Federal Fraud Case

[lyrical]

eef,
the first time I ever heard of Keg Berlin, was back in the early 90’s. He had a couple of horses at the same training barn as my horses. Suffice it to say, I saw first hand what kind of person he was. It wasn’t a matter of he said/she said. Over the years, he has left a long trail behind him in Virginia. In my opinion, 1 1/2 years was far less than he deserved.

You will get no support for either of them here. I do hope they are “rehabilitated” and they rebuild their lives very far from here, and preferrably not in the horse business.

[RNB]

Originally posted by Snowbird:
I wonder if Mug shots are public record?

I have never asked but will be happy to do so.

[Snowbird]

KateB as individuals we can’t accomplish anything but as a group we are invincible. We can bring justice out of chaos by the wieght of our numbers. That is the secret of democracy at work.

These evil people cannot accomplish their deeds if we are all working together. That’s why this web is so valuable. It takes the place of the old Town Meetings.

And, that’s why our enemies try to keep us divided and depressed.

[RNB]

Since I am one of the persons involved in this case I have been actively reading the posts not just on this thread but others as well. What I am interested in is other horse people who have been victimized in one form or another. The overwhelming majority of posts want the same thing…justice, accountability and their voices heard. After 7 years there are a few things that I have come to realize.

The USEF is not a policing association and never will be. It took a long time to accept that fact. Most everyone at the AHSA/USEF who received calls from victims showed genuine concern and disgust at the goings on and wanted anything that had been done at a show given to then so they could do something. However, the majority of the dealings were done off show grounds or were not found out about until months later…past the 30 day filing rule. Some of you have suggested some type of ethics committee or BBB. I certainly think something needs to be done, too many horses and owners are hurt by illegal activities.

I know most readers have never heard of the case probably because it does not involve well known horses, trainers or owners. This is the main reason it went on for so many years, in so many states and affecting as many lives. As I stated before this case was the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia and many eyes are continuing to watch every new development.

Many of the victims, myself included, banded together years ago to try to made a difference in the horse industry and feel we are doing so with this case. The Department of Justice has done everything in its power so far to help hold individuals accountable for their crimes. They are continuing to do so as I type. Josh and Keg plead guilty and were sent to federal prison. Josh has been released and Keg is scheduled for Dec 27th. The DOJ set up guidelines they are to follow during their 3 year probation which prohibits any horse related dealings/business/training/selling, etc. It is a document they have to sign. They can refuse and ask for a hearing before Judge Richard Williams which is what has happened during which time they can try to explain why they need to get back in the horse business. It is scheduled on Jan.6, 2006 in the Federal Court Bldg. in Richmond and is a public hearing. While the ruling will be in the judge’s hands, the Dept of Justice WANTS to help us horse people. They realize there is no association we can report crimes of this nature to and they want to keep this from happening again. No, it will not stop many who are #$LL bent on getting money anyway they can but if it stops a few, then it’s a start. The first step was holding them accountable, the second step needs to be restrictions and guidelines.

Do I think people can be rehabilitated and turn over a new leaf? Certainly, but I would not want a child molester to be allowed to get a job at a day care or someone who has robbed a bank be able to get employement with the Federal Reserve. The day I open my newspaper to the classifieds and the only jobs listed ware horse related then I can understand the need for a hearing. Until then…they should look elsewhere.

Kim Anderson, Victim Specialist, with the Dept of Justice received many emails/letters from victims, parents, barn owners, etc. expressing their concerns regarding them getting back into the horse industry. I strongly urge anyone who would like to see these types of restrictions regarding horse related crimes kept in place to send an email to Kim stating so. It is an opportunity for horse people to say “Enough is enough”! There have been victims who have posted on this and other threads and I hope they will also send an email or letter to Kim. It is truely important!!! You do not have to be a victim to express your thoughts. The court needs to see just how many horse people want justice and accountability in our industry. It can set a standard in VA and show other states how to handle similar cases.

I received a call from Kim Anderson today and I specifically asked her questions before posting information on this thread. She hopes to get more letters/emails. This may be your one opportunity to be heard so please do not let it pass by. I plan on being in Judge Williams courtroom on Jan 6th along with my daughter and others. We would welcome anyone who wants to observe. Whatever his decision I will post it on this thread. Hopefully it will be in favor of all of us who want the horse industry to be a better place, especially for the children.

If you would like Kim’s address please PT me and I will gladly pass it along.

[RNB]

For everyone who has been calling, emailing and PMing me…I finally received a copy of the Order from the Courts and am posting it word for word. As always, you can obtain a copy by contacting the Clerk of Court in Richmond as it is public record. I believe they charge $.50 per page. If you have any questions just let me know.

