Tag: Anti-corruption

Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024

Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024 decorative image

Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024 decorative image

Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024

Ethics scores 24th JDC Election 2024 describes how Scientific research shows campaign contributions are correlated with judges’ decisions. There is a crisis with the court’s legitimacy in Louisiana. This issue is very salient now for a variety of reasons. There are political concerns, case-related concerns, and financial concerns. 

Damon Cann, a Political Science instructor at Georgia University, conducted a study. It explores whether judges favor attorneys who support their campaigns financially. He shows that campaign contributions are indeed correlated with judges’ decisions. (Cann, Damon M. “Justice for Sale? Campaign Contributions and Judicial Decision making.” State Politics & Policy Quarterly, vol. 7, no. 3, 2007, pp. 281–97. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40405604. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024)

Judicial Ethics in Louisiana

Judicial ethics in Louisiana is a pretty hot topic for Motion to Quash LLC. There is discussion about judges taking advantage of elections to promote their own interests. Talks about judges showing favor with attorneys who donate to their campaigns are widespread. There is discussion about making it illegal for judges to accept contributions from attorneys who practice in their district. Join the Campaign for Judicial Integrity in Louisiana here.

The Code of Judicial Conduct highlights a crucial principle. Judges should avoid the appearance of impropriety. 28 USC section 455 – enacted by Congress, binds them and sets the standard for all the courts.

None of the three candidates for 24th JDC follow the judicial guidelines. They do not adhere when it comes to providing financial support to their campaigns. Jefferson Parish has been out of step with the norms governing Louisiana since Operation Wrinkled Robe. The operation, championed by Jim Letten, proved campaign support in Jefferson Parish was given with criminal intent. It was not for political reasons.

Ethics Scores for 24th JDC Candidates for 3/23/2024 Election

24th JDC
Candidate averageF33%
Jackie MaloneyF33%
Jerry SmithF33%
Lindsey ValentiD67%

Jackie Maloney- Ethics score F (33%) 

As a judicial candidate Jackie Maloney received $29,400 campaign contributions from 44 attorneys who practice in her district. Ms. Maloney received $2500 from 5 attorneys and $1,000 from 5 attorneys. $500 was issued by 14 attorneys. 

Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024 decorative image
Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024 decorative image

Jackie Maloney, as an attorney.

As an attorney, Maloney issued over five thousand dollars in campaign contributions to 7 Judges in her district of practice. 

Jerry Smith Ethics score F (33%)

Since 2020, Jerry Smith received over $115,000 from over 180 attorneys who practice in his district. Mr. Smith received $2500 from 13 attorneys and $1,000 from 21 attorneys. $500 was issued by 50 attorneys. 

Since 2019, Jerry Smith issued $3650 to 10 judges in the 24th JDC.

Lindsey Valenti Ethics score D (67%)

As a candidate, Lindsey Valenti received more than $150, 000 from over 130 attorneys who practice in her district. Ms. Valenti received $2,500 from 36 attorneys and $1,000 from 22 attorneys. $500 was received by 42 attorneys.

Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024 decorative image
Ethics Scores 24th JDC Election 2024 decorative image

As an attorney, Lindsey Valenti issued zero dollars to Judges. Hence, earning her a higher score despite receiving the most money.

Method

For consistency, the total scores were based on these three principles:

  1. Campaign contributions issued (5 possible points)
  2. Campaign contributions received (5 possible points)
  3. Disclosures/conflicts of interest (5 possible points)

Only when candidates scored 15 for the whole package did they score 100 percent. Campaigns are dynamic. We welcome your feedback. If you see a candidate’s position has changed, send us an email to tracie@motiontoquash.org with the new information. The spreadsheets are free and printable. We obtained the campaign finance reports from the Ethics Board’s website. You can find the Ethics Disclosures on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s website. 

Recognized by the NWC, Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate. Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .

How PPP Loans Are Tied to Fraudulent Political Contributions

The investigation into loan fraud among disaster recovery recipients and Louisiana politicians highlights concerns about the legitimacy of taxpayer-funded assistance. Over 100 businesses donated politically after receiving nearly $200 million in federal funds. Calls for accountability include repayments from recipients who misused funds and government scrutiny of fraudulent PPP loans persists.

The investigation of loan fraud committed by disaster recovery recipients and Louisiana politicians is alarming. Businesses issued large political donations after receiving taxpayer-backed federal money. During the pandemic, they received PPP loans that are tied to political donations.

Understandably, this raises concerns about the legitimacy of their need for assistance and calls for investigations. According to Motion to Quash, disaster recovery recipients who issued campaign contributions after receiving their awards should repay the taxpayers.

How PPP Loans Are Tied to Fraudulent Political Contributions in Louisiana- Analysis

According to an analysis of federal data by Motion to Quash LLC, political donations flowed from over 100 businesses. These donations came after they received nearly $200 Million in taxpayer backed government funds.

