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Contractor Hired to Attack Herbalife under Investigation

March 13, 2015 By Rebecca McGhee Leave a Comment

Confirmation was provided by Bill Ackman that the contractor hired to attack Herbalife is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Federal investigators have subpoenaed a contractor working on Ackman’s campaign against Herbalife LTD in an effort to determine if any market manipulation occurred regarding the company’s stock.

Ackman gave an interview in which he stated that Global Strategy Group, a research and public relations group but also representatives of the contractor, were in fact issued a subpoena last summer from the Department of Justice. He also said that interviews of several employees had already taken place.

Following the latest allegations against Herbalife, shares tumbled. According to Ackman, he had not personally been contacted by Federal agents, nor has he or anyone associated with the campaign been involved in any wrongdoing against the nutritional products company.

Ackman stressed that views about Herbalife were carefully formed and showed that the company is nothing more than a pyramid scheme. Reporters reached out to Preet Bharara, US Attorney in Manhattan, as well as representatives of Global Strategy Group but no comments have been issued.

The Federal probe was first reported yesterday at which time unnamed sources were cited as saying that investigators were working to determine if employees of the contractor had provided regulators with false information as a way to shut down Herbalife.

Ackman, who is the manager of Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund group out of New York, has made strong accusations that Herbalife is a scheme that focuses primarily on Latino immigrants who are currently in the United States illegally, as well as other individuals who purchase Herbalife products for distribution.

Alan Hoffman, spokesman for Herbalife released his own statement saying that there is a $1 billion bet against Herbalife by Ackman. Hoffman also stressed that Ackman has a direct financial investment in bringing the company down.

According to Hoffman, Ackman has been on a two-year campaign during which time more than $75 million has been invested in fabricating the truth about the company, all for the purpose of personal gain. Hoffman confirmed that statement by saying that more than $1 billion has already been shorted in company stock so that if stock prices fall, he profits.

As part of Hoffman’s statement, he stressed that the fundamentals of Herbalife’s business model are strong and that the company remains 100% dedicated to improving nutrition although he also expected for some time that Ackman’s real goal would one day be exposed.

The high-profile attack on Herbalife started in 2012 after Ackman completed in-depth research about the company’s operations. At that time, he set a goal of having regulators close the company.

Sources within law enforcement confirmed that because of last year’s campaign, separate investigations in the Herbalife’s operations have been opened by both the FBI and the US Justice Department. In addition, a civil inquiry into the company was launched last year by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Elder Abuse Case against Lee Harper Being Investigated

March 12, 2015 By Deborah Nielsen Leave a Comment

Just last month, the world rejoiced after famed author Harper Lee announced she will be releasing her second novel in July. Following the famous “To Kill a Mockingbird”, her new book, “Go Set a Watchman” is highly anticipated. However, a new report cites a claim of elder abuse against Lee, which many fear will have an impact on the publication of her new novel.

Of course, everyone is concerned about the allegations but devoted fans also worry about “Go Set a Watchman” being affected negatively. According to the report, the State of Alabama is currently conducting a claim that the 88-year-old author was the victim of elder abuse, this following at minimum, one complaint that Lee might have been too ill to give full permission for the upcoming book’s release.

The investigation was prompted this past February after Lee, along with several friends and workers at the assisted living facility where she lives were spoken to by state investigators. As far as the book, an anonymous source close to the investigation said that Lee had no trouble understanding questions being posed and that she answered everything with a sound mind.

Even one of her closest friends, Wayne Flynt, said that he had no reason to believe that Lee could not move forward in having “Go Set a Watchman” published. However, he did admit that on occasion, she had lapses in memory. In fact, there were a couple of times when he spoke to her about the new novel yet she seemed to be unaware it was written.

According to Michael Morrison, president and publisher with HarperCollins, he and Lee met earlier this year and at that time, her mental state was fine. He went on to say that Lee was in excellent spirits and that the two spoke in detail for a long period about her second novel, as well as the scheduled date of publication. He added that during his meeting, Lee was gracious, intelligent, and humorous.

Although no one is certain how the claim of elder abuse will impact publication of “Go Set a Watchman”, with this being her first book in 55 years and as the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird”, impending news of the release quickly placed the novel in the top spot on Amazon.com’s bestseller list.

There are some people who worry that “Go Set a Watchman” will be somewhat disappointing, following her first huge publication. However, there are many others who are excited and strongly believe it will be everything expected and more.

Since this second novel was first announced, rumors of Lee being exploited by her attorney and publisher have been circulating, especially since the book was rejected decades ago by other publishers.

Two Ferguson Missouri Police Officers Shot in Ambush

March 12, 2015 By Rebecca McGhee Leave a Comment

Two police officers in Ferguson Missouri were standing outside the police department when early this morning, they were ambushed and shot. While neither officer was killed, they both suffered serious injuries. One officer was shot in the cheek with the bullet now lodged between his ears and the other in the shoulder with the bullet exiting his back.

Since the shooting and killing of teenager Michael Brown almost one year ago, the city has been in discord, worsened by recently released documents from the Justice Department that indicate a pattern of racial discrimination in that city.

While no shooter or shooters have been arrested for shooting a 7-year and 14-year veteran of the Ferguson Police Department, special agents have surrounded a home of suspects. As reported, there are several people of interest and shell casings were recovered to the scene that will be used by investigators to find who committed this horrific crime.

Witnesses believe that a handgun was used in the attack based on the sound of shots fired and the shell casings but investigators will still conduct a thorough investigation. Both officers have been treated and released from Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. According to reports, the two officers were standing side-by-side. The shooting comes shortly after the Police Chief resigned.

As stated by Jon Belmar, Police Chief for St. Louis County, there has been ongoing demonstrations since last August and lots of gunfire. However, this is the first time that officers have been hit. Belmar believes the shootings were intention and said it is nothing short of a miracle that no officers have ever been shot and that the two who were are alive.

The night before the shooting, roughly 150 protestors were gathered outside the police station in Ferguson, which is why the two injured policemen were standing guard. Witnesses also reported hearing the shots come from a hill about 125 yards away and seeing flashes from the muzzles.

De Ray McKeeson, one of the demonstrators Wednesday night, said his group is non-violent but wants to be heard. He added that at this time, there is no indication that a protector was involved in the shooting. At this time, the city of Ferguson is again in a very unstable position and the investigation is underway.

Eric Holder, US Attorney General for Missouri said the shooting of the two officers was cowardly and a heinous act that was inexcusable. He condemns any act toward people who serve to protect and that no threats of violence directed toward men and women who work as public safety officers will be tolerated.

Federal Investigators examining the plane crash

September 9, 2014 By Chen Lai Leave a Comment

Federal investigators will now closely examine the incident of a small plane crash that killed two people in a SelKrik rail yard. According to the police the plane crashed at around 5 p.m soon after leaving the South Albany Airport.

Police informed that it was a training flight of both the victims. Today Albany Medical Center will carry out the autopsies.

Police will probably arrange a press conference in order to unveil the names of victims. The entire crew stayed on the scene all night. The NTSB and FAA are expected to assist them in the reconstruction of the crash.

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