From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas: Over 300 quarter horses seized by federal authorities in June as part of an alleged Los Zetas money laundering operation have been sold for approximately $8.8 million announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Steve McCollough. Two-thirds of the horses were sold this weekend at Heritage Place Auction Facility in Oklahoma City, OK, including A Dash of Sweet Heat, which sold for $1 million. Approximately 100 broodmares were sold prior to auction for $35,000. The federal government still retains possession of approximately 45 quarter horses, including Tempting Dash, winner of the Dash for Cash at Lone Star Park race track in Grand Prairie, Texas, on October 24, 2009; Mr. Piloto, $1 million All American Futurity winner at Ruidoso Downs on Labor Day, 2010; Dashin Follies; Separate Fire; and Y516, a yearling seized on Zule Farms in Lexington, OK. Those horses are expected to be auctioned or sold at a later date. United States Attorney Robert Pitman noted that while the individual defendants in this case will face criminal trial in the spring, the proceeds from the sale of these quarter horses will be held in escrow pending a forfeiture action. Court documents allege that the horses were bought by and for members of the Los Zetas drug cartel with proceeds from narcotics trafficking. “Like all criminal organizations, the Zetas are motivated by money. Identifying and taking their assets is an important way to lay an axe to the root of the tree. If successful, the forfeiture of these assets will represent a major step in our efforts to interrupt the cartel’s activity within in the United States,” stated United States Attorney Pitman. “This investigation has helped to disrupt this alleged international drug cartel’s U.S.-based money laundering operations and demonstrates the lengths that US law enforcement will go to deprive criminal organizations of the fruits of their illegal activities,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Steve McCullough. The sale of the horses is being made as a result of a court order in U.S. v. Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, et al. (WDTX case number A12cr210) and in accordance with industry practices.
June 17 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the 18th anniversary of bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. “On this day 18 years ago, our city was forever changed when 168 lives were taken from us in the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building.  Today, we remember those who were lost, and offer support to the survivors and the families left behind.  We also honor the heroic efforts of the emergency responders, firefighters and law enforcement personnel who worked tirelessly to recover survivors. “In the days after the bombing, our city came together in a display of strength, unity and resiliency that would later become known as the ‘Oklahoma standard.’ That same spirit has allowed our city to overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger than ever. “Our hearts also are burdened today as we grieve for the victims of the bombing attacks in
June 14 2013

NORMAN – Governor Mary Fallin today signed an executive order authorizing the creation of a new Blue Ribbon Panel for Developmental Disabilities. The announcement came today during the Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities in Norman, Oklahoma. The new panel will develop a comprehensive plan to: support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, address the state’s growing waiting list of thousands of individuals hoping to receive services from the state’s Developmental Disabilities Service Division, and research and analyze best practices for the comprehensive delivery of high quality services. The panel will also act in an advisory capacity to the governor on all issues related to providing community services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  “There are nearly 60,000 men, women and children with developmental disabilities in Oklahoma,” Fallin said. “While the
June 13 2013

GE to Build Oil & Gas Global Research Center in Oklahoma $110 Million Investment to Drive Best-In-Class Technology, Create 125 High-Tech Jobs New center to develop innovative technologies in oil and gas sector Strengthen GE’s Oil & Gas business, capitalizing on $11 billion in recent investments Continued GE investment in U.S. R&D jobs, totaling nearly 2,300 since 2009 OKLAHOMA CITY – General Electric (NYSE: GE) today announced that it will build a new Global Research Center in Oklahoma dedicated to driving innovation and technological advancements in the oil and gas sector and bringing products to market faster. The new facility, which is GE Research’s first sector-specific Center, represents a $110 million investment by the company and will result in the creation of 125 high-tech engineering jobs initially, in
June 13 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed four bills into law designed to improve school security and keep Oklahoma children safe. She was joined at a public bill signing by Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb, who served as chairman of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security, other commissioners, and legislative leaders. “The state of Oklahoma has a duty to do everything we can to keep our children safe,” Fallin said. “The bills signed into law today will ensure that schools are well prepared for emergencies of all kinds. They’ll also help to provide more training and better coordination between law enforcement and education professionals. These measures could help to save lives. My thanks go out to Lieutenant Governor Lamb, the Legislature, and all the members of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security who worked to develop this legislation and send it to my desk.” The bills signed today by Fallin included:
June 13 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin joined with officials from Verizon in Tulsa today to announce that the company is adding up to 500 new jobs at its North Lakewood facility in Tulsa.  The jobs will be finance and accounting positions.  The company currently employs more than 900 at the Tulsa facility.  “Today’s announcement is great news for Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma. These positions represent the kind of high-quality, good paying jobs we are working to bring to the state,” Fallin said.  “We appreciate Verizon’s investment in Oklahoma and are excited about the 500 new jobs coming to Tulsa.  Today’s announcement is another great example that our pro-growth, pro-business policies are working and are making Oklahoma an even better place to do business.” Verizon serves local, long distance, wireless and data customers in Oklahoma and has 50 retail stores and authorized agents
June 09 2013