Central District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Galesburg, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galesburg, Illinois, man, Theus Randolph, 23, of the 1700 block of Rock Island Avenue, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, to 144 months imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Randolph was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,744.
Randolph entered a plea of guilty on July 18, 2023. One remaining member of the conspiracy, Dantonis Tayjohn Lewis Fair, has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2024.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sara L. Darrow commented on the need for citizens to feel safe in their workplaces and the lifelong impact Randolph and his co-defendant’s actions had on the employees they terrorized.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery is up to 5 years imprisonment, to be followed by not more than three years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for armed bank robbery is up to 25 years imprisonment, to be followed by not more than five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence is 7 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by not more than five years of supervised release.
The Rock Island Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Mathew represented the government in the prosecution.
Taylorville, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Mary Scott, 61, was sentenced on January 12, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Scott will be required to serve four years of supervised release after her release from prison.
Scott was indicted in January 2020 and pleaded guilty in August 2023.
The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine are up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
Scott is currently serving a 15-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections in an unrelated case involving the distribution of methamphetamine. Judge Lawless ordered that Scott’s sentence in federal court is to be served consecutively to her state-court sentence.
This case was investigated by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Scott is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 60 Months and One Day in Prison for Distributing Cocaine and Possessing A Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Semaron Lawson, 38, was sentenced on January 11, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless to 60 months and one day in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Lawson was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
Lawson was indicted in October 2018 and pleaded guilty in August 2023.
The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute cocaine are up to 30 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime are up to life in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to a five-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Lawson is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Springfield, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 54 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Heather Horrighs, 44, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 54 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that Horrighs and co-defendant Theodis Parnell jointly planned to rob the Alliance Community Bank located at 6530 North IL-29 in Springfield, IL. On September 13, 2021, Parnell drove Horrighs to the area of the bank where he remained in the vehicle with the engine running. Horrighs then entered the bank with a package that she said contained a bomb. After receiving money from two tellers, Horrighs left the bank and Parnell acted as the getaway driver. The pair stole a total of $12,888 from the bank. Parnell was previously sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
Horrighs was indicted in November 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2023. She has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal Service since her arrest.
The statutory penalties for bank robbery are up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Horrighs and Parnell is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Springfield, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to 54 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Heather Horrighs, 44, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 54 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that Horrighs and co-defendant Theodis Parnell jointly planned to rob the Alliance Community Bank located at 6530 North IL-29 in Springfield, IL. On September 13, 2021, Parnell drove Horrighs to the area of the bank where he remained in the vehicle with the engine running. Horrighs then entered the bank with a package that she said contained a bomb. After receiving money from two tellers, Horrighs left the bank and Parnell acted as the getaway driver. The pair stole a total of $12,888 from the bank. Parnell was previously sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
Horrighs was indicted in November 2021 and pleaded guilty in January 2023. She has remained in the custody of the United States Marshal Service since her arrest.
The statutory penalties for bank robbery are up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Horrighs and Parnell is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Peoria Felon Sentenced to 57 Months’ Imprisonment for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Jamarcus J. Hollingsworth, 30, was sentenced today to 57 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, possessing a firearm as a felon.
At the sentencing hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge Joe B. McDade, the government established that in May 2023, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives received information that Hollingsworth, a felon, was in possession of firearms and was offering to sell a pistol in Peoria. The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of Hollingsworth at a hotel on West War Memorial Drive. During the course of the arrest, agents located a loaded pistol on the driver’s seat of the car Hollingsworth had been driving. Agents then obtained a search warrant for Hollingsworth’s home and, during the search, located an AR-15 rifle loaded with 28 rounds of live ammunition. The serial number on the rifle had been obliterated. At the time of his arrest, Hollingsworth was on parole for a state conviction for aggravated robbery, having previously been sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections.
A federal criminal complaint was filed against Hollingsworth in May 2023 and an indictment followed in June 2023. He pleaded guilty in September 2023.
