[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 23, 2009)] [Notices] [Pages 48564-48566] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: E9-22963] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [DA 09-2030] Notice of Debarment; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Enforcement Bureau (the ``Bureau'') debars Mr. Steven Newton from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (or ``E-Rate Program'') for a period of three years based on his conviction of wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and collusion in connection with his participation in the program. The Bureau takes this action to protect the E-Rate Program from waste, fraud and abuse. DATES: Debarment commences on the date Mr. Steven Newton receives the debarment letter or September 23, 2009, whichever date comes first, for a period of three years. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebekah Bina, Federal Communications Commission, Enforcement Bureau, Investigations and Hearings Division, Room 4-C330, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. Rebekah Bina may be contacted by phone at (202) 418-7931 or e-mail at [email protected]. If Ms. Bina is unavailable, you may contact Michele Berlove, Acting Assistant Division Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, by telephone at (202) 418-1420 and by e-mail at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Bureau debarred Mr. Steven Newton from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism for a period of three years pursuant to 47 CFR 54.8 and 47 CFR 0.111. Attached is the debarment letter, DA 09-2030, which was mailed to Mr. Steven Newton and released on September 11, 2009. The complete text of the notice of debarment is available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portal II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. In addition, the complete text is available on the FCC's Web site at http://www.fcc.gov. The text may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating inspection and copying during regular business hours at the contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., Portal II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B420, Washington, DC 20554, telephone (202) 488-5300 or (800) 378-3160, facsimile (202) 488-5563, or via e-mail http://www.bcpiweb.com. Federal Communications Commission. Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau. September 11, 2009 DA 09-2030 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Steven Newton, 35402 Paseo Viento, Capastrano Beach, California 92624-1837. Re: Notice of Debarment, File No. EB-08-IH-1928 Dear Mr. Newton: Pursuant to section 54.8 of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (the ``Commission''), by this Notice of Debarment you are debarred from the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (or ``E-Rate program'') for a period of three years.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 47 C.F.R. 54.8(g) (2008). See also 47 C.F.R. Sec. 0.111(a)(14). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- On July 14, 2009, the Enforcement Bureau (the ``Bureau'') sent you a Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings (the ``Notice of Suspension'').\2\ That Notice of Suspension was published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2009.\3\ The Notice of Suspension suspended you from participating in activities associated with or relating to the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism and described the basis for initiation of debarment proceedings against you, the applicable debarment procedures, and the effect of debarment.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Letter from Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, to Mr. Steven Newton, Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings, 24 FCC Rcd 9098 (Inv. & Hearings Div., Enf. Bur. 2009) (Attachment 1)(``Notice of Suspension''). \3\ 74 Fed. Reg. 36221 (July 22, 2009). \4\ See Notice of Suspension, 24 FCC Rcd at 9099-101. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to the Commission's rules, any opposition to your suspension or its scope or to your proposed debarment or its scope had to be filed with the Commission no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the earlier date of your receipt of the Notice of Suspension or publication of the Notice of Suspension in [[Page 48565]] the Federal Register.\5\ The Commission did not receive any such opposition. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ See 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8 (e)(3),(4). That date occurred no later than Aug. 21, 2009. See supra note 3. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As discussed in the Notice of Suspension, you pleaded guilty and were sentenced to six months in prison following your conviction for federal crimes in connection with your participation in two schemes to defraud the E-Rate program.\6\ As former President at Premio Computers, Inc., and principal manager of SEMA4, Inc. and Digital Connect Communications, Inc. you participated in schemes to defraud the E-Rate program for your personal financial gain by controlling the bidding, application, and implementation and invoicing process, and by submitting materially false information to USAC regarding the cost and eligibility of equipment.\7\ Such conduct constitutes the basis for your debarment, and your conviction falls within the categories of causes for debarment under section 54.8(c) of the Commission's rules.\8\ For the foregoing reasons, you are hereby debarred for a period of three years from the debarment date, i.e., the earlier date of your receipt of this Notice of Debarment or its publication date in the Federal Register.\9\ Debarment excludes you, for the debarment period, from activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism, including the receipt of funds or discounted services through the schools and libraries support mechanism, or consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding the schools and libraries support mechanism.\10\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ See Notice of Suspension, 24 FCC Rcd at 9099. See also United States v. Steven Newton, Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208- CRB-10, Plea Agreement (N.D. Cal. filed and entered Apr. 20, 2007); United States v. Steven Newton, Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208- CRB-10, Judgment (N.D. Cal. filed and entered Mar. 31, 2009). \7\ See Notice of Suspension, 24 FCC Rcd at 9099. See also United States v. Video Network Communications, Inc. et al., Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208-CRB, Superseding Indictment (N.D. Cal. filed Dec. 8, 2005 and entered Dec. 12, 2005), http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f213600/213626.htm (accessed May 1, 2008). \8\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(c). See also Sec. 54.8(a)(4),(b)-(e). \9\ See 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(5),(g). See also Notice of Suspension, 24 FCC Rcd at 9101. \10\ See 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(a)(1),(a)(5),(d),(g); Notice of Suspension, 24 FCC Rcd at 9101. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sincerely, Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau. cc: Michael Wood, Antitrust Division, United States Department of Justice (via e-mail) Kristy Carroll, Esq., Universal Service Administrative Company (via e-mail) Attachment 1 July 14, 2009 DA 09-1529 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED AND FACSIMILE (415-522-1506) AND EMAIL ([email protected]) Mr. Steven Newton, c/o Law Office of Garrick S. Lew, Attn: Garrick Sherman Lew, 600 Townsend Street, Suite 329E, San Francisco, California 94102. Re: Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings, File No. EB-08-IH-1928 Dear Mr. Newton: The Federal Communications Commission (``FCC'' or ``Commission'') has received notice of your conviction of Wire Fraud, Aiding and Abetting, and Collusion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 2 and 1343, and 15 U.S.C. Sec. 1, in connection with your participation in the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (``E-Rate program'').\11\ Consequently, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8, this letter constitutes official notice of your suspension from the E-Rate program. In addition, the Enforcement Bureau (``Bureau'') hereby notifies you that we are commencing debarment proceedings against you.\12\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ Any further reference in this letter to ``your conviction'' refers to your guilty plea and subsequent two count conviction on wire fraud, collusion, and aiding and abetting. See United States v. Steven Newton, Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208-CRB-10, Plea Agreement (N.D. Cal. filed and entered Apr. 20, 2007) (``Newton Plea''). See also United States v. Steven Newton, Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208-CRB-10, Judgment (N.D. Cal. filed and entered Mar. 31, 2009) (Convicted on Counts 11 and 22)(``Newton Judgment''). See also generally United States v. Video Network Communications, Inc. et al., Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208-CRB, Superseding Indictment (N.D. Cal. filed Dec. 8, 2005 and entered Dec. 12, 2005), http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f213600/213626.htm (accessed May 1, 2008) (``VNCI Superseding Indictment''). \12\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8 (2008). See also 47 C.F.R. Sec. 0.111 (delegating to the Enforcement Bureau authority to resolve universal service suspension and debarment proceedings). The Commission adopted debarment rules for the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism in 2003. See Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism, Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 18 FCC Rcd 9202 (2003) (``Second Report and Order'') (adopting section 54.521 of the Commission's rules to suspend and debar parties from the E-Rate program). In 2007, the Commission extended the debarment rules to apply to all of the Federal universal service support mechanisms. Comprehensive Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration, and Oversight; Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism; Lifeline and Link Up; Changes to the Board of Directors for the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc., Report and Order, 22 FCC Rcd 16372, 16410-12 (2007) (Program Management Order) (renumbering section 54.521 of the universal service debarment rules as section 54.8 and amending subsections (a)(1), (5), (c), (d), (e)(2)(i), (3), (e)(4), and (g)). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Notice of Suspension The Commission has established procedures to prevent persons who have ``defrauded the government or engaged in similar acts through activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism'' from receiving the benefits associated with that program.\13\ You pleaded guilty and were sentenced to six months in prison in connection with your participation in two schemes to defraud the E-Rate program.\14\ Specifically, you admitted that as former Vice President at Premio Computers, Inc.\15\ and principal manager of SEMA4, Inc.\16\ and Digital Connect Communications, Inc.\17\ you participated in schemes to defraud the E-Rate program of money and property through materially false and fraudulent pretenses for your own enrichment.\18\ You did this, with the help of other co-conspirators or defendants, by controlling the bidding, application, and implementation and invoicing process of the E-Rate program.\19\ You submitted materially false information to USAC regarding the cost and eligibility of equipment services and intentionally misrepresented the school district's ability and willingness to pay their portion of the E-Rate projects.\20\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9225, ] 66; Program Management Order, 22 FCC Rcd at 16387, ] 32. The Commission's debarment rules define a ``person'' as ``[a]ny individual, group of individuals, corporation, partnership, association, unit of government or legal entity, however organized.'' 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(a)(6). \14\ Newton Judgment at 1-2. See also VNCI Superseding Indictment at ]] 4-6, 8-11, 15, 19, 22-24, 72-78, 133-137, 145-151. \15\ Premio Computers, Inc. manufactures computers, software and peripheral equipment, and sells them to wholesale, commercial, and government entities. See In the Matter of Premio, Inc., Notice of Debarment, 22 FCC Rcd 1019, 1021 (Jan. 22, 2007). Premio Computers, Inc. was debarred from the E-Rate program for its involvement in E- Rate related fraud. See generally id. \16\ SEMA4 is a California company that provided equipment and services for a project funded by the E-Rate program. See VNCI Superseding Indictment at ]] 74-75. The charges against SEMA4 were dismissed. See United States v. SEMA4, Inc., Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208-CRB-3 (N.D. Cal. terminated June 12, 2007). \17\ Digital Connect Communications, Inc. was a California company that provided telecommunication and Internet access equipment and services to schools participating in the E-Rate program. See VNCI Superseding Indictment at ]] 134-135. The charges against this company were dismissed. See United States v. Digital Connect Communications, Inc., Criminal Docket No. 3:05-CR-00208-CRB- 4 (N.D. Cal. terminated June 12, 2007). \18\ See VNCI Superseding Indictment at ]] 4-6, 8-11, 15-16, 19, 22-24, 72-78, 133-137, 145-151. \19\ Id. \20\ These misrepresentations included inflating the costs of eligible telecommunications equipment and services in applications to cover the cost of ineligible equipment and services. See VNCI Superseding Indictment at ]] 8-11, 22-24, 78, 145-151. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to section 54.8 of the Commission's rules, your conviction on criminal offenses arising out of activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism requires the Bureau to suspend you from continuing to participate in any activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism.\21\ Activities arising out of or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism include the receipt of funds or discounted services through the schools and libraries support mechanism, or consulting with, assisting, or advising applicants or service providers regarding the schools and libraries support mechanism.\22\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \21\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(b)-(e); see also Sec. 54.8(a)(4). \22\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(a)(1); see also Sec. 54.8(a)(3). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your suspension becomes effective upon the earlier of your receipt of this letter or publication of notice in the Federal Register, [[Page 48566]] pending the Bureau's final debarment determination.\23\ In accordance with the Commission's debarment rules, you may contest this suspension or the scope of this suspension by filing arguments in opposition to the suspension, with any relevant documentation.\24\ Your request must be received within 30 days after you receive this letter or after notice is published in the Federal Register, whichever comes first.\25\ Such requests, however, will not ordinarily be granted.\26\ The Bureau may reverse or limit the scope of suspension only upon a finding of extraordinary circumstances.\27\ The Bureau will decide any request for reversal or modification of suspension within 90 days of its receipt of such request.\28\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(a)(7), (e)(1); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ] 69. \24\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(4). \25\ Id. \26\ Id. \27\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(f); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ] 70. \28\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(5), (f); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ] 70; --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Initiation of Debarment Proceedings Your guilty plea and conviction of criminal conduct in connection with the E-Rate program, in addition to serving as a basis for immediate suspension from the program, also serves as a basis for the initiation of debarment proceedings against you. Your conviction falls within the categories of causes for suspension and debarment defined in section 54.8(c) of the Commission's rules.\29\ Therefore, pursuant to section 54.8 of the Commission's rules, your conviction requires the Bureau to commence debarment proceedings against you.\30\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \29\ ``Causes for suspension and debarment are the conviction of or civil judgment for attempt or commission of criminal fraud, theft, embezzlement, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, receiving stolen property, making false claims, obstruction of justice and other fraud or criminal offense arising out of activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism, the high- cost support mechanism, the rural healthcare support mechanism, and the low-income support mechanism.'' 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(c). You were convicted on various fraud charges. See supra note 4. \30\ See 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(b), (c). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As with your suspension, you may contest debarment or the scope of the proposed debarment by filing arguments and any relevant documentation within 30 calendar days of the earlier of the receipt of this letter or of publication in the Federal Register.\31\ Absent extraordinary circumstances, the Bureau will debar you.\32\ The Bureau will decide any request for reversal or limitation of debarment within 90 days of receipt of such request.\33\ If the Bureau decides to debar you, its decision will become effective upon the earlier of your receipt of a debarment notice or publication of the decision in the Federal Register.\34\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \31\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(3), (5); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ] 70. \32\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(5); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9227, ] 74. \33\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(5), (f); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9226, ] 70. \34\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(e)(5). The Commission may reverse a debarment, or may limit the scope or period of debarment upon a finding of extraordinary circumstances, following the filing of a petition by you or an interested party or upon motion by the Commission. 47 C.F.R. 54.8(f). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If and when your debarment becomes effective, you will be prohibited from participating in activities associated with or related to the schools and libraries support mechanism for three years from the date of debarment.\35\ The Bureau may, if necessary to protect the public interest, extend the debarment period.\36\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \35\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(a)(1), (d), (g); see also Second Report and Order, 18 FCC Rcd at 9225, ] 67. \36\ 47 C.F.R. Sec. 54.8(g). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please direct any response, if by messenger or hand delivery, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 236 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20002, to the attention of Rebekah L. Bina, Attorney Advisor, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Room 4-C330, with a copy to Michele Levy Berlove, Acting Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Room 4-C330, Federal Communications Commission. If sent by commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail), the response should be sent to the Federal Communications Commission, 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743. If sent by first-class, Express, or Priority mail, the response should be sent to Rebekah L. Bina, Attorney Advisor, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Room 4-C327, Washington, DC, 20554, with a copy to Michele Berlove, Acting Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, Enforcement Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Room 4-C330, Washington, DC, 20554. You shall also transmit a copy of the response via e-mail to [email protected] and to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bina via mail, by telephone at (202) 418-7931 or by e-mail at [email protected]. If Ms. Bina is unavailable, you may contact Ms. Michele Levy Berlove, Acting Assistant Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division, by telephone at (202) 418-1477 and by e-mail at [email protected]. Sincerely yours, Hillary S. DeNigro, Chief, Investigations and Hearings Division Enforcement Bureau. cc: Kristy Carroll, Esq., Universal Service Administrative Company (via e-mail) [FR Doc. E9-22963 Filed 9-22-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P