Central District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Quincy Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy, Illinois, man, Warren Mason, 29, formerly of the 1400 block of North 3rd Street, was sentenced on May 17, 2022, to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release, for distributing over five grams of 99% pure methamphetamine on two occasions in Quincy, Illinois.
At the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Sue Myerscough heard evidence presented by the government that on January 29, 2019, Mason distributed 6.5 grams of highly pure methamphetamine and on February 4, 2019, he distributed 8.1 grams. It was also determined that while initially on bond on the federal charges, Mason committed felony domestic battery for which he was convicted in Adams County, Illinois, Circuit Court and for which his federal bond was revoked.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute five but less than 50 grams of methamphetamine is a minimum of five years and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to four years of supervised release.
The West Central Illinois Task Force, Illinois State Police, Quincy Police Department, and Adams County States Attorney’s Office were involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Mason was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local, law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11, through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“I join Attorney General Garland in paying tribute to the brave and dedicated men and women in law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Harris. “These committed public servants devote countless hours toward making our communities safe, work that all too often places them in significant peril. Tragically, here in the Central District of Illinois, we have had officers make the ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and colleagues.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.
The Central District of Illinois grieves the following officers who served in the district and were killed in the line of duty in 2021 and this year:
- Knox County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas D. Weist, End of Watch Date: April 29, 2022
- Bradley, Illinois, Police Department Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic, End of Watch Date: December 30, 2021
- Peoria County Illinois, Corrections Officer Camron Passie, End of Watch Date: December 5, 2021
- Champaign, Illinois, Police Officer Chris Oberheim, End of Watch Date: May 19, 2021
- Illinois State Police Senior Master Trooper Todd A. Hanneken, End of Watch Date: March 25, 2021
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks [1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.
[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.
Peoria Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements in Connection with Straw-Purchasing SchemeRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, woman, Keena Fauntleroy, 28, of the 2600 block of West Humboldt Street, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2022, to one count of making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, commonly referred to as straw purchasing. The false statements related to her purchase of firearms for her partner, Jarmarco O. Moore, 32, of the 1300 block of North Machin Ave., in Peoria, Illinois, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his status as a felon. Sentencing for Fauntleroy is scheduled for September 8, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria.
Moore was previously sentenced on April 14, 2022, to 110 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm as a felon in connection with this case.
According to court documents, federal agents began investigating Fauntleroy’s alleged gun purchase history when two of the guns that Fauntleroy was reported to have purchased in 2019 were recovered during criminal investigations by the Peoria Police Department. The investigation revealed that Fauntleroy had purchased ten guns between January 2019 and January 2021. On March 8, 2021, agents seized a 9mm handgun from Fauntleroy and approached Moore at his residence. While agents interviewed Moore at the front door of his home, police at the rear of the home saw a minor female exit the back door carrying a backpack. The minor female was stopped and questioned by police. Agents then searched the backpack and located 20 grams of cocaine and two firearms: a Glock Model 20 10mm handgun loaded with 14 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber, and a Ruger Model 57 handgun loaded with 21 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. Fauntleroy was reported to have purchased these two handguns three months earlier, on January 7 and 8, 2021. The investigation revealed that Moore had directed the juvenile to remove the backpack with the guns and drugs from the house when he learned that law enforcement agents were headed to the residence.
During an interview with law enforcement, Moore stated that his DNA and fingerprints would likely be on any firearms that Fauntleroy had bought. Moore also admitted that he had accompanied Fauntleroy when she allegedly bought firearms at gun stores.
Fauntleroy was indicted in June of 2021. She remains on bond pending sentencing.
The statutory penalties for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm are up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
Moore was indicted in June 2021 and released on bond to a third-party custodian. After violating his bond conditions, he was returned to custody in December 2021 and pleaded guilty that same month.
At Moore’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid found the sentence was intended to promote respect for the law, deter criminal conduct, and protect the public. Judge Shadid noted that Moore had committed a very dangerous offense involving a lot of handguns purchased over an extended period of time, some of which had been located on the streets during unrelated criminal investigations, and some that were still unaccounted for.
The statutory penalties for being a felon in possession of a firearm are up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Moore was also required to forfeit the handguns.
“We must make every effort to stop the flow of illegal guns in our communities and use our federal resources to prosecute individuals who unlawfully purchase and possess firearms,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna. “As always, we appreciate the cooperation and assistance of our local and federal law enforcement partners to help make our communities safer.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Moore was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 81 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Robert Jerome Miller, 32, of the 700 block of West Pine Hill Lane, was sentenced on May 10, 2022, to a total of 81 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for two instances of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that on May 26, 2020, Peoria Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert of gunfire in the 200 block of East Arcadia Avenue. Police found Miller lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his face and shoulder. Miller lay about 20 feet from the passenger side of his vehicle, bleeding from his mouth and broadcasting his injuries on Facebook Live. Police then located bullet holes in the driver’s side door of Miller’s car and saw blood on the passenger side door and frame. Upon further inspection, a loaded .40 caliber handgun was found on the passenger seat of the vehicle. The gun and magazine were improperly loaded with 9mm ammunition and a spent 9mm cartridge was located in the chamber, indicating the gun had been fired but had jammed after a round was discharged.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Miller with possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the May 26, 2020, incident. U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid sentenced Miller to 69 months’ imprisonment on that charge.
At the time of that offense, Miller also was on federal supervised release in the Central District of Illinois for the offense of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. A petition to revoke Miller’s supervised release was filed May 28, 2020, alleging possession of the .40 caliber handgun on May 26, 2020, as well as a separate instance of possession of a Glock 9mm handgun on May 16, 2020. With regard to revocation of supervised release, Miller was sentenced to a term of 36 months’ imprisonment, 12 months of which were ordered to be served consecutive to his 69-month sentence for possessing a gun on May 26, 2020.
Miller was indicted in the present case in June 2020 and entered a guilty plea in January 2022. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending sentencing. While detained in Woodford County awaiting disposition in the federal case, Miller assaulted another inmate and was charged with aggravated battery in April 2021. Miller pleaded guilty to those charges in July 2021 and was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release. Judge Shadid ordered that his aggregate federal sentence run consecutive to that state sentence.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a felon are up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Peoria Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Miller was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Randall R. Ray IV, 33, was sentenced on May 10, 2022, to 14 years in prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court filings, in July 2021, Ray produced and possessed a video that depicted a minor child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Another individual found the video in Ray’s phone and notified authorities.
Ray was indicted in August 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2022. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his indictment.
The statutory penalties for possession of child pornography are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a five-year to life term of supervised release.
The United States Secret Service and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Ray was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Peoria Felon Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A 23-year-old Peoria, Illinois, man, Alante Malik Jackson, of the 4300 block of West Scenic Drive, was sentenced on May 10, 2022, to three years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that on September 21, 2021, Peoria Police observed Jackson driving a stolen Dodge Charger that had been used to flee from police on multiple prior occasions. At the time, Jackson was on probation for a state felony firearm case. When Jackson saw police drive into the gas station where he was parked at the fuel pump, he entered the Charger and sped away, leaving a cloud of smoke and debris. Police followed Jackson, who crashed into a truck, causing the Charger to sustain a flat tire and become disabled. Jackson then fled on foot from police in a residential area and, during the chase, threw a handgun on the roof of a garage. Jackson was apprehended in the backyard of a residence. Police then retrieved the firearm, a loaded Glock 23, 9mm handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition. The gun had previously been reported stolen from Canton, Illinois.
Jackson was indicted on the federal charge of felon in possession of a firearm in October 2021 and pleaded guilty in December 2021. He has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his indictment.
The statutory penalties for felon in possession of a firearm are up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
Sacramento, California, Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and for Using a Communication Facility to Commit a Drug FelonyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Sacramento, California, man, Tommy V. Tran, 28, of the 8000 block of Danbury Park Court, was sentenced on May 4, 2022, by United States District Judge Sue Myerscough to 180 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and for using a communication facility to commit a drug felony.
