Students and teachers from Mission CISD rock the blue while celebrating and promoting kindness, inclusion, and diversity. Courtesy Image
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McALLEN, Texas – Village in the Valley (ViVa), a nonprofit organization focused on elevating and uniting the Black community while connecting other cultures in the RGV – launched Blue Ribbon Week with Mission CISD. Blue Ribbon Week celebrates cultural diversity to promote cultural awareness and inclusiveness in the schools.
Importantly, with school faculties short on time and resources but welcoming much-needed support to address productive ways to counter stereotypes and prejudices. Blue Ribbon Week combined with Kindness week, Black History Month, and elements of the Illumination Project was shared with 14,000 students.
ViVa has held town hall meetings with school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to deliver a customized Blue Ribbon Week message for K-12 students at Mission CISD.
“The Rio Grande Valley is becoming more culturally diverse. We believe our youth need to be better prepared for this new environment. It is important that students are equipped with skills that they can carry throughout their lives to work with the ever-changing population,” said Marsha Terry, Co-President of ViVa.
“We are confident that schools offering this powerful program to their students will eliminate much of the routine suffering resulting from prejudices and with stereotypes problems”, said Terry.
About Village in the Valley
ViVa’s mission is elevating and uniting the Black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. ViVa is a membership-based organization open to everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. You are a perfect member for ViVa if you want to learn about the different cultures in the Rio Grande Valley, promote appreciation of cultural differences and similarities, are open to trying new things, and want to build respect and empathy for your community.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women’s basketball team fell 89-86 to the Utah Tech Trailblazers on Saturday at Burns Arena in a game that featured seven ties and five lead changes.
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ST. GEORGE, Utah – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women’s basketball team fell 89-86 to the Utah Tech Trailblazers on Saturday at Burns Arena in a game that featured seven ties and five lead changes.
UTRGV (9-16, 3-11 WAC) had five players score in double figures with sophomore Iyana Dorsey leading the way with 26 points, on 7-of-17 shooting. Junior Mele Kailahi scored 14 points with three rebounds and two steals. Freshman Charlotte O’Keefe scored 14 points with eight rebounds and two assists. Junior Tiffany McGarity added 13 points with four rebounds.
Utah Tech (16-9, 8-6 WAC) was led by Breaunna Gillen, who scored 24 points with six assists and seven rebounds. Emily Isaacson scored 22 points with five rebounds. Amber Kartchner scored 15 points with five rebounds and five assists and Maggie McCord chipped in with 15 points.
The Vaqueros came out of the gates and scored the first six points of the game as O’Keefe knocked down a jumper, Ogayemi made a layup, Kailahimade a pair of free throws to give them the 6-0 lead. The Trailblazers answered with a 12-2 run before a three-pointer from junior Arianna Sturdivant made it 12-11 with 2:37 left in the first quarter.
After Utah Tech took the 18-15 lead into the second quarter, Kailahi opened the scoring with a three-pointer to tie it at 18-18. Kailahi’s three-pointer kicked off a UTRGV 13-2 run that was capped by a three-pointer by McGarity making it 28-20 in favor of the Vaqueros. After a 13-3 run by the Trailblazers, O’Keefe knocked down a jumper to tie the game at 33-33.
Late in the second quarter, the Vaqueros and Trailblazers exchanged three-point plays as junior Jena’ Williams knocked down a pair of free throws to close out the scoring in the first half as Utah Tech took the 39-38 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, the Vaqueros took the lead with a 19-3 run that featured four three-pointers from Dorsey as they took the 57-42 lead. Utah Tech answered with a 9-2 run but UTRGV held off that run with a run of their own as buckets from Kyle, O’Keefe, and a pair of free throws from Ogayemi made it 65-41 with 2:37 left in the third quarter.
The Trailblazers cut the Vaqueros lead to 68-64 by the end of the third. Both teams exchanged buckets to start the fourth but after a pair of free throws by Dorsey, but the Trailblazers put together a 7-0 run to regain the 77-74 lead with just over four minutes to play.
