05-1121Council File #
Green Sheet #
RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAINT PATdL, MINNESOTA
Presented By:
(Y�' 11Z�
3028685
�
Referred To: Committee:Date:
1 WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul, Police Department, wishes to enter into a grant from the Minnesota
2 Department of Public Safety for the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force Grant; and
3
4 WHEREAS, this grant provides funding to address financial crimes in the City of Saint Paul; and
5
6 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes the City of Saint Paul
7 to enter into, and Cluef John Harrington to implement the attached grant agreement, which includes an
8 indemnification clause. A copy of said agreement is to be kept on file and on record in the Office of
9 Financial Services.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
veas Nays ansent Requested by Department of:
Benanav
B ostrom
Harris
Thune
✓
✓
�
✓
✓'
✓
Adopted by Council:Date:
Adoprion Certified by
By:
��
Secretary:
BY:
A p I
V
. �t�b� By:
Form
,
sy:
_ a-, P
Recommended
by City Attorney:
Mayor'for
By:
Services:
Q:\FiscaMO&CR�2005\Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force authorize grent��reement.cr2005.xis
� Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet �
t7�-11Z1
pp Yo&ceDepartment
Contact Person 8 Phone:
Chief John Hartirgton
266-5588
Date Initiated:
0&NOV-05 Green Sheet NO: 3028685
� Departrnent Sent To Person Initial/Date
0 oGce e arlment
Assign 1 oliceAe artment De arhnentl)irector
Number 2 'at Services Offi Fin cial �
Fo� 3 i ome Cti A orne
Routing
Ordef 4 or's Office Ma or i tant
5 ouncil C5 C uncil
6 i erk Ci k
7 o6ce De artment Police De ar[ment
Total # of Signature Pages ` (Clip All Locations for Signature)
Action Requested:
Signatures on the attached council resolution authorizing the City of Saint Paul, Police Department, to enter into the attached
agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
� '
Recommenda6ons: Approve (A) or Reject (R):
Planning Commission
CIB Committee
Civil Service Commission
Personal Service Contracts Must Mswer the Following Questions:
1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this departmenY?
Yes No
2. Has this persoNflrm ever been a city employee?
Yes No
3. Does this person/firm possess a skili not normally possessed by any _
current city employee?
Yes No
Explain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to gieen sheet
Initiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Why): '
The City of Saint Paul, Police Deparlment, has received a Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force Grant from the Minnesota Department
of Public Safety. Authorization is needed to enter into the grant agreement with the Minnesota Deparknent of Public Safety. For more
informarion regazding tlus grant please give Amy Brown a ca11 at 651-266-5507.
Advantages If Approved:
The Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force Grant provides funding to address financial crimes in the City of Saint Paul.
Disadvantages If Approved:
None.
DisadvantageslfNotApproved:
Loss of gant funds avaIlable to address Svancial crimes.
V ��Transaction: 164�`00
f
Funaina source: State of Minnesota
Financiallnformation:
(Explain)
CosURevenue Budgeted:
E
Activity Number: 34164
t if
$�.� �P��a?r.h t;r�+�t9Y
NOV 2 3 2�Q5
STATE OF MINNESOTA
GRANT CONTRACT
t�,—tczt
This gant contract is between the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Public Safetv. Office of Justice
P�o�rams, 444 Cedar Street Suite I00 Sf Pau[ MN 55101 5100 ("State"} and C� of St Paul Police Department 367
Grove Street St Paul Minnesota 55106 ("Grantee").
Recitals
1 Under Minn, Stat. & 299A.01. Subd 2(41 the State is empowered to enter into tfiis grant contract.
2 The Grantee reptesents that it is duly qualified and agrees to perfonn all services described in this grant conttact to the
satisfaction of the State.
