MEC&F Expert Engineers : 07/11/16

Monday, July 11, 2016

Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting, Forensics, and Environmental Remediation Services. Construction, Investigation, Remediation and Forensic Expert Engineers


Construction Defects, Construction Claims, Engineering, Property & Casualty Investigations, Assessment, Site Investigation, Remediation, Litigation and Indoor-Air Expert Engineers

Bill Stephan, PhD, PE, CIH, CHMM, JD, MBA
Principal Engineer

P.O. Box 520
Tenafly, New Jersey 07670-0520
Phone: (973) 897-8162
Fax: (973) 810-0440



__________________________________________________



Firm Overview


The engineering and forensic firm of Metropolitan Forensics and Consulting Engineering and Environmental Services was established for the purpose of providing a high value service to the insurance industry and to the insured companies or individuals. Our founding principal (Bill Stephan) is a licensed professional engineer in several states, including, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.



We specialize in the in-situ remediation of petroleum and chlorinated spills, the defense of liability claims, the investigation and defense of first or third party insurance claims and the handling of subrogation claims.  We are also experts on oil and gas energy sector issues (design, investigations, construction oversight), renewable energy sector (wind turbines, solar panels, biofuels, etc), vapor intrusion evaluation, vapor phase and transport and in design on vapor mitigation systems.  Additionally, we offer forensic engineering services, including age-dating of contaminant releases, construction defects, oversight, evaluation of remedial alternatives, sub-slab ventilation system design and installation.  The list of our core services is:



  • Cause and Origin Investigations
  • Construction Failure Analysis (Residential, Industrial and Commercial)
  • Structural Integrity Evaluation
  • Site Investigation
  • Tank removals and tank installations; licensed and insured to perform entire UST work
  • In-Situ Remediation of Soil and Groundwater
  • Vapor intrusion, indoor air evaluation and mitigation
  • Causation
  • Forensic Investigations (age-dating)
  • Oversight
  • Review of Remedial Action Work Plans
  • Reserve Estimation
  • Cost Allocation
  • RAWP Preparation
  • Site Remediation
  • Cleanup Level Development and Negotiation
  • Subrogation
  • Expert Witness/Litigation Support
  • Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) Services
  • Construction Claims (Delay, Differing Site Conditions, Loss of Productivity, Acceleration, and others)

 






































Additional Specialty Service Areas

Age Dating
Boilers & Burners
Bridges
Building Codes
Building Inspections


Construction Accident
   Reconstruction
Construction Defects
Construction Delay Claims

Construction Surety Claims
Construction Disputes
Construction Differing Condition Claims
Construction Oversight
Construction Management
Construction Acceleration Claims

Construction Failures
Construction Injuries
Contractor Performance Issues
Corrosion


Defective Designs
Defective Roadway Design
   Evaluations


Earthquake
Electrical Accidents/Injuries
Electrical Equipment Failures
Electrical Fires
Elevators, Escalators
   & Conveyors
Embedded Software Hazards
   & Analysis
Equipment Failures
Errors and Omissions
Explosions

Failure Analysis
Fire
Fire Codes
Fire Protection Systems
Fire Suppression Systems

Flood Damage Assessment

Foundation Systems

Gas Systems

Hailstorm damage

Heating & Ventilation Systems
Heavy Construction
Highway/Roadway Design
Human Factors


Indoor Air Quality
Laboratory Services
Ladders, Scaffolding Falls
   & Failures
Lightning

Mechanical Defect Evaluations
Metallurgical Age Dating
Mold Causation
Natural Disasters/Weather
   Related Issues
Nuclear Energy
Occupational Hazards
   & Illness

Piping
Playground Equipment Injuries
Plumbing
Product Failures
Roofing Problems & Failures
Safety Codes
Safety & Human Factors
   Engineering
Scalding
Scene Mapping and Photographs
Sick Building Syndrome
Sports Equipment Injuries
Standardized Codes
Steam Systems
Subrogation Issues


Transportation Issues
Trips, Slips & Falls
Underground Storage Tanks
Utilities Expertise
Vibration
Water Damage
Windstorm



Mission Statement


Our mission is to work as an extension of our clients to expeditiously achieve the most economically favorable resolution of claims on their behalf and on behalf of their insured. We have developed and will continue to create new solutions to the technical problems and issues which are facing the insurance industry and the insureds today.  