Judge Myerscough determined Tran, along with five co-defendants, between August 1, 2018 and February 11, 2019, knowingly conspired to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Judge Myerscough specifically found Tran was responsible for over 1,400 grams of methamphetamine and over 2,500 grams of marijuana. The drugs were shipped from California to Missouri and eventually to Adams and Pike Counties in Illinois. Tran was also convicted of using a communication facility, namely a telephone, to facilitate the conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute and the distribution of methamphetamine.
Judge Myerscough further found that Tran had acted as a supervisor, organizer, or leader in the criminal activity as he had recruited individuals to send the drugs via the United States Postal Service and commercial carriers and to pay for the drugs via electronic banking transactions. The Court also concluded Tran possessed numerous dangerous weapons.
Previously, co-defendant Shawn Davis was sentenced by Judge Myerscough to 144 months’ imprisonment. Cases against other co-defendants remain pending. Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Tran was indicted in March 2019 and pleaded guilty in November 2021. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals since being arrested in California in February 2019.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine are not more than life in prison, not more than a $10 million fine, and not less than five years of supervised release. The statutory penalties for use of communication facility to commit a drug felony are not more than four years in prison, not more than a $30,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Jacobs stated that “the successful prosecution of Tran shows how OCDETF can be used to bring together local, state, and federal resources to target and imprison high-level drug dealers.”
“Disrupting drug traffickers like Tran is a critical part of our mission and an example of the effectiveness of our task force partnerships,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The sentence handed down today reflects the tireless effort of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to investigate criminal enterprises operating within our communities and bring to justice those who endanger public health and safety.”
The West Central Illinois Task Force; Quincy Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; and Drug Enforcement Agency, St. Louis Division, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 96 months in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Use of Interstate Facilities to Attempt to Transmit Information about a MinorRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Matthew Wetzel, 37, of the 800 block of East Edward Street, was sentenced on May 5, 2022, to 96 months in prison for attempted enticement of a minor and use of interstate facilities to attempt to transmit information about a minor.
At the sentencing hearing before United States District Judge Sue Myerscough, the government presented evidence that on or about August 27 and August 28, 2020, Wetzel knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, and entice an individual whom he believed had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity. On those same dates, Wetzel also knowingly used a facility and means of interstate commerce, the internet and a cellular telephone, with the intent to transmit the name and address of another individual who had not attained the age of 16, and he did so with the intent to entice, encourage, offer, and solicit that person to engage in sexual activity.
Wetzel was indicted in September 2020 and pleaded guilty in November 2021. He was taken into the custody of the United States Marshals after the sentencing hearing.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Office, with the assistance of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the Springfield Police Department; and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Coffeen, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Coffeen, Illinois, man, Trey Pease, 30, of the 100 block of South Street, was sentenced on May 4, 2022, to 168 months in prison for receipt of child pornography by United States District Judge Sue Myerscough.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that between the summer of 2017 and the spring of 2018, Pease both solicited and received multiple images of child pornography from a minor. Pease conversed with the minor using an online social application. Pease also sent an image of himself to the minor.
During the hearing, Judge Myerscough specifically found that Pease had caused the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for Pease’s sexual gratification, had used a computer to receive child pornography, and had engaged in a pattern of activity involving prohibited sexual conduct with minors on multiple occasions.
Pease was indicted in March 2020 and plead guilty in December 2021. He has been detained since his arrest in August 2020.
The statutory penalties for receipt of child pornography are not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, not less than five years and up to life of supervised release, and not more than a $250,000 fine.
The Illinois State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Robert E. Collins, 35, of the 1900 block of South Lawrence Avenue, was sentenced on May 3, 2022, to 108 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of mixtures or substances containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Collins was found in possession of approximately 504 ecstasy pills containing methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Decatur, Illinois, on August 3, 2017, and also had around $8,500 on his person.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that a sentencing enhancement for obstructing justice applied in relation to Collins’s flight from a later traffic stop in Sangamon County, Illinois, during which the United States Marshals Service attempted to take Collins into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant. Collins sped away from the traffic stop in a vehicle, dragging two United States Marshals with him. One of the Marshals remained on the running board for several hundred yards before Collins slowed down, allowing the Marshal to jump off safely.
Collins was indicted in March of 2018 and pleaded guilty in November of 2021.
The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of mixtures containing methamphetamine are not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, not more than a $5 million fine, and at least four years of supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the Springfield Police Department, and the Decatur Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
LSD Dealer Sentenced to Almost Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Bartonville, Illinois, man, Derick Meyers, 24, of the 1000 block of Collins Court, was sentenced on April 28, 2022, to 57 months in prison for distribution of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), to be followed by three years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that in June 2020 the Pekin Police Department began an investigation after two individuals were hospitalized after using LSD in Pekin. Meyers was determined to be the primary source of the LSD and was known to sell LSD, MDMA (commonly referred to as “molly”), and ketamine. Meyers subsequently sold LSD and MDMA on three different occasions in July and August 2020, including selling two and half vials of liquid LSD for $1000.
Meyers was indicted on the LSD distribution charge in October 2020 and pleaded guilty in December 2021. Meyers has been out on bond since his detention hearing in early November 2020.
The statutory penalties for distribution of LSD are no more than 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and three years to life of supervised release.
The investigation was a joint collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pekin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge represented the government in the prosecution.
Former Morton, Illinois Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Making a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Tampa, Florida man, Steven Racich, 49, formerly of the 100 block of West Jefferson, in Morton, Illinois, was sentenced on April 27, 2022, to 68 months in prison for wire fraud, money laundering, and making and subscribing a false return. He also was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. And his sentence included paying $1,912,692.75 in restitution to Apria Healthcare and the Internal Revenue Service.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Racich was an employee of Apria Healthcare, a national business with a branch in Peoria, Illinois. Apria offers clinical services and sells at-home medical equipment, including CPAP machines. Racich worked at Apria from 2008 to 2017, and served as the branch manager. During an internal audit in December 2017, Apria officials discovered the Peoria office was incurring unexplained and excessive shipping costs. The investigation established that Racich was stealing CPAP machines from Apria and selling them to third parties for his own profit, using Apria’s accounts to ship the machines. It was discovered that Racich created a business and used an alias to communicate with customers, paying himself through a PayPal account under the alias name. The embezzlement occurred from as early as 2013 until Racich was terminated in December 2017. The fraud netted Racich over $1.4 million in profit. Racich used the unlawful funds to support his lifestyle, spending it on airfare, vehicle payments, and weekend trips. The Internal Revenue Service investigation also uncovered evidence that Racich failed to report the income on his taxes, leading to the false tax return charges.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge James Shadid found that Racich was eligible for an enhanced sentence because his position as branch manager enabled him to abuse a position of private trust with Apria, which facilitated the commission and concealment of the offense.
Racich was indicted in July 2020 and pleaded guilty in November 2021. Racich has been on pretrial release since his indictment.
The statutory penalties for wire fraud are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The penalties for money laundering are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $500,000 fine or two times the property value involved. The penalties for making and subscribing a false return are up to three years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release.
“Every year, the people of the Central District of Illinois fulfill their civic obligation to fund our governmental system through paying taxes,” stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge. “Unfortunately, a few shirk that duty or worse, attempt to profit at the expense of their fellow citizens. Such behavior is not only illegal but unjust. It is our responsibility to hold accountable those who embezzle from employers and attempt to cheat the system for personal gain.”
“Honest and law-abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with ill-gotten money as well as skirt their tax obligations,” said Justin Campbell, IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office. "Mr. Racich’s actions not only caused negative financial harm to his employer but also the honest taxpayer when he committed significant tax fraud violations, in not paying taxes on over $1.4 million.”