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
Richmond Division

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JOSHUA CARDINE, Defendent
Criminal Action Number 3:03CR424-01

ORDER

This matter is before the Court on the Petition on Supervised Release and on the government’s motion to modify the conditions of supervised release. Base on the record in this matter, including the Presentence Report, the proffers made by counsel during the hearing held on January 6, 2006, the letters presented as evidence by the government, and the letters presented as evidence by the defendant, the Court GRANTS the government’s motion to modify the conditions of supervised release. The Court finds that the following additional condition of supervised release is necessary to protect the public, and further finds that a partial prohibition would not provide adequate protecton. Accordingly, the Court MODIFIES the Judgement in a Criminal Case dated June 24, 2004 by adding this additional condition of supervised release:

The defendant is prohibited from any employment - self-employment or employment through a legitimate employer - in the equestrian/horse industry. This includes but is not limited to the buying and selling of horses, the breeding of horses, acting as an agent during the sale of horses, acting as a horse trainer, or acting as an instructor for riding lessons to any individual.

It is so ORDERED.

Let the Clerk send a copy of this Order to all counsel of record and U.S. Probation.

1-6-06

Richard L. Williams
SENIOR UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

[LaBonnieBon]

Originally posted by Tom King:
I want to know what these criminals look like.

If you have a VHSA 2005 yearbook, Josh is on page 89…

[RNB]

It came full circle when the new owners of Belle had her shipped to a show so you could spend the whole weekend with her after 6 long years apart!

Voguesmum ~ Horseplay did find her. One of the other victims in this case flew Horseplay down to Atlanta to show in the Olympic Park, horses were brought in for her to ride, she stayed in a suite on the show grounds, had a groom and she got to show all weekend.

But the highlight of the trip…when the new owners of her pony heard Horseplay was going to be at the park they had the pony shipped to the show for the whole weekend at their expense! Horseplay had not seen her pony in 6 years. When she saw her in the stall for the first time, it was (as TWF would say) PRICELESS.

I can only hope everyone reading this thread will someday have a circle of horse friends as great as the ones who circled their wagons around Horseplay.

How glad we are to hear you found your mare and were able to spend 3 more years with her. Hugs back at ya’

[Snowbird]

A bump you all shouldn’t forget the great Prosecuter and jusge who are on our side as innocent victims.

[poltroon]

You know, if you’re a licensed engineer in California you have to give up your license if you’re convicted of a felony - any felony - even if totally unrelated to your practice of engineering.

[Snowbird]

And that is the question isn’t it. Why the pursuit of little people for small offenses when there are cannibals in the Federations. I tell you what I think, the little people don’t want to break rules and accept their guilt and penalties without a battle.

The bigger the criminal the harder they fight to stay pure and free to continue their means of earning a good income. Therefore they are a moving target and less llikely to respond with remorse.

There are people who believe that freedom is for them alone and the rest of us are prey.

[Sheila_H]

You may think it is a joke, but belief me, I have been in this game long enough to know most of the pros and all of the cons.

[Snowbird]

You should post those final papers on the “no reinstatement” thread and the one about background checks. Send it to John Strassburger to publish for all to read.

If the USEF is late to the party put it up every where so people can beware. I love that judge. Bush should have put him up for the Supremem Court.

[JackieBlue]

Originally posted by eef:

There are a lot of accusations being thrown out here, many of which are false. These accusations are one or more person’s opinions, and their personal views of things that they believe happened in the past, and are not based on true facts. It is a continuing case of “He said She said”.
These men have served their time and have lives to rebuild, and they deserve the opportunity to do that without being demeaned further.

Alright then, my father-in-law, a way too trusting sweetheart of a man, sent a horse up to Josh Cardine on trial maybe 4-5 years back and we had to send 2 guys in the middle of the night to get the horse back and he was in awful shape and now he’s dead. I’d be happy to give more details to anyone who pm’s me.
That’s first hand and no hearsay at all involved. Why you might want to defend someone who would do to any animal what that “man” did to our horse is beyond me and makes me really wonder what you’re up to.

[mst]

Snowbird- I didn’t pay her back bills from the first 3 months but I paid the bills to the vet after the first three(she was supposed to continue that part) so that the horse would stay healthy himself and not endanger the health of my others.

[TWF]

If you live in the Richmond area and haven’t already planned to be in Federal Court at Richmond on Friday…please Reconsider. YOur voice matters! The Court is asking for the imput of the horse industry…it doesn’t matter if you ever met Josh Cardine or Keg Berlin…your opinion counts!

Josh has requested a Hearing in Federal Court regarding the CONDITIONS of his three year parole. Evidently he STILL wants to be in the horse business! Since Keg Berlin and Josh were sentenced together…both will have the same conditions.

If this activity is to END…START with these admitted felons!! There wil be more victims and more crooks willing to bend the rules of life to their liking… Give them the message that our industry is vigilant and will seek justice!