Metropolitan provides forensic engineering work (age-dating or fingerprinting), site remediation, auditing, cost control and litigation support services to insurance carriers, their insureds and to private or public companies.  In its risk management role, examines, manages and audits environmental claims to ensure that assessment and remediation services provided to both carriers and policy holders are reasonable and necessary, properly rendered and appropriately charged. 



In its litigation support role, Metropolitan assists carriers and their counsel to ensure that litigious disputes are resolved fairly and reimbursement benefits are provided when appropriate.  The corporations service area includes the entire United States, with our corporate office located in Northern New Jersey.  The Firm's professional staff also travels regularly throughout the United States on assignment.


Forensics at Metropolitan


There are many issues associated with disputes over responsibility for cleanup. Who, what, when, where, and how chemicals were released can be investigated. The tools of forensic investigation include mathematical models, statistical models, fate and transport calculations, chromatography, lead isotope analyses, time of travel assessments, library search site characterization, tracer additives, and recently developed software applications.



Effective forensic project management should include an evaluation of multiple forensic tools based on site specific circumstances. The process of evaluation and the ultimate selection of the forensic tool are critical to a successful outcome. When project budgets allow, combining forensic methods for corroborative evidence can substantially strengthen your client’s position in an effort to prevent or support litigation. The effective forensic consultant must be well acquainted with an ever expanding list of analytical methods, environmental regulations, assessment procedures and remedial technologies.



The forensic field is one that utilizes a wide range of scientific tools to identify and characterize complex adverse environmental events. Some of the scientific disciplines involved in forensics include engineering principles (biological, physical and chemical), hydrology, lithology, geology, site history, site practices, mathematics, and statistics. These areas may be combined with technologies such as respiratory analyses, chromatography/mass spectrometry and chemical fingerprinting methods to answer complex questions with the ultimate goal of establishing responsibility for a particular event. Accurate, defensible forensic analyses are an essential component of any strategy that attempts to resolve the extent of the insurer or insured client responsibilities in the cleanup of contaminants.


Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our forensic services.



Property Damage Services at Metropolitan

Metropolitan assists property owners, claims professionals, businesses, and attorneys in   the assessment of the cause & origin (C&O), extent of damage and required restoration after pipe bursts, settlements, manufacturing and construction failures, fire, flood, earthquake, or storm damage.  Our teams of engineers have extensive experience in the many systems that make up a building including structural, mechanical and electrical systems.   We also have the necessary background to evaluate property damage to items such as communications towers or solar panels. We can help determine alternative, appropriate, and cost effective solutions for repair or restoration of any damaged property, both commercial and residential. 

Providing Competent, Expert and Objective Investigative Engineering and Consulting Services.

Our experts are multi-skilled, competent, and objective professionals who apply their analytical and common sense skills to reconstruct, determine the root cause, and document the events that give rise to property, casualty, and liability claims.  Thorough investigations and detailed measurements/research help us distinguish between pre-existing conditions and sudden and accidental losses.



 






























Our investigations are:

·         Comprehensive & Accurate

·         Legible & Easy to Understand

·         Timely Performed

·         Delivered Quickly

·         Cost Effective

·         Clear & Concise

·         Developed by Professionals

·         Dependable

·         Our own uniform reporting system saves time and money.


Our Fast Track Investigation and Uniform Format Reporting systems allow us to conduct and deliver a comprehensive response to the assigned claim.  In most cases, we will obtain findings based on a site visit, visual observations, photographs, interviews, and field measurements.  Further investigations and testing will be provided upon request and approval by the client.



Forensic Investigation of Property Damage Claims

Metropolitan Consulting, Engineering & Forensics understands your need to complete a claim investigation accurately and efficiently as possible.  Whether it is accident reconstruction, damage due to environmental forces such as wind, water, hail, snow, tornado, etc.; fire origin & cause investigation or any other claim, the engineers at Metropolitan understand both you and your client want to resolve the claim.  The analysis you receive from Metropolitan will be accurate and complete, giving you the information needed in the claim adjustment and analysis.

Our services have extended beyond the forensic analysis phase into the remediation and repair phase of many large loss claims.  Upon the completion of the cause and origin (C&O) investigation, Metropolitan can provide our clients with complete working drawings and specifications needed to repair or rebuilt damaged buildings or other structures.  Metropolitan Consulting & Engineering’ staff possesses many-many years of experience in rehabilitation design, construction management, and project oversight to ensure the loss is restored in a timely and cost-effective manner without sacrificing quality.  Building code knowledge allows us to identify possible code upgrades as needed.  Metropolitan understands constructability and realizes making an insured whole goes beyond forensic investigation and design. We pride ourselves in providing practical solutions contractors can understand and follow.

