US Forest Service Workers Sued under RICO Act

The Story: A recent lawsuit against three federal employees and a member of the purported environmental group Friends of Fawnskin is making headlines, as it alleges U.S. Forest Service employees abused their government offices to form a complex conspiracy to illegally stop construction of Marina Point, a Big Bear Lake development in which they had undisclosed personal interests.

Gene Zimmerman, Scott Eliason and Robin Eliason, all U.S. Forest Service employees, as well Sandy Steers, principal member of Friends of Fawnskin, were indicted under the federal Racketeer Influences and Corruptions Act and are accused of:

-- Issuing false information about the project to
other government agencies;

-- Misrepresenting their personal opposition as
official U.S. Forest Service positions;

-- Plotting with others who had interest in the
projects demise;

-- Improperly sharing government information that was
not public and withholding information that Marina
Point was entitled to under the Freedom of
Information Act;

-- Destroying evidence on government computers;

-- Other illegal acts.


The Interview: As you consider covering various aspects of the story, please consider an interview with Wayne Rosenbaum, the attorney who filed the RICO lawsuit for Marina Point
Development. Rosenbaum can address the RICO lawsuit and allegations made by the defendants in the case.

More Info: For additional information on the history, the alleged
conspiracy and the law, visit:
www.nstpr.com/press_kit/marina_point.html.

For Marina Point Development
Teresa Siles or Chris Hilliard, 619-296-0605
Cell: 619/606-2970
www.nstpr.com/press_kit/marina_point.html