features

Is There Something in the Water?

by NPT Staff

After the recent FBI raid of IOS, El Paso higher-ups seem to be dropping like flies. NPT staffers have taken the time to write up a quick list of some very public figures and leading businessmen who have had run-ins with the law in the last year.

Posted on March 9, 2007

March 8, 2007
According to a press release sent out by the local FBI, four El Paso businessmen were indicted today in a wire-fraud scheme. A Federal Grand Jury returned a 25-count indictment charging International Outsourcing Services (IOS) with carrying out a scheme to defraud manufacturers that use coupons to market their products to consumers. The defendants caused over $250 million in loss to manufacturers.

March 7, 2007
An incident that took place at the El Paso International Airport lead to the detention of former El Paso Mayor Joe Wardy. Wardy was passing through the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint when officials were alerted to a handgun in his carry-on bag. He was detained, and the El Paso Police Department was notified of the incident. The FBI and United States Attorney’s Office are now handling the investigation. Wardy currently serves as CEO of Ready One Industries.

November 11, 2006
Gary Larcenaire, COO of MHMR, is charged with assaulting a federal officer. This case is still pending in County Court.

September 7, 2006
Frank Apodaca, CEO of Access Healthsource Incorporated, had his offices and home raided by FBI agents. Local attorney Luther Jones had his home raided the same day. FBI agents removed documents and computer files from both locations.

August 17, 2006
Former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso office, Hardrick Crawford Jr. , was found guilty in Federal Court of misleading FBI investigators looking into his relationship with Juarez Racetrack owner Jose Guardia, who was suspected of having ties to drug traffickers. Crawford began serving a six-month prison sentence earlier this week.

March 4, 2006
According to Wikipedia, in late 2006 the Oregonian published articles alleging that Bob Jones embezzled millions of dollars from NCED. Under the management of the Jones Family Trust (JFT), NCED allegedly broke federal rules by claiming as disabled employees whose only disability ("disadvantage") was not being able to speak English (but being able to speak Spanish). NCED, a maker of chemical protective suits for soldiers, has since been reorganized as Ready One Industries.