These funds are meant for struggling small businesses, not for political contributions. Fraud schemes like these are the costliest for taxpayers

Louisiana Lawmakers Repeal Campaign Limits After PPP Loans

After the SBA issued PPP loans, Louisiana lawmakers made a significant change to an essential law when they passed SB4. By removing certain campaign finance limitations, donors can contribute to multiple campaigns.  (Repeals R.S. 18:1505.2(H)(7))

Still Under Scrutiny

The COVID-19 pandemic effects continue to reverberate for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Whether forgiven or not, these loans are still under scrutiny for how PPP loans are tied to campaign finance.

The federal government continues to pursue a quiet campaign against Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud. It is expected to continue to pursue civil False Claims Act cases for up to ten years after the offense.

Click the link to view the recipient’s federal award profile.

How PPP Loans Are Tied to Fraudulent Political Contributions external link

How PPP Loans Are Tied to Fraudulent Political Contributions in Louisiana


Entity		Federal Award
10 M MARINE LLC – PPP$22,793
FRISCHHERTZ & IMPASTATO– PPP$73,228
ADAMS & REESE PAC– PPP$9,300,000
ADVANCED STRATEGIES, INC.– PPP, DAL$70,958
AIRBOAT ADVENTURES LLC– EIDLEA, DAL$41,430
AL COPELAND INVESTMENTS, LLC– PPP$667,792
ALL SOUTH CONSULTING ENGINEERS INC.– PPP$788,432
ARTHUR AND BRENDA LAWSON– DAL$2,860
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTORS, INC.– PPP$40,688
ASSURING DESTINATIONS LLC– PPP, DAL$85,992
BASE LOGISTICS L.L.C.– PPP$313,775
B&S EQUIPMENT– EIDLEA$10,000
BFM– PPP, DAL, EIDLEA$305,216
BLAKE JONES LAW FIRM, LLC– PPP$362,901
BLUE CROSS LA PAC– PPP$416,747
BOHANNAN & ASSOCIATES LLC– PPP$55,233
BONANO ELECTRIC LLC– PPP $67,740
BOURGEOIS FISHING CHARTERS INC.– DAL$20,430
BRADLEY MURCHISON KELLY & SHEA LLC– PPP$1,200,000
BRYANT HAMMETT & ASSOCIATES LLC– PPP$444,977
CAJUN CONSULTING & INSPECTION,INC.– DAL, EIDLEA$22,622
CAMERON MURRAY AND ASSOCIATES, LLC PPP$16,072
CARR STONE & TILE INCORPORATED– PPP$273,853
CARY GOSS– PPP$1,300,000
CHALMETTE AMUSEMENT CO. INC.- PPP$134,715
CHAFFE MCCALL, LLP– PPP$1,900,000
CHARLES T CRAWFORD– EIDLEA$10,000
CHEHARDY, SHERMAN, WILLIAMS, LLP– PPP$1,200,000
COLVIN LAW FIRM– PPP$150,417
COMMAND CONSTRUCTION LLC– PPP, LG$156,733
CONNICK AND CONNICK, LLC– PPP$250,816
COOGAN & COOGAN– PPP$5,618
CORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC– DAL, EIDLEA$2,662
COSSE LAW FIRM, LLC– DAL, EIDLEA$78,100
COURSON NICKEL, LLC– PPP$104,270
CRC LOGISTIC SERVICES– PPP$3,000,000
CROSBY TUGS, LLC– PPP$8,500,000
CYCLE MARINE GROUP INC– PPP$270,626
DAIQUIRI RUN 61, LLC– PPP$18,411
DAUL INSURANCE AGENCY– PPP$347,272
DEAN BLANCHARD SEAFOOD, INC.– PPP, EIDLEA$95,872
DELACROIX CORPORATION– – PPP$210,398
DIGITAL ENGINEERING & IMAGING INC.– PPP$603,606
DKD INVESTMENTS, LLC– EIDLEA$1,000
DLM ENTERPRISE NOLA LLC-DAL$232
DMC TOWING, LLC– EIDLEA, DAL$10,000
DOERR FURNITURE, INC.– DAL, EIDLEA$30,430
DOUGLAS B ROBERT– DAL$14,165
DUFRENE SURVEYING & ENGINEERING– PPP$176,077
DWYER CAMBRE & SUFFERN APLC$242,094
EHLINGER MANAGEMENT CORP– PPP$67,283
ELOS ENVIRONMENTAL LLC– PPP$492,022
EVENT PRODUCERS– PPP$303,816
EXCEPTIONAL INSPECTIONS, LLC– PPP$20,437
FLAME CONSULTING LLC– PPP$22,370
GRAY & COMPANY, INC.– PPP3,200,000
HARRY CAHILL III– PPP, EIDLEA$11,969
HARTMAN ENGINEERING INC– PPP$166,516
HAYNIE & ASSOCIATES– PPP$114,435
HDA HARRIS DEVILLE & ASSOCIATES– PPP$282,105
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT NEW ORLEANS PAC– PPP$75,955