3 State funds for this grant contract aze provided in Laws of Minnesota 2005, Chapter 136, Article l, Section 9, Subd. 6
and Minnesotz Statute 299A.68 for the purpose of investigating major financial crimes,
4 The State is in nced of services that fulfill this purpose.
Grant Contract
1 Term of Grant Contract
1.1 EffecHve date. October 1. 2005, or the date the State obtains all required signatures under Minnesota Statutes
Section 16C.05, subdivision 2, whichever is later. Once this grant contract is fully executed, the Grantee may
claim raimbursement for expenditures incurred pursuant to Clause 43 of this grant confract. Reimbursement wi11
only be made for those expenditures made according to the terms of this grant contract.
1.2 Expirauon dat� June 30. 2007, or until all obligations have been satisfactorily fulfilled, whichever occurs fust.
I 3 Survival of Terms. The foliowing clauses survive the expiration or cancellation of this grant contract: 8. LiabIlity;
9. State Audits; 10. Government Data Practices; 12. Publicity and Endorsement; 13. Croveming Law, Jurisdiction,
and Venue; and I5. Data Disclosure.
2 Grantee's Duties
2.1 Activities. The Grantee, who is not a state employee, will perform all of the duties and tasks specified in the
Grantee's grant application for this prograzn, which is incorporated by reference into this grant contract and is on
file with the State and located at 444 Cedar Street, Suite 100, St. Paul, Mimiesota. Grantee shall also comply with
all program standards, w3vch are hereby incorporaYed by reference into this grant contract and made a part of this
grant contract. As stipulated in Minnesota Statute 299A.68, Subdivision 3 the Grantee shall sign a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOin which is incorporated by reference into this grant contract and made a part of this grant
contract.
2.2 Reporting Requirements. Grantee shall report to the State as specified in the Office of Justice Program's Grant
Manual, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this grant contract and made a part of this grant contract.
(2) Financial Reporting. Grantee shall submit a financial reporting form to the State utilizing the fomiat
identified by tl�e State within 30 days after the end of the reporting period.
(2) Progress Reporting. Grantee shall use fonns prescribed by the State to submit a quartefly progress detailing
progress achieved towazds the accomplishment of the prograui goals and objectives within 30 days after the
end of reporting period.
(3) Other Requirements. Grantee shall submit such other reports and attend meetings and training as SYate shall
reasonably request.
(4) Eva[uation. State shalI have the authority, during the course of this grant period, to conduct an evaluation of
the performance of the Giantee.
(5) Requirement Changes. State may modify or change ali reporting forms at their discretion during the grant
period.
(6) Special Requirements The State reseroes the right to include in the grant, at any time during the term of the
grant, special adininistrative requirements deemed necessary to assure the Grantee's successfnl implementation
of the prograzn. The State will notify the Grantee in writing of any special administrative requirements.
3 Time
Financ�al Crimes Participa[ing Ageacies (9/OS)
Financtal Crimes Task Force O6
O7P Grant Number 2006-FC-00272
The Grantee must comply with all the time requirements described in this grant contract.
grant contract, time is of the essence.
b��ll �-J
In the performance of this
4 Consideration and Payment
4.1 Consideratian. The State will pay for all services performed by the Grantee under this grant contract as follows:
(i) Compensatiom The Giantee wIll be reunbursed an amount not to exceed $164 500.00, according to the
breakdown of costs contained in Exhibit A, which is attached and mcorporated into this grant contract. The
Grantee will subcn[t a revised bpdget for any deviation of at least I O% or $200.00, wluchever is greater,
between approved budget lines in Exhibit A and the revised budget must be approved by the State's
Authorized Representative before any expenditures can be made based on the revised budget.
(2) Travel Expenses. Reimbursement for travel and subsisfence expenses actually and necessarily incucred by the
Grantee as a result of this grant contract will be paid in the same maimer and in no greater amount than
provided in the current "Comnvssioner's Plan" promulgated by the commissioner of Employee Relations
which is incorporated into this grant contract by reference. The Grantee will nof be reimbursed for travel and
subsistence expenses incurred outside Minnesota unless it has received the State's prior written approval for
out of state travel. Minnesota will be considered the home state for detennining whether travel is out of state.
(3) Total Obligaiion. The total obligation of the State for all compensafion and reimbursements to the Grantee
under this gtant contract will not exceed $164,500.00.
