BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced a Shelby County woman to a probationary sentence of 2 years for accepting a bribe to deliver marijuana in the U.S. Mail as part of a conspiracy to distribute the drug, federal officials announced.

U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced DEANN MARCHETT DIXON STEVENSON, 43, of Birmingham, AL, to a 2-year probationary sentence today.

Stevenson was a mail carrier at the Meadowbrook Post Office in Birmingham, Alabama. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana in Jefferson and Shelby counties between January 2016 and September 2016. Court documents do not name her co-conspirators, but the investigation involved the receipt of U.S. currency in exchange for delivering packages to other co-conspirators. Stevenson was also sentenced in a separate count for her conduct of accepting a bribe to deliver U.S. mail.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Office of Inspector General investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Felton is prosecuting.

AG Steve Marshall

MONTGOMERY – Attorney General Steve Marshall has been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to co-chair the newly-created Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council. The Council, which was established by Executive Order on August 8, will examine the state’s opioid crisis and identify ways to reduce its harmful impact on Alabamians.

“I am honored to have been selected by Governor Ivey to help lead this new council studying the ongoing opioid crisis gripping our state,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Opioid abuse, in the form of prescription opioids and heroin, has reached epidemic levels across the country, and Alabama has more opioid prescriptions per capita than any other state. Opioid addiction, including the use of deadly drugs like fentanyl, is killing Alabamians, destroying families and placing others, including law enforcement, at risk. This crisis can no longer be ignored.

“I am committed to working with fellow members of the Council to develop a comprehensive strategy to save lives by reducing and combating opioid addiction and promoting safer methods of pain management. Our work will not be easy, but it must be undertaken with urgency. I look forward to joining in this effort to remove the destructive scourge of opioid addiction from our state.”

Pertussis

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Immunization Division is warning citizens that pertussis cases are significantly higher in Alabama and continue to be on the rise. Immunization data reveals an increase from 113 reported cases in 2016, to 151 reported cases thus far in 2017. Pertussis cases have occurred statewide in 2017, including multiple outbreaks in Calhoun and Chambers counties.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory notifiable disease in Alabama. Pertussis begins with symptoms such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and cough. After a week or two of the illness, pertussis progresses to violent coughing, making it difficult for those infected to breathe. After fits of many coughs, people with the illness often need to take deep breaths which result in a “whooping” sound.

“Alabama is not alone in the growth of pertussis cases. Nationwide we have seen an increase in pertussis cases, and while there are several factors that could contribute to this, one generally accepted reason from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is that although the

pertussis vaccine is effective, it tends to decrease in immunity over time,” said Dr. Karen Landers, Assistant State Health Officer. “That’s why it’s so important that we educate Alabamians on this disease and let them know how they can prevent and treat it.”

During an outbreak of pertussis, Immunization Division staff collect specimens for testing, assess vaccine status, contact persons via phone who have been in places where exposure has occurred, and provide information for entities to share with those who may have been exposed.

Those who are concerned that they may have been exposed to the disease, or feel that they are exhibiting symptoms, should consult their primary physician to be evaluated.

“Patients should be aware that this is a serious disease that can affect people of all ages. It can even be deadly for babies less than a year old. That’s why it’s especially important for parents and grandparents who are in close contact with infants to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations,” said Dr. Landers.

According to CDC, the best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Pregnant women should also be vaccinated with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) during each pregnancy as a way to protect infants.

For more information on signs and symptoms of pertussis, or vaccination information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization and the division’s Facebook page Alabama Immunization Info at facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo.

MONTGOMERY-(August 16, 2017) The Alabama Legislature passed SB173/HB215 during the last week of the General Session on May 17, 2017 and Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law which became effective on August 1, 2017.

State Senator Arthur Orr (R), 3^rd District and Representative Ken Johnson (R), 7^th District, sponsored bills in the House and Senate which passed the Legislature. The bill, entitled “The Alabama Monetary Transmission Act,” (Code of Alabama, 1975 8-7a-1, et seq) was drafted by the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) and replaces the former Sale of Checks Act which has been in effect since 1961.