HORIZON SECURITY AND VAULT COMPLEX, INC.– DAL$38,102
INDEPENDENT RX– PPP, DAL$95,358
INDUSTRIAL FABRICS, INC.– PPP$1,300,000
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.$10,000
IV WASTE LLC– PPP$233,041
JANSEN ADJUSTERS INTERNATIONAL LLC– EIDLEA$10,000
J. CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER, SR. LLC- DAL$14,778
KELLY DAUL– PPP $347,272
KEN-K TRUCKING– PPP, DAL$8,783
KING & JURGENS, LLC– PPP$1,100,000
LA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION HOSPITALITY PAC (HOSTPAC)– PPP$350,183
LAKESIDE MORTGAGE INC– EIDLEA$4,000
LAMFH, LLC– PPP$98,567
LANDRUNNER AIRBOATS– DAL, PPP, EIDLEA$49,633
LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS CALOGERO, LLC$28,888
LIL MAN CONSTRUCTION, LLC– PPP$231,350
LINFIELD, HUNTER & JUNIUS, INC.– PPP$634,631
LITTLE DEUCES, INC.– PPP$56,031
LOUISIANA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION– PPP$350,183
MAINTENANCE DREDGING I, LLC– PPP$538,302
MEL’S TRANSPORTATION II, LLC– PPP, EIDLEA$179,366
METRO GAMING & AMUSEMENT CO.– PPP$517,801
METROPOLITAN ERECTION, LLC– PPP$191,844
MEYERS ENGINEERS, LTD– PPP$906,223
MIDSHIP MARINE– PPP$948,946
NEW ERA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC– PPP$227,883
NEW ORLEANS AIRBOAT TOURS– DAL, EIDLEA$30,430
NORTHWEST CORPORATION– PPP$240,820
OGRS, LLC– PPP$43,955
ONE STAR LA INC.– PPP, DAL$74,934
PELICAN COAST CONSULTING– DAL, EIDLEA$2,226
PETROTECHNOLOGIES, INC–PPP Loans$357,000
PHOENIX GLOBAL ENGINEERING– PPP$73,093
PIVOTAL ENGINEERING LLC– PPP$210,581
PIVOTAL GR SOLUTIONS– PPP$21,192
PLANTATION TRUCK PLAZA– PPP$98,930
PREMIER CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.– PPP$748,056
PRINCIPAL ENGINEERING, INC.– PPP$297,022
PROVIDENCE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN– PPP$558,568
PUNCTUAL ABSTRACT– PPP$512,434
QUANDAMN INSPECTION SERVICES LLC $15,258
RICHARD C. LAMBERT CONSULTANTS, LLC– PPP$273,047
RJS TOWING LLC– DAL, PPP, EIDLEA$47,821
RUSSELL BURGDAHL– PPP$259,928
RYM ENTERPRISES, INC.– PPP$2,543
SAMUEL J SPURGEON– PPP$220,049
SEITHER’S SEAFOOD– PPP$69,373
SHELLDON LLC– DAL, PPP, EIDLEA$91,469
SHREAD-KUYRKENDALL & ASSOCIATES, INC.– PPP$379,721
SIGMA RISK MANAGEMENT– PPP$119,142
SOLUTIENT– PPP$364,160
STEP CONSTRUCTION LLC– DAL, EIDLEA$26,331
STERLING ELECTRIC INC.– PPP, EIDLEA$145,703
STUART CONSULTING GROUP– PPP$636,462
SYRACUSE TRAVERSE AND BREHM LLC– PPP$22,664
T3B SERVICES LLC PPP $313,894
THE CHEEK LAW FIRM– PPP$73,035
THE PICARD GROUP– PPP$186,147
TOP DRAWER STRATEGIES, LLC– PPP, EIDLEA$38,602
TRIPLE BBB CONSTRUCTION, INC– EIDLEA$10,000
UNIVERSAL DATA, INC– PPP$432,005
VANDERBROOK & CO., LLC CPAS– PPP$56,138
VINCO IRONWORKS, INC.– PPP$81,643
WILLIAM VANDERBROOK CPA– PPP$56,138

Recouping Stolen Pandemic Loan Funds

Last September, the U.S. House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on different solutions to recoup funds. Click the link to read, “Action Through Innovation: Private Sector Solutions to Recouping Stolen Pandemic Loan Funds.”

From the SBA Chairman

“When the pandemic started, the SBA took on an out sized role in restarting our nation’s economy. The PPP and EIDL programs were vital to saving small businesses, but that fact does not excuse $200 billion in fraud,” explained Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX). “It’s a top priority of this Committee to recoup these stolen funds, and yesterday’s hearing looked at new, innovative private sector solutions to do just that. I’m very grateful for our four witnesses, and we’ll continue our work on holding these fraudsters accountable.”