$82,250.00 is available from October 1, 2005 through 7une 3Q 2006. Funds not expended by the Grantee for
this progt�m through June 30, 2006 will be available in the foliowing state fiscal year of this grant contract.
$82,250.00 is available from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.
4.2 Fiscal Requirements. Grantee shall report to the State as specified in the Office of Justice Prograzn's Grant
Manual.
(1)
�2)
(3)
(4)
Financial Guidelines. Grantee shall comply with all policies, procedures, and provisions applicable to each
source of funding received. Grantee shall comply with the cutrent Office of Justice Program's Grant Manual.
No funds will be disbursed for activities not identified in the goals and objectives or work plan submitted on
the grant application forms prescribed by the State. No funds from a specific funding source will be disbursed
for activities that do not meet the requirements of that funding source.
Budget Revisions. ('�rantee shall submit a written budget revision request to the State's Authorized
Representative before any expenditure can be made based on the revised budget, Submission and approval of
a budget amendment is necessary if a) a line item will deviate by $200 or 10%, whichever is higher, from the
approved budget, or b) a new line item that was not part of the approved budget will be created.
Closeout. Grantee shall have unti130 days after the Expira6on date of this grant contract, to submit a report of
all funds and interest received and disbursed. If a report is not submitted within this time period, expenses
claimed on the report may be disallowed and the State may request a refund of those monies from the C�rantee.
Records, Giautee shall retain all financial records for a nvnimum of six (6) years after the date of submission
of the final financial status report, or until completion of an audit which has commenced before the expiration
of this six-year period, or until any audit fmdings and/or recommendations from prior audit(s) have been
resolved between the Grantee and State, whichever is later.
43 Payment
Invoices. The State will promptIy pay fhe Grantee after the Grantee presents an itemized invoice for the services
actually performed and the State's Authorized Representative accepts the invoiced services. Invoices must be
submitted timely and according to the following schedule: Itemized invoices will be filed in arrears at least
guarteriv, but not more often tUan monthly and within 30 davs of the period covered bv the invoice for services
sahsfactonlYnerformed
Final invoice�ertainine to the first state fcscal year of this grant contract must be received b y July 31 2006
Reimbursements from the second state fiscalyear may commence on or after Julv 1 2006 The final invoice
pertainine to the second state fiscal vear of this grant contract must be received within 30 davs after the Expiration
Financiat C[imes Participafing Agencies (9/OS)
Financial Crimes Task Force O6
OJP Grant Number 2006-FC-00272
date of this �rant contract
b� J12-t
Ex�enditures for each state fiscal vear of this �rant contract must be for services performed within the aQ licable
state fiscal vear Every state fiscal_year be2ins on 7ulv 1 and ends on June 30.
4.4 Federal requirements. (Where applicable, if blank this section does not apply)
Payments under trus grant wntract will be made from federal funds obtained by the State through CFDA
The Grantee is responsible for compliance with all federal requirements imposed on these funds and accepts full
fmancial responsibility far any requirements unposed by the Grantee's failure to comply wifh federai requirements.
5 ConditionsofPayment
All services provided by the Grantee under this grant contract must be performed to the State's satisfaction, as
determined at the sole discretion of the State's Aathorized Representative and in accordance with ail applicable federal,
state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. The Grantee will not receive payment for work found by the
State to be unsatisfactory or perFormed in violation of federal, state, or locallaw.
Authorized Representative
The State's Authorized Representative is 7esse Standal. Grauts Specialist Intermediate Office of Justice ProQrams q44
Cedaz Street Suite 100 St Paul Minnesota 55 ] O7 -5100 (651) 282 9851, or his/her successor, and has the
responsibility to monitor the Giantee's perfomiance and the authority to accept the services provided under this grant
contract. If the services are satisfactory, the State's Authorized Representative will certify acceptance on each invoice
submitted for payment.
The Grantee's Authorized Representative is Kevin Casper. Comuiauder. St Paul Police Department. 367 Grove Street
St Paul_ Minnesota 55102 (6511266-5563. If the Crrantee's Authorized Representative changes at any tune during
this grant contract, the Grantee must immediately notify the State.