The new law modernizes the former law which lacked administrative and enforcement authority, and did not adequately address modern technology. The Act governs non-banking entities that engage in the business of selling, issuing or otherwise dispensing checks or transfers of money on behalf of individuals who may regularly use these services. The law also covers debt management services that receive money from obligors for the purpose of paying the obligors’ bills or accounts. The new law exempts banks, bank holding companies, securities-clearing firms, payment system and settlement processors, broker-dealers, federal, state, county and municipal government entities, commodities boards of trade and registered futures commission merchants.

ASC Director, Joseph Borg said, “This Commission sincerely thanks Senator Orr and Representative Johnson for their sponsorships of this important legislation; and Governor Ivey for signing the bill into law.  This significant legislation will help streamline our regulatory and enforcement activities to meet the challenges presented by modern technology, such as the use of cybercurrency, online money transmissions and further assists law enforcement in preventing money laundering and activities involving the illegal international transfer of funds.”

Senator Orr said, “This new law is an important instrument to help assure that those companies engaged in the business of money transmission are held to the highest standards of compliance for meeting the needs of our citizens who depend on these type services.”

Representative Johnson said, “The Alabama Monetary Transmission Act represents an important evolution in the regulation of businesses that serve the needs of, and the protection of, many Alabama citizens.”

The Alabama Monetary Transmission Act codifies a broad definition of monetary transmissions to include “virtual” currency such as Bitcoin, and specifies records that licensees are required to maintain. The Act grants the ASC administrative authority to audit/review the records of any licensee, including individuals, officers, directors and other persons who may control the actions of the licensee. Additionally, licensees will be required to maintain a surety bond to cover potential compensation to any person damaged by any failure to comply with the law or by any breach of conditions. The law also codifies the ASC’s authority and powers to regulate money transmitters, including administrative and civil causes for action and establishes criminal penalties for violation of the Act.

To view filing requirements for money transmitters, pursuant to the Alabama Monetary Transmission Act, visit the ASC website, www.asc.alabama.gov.

MONTGOMERY – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday that his office has filed suit in Jefferson County Circuit Court against the City of Birmingham and Mayor William Bell for violating state law by constructing barriers to deliberately obscure a historically significant monument in Linn Park.

“In accordance with the law, my office has determined that by affixing tarps and placing plywood around the Linn Park Memorial such that it is hidden from view, the Defendants have ‘altered’ or ‘otherwise disturbed’ the memorial in violation of the letter and spirit of the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The City of Birmingham does not have the right to violate the law and leaves my office with no choice but to file suit.”

The Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed into law in 2017, prohibits the relocation, removal, alteration, renaming, or other disturbance of any architecturally significant building, memorial building, memorial street, or monument located on public property which has been in place for 40 or more years. The Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Linn Park, which was dedicated in 1905, is older than the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.

Burress

TUSCUMBIA – A man hunt is underway in northwest Alabama. Tuscumbia police are looking for the man they have identified as opening fire at a busy convenience store over the weekend.

Tuscumbia police say the shooting Saturday night was likely the result of a road rage incident moments earlier.
Just after 10:30 pm two drivers stopped on W.F. Gardner Drive because the lead driver thought the car behind him was following too close.

Investigators said the ensuing confrontation ended and the men went on their way.
Moments later, police said the lead car pulled up behind the other driver at a convenience store and started shooting.
“At least 10-rounds had been exchanged there at the scene, and so we had two vehicles that were struck and a propane tank which fortunately did not explode,” stated Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan.
Investigators said the shooting happened in this parking lot along U.S. 72.

According to Tuscumbia police, 34-year-old William Craig Burress is their main suspect. Authorities say after he started shooting – the targeted victim returned fire.

“One of the victims/witnesses whose vehicle was shot into was just innocently walking out of the store and got caught in the middle of this,” Logan said. “So it was a very dangerous situation.”
Police said the victim was able to identify Burress as the shooter only because he was familiar with the Tuscumbia man.

If you know of William Burress’ whereabouts, call your local law enforcement agency or the Shoals Area Crime Stoppers at (256)386-8685.

Burress should be considered armed and dangerous.