Dorsey converted on a three-point play to tie the game at 77-77. A few minutes later, Dorsey knocked down a pair of free throws to tie the game at 82-82 but Utah Tech put together another 7-0 run to regain the lead for good.
The Vaqueros will be back in action on Thursday, February 22, when they host Tarleton at 6:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Tickets are on sale now at UTRGVTickets.com. Current UTRGV students receive free general admission with their student ID. All fans need to follow the clear bag policy, details of which can be found at GoUTRGV.com/ClearBag. The party starts in Vaquero Village at 5:30 p.m.
Fans unable to attend in person can watch domestically on ESPN+ or internationally via WAC International.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros baseball team completed the three-game sweep of the Houston Christian University Huskies by winning 10-4 on Sunday at UTRGV Baseball Stadium in front of a crowd of 1,061. UTRGV Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros baseball team completed the three-game sweep of the Houston Christian University Huskies by winning 10-4 on Sunday at UTRGV Baseball Stadium in front of a crowd of 1,061.
Graduate student Montclair Cain led the Vaqueros (3-0) by going 3-for-4 with a career-high tying two doubles, a walk and three RBI. Graduate student Vela alum RJ Ochoawent 2-for-3 with a walk, three RBI and one run scored. Senior Zerek Saenz went 2-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and three runs scored. Sophomore Vela alum Isaac Lopezfinished 2-for-5 with a run scored.
Saenz set the table immediately, starting the game with a six-pitch walk and scoring on a two-out single by senior Roberto Gonzalez.
In the third, Saenz followed a single by junior Kade York with a single of his own. One out and one error later, Cain drove them in with a two-run single to make the score 3-0.
Senior Colten Davis held the Huskies (0-3) off the board over the first three innings, as after walking the first two batters, Davis set down 10-straight. With one out in the fourth, however, the Huskies put runners at second and third with one out. Dylan LaRue came up with an RBI-single. One out later, Luke Bard tied the game with a two-run single.
The Huskies took a 4-3 lead in the fifth against graduate student Kris Massey on an RBI-double by Parker Edwards. Senior Alex Verdugo (1-0) entered the game and escaped a second and third, one-out jam with a ground out and a strikeout. Verdugo went 2.2 innings, striking out three while allowing one hit for first-career win.
The Vaqueros took the lead right back in the bottom of the inning against Baylor Baumann (0-1). Ochoa started the inning with a walk. Then, after a sacrifice bunt, Saenz singled to put runners on the corners. A double-steal tied the game. One out later, Cain hit an RBI-double to make the score 5-4.
Ochoa added an RBI-single in the sixth to extend the Vaqueros’ lead to 6-4.
In the seventh, the Vaqueros loaded the bases with one out. Juniors Jacob Sanchez and Adrian Torres were plunked to force-in runs. One out later, Ochoa hit a two-run single to put the Vaqueros up 10-4.
Freshman Ruben Gonzalez made his collegiate debut in the eighth, striking out one in a hitless eighth.
Sophomore Bobby Loya struck out one in a hitless ninth to close out the game.
UTRGV opens a five-game series against Central Michigan on $2 Tuesday,2-21-23 at 6:30 p.m. at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. General admission tickets are $2 and select concession items will be available for $2 or less. Tickets are on sale now at UTRGVTickets.com. Current UTRGV students receive free general admission with their student ID. All fans need to follow the clear bag policy, details of which can be found at GoUTRGV.com/ClearBag. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Fans unable to attend in person can watch domestically on ESPN+ or internationally via WAC International.
This location allows them to serve the entire Rio Grande Valley better and will help the company increase sales while providing faster service to the region. Kapalua Marine Fuels and Lubricants ranks number one in the fuels and lubricants category. They are in Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, San Antonio, and now in Harlingen.
During the ribbon cutting and reception, the city of Harlingen welcomed them with open arms. Harlingen mayor Norma Sepulveda said, “We are a community embracing you because you are family. We have a team that can ensure that your needs are met.”
