Danno,
Clearly the point is to try and divert everyone's attention as far away from Jim Plant as possible.
The C&D order from the DHS came MONTHS AND MONTHS before the SEC finally stepped in.
Let's for a minute say you own a business, and I own a gigantic business. You are putting out news that you have a major contract with me. But you don't. I know this. I have a C&D order sent to you. For 6 months, knowing 100% that you have this, you NEVER look to see why it would happen, if such a deal exists. And then you're all but shut down. How is that anyone's fault but yours?
Plant either knew or reasonably should have known for MANY MONTHS that the contract was fake. He had the power (as the person who was in charge of what Big Apple or anyone else said or did) to stop ALL PRs that said anything about a "government entity." By allowing those press releases to exist, he is admitting full and complete knowledge that he did not have a contract with the DHS.
I'm willing to believe the SEC and FBI are looking at that as the starting point. EVERYTHING that followed would have been the result of the initial action.
Plant is toast. And in jail, buttered toast.
If he's really smart, he'll realize the error of his ways, and plea. FAST.
IMO/FWIW
"Taking advice from known stock promoters is like telling a pickpocket where you keep your money!!!"