Source: Shoals Area Crimestoppers

TUSCUMBIA–With Labor Day celebrations, festivals aplenty, a state fair and motorcycle rides, September is chock-full of things to do in Colbert County.
The events kick off Monday, Sept. 4 with Labor Day celebrations at Spring Park in Tuscumbia and at Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery near Cherokee.
The Shoals Area Central Labor Council’s annual Labor Day celebration at Spring Park begins at 10 a.m., Sept. 4 with a parade along Main Street in Tuscumbia. Political speeches, music and other activities will follow, beginning at 11 a.m. The celebration is the oldest of its kind in Alabama. For more details call 256-383-2758.
The annual Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 4, at the world-famous cemetery, 4945 Coon Dog Cemetery Road, Cherokee. It includes a liar’s contest, arts and crafts, barbecue and music. More details are available at www.coondogcemetery.com.
Susann Hamlin, president and CEO of Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said September is traditionally one of busiest months for festivals and celebrations in the Shoals.
“It’s great for tourism and great for our residents to have so many exciting events taking place in September,” Hamlin said.
Singers from throughout the Southeast will assemble in Tuscumbia Thursday, Sept. 7 with hopes of becoming the next American Idol. The popular reality competition television show, that has helped launch the careers of superstars like Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson will hold auditions at Alabama Music Hall of Fame, 617 U.S. Highway 72, beginning at 4 p.m.. For more details, call 256-381-4417.
The annual Oka Kapassa, Return to Coldwater, Festival, is Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9 at Spring Park. Admission is free to the festival that celebrates the rich traditions and cultures of American Indians. The celebration features American Indian dancers, story tellers, musicians, artists and vendors. More information is available at www.okakapassa.org or by calling 256-383-0783.
The Walk of Life from Tuscumbia Landing in Sheffield to Spring Park, which commemorates the return of American Indians to eastern states following the Trail of Tears begins at 9 a.m. Sept. 9. More details are available at www.returnwalk.org.
Also on Saturday, Sept. 9, a new statue depicting Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan will be unveiled at Ivy Green, 300 N. Commons St. W., Tuscumbia, in a ceremony that begins at 2 p.m.
The Cherokee Cotton Festival gets underway Wednesday, Sept. 13 in downtown Cherokee with a gospel music concert that begins at 6 p.m. The festival continues Thursday, Sept. 14 with karaoke at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 is movie night. Saturday, Sept. 16 features activities throughout the day including a yard sale at 7 a.m., car show at 10 a.m., horseshoe tournament at 2 p.m. and music by the Harvey Thompson Trio at 4 p.m. and The Midnighters at 7 p.m. For more details call 256-359-4959.
Motorcycle riders from throughout the nation will converge on Colbert and Lauderdale counties Saturday, Sept. 16 during the Trail of Tears motorcycle rides.
The Trail of Tears Memorial Motorcycle Ride begins in Chattanooga, Tenn., and ends at Natchez Trace Harley-Davidson in Tuscumbia. More details are available at www.trailoftearsmemorialassoc.com
The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride begins in Bridgeport and ends in Waterloo. More details are available at www.al-tn-trailoftears.net.
The North Alabama State Fair is Tuesday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 24, at the fairgrounds, 65 Sportsplex Dr., Muscle Shoals. The fair features exhibits, agricultural competitions, rides, live acts, beauty pageants, cheerleading and dance contests, a demolition derby and lawnmower races. More details are available at www.northalabamastatefair.org.

Natalee Holloway

BIRMINGHAM–Natalee’s father David Holloway announced on NBC that remains have been found in Aruba 12 years after the disappearance of his daughter.

The remains were found behind a home after a new witness in the 12-year mystery has come forwardHolloway, who was 18 at the time, was with friends on a high-school graduation trip to Aruba in 2005 when she disappeared.

The remains must be DNA tested. This can take a few weeks or a month to complete.

A Dutch National Joran Van der Sloot is the last person seen with Natalee.  He is serving a 28-year sentence in the South American country of Peru.

TUSCALOOSA – A sales representative for a Haleyville, Ala.-based compounding pharmacy pleaded guilty today in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to generate prescriptions and defraud health care insurers and prescription drug administrators out of tens of millions of dollars in 2015.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and other federal officials announced the plea.

BRIDGET McCUNE, 41, of Destin, Fla., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud and to conspiring to solicit and receive kickbacks in return for referring prescriptions under Medicare and TRICARE, a U.S. Department of Defense health care program. McCune also pleaded guilty to four counts of health care fraud, and to two counts of money laundering for spending proceeds of the crimes. She remains out on bond pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.