Ford Smith, Jr., President of Texas Enterprises Inc., said that based on the turnout, he knew he had ‘made the right decision’.
Gabriel Gonzalez, Harlingen’s City Manager said, “We’ve made a few changes to our development policies to make it easier for companies and developers to come in and develop in Harlingen; not just industries such as Kapalua, but also for residential subdivisions.”
Frank Morales, Harlingen City Commissioner said, “I love it. I see the growth, the potential is there, which we all know that and within the due course will have more growth, more development across the board.” In this issue, learn more about Ford Smith, Jr. and Kapalua Marine Fuels and Lubricants.
On another note, last month, the Brownsville City Commission named Helen Ramirez, AICP, as the new City Manager. Ramirez was selected from more than 30 candidates that applied for the position and was one of two finalists. The City Commission made the decision to extend an offer of employment during Executive Session of a Special City Commission meeting in January. She assumed the role of City Manager effective immediately. Read the complete story inside.
More good news,the Mission Economic Development Corporation welcomed several new community leaders to its board of directors. The seven-member board will consist of four new members plus Board President Richard Hernandez, Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, and Jose Vargas, who was previously on the board. The new board members include Deborah Cordova, Carl Davis, Estella Saenz, and Noel Salinas. The Mission EDC board will also serve as members on the Mission Education Development Council and the Mission Economic Development Authority. Read all the details inside.
Cotton On is inspired by people with an eye for the latest trends. Logo Source: https://cottonongroup.com.au/, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons for illustration purposes
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McALLEN, Texas –La Plaza announces the addition of a new retail tenant, Cotton On. The Australian fashion and lifestyle brand will offer its signature laid-back Aussie lifestyle in addition to its Cotton On Body Collection which includes activewear, intimates, swimwear, and loungewear. La Plaza shoppers will be able to find Cotton On in their new 5,108 square foot location on the west side of Dillard’s this February.
Cotton On is inspired by people with an eye for the latest trends. The brand represents a style that is effortless, lived-in, and accessible to all From day one, Cotton on has always been about the people and the community and doing good along the way.
Texas National Guard soldiers rehearsed a tactical movement exercise to respond to a growing migrant camp development across the border from Brownsville in Mexico. The quick response force team enables the fastest response to a mass migration event—within 30 minutes—to repel illegal immigrants and other criminal activity. Photo: Texas Military Department
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry.
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 350,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 24,000 criminal arrests, with more than 22,000 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 362 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.
Texas has also bused more than 9,100 migrants to our nation’s capital since April, over 5,200 migrants to New York City since August 5, more than 1,500 migrants to Chicago since August 31, and more than 890 migrants to Philadelphia since November 15.
Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Biden’s open border policies.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez spoke with Fox News about the increasing use of drone surveillance by smuggling organizations operating on the Mexico side of the border. DPS also continues to witness an increase in out-of-state smugglers and juveniles being lured by cartels to travel to the Texas-Mexico border and profit off President Biden’s open borders by smuggling illegal immigrants into the country.
“The smuggling organizations in Mexico use drones to their advantage to do counter-surveillance on law enforcement to bring across people or drugs,” said Lt. Olivarez. “What we’re also seeing that we have never seen before is driver smugglers having weapons on them. That creates a dangerous situation for law enforcement, because they don’t know who they’re going to encounter.”
Texas National Guard soldiers turned back roughly 600 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border during a mass migration event near El Paso last week. Soldiers assisted DPS and other law enforcement partners in deterring and turning back the illegal immigrants and set up a perimeter to take control of the situation.
A 15-year-old smuggler led DPS troopers on a high-speed pursuit on US-83 in Hidalgo County. The driver, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, went through a dirt road before bailing out with seven illegal immigrants.
The driver was apprehended and charged with smuggling of persons and evading arrest. The seven illegal immigrants were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.