Assignment, Amendments, Waiver, and Grant Contract Complete
7.1 Assignmen� The Grantee may neither assign nor transfer any rights or obligations under this grant contract
without the prior consent of the State and a fully executed Assignment Agreement, executed and approved by the
same parties who executed and approved this grant contract, or their successors in office.
72 rlmendments. Any amendment to this grant contract must be in writing and will not be effective until it has been
executed and approved by the same par[ies who executed and approved the original grant contract, or theu
successors in office.
73 Waiver. If the State fails to enforce any provision of this grant contract, that failure dces not waive the provision or
its right to enforce it.
7A Grant Contract Comp[etz This grant contract contains all negotiations and agteements between the State and the
Grantee. No other understanding regazding this grant contract, whefher written or oral, may be used to bind either
P�Y•
8 Liability
The Grantee musY indemnify, save, and hold the State, its agents, and employees harmless from any claims or causes of
action, including attorney's fees incurred by the State, arising from the perfonnance of this grant contract by the
Grantee or the Grantee's agents or employees. This clause will not be construed to bar any legal remedies the Grantee
may have for the State's failure to fulfill its obligations under this grant contract.
9 State Audits
Under Minn. Stat. § 16C.05, subd. 5, the Grantee's books, records, documeats, and accounting procedures and
practices relevant to this grant contract aze subj ect to exatxiination by the State and/or the State Auditor or Legislative
Auditor, as appropriate, for a u�inimum of six years from the end of tlus grant contract.
10 Government Data Practices
The Grantee and State must comply with the Minnesota Govemment Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13, as it
Firtancia] Critaes Farticipating Agencies (9/OS)
Financ�al Crimes Task Force 06
OJP Grnnt Number 2006-FC-00272
p� -/1 �l
applies to all data provided by the State under this grant contract, and as it applies to all data created, collected,
received, stored, used, maintained, or disseminated by the Grmitee under this grant contract. The civil remedies of
Minn. Stat. § 13.08 apply to the release of the data referred to in this clause by either the Grantee or the State.
If the Grantee receives a request to release the data refesed to in this Clause, the Grantee must immediately notify the
State. The State will give the Grantee instructions conceming the release of the data to the requesting party before the
data is released.
11 Workers' Compensafion
The Grantee certifies that it is in compliance with Minn. Stat. § 176.181, subd. 2, pertaining to workers' compensation
insurance coverage. The Gcantee's employees and agents will not be considered State employees. Any claims that
may arise under the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Act on behalf of these employees and any clauns made by any
third party as a consequence of any act or omission on the part of these employees aze in no way the State's obligation
or responsibility.
12 Publicity and Endorsement
12.1 Publicity. Any publicity regarding the sabject matter of this grant contract must identi£y the State as the
sponsoring agency and must not be released without prior written approval from the State's Authorized
Representative. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes notices, informationai pamphlets, press releases,
research, reports, signs, and similaz public notices prepared by or for the Grantee individually or jointly with
others, or any subcontractors, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting &om this
grant contract.
12.2 Endorsement The Grantee must not claim that the State endorses its products or services.
13 Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue
Minnesota law, without regard to its choice-of-law provisions, governs this grant contract. Venue for all legal
proceedings out of this grant contract, or its breach, must be in the appropriate state or federal cour[ with competent
jurisdiction in Ramsey County, Mianesota.
14 Termination
14.1 Termination by the State. The State may cancel this g contract at any time, with or without cause, upon 30
days' written notice to the Cirantee. Upon tennination, the ('Jrazitee wili be entitled to payment, detemrined on a
pro rata basis, for services satisfactorily performed.
142 Termination by the Grantee. The Grautee may request termination upon 30 day's notice to the State's
Authorized Agent. Upon temunation the Grautee is entitled to paymant for services actually performed and agrees
to return any unused funds to the State.