The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are up to 15 years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release.
The Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Peoria Police Department; the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department; Illinois Department of Corrections; and the Illinois State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Hollingsworth is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
20-Year-Old Peoria Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Tajurie Amir Bennett, 20, was sentenced on January 4, 2024, to 41 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a machinegun. He was also ordered to forfeit all of the firearms and ammunition involved, including a 9mm “ghost gun” pistol with no serial number.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government established that on Saturday, February 24, 2023, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Bennett, along with another person, committed a drive-by shooting of a residence located on West Gift Avenue in Peoria, Illinois. A ShotSpotter gun detection system alert identified 15 rounds of fully automatic gunfire. Police responded to the scene and located gunfire damage on the front of a house and on a gas utility line of a separate residence nearby, along with bullet holes on a car on the adjacent street.
Peoria Police were able to locate the suspect vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle, then occupied only by Bennett, fled from marked squad cars, driving at times into oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed. Police officers in covert vehicles maintained surveillance on Bennet’s vehicle as it traveled through Peoria at high speed. When his car came to a stop at a red light at the intersection of War Memorial Drive and Allen Road, officers in covert vehicles boxed in the vehicle from all sides. Bennett rammed his vehicle into police vehicles, nearly striking an officer attempting to conduct an arrest. After police extricated Bennett from the car, officers located a loaded 9mm “ghost gun” on the floorboard. The pistol was loaded and equipped with a high-capacity extended ammunition magazine. The gun was further equipped with an auto-sear, commonly referred to as a “switch”. The switch enabled the pistol to fire as a fully automatic machinegun.
A federal criminal complaint was filed against Bennett in February 2023, followed by a one-count indictment in March 2023. Bennett entered a guilty plea with no plea agreement in June 2023. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for possession of a machinegun are up to 10 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Bennett is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Alton Man Sentenced to 222 months’ imprisonment for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Escape from an Institution, and Conspiracy to Possess Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An Alton, Illinois, man, Randy Bull, 41, was sentenced on December 13, 2023, to 222 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to escape from an institution, and conspiracy to possess contraband in prison.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that the Bull sold over 72.6 grams of ice methamphetamine in July of 2020. After he was taken into custody, and while detained at the Sangamon County Jail, Bull and three others engaged in a conspiracy to break Bull, and inmate James Russwinkel, out of the county jail by breaking a cell window.
During the hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that Bull was responsible, based on his own admissions, for an additional 11,453.12 grams of methamphetamine, along with the 72.6 grams he had sold. Judge Lawless specifically noted that Bull’s long history of violence and the need to protect the community warranted the extended prison term.
Bull pleaded guilty to both cases on May 25, 2023. He was originally detained as part of the distribution case on August 12, 2020.
The statutory penalties for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine are fifteen years to life imprisonment and a $20,000,000 fine. The statutory penalties for conspiracy to escape and conspiracy to possess contraband are not more than five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police Central Illinois Enforcement Group investigated the defendant’s distribution case. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office investigated the attempted escape. Assistant United States Attorney Tanner K. Jacobs represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Bull is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Dunlap Felon Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Dunlap, Illinois man, Donald L. Yarber, 29, was sentenced on December 13, 2023, to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by a 3 year term of supervised release, for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. Senior District Judge Michael M. Mihm, the government provided information that Yarber was the driver of a car stopped by the Peoria Police Department for a traffic violation in July 2023. Police became aware of the unlawful presence of cannabis in the vehicle and, during a search, located a high-capacity magazine loaded with ammunition and a 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number in the passenger area of the car. While booking Yarber at the county jail, officers located a live round of ammunition in his shoe. The ammunition matched that of the ammunition found in Yarber’s car. Based on further examination, the firearm located in Yarber’s car was found to be associated with two prior shooting incidents, one in Chicago in 2021, and another incident in the City of Peoria four days prior to Yarber’s arrest in July 2023.
Yarber was indicted in July 2023 and pled guilty in August 2023. He has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service while his case has been pending.
