Tag: USA v Fazzio

The first substantive rumor on the crash and burn of the River Birch Investigation has arrived on the Slabb

I’m not going to repeat it but I will say it points the finger at the FBI. Meantime Manuel Torres over at NOLA has a good story on the aftermath of said crash and burn on Mark Titus, Hank Ton and Henry Mouton.

BREAKING: River Birch probe ended

River Birch probe coming to an end without more charges, sources say ~ Manuel Torres

Thanks Sal, Jan. Big D now has something for his scrapbook.

There is an unmistakable buzz in the air……

There are a few of you guys that date back with me all the way to Yahoo Finance that read this including occasional commenters Steve and Russell, who also now runs his own  blog plus many more that have been with me here on Slabbed for a bit over 3 years. Post by post and comment by comment we’ve built the very case that Jim Letten’s office did not want laid at its doorstep via relentless search for the truth. People with ties to this area have discovered us in the aftermath of the meltdown at Team Letten and are now relentlessly searching for that truth for themselves on these pages. I like that because I think we’ve laid out a compelling case on many levels and that does not count the human drama that accompanied the events, also told on these pages.  As Incroyable has noted, in respects it is better than a John Grisham novel because the community here is watching and experiencing it first hand.

As moderator I get a view of these events at a differing level.  Tom, for instance is crawling my post archives on one of the major subplots in the ongoing retaliation against those commenting on the scandal. Get with ‘Gate Tom, because he has the rest of the story and how it fits with the Mark Titus saga.  Others have a broader interest in the whole US Attorney commenting scandal such as Muspench, who left an insightful comment on Manuel Torres excellent piece yesterday on the Titus prosecution and forfeiture. Manuel lays it all out including this:

The government sees Fazzio as a key to making a case against River Birch landfill co-owners Fred Heebe and Jim Ward, who have not been charged and have denied wrongdoing.

Why is Big D so important? I know the answer but am sworn to secrecy.  I think Manuel and Krewe at NOLA know the answer and they aren’t saying either. The answer is key to understanding how the prosecution is trying to build its case against Heebe for presentation in the courtroom.

Back to Tom and commenter retaliation. I’ll lay down a time stamp and say that I know the cyber identity of the International House commenter with 99% certainty and am 90% certain I know the guy’s real name.  Same is true for NolaCat, one of the 11 names subpoenaed by DOJ OIG from the Times Picayune/NOLA Media Group. I am not saying a word because I believe both to be private citizens.

But that isn’t stopping informed readers from speculating and engaging me with that speculation.  And the communiques that I think advance the search for the truth need to be shared with everyone. I have a series coming courtesy of a reader that I’ll simply call RICO. Slabbed has high quality readers so in this post I will introduce the person, well actually I’ll introduce the life experience behind the person before I begin rolling out the material: Continue reading “There is an unmistakable buzz in the air……”

Behold the terrible price to the taxpayers for electing crooks and buffoons to the Parish Council…

Allow me to summarize the latest Waste Management lawsuit against Jefferson Parish:

1. From 2007-early 2010 Jefferson Parish was run by self admitted felons

2. Even after those self admitted felons resigned in disgrace TheRiot continued their dirty work during his interim reign of terror.

3. Now the cat is out of the bag so Mini-me is gonna have to write another check with other people’s money, about the only thing the guy is good at. That is, of course if him and Elton LaGasse don’t burn another $500,000 defending the indefensible paying the hollow suits at Phelps Dunbar before they write that check to Waste Management.

Click the pic to get the pdf.

Waste Management of Louisiana v Parish of Jefferson Doc 1

A quick review – Cockroaches:
1. Operate in the shadows and under the cover of darkness.
2. Operate as a group.
3. Scatter when light or sun shine is applied.

Friday Jefferson Parish Omnibus: Mark Titus, Aaron Broussard and the 24th JDC

I do not have much time this morning so here is a quick rundown of three stories I followed over the past week or so:

Mark Titus’ wife claims most of the assets government plans to seize ~ Manuel Torres

Run “Mark Titus” through the search box on the right sidebar to find Slabbed’s previous coverage of USA v Titus. Manuel posted a comprehensive update to the forfeiture portion of the prosecution and Mrs Titus has changed lawyers and is fighting for her share of the property subject to Judge Lemelle’s forfeiture order. I recall getting a bat signal from Team Titus before Christmas that went something along the lines that NOLA commenter JPChirper was an idiot. I’ll continue to keep an eye on this case.

