Crime Watch: Be careful when giving to charities

Many of our neighbors in South Florida have fallen on hard times, and there are many organizations trying to help those with great needs such as food, school supplies, clothing and toys now for the holidays.

Well, we all need to be extra careful to make sure we are dealing with real charitable organizations and not phony solicitations, and many of you asked what to look for.

Let’s look at some of the techniques once again that are questionable — and in some cases, illegal. Prize offers: Potential donors are told that they have won a contest and are eligible for a prize — usually worthless — if they make a donation to a charity.

Chain letters: Unsolicited appeals, usually in the form of e-mails, ask potential donors not only to contribute to an organization but also to forward the e-mail to friends and family members.

Like- sounding names: Fraudulent charities take names that are very similar to those of high-profile charities that are known and trusted by the public.

Another scam that is very prevalent in our community during this time is that they will come to your door selling magazine or gift items in the name of a school or charity for the holidays . First of all, don’t let anyone in your house who is selling anything. Sometimes these people will come with small children, so that you assume it’s safe to let them in. Well unfortunately, some of these little kids cute as a button, will ask to use the restroom while they are in your home, they then go into the bedroom to take whatever they can put in their pockets. You don’t even notice it until they have left your home. So please again don’t let anyone into your home. If they refuse to leave, call the police and give the best description you can.

Here are ways you can prevent being a victim of charity fraud:

• Ask how your money will be used, such as what percentage will go to the actual programs versus the administrative and fundraising cost.

• Request written information that gives the full name, address and phone numbers of the organization, as well as a description of the programs it supports.

• Check out any charity you don’t know with the local charity registration office, Better Business Bureau or a charity watchdog group such as www.charitywatch.org, www.give.org, or www.guidestar.org.

• Don’t be fooled by a name that closely resembles the name of a respected and well-known charity.

• Ask for the charity’s tax-exempt letter indicating its IRS status. You can’t claim a tax-deductible donation if the charity does not have one.

• Never give cash. Make your contribution by check payable to the full name of the charity once you are certain it’s a charitable organization.

• Don’t give out your Social Security number. A charity does not need it in order for you to claim a tax deduction.

• Charity-related fraud should be reported to local law enforcement or the local postmaster. Complaints can also be filed online with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

We all want to be helpful, but we need to make sure that we are helping those that truly are helping.

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Report: N.M. Men Plotted to Kill Justin Bieber

News came out of New Mexico Wednesday of a plot to murder pop sensation Justin Bieber, according to a report by Albuquerque news station KRQE.

The station, which sources a police investigation, alleges that a plot was hatched by two prison inmates and one of their nephews to murder Bieber at a sold-out show at NYC’s Madison Square Garden.

RELATED: Justin Bieber on Interacting with Hysterical Fans

According to the station, a New Mexico prisoner named Dana Martin, serving out two life sentences for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl, enlisted the help of former fellow inmate Mark Staake and his nephew Tanner Ruane to carry out four murders. Two of the reported targets were Justin Bieber and his bodyguard.

KRQE reports that Martin is obsessed with Bieber, and actually has a tattoo of the singer on his leg.

RELATED: Justin Bieber Spills Tour Secrets 

They go on to report the details of the planned murders, which involved strangling the victims with a paisley tie before ultimately castrating them.

KRQE then states that what ultimately foiled the plot was Martin himself inexplicably turning in his co-conspirators. Staake was reportedly arrested in Vermont on outstanding warrants, while his nephew made it to New York, where police reports obtained by KRQE allege he was arrested with "murder tools and pruning shears." Additionally, recorded calls between Ruane and Martin reportedly indicated Ruane's dismay that he was unable to carry out the murders.

Keep checking back here for more on this story.

SEE ALSO: Justin Bieber Stops Traffic to Confront Paparazzi

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Manhattan couple has baby at 12:12 on 12/12

What a lucky baby!

This little girl doesn’t even have a name yet, but she does have a great birth date.

She was born today exactly at 12:12 p.m. by cesarean section at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Although the date was chosen for the delivery, the time of birth was just accidental.

“When the doctor looked at the clock he said, ‘Oh my God, it’s 12:12’,” said happy dad, Michael Patterson, 37.

He said doctors had wanted to deliver their third child a few days early to avoid any complications and friends suggested this auspicious day. The Upper east side couple already have 20 month old twins, Henry and Eleanor.

Patterson, who works in finance, said his wife, Olivia, 35, who is a Frick Museum employee, had no idea if they were going to have a boy or girl so they still don’t have a name for their new wailing six-pounder.

“It’s the best Christmas present we can possibly imagine,” said Patterson, adding December is a big month for birthdays in the family.

He was born on the 21st, his dad on the 2nd and his mom on the 14th.

“I feel like 12 is a special number. It obviously happens once a century and there are 12 months in the year and 12 signs of the zodiac and 12 inches in a foot,” said Patterson.