From the PRAC Chairman

Follow the link to read the Statement of Michael E. Horowitz, Chair, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Inspector General, U.S.

Also, the Department of Justice made a statement before the U.S.House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis about “Examining Federal Efforts To Prevent, Detect, And Prosecute Pandemic Relief Fraud To Safeguard Funds For All Eligible Americans”

Recognized by the NWC, Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate. Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .

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Seven Major Campaigns to Support Whistlebowers

The 118th Congress has until January 3, 2025, to act on crucial whistleblower initiatives, which face political interference despite bipartisan support. Seven campaigns aim to enhance whistleblower protections and efficiency in reporting corruption. Key actions include improving programs at FinCEN, DOJ, SEC, IRS, CFTC, and establishing National Whistleblower Day.

Seven Major Campaigns to Support Whistleblowers:

The 118th Congress will end on January 3, 2025. Thus, there is one year remaining for Congress and the current-sitting executive officers to act on several pending whistleblower initiatives. These initiatives are based on the plain meaning of laws already passed by Congress and likewise have strong bipartisan support. The seven major campaigns are individually or collectively essential for the implementation of the U.S. Anti-Corruption Strategy. There is political interference by those who stand to lose when whistleblowers are incentivized and protected. These reforms should be quickly approved, but resistant executive agencies stall or block their approval. A timid Congress also contributes to the delay.

Action #1 of 2024 Call on FinCEN to Enact AML Regulations 

Passed in December 2022, the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Whistleblower Improvement Act is the most important anti-corruption law passed in decades. The law establishes a whistleblower award program for individuals who report money laundering. It also targets sanctions violations.

Action #2 of 2024 DOJ must accept Confidential/Anonymous Disclosures

The Department of Justice still hasn’t implemented procedures for dealing with anonymous and confidential whistleblowers. These whistleblowers report violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. The Department has been legally obligated to do so since 2021.

Action #3 of 2024 Strengthen the SEC Whistleblower Program

Urge Congress to strengthen the SEC Whistleblower Program. Protect internal corporate whistleblowers by passing the bipartisan SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2023. Also, call on the SEC to broaden its definition of a voluntary whistleblower.

Action #4 of 2024 Support the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fails to compensate whistleblowers promptly. These delays, which the IRS admits are average over 10 years, cause untold hardship to whistleblowers. For example, many of them have lost their jobs and careers. So, their only hope for economic survival is the compensation promised under law.

Action #5 of 2024: Fix FCA loopholes

Thanks for all your support for the seven major campaigns so far! We’ve completed over half of our actions to kick off 2024, and we only have three more to go! Today’s action is very important because the qui tam provision of the False Claims Act is under attack. Whistleblower reports are responsible for over 70% of recovered assets under the FCA. (amounting to over $50 billion)

Action #6 of 2024 Strengthen the CFTC Whistleblower Program

The CFTC Whistleblower Program is in danger of being a victim of its own success. The CFTC created a fund when it introduced its whistleblower rewards program. The rewards program pays whistleblowers using the sanctions collected from whistleblower tips. But, this fund was capped at $100 million. Since the program started just over a decade ago, many whistleblowers have come forth. As a result, this fund is almost out.

Action #7 of 2024 Make National Whistleblower Day a Federal Day of Observance

Today marks the end of our seven major campaigns of action to start the new year. Today’s action is significant. As many of you know, each year, the National Whistleblower Center holds a celebration for National Whistleblower Day. Congress recognizes the day each year. Still, they have not taken action to permanently recognize July 30 as National Whistleblower Day.

Click the links to learn more and take action on the seven major campaigns to support whistleblowers. Thank you for your continued support. 

Recognized by the NWC, Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate. Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .

Motion to Quash's Seven Major Campaigns on Behalf of NWC external link

Action 7 of 2024 National Whistleblower Day

Action 7 of 2024 external link

Today is our last of seven days of action with the NWC to start the new year. Action 7 of 2024 is to recognize National Whistleblower Day. As many of you know, each year, the National Whistleblower Center holds a celebration for National Whistleblower Day. Congress recognizes the day each year. Yet, neither Congress nor the White House has taken action to permanently recognize July 30 as National Whistleblower Day.

On July 30th, 1778, the Founding Fathers instituted the first U.S. Whistleblower law to protect the government against fraud. We should celebrate this important part of history. I have long supported whistleblowers. A Marist Poll conducted by Whistleblower Network News demonstrated that the majority of voters in the U.S. also support whistleblowers. They also support increased Whistleblower protections. This bipartisan support for whistleblowers would surely extend to a Federal Day of Observance, like National Whistleblower Day.