Aaron Broussard’s prosecutors dismiss his attack as ‘fishing expedition’ ~ Drew Broach

I’ve gotten some reader email on this story. It is a complicated critter as Judge Head just may hold an evidentiary hearing to DQ the local US Attorney’s office from his case due to press leaks and Sal Perricone / Jan Mann playing on the internet. I’d be dishonest if I did not say this latest turn of events has continued to fuel speculation that Slabbed will be subpoenaed by John Horn’s folks at DoJ but I have no indication such is forthcoming.  If something does happen you guys know the drill by now.

Finally Paul Purpura checked in with the social promotion revolving door that exists between the 24th JDC and the Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The bottom line is despite several openings on both courts there is only one opposed seat up for grabs as all the other judges get a freebie pass to their new jobs.

I am hearing word that Mark Titus’ motion to have the additional charges against him dismissed has been denied (Updated)

We await the court order or Manuel’s reporting on same, whichever comes first.  You newbies that want to know what the heck I am talking about should run “Titus” through the search box on the right.

Update:

We’re going to nickname Manuel, Johnny on the spot as he has put out two stories on this topic, the last one being a comprehensive update that is well worth the read.

Chilling Effects: “In case you were thinking of leaking to the press, think again”

In another stroke of irony, an article relating the events resulting in the dismissal of charges in the Ruehle matter was circulated by email to the attorneys in the United States Attorney’s Office on December 15, 2009, by First AUSA Mann with the notation: “In case you were thinking of leaking to the press, think again . . . A case in California was dismissed for prosecutorial misconduct after the AUSA admitted leaking among other problems.” ~ US District Court Judge Kurt Engelhardt

Well folks, being in Team Unwashed Masses has its benefits as Jan Mann and Sal Perricone evidently preferred Legitimate Media™ types for their leaking, not that there is anything wrong with that as rumors are swirling and the Wino, in a drunken stupor mentioned “the chilling effects” Kurt Engelhardt’s order is having on the discussion, even in the depths of the gutters at Lafayette Square. In fact, observing the social chatter in the local media congroovancy bears out that fact, due to the new 500 pound gorilla in the room.  Judge Engelhardt explains:

With regard to the Rule 6(e) issue presented in this matter, the Court has reviewed the Fifth Circuit’s guidance set forth in In Re Grand Jury Investigation (Lance), 610 F.2d 202 (5th Cir. 1980). In Lance, the Fifth Circuit discussed the analysis required when a district court considers an allegation of a violation of Rule 6(e) based upon news media reports. First, there must be a clear indication that the media reports disclose information about “matters occurring before the grand jury.” Secondly, the article or articles must indicate the source of the information revealed to be one of those prescribed by Rule 6(e), which prohibits disclosure by attorneys for the government. Third, the Court must assume that all statements in such news report are correct. Fourth, the Court considers the nature of the relief requested and the extent to which it interferes with the grand jury process. Fifth, the Court must weigh any evidence presented by the government to rebut the assumed truthfulness of reports which otherwise make a prima facie case of misconduct.

In this case, the Court finds that the first factor is satisfied, and the second factor has been met pursuant to Lance, which referred to the phrase “sources close to the investigation” to find an inference that the source of the information disclosed is the Justice Department, or the attorneys conducting the grand jury investigation, since they are the persons most likely to know when the presentation of evidence will be completed, and when a proposed indictment might be voted upon by the grand jurors. As to the third factor, the undersigned assumes that all statements in the news reports cited by defendants are correct. The fourth factor, which requires the Court to consider the nature of the relief requested and the extent to which it interferes with the grand jury process, is practically moot. In this case, the grand jury has completed its work and returned an indictment against these defendants (and those that entered guilty pleas to lesser charges), such that any relief granted herein would not interfere with the grand jury process at all. As to the fifth factor, the Court has not been provided with any affidavits or acceptable rebuttal evidence other than the tainted June 27, 2012 Report of Inquiry from former First AUSA Mann. The Report, however, does not contain sworn denials set forth in an affidavit, or any other testimonial refutations to contradict the prima facie case of misconduct. See Lance, 610 F.2d at 219-220.

