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After arrest, Scientologist chiro Dennis Nobbe in even more trouble for contacting witnesses

 
When he was charged with Medicare and PPP loan fraud in July, Scientology donor and Miami chiropractor Dennis Nobbe put up a $200,000 bond and, as part of an agreement to stay out of jail while awaiting trial, promised not to contact former employees that the government planned to call as witnesses.

Two weeks later, on August 15, Nobbe called one of those witnesses, offered him a job and a bribe, and got himself into even more trouble. As a result, his bond this week was boosted to $350,000, his mobile phone was confiscated, and he’ll have to submit land line records to prove that he’s not continuing to violate his conditions.

Also, the government has asked that Nobbe not be given access to the medical files at his business, Dynamic Medical Services, which now has no employees and has been shuttered.

Nobbe is getting a harsh lesson in wog law, and while he might feel that his Scientology superiority might pull him through, he better quickly figure out that the government isn’t kidding around. From a recent court filing submitted by federal prosecutors…

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The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in connection with a wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and money laundering scheme to defraud patients at the defendant’s chiropractic clinic. The defendant bribed physicians to open up credit card provider accounts that the defendant — who was unable to open his own credit card provider accounts due to his prior misconduct — could use to charge patients thousands of dollars for chiropractic services. The defendant similarly bribed physicians for use of the physicians’ Medicare numbers to submit claims that the defendant, as a chiropractic physician, was ineligible to submit to Medicare himself. The defendant disguised payments between himself and physicians through the use of shell companies, sham contracts, and sham “medical directorship” positions.

 
That’s what Nobbe was arrested for in July, but we’ve known about him for years as a Miami Scientology bigwig who repeatedly ran into trouble with the government because he tried to force Scientology on his employees, even going so far to set up his own mini-Scientology “academy” across the street so his workers could get in some Scientology course time on breaks from their work at Dynamic Medical.

Based on what we learned from those disputes about pushing Scientology down his workers’ throats, we got the distinct idea that Nobbe was your typical arrogant Scientologist who expected that it was his way or the highway.

And prosecutors sounded pretty dumbfounded when they learned that Nobbe, just days after promising not to, tried to bribe one of his former employees after his arrest.

In spite of the clear instructions to the defendant, on at least two occasions the defendant has contacted M.Z., in direct violation of the conditions of his release. On Saturday, August 15, the defendant called witness M.Z. In the course of the conversation, the defendant invited M.Z. to work for the defendant as the “medical director” of a chiropractic clinic with which the defendant is affiliated. In doing so, the defendant was suggesting that he would pay bribes to M.Z., disguised as payments to M.Z. to act as a “medical director,” in exchange for M.Z. allowing the defendant to use a credit card provider account opened in M.Z.’s name, and/or M.Z.’s Medicare provider number, in order to charge and/or submit claims to Medicare on behalf of Nobbe’s patients. In other words, the defendant (1) offered to bribe a witness to a federal investigation while released on bond; and (2) invited M.Z. to engage in the very type of wire fraud and health care fraud conspiracy for which the Defendant was charged by criminal complaint. M.Z. responded that the defendant was a “criminal” and informed the defendant not to contact him again.

And then, to their surprise, after submitting this evidence to the court, prosecutors then found out that Nobbe had contacted another witness as well.

Following the Defendant’s initial appearance, the Government learned that the Defendant had made contact with witness M.Z., in clear violation of his conditions of bond, in a blatant effort to (1) continue in the very fraud scheme for which the Defendant was charged; and (2) inappropriately influence M.Z.’s potential cooperation in this investigation. Based on this information, the Government filed a motion to revoke the Defendant’s bond on August 24, 2020. (D.E. 5). After filing that motion, the Government learned that the Defendant had repeatedly contacted a second witness, A.G. The Government presented evidence of Defendant’s impermissible contacts with witnesses M.Z. and A.G. in a revocation of bond hearing on August 27 (the “Bond Hearing”). As relevant to the instant Motion, the Government put on evidence that the Defendant had sent a text message to M.Z. discussing a review of “files” and submission of claims to Medicare, which the Government argued was a clear reference to the patient files and Medicare claims that are evidence in this investigation. The Government also put on evidence that the Defendant had sent text messages pressuring A.G. to meet with him in person at Dynamic Medical Services.

