Fugitive Returns Son To Mother
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio-Mark Samples, one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitives, waived extradition here and agreed to return to Minnesota to face charges in a 2001 armed robbery at Red Wing CU, while his 4-year-old son was returned to his mother in Pepin, Wis.
Samples, a decorated Persian Gulf veteran, had taken his son from his estranged wife 15 months ago during a weekend visitation while awaiting trial on the credit union charges. Samples had pleaded guilty to the commando-style robbery, then withdrew his plea when it appeared he would serve a long jail sentence. Defense attorneys argued when Samples robbed the credit union he suffered from post traumatic stress disorder from his service during the 1987 attack on the USS Starke by an Iraqi missile, for which he received military honors.
The FBI said they finally tracked Samples down in the woods about two hours from Youngstown from a tip developed through the TV show "America's Most Wanted."
AFFCU Signs For Anti-Spam Service
OGDE, Utah-America First FCU said it has contracted with Trend Micro Inc. to the company's Spam Prevention Service in combination with its gateway content security solution. Trend Micro's InterScan Messaging Security Suite helps protect computer networks from spam, viruses and other malicious code.
America First has deployed Trend Micro's anti-spam service at the Internet gateway to help protect 1000 employees at 44 branches in Utah and Nevada.
RCCU Offers CarBuying Service
RIVERSIDE, Calif.-Riverside County CU said it has signed with AutoExpert to help its members find and buy cars.
AutoExpert helps car and truck buyers search for and locate new and used vehicles online, by phone or in person. Once it is located, it is delivered to the credit union, where the buyer can do the paperwork and drive it home. The service is offered through the credit union's wholly owned CUSO, making it available to non-members, as well.
Arrowhead Spruces Up MBLs
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.-Arrowhead CU said its Member Business Services CUSO has contracted with Bankers Systems, Inc., to implement its Rembrandt Lending System to help it establish proper commercial loan documentation.
Rembrandt helps lenders increase the efficiency and productivity of its business loan department by simplifying the documentation process for business loans.
Idaho CUL Sells Mortgage Ops
BOISE, Idaho-The Idaho CU League has agreed to sell its mortgage brokerage unit to LoriMac Corp., of Clifton, N.J. Under the deal, the two league employees working at Mortgage Partners will remain with the firm. LoriMac is a provider of mortgage servicing to about 40 credit unions.
Lake Michigan CU Plans New HQ
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-Lake Michigan CU said it has acquired a 48,000 square-foot office building with 3.7 acres where it plans to move its headquarters. The $800-million credit union plans to use most, if not all, of the new facility for its operations. The new building is located in nearby East Paris.
Diebold Guards American History
NORTH CANTON, Ohio-ATM maker Diebold Inc. is now the official safekeeper of American history with the contract to secure the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in customized high-tech vaults at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The newly reonovated rotunda and re-encasement of the historical documents was unveiled last week.
The Diebold security systems, designed specially for the archives, will allow the documents to be displayed during the day and secured after hours. The new display will be open to the public starting Thursday.
Longtime CU Vet Passes
FLINT, Mich.-Members of Dort FCU were mourning the passing of Leroy "Jack" Madison, longtime chairman and a volunteer for 25 years. Madison died of a heart attack at 68.
Madison, who worked at AC Sparg Plug in Flint, the credit union's chief sponsor, helped build Dort FCU into a nearly $300-million credit union.
