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CASE HISTORIES

Stork Delivers Empty Promises

Problem: A Philadelphia-based adoption facilitation service was suspected of fraudulent activity.

Solution: SIU carried out a comprehensive investigation which included posting messages on internet bulletin boards, conducting a nationwide search for "birth parents," interviewing victims from as far away as Littleton, Colorado, and a thorough analysis of electronic mail and other business records.

Results: The investigation disclosed the facilitator was operating a fraudulent adoption facilitation service with victims nationwide. The adoption facilitator was indicted on twenty counts of mail fraud, pleading guilty to three. She received a 46 month sentence.

The criminal activity and investigation received national media attention, including articles in U.S. News and World Report and Time, a segment on the television program "Extra," and a segment scheduled for the NBC Nightly News "Fleecing of America."