So, just days after being arrested and let out on bond, Nobbe was not only trying to continue the same criminal activity he was arrested for, but also prosecutors were concerned about Nobbe’s access to evidence in the form of medical files. They wanted his bond revoked and Nobbe thrown into jail awaiting trial, but Magistrate Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes cut Nobbe a break and jacked up his bond to $350,000 and confiscated his mobile phone.

Prosecutors aren’t happy, and want the judge to at least keep Nobbe from accessing his files, asking that he be required to hire another doctor to handle them on his behalf. That motion was filed this week, and we’ll see what Otazo-Reyes decides.

The sooner she understands what Scientologists think of wog ethics and law, the better grasp she’ll have on the situation.

 
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Princess Joy Villa buries the lead

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Still trying desperately to extend her 15 minutes of fame over wearing a Trump dress to the 2017 Grammy awards, Scientologist climber Joy Villa has come out with a book that, thankfully, one of our readers looked through so we don’t have to. Here’s their report….

The book is 196 pages long on Kindle. Scientology, Dianetics, Hubbard or a Scientology front-group are mentioned in only four paragraphs, once on the Recommended Reading List For Conservatives, and in two entries on the list of Websites and Resources as follows.

On page 138, Villa praises Dianetics: “The book Dianetics, a best-selling book on mental health by L. Ron Hubbard (who founded Scientology), has helped me a great deal, along with the course that goes with it. It helped me wade through a lot of mental garbage in my life that came up from the past. It has worked wonders for me, and it will help you, too.”

 

 
On page 141, Villa praises the Admin Scale and WISE: “With the help of a site called www.wise.org and a tool called the Admin Scale, I’ve been able to articulate my purpose, goals, and desires—and plan exactly how to turn those into something actual. (“Wise” in that URL stands for World Institute of Scientology Enterprises, but it’s used by businesses and individuals from all walks of life.)”

On page 177, Villa states that she raised over $1 million for the Foundation for a Drug Free World: “Having had experiences myself with drugs, I know how critical this work is and how much our children need our help. And I’ve been blessed to have raised over $1 million for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. ”

On page 178, Villa says that she is an ambassador for the Way to Happiness Foundation, and that it works with [Tony Muhammad’s] United in Peace Foundation: “Another charity that I support, and for which I’m an ambassador, is the Way to Happiness Foundation. It works with the United in Peace Foundation to deliver peace-focused educational materials to rival gangs in the inner cities of Compton and Los Angeles. The charities help elicit conversation as well. This work is so important, as I get to help stop violence in the inner cities of Black America. During the “peace rides,” we pray and travel with the grieving mothers of children lost to gang violence.”

On page 189, the Recommended Reading List For Conservatives recommends “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard.”

On page 191, the list of Websites and Resources includes www.thewaytohappiness.org and www.unitedinpeace.org

We’re sure the book is fascinating. For the rest of the story about how Joy is actually a Scientologist on the make, please check out our interviews with her former boyfriend and her former manager.

 
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Scientologist-owned ABCMouse hit with $10 million fine for jackassery

You may have seen this in the comments yesterday, but the FTC announced yesterday that Age of Learning agreed to pay a $10 million settlement for the deceptive way it set up automatic renewals for its toddler literacy software, ABCMouse.

“From 2015 until at least 2018, the company failed to clearly disclose that memberships would automatically renew, charged consumers’ credit card without their express authorization, and made it difficult for consumers to stop those recurrent charges.”

That’s from an FTC press release. What the FTC didn’t say, but we have been saying for a few years now, is that Age of Learning is owned by Doug Dohring, one of Scientology’s biggest donors, and we’ve warned parents that as long as they subscribe to ABCMouse, they’re helping Dohring write huge checks for David Miscavige — at least $20 million so far just to the IAS (that’s Doug and Laurie getting a big trophy for their largesse, above)

There are plenty of companies that make it difficult to quit their services and that set up dodgy renewals, so we’re not sure there’s really anything particularly interesting to conclude from this rare example of government enforcement.

But at least for a little while, Miscavige might have to count on less coming from the Dohrings.

