Alex Constantine - May 10, 2008
FBI Agents Seize Documents
Jay Gormley IRVING (CBS 11 News/Dallas) ― CBS 11 News has learned that FBI agents have searched an Irving business with alleged ties to east coast Mafia families.
On its website, First Plus Financial Group describes itself as a company that provides financial and management services to both consumer and commercial businesses. However, according to a search warrant obtained by CBS 11 News, the FBI is investigating if the Irving company has ties to the Mafia.
CBS 11 News has learned that FBI agents went to First Plus Financial Group's offices along Highway 114 in Irving on Thursday. In the search warrant, agents were instructed to seize records from 43 individuals and companies. On the top of the list is First Plus Financial Group itself.
Also named in the search warrant are Nicky Scarfo, Sr. and his son, Nicky Scarfo, Jr. The senior, nicknamed 'Little Nicky,' was the notorious mob boss of Philadelphia in the 1980s. The 79-year-old is currently in prison for racketeering and murder.
His son, Nicky Jr., survived an ambush when he was shot eight times on Halloween 1989 in a south Philadelphia restaurant. The 42-year-old also has been convicted for conspiracy, loansharking and racketeering. The FBI also seized documents yesterday from Nicky, Jr.'s New Jersey home.
John Maxwell is listed as First Plus Financial Group's chairman of the board. He too is named in the search warrant. Documents and records were seized from these individuals and companies because, according to the search warrant, there is evidence of mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property, money laundering, racketeering and extortion.
According to a security guard and an employee of First Plus Financial Group, at least eight to ten FBI agents raided the Irving company on Thursday morning.
http://cbs11tv.com/local/Irving.Business.Mafia.2.720693.html