The Internal Revenue Service and Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge represented the government in the prosecution.
Galva Man Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Possession of Ice Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Galva, Illinois, man, Justin W. Collins, 42, of the 100 block of SE Eighth Street, was sentenced on April 18, 2022, to 180 months’ imprisonment for possession of ice methamphetamine with intent to distribute, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. In addition, Collins was sentenced to 30 months prison for violating the terms of his supervised release at the time of this offense, to be served concurrently in case number 10-CR-40053.
The government presented evidence that on June 29, 2020, Collins purchased methamphetamine in the Peoria, Illinois, area and then drove directly to the Wal-Mart in Kewanee, Illinois, and entered the store. Kewanee Police requested their K-9 unit respond to the Wal-Mart, and upon arrival, the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics during a free air sniff of Collins’ truck. During a subsequent search, officers discovered a black glove containing ice methamphetamine hidden in the engine compartment of the truck. The methamphetamine was analyzed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory and determined to be 83.3 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. Evidence also revealed Collins was planning to distribute the methamphetamine to others after he purchased it.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Joe B. McDade noted that at the time of this offense in June 2020, Collins was already serving a term of supervised release for a prior federal methamphetamine trafficking offense from 2010. The government presented evidence that after Collins’ arrest on this case, law enforcement discovered that Collins and another federal supervised release offender were attempting to evade drug testing even though they had continued to use narcotics while on supervision. Judge McDade recommended Collins receive drug treatment while in the Bureau of Prisons noting that his prior treatment efforts were not effective.
Collins was indicted in October 2021 and pleaded guilty in December 2021. He has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his indictment.
The statutory penalties for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute are a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment and not less than five years of supervised release. Since Collins had a prior qualifying conviction, he faced not less than 15 years to life imprisonment, and not less than 10 years of supervised release upon completion of his imprisonment.
“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all law enforcement involved, we were able to stop yet another drug dealer from distributing this poison into our rural communities,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge. “Methamphetamine is highly addictive and destructive to families in our communities, both to the dealer, like Collins, and every user he sold to and their families, employers, and towns alike. This sentence should serve as a message that if you get into the large-scale business of trafficking drugs, you will be held accountable.”
The investigation was a joint effort between the Blackhawk Area Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Peoria, Pekin, and Kewanee Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Legge represented the government in the prosecution, with assistance of the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The case against Collins is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)’s National Methamphetamine Strategic Initiative, spearheaded locally out of the Pekin Police Department. The primary goal of this initiative is to address methamphetamine trafficking and its attendant consequences by using a coordinated, multi-agency approach targeting the highest levels of drug trafficking leadership. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Peoria Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Don Young, Jr., 22, of the 2200 block of North Flora Ave., pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022, to possession of a machinegun, namely a loaded Glock Model 19, 9mm caliber pistol equipped with a select fire auto-sear converting it into a fully automatic weapon. Sentencing for Young has been scheduled on August 18, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria.
During the hearing, the government stated that on December 15, 2021, Young fled from Peoria police officers that were seeking to arrest him for multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Young initially fled on a motorized bike, then discarded the bike and ran on foot through a residential area. Young was apprehended and in his flight path officers located a Glock Model 19, 9mm handgun equipped with a conversion device attached to the gun, enabling it to fire more than one round of ammunition with a single pull of the trigger. The gun was loaded with a live round in the chamber and was equipped with a high-capacity extended magazine.
Young remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Young faces statutory penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a three-year term of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.
The case investigation was conducted by the Peoria Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.
The case against Young was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
Bloomington Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Bloomington, Illinois, man, Jose Luis Arizmendi-Romero, 33, of the 800 block of East Wood Street, was sentenced today to 30 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as an undocumented immigrant.
According to court documents, Bloomington Police, knowing there was an outstanding arrest warrant against Arizmendi-Romero, attempted a traffic stop on June 23, 2021. Arizmendi-Romero backed his car into a police car and then sped away, eventually crashing his car. He later returned to his residence, and police obtained a search warrant. The search uncovered a 9-millimeter handgun and 52 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition along with drug paraphernalia.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge James E. Shadid noted the danger inherent in the possession of firearms combined with drug activity. Judge Shadid also found that Arizmendi-Romero obstructed justice when he fled from officers and that his reckless flight created a substantial risk of serious injury.
Arizmendi-Romero was indicted on the federal charge of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States in October 2021 and pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2021. He has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his indictment.
The statutory penalties for the offense are up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release, along with forfeiture of the handgun.
The Bloomington Police Department and the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Arizmendi-Romero was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
Champaign Sex Offender Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Champaign, Illinois, man, Charles Howard, 41, of the 400 block of North James St., was sentenced on April 12, 2022, to 40 years’ (480 months) imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Howard sexually abused and exploited a 15-year-old minor female in his care and threatened to kill her and himself if she disclosed the abuse.
Howard has two prior convictions for criminal sexual abuse in Champaign County, from 2000 and 2001, and was a registered sex offender on the date of this offense. Howard was initially arrested by state authorities in June 2020.
A federal grand jury charged Howard with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of commission of a sex offense as a registered sex offender in September 2020. Howard was transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals service, where he has remained. He pleaded guilty in October 2021 to the three-count indictment.
Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm found that the defendant engaged in pattern of abuse that caused physical injury to the victim and would have lasting effects on the victim’s life. In imposing the 40-year imprisonment sentence, Judge Mihm said Howard’s conduct was “as bad as it gets.” Judge Mihm also sentenced Howard to a lifetime term of supervised release, following his release from prison.
“HSI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities by making sure offenders like Howard are investigated,” said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “We will continue to identify and investigate those who endanger our most vulnerable population and protect our children. We will not allow crimes against children to go unpunished.”
“It takes dedicated investigative work and coordinated effort to ensure that our young people are protected from such heinous actions. I am thankful to our law enforcement partners for their assistance in seeing this case to its lawful conclusion,” said Champaign Interim Police Chief Thomas Petrilli.
“Through the cooperation and tireless work of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, we are able to ensure that repeat offenders who destroy children’s adolescence are brought to justice,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson.
U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Champaign Police Department conducted the investigation with the cooperation of Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Reitz. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson represented the government in this prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Mattoon Sex Offender Sentenced to over 38 Years in Prison for Child Enticement and Sex Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Mattoon, Illinois, man, Christopher Ohm, 35, of the 2500 block of Moultrie Ave., was sentenced today to 458 months’ (38 years and two months) imprisonment for enticement of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, law enforcement identified Ohm after he met with a 13-year-old minor through a popular dating application, Grindr. Ohm arranged to meet the minor for sexual activity at an abandoned railroad track in Janesville, Illinois, and offered the minor money if the minor agreed. The minor escaped from Ohm’s vehicle, and Ohm was arrested shortly afterwards when he tried to meet the minor again at a cemetery. When law enforcement reviewed the contents of Ohm’s phone, they learned that Ohm tried to meet another minor, a 15-year-old, in a park in Bloomington, Illinois, in July 2020, also using Grindr. In addition, law enforcement found a tablet that Ohm discarded at the cemetery where he was arrested that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Ohm was previously convicted of transportation of child pornography and in September 2012, was sentenced to serve almost 10 years in prison. Ohm was released from the Bureau of Prisons in September 2019, and was serving a term of supervised release when he was arrested by Cumberland County officials in September 2020 in relation to the instant offense.
A federal grand jury charged Ohm with one count of enticement of a minor, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of commission of a sex offense as a registered sex offender in November 2020, and Ohm was transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals service, where he has remained. In January 2021, the federal grand jury added counts involving the second minor and the child pornography materials located on Ohm’s tablet. The grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Ohm with one count of enticement of a minor, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. Ohm pleaded guilty in October 2021 to the seven-count superseding indictment.
Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm emphasized his concern that the public be protected from from Ohm, calling him “a dangerous person.” Judge Mihm sentenced Ohm to 36 years and eight months’ imprisonment, for the 2020 offenses, and a consecutive 18 months’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release. Following his release from the Bureau of Prisons, Ohm will serve the remainder of his natural life term on supervised release.
“HSI will continue to do everything it can to protect the most vulnerable members of our community,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar. “Ohm’s reprehensible actions underscore the importance of talking with our children about the dangers they could encounter online.”
“Offenders who repeatedly victimize children have shown by their actions that are unwilling or unable to conform to the bounds of the law, and today’s sentence reflects the need to remove dangerous child sex offenders from the community,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson. “We appreciate the swift attention that our law partners gave to the investigation of this recidivist offender.
U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Cumberland County Sherriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson represented the government in this prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Manteno Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Manteno, Illinois, man, Mark C. Devries, 43, of the 200 block of Raven Dr., was sentenced today to 87 months’ (seven years, three months) imprisonment for distribution and possession of child pornography.
Devries was arrested in September 2021 after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with child pornography crimes committed in May through August 2018. Devries has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm sentenced Devries to the 87 months’ imprisonment and also imposed a 10-year term of supervised release of supervised release. Devries pleaded guilty in November 2021 to the three-count indictment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Field Offices in Springfield, Illinois, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson represented the government in this prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Macon County Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Decatur, Illinois, man, Justin Rotramel, 38, of the 400 block of Timber Dr., was sentenced today to 102 months’ (eight years and six months) imprisonment for possession of child pornography.
Rotramel was arrested in November 2020 after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with possession of child pornography in April 2020. Rotramel was initially remanded to the custody of U.S. Marshal’s Service, but upon reconsideration was released on bond in March 2021 in light of certain extenuating circumstances. Rotramel’s bond was revoked in June 2021, and he was again remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service, where he has remained.
Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm sentenced Rotramel to the 102 months imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. In addition, Rotramel was ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to a victim of the child pornography images he possessed. Rotramel pleaded guilty in November 2021 to the single-count indictment.
This case was investigated by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, with the cooperation of the Macon County State’s Attorney. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson represented the government in this prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Decatur Woman Sentenced to Probation for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Decatur, Illinois, woman, Deborah G. Lake, also known as Deborah G. Mitchell and Deborah O’Neill, 70, of the 4800 block of Evergreen Court, has been sentenced to 12 months of probation for theft of government property. Lake was formerly of Kankakee County, Illinois.
According to the plea agreement, Lake worked as a bookkeeper for the Grundy, Livingston, and Kankakee County Workforce Board, which oversees and sets policy for workforce development and training programs for those counties. Lake created checks payable to herself for fraudulent invoices and embezzled over $33,000 from the Workforce Board. Lake pleaded guilty to the four-count indictment in November 2021.
At the hearing, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Mihm found that Lake abused a position of public trust in committing these crimes. Lake was also ordered to pay $33,302.44 in restitution to the Workforce Board.
The statutory penalties for theft of government property are up to ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised released, and up to a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution.
Galesburg Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galesburg, Illinois, man, Ricky Dale Niswonger, Jr., 32, of the 1300 block of Grand Avenue, was sentenced on April 6, 2022, to 10 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on Niswonger’s car as part of an investigation into a suspected methamphetamine-trafficking operation. In the car, they found five firearms, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow found that Niswonger possessed the firearms in connection with methamphetamine trafficking. Chief Judge Darrow also found that Niswonger had attempted to intimidate a possible witness in his case, which warranted a sentencing enhancement for obstruction of justice.
Niswonger had pleaded guilty to the offense in April 2021. The statutory penalties for felon in possession of a firearm are a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release.
The Galesburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Mathew and Grant Thomas Hodges represented the government in the prosecution.
Peoria Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois man, Kiantre Dykeman, 24, of the 5100 block of N. Karen Court, pleaded guilty on April 4, 2022, to distribution of child pornography. Sentencing for Dykeman has been scheduled for August 4, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
In court before U.S. District Judge James Shadid, Dykeman admitted to advertising and selling images of child pornography on an internet-based application. During the hearing, the government stated that in November 2020, Dykeman advertised online that he had over 1,000 pictures of child pornography for sale, providing various prices for differing levels of access to the images. The investigation revealed that Dykeman in fact received payment via a mobile application money transfer service and, in turn, provided child pornography to a purchaser by sending images over a text messaging platform. Dykeman admitted to law enforcement that he sold the child pornography because he needed the money, indicating that he profited approximately $60 from the sales.
Dykeman was on bond in the custody of a third-party custodian and was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Dykeman faces a statutory penalty of five to 20 years in prison for the offense of distribution of child pornography. The offense also carries up to a $250,000 fine, a $5,000 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessment if he is determined not to be indigent, and up to a $35,000 special assessment for child pornography cases under 18 U.S.C. § 2259A. He also faces a minimum of five years and up to a life term of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Peoria Police Department, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bloomington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.
The case against Dykeman was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Two men, William E. Sykes, Jr., 54, and Dionte Marquell Brown, 25, both of Silvis, Illinois, were sentenced on March 29, 2022, for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin. Sykes, who had been convicted of distribution of heroin and conspiring to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Brown, who was convicted of conspiring to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Sykes and Brown, along with Brown’s sister, Mary Ann Brown, dealt heroin from an apartment they shared in Silvis. When law enforcement executed a search warrant on the apartment, they found heroin, plastic baggies, and a digital scale. Court documents further showed that heroin distributed by Sykes and Brown caused the death of a Silvis woman in September 2019.
At the hearing, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Darrow emphasized the tragic consequences of Sykes and Brown’s crimes, the need for their sentences to deter others from engaging in similar conduct, and the hope that such deterrence would prevent other families from going through the pain of losing a loved one. Judge Darrow also ordered that the men pay $10,360 in restitution (joint and several) to the family of the overdose victim.
Both Sykes and Brown had pleaded guilty in August 2021. Sykes faced statutory penalties of up to forty years in prison for distribution of heroin and conspiring to distribute heroin. Brown faced up to twenty years in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin. Mary Ann Brown also pleaded guilty to heroin distribution in July 2021 but has not yet been sentenced.
“This case starkly demonstrates what drug dealers can expect when they choose to sell poisonous drugs in our communities,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Thomas Hodges. “Our office commends the Silvis Police Department’s dedication and perseverance in working up the chain to target drug dealers in our community. Their collaboration with FBI is a successful example of leveraging the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against drug dealers who profit off of vulnerable individuals with little care for the potentially tragic effects.”
“With this sentencing, two more drug dealers have been effectively stopped from spreading dangerous narcotics into Illinois communities,” said David Nanz, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Office.“This case highlights the danger posed to communities when drug dealers recklessly push illegal substances without regard for the deadly consequences. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to be vigilant and aggressive in our pursuit of criminals whose actions endanger others.”
The Silvis Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hodges and Kate Legge represented the government in the prosecution.
Peoria Man Convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today against Vincent Nichols, Jr., 34, of the 3600 block of West Hedge Hill Lane, in Peoria, Illinois, for possession of a firearm by a felon. Sentencing for Nichols has been scheduled for July 28, 2022 at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that on September 23, 2020, Nichols was a passenger in a car being driven by an individual with an outstanding arrest warrant. Peoria Police Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and arrested the driver. Police then searched the car and asked each of three additional occupants to step out. During the search, police located a 9mm handgun directly on top of the seat where Nichols had been sitting. The gun was loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
In pretrial filings, the government had established that Nichols had previously been convicted of a felony offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
Nichols remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. At sentencing, Nichols faces statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release. Should Nichols be deemed a career criminal, his sentencing range would increase to 15 years to life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Peoria Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna and Sarah Holst Schryer represented the government at trial.