McCune worked for Northside Pharmacy, an Alabama company doing business as Global Compounding Pharmacy. Global’s compounding and shipping facility was in Haleyville. The pharmacy did its prescription processing, billing and customer service at its “call center” in Clearwater, Fla.

Global hired sales representatives, including McCune, who were located in various states and were responsible for generating prescriptions from physicians and other prescribers. To bill insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Medicare and TRICARE, for these prescriptions, Global contracted to enter the pharmacy networks of their third-party administrators, known as “pharmacy benefit managers” or “PBMs. These PBMs included Prime Therapeutics, Express Scripts Incorporated and CVS/Caremark.

McCune’s plea agreement with the government describes a conspiracy at Global that centered on generating and billing PBMs for fraudulent, often high-reimbursement prescriptions. To generate prescriptions, Global hired sales representatives who were married or related to doctors and other prescribers. Global also encouraged sales representatives to volunteer at doctors’ offices where they would review patient files and push Global’s products to patients. Global executives also frequently instructed employees to obtain high-reimbursing prescriptions that Global would fill and bill for reimbursement. The plea agreement describes a Global executive instructing sales representatives to obtain certain prescriptions and, shortly after, McCune obtained those prescriptions for herself and her dependents.
When billing, Global engaged in various fraudulent practices, including splitting drug quantities to evade PBM billing safeguards and automatically refilling and billing for prescriptions regardless of patient need, according to court documents. Global routinely waived co-pays to encourage patients to accept unnecessary medications and refills.
As part McCune’s plea, she agrees to forfeit $401,628 to the government as proceeds of illegal activity.
Global paid McCune a base salary plus a monthly commission for prescriptions that she obtained, according to court documents.
McCune began as a sales representative for Global’s Florida region in September 2014, working from Destin. Global promoted her to national field trainer in January 2015, but she also continued to function as a sales representative until she left the company in July 2016. McCune had a “close familial relationship” with a Florida physician, according to her plea agreement, and the “overwhelming majority of prescriptions she obtained” were issued under her family member’s signature.
At the same time that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama charged McCune, it separately charged another Global sales representative, KELLEY NORRIS, also known as KELLEY NORRIS-HARTLEY, 41, of Tuscaloosa. Norris faces the charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud, as well as charges of health care fraud for submitting fraudulent prescription reimbursement claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Norris also entered a plea agreement with the government.
The charges against McCune and Norris followed charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in May against Global sales representative Robin Gary Lowry, 49, of Columbus, Miss. Lowry was charged with conspiracy to defraud BCBS of Alabama and Prime Therapeutics. She also faced three counts of health care fraud for submitting fraudulent claims for payment to BCBS of Alabama.
Lowry pleaded guilty to the charges in June. She is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 7.
FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation investigated the cases, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chinelo Dike-Minor and Nicole Grosnoff are prosecuting.

MUSCLE SHOALS–Authorities have made an early morning arrest for breaking and entering a motor vehicle.

Around 6 am, police officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Avalon Avenue regarding a vehicle burglary that had just occurred. The victim had parked his delivery truck and was unloading items when the offender Joshua Dustin Locke entered the vehicle and stole the keys and the victim’s personal belongings.

The victim confronted the offender (Locke) and a brief struggle and pursuit occurred. MSPD responding units

MSPD responding units pursued the offender on foot and he was apprehended trying to climb a chain link fence.

Joshua Dustin Locke is 33-year-old. He has been charged with: Unlawful breaking/entering a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, attempting to elude a police officer and giving a false name to law enforcement officer.

ShoalsInsider.com

SHEFFIELD–Miss Kitty’s Urban Design & Gifts will be closing her doors for good September 30th.

The store offers all the latest interior design items, furniture, and gifts for people that aren’t always easy to buy for.

Originally from Mississippi, Owner Kitty Simms tells the Shoals Insider, “I’m ready for the next chapter in my life, my son graduates high school at the end of the school year,” “Financially, it’s the best decision for us,”

The store is located at 707 East 2nd Street in Sheffield and has vintage furniture too. “We’re offering 30-70 percent off,” “I want to encourage all of our customers and new ones too to come out and see us before we close.”