The statutory penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm is up to 15 years imprisonment, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Yarber is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Firearm Possession and Covid-19 FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Demetrius S. Washington, 27, was sentenced on December 6, 2023, to a total of 108 months imprisonment: 96 months for possession of a weapon by a felon and a consecutive 12 months for wire fraud. In addition to the sentence of imprisonment, Washington was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $10,843.84 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government presented evidence that Washington, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a loaded Glock firearm with a 50 round drum magazine when he was arrested in connection with an unrelated case in March 2022. The government presented evidence that the recovered Glock firearm was test-fired and shell casings were entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). The NIBIN system reported a connection between the recovered firearm and an October 2021 shooting in Springfield. That connection was confirmed by the ATF’s Forensic Science Laboratory. Additional evidence showed that during the October 2021 crime, Washington gave the firearm to a juvenile who, moments later, fired multiple shots at an occupied sedan in the parking lot of a gas station. No one was injured in the shooting. Further evidence indicated Washington was actively trying to obtain additional firearms during the six months between the shooting and his arrest on unrelated state charges. Additional evidence showed that Washington fraudulently obtained over $10,000 from the Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
During the hearing, Judge Lawless noted that, as a result of Washington’s conduct, innocent citizens of Springfield had to flee for safety. Judge Lawless further remarked that the sentence was necessary to protect the public and deter others from similar crimes.
Washington remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service, where he has been since his federal arrest on April 26, 2022. The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by a felon and three counts of wire fraud on April 14, 2023, before United States Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person at the time of Washington’s offense were up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. 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 ready availability of guns has caused an unacceptable spike of violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “For the protection of our community, we warn individuals contributing to such violence that federal, state, and local government agencies are working together to hold you accountable. We also will continue to prosecute COVID fraudsters and work to recover pandemic relief funds that were fraudulently obtained.”
“This case illustrates how Crime Gun Intelligence such as NIBIN helps law enforcement prioritize offenders who illegally possess firearms that were used in shootings,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the Central District of Illinois United States Attorney for prosecuting these felon in possession cases, holding accountable those who create such havoc in our community.”
“The Springfield Police Department is committed to preventing gun violence and holding those accountable who choose to break the law,” said Springfield Police Department Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Sara Pickford. “This successful prosecution is another example of the flourishing partnership that has developed between the Springfield Police Department, ATF, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
“The U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, investigating, and pursuing those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means,” said Stephen S. Webster, United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge, Springfield Resident Office. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.”
The Springfield Police Department investigated the firearms case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case against Washington is part of a committed effort to combat gun violence in Sangamon County, Illinois, by law enforcement including the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Secret Service investigated the wire fraud case, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
The firearms case against Washington is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
COVID-19 disaster relief benefits are intended to help people and businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic. If members of the public suspect that anyone fraudulently obtained or misused benefits, they should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NDCF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hotline staff will obtain information regarding complaints, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Federal Court Permanently Stops City of Springfield, Illinois, from Enforcing Discriminatory Ordinance and Awards Civil PenaltiesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This week, a federal court in Illinois entered a permanent injunction against the City of Springfield, Illinois, prohibiting it from enforcing a local spacing ordinance that bans people with disabilities from living in homes within 600 feet of one another if the home has five or fewer residents. The court’s order follows a July 2022 trial at which a jury awarded $293,000 in damages to the home’s residents, their families, and Individual Advocacy Group (IAG), the state-licensed agency that provides services to the home’s residents.
“Discriminatory zoning laws that ban people with disabilities from living in the community violate the Fair Housing Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Restrictive zoning laws and policies that prevent people with disabilities from integrating into society at large have no place in our marketplace today. The Court’s decision makes clear that there are real consequences to cities and other municipalities when they unlawfully and immorally exclude people with disabilities from residential neighborhoods.”
“I commend the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and my office for obtaining this groundbreaking civil rights decision,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois.