Specifically, I am advocating for a mandate that federal agencies educate their employees about their right to blow the whistle. They should also celebrate the contributions whistleblowers have made to their agency and our democracy every year on July 30th.

Executive Order

Action 7 of 2024 urges President Biden to take executive action on behalf of whistleblowers. In doing so, he would be taking a tremendous step forward. This would enhance the federal government’s recognition of whistleblowers.

Urge the President to sign an Executive Order setting forth the following:

(1) July 30th is designated as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day”; and

(2) The Federal Government shall implement the intent of the Founding Fathers, as reflected in the legislation passed on July 30, 1778 (relating to whistleblowers), by requiring each executive agency to recognize National Whistleblower Appreciation Day by—

(A) informing employees, contractors working on behalf of the taxpayers of the United States, and members of the public about the legal right of a United States citizen to “blow the whistle” to the appropriate authority by honest and good faith reporting of misconduct, fraud, misdemeanors, or other crimes; and

(B) acknowledging the contributions of whistleblowers. They play a vital role in combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States.

Whistleblower Contributions

Action 7 of 2024 recognizes the courageous contributions that whistleblowers have made to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. Whistleblowers are credited with bringing in billions of dollars per year to U.S. government coffers. The culture around whistleblowers, though, remains that of being ostracized and retaliated against.

Now more than ever, we need a permanent day of recognition for whistleblowers. This will show our nation’s commitment to truth, anti-corruption, and effective law enforcement. Help us make each July 30th National Whistleblower Day. This will change the culture. We can truly honor the contributions of whistleblowers. We will also foster their courage to speak up about wrongdoing.

Please send this prewritten email template to your officials asking that they recognize National Whistleblower Day. This day is about much more than an event or a holiday. It’s about changing the culture around whistleblowing in federal agencies. Check out more info here.

Recognized by the NWC, Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate. Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .

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Action #4 of 2024 Support the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fails to compensate whistleblowers in a timely manner. These delays, which the IRS admits are average over 10-years, cause untold hardship to whistleblowers, many of whom have lost their jobs and careers, and their only hope for economic survival is the compensation promised under law.

On behalf of the National Whistleblower Center, please support reform and strengthen the IRS Whistleblower Program by supporting the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act of 2023. 

Please send this prewritten email template to your Congressional officials DEMANDING that they pass the IRS Whistleblower Improvement Act, which would solve this issue in addition to other problems.

Check out more info here.

Since it was established in 2006, the IRS Whistleblower Program has become an integral part of the IRS’s enforcement efforts. The program, which offers monetary awards and anti-retaliation protections to individuals who report large-scale tax fraud, has allowed the U.S. to recover over $6.6 billion from wealthy tax cheats and corporations non-compliant with tax law.

In recent years, however, the program has been plagued by a number of issues and its efficacy is waning. Most notably, the program suffers from massive delays and whistleblowers are not able to remain anonymous before Tax Court. 

The bipartisan IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act addresses these issues and others through six common sense reforms: 

1. Clarifies a de novo standard of review for Tax Court appeals 

2. Incentivizes timely award disbursal 

3. Establishes a presumption of anonymity for whistleblowers 

4. Ends the sequestration of whistleblower awards 

5. Improves the program’s annual report to Congress 

6. Modifies the treatment of attorney’s fees to be in line with other whistleblower programs.

In addition to bipartisan support, the bill is supported by whistleblower advocacy groups such as National Whistleblower Center. 

A strong IRS Whistleblower Program is key to closing down the tax gap and holding tax cheats accountable. The IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act goes a long way in making this possible. 

Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of motiontoquash.org. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC successfully promoted legislation that supports the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC 2019.  NWC’s mission is to support whistleblowers in their efforts to expose and help prosecute corruption and other wrongdoing around the world. 

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Action #3 of 2024 Strengthen the SEC Whistleblower Program

Motion to Quash LLC urges Congress to strengthen the SEC Whistleblower Program and protect internal corporate whistleblowers by (1) passing the bipartisan SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2023 and (2) Calling on the SEC to broaden its definition of a voluntary whistleblower. 

 The SEC Whistleblower Program has revolutionized the enforcement efforts of the SEC. Since it was established in 2010, the program has recovered over $6.3 billion in sanctions from fraudsters, allowing over $1.5 billion to be returned to harmed investors. However, it has the potential to work even better if we fix these two problems.

Problem #1: One of the keys to the program’s success are the anti-retaliation protections provided to whistleblowers. Whistleblowers all too often face devastating consequences for blowing the whistle and these protections are key in both offering relief to brave whistleblowers and in incentivizing would-be-whistleblowers to come forward despite the threat of retaliation.

Unfortunately, a 2018 Supreme Court ruling weakened the program by stripping anti-retaliation protections from whistleblowers who report to internal compliance programs but not directly to the SEC. Since a vast majority of whistleblowers report internally this ruling has been devastating for whistleblowers. 