Under these circumstances, the Court cannot rule on the defendants’ motion for new trial until the DOJ rectifies the present inadequacies. Prosecutorial misconduct in this case is a very near and present thing; however, the possibility of it ripening into grounds for relief remain somewhat distant. At this juncture, the Court is unwilling to find that Defendants have met their burden; but it is also unwilling to find that Defendants will not be able to meet that burden. In the meantime, the Court intends to follow the advice of Washington himself: “There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.”

And this is why I happily get all my leaks from the gutter because we’re truth seekers here at Slabbed too and if we were seeking the truth in this matter, a good way to get to the bottom of things would be to ask the media where they got their information.  Even better, if you are an inquisitive type that sports a badge…..Judge Engelhardt explains: Continue reading “Chilling Effects: “In case you were thinking of leaking to the press, think again””

Perricone disaster overnight miscellany: The heat is on

Indeed it is folks as we start with Times Picayune Editor Gordon Russell:

At this point I’d like to say it was not a very bold prediction to say the Fazzio prosecution is very much endangered by the unfolding scandal at the US Attorney’s office as the dominoes continue to fall.

Jim Letten’s last prosecutor in River Birch landfill probe should be removed, Fazzio argues ~ Manuel Torres

But there is mucho downside risk for Heebe in using the courts as a means to unmask internet commenters via SLAPP suits as there are two issues in play that I can see, though only the one that benefits Fred Heebe has become manifest to this point.  I mention this because there is no way in hell his defamation suits against Jan Mann and Sal Perricone are going back to state court and when these suits proceed he best have his lap dog Garland(fill) Robinette ready to ‘splain things. I mention this because:

Sal Perricone’s ‘online sniping’ is a matter for state court, Fred Heebe argues ~ Manuel Torres

Finally I’ll add there are two angles here that have popped up a time or two in comments at either NOLA or Slabbed, one involving whistleblower Anne Marie Vandenweghe and another involving Gidget aka the Canal Street Madam aka Jeanette Maier.  AMV gets a separate post later but Patricia left a link and comment yesterday those catching up may wish to consider:

In November 2002, government and defense lawyers met in Judge Lemelle’s chambers and squared off over the secret customer list. Defense lawyers, convinced the government was treating their female clients unfairly, threatened to go public with the men’s names. According to one of the lawyers in the judge’s chambers, the one name that kept popping up during the tense meeting was that of the son of the former head of the Louisiana Republican Party. Continue reading “Perricone disaster overnight miscellany: The heat is on”

Post holiday news miscellany

I guess it is time to crank things back up after Thanksgiving. I had the dessert cart this year and kept things kid friendly making Lemon squares, Blonde brownies along with the traditional pumpkin pie.  Since Pizza buns were a hit with the kid set last year we tried Stuffed pizza this year and it is a keeper.  While everyone works off all the good eats here are several links of interest:

Wanna work people up and get them good and mad?  Kill and mutilate a few dolphins as the Sun Herald editorial board explains.  The panel of marine experts in the Slabbed nation seem to think a local shrimper has gone postal.

Next up is another editorial from the Sun Herald that is extraordinary in respects on the taxpayer funded land graft at the DMR where they joined Slabbed in calling for a federal investigation.  Judging from the murmurs coming from the peanut gallery we’re both a bit late to that party and that is not a bad thing per se.  The DMR withholding public documents from reporter Karen Nelson is beyond disgraceful but about par for the course. That said where there is a will there is a way as the information is out there.

Next up we go way back to early November for the fake cover of Paula Broadwell’s book on former CIA director Petraeus as reported by ABC affiliate in Denver.  The Youtube embed below is thus worth the watch.

Next up is Hurricane Sandy as people are still yammering about it in the news and social media.  Slabbed is feeling the love too as google is leading people who are now being shafted by their insurance companies to our exhaustive Katrina wind water legal dispute archives. That topic after all, is where the Slabbed’s moniker originates so the extra traffic fits. But alas these days hazard mitigation is on my mind and the post Sandy media landscape is having that discussion as well so along those lines I chuckled when a reader emailed this New York Times story on Sandy featuring Dauphin Island Alabama, the undisputed repetitive loss champion of the US.  The piece featured all the usual suspects and special interests that Slabbed has skewered from time to time along with former skeweree turned friend to the Slabbed Nation Western Carolina U professor Rob Young.  This snippet from the story sums things up on the topic: Continue reading “Post holiday news miscellany”