DPS troopers were led on a high-speed pursuit in Val Verde County by a human smuggler from Florida. The driver eventually bailed out and ran toward the brush. Four illegal immigrants were found inside the vehicle. The driver was found, arrested, and charged with human smuggling and evading arrest.
Texas National Guard Rehearse Tactical Movement Exercise For Mass Migration
Texas National Guard soldiers rehearsed a tactical movement exercise to respond to a growing migrant camp development across the border from Brownsville in Mexico. The quick response force team enables the fastest response to a mass migration event—within 30 minutes—to repel illegal immigrants and other criminal activity.
“The overall effects of the operation are teambuilding, familiarization of terrain, and the course of actions in the event that a mass migration occurs,” said Senior Master Sgt. Rosario Muñoz, Task Force South Operations Superintendent. “Our presence here demonstrates a show of force. We explain to migrants who try to cross here, they need to go back.”
Texas Southmost College selected a familiar name to lead the men’s and women’s National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) soccer programs when they made it official that Mario Zamora will serve as head coach. Courtesy Image
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Texas Southmost College selected a familiar name to lead the men’s and women’s National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) soccer programs when they made it official that Mario Zamora will serve as head coach.
Zamora will leave his role as Brownville Pace boys soccer coach to lead the men and women’s NJCAA program starting at Texas Southmost College.
Zamora served as the coach during the team’s time as a club program. As a college student, he played on the Brownsville at UTB/TSC Soccer team.
“I’m very excited and honored to be the head coach for the women’s and men’s soccer program at TSC,” Zamora said. “I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, TSC President Dr. Rodriguez and TSC athletic director Dr. Ponce for giving me the opportunity to become the first coach for TSC. I’m really excited and ready to roll and showcase our talent.”
Executive Director of Athletics and Civility Dr. Armando Ponce spoke about Zamora and how he will be able to hit the ground running at Texas Southmost College’s newly revived athletic program.
“Zamora’s familiarity with TSC and the club team and with the culture is a big benefit,” Ponce said. “He’s able to connect with local players. Graduating from Hanna, being an alum and playing on the team gives him an advantage as far as being competitive and wanting to win at this program. He really understands the type of players that we have.”
Zamora was at the helm during the Scorpions’ last few seasons, including trips to the regional and national tournaments.
Zamora has also shown initiative in his quest for knowledge on and off the pitch. He obtained a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in Health and Human Performance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. In soccer, he holds License A-D from Federacion Mexicana de Futbol and his E & F Youth License from US Soccer.
“From an educational standpoint, he’s already been a teacher in the past, so you know he understands the importance of education,” said Dr. Ponce.
Zamora’s first order of business? Hosting open tryouts on Feb. 16th, his first official day of work. Rosters will be set by the start of play in August. Player announcements will be coming soon.
“I’m ready for this program to be a powerhouse at the collegiate level,” Zamora said. “I know we have the talent, I’m just excited for our first home game in August to see the whole community come out.”
For more information about the athletic program, including about recruitment onto the soccer team reach out to Dr. Ponce at 956.295.3570 or via e-mail at armando.ponce@tsc.edu
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) baseball team learned on Thursday that junior left fielder Brandon Pimentel is part of the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award (BBNCSA) Watch List. UTRGV Photo
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EDINBURG, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) baseball team learned on Thursday that junior left fielder Brandon Pimentel is part of the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award (BBNCSA) Watch List.
The BBNCSA, created by the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation in 2017, was open to nominations from all NCAA Division I baseball programs in the country. The award is based on performance at the plate, academics, and personal integrity.
This year’s watch list consists of 51 players representing 19 conferences. The list includes 11 seniors, 35 juniors and five sophomores. Pimentel is one of 11 players to be named to both the 2022 and 2023 watch lists. Pimentel is also the only player in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) on the list.