The bipartisan SEC Whistleblower Reform Act would restore anti-retaliation protections for internal whistleblowers and make a number of other small common sense reforms to strengthen the program. The bill is widely supported by whistleblower advocacy groups including National Whistleblower Center. Corporate whistleblowers have proven to be essential in keeping our markets fair and free of fraud. They need to be protected. 

Problem #2: The regulations approved by the SEC 12 years ago continue to violate the statutory rights granted whistleblowers under the Dodd-Frank Act and strip otherwise qualified whistleblowers of their rights. For instance, whistleblowers who first report to the news media have been denied protection and compensation, even though the law itself does not exclude them from protections. We know that 20% of FCPA prosecutions by the DOJ stem from tips by the media, and yet, the regulations by the SEC have cut these sources off from U.S. whistleblower qualifications, undermining the anti-corruption Strategy outlined by the White House. 

Congress must tell the SEC not to exclude whistleblowers who have informed the media or other Federal agencies first from their definition of whistleblowers with “original information.” Please see more info here: www.whistleblowers.org/campaigns/reform-sec-regulations/. 

https://motiontoquash.org Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of Motion to Quash. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org.Motion to Quash LLC  successfully promoted legislation that supports the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC 2019.  NWC’s mission is to support whistleblowers in their efforts to expose and help prosecute corruption and other wrongdoing around the world. 

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Action #2 of 2024 DOJ must accept Confidential/Anonymous Disclosures

The Department of Justice still hasn’t implemented procedures for dealing with anonymous and confidential whistleblowers who report violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, despite being legally required to do so since 2021.

Since January 1, 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has been required, as a matter of law, to accept anonymous and confidential whistleblower disclosures concerning violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, including illegal money laundering and the use of crypto currency exchanges to facilitate violations of law.

In December 2022, this requirement was by law extended to whistleblowers, worldwide, who wish to report violations of sanctions covering Russia, Hamas, ISIS, and other covered entities.

In contempt of its legal requirements the Justice Department has ignored this law, and has failed to adopt regulations permitting anonymous whistleblowing. Congress did its job, Justice has dropped the ball. Congress must demand that the Attorney General fully implement the United States Anti-corruption Strategy as a critical national security measure. Ask Congress to contact the Department of Justice to remind them of their obligations to fully implement the law. We know that whistleblowers can be the best asset to the fight against corruption when given the proper protections and incentives, but they — and by extension, our democracy — are vulnerable when these protections are eroded.

Please see the letter sent by NWC Chairman Stephen Kohn to the Department of Justice and Department of Treasury here for specific details: https://kkc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AML-Rules-Letter.pdf. See more information at https://www.whistleblowers.org/enact-aml-whistleblower-rules/.

Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of Motion to Quash. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org.Motion to Quash LLC  successfully promoted legislation that supports the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC 2019.  NWC’s mission is to support whistleblowers in their efforts to expose and help prosecute corruption and other wrongdoing around the world. 

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Action #1 of 2024 Call on FinCEN to Enact AML Regulations

In 2022, Congress passed the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Whistleblower Improvement Act in December 2022. The law establishes a whistleblower award program for individuals who report money laundering and sanctions violations and is the most important anti-corruption law passed in decades.

Money laundering is intimately tied to corruption around the globe. Because the AML Whistleblower Program has a transnational reach, violations can occur anywhere and whistleblowers do not need to be U.S. citizens to qualify for awards, it is uniquely positioned to help U.S. authorities tackle corruption overseas, including the most pressing national security crises like the war between Hamas and Israel, the war between Russia and Ukraine, terrorist financing, and drug trafficking. It is vital that FinCEN implement its whistleblower program quickly and that its regulations fulfill the mandate in the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption.

However, despite the urgent nature of this issue, the U.S. Treasury Department and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) have yet to implement the AML Whistleblower program, nor regulations for the AML Whistleblower Improvement Act.

Contact your legislators and urge them to please DEMAND that FinCEN consider the following in order to maximize the law’s anti-corruption potential:

I. Ensure that the process for qualifying as a whistleblower aligns with U.S. anti-corruption priorities.
a. Allow whistleblowers identified in case investigations to be eligible for rewards, rather than by mandating technical form requirements for whistleblower reward eligibility.
b. Maintain the SEC’s “Three Conditions” for qualifying as a whistleblower, but expand the definition of “Voluntary” to its standard definition.
c. Ensure that critical whistleblowers have the right to make use of the AML Whistleblower Program.

II. Protect Whistleblowers.
a. Secure the Confidentiality & Anonymity of AML whistleblowers in ALL ongoing Federal investigations involving their disclosers.
b. Establish Consistent Inter-Agency Protocol with respect to Whistleblowers who have participated in crime.
c. Do not Incentivize – and absolutely do not require – Internal Reporting prior to filing AML claims with FinCEN, but ensure that those who file internally first maintain award eligibility.

