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ENC federal prosecutor expanding investigation into white collar crimes

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston-Riggs
Published February 12, 2024 at 12:47 PM EST
An Alabama man says a Jefferson County, Ala., sheriff's deputy cuffed him too tightly, causing the amputation of his left hand 10 months later. He is suing for damages. This photo shows a handcuffed protester in Berlin earlier this month.
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The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina recently expanded its Economic Crimes Section to better prosecute white-collar ccrime.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley said the nation is facing ever-increasing frauds and scams, so his office has strengthened relationships with more than 20 agencies investigating white-collar crime in the region.

They’ve also introduced working groups on issues that include investment fraud, public health, covid fraud, health care fraud, public corruption, elder fraud, environmental crimes, and money laundering.

Just in 2023, cases that were prosecuted by the Eastern District of North Carolina included a Raleigh doctor convicted of adulterating surgical devices used in more than 1,400 sinus surgeries, several ponzi schemes, multiple COVID fraud cases, rental fraud cases, identity thefts, and others.
Annette Weston-Riggs
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston-Riggs