“She is a special baby and selfishly it’s an easy birthday to remember,” he added.

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The Great American Hanger Company of Miami sold to Internatinal Hanger

International Hanger, an Austin, Texas company, said it has acquired The Great American Hanger Co., of Miami. The purchase price was not disclosed.

International Hanger said the purchase broadens its markets to include online consumers and residential customers. As part of the agreement, The Great American Hanger Co.’s employees and Miami office are now part of International Hanger. The Great American Hanger Company operates the website hangers.com.

Devon Rifkin, who started The Great American Hanger Company in his apartment in 1999, was named as Entrepreneur Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008. The company also was among the INC 500 Fastest Growing Businesses for three consecutive years. Rifkin said he will serve as an advisor to International Hanger during the transition and will continue to consult with high growth mid-sized businesses as he prepares his next venture.

INA PAIVA CORDLE

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FBI investigating Miami cops in bookmaking case

At least a half-dozen Miami Police officers have been targeted by the FBI for their alleged roles in providing protection for a Liberty City sports gambling operation that was uncovered more than a year ago, according to authorities familiar with the case.

At least one Miami officer has been relieved of duty in connection with the investigation into the bookmaking business, which has been shut down, authorities said.

The initial probe by the FBI, which has been assisted by the police department, evolved into a broader investigation involving some of the officers. Arrests of at least six Miami officers — and possibly more — are expected as early as January, according to authorities.

The Miami Police Department did not return calls for comment. Both the police department and city attorney’s office refused to provide The Miami Herald with requested information on the number of police officers recently relieved of duty.

Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado said he did not know details of the investigation. But he tried to cast it in a positive light.

“To me, this investigation is not a black eye to the city or the police department. It’s a good thing. It means we’re moving forward with a better police force,” Regalado told The Miami Herald.

“In a police force as big as this one, some officers will do the wrong thing. But it is good to invite investigation. It shows that the police force wants to move forward and get rid of the bad apples.”

The Liberty City gambling house investigation began more than a year ago when Miami police, under then-Chief Miguel Exposito, told the FBI what it had learned. Surveillance, in an unincorporated area of Liberty City, led to the spotting of a Miami officer who allegedly showed up regularly to protect the illicit business.

The Miami Police Department, with roughly 1,100 sworn officers, has seen numerous officers suspended and ultimately fired in recent years because of their involvement in criminal activity, from ripping off drugs and money from dealers to fencing contraband such as stolen Bluetooth headsets.

The police department’s morale has been low of late, but not necessarily because of the criminal investigations. The police union has been battling the city over pay raises, health benefits and pension obligations for three straight years, though it did reach a recent agreement on salary hikes for next year.

Unrelated to the Miami police probe, the FBI is also investigating a handful of officers in other law-enforcement departments around Miami-Dade County in connection with identity-theft and tax-refund scams.

The officers are suspected of swiping personal identity information, such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth, to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service — a crime that has penetrated all aspects of society, including hospitals.

South Florida is considered one of the nation’s hardest-hit regions for ID theft and tax fraud, according to the Department of Treasury.

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Web host Go Daddy appoints former Yahoo executive as CEO

(Reuters) – Go Daddy, one of the world’s biggest Internet hosting firms, appointed Yahoo Inc‘s former Chief Product Officer Blake Irving as chief executive.

He will take over from interim CEO Scott Wagner on January 7. Irving left Yahoo, where he headed a centralized products group that straddled several client types, on April 27.

“Blake Irving’s deep technology experience and his history of developing new cutting-edge products and leading large global teams make him a … compelling choice to drive Go Daddy to the next level of its … growth,” said Bob Parsons, Go Daddy’s executive chairman and founder.

Irving also served in various positions at Microsoft Corp from 1992 to 2007.

Go Daddy, which describes itself as the top provider of domain names, filed to go public in 2006 but withdrew its IPO due to poor market conditions.

(Reporting by Neha Alawadhi in Bangalore; Editing by Joyjeet Das, Maju Samuel)

Internet News Headlines – Yahoo! News

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Oscars Flashback '94: Tommy Lee Jones' Only One

In Tommy Lee Jones' long and storied career, he has taken part in many significant projects, including this year's early Oscar favorite Lincoln, as well as No Country For Old Men, Best Picture of 2008.

But while several of Jones' projects hold the honor of winning Oscars, Tommy Lee won his only personal statuette at the '94 Oscars for his supporting role as Samuel Gerald in The Fugitive.

In the press room following his victory, Jones was asked whether he thought the Oscar would make a difference for his career going forward. "Of course it does. You get considered for more parts. Probably offered a few more. You get -- it certainly represents a growth in one's creative life. The most important thing about it."

RELATED: Daniel Day-Lewis Talks Lincoln

The answer in hindsight seems like an understatement for the celebrated actor, who would go on to star in mega-franchises like Men In Black, as well as critical hits like In the Valley of Elah and the aforementioned No Country For Old Men.