This is the second-straight year in which Pimentel has been nominated for the BBNCSA. He’s the fifth Vaquero to earn the recognition following Coleman Grubbs (2019), Ivan Estrella and Austin Siener (2018), and Jose Garcia (2017)
A 2023 Preseason All-WAC, 2022 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings NCAA Division I All-Central Region Second Team and 2022 All-WAC Second Team selection, Pimentel hit .377/.427/.619 with 12 home runs, tied for the fifth-highest single-season total in program history, 17 doubles, tied for the eighth-highest single-season total in program history, two triples, 146 total bases, the second-highest single-season total in program history, 47 RBI and 54 runs scored. He also ranked third in program history with 89 hits. Pimentel recorded 27 multi-hit games, including four of three hits, three of four hits, and one of five hits, and nine multi-RBI games, including four of at least three RBI.
“We are entering the third year as a National College Baseball Award and this is certainly the deepest watch list so far, with a record number of nominations,” said Tracy Taylor, Executive Director of the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation and the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award. “We truly appreciate the partnership we have with the Division I college baseball programs and the diligence with which they approach the criteria of the nominations.”
The winner of the BBNCSA will be announced in June and honored at a gala in the fall at the Fort Worth Club. Texas Tech’s Hunter Hargrove won the initial BBNCSA in 2017. Dallas Baptist’s Devlin Granberg took home the honor in 2018 with Texas Tech’s Josh Jung winning the award in 2019. Connor Norby from East Carolina University won the BBNCSA in 2021. Last year’s winner was Ivan Melendez from the University of Texas.
Fans can follow news about the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award presented by SR Bats and its Player of the Week honorees during the season at BraganSlugger.com.
UTRGV opens the season on Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Houston Christian. The full season schedule can be found at GoUTRGV.com.
Season and single-game tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at UTRGVTickets.com or by contacting the UTRGV Ticket Sales and Operations team of Eddie Galvan (956-222-2935) and Ryela Rodriguez (956-329-0884) over the phone or through email at tickets@utrgv.edu.
2023 Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award Watch List
Heidi Shyu, the U.S. Department of Defense under secretary for research and engineering, on Feb. 16 launched the 2023 National Manufacturing Expo being hosted on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus. (UTRGV Photo by Jesus Alferez)
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By Maria Gonzalez
EDINBURG, Texas –Heidi Shyu, the U.S. Department of Defense under secretary for research and engineering, on Feb. 16 launched the 2023 National Manufacturing Expo being hosted on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus.
Shyu serves as chief technology officer for the DoD and is mandated with ensuring the technological superiority of the U.S. military. She also is responsible for research, development and prototyping activities across the DoD enterprise.
As part of her visit, the under secretary met with UTRGV leaders, community partners and representatives from a range of manufacturing organizations to discuss key topics that included UTRGV’s research and development (R&D) portfolio, engineering programs, student success and workforce, and economic development.
“There is so much talent in this region,” Shyu said. “It is incredibly important not just for the DoD, but for commercial companies, to put satellites facilities here to grow our STEM pipeline.”
Shyu then addressed an auditorium packed with members of the university community, as well as high school students from some 20 school districts, including Mission, Edinburg, Laredo, Progreso and Rio Hondo, to name a few.
Creating internship opportunities for students in the Rio Grande Valley is a priority, she said, in preparing future manufacturing engineering and STEM leaders “to increase the breadth of their knowledge and learn how to apply that knowledge” in their professional careers.
“We have to figure out more opportunities for students to have an internship opportunity; that is a key thing I am taking from my visit,” she said. “I do need to go back and see what we can modify from our internship program, to expand the opportunities for students in this region.”
A charismatic speaker, Shyu shared some of the challenges she herself faced and the lessons learned that allowed her to advance in her career.
After receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics, Shyu applied for work as a defense contractor. During the interview, a man looked over her resume and asked what made her think she was qualified to be an engineer without the relevant educational background.
“I was shocked at that question,” she said. “I leaned into him and told him, ‘You know, I took a complex analysis course in my junior year, in which everyone else was an engineer? I was the only female in the class. And I came in No. 1 — by far.’”
She got a job offer from the company just a few weeks later.