Monmouth, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 112 Months in Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Monmouth, Illinois, man, Christopher P. Shultz, 50, of the 500 block of East 11th Avenue, was sentenced on March 29, 2022, to 112 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Shultz was arrested during a traffic stop on July 7, 2019, in Gulfport, Illinois, and was found to be in possession of than 80 grams of pure methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Shultz was indicted in August 2020 and pleaded guilty in November 2021. The statutory penalties for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute are up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Gulfport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Thomas Hodges represented the government in the prosecution.
Galesburg Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Unlawful Use of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galesburg, Illinois, man, Benjamin William Norville, 29, of the 500 block of Chambers Street, was sentenced on March 29, 2022, to an aggregate term of 240 months’ imprisonment following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of ice methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the sentencing hearing, the government established that Norville, an ice methamphetamine dealer, possessed two loaded and stolen firearms and several types of narcotics while passed out in a running vehicle. The government detailed Norville’s criminal history, noting that this was his seventh felony and sixth methamphetamine-related conviction.
Also at the hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow found that Norville posed a high risk of recidivism and stated that his sentence needed to reflect the seriousness of his offense. Judge Darrow sentenced Norville to 180 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of ice methamphetamine and 120 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm as a felon, to run concurrently, and to be followed by a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Darrow imposed five-year terms of supervised release for the drug trafficking and felon-in-possession convictions and a three-year term of supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, all to run concurrently.
Norville pleaded guilty in August 2021.The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine include a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10 million fine, and at least five years and up to a life term of supervised release. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a felon are up to ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime are a mandatory minimum five years and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed; up to a $250,000 fine; and up to a five-year term of supervised release.
“This case demonstrates what drug dealers can expect when they sell drugs and carry guns in our community,” said Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Raya. “Our office commends the first responders called to this extremely volatile situation and their dedication to keeping the community safe.”
“Deadly drugs and deadly weapons fuel violence and suffering, casting a dark shadow over our communities,” said David Nanz, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Field Office. “In every case, the FBI and our law enforcement partners bring to bear the combined strength of our resources to track down criminals like Norville and protect our Illinois cities and towns. The significant sentence handed down today reflects our determination to combat and deter the distribution of narcotics and the illegal possession of weapons.”
The Galesburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raya and Jennifer Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.
Palmyra, Missouri, Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Palmyra, Missouri, man, Charles Barger, 47, of the 200 block of East Ross Street, was sentenced on March 25, 2022, to 120 months’ imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, to be followed by eight years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence to U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough that on or about September 4, 2020, Mr. Barger knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance in Quincy, Illinois.
Mr. Barger was indicted in October 2020 and pled guilty in August 2021. He has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since November 2020 and previously was in state custody following his arrest in September 2020.
The statutory penalties for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute are up to life imprisonment, up to an $8,000,000 fine, and up to eight years of supervised release.
The West Central Illinois Task Force and Quincy Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
Chicago, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Chicago, Illinois, man, Corey Deandre Jamison, 24, of the 9600 block of South Yates Blvd., was sentenced on March 25, 2022, to 121 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jamison was also sentenced to four years of supervised release.
The government stated at Jamison’s sentencing that authorities began investigating the distribution of methamphetamine in the Galesburg and Macomb, Illinois, areas in fall 2020. Law enforcement agents determined that Jamison was a source of the methamphetamine being distributed.
Also at the sentencing hearing, the district court held Jamison accountable for the distribution of at least one pound of methamphetamine over a four-month period, finding that the evidence showed that Jamison utilized at least two other drug dealers to sell some of the methamphetamine for him.
Jamison pleaded guilty to the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge in December 2021.
The statutory penalty for the offense is between five and 40 years of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Galesburg Police Department, the Macomb Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mehochko represented the federal government in the prosecution.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Demarco E. Washington, 43, of the 100 block of East Archer Avenue was sentenced on March 24, 2022, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
At Washington’s sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Washington distributed ice methamphetamine to drug dealers and users in the Peoria, Pekin, and Bloomington areas from at least March 2020 through January 2021.
Also at the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid found that Washington was responsible for distributing more than 2.3 kilograms of ice methamphetamine. Judge Shadid noted that Washington was a drug dealer who had two prior convictions for distributing drugs.
Washington was indicted in April 2021. He entered a plea of guilty in November 2021. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine are a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment with one prior qualifying conviction and a maximum of life imprisonment; a maximum fine of $8 million; and not less than an eight-year term of supervised release.
The Pekin Police Department, Peoria Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the government in the prosecution.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)’s National Methamphetamine Strategic Initiative, spearheaded locally out of the Pekin Police Department. The primary goal of this initiative is to address methamphetamine trafficking and its attendant consequences by using a coordinated, multi-agency approach targeting the highest levels of drug trafficking leadership. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Former Peoria, Illinois, Man Sentenced for Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Metropolis, Illinois, man, Roy T. Rolfe, 40, formerly a resident of Peoria, was sentenced on March 24, 2022, to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm. U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid also ordered Rolfe to forfeit his firearm and ammunition.
At the sentencing hearing, the government established that on March 13, 2020, an officer of the Washington Police Department stopped Rolfe’s vehicle for speeding and arrested him for driving without a license. Inside Rolfe’s vehicle, officers located a loaded sawed-off shotgun with an obliterated serial number, ammunition, methamphetamine, and a syringe. The shotgun was in a backpack on the floor of the front passenger area, within reach of the driver’s seat. At the time, Rolfe was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his prior state felony convictions for burglary and possession of methamphetamine.
The shotgun had a shortened barrel that measured 11.5 inches in length, with an overall length of 18.5 inches. The National Firearms Act requires such a weapon made from a shotgun to be registered if, as modified, it has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel of less than 18 inches in length.
Rolfe was indicted in June 2020 and was released on bond pending trial in August 2020. He subsequently pleaded guilty that same month. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing hearing to commence his term of imprisonment.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person are not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. The penalties for possession of a firearm made in violation of the National Firearms Act are not more than 10 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.
“This prosecution and sentence should serve as a reminder that felons with guns will be aggressively prosecuted,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the ATF and the Washington Police Department – this is another example of how local and federal collaboration makes our communities safer.”
“Law enforcement partnerships are vital to the successful investigation of gun crimes in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen de Tineo. “We appreciate the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case and holding those who are prohibited from possessing firearms accountable.”
The Washington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Rolfe was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
Five Men Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Guns from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer in Tazewell CountyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – The last of five defendants - Jaquon Timothy, 19, of the 1600 block of South Stanley Street in Peoria, Illinois – was sentenced on March 24, 2022, to 22 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in the theft of nine firearms during the burglary of a gun store in fall 2020.
Timothy had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and possess firearms from a federal firearms licensee; stealing from a federal firearms licensee; and possession of a stolen firearm.
Four other defendants also pleaded guilty to charges connected to the burglary and have been sentenced.
Deondra Proctor, 20, of the 2000 block of South Friedan Street in Peoria, was sentenced on July 1, 2021, to 27 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to steal and possess firearms from a federal firearms licensee; stealing from a federal firearms licensee; and possession of a stolen firearm.
Tyruis Bramlett, Jr., 19, of the 6500 block of North University Street in Peoria, was sentenced on October 25, 2021, to 32 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to steal and possess firearms from a federal firearms licensee; stealing from a federal firearms licensee; and possession of a stolen firearm.
Devin Price, 22, of the 100 block of Walnut Court in East Peoria, Illinois, was sentenced on November 22, 2021, to a total of 66 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to steal and possess firearms from a federal firearms licensee; stealing from a federal firearms licensee; possession of a stolen firearm; and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Zabian Hatcher, 22, of the 200 block of West Marquette Street in Peoria, was sentenced on February 10, 2022, to a total of 84 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to steal and possess firearms from a federal firearms licensee; stealing from a federal firearms licensee; possession of a stolen firearm; and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Each of the defendants have remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since their arrests.