At the forefront of available technology, we provide professionals and staff capable of handling a variety of engineering evaluations.  Our reports are clear, concise, complete and efficiently produced.  Our engineering objectives are achieved in an ethical manner consistent with the traditions and character of engineering professionals.

Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our property damage services.


Extensive Experience helping Sureties

Metropolitan also has extensive experience helping sureties fulfill their bond obligations resolve disputes after a contractor has defaulted.  This work includes the evaluation of contractor bid pricing, evaluation of the contractor’s ability to perform work, risk assessment, evaluation of termination, construction completion services, claim and litigation support services, loss recovery services, evaluation of payment bond claims, negotiation and settlement of payment bond claims, and construction defects investigation services.  Metropolitan has provided these services for commercial, development, educational, and assisted living projects.


Construction is a business fraught with risk.  Disputes over even the smallest of issues can quickly escalate, with crippling consequences to the project and the parties.  Over the years, the construction industry has developed various methods of contractually allocating the risk of project delay and disruption.  Some of these methods include liquidated damages provisions, "no damages for delay" clauses, mutual waivers of consequential damages, provisions that limit liability, claims notice provisions, and provisions addressing responsibility for the adequacy of the construction plans and specifications.  Parties frequently litigate the sufficiency of these risk-shifting efforts in conjunction with the underlying merits of delay and disruption disputes.
Construction Claims & Disputes
The most frequently encountered claims include:
1.            Construction Delay Claims
2.            Disruption and Loss of Labor Productivity Claims
3.            Design and Construction Defect Claims
4.            Force Majeure Claims
5.            Acceleration or Compression of the Schedule Claims
6.            Suspension, Termination and Default Claims
7.            Differing Site Conditions Claims
8.            Change Order and Extra Work Claims
9.            Cost Overrun Claims
10.         Unacceptable Workmanship or Substituted Material Claims
11.         Non-payment Claims (stop notice (or Notice to Withhold) claims, mechanics’ lien (only for private construction projects) and payment bond claims)



Forensic Engineering Experience Case Studies


Metropolitan staff has developed and utilized scientific methods to assist clients in a variety of ways related to their claim issues. The following is a partial list of such projects:

  • Provided expert witness services for plaintiff seeking remediation of contaminated groundwater that caused indoor air inhalation problems;
  • Testified that engineering and scientific evidence was improperly collected and analyzed and was inadequate to show the age of the release;
  • Origin and cause of retaining wall failures.  
  • Lightning damage to structures or electrical systems and equipment
  • Roof failure or collapse as a result of accumulated load, additional weight and snow drift at hundreds of commercial and residential properties.
  • Demonstrated that solvents in groundwater at client's property originated from off-site dry-cleaner and that client's site actually provided remediation for the off-site release of dry cleaning solvent;
  • Expert witness for property owner impacted by industrial waste disposal from industrial manufacturer;
  • Demonstrated that environmental analysis by a previous consultant for a manufacturing site was inadequate; as a result, the lender's concerns were alleviated and financing proceeded;
  • Chemical "age-dating" and contaminant transport analyses of petroleum in groundwater at a gas station showed that contaminants originated from other parties;
  • Age-dated petroleum release at a former gas station to show that the previous owner of the gas station caused groundwater contamination;
  • Age-dated petroleum releases at an industrial facility to show that the on-site plume was the result of an off-site source;
  • Prepared age-dating reports for over one-hundred residential fuel oil spills;
  • Assisted insurance companies attorneys in defending subrogation claims; was able to demonstrate that the forensic data collected by the first party consultant were collected and analyzed using invalid methods;
  • Demonstrated that structural damage to a residence was from a source other than the alleged high lake level
  • Collected evidence (for the primary responsible party) that identified other responsible parties to share in the cost of a Superfund cleanup;
  • Review of the site data at a bulk petroleum facility indicated that the site releases were not the result of regular oil transfer operations and that they were caused by the negligent actions of the insured’s agents; the case was settled in favor of the insurance company;
  • Was able to demonstrate that the majority of the removal actions at petroleum release sites were neither reasonable nor necessary; as a result of our opinion, the insurance client settled the claim in favorable terms;
  • At several drycleaner sites we were able to demonstrate that the age of the release was much earlier than the parties originally believed; as a result, the insurance client settled the claim at a fraction of the alleged liability;
  • We performed numerous flood and wind damage assessments at commercial and residential properties.
Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our forensic engineering services.