“I’m really gonna miss our customers, but we gave it our best shot,” said Simms.

If you have any questions or looking for any particular piece call 256-810-2768.

MONTGOMERY—Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall today joined 15 other states in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court asking the Court to uphold the travel ban imposed by President Trump to protect American citizens from terrorism.

The President’s executive order provides a 90-day delay of travelers entering America from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen due to national security concerns regarding those countries.

“The President is rightfully exercising his legal authority to restrict the entry of those who may endanger the safety and security of Americans,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The restricted countries have a strong record of violent acts and terrorism, and it is vital and appropriate that the President’s provisions stand to properly vet travelers from these areas for the protection of our citizens.” 

The amicus brief was filed by the State of Texas and joined by Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia, along with Gov. Phil Bryant of Mississippi.

You may access a copy of the amicus brief here: http://ago.state.al.us/File-Travel%20Ban%20Amicus%20Brief

MUSCLE SHOALS–Finding those falling prices at your Shoals Area Walmart may be a little bit harder starting the second week in September.  Employees tell the Shoals Insider the Ad Matching program that many loyal customers rely on for savings is about to be a thing of the past.

One employee tells us there will be signs located throughout the store explaining the change in greater detail. “I would recommend you start using Savings Catcher on your smartphone,”

Savings Catcher is a smartphone app that automatically calculates the savings for you from competitor’s ads and puts the savings on a gift card for other purchases.

Management has confirmed the change will affect all Shoals area stores on September 12.

By Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com

Dewayne Moore

FLORENCE–Authorities have arrested a Florence man after a domestic incident that occurred early Tuesday morning.
Around 4 am Tuesday police responded to a domestic dispute in North Florence. When Officers arrived the victim advised that her ex-boyfriend, Dewayne Moore, 22, came to her residence and took her vehicle. When she came out to confront him he attempted to run her over with the vehicle. Officers that were responding to the scene located the vehicle and attempted to stop it. Mr. Moore refused to stop and ran from the pursuing units. Mr. Moore then abandons the vehicle and fled on foot. While searching the area Officers found Moore when he returned to the victim’s residence. Mr. Moore was then arrested for Resisting Arrest, Criminal Trespassing, and 2 counts of Domestic Violence 3rd. He is currently in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $4,000.00 bond and 24 hours hold.

FLORENCE–Police are asking members of the public if they can help identify the man in the above photo.

The man is a suspect in a theft case. If you know this man please contact Florence Police Detective Alex Guynn at 256-760-6583 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword FPDTIP plus your message.

Ask the Attorney Columnist James Irby

We’ve received a lot of questions from the last article about Bankruptcy. So, we figured we’d take a few minutes to answer some of those questions. If you have some of your own questions, call JAMES IRBY, P.C.at 256.766.7778, because we can help you.

1. Can bankruptcy take care of all of my debts?

The simple answer is yes. A bankruptcy can take care of just about all of your debts when properly done. However, there are a few exceptions, child support, alimony, student loans, and often times back taxes cannot be discharged.

2. Can I keep my house?

Most of the time we can save your home. Under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy many items are considered exempt, like some equity in your house, from being liquidated to pay debts. Under a Chapter 13 you will retain the majority of your assets since you will be making payments under a plan that we will help you put together.

3. This is all so confusing! What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, often referred to as “liquidation,” is a pathway for people under certain circumstances who just need a fresh start. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is for people who generally have a consistent income and are simply overwhelmed with debt. Give us a call (256.766.7778) and come in for a free evaluation. We will walk you through your options.

4. What about student loans?

Unfortunately, the Bankruptcy Code does not generally allow one to get out from under student loans under normal circumstances.

5. Will bankruptcy get all of these bill collectors off my back?

Yes! Once we file the court will issue what is known as an “automatic stay.” This is a blanket of protection the court provided which will immediately stop all attempts at collection. If somebody violates that stay let us know because you most likely have recourse and can sue them.

6. What about my credit score?

Unfortunately, bankruptcy is going to negatively impact your credit. Most people will see a serious decline in their credit score. But, have no fear. You can still repair your credit after the fact. Bankruptcy is all about a fresh start. We can help you get the fresh start you deserve.