At the sentencing hearings, the government presented evidence that on October 29, 2020, at approximately 2:03 AM, Creve Coeur Police Officers were dispatched to a gun store known as “Thompson Trading Company”, located in Creve Coeur, Illinois. Officers saw that the glass entry door was shattered. Security camera footage showed six individuals committing the burglary. Three individuals entered the business and three remained outside of the front doors. The individuals on the inside of the store can be seen on video stealing firearms. A subsequent inventory indicated that nine firearms were stolen from the federal firearms licensee during the burglary, including a Colt 9mm AR-15 rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine.
The subjects then fled from an East Peoria police officer until the getaway car struck a curb and sustained damage. Six occupants fled from the car, but a seventh person, the female driver, stayed in the car and was taken into custody. Two firearms stolen from “Thompson Trading Company” were recovered and two additional firearms from the burglary were found in a nearby driveway. Several identification cards were found in the car.
The investigation revealed that the driver, along with six other individuals had traveled to Pekin, Illinois, where they broke into a car dealership and attempted to steal cars. The car theft was unsuccessful. On the drive back to Peoria from Pekin, someone told the driver to pull into “Thompson Trading Company” where the six men committed the burglary.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to steal and possess firearms from a federal firearms licensee are up to five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Stealing from a federal firearms licensee and possession of a stolen firearm each has penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release .
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in the Central District of Illinois are committed to enforcing federal firearms laws,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney, Ronald L. Hanna. “Individuals who burglarize federal firearms licensees will face prosecution.”
“When firearms are stolen from a federal firearm licensee, they often end up in the hands of those who commit gun crimes in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen de Tineo. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting these important cases.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with the assistance of the East Peoria and Peoria Police Departments, the Creve Coeur Police Department, and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked in collaboration with the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
East Peoria Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – An East Peoria, Illinois, man, Noah Joseph Smith, 37, of the 100 block of Regent Court, was sentenced on March 23, 2022, to 12 years and seven months in prison for possession of child pornography, to be followed by a life term of supervised release. No fine was imposed, but Smith is required to pay $23,000 in restitution.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that a U.S. Probation Officer discovered an LG smart phone on Smith’s bed during a March 2021 visit to his home. The phone had not been reported as was required under the conditions of supervised release that Smith was required to abide by following a prior conviction for receipt of child pornography. An investigation subsequently revealed that Smith possessed numerous videos and images of child pornography.
Also at the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid emphasized that the possession and distribution of images of child pornography cause the children depicted in the images to experience long-lasting negative effects. He explained that “those who think these are victimless crimes could not be farther from the truth.”
Judge Shadid found that Smith had a history of committing crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. In 2007, Smith was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after he placed a cloth soaked in ether over a child’s mouth and then sexually abused the child. Judge Shadid also noted that Smith’s 2008 conviction for receipt of child pornography and that Smith had begun supervised release in that case only months before he was again arrested in 2021 for possession of child pornography.
Smith was indicted for possession of child pornography in April 2021 and pleaded guilty in September 2021.
Smith also admitted to violations pertaining to his supervised release. He was sentenced to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for 24 months, to run concurrent with his sentence in the instant case.
“We will vigorously prosecute those who prey upon children,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “I commend the United States Secret Service and Peoria County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation in this case, as well as the United States Probation Office for bringing the matter to the attention of law enforcement.”
The statutory penalties for possession of child pornography are a mandatory 10 to 20 years imprisonment with a qualifying prior conviction; a maximum $250,000 fine; a maximum lifetime term of supervised release; a mandatory $100 special assessment or a special assessment of $5,000 under 18 U.S.C. §3014, if not indigent; and a $17,000 special assessment under 18 U.S.C.§2259A.
The United States Probation Office, United States Secret Service, and Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Ice Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. –A Pekin, Illinois, man, Sean E. Ward, 49, of the 2200 block of Court Street, was sentenced on March 22, 2022, to six-and-a-half years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
At Ward’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid found that Ward was responsible for distributing approximately 246.2 grams of methamphetamine. Judge Shadid noted that Ward’s criminal history was separated by periods of sobriety and that Ward appeared committed to working on his substance abuse and mental health issues.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Ward sold ice methamphetamine on three different occasions in the summer of 2021; the largest identified sale was 110.5 grams of pure methamphetamine, as confirmed by the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory results.
Ward was indicted in August 2021 and pleaded guilty in October 2021. Ward has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his arrest but was permitted to attend residential substance abuse treatment prior to his sentencing.
The statutory penalties for distribution of methamphetamine are not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment, not more than a $10 million dollar fine, and a minimum five-year to a maximum life term of supervised release. Ward was eligible for a lower sentence because he was sentenced pursuant to the “safety-valve” provision of 18 U.S.C. §3553(f).
The Pekin Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine G. Legge represented the government in the prosecution, with assistance of the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)’s National Methamphetamine Strategic Initiative, spearheaded locally out of the Pekin Police Department. The primary goal of this initiative is to address methamphetamine trafficking and its attendant consequences by using a coordinated, multi-agency approach targeting the highest levels of drug trafficking leadership. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF
Houston, Texas, Man Convicted of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on March 23, 2022, against Muhammad Usama, 25, of the 13000 block of Bammel North Houston Road in Houston, Texas, for knowingly possessing 100 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, with intent to distribute it. Sentencing for Usama has been scheduled for September 9, 2022, at the federal Courthouse in Springfield, Illinois.
Over three days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Usama traveled from California across the country in a recreational vehicle full of almost 1000 pounds of marijuana. The trip was interrupted by law enforcement, who seized the marijuana and took Usama into custody in Jacksonville, Illinois.
Usama remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. At sentencing, Usama faces statutory penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a life term of supervised release, and up to a $5,000,000 fine.
The case investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police, Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, South Jacksonville Police Department, and the Jacksonville Police Department. The Morgan County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Z. Weir and Sarah E. Seberger represented the government at trial.
Springfield, Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Five Grams or More of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois man, Michael Bale, 44, of the 4000 block of Sandhill Road, pleaded guilty on March 16, 2022, to distributing methamphetamine on two occasions and possessing with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual). Sentencing for Bale has been scheduled for July 20, 2022, at the U.S. Courthouse in Springfield, Illinois, before Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Mills.
In court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins, Bale admitted that on both August 21, 2019, and September 20, 2019, he knowingly distributed methamphetamine and that on December 1, 2019, he possessed with the intent to distribute more than 5 grams of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
Bale has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals since his arrest, and he remains in custody pending sentencing.
Bale faces statutory penalties of up to life in prison, up to an $8,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The case investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Central Illinois Enforcement Group, the Springfield Police Department, and the Athens Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir is representing the government in the prosecution.
Ice Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Waterloo, Iowa man, Buddy Hal Gunter, 45, has been sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, the government established that Gunter worked with his co-defendant to distribute over 500 grams of ice methamphetamine in both Illinois and Iowa. The government detailed Gunter’s criminal history, noting that this was his fourth felony drug trafficking conviction.
Also at the hearing, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Darrow discussed the seriousness of Gunter’s offense, describing him as a “prime example” of the devastation caused by methamphetamine. The Court found that Gunter posed “a very high risk to recidivate,” noting that he upped his game in this case after having previously trafficked smaller quantities of methamphetamine.
Gunter was convicted following a jury trial on August 19, 2021. Gunter’s co-defendant, Michael James Grommet, was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment on March 9, 2022.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine are a mandatory minimum term of ten years and up to life in prison, up to a $10 million fine, at least five years and up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
“These sentences are the result of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement and serve to remind drug dealers that we remain dedicated to disrupting illegal drug trafficking,” said Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Raya.