Please plan on being there to see Josh and possibly Keg get the WORD from the Bench of Senior Federal Judge Richard L. Williams.

Richmond, VA 9:30 AM this FRIDAY January 6th…ALL ARE WELCOME

AND…

Please send your comments to the court prior to attending the hearing. YOU DO NOT have to have been a victim in this case…We, as the horse industry, were all victims and the court wants to hear from us!!! ( See the VA Trainer Thread for more interesting facts!)

VA Trainers

RBN had graciously offered to provide the court contact if you PM her.

[RNB]

Even though this Order was filed in Virginia it will apply to ALL states since it is Federal case.

[Snowbird]

I wonder if Mug shots are public record?

[Snowbird]

Congratulations and I personally thank you on behalf of us all by setting the precedent in the Virginia Courts. With that on the record it will be easier for everyone else who has been taken advantage of by some sleazy con-man in this business.

With that court ruling I dare the USEF to not recognize a court order. I think a case for contempt of court could be made if they did. Any legals out there care to give us an opinion.

[t8ksilk]

Originally posted by Snowbird:
OH! my t8ksilk; There was a day. I was a teenage rider never went to a show and then with the help of Max Palmer I bought the old Montclair Stable in 1971 at the jolly age of 42 and started Suburban Essex as a tradition. We started showing and running shows and they were so pleasant. Trailers parked on Woodland Avenue and the neighbors loved us there.

Just think of this concept. At A shows they only ran the A-Rated Divisions therefore everyone else went to Local,C or B Rated Shows. My only previous show experience was on the parents committee at the old Junior Essex Troop Horse show. Just imagine everyone had to practically swim their horse across the brook in chest high water just to get to the grass outside course which was uphill and down hill over rolling knolls.

Just imagine everyone arriving at a show by 7:30 AM and knowing they would probably be in the last classes as well. We had canopies for all trailers large and small came with lovely tables set with dishes and glasses for breakfast and lunch. Flowers on the tables and chairs for everyone between classes shaded by the awning from the sun and kept dry there in the rain. That was when I discovered that children didn’t melt if you left them out in the rain.

Kids played games in the back of the parking area and parents swilled old fashions or vodka/tonic and chips n’ dip while they cooked or prepared fresh sandwiches (finger cut size). It was a wonderful family day out away from home usually on someone’s lovely fields.Imagine no cell phones…rarely even a land line. A small generator for the PA System but no night lights. If the show ran late we parked the cars around the rings for light.

When you asked someone whee they were going the next day or the next week it was “you bring the burgers and I’ll bring the beer”.

Believe me there was a time not that long ago when a horse show was rather like a block party. BUT if you were rude to the secretary you didn’t get an invitation. Show secretaries were treated kindly and bribed with home made cookies and cakes. It was not just in my dreams it was for real. All the Medal and Maclay riders became friends and cheered each other on. They all celebrated whoever won the blue for the day. Everyone who won their quota of blues got to show at least once in Madison Square Garden and the Medal Finals. Local shows meant something because you could have a Medal Class at them that would count. It was really hard to find a Medal Class with less than 20 in it. That’s how I met Jonathan Soresi.

I can remember at winter shows when if the show finished early the trainers sat around playing cards because if they got home too early they might be compelled muck stalls. Nobody scratched when it rained; it was a training opportunity, no body stayed home if it snowed because there wasn’t anything better to do if it snowed.

I can remember 300 kids running around the streets of Mahattan all night waiting to show a 5 AM with no schooling in Madison Square Garden. “AND IT WAS FUN!” I remember lunging our equitation horse on the sidewalk in front of the felt forum.

The horses were sparkling clean and braided BY THE RIDERS. What a concept?

Funny, I was there too and don’t remember it entirely the way you do. Yes, we all had fun but there was always an underlying current of not being good enough; having temper tantrums when the ride didn’t go as expected; challenges to the height of a pony owned by a young woman who just wanted to display the work she had put into the animal, when that pony was in the same class as someone’s daughter’s pony; huge amounts of money (by that day’s standard) paid for a horse for a girl to ride Medal/McClay and it happening that the horse couldn’t be ridden two feet without it rearing on the girl; kids getting drunk and stupid in the barn and at shows or show parties partly due to the pressure to win and partly due to the lack of parental supervision; other rumored antics between trainers and students; the list is endless. At the time, it was all fun but looking back on it, it seemed that the need to win took precedence over sportsmanship and good sense. Some of those kids were my friends and I’ll bet a dollar to a donut that most of them don’t ride anymore. And that’s the shame of it because it should be a sport that one can enjoy for a lifetime or at least long after aging out of the “juniors”. Your kids were given a legacy, most aren’t so lucky.

[RNB]

For those who have been asking ~ It is a hearing and yes, it is open to the public.