If you have questions about bankruptcy, please give JAMES IRBY, P.C. at 256.766.7778. We can help! We can evaluate your case quickly and professionally so that you will know your options.

James Irby P.C. is committed to helping you and your family. Next week we will explore another legal issue to make sure you have the tools to protect yourself and your family.

James Irby P.C.
120 E. Tennessee Street
Florence, AL 35630
256-766-7778

*No representation is made that the quality of legal services is greater than the quality of legal services elsewhere.

THE FOLLOWING WERE ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING:

THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED ON OUTSTANDING WARRANTS:

MONTGOMERY—Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Jefferson County District Attorney Pro Tem Danny Carr recently announced a court ruling against a Birmingham gambling facility. The prosecutors stated that, once again, the courts of Alabama have upheld the prohibitions of gambling and slot machines in this state.

The ruling by the Jefferson County Circuit Court was against Bid City and its machines. Bid City offered computer systems with software from Blue Streak Bids, LLC, doing business as Redibids, that included illegal sweepstakes games in conjunction with online auctions.

After hearing evidence in a bench trial, on August 14 the Court found that the machines operated as slot machines under Alabama law. The Court condemned and forfeited the machines to the State of Alabama, and the associated seized currency was forfeited to go to the General Fund, as required by law.

As a result of this case, Attorney General Marshall also announced that he has issued a cease and desist letter to Blue Streak Bids, LLC, parent company and operator of Redibids.com. The company’s website offers the same illegal games that were found by the Circuit Court to be illegal gambling. An investigation of the site by the Attorney General’s office determined that the website is accessible to any citizen in this state and offers illegal gambling the same as that which was prosecuted in Jefferson County. Blue Streak Bids, LLC has until September 1, 2017, to cease offering illegal gambling on their website in the State of Alabama.

“It is my duty as Attorney General to uphold Alabama law and protect those who may otherwise unwittingly fall prey to this type of illegal activity,” said Attorney General Marshall. “I was pleased to work side-by-side with District Attorney Danny Carr and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale to ensure that those who willingly seek to take advantage of Alabamians and break our laws are held to account.”

Jefferson County District Attorney Pro Tem Carr stated, “The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office is determined to protect our citizens from all forms of financial exploitation. Bid City profited by targeting our communities, and misrepresenting their slot-style machines as legal sweepstakes. My office is bound to uphold the law of the State of Alabama, and is dedicated to dismantling all illegal enterprises operating within our jurisdiction. I thank the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for its tireless investigative work, and the Attorney General’s Office for its assistance in this case.”

Attorney General Marshall commended the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in the prosecution of this case, noting especially the work of Deputy District Attorney Rob Drake, and thanked Assistant Attorney General John Kachelman for his assistance in the trial of this matter.

Florence — Recently UNA’s Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) were ranked within the top 10 of two online MBA-focused publications, Best Colleges Review and MBA Central.

Online resource guide Best College Reviews ranked UNA’s MBA program as third among 200 universities nationally.  The website used academic quality, flexibility-enhancing characteristics, and affordability as the methodology in their judgements. UNA’s program was ranked just behind University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and Southeast Missouri State.  It was one of only two in the State of Alabama with Auburn University ranked nineteenth. 

“As the Best Colleges Review ranking encompassed the entire MBA program we are extremely pleased with this honor,” states College of Business Dean Greg Carnes. “The UNA program was pitted against very formidable competition such as the University of Illinois and the University of Arizona within the top 10. This is a very substantial recognition.”

MBA Central ranked UNA’s EMBA program as seventh and shared the top ten with established programs such as the University of North Carolina and Washington State.  The online publication used affordability, support services, and quality of classes as its methodology.

“MBAs have long been standards of academic and theoretical business knowledge expected of mid-level managers and business owners,” states Best College Reviews on their website. “As a degree often pursued by students also working full-time jobs, MBAs were some of the first degrees to find their way online and to find acceptance in that format.”

Best College Reviews is an authoritative, objective, and editorially independent college review journal. They are committed to providing students with the best, most trust-worthy guidance for making informed collegiate decisions.  To view the complete ranking, visit their website at www.bestcollegereviews.org/top/online-mba-programs.

The complete rankings for MBA Central can be found on their website at http://www.mbacentral.org/top/online-executive-mba-degree-programs/