Site Remediation Services


 Characterizing and remediating contaminated sites involve some of the most complex and difficult issues for environmental lawyers and their clients. Problem areas include responding to regulators; negotiating enforcement settlements; negotiating or litigating cost allocation and recovery claims; working with the insured or insurer client, lawyers and regulators to develop efficient, cost-effective remediation approaches; and selling, buying, or developing contaminated properties.



Metropolitan staff has developed and applied an innovative approach to the use of sodium persulfate for the sequential in-situ treatment of subsurface contaminants through chemical oxidation followed by enhanced biological degradation through sulfate reduction. This approach has broad applicability to a wide range of contaminants, and shows strong cost-saving benefits through reducing the initial volume of chemical oxidant necessary and enhancing the in-situ biological degradation of contaminants.



Through proper subsurface geochemical characterization and chemical dosing design, the approach focuses on utilizing the oxidant for immediate mass reduction at the source area, followed by degradation or polishing of the residual contamination using sulfate reducing bacteria.  Depending upon the oxidant activation method, this approach is applicable to petroleum hydrocarbons including both volatiles and PAHs, chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) including chlorinated ethene, ethane and methane groups, as well as PCBs.


Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our Site Remediation Services.





Vapor Intrusion and Indoor-Air Studies


Vapor intrusion has received increased attention over the last few years near contaminated sites because some contaminants have the potential to migrate into nearby buildings and negatively affect indoor air quality. The accumulation of these volatile vapors in buildings can result in significant safety and health concerns.
To properly evaluate vapor intrusion a thorough evaluation of the building's ventilation system and subsurface conditions needs to be conducted by a knowledgeable professional in accordance with state and federal established procedures. 
The evaluation process typically includes a thorough building chemical inventory, the advancement of soil gas probes and the collection of soil gas samples. When indoor air quality problems are identified they can normally be resolved through the modification/installation of a properly designed ventilation system.
Metropolitan is well experienced with U.S. EPA and State vapor intrusion investigation techniques. We have completed numerous vapor intrusion and indoor air quality studies at commercial and residential properties. We have the experience to identify and resolve indoor vapor intrusion problems and the practical know-how to resolve indoor quality issues in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Contact us online or call 973-897-8162 to learn more about our Vapor Intrusion and Indoor Air Studies.




Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting, Forensics, and Environmental Remediation Services.


Construction, Investigation, Remediation and Forensic Expert  Engineers

P.O. Box 520

Tenafly, New Jersey 07670-0520

Ph.: (973) 897-8162

Fax: (973) 810-0440



Contact: Dr. Bill N. Stephan, PhD, PE, JD, CIH, MBA, CHMM






Insurance claim examiners, insureds, insurers, insurance adjusters and risk managers use Metropolitan for determining cause, evaluating the extent of damage, determining the age of the release, separating unrelated damage, analyzing loss scopes and managing restoration data, determining costs to repair, restore or replace, and preparing for insurance appraisals.



Attorneys call on Metropolitan for help when preparing for Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution such as arbitration and mediation


hazardous materials fire at a scrap yard on Chicago's Southeast Side near the Calumet River.


Crews battle scrap yard fire on Chicago's Southeast Side



Fire at a scrap yard on East 106th Street on Chicago's Southeast Side.




Monday, July 11, 2016 03:41PM
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Fire Department is responding to a hazardous materials fire at a scrap yard on the city's Southeast Side near the Calumet River.

Fire officials said black smoke from the burning plastics, metals, tires and petroleum in the 3000-block of E. 106th Street can be seen from high above in the Loop and along the Indiana lakeshore.

The fire department said it is bringing in additional engines and a fire boat to pump water because the area does not have a lot of fire hydrants.

No injuries have been reported.

Damaged bridge in Seally, Texas that partially collapsed, killing girl, to be demolished






Viewer video of a bridge collapse in Sealy (KTRK)




Updated 48 mins ago
The highway bridge that was damaged by a big rig, causing part of it to crumble onto the road below, killing a young girl, will be removed, beginning Tuesday morning.