143 Termination for Insufficient Funding. The State may immediately terminate this grant contract if it does not
obtain funding from the Minnesota I,egislature, or other funding source; or if funding cannot be continued at a
level sufficient to allow for the payment of the services covered here. Tennuiation must be by written or fax notice
to the Crrantee. The State is not obligated to pay for any services that aze provided after notice and effective date of
temunation. However, the Grantee will be entitled to payment, detemuned on a pro rata basis, for services
satisfactorily performed to the extent that funds are available. The State will not be assessed any penalty if the
grant contract is tenninated because of the decision of the Minnesota Legislahue, or other funding source, not to
appropriate funds. The State must provide the Grantee notice of the lack of funding within a reasonable time of the
State receiving that notice.
15 Data Disciosure
Under Minn. Stat. § 270.66, and other applicable law, the Grantee consents to disclosure of its social security number,
federal employer tax identification number, and/or Minnesota talc identification number, already provided to the State,
to federal and state tas agencies and state personnel involved in the payment of state obligations. These identification
numbers may be used in the enforcement of federal and state tax laws which could result in action requiring the
Grantee to file state tae retums and pay delinquent state tax liabilities, if any, or pay other state liabilities.
Financial Crimes Pa�ticipating Agencies (9/OS)
Financial Crimes Task Force 06
OIP Grant Number 2006-FC-00772
� !�I'v'
L ENCUMBRANCE VERIFICATION 3. STATE AGENCY
Individu¢( ceKifies thalfunds have been encumbered as
required by Minn. Stat. §§ 16A.15 and 16C.05.
Signed:
Date:
By.
(with delegated authority)
Tide:
Gra�t Contrnct No.: 2006-FC-00272/9300-1753 Date:
2. GRANTEE
The Grantee cenifees that the appropriate persan(s)
have executed the grant contract on beha(f of the Grantee as
required by applicable anicles, by[aws, resolutions, or ordinances.
By:
Title:
Date:
By:
Title:
Date:
Distribulion;
Agency
Grantee
Sta[e's Autl�orized Representative
Financial Crimes Participating Agencies (9/OS)
Financial Crimes Task Force 06 5
OIP Grnnt Number 2006-FC-00272
b��ll �-►
EXHIBIT A
S�.�ui O[ P✓sLc
G
Q ;+1
�� K�
4 ,�
\, y\q sp /+
\ wx�'
��
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
Grantee: St Paui Police Department
Grant Number:
Program Component: Financial Crimes: MNFCTF
�
� �
. . Yro--�».,
Budget Category Award
Personnel $151,344.00
Payroil Taxes & Fringe $2,656.00
Travel $10,500.00
Total $164,500.00
�..rt OF PU�
Y` C
� m
a
P
S
'��M��°
OFFICE 4F JUSTiCE PROGRAMS
Project Information Sheet
1. CONTRACTING AGENCY
Legal Name: Saint Paul Police Departn
Address: 367 Grove St.
CitylZlP: Sainf Paui, 55102
2. AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL
Name: Chief John M. Harrington
Title: Chief of Police
Address: 367 Grove St.
3. OPERATI
Legal Name:
Address:
DIFFERENT FROM
Phone: (651) 266-5588
Fax: (651) 266-5542
E-mail:
Phone: (651) 266-5588
Fax: (651}266-5542
E-mail:
Fax:
4, PROGRAM CONTACT PER;
Name: Kevin Casper
Title: Commander
Address: 367 Grove 5t
Citv/ZIP: Saint Paui. 55102
Title: Accountant
Address: 367 Grove
�
FURTHER INFORMATION ON APPLICATIi
Phone: (651) 266-5563
Fax: {651)266-5848
E-maiL• kevin.casper(a2�
one: (651)266-5541
Fax: (651)266-5906
:t Start Date:
10/'I/05
�t End Date: Project Funds Reque
6/30/07 $164,500
Match Provided:
andlor County(ies): I Not applicable
Statewide
�
b�-/!a-i
,
.��--
a ��
�
�
L
V
LL.
a.
w
U
f ( " ^
VJ
�
LL
�
f.f�
�
O
�
�
�
�
�
N
�
U
O
�
�
�
d
�
�
�
C
/�^
V
N
ti
N
O
Q
U
�
�
O
O
N
m
Q
�
�
Z
C
/��
V
lJ.