The case investigation was conducted by the Rock Island Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Bremer County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Raya and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 5 IndividualsRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned indictments on March 15, 2022, against the following:
Aaron Rossi, 39, of Bloomington, Illinois, was charged with three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return for calendar years 2015, 2016 and 2017. A summons has been issued for his arraignment.
Vonta Commer, 36, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Commer is currently in custody in Macon County, Illinois.
Jason Musselman, 34, of Toulon, Illinois, was charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of material containing child pornography. Musselman has been released on bond.
Michael Kamphaus, 33, of Payson, Illinois, was charged with attempted trafficking of a minor and attempted enticement of a minor. Kamphaus is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Raphael Thompson, 34, of Peoria, Illinois, was charged via a superseding indictment with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession, and use of a firearm with drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Thompson is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The cases against Commer and Thompson were brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
The cases against Musselman and Kamphaus were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Two Springfield Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Five Grams or More of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A woman and a man from Springfield, Illinois, Brandy Friday, 36, and Brent Garner, 42, both of the 1200 block of South Livingston, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
Friday pleaded guilty to the offense on March 2, 2022, and her sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Springfield. Garner entered a plea of guilty on March 14, 2022, and his sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2022, also at the federal courthouse in Springfield.
Both Friday and Garner remain in the custody of U.S. Marshals pending sentencing.
Friday faces statutory penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. Garner faces statutory penalties of up to life imprisonment, up to an $8,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; the West Central Illinois Task Force; the Quincy Police Department; and the Springfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir is representing the government in the prosecution.
Toulon Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Toulon, Illinois, man, Jason R. Musselman, 34, of the 100 block of Clinton Street, appeared in federal court on March 11, 2022, in relation to a criminal complaint that charged him with production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Musselman had been arrested earlier that same day.
The complaint alleges that agents with the Illinois State Police and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant on Musselman, his residence, and his electronic devices on January 19, 2022 as part of an ongoing child pornography investigation. Agents then obtained evidence that Musselman had produced numerous images of child pornography in his residence between approximately 2010 and 2013, that he had distributed images of child pornography on December 21, 2021, via the “Kik” internet messaging platform, and that he possessed material containing those and other images of child pornography on January 19, 2022.
Also on March 11, 2022, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley ordered Musselman temporarily detained pending a detention hearing on March 15, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Peoria.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for the alleged crimes charged are up to thirty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime period of supervised release.
The United States has thirty days to present the case to a grand jury, which will decide if there is probable cause. Members of the public are reminded that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Stark County State’s Attorney’s Office, Illinois State Police, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Washington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Holst Schryer is representing the government in the prosecution.
Morgan County Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Woodson, Illinois, man, Corey Meador, 32, of the 400 block of South Sheppard Street was sentenced today to fifteen years in prison, to be followed by fifteen years of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that on or between February 11 and April 8, 2021, Meador used facilities and means of interstate commerce, the internet and a cellular telephone, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, and entice an individual who he believed had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity. Specifically, the evidence showed Meador agreed to pay money to engage in sexual activity with a person he believed was an eleven-year-old child.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found Meador had engaged in extended, disturbing conversations regarding the sexual abuse of an eleven-year-old and payment for sex with both money and candy. After months of conversations and planning, Meador drove to the meeting location to engage in the illicit relationship with the child and was arrested.
The statutory penalties for attempted enticement of a minor are not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment, not more than a $250,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, and the Illinois State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Springfield, Illinois man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois man, Isaah Washington, 33, of the 900 block of South 17th Street in Springfield, Illinois, has been sentenced to 63 months for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Washington received an additional 21-month sentence, to be served consecutively, for violating the terms of his supervised release. He was on supervised release for a prior federal firearms offense.
At the sentencing hearing, the evidence showed Washington attempted to flee on foot from a Springfield Police Officer during a traffic stop while carrying a stolen firearm loaded with an extended magazine containing 19 rounds of ammunition. At the time of the traffic stop, Washington was on supervised release after serving a prior federal prison sentence for possessing a firearm by a prohibited person.
Washington was indicted in February of 2021 and pleaded guilty in October of 2021.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person are not more than 10 years of imprisonment, not more than a $250,000 fine, not more than 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
The Department of Justice’s recent renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: (1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; (2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; (3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and (4) measure results with the goal of reducing the level of violence in our communities, not increasing the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in and of themselves.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
Peoria Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Burglary from Bloomington Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, DaJuan Edwards-Melton, 20, of the 2100 block of W. Antoinette Street, pleaded guilty today to burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of stolen firearms. Sentencing for Edwards-Melton has been scheduled for June 16, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria.
In court today, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley, Edwards-Melton admitted to burglarizing Smiley’s Sports Shop in Bloomington, Illinois, early in the morning on December 12, 2021. According to court documents, Edwards-Melton was assisted by two juvenile males who entered the store with him to commit the burglary, as well a juvenile female who acted as a getaway driver.
During the change-of-plea hearing, the government stated that Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives agents’ investigation led them to a yard just off an alley in the 2200 block of N. University Street. Agents were able to locate two Smiley’s Sport Shop gun tags. Further investigation led agents to Edwards-Melton, who was found to in possession of a 9mm pistol during a traffic stop in Peoria. The gun possessed by Edwards-Melton was identified as one of the twenty-five firearms stolen from Smiley’s Sports Shop.
Edwards-Melton remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service, pending sentencing.
Edwards-Melton faces statutory penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and maximum three-year terms of supervised release for each count.
The case investigation was conducted by the Bloomington and Peoria Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.
Moline Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Meet a Minor for Sex and Soliciting Obscene Photos of a MinorRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Moline, Illinois, man, Mark Eugene Downing, 44, of the 1200 Block of 15th Street, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2022, to attempted enticement of a minor and soliciting an obscene visual depiction of a minor. Sentencing for Downing has been scheduled for July 19, 2022, at the U.S. Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa.
In court before Chief U.S. District Judge Darrow, Downing admitted that he planned to engage in sexual activity with an eleven-year-old child and had solicited nude photos of the child. During the hearing, the government stated that Downing was arrested after he attempted to meet the child for sexual activity while in possession of methamphetamine and alcohol. Downing had previously solicited nude photos and videos of the minor through the internet.
Downing remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Downing faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, at least five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and up to a $500,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Moline Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and arose via a tip from the Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew is representing the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), to marshal federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Ice Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Thirty Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Marshalltown, Iowa, man, Michael James Grommet, 37, was sentenced on March 9, 2022, to 360 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, the government established that Grommet worked with associates to distribute over seven kilograms of ice methamphetamine in both Illinois and Iowa. The government detailed Grommet’s criminal history, which included over twenty criminal convictions.
Also at the hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow discussed the seriousness of Grommet’s “major distribution” offense, describing the “extreme physical and mental destruction” methamphetamine has on the community. Judge Darrow stated that Grommet posed “the most severe risk to recidivate” she had seen “in a long time” with “absolutely no regard for other individuals.”
Grommet was convicted following a jury trial in August 2021. Grommet’s co-defendant, Buddy Hal Gunter, who also went to trial, will be sentenced on March 16, 2022.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine are a mandatory minimum term of ten years and up to life in prison, up to a $10 million fine, and at least five years and up to a life term of supervised release.
“As the Court made clear, individuals who make a career out of trafficking highly-addictive, community-devastating drugs will be held accountable,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Raya. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to remove these dealers from the streets to keep our communities safe.”
The case investigation was conducted by the Rock Island Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Bremer County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raya and Jennifer Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.