The US 90 bridge in Sealy was damaged last week when it was struck by a truck. A portion of the bridge landed on a family's car, crushing it. Bre'in Bullock, 12, was killed instantly. She was riding in the front passenger seat. Her sister, Breandon Gardner, 9, was in the back seat and was able to get out safely. Their mother, Leah Bullock, 35, was driving. She was taken by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital with a chest injury.


TxDOT officials say the bridge suffered significant damage. Highway 36 will be closed starting Tuesday morning for the demolition of the US 90 bridge. There's no immediate word on how long the reconstruction of the bridge is expected to last.












Viewer-submitted photos of the accident scene in Sealy. (Viewer-submitted photo)

3 men on a sunken Vietnamese shrimping boat, based out of Galveston, were rescued by the Coast Guard on Monday







3 men on a sunken Vietnamese shrimping boat, based out of Galveston, were rescued by the Coast Guard on Monday, July 11 at 4 a.m./ Photo courtesy of Coast Guard Public Affairs




3 men rescued from sunken shrimp boat near Sabine Pass

By Sara Flores
Updated 6:10 pm, Monday, July 11, 2016

A Coast Guard boat crew rescued three men from a sinking shrimping boat at the mouth of the Sabine River on Monday morning, according to information from the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Captain Kelly, a 28-foot shrimping boat based in Galveston, began taking on water around 4 a.m. Monday, the Coast Guard reported.

The Coast Guard launched a 45-foot response boat from Station Sabine, which is located in Sabine Pass, shortly after the call came in.


The Sabine Pass boat crew arrived at the Captain Kelly's location at 4:30 a.m. and found debris and a sunken ship, the Coast Guard reported.

Two men were pulled out of the water near the river's jetties, and another was found in the water on a life ring. The Coast Guard said none of the men were wearing life jackets.

All three men were taken to the Station Sabine.

One crew member who was hurt in the rescue was taken to a Southeast Texas hospital with minor injuries, according to the Coast Guard.

According to the Coast Guard, the boat was carrying 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel at the time it sank.

A safety zone was set up by the Coast Guard one quarter mile north and south of the location of the boat while crews cleaned up the boat and an oil sheen.



=======================================================
Neches River restricted due to sunken boat
Jul 11th, 2016

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Vessel traffic on the Neches River is restricted as a result of a shrimp boat that sank Monday morning.

At approximately 3 a.m., the Captain Kevin sank in the Neches River, causing oil sheen and one minor injury.

The vessel is currently located approximately 1500 feet from the end of the channel and 100 feet from the west side of the jetty.

The Coast Guard has established a safety zone one-quarter mile north and one-quarter mile south of the sunken boat, spanning from jetty to jetty.

Some deep draft vessels have been authorized to transit the area to determine what, if any, impacts vessel movement may have on the sunken boat.

The Coast Guard is working with the Texas General Land Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, and vessel owners to recover the vessel and fuel. At the time the boat sank, it was carrying approximately 5000 gallons of diesel fuel.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

2 killed, 5 injured after a horrifc head-on crash on Highway 70 near Gridely, California


JULY 10, 2016


BUTTE COUNTY, CA
Butte County Coroners identified one of the victims of the horrific accident on highway 70 near Gridley Saturday.

25-year-old Dror Seginer, an Israeli national, was killed when the Suburu Forester he was riding in was heading southbound on 70 just south of Middle Honcut Road when the driver began to drift, over corrected, and swerved head-on into traffic, slamming into a dodge ram.

Seginer and the other unidentified passenger died at the scene. The Subaru driver was hospitalized with major injuries. The driver’s condition remains unknown at this time.

Passengers in the pickup were also injured but their condition also remains unknown at this time.

The city of Wichita Falls has mounted a multi-faceted investigation into the death of one of its workers and the injury of another at a wastewater treatment plant


Investigation into wastewater treatment plant death continues

Lauren Roberts/Times Record News Wichita Falls police block entrances to the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plant Saturday evening. Two city workers from the plant were transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas in critical condition after being exposed to a gas while making routine repairs in the facility's basement. Officials said the gas was never a threat to the public.

 


By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News

The city of Wichita Falls has mounted a multi-faceted investigation into the death of one of its workers and the injury of another at a wastewater treatment plant, Deputy City Manager Jim Dockery said Monday.

City employee Daniel Arredondo died Sunday from injuries he sustained July 2 at the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. It previously was reported that Arredondo was exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas while doing routine maintenance on a pump inside the plant.