“This case illustrates what can happen when government action erodes a basic civil right: a group of individuals almost lost their home,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant for the Central District of Illinois. “As many Springfield residents have expressed to our office, our community should be open to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Department of Justice to ensure that the Fair Housing Act’s guarantee of equal housing and access to justice is available to all citizens in the Central District of Illinois.
In 2014, three residents with intellectual and physical disabilities moved into a single-family home in Springfield where they received community residential services from IAG. Such arrangements, known as Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), permit residents with disabilities to live in an integrated community setting rather than an institution. Even though the home was operating in compliance with state requirements, the city attempted to shut it down in 2016 by relying on a local spacing ordinance that prohibited two homes for individuals with disabilities from operating within 600 feet of one another.
The Justice Department filed suit against the City of Springfield in 2017. In 2020, the court ruled that the city had violated the FHA by enforcing the spacing ordinance against the home. In July 2022, a jury determined that the city should pay a total of $293,000: $162,000 in compensatory damages to the residents of the home and their guardians and $131,000 in compensatory damages to IAG.
The court also awarded the United States $61,982.50 in civil penalties against the city for violating the Fair Housing Act. In awarding civil penalties against the city, the court recognized that the city’s attempts to close the home and its restrictive zoning ordinance impeded the integration of people with disabilities from institutions into the community, a right guaranteed by the Supreme Court’s 1999 decision in Olmstead v. L.C. As the court explained, the civil penalty award against the City of Springfield will “make clear to municipalities that these facially discriminatory spacing rules may not be used to hinder the trend of shifting persons with disabilities from institutions to community-based residences.” The court further permanently enjoined the city from taking any action against the owners or residents of the home, ordered the city to undergo fair housing training and awarded $53,654,50 in prejudgment interest on the jury’s damages award to IAG. This is one of the largest civil penalties the Department of Justice has obtained against a municipality in Illinois for violations of the FHA.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing because of disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination may submit a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov
Springfield, Illinois, Woman Sentenced to Three and a Half Years in Prison for Threatening to Kill DCFS EmployeesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Lerin E. Hughes, 25, was sentenced on November 30, 2023, to 42 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, following her conviction for cyberstalking.
At the jury trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government presented evidence to establish that Hughes repeatedly made threatening Facebook posts directed towards an employee of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who was assigned to investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect. Hughes also sent threatening text messages and e-mail messages and sought out the personal Facebook page of a case worker employed by an agency contracted to work on behalf of DCFS. The threats occurred over a period of four months during the summer of 2022. These threats included threats to kill the two child protection workers. The government also presented evidence that Hughes made statements to other people indicating her desire to shoot the victims and other juvenile court personnel, as well as the governor of Illinois.
At sentencing, Judge Lawless said the victims were doing their job and should not have had to endure Hughes’s threats and harassment. Judge Lawless noted that the sentence was needed to deter others so that DCFS workers could continue to do their important jobs without fear of similar behavior.
Hughes was indicted on October 18, 2022, and was arrested on October 20, 2022. Hughes has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since her arrest.
The penalties for cyberstalking are not more than five years’ imprisonment, not more than three years’ supervised release, not more than a $250,000 fine, and restitution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3663A.
“DCFS employees work tirelessly to protect children in the State of Illinois,” said Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “The defendant’s words caused real and severe emotional distress that these victims never should have had to endure for merely doing their jobs. This sentence sends a strong message that there are consequences for online threats of violence towards government employees. I am grateful to the FBI for their work on this case, as well as the important assistance of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.”
“The FBI takes threats of violence very seriously and works diligently to protect the communities we serve,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and investigate those who engage in violent rhetoric—holding accountable anyone who threatens to harass, intimidate, or harm another.”
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seberger and Sierra Senor Moore represented the government at trial.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 46 months in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Springfield, Ill. – A Springfield man, Javon Young, 25, of the 2000 block of Normandy Road, has been sentenced to 46 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for Bank Robbery. Young will also have to pay over $5