Jones was staying at 126 Aleo Ninth Avenue in the city of Rockingham, NC. The JFTF investigators verified the information when Jones was positively identified standing outside the residence. The JFTF surrounded and converged upon the residence, simultaneously, Jones fled back inside the residence as the JFTF approached. Contact was then made with the residents inside the home. Upon contact with the residents, Jones surrendered from a back room and was taken into custody without incident. Jones was transported to the Richmond County Jail where he is currently being held on the alleged charges.

The U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force for the Middle District of North Carolina is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration Customs and Enforcement, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, Winston-Salem Police Department, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Department of Community Corrections – Probation & Parole. For more information you can go to www.usmarshals.gov.

Analyzing Your Crime Problem Webinar

A webinar on "Analyzing Your Violent Crime Problem" is available for viewing. Hosted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and Michigan State University in September 2015, the webinar focused on the strategic problem solving model and how to effectively identify and analyze problems. This information is relevant to practitioners, policymakers or researchers interested in reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety. To view the webinar, go to https://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=80