He was treated at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas before he died. Another worker exposed to the gas has not been identified and apparently remains hospitalized.

Dockery said a final report on the incident is expected to be finalized this week, but in the meantime a comprehensive investigation has been launched. The probe is led by the city's Risk Management Office, which falls under the purview of the Human Resources Department.

"They're kind of the repository of information to make sure the proper procedures are taken," Dockery said.

As part of the investigation, city employees at the scene — such as police and fire personnel — are interviewed. Employees in other city departments, such as Public Works, may also be contacted.

Along with determining the cause of the incident, investigators may determine whether workers' compensation is applicable in the case.

Hydrogen sulfide is a "colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a 'rotten egg' smell," according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It occurs naturally in crude oil and natural gas but also can be produced by the bacterial breakdown of human waste, which likely explains its presence at the wastewater treatment plant.

Though the primary method of exposure to the gas is inhalation, it is "highly flammable" if ignited and can travel back to the source of ignition. Contact with liquid hydrogen sulfide can cause frostbite.

OSHA advises that air be tested before an employee works in an area where hydrogen sulfide gas may be present. If the gas is present, the area must be ventilated — if ventilation is not possible, employees must wear "appropriate respiratory protection."

Dockery said he and other city staff "hope and pray the families get through this."  They need more than prayer, bud.

John Vartanian, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of an indictment alleging conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with companies known as Nelson Gamble & Associates (Nelson Gamble) and Jackson Hunter Morris & Knight LLP (Jackson Hunter).


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 11, 2016
Salesman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Consumers Through Debt Relief Firms


A Newport Beach, California, man pleaded guilty today for his role as a salesman at fraudulent debt relief firms that offered to settle credit card debts but instead took victims’ payments as undisclosed up-front fees, the Justice Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced.

John Vartanian, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of an indictment alleging conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with companies known as Nelson Gamble & Associates (Nelson Gamble) and Jackson Hunter Morris & Knight LLP (Jackson Hunter). According to the indictment, the conspirators portrayed the debt relief companies as law firms and attorney-based companies that would negotiate favorable settlements with creditors. Clients made monthly payments expecting the money to go toward settlements. The conspirators instead took at least 15 percent of the total debt as company fees, with the first six months of payments going almost entirely toward undisclosed up-front fees.

“These scams take advantage of vulnerable consumers trying to climb out of debt,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute fraudulent debt relief schemes.”

“We are gratified with today’s plea, not only on behalf of our postal inspectors who exposed these conspirators for the scammers they were, but for the many unsuspecting victims who were seeking to climb out from their debts but instead were thrown into even deeper financial holes,” said Inspector in Charge Regina L. Faulkerson of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “People who rely on the U.S. mail expect what they receive will be truthful, honest communication – free from false statements and from attempts to further victimize them. I appreciate the work of the Consumer Protection Branch in bringing the last of these fraudulent credit repair conspirators to justice.”

“This defendant preyed upon victims that were already burdened by significant debt,” said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker for the Central District of California. “He gave them false hope while stealing the money that could have been used to reduce their obligations.”

The scheme ran from February 2010 to September 2012. Vartanian admitted that he did not tell customers during sales calls that the companies charged significant up-front fees. Additionally, he admitted that he falsely told customers that the companies were backed by a law group and that money would be refunded if customers were not satisfied. When his co-conspirators changed the name of the company from Nelson Gamble to Jackson Hunter in 2011 because of customer complaints, Vartanian continued to make the same pitch without disclosing that the new company was essentially the same as the old company. In speaking with unhappy customers, the conspirators at Jackson Hunter blamed past problems on Nelson Gamble and denied requests for refunds of money paid to Nelson Gamble.

Vartanian faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The court set a sentencing date of Oct. 17 before U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer in Los Angeles. Four other defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with the same scheme: Jeremy Nelson of Laguna Nigel, California, Elias Ponce of Santa Ana, California, Christopher Harati of Anaheim, California, and Athena Maldonado of Lake Forest, California. The defendants have not yet been sentenced.

In September 2012, the Federal Trade Commission brought a civil case against Nelson and the companies, alleging that the defendants misrepresented debt relief services offered to consumers. (See https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/122-3030-x120048/nelson-gamble-associates-llc-et-al). The case was settled by entry of a consent decree in August 2013.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mizer commended the Postal Inspection Service team assigned to the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch for their investigative efforts and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their contributions to the case. The case is being prosecuted by trial attorneys Alan Phelps and James Harlow of the Consumer Protection Branch.