Her visit to UTRGV concluded with a tour around the Engineering High Bay Laboratory, Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Cyber Systems (CAMICS), and Ballroom, where Shyu heard about UTRGV student internship projects.
UTRGV President Dr. Guy Bailey and Heidi Shyu, the U.S. Department of Defense under secretary for research and engineering. (UTRGV Photo by Jesus Alferez)
UTRGV’s National Manufacturing Expo continues Friday, Feb. 17, with Texas manufacturers and regional partners sharing information sessions at a career and internship fair geared toward college students.
Dr. Can (“John”) Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College, said UTRGV’s R&D portfolio is strongly aligned with federal priorities, and through partnerships with local economic development leaders, the university will be able to expand its federal awards portfolio.
“What an eye-opening event,” Saygin said of the first day of the expo. This event has connected so many people from diverse backgrounds under the umbrella of STEM education, student success and workforce development with local economic impact. For UTRGV, this is just the beginning. More innovative ideas and R&D initiatives are underway to make an even bigger impact.”
The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced a civil enforcement action against several corporate and individual defendants for alleged violations of the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) in connection with telemarketing campaigns that have illegally bombarded American consumers with millions of robocalls. Image for illustration purposes
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The Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced a civil enforcement action against several corporate and individual defendants for alleged violations of the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) in connection with telemarketing campaigns that have illegally bombarded American consumers with millions of robocalls.
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, defendant telecommunications service companies Stratics Networks, Inc. and Netlatitude Inc., along with defendant Kurt Hannigan, Netlatitude’s president, violated the TSR by providing substantial assistance and support in the form of technological services to telemarketers that unlawfully called consumers with robocalls delivering prerecorded marketing messages, called numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry, and failed to truthfully identify the seller of the goods and services being marketed. These alleged robocalls include numerous “ringless voicemails” delivered to consumers without making their phones ring.
The complaint also brings claims against several additional defendants that allegedly used Stratics Networks, Inc.’s ringless voicemail platform to illegally telemarket credit-card debt relief services. According to the complaint, defendants Tek Ventures, LLC (also doing business as Provident Solutions), Atlas Marketing Partners, Inc., Atlas Investment Ventures, LLC, Eric Petersen and Todd DiRoberto (who are co-owners of those three companies), Kasm, and Kenan Azzeh (owner and director of Kasm) violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting the terms and outcomes of their debt relief services. These defendants also violated the TSR by making those misrepresentations, by failing to clearly and truthfully identify the seller of their services, and by calling consumers with prerecorded messages without first obtaining their consent. The complaint also alleges that defendants Tek Ventures, LLC, Atlas Marketing Partners, Inc., Atlas Investment Ventures, LLC, Eric Petersen, Todd DiRoberto, and two additional defendants – Ace Business Solutions LLC and its owner and director Sandra Barnes – violated the TSR by requesting and receiving payments from their debt relief customers before renegotiating or otherwise altering the terms of those customers’ debts.
The complaint seeks a permanent injunction to prohibit the defendants from future violations, as well as monetary civil penalties and relief to redress injury caused to consumers.
Two defendants in this action, Kasm and its owner and director Kenan Azzeh, have agreed to entry of a court order that resolves the claims against them. The stipulated order, if entered by the court, would prohibit these defendants from further violations and impose a monetary judgment of $3,380,000, suspended to $7,500 due to their limited ability to pay.
“The Department of Justice is committed to stopping individuals and companies from making illegal robocalls and peddling predatory debt relief services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the FTC to enforce the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule against those who use misleading sales tactics to prey on consumers.”
“This case targets the ecosystem of companies who perpetrate illegal telemarketing to cheat American consumers who are struggling financially,” said Director Samuel Levine of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will continue to take aggressive action to protect consumers from the scourge of illegal robocalls.”
Senior Trial Attorney Daniel K. Crane-Hirsch and Trial Attorneys Matthew A. Robinson and Zachary A. Dietert of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, in conjunction with staff at the FTC’s Division of Marketing Practices, are prosecuting the case.