Danville Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and the Unlawful Use of FirearmsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Danville, Illinois, man, Deandre Smith, 35, was sentenced on March 8, 2022, to a combined term of 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons for convictions including distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
A grand jury in the Central District of Illinois returned an indictment charging Smith with aforementioned offenses in August 2020. Smith pled guilty to four of the counts in June 2021, but elected to go to trial on the charge that he carried a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
During the two-day jury trial in September 2021, the United States presented evidence of Smith’s involvement in drug trafficking. Following two drug purchases from Smith by a confidential source, law enforcement arrested Smith at Dale’s Tavern in Danville on February 3, 2020. During the arrest, officers found 23 packages of fentanyl in one of Smith’s jacket pockets, and a digital scale and a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun in the other pocket. Smith insisted at the time that he was selling heroin, but later testing showed he was selling the far more potent fentanyl. Following a short deliberation, a jury convicted Smith of carrying a firearm during and in relation to his fentanyl trafficking crime.
At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm agreed with the jury that Smith was carrying a gun to further his drug trade. Judge Mihm sentenced Smith to concurrent 60-month terms of imprisonment on the four counts involving drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a felon and a consecutive 60-month term of imprisonment for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The Vermilion Metropolitan Enforcement Group investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Illinois State Police; Danville Police Department; and Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Freres and William Lynch represented the government in the prosecution, in coordination with Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy.
Kankakee, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Kankakee, Illinois, woman, Sharrie McInnis, 49, of the 1100 block of East Merchant Street, was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to 14 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of public money.
The government previously stated at McInnis’s change-of-plea hearing that McInnis had been claiming Title II Child-In-Care benefits for a grandchild that was not actually in her care. The total fraudulent benefits received amounted to $22,849.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found that McInnis received additional improper Social Security payments under other titles, resulting in a total of $98,701.74 in overpayments. Judge Bruce ordered McInnis to pay full restitution to the Social Security Administration.
McInnis previously pleaded guilty to the one-count indictment in the case in October 2021. The statutory penalties for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641 are up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to three years of Supervised Release.
“Maintaining the integrity of the Social Security benefit system is critically important for the welfare of all who have paid into it,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Lynch, who represented the government in the prosecution.
“Ms. McInnis schemed to fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits. Her sentence demonstrates the commitment by our investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uphold the integrity of SSA’s programs by aggressively pursuing those who intend to defraud SSA,” said Andrew Boockmeier, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Chicago Field Division, which investigated the case. “I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”
Kankakee County Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Child Enticement CrimesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Kankakee County, Illinois, man, Joshua Koenig, 29, of the 200 block of South Randolph Street in Bradley, Illinois, was sentenced today to 96 months’ imprisonment for one count of attempted enticement of a minor and two counts of attempted receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, law enforcement identified Koenig when he attempted to meet two separate individuals whom he believed to be minors on a popular dating application. Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm sentenced Koenig to the eight-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Koenig pleaded guilty in November 2021 to the three-count indictment.
In March 2020, a federal grand jury charged Koenig by indictment following his February 2020 arrest pursuant to a criminal complaint. Koenig has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
Koenig was arrested February 14, 2020, as part of an FBI operation conducted in Kankakee County. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Bradley Police Department, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson represented the government in this prosecution.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Burbank, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to Prison for Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Burbank, Illinois, woman, Tarnavis Lee, 42, of the 6000 block of 80th Street, was sentenced on March 2, 2022, to 36 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Lee engaged in schemes with co-defendants Demetra Jackson and Elizabeth McFarland to defraud the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) through its administration of the Child Care Assistance Program, which funded childcare services for low-income parents while they worked or participated in approved educational programs. Between approximately January 2009 and approximately April 2019, Lee, individually and together with Jackson and McFarland, submitted false and fraudulent claims to DHS for childcare services that were not provided or not provided to the extent claimed. In addition, Lee paid a total of approximately $158,000 in kickback payments to parents participating in the program in exchange for those parents allowing their personal information and that of their children to be used to submit false and fraudulent childcare claims to DHS. As a result of her schemes, Lee caused a loss to DHS of approximately $913,390.66. The government argued at sentencing that Lee’s greed, her conduct involving years-long and extensive schemes to defraud DHS and its childcare program, and the resulting substantial loss to DHS of more than $900,000 warranted a significant imprisonment sentence.
Also at the hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Mills ordered Lee to pay restitution in the amount of $913,390.66 to the Illinois Department of Human Services, jointly and severally in the amount of $125,000.00 with each co-defendant, Jackson and McFarland.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who defraud our public agencies, which were established to serve low-income individuals who need financial assistance, including with child care, a critical need,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris.
“Ensuring that citizens’ tax dollars are protected from fraud and abuse is among our top priorities,” stated Special Agent in Charge Curt L. Muller of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG is committed to investigating illegal acts and holding bad actors accountable.”
“The Illinois State Police takes great pride in working with our federal partners,” stated Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The ISP will never stop pursuing individuals who break the law and victimize the honest taxpayer.”
Lee was indicted on October 7, 2020, and pleaded guilty on September 7, 2021. Co-defendants Jackson and McFarland also each previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and are scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2022, and April 12, 2022, respectively. In a separate but related case, Lashonda Hudson pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a similar scheme to defraud DHS and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2022.
The statutory penalties for mail and wire fraud are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The statutory penalties for money laundering are up to 20 years imprisonment; up to three years of supervised release; and up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater.
The cases were the result of a joint investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, St. Louis Field Office, and the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, Central Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Bass represented the government in the prosecution.
Peoria Man Pleads Guilty to 2021 Burglary of Pinnacle Gun and AmmoRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Corey A. Brooks, 29, of the 2500 block of West Starr Street, pleaded guilty on March 2, 2022, to burglary of a federal firearm licensee and possession of a firearm as a felon. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 29, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
In court today, before U.S. District Judge Joe Billy McDade, Brooks admitted that early in the morning of July 7, 2021, he shattered a window at a federal firearms licensee known as Pinnacle Gun and Ammo, located in the 700 block of Main Street in Peoria. Brooks then climbed into the business through the window and removed two shotguns and 20 handguns, which were loaded into a backpack. Surveillance footage and blood drops left behind by Brooks enabled the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Peoria Police to identify Brooks and locate the two shotguns. A photograph was released, and Brooks was identified and arrested the same day.
Brooks remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
For the offenses of burglary of a federal firearm licensee and possession of a firearm as a felon, the statutory penalty is up to 10 years imprisonment for each count; a term of up to three years of supervised release for each count; and a fine of up to $250,000. If Brooks is determined to be a career offender, the terms of imprisonment could increase.
The charges were investigated by the Peoria Police Department and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna is representing the government in the prosecution.
The case was brought as part of The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The Department’s renewed commitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods establishes four fundamental principles to guide efforts to reduce violent crime: 1) build trust and legitimacy within communities; 2) invest in community-based prevention and intervention programs; 3) target enforcement and priorities to focus resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of gun violence and other violent crime; and, 4) measure results with the goal to reduce the level of violence in our communities and not to increase the number of arrests and prosecutions as if they were ends in themselves.
North Dakota Man Charged with Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A North Dakota man, Patrick C. Hyde, 40, of Minot, had an initial appearance in federal court today after a grand jury returned an indictment charging him with allegedly distributing child pornography earlier this week.
Hyde was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on February 8, 2022, near his home in Minot. Hyde has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The indictment charges Hyde with distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on three occasions in January 2022. Hyde appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter in U.S. District Court in North Dakota, Bismarck Division, on February 10, 2022, for a detention hearing and identity hearing. Hyde waived both hearings and was transferred to the Central District of Illinois.
At today’s hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long advised Hyde of the charges alleged in the indictment and set the matter for trial on May 9, 2022, in Peoria, before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm. Hyde waived a detention hearing and Judge Long ordered that he remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.
If convicted, each count of distribution of child pornography carries a statutory penalty of at least five years to 20 years in prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield and Bismarck field offices, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson is representing the government in the prosecution.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), to marshal federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.