Celebs

Published on: February 19, 2021

Rapper NBA Youngboy Arrested on Suspected Drug Charges; 14 Firearms and $79,000 Seized by Police

Rapper NBA Youngboy was arrested on suspected drug charges in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, last Monday during a raid by Baton Rouge Police and the FBI. The Baton Rouge Street Crimes Division claims they received an anonymous tip about individuals brandishing guns in an abandoned lot. During the raid, 16 people were arrested and $79,000 was seized through civil asset forfeiture.

While the anonymous tip concerned weapons, the accused rapper was ultimately arrested on drug possession charges. NBA’s lawyer claims that not only did his client not have any illegal substances on him during the raid, but he was also unarmed. While only one illegal weapon was found during the raid, police and FBI seized a total of 14 firearms and $79,000 in cash.

Published on: December 17, 2020

Two Illinois Businessmen Accused of Embezzling Funds Related to Pere Marquette Hotel Complex Development

by Brian Silber

Two Illinois businessmen have been indicted for their alleged role in a scheme to embezzle revenue from hotels in Peoria in order to enrich themselves and their business interests from 2008 to 2018.

Gary E. Matthews, 78, and Monte J. Brannan, 67, both of Peoria, are charged with mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering. The 67-years old suspect faces an additional three counts of concealment of bankruptcy assets. It is unclear if they have acquired legal representation.

Published on: September 18, 2020

NFL Player Charged in Miami Federal Court for Alleged Role in $24 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

by Brian Silber

Federal prosecutors in Miami have announced charges against a National Football League (NFL) player for his alleged involvement in a fraud scheme that sought more than $24 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans meant to help businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Joshua J. Bellamy, 31, of St. Petersburg was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.

Published on: November 28, 2019

Miladis Salgado of Miami, FL, Wants to Take Wrongful Seizure Case to U.S. Supreme Court

by Brian Silber

Miladis Salgado of Miami, FL, had $15,000 seized from her home in 2015 after what turned out to be an erroneous drug tip. Salgado has worked to get her property back and recoup the costs of defending herself in court. While the government has given back her property, Salgado is still financially worse for wear, and some are calling for the US Supreme Court to examine her case. This is just the latest in a series of high-profile wrongful seizure cases that are causing scrutiny of the practice of civil asset forfeiture.

Salgado was legally separated but still living with her ex-husband Wilson Colorado when the raid occurred. At the time, the Drug Enforcement Agency was tipped off to allegations of drug trafficking against her ex-husband.

Published on: August 21, 2019

Jeffrey Epstein’s Sexual Abuse Victims Not Guaranteed Asset Forfeitures after His Suicide

by Brian Silber

Jeffery Epstein, 66, was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell on August 10th, 2019 of suspected suicide. Epstein had been accused of sexually abusing multiple women as children and was registered as a Level 3 sex offender in November 2011.

His death has ended the almost decade-long criminal case against him. Now, his lawyers have cited civil forfeiture as their way of compensating the women he allegedly sexually abused.