While he often takes roles that are more serious in nature, much like his role in the fugitive, Jones doesn't shy away from a chance to lighten the mood. Responding to how his Oscar would affect his ego, Tommy responded, "not at all, as long as they'll let me take it with me every shot that I'm in."

Jones will be looking for another Best Supporting Actor nod this year as he shares the screen with Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln. Following JFK in 1991, if nominated it would mark Jones' second Supporting Actor nomination for a presidential film.

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NYPD sergeant commits suicide on Long Island after fight with girlfriend

An NYPD sergeant killed herself this morning in Long Island after fighting with her girlfriend, law enforcement sources said.

Stephanie Moses was found in the bedroom of her Baldwin home with a single gunshot wound to her head, sources added.

“On behalf of the New York City Police Department, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Stephanie Moses who was, on so many occasions, the face of the NYPD on the national stage as well as routinely at police ceremonies,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

“She epitomized professionalism in her appearance, conduct and dedication to duty. The department has suffered a great loss today that is felt personally by the many who knew and respected Sgt. Moses.”

Moses spent most of her career in the Ceremonial Unit, sources added.

In May 2011, Moses was greeted by Barack Obama when he arrived at the 9/11 Memorial to lay a red-white-and-blue wreath where the Twin Towers once stood after top terrorist Osama Bin Laden was killed by Navy Seals in Pakistan.

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Diageo moving office to Coral Gables

Diageo will move its Miami office to Coral Gables in the fall of 2013.

The world’s leading spirits company will move from its current office at Blue Lagoon when its lease ends and relocate to 396 Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables.

Diageo has 175 people based in its Miami office, the majority of whom work for the Latin American and Caribbean region that is headquartered in Miami. The company has signed a 10-year lease in Coral Gables at 296 Alhambra, which is owned by Agave Holdings. The 32,527 square foot office has received LEED Silver and Gold certification.

“The new office is an important hub for not only Diageo North America, but also serves as the gateway to Latin America and our successful – and growing – business there,” said Randy Millian, Diageo President, Latin America and Caribbean. “We are excited to join the Coral Gables community.”

With the completion of the Diageo lease, the 282,000-square-foot Coral Gables office building is now 65 percent lease just one year after its opening. Diageo will join a roster of existing tenants that includes HBO Latin America, Millicom International Services, law firm Richman Greer, Banco Pichincha and CitiBank

“The addition of Diageo strengthens 396 Alhambra’s standing as the Class A address of choice for major multinational users in the Coral Gables market,” said Danet Linares, executive vice president at Blanca Commercial Real Estate, which represented Agave in the transaction.

“Diageo’s decision to relocate to Coral Gables reaffirms that the area is a vibrant business center for the greater Miami area,” said Jose Antonio Perez Helguera, managing director for Agave Holdings.

Danet Linares and Andres del Corral of Blanca Commercial Real Estate represented 396 Alhambra in the transaction, while Joe Garvey of CLW Real Estate Group represented Diageo.

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Fourth victim accuses Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of sexual abuse

A Miami man has become the fourth to accuse Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of sex abuse when he wasa teenager in the 1990s.

The alleged victim, “John Doe,” now age 33, met Clash when the puppeteer vacationed in South Florida sometime about 1995 or ’96, said his attorney, Jeff Herman of Aventura.

“He was on South Beach looking for a job when he met Kevin. He was going in and out of stores in South Beach. That’s when Kevin saw him,” Herman told The Miami Herald.

After Clash, now 52, returned home to New York, he stayed in touch with the teen by telephone. Soon, he invited the boy to visit him, Herman said.

“He had previously been abused before,” Herman said of the teen. “He was hesitant to go to New York, but Kevin convinced him he’d be a father figure to him. Kevin used the word ‘dad.’ Once there, it was a sexual thing.”

Four days later, the “homesick” teen returned to South Florida, Herman said.

Clash — the original voice of TV puppet Elmo — resigned from Sesame Street after a second man alleged abuse.

His New York attorney, Michael Berger, has denied the puppeteer did anything wrong in the previous cases. Berger has not commented on the newest allegation.

Herman described the latest accuser, originally from the Caribbean, as “a compliant victim.”

“A compliant victim participates in the sexual contact. They can’t consent because they are too young,” said Herman, who also is representing three other alleged Clash victims.

Herman declined to identify the latest alleged victim, who still lives in Miami-Dade County.

“Unfortunately, he’s had a lot of problems I see in other victims,” said Herman, who also represents other alleged abuse victims who have sued the Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts. “He’s had addictions, antisocial behavior including trouble with the law. He’s been arrested for theft. His life was really a mess. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for him to take back the power to heal.”

Herman explains why the accuser never before told his story:

“The reason the he’s able to come forward now is that, I believe, there’s this collective empowerment,” Herman said. “They never feel anyone’s going to believe them. When they see other victims coming forward, they think maybe they will believe me. Maybe its safe to come forward.”

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