Attorney General's Weekly Newsletter
Volume 7, Issue 17 • May 1, 2009

Today Americans celebrate Law Day — a day designated by Congress to celebrate the rule of law and how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share. It is fitting that this year, the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, we honor his legacy and the contributions he made to this great nation.

In his fight for the fundamental values of human equality, justice and liberty, Lincoln emerged as an American president who united a nation and changed the world. His words and phrases have endured the test of time and have served as inspiration for such movements as the women suffragists and the Civil Rights movements.

One of the greatest lessons Lincoln can teach us today is to adhere to our moral values. In doing so himself, Lincoln became a prominent and inspiring leader whose legacy is still strong. By continuing to build on the foundation of justice laid by great men and women who have come before us, we ensure the tradition of Lincoln lives on.

CyberCrime Update:


A Seminole County man has been taken into custody on charges of child pornography possession. Adesh Baldath was arrested today by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General’s CyberCrime Unit after investigators discovered Baldath’s possession of images of child pornography. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.

Consumer Protection Actions:


Attorney General Bill McCollum issued a statement on the passage of the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act:

“I am delighted that today the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act is on its way to the Governor’s desk. This legislation considerably increases the tools available to the Attorney General’s Office to file lawsuits against securities law violators and enhances the resources for state regulators. I commend Representative Tom Grady and Senator Garrett Richter on this piece of legislation and the Florida Legislature for their significant efforts toward protecting Florida investors.”

Attorney General McCollum also announced that his office has obtained a federal court order remanding the Attorney General’s lawsuit against former Countrywide CEO and Chairman of the Board Angelo R. Mozilo back to Broward County Circuit Court. The lawsuit, filed last June, addresses deceptive trade practices relating to Countrywide’s alleged practice of placing consumers in loans they could not afford or with rates which were false or misleading. Mozilo was named as a defendant.

Criminal Proceedings:


Attorney General McCollum announced the arrest of a Broward County nurse formerly employed by South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale. Samantha Prince was arrested today by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit on charges she defrauded the state Medicaid program out of more than $4,000.

A Lee County man was convicted for trafficking heroin and conspiring to traffic heroin. Ernest Nash faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced at a later date. He was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Attorney General McCollum announced the arrest of a Broward County woman for operating an assisted living facility without a license and abusing a disabled adult in her care. Duanne Bewely was arrested today by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The arrest is Bewely’s second for operating an assisted living facility without a license; the previous arrest was in March.

News Releases:



Broward County Nurse Arrested for Defrauding Medicaid Out of More Than $4,000

McCollum Commends Passage of Investor Protection Legislation

Lee County Man Convicted for Trafficking Heroin

McCollum: Former Countrywide CEO, Board Chairman Must Stand Trial in Florida

Attorneys General Past and Present Recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 25th Anniversary of Federal Victims of Crime Act

Broward County Woman in Custody for Operating Assisted Living Facility Without a License, Abusing a Disabled Person

Seminole County Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

Attorney General's Statement on the Shooting Deaths of Two Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputies

Weekly News Items:



The Attorney General appeared as a guest on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" program to discuss Florida's lawsuit against ex-Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo. Watch the program here.

Additional Notes:


Attorney General Bill McCollum was joined by Governor and former Attorney General Charlie Crist as well as former Attorneys General Richard Doran, Bob Butterworth and Jim Smith to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and the 25th anniversary of the federal Victims of Crime Act. Also present to help honor law enforcement officers and victim advocates for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of Florida victims of crime were Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner Charles Bronson of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Attorney General Bill McCollum issued a statement on the shooting deaths of two Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies:

"My condolences go today to the families, friends and colleagues of Deputies Burt Lopez and Deputy Warren "Skip" York of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. These men made the greatest sacrifice in the name of protecting the public from harm, and for that they deserve the recognition of heroes."