For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

At least 3 killed after a Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplane caught fire and crashed at the Montijo military base in Portugal



Military aircraft crashes at Portugal’s Montijo Airbase, 3 killed
Published time: 11 Jul, 2016 13:01Edited time: 11 Jul, 2016 13:50


FILE PHOTO. Lockheed C-130 Hercules © Wikipedia

A Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplane has caught fire and crashed at the Montijo military base in Portugal. At least three people were killed in the accident, while the condition of three more crew-members is being verified, local media report.


The four-engine military transport aircraft caught fire during take-off on Monday, Portugal's RTP broadcaster reported.

At least three Portuguese Air Force personnel have died, a source in the National Medical Emergency Institute told Lusa news agency, adding that the authorities are still reviewing the status of the other three crewmembers.

Observador newspaper reported there were seven people on board the cargo plane, all of them military. With three fatal victims, at least one more person was seriously injured, it said.

The incident happened around noon local time. Dozens of emergency teams have been mobilized following the crash. Portugal's Defense Ministry has not yet commented on the incident.

Three transport squadrons and one helicopter search and rescue squadron are located at the Montijo Airbase. The crashed aircraft was part of one of the cargo squadrons, providing logistic support to the Portuguese Navy.

The turboprop C-130 Hercules model has been produced for over 60 years, making it one of the longest continuously-manufactured military aircraft. The cargo plane serves as the main tactical airlifter for many military forces in the US, Europe and other parts of the world.

Pilot survived after a single-seat acrobatic airplane crashed just after noon near Cemetery Road in Zellwood, Orange County, FL





ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

A pilot is recovering after crashing a small plane in Zellwood.

The small airplane went down Monday in Orange County.

The crash was reported just before noon on Cemetery Road in Zellwood, near Apopka.

The 48-year-old licensed pilot took the one-seat plane out for a test flight following mechanical work. It was during that flight he had an engine problem, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The pilot briefly landed on an airstrip at Tangerine Airport, took off again, and crashed between two trees, officials said.

“(He) was able to land safely, tried to circle back around and that’s when he kinda lost control of the plane and ended up in a wooded area behind some residences off of Round Lake Rd.,” said Lt. Ryan Olsson, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Witnesses called 911 saying the plane was clipping trees and seemed like it was about to crash.

The pilot had also been communicating with someone at the airport until the signal was lost.

The pilot was alert and conscious when he was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. He is currently in stable condition.

“We was talking to people, giving his name and date of birth, just visually looked like he had some minor head injuries,” Olsson.

The plane was built in March 2016. According to deputies, it’s a high performance aerobatic plane and it’s believed there was some sort of engine malfunction.

The pilot has not been identified.
============================================
Acrobatic airplane crashes in Orange County
Pilot appears to be OK, deputies say
Posted: 12:27 PM, July 11, 2016 Updated: 4:32 PM, July 11, 2016

 
ZELLWOOD, Fla. - A 48-year-old man survived a plane crash Monday in Orange County, according to authorities.

The single-seat acrobatic airplane crashed just after noon near Cemetery Road in Zellwood, Orange County sheriff's deputies said.

The plane, which had 8 to 10 hours of usage on its engine, took off from Tangerine Field.

"It appears the plane had mechanical issues and crashed shortly after takeoff," the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

The pilot attempted unsuccessfully to land, officials said, and the aircraft went into some trees in the pilot's second landing attempt.

Deputies said the pilot suffered minor injuries and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

No other details were immediately available.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.

=============================================

Date:

11-JUL-2016
Time: 12:00+
Type: Airplane
Owner/operator:

Registration:

C/n / msn:

Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 1
Airplane damage: Substantial
Location: East of Tangerine Airport (FL97), Zellwood, FL - United States of America
Phase: Take off
Nature: Test
Departure airport: Tangerine (FL97)
Destination airport:

Narrative:
following a loss of engine power during a post-maintainable flight, the aircraft impacted trees shortly after takeoff from Runway 9 at Tangerine Airport (FL97), Zellwood, Florida. The biplane sustained substantial damage and the sole pilot onboard received minor injuries.


Sources:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/small-aircraft-reported-down-in-apopka
http://www.wftv.com/news/local/pilot-recovering-after-plane-crash-near-orange-county-airport/396600284