III. Ensure that whistleblowers are fully compensated in a timely manner.
a. Give full force to related action provisions.
b. Do NOT place a cap on whistleblower rewards.
c. Establish and abide by a strict deadline for paying awards.

Please refer to the National Whistleblower Center’s (NWC) AML Regulations Webpage, whistleblowers.org/enact-aml-whistleblower-rules, for more information on our requests.

Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of Motion to Quash. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC  successfully promoted legislation that supports the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC 2019.  NWC’s mission is to support whistleblowers in their efforts to expose and help prosecute corruption and other wrongdoing around the world. 

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Corruption Scorecards Jefferson Parish Councilman at Large Div. A

The scrutiny of Jefferson Parish Council candidates for the 2023 elections reveals potential abuses linked to the False Claims Act. Council members Jennifer Van Vrancken and Ricky Templet received significant contributions after securing taxpayer-backed loans, raising concerns about campaign finance abuses. Motion to Quash advocates for transparency and accountability.

Corruption Scorecards Jefferson Parish Councilman at Large Div. A by Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | October 6, 2023

Candidates for Jefferson Parish Councilman for the 2023 elections are being scrutinized under the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act is a federal law that imposes liability on those who defraud governmental programs. It is the federal government’s primary litigation tool in combating fraud against the government.

Corruption Scorecards Jefferson Parish Councilman at Large Div. A

Motion to Quash conducted an analysis of federal data. It showed Council members Jennifer Van Vrancken and Ricky Templet received over a half million dollars.

Over 350 entities made political contributions after receiving over $73 million dollars in taxpayer-backed SBA loans. 

In both instances, candidates received large donations after companies they controlled, or companies owned by family members, obtained loans.

Frankie Hayers, the only other candidate, financed his own campaign.

Candidate averageC73%
J. Frankie HyersA+100%
Ricky TempletD60%
Jennifer Van VranckenF53%

Family Connections

Balcony Enterprises Inc, a family owned enterprise, received a total of $365,491 from the SBA. Afterward, The Balcony Ballroom issued a political contribution to Jennifer Van Vrancken of $5,000.

Hearing Health Care of Louisiana Inc, owned by family member Ryan Templet, received $186,812 from the Paycheck Protection Program. After receiving the taxpayer backed funds, Ryan Templet issued $5000 to Ricky Templet’s political campaign. 

These funds were meant for struggling businesses. Generous campaign contributions just before or after receiving disaster assistance raises concerns about the legitimacy of their need for assistance. “It suggests the entities misled the SBA to obtain government funds and should be obligated to repay the taxpayers. Fraud schemes like this are the costliest for the taxpayers.” a spokesperson for Motion to Quash said.

Most Egregious Abuses of the PPP

The M2Q analysis identified two major abuses of the Paycheck Protection Program. These were Adams & Reese Law Firm and Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC.

Adams and Reese Law Firm received $9.2 million dollars from the taxpayer backed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Later, Adams and Reese and ARPAC issued nearly $800,000 in political contributions. This amount includes over $100,000 paid to its own Political Action Committee.

Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC received $8.8 million dollars from the Paycheck Protection Program. They then issued over $600,000 to political campaigns. This included $100,000 to the Republican Party and $100,000 to Louisiana Citizens for Job Creators Inc.

Recouping Stolen Pandemic Loan Funds

Motion to Quash is a powerful representation of the fight against corruption in Jefferson Parish. The Anti Corruption Scorecard serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and honesty in our political system. The scorecards are adequate to give precise assessments. They offer reliable and sound judgment of campaign finance abuse. This is particularly useful for those interested in the 2023 Elections and the stand against corruption.

Contributions alone are not enough for an investigation. Nevertheless, generous campaign contributions and confidential disclosures submitted to the Inspector General are enough evidence to lead to criminal prosecutions. 

U.S. House Committee on Small Business

On September 27, the U.S. House Committee on Small Business held a hearing. It was entitled “Action Through Innovation: Private Sector Solutions to Recouping Stolen Pandemic Loan Funds.” The hearing explored various solutions. The Small Business Administration (SBA) plans to implement these solutions to recoup fraudulent loans from pandemic lending programs.

“When the pandemic started, the SBA took on an outsized role in restarting our nation’s economy. The PPP and EIDL programs were vital to saving small businesses, but that fact does not excuse $200 billion in fraud,” explained Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX). “It’s a top priority of this Committee to recoup these stolen funds, and yesterday’s hearing looked at new, innovative private sector solutions to do just that. I’m very grateful for our four witnesses, and we’ll continue our work on holding these fraudsters accountable.”