U
�
Z
C
N
�
i
U
�
�U
�
�
C
LL
ti
Q
Q
N
�
O
M
�
�
N
�
�
c
W
�
. O
� N
C �
O �
fl- o
O �
U �
� �
O c�6
a` cn
yPF� b
4 `�O�
� y � n
0
0
`� 5t P
-� o o � o
3 a � 3 ;�
¢ ; m ¢ �
' - N
� � �
ffl V9
�
2
i
�
�
%
�
P
� m
� _
�r� � s
LLLLLL S a
<"'"°a °: 3' w �
u x g s : S
o�° hm ° 3 �
m^ �% % a" d
«» ; m x a
e�° Wq ? � ''
�a? g " � a .
01 � � � t�i'• �R g �S ,^�
°�°� �a � e F "
°'S2@w ma o - §
N�o00 o F
� m
� �
.�
� �
� �
VJ N
C
� � F�- � F
C L]. C O _ a. _
p �U O I-� O V O
� N � 9 >. N T
o o a �'n a o n.
a�-,ta-�
�
'-. -��.
���
�_` ^F
ti
�
�
N
�
O
M
�
�
�
�
� rn
V
O
�
a
W
V
�♦�
VJ
�
7
LJ..
0
�
�
O
C
�
C
�
�
�
�
�
U
�
a
�
R
d
�
N
�
c
m
�
N
ti
N
O
O
U
�
�
0
O
N
�
.Q
�
�
Z
c
�
C�
LL
F�-
U
�
Z
�
irs
�
�
U
�
�U
G
N
C
�l . �
C p
� N
C �
O�
�- o
O T
U �
N �
a� r
o m
a` in
N
t4
❑
�
c
W
yPF� b
J
0 y
a �
0
� �
y� 5 RP
�dda
o � o 0 0
�d 3
m a
� � �
N � � �
� tfl Ef3
f!T
L
C
O
E
N
x
t
c
0
�
O
tt� N
��
m �
0
°� � o
V .- O
L N
� X �
m °1
� o �
8
� C7 g
E
�
� �
O
L � C
� � � R v �
p O. � O p
F N V N � O_
� i y @ � � �
(1� � O F- (n I- U
D5�/! 2�l
NARRATIVE
'I'he Sainf Paul Police Department has experienced numerous trends in financial
crimes. We have seen financial crimes rise over the past several yeazs. In 2003, we
investigated 1219 cases relafed to financial crimes. In 2004, we investigated 1370 cases
which was a 12.3 percent increase from 2003. In 2005 to date, we have invesrigated 657
cases which does not include the cases received from the Narionai White Collaz Crime
Center in the form of Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) cases. We received
another 88 IFCC cases related to intemet fraud which would bring our to date totat to 745
cases. We are projecting another large increase in the total number of cases for 2005,
estimated at 1490 cases or a$.7 percent increase. Over three years from 2003-2005, we
saw an increase of 22.2 percent in financial related cases.
In 2000, a majority of our cases were primarily forged stolen checks. This type of
case was easy to invesrigate and bring suspects to justice.
Today, the new trends involve the use of advanced technology in the form of
computers, digital cameras, and laser color printers which a11ow suspects to counterfeit
checks, counterfeit money, create new idenYities with the use of other peoples personal
information, create birth certificates and even make their own Minnesota Identification
/Drivers Licenses. These cases involve much more time and effort fo investigate because
the suspects commit the crimes all over the state.
A good example of the new trend is counterfeit checks. Criminal groups began to
organize and specialized in this type of crime. They bny stolen check books and
identification from suspects who steal purses, break into and sfeal personal items from
cars, and burglarize homes. The individuals that run these check rings recruit and exploit
a� �ra-�
poverry level, drug dependent individuals. The ring leaders use drugs as a form of
payment to entice low income drug dependent individuals to participate in financial
crimes. When arrestad, these inc3ivi@uals have little infommarion about leaders of the
check rings which has required invesrigators to spend larger amounts of time chasing
down poor leads with limited informarion.