 
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Source Code

“There are actually hundreds of prison systems. And yet they have hung themselves with the one which they found was the least rehabilitative, the least workable and produced the most crime….I’m not even standing up for another system. Frankly, if you just erected a big stockade someplace or another and told the fellows to go in there for a while, and we didn’t care who they took with us, we’d probably, you know, have a better system. If the Scientologist were to go about this — I already figured this out for the federal prisons of the United States. The head of all federal prisons in the United States has required Dianetics to be read, by the way, by all his wardens. And I worked out a system for him. Too much work for me to put into effect and so never went into effect. We are not without friends or connections or influence, in spite of the fact that some two-bit-some drug addicts, the Federal Drug Addicts, are after us, because they’re actually not under the government, they’re under the AMA.” — L. Ron Hubbard, September 3, 1963

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“There are people who are more ‘hatted’ than me. However, I do not see them having as much Purpose as I have. Secondly, they are not LRH so they do not know neither apply Scientology 100 percent. Still, if anything moves they are the first to USE POLICY TO STOP. They cannot even see that all those years all they should be doing is Hat, Hat, Hat… But no, they know better. Those who postulated 100 percent policy are still postulating and DO less than they could. A team with any policy is better than a team with NO policy even if it’s the ALL STARS playing. You know that. Or if you don’t know read Org Board and Livingness.”

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Random Howdy

“Owls get spontaneous spasmodic upvotes from me, always.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Arraignment scheduled for September 18.
Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay’s sentencing is set for October 5 in White Plains, NY. Jeffrey’s is set for October 24.
Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Next pretrial conference set for Jan 12 in Los Angeles
Dennis Nobbe, Medicare fraud, PPP loan fraud: Charged July 29, bond raised to $350,000 on Aug 27.

Civil litigation:
Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Oral arguments were heard on July 30 at the Eleventh Circuit
Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ Motion for reconsideration denied on August 11
Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: Sept 4 (CSI/RTC demurrer against Riales, Masterson demurrer), Oct 7-19 (motions to compel arbitration)
Jane Doe v. Scientology (in Miami): Jane Doe dismissed the lawsuit on May 15 after the Clearwater Police dropped their criminal investigation of her allegations.
Matt and Kathy Feschbach bankruptcy appeal: Oral arguments were heard on March 11 in Jacksonville
Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Second amended complaint filed, trial set for Nov 9, 2021.
Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, awaiting verdict.

 
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Scientology’s celebrities, ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and more!

[Jenna Elfman, Giovanni Ribisi, and Greta Van Susteren]

We’ve been building landing pages about David Miscavige’s favorite playthings, including celebrities and ‘Ideal Orgs,’ and we’re hoping you’ll join in and help us gather as much information as we can about them. Head on over and help us with links and photos and comments.

Scientology’s celebrities, from A to Z! Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Scientology’s ‘Ideal Orgs,’ from one end of the planet to the other! Help us build up pages about each these worldwide locations!

Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society!

Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in our weekly series. How many have you read?

 
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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] The donors keeping Scientology afloat in 2019: Today, part one, the lesser whales
[TWO years ago] Scientology rehabs are hiring — if you don’t care about money or a decent place to live
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s slick (and bogus) drug education program snares another school district
[FOUR years ago] Dan Koon, co-writer of Scientology tell-all ‘Ruthless,’ on his days with L. Ron Hubbard
[FIVE years ago] It’s a video extravaganza as three former members tell us about life inside Scientology
[SIX years ago] Nancy Cartwright puts out the creepiest Scientology advertisement of all time
[SEVEN years ago] Making the Grade: Scientology Prepares Us for the Future
[NINE years ago] Marty Rathbun Headed to Germany This Week — Why This is Bad News for David Miscavige
[TEN years ago] Another Ex-Scientologist Publishes Damning Tell-All

 
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Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,049 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,553 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,073 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,093 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 984 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,291 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,159 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 2,933 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 3,737 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,053 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 11,619 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,538 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 3,706 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,287 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,548 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 2,586 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,299 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 1,824 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,354 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 5,914 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,054 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,374 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,229 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,348 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 1,704 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,007 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,113 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,515 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,387 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 1,970 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,465 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 2,719 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 13,828 days.

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Posted by Tony Ortega on September 3, 2020 at 06:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2019 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2019), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 14 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

 

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