Click the link to read the Statement of Michael E. Horowitz, Chair, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice before the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis about “Examining Federal Efforts To Prevent, Detect, And Prosecute Pandemic Relief Fraud To Safeguard Funds For All Eligible Americans”

M2Q obtained Campaign finance reports from the Louisiana Ethics Board website. It obtained Disaster Recipient Profiles at usaspending.gov.

Approach

For consistency, we based the total scores on these three principles:

  1. Campaign contributions issued (5 points)
  2. Campaign contributions received (5 points)
  3. Disclosures/conflicts of interest (5 points)

Only when candidates scored 15 for the whole package did they score 100 percent. 

Campaigns are dynamic. We welcome your feedback. If you see a candidate’s position has changed, send us an email to info@motiontoquash.org with the new information.

Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center (NWC), Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of motiontoquash.org. You can reach her at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC successfully promoted legislation that supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC 2019.  NWC’s mission is to support whistleblowers. They also help prosecute other wrongdoing around the world. 

Corruption Scorecards Jefferson Parish Councilman at Large Div. A External link

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Digital media provides measurable results. $500 can get you two banners in front of your target audience for an entire month. An effective advertising campaign will include placing ads across the Motion to Quash website using both branding and call-to-action messages. Click here to buy ads or use the QR code.

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Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023

An analysis by Motion to Quash LLC reveals corruption concerns among Louisiana House of Representatives candidates, with over $200 million in taxpayer-backed disaster assistance payments linked to political donations. The group’s anti-corruption scorecard shows varied scores among candidates, indicating issues in campaign finance and transparency ahead of the 2023 elections.

Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 by Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | Sept. 22, 2023

According to an analysis of federal government data by Motion to Quash LLC., Louisiana House of Representatives received payments from over 100 entities. These payments amounted to over $200 million dollars in taxpayer-backed Disaster Assistance.

The investigation of loan fraud by PPP loan recipients and Louisiana lawmakers is alarming. Businesses issued large political donations after receiving taxpayer backed pandemic loans. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of their need for assistance.

“Loan recipients made campaign contributions after getting their awards. They should repay the loans,” a spokesperson for Motion to Quash said. “Fraud schemes like this are the costliest for the taxpayers.”

Motion to Quash is a powerful representation of the fight against corruption in Jefferson Parish. The House of Representative Anti Corruption Scorecard serves as a reminder. It highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in our political system. The scorecards give precise and reliable judgment. They offer sound assessment of campaign finance abuse. This is particularly relevant for those interested in the 2023 Elections and the stand against corruption.

Motion to Quash obtained campaign finance reports from the Louisiana Ethics Board website. Disaster Relief Profiles were found at usaspending.gov.Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 external link

Click the name to view each candidate’s folder.

Joseph OrgeronC73%
John IllgD67%
Debbie VillioD60%
Polly ThomasD67%
Laurie SchlegelB-80%
Kyle Green JrB+87%
Reginald JasminA+100%
Timothy KernerF47%
Andrew BennettA+100%
Vincent Cox IIIF47%
Andrea ManuelA+100%
Rodney Lyons SrD63%
Trent Mackey Jr.A+100%
Michael SigurD67%
Joseph StagniD67%
Stephanie HilfertyC73%
Charles MarsalaA+100%
Jacob BraudF53%
Joanna LeopoldD67%
Mack CormierD60%
Donald ValleeA+97%
Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023-SCORE DISTRIBUTION OVERVIEW

Of the 21 candidates for State Representative on the Jefferson Parish sample ballot, 6 scored A+ (28.6%), 1 scored B+ (4.8%), 1 scored B- (4.8%), 2 scored C (9.5%), 8 scored D (38.1%), and 3 scored F (14.3%)

Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI)

From the time period 2020 to the current, candidates received a grand total of contributions over $1.4 million dollars including a sum of over $600,000 from pharmaceuticals, gaming interests, government contractors, and PPP disaster recipients. By far the most frequent recipient is Timothy Kerner Sr.

Approach

For consistency, we based the total scores on these three principles:

  1. Campaign contributions issued (5 points)
  2. Campaign contributions received (5 points)
  3. Disclosures/conflicts of interest (5 points)

Only when candidates scored 15 for the whole package did they score 100 percent. 

Campaigns are dynamic. We welcome your feedback. If you see a candidate’s position has changed, send us an email to info@motiontoquash.org with the new information.

Recognized by the National Whistleblower Center, Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of Motion to Quash. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org. Motion to Quash LLC  successfully promoted legislation that supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. Please Support journalism in the public interest by contributing today. Click here to donate Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC. 

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Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 external link
Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 external link

Digital media provides measurable results. $500 can get you two banners in front of your target audience for an entire month. An effective advertising campaign will include placing ads across the Motion to Quash website using both branding and call-to-action messages. Click here to buy ads or use the QR code.

Corruption Scores Jefferson Parish House of Reps Election 2023 External link