Participarion in the task force has enabled us to shaze this information with other
police agencies. Compiling this information, combined with information provided by
other agencies has lead to the identification of some of the ring leaders resulting in their
arrests and successful prosecution. In addirion to counterfeit check fraud, these same
groups are involved with credit card fraud, internet fraud, and identity theft as a way of
making money because it is as easy to perpetrate as counterfeit check fraud. This trend
has greatly increased the number of cases our department investigates related to financial
crimes. As a result of these new trends, we have had to adjust our way of approaching
financial crimes.
In the past three years, the Saint Paul Police Department has engaged in financial
crimes training and information for both the public and officers. Our departmenYs fraud
investigators regulariy go out and give presentations in our community on subjects such
as identity theft, financial exploitation of the elderly, and many other financial crimes
topics.
As a result of the increased sophisticafion of financial crimes suspects, we have
improved our working relationship with other metro police deparhnents as well as state
agencies and the federal governinent in an effort to bring financial crimes suspects to
justice. Our Fraud and Forgery Unit works closely with attorneys from the city, county,
p �-ll �1
and the U.S. Attorney's office in an effort to ensure successful prosecutions of suspects
and ensuring restiturion to victims of financial crimes. We also assist victims with
resource inforniarion to help them restore their damaged credit due to these crunes. Our
success in combaring financial crimes is in Iarge parf due to Sergeant Mark V. Johnston
participarion on the Task Force.
Sergeant Mazk V. Johnston is our choice to continue on the Financial Crimes
Task Force. Sergeant 7ohnston has thirty three yeazs of police experience. He is our
departmenYs most experienced fraud investigator. He started with our fraud/forgery unit
in December of 2000. Today, Sergeant Johnston conducts our department's fraud training
as well as doing tranung for other law enforcement groups. In 2003, Sergeant Johnston
started working half time for the Financial Crimes Task Force, run by Commander Chris
Abbas, as part of a cooperative effort to lower multi jurisdictiona] fraud and to increase
communication with other law enforcement agencies. In that capacity, Sergeant Johnston
and other members of the MFCTF have solved many cases involving organized
criminals.
One such example is the Donald Ellis case which involved a lazge ring of check
thieves and counterfeiters. The investigation of this group lasted approximately four
months resulting in many people being charged. Another example is the Jade Case in
which twelve suspects were chazged in a counterfeit check ring with the ring leader,
Christopher Lindsey, chazged federally.
Over the past five yeazs, Sergeant Johnston has built a strong reputation with
other law enforcement agencies as well as financial institutions and many businesses
throughout the sYate and country. Sergeant Johnston was worked on many large cases
p�-/1 �-1
over the past several yeazs to include the successful prosecution of Joel David Homme
(2002), Richard James Blood (2003), the Mendoza/Cosrilla Family ( 2003), Steven Ritter
(2003), Lindsey Crime Group (2003), Berry Lynn Russell (2003), Donny Ellis Crime
Group (2004), Ronnie Wagner (2004), the Travelers Group (2004), Ricky Halliburton/
George Riddlespriger Group (2005), Spencer Cazlsgaazd/ Richazd Wilton Group (2005),
and many others. In short, Sergeant Johnston is extremely qualified in the area of
financial crimes. Filling Sergeant Johnston's position in his absence was difficult.
Our Department has already back filled the investigator position when Sergeant
Johnston went full time to the MFCTF in July of 2005. Having a Saint Paul Police
officer on the task force is mutually beneficial as evidenced by the number of mulri-
jurisdictional cases already solved by the task force. Several of the larger check fraud
rings mentioned above were operating out of Saint Paul with many Saint Paul residents as
victims. Without the efForts of the task force, many of those suspects may have gone on
victimizing our community. Our department is committed to bringing financial crimes
suspects to justice as well as protecting the community. We bring 550 officers who are
trained and knowledgeable about recognizing financial crimes and arresting those
individuals who commit those types of crimes.
In conclusion, financial crimes are increasing daily in our community and the cost
to society is immense. As a law enforcement agency, we need to keep up with the
increase in theft and the sophisfication of financial crime in order to protect our citizens
and businesses. Individuals who commit financial crimes are invoived in many ofher
crimes and our participation in the task force will increase our ability to address all crime.
The Financial Crimes Task Force is an added resource in our fight against crime. Saint
bci-ll �j
Paul Police DepartmenYs participarion with the Task Force allows for better
communication between Iaw enforcemenf groups related to financial crime trends and
information related to organized crimes groups. Our efforts to address financial crimes in
the City of Saint Paul and the region aze mutually enhanced by the multi jurisdictional
nature of the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Farce. Our participation on the task force
is a must.
D �'lI ��
Sergeant Mark V.Johnston
St.Paul Police Department
367 Grove Street
St.Paul, MN 55101
December 2003 to Present Sergeant - Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force
(NINFCTF�
The duties for this position aze to investigate lazge, well-organized, mulfi jurisdicrional,
financial crimes and present these cases for local or federal prosecution. Utilize numerous
investigarive strategies including: undercover work, using informants, conducting
surveillance, executing seazch warrants and working closely with victims and the
business community. The position also requires developing and maintaining strong,
worldng rela6onslups with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as
with the community. Another component of this position is to conduct training events for
law enforcement as well as the business community aiding in the investigation and
prosecution of identity theft, forgery, fraud and counterfeit checks.
While assigned to MNFCTF I haue been involved in several multi jurisdictional
investigarions where indictments and successful prosecurion were achieved in following
cases: Barnett Case, Ellis Case, Robinson/Davis Case, Burke Case, Johnson Sisters Case,
Corrupt US Postal Carrier Case. Many of these cases involved working closely with
members of the business community which was significant to the successfifl outcomes.
December 2000 to July 2005 - St. Paul Police Department - Fraud & Forgery Unit
The duties were the same as above along with assigning cases as executive Sergeant
which involves other Sergeants inves6garions as well as maintaining a full case load.
June 1994 to November 2000 - St. Paul P.D. Juvenile Unit
Invesrigated cases pertaining to assault, gang unit liason, theft, homicide unit liason
involving shootings and responsible for handling all the in custody cases.
June 1991 to June 1995 - St. Paul P.D. Information Management Systems
Executive Sergeant supervised and was responsible for the operation of the recards unit,
identification unit, photo lab, television studio, police artist and maintaining the MAFIN
system. Assignment as the Chiefs public information coordinator and was responsible for
the planning and execution of lazge scale operations such as the Gobachow visit, Planned
Pazenthood demonsiration and similaz duties as were assigned.
June 1986 to June 1991 St. Paul P.D. Crime Lab
b�� ll a-1
Major crime scene investigation, latent print exaxninafion, processing evidence for latent
prints and trace evidence. Operated MAFIN System, introduced the use of laser/azcadium
lamps to the St.Paul Police Department for crime scene invesrigation. Tesrified at local
and federal court pertaining to crime scene forensics.
June 1980 to June 1986 St Paul P.D. Patrol Officer and Critical Incident Respone
Team (CIRT)
CIRT cross trained as sniper and tacrical entry worked on various occasions with the FBI
and other agencies as assigned. Trained St. Paul CIRT members and assigned as an
instructor for SWAT school for other police agencies.
Blaine Police Department 1974 to 1980 - Patrol Officer
Education
B.S. Bemidji State University, 1974, Education with a minor in Math and Science -
Deans List
Police training courses: Evidence Technican, CIRT Team - sniper, FBI Defense Tactics
Instructor, Forensic SCNC/Criminal Violence, FBI Advance Latents, Police Supervision
FBI Academy, Instructor Development, Criminal Investigation, Interview &.
Interrogarion, Laser Technology, Ritualisfic Crimes, Prinftuk Users Conference, Ethical
Decision Making, Financiai Investigation, and Cultural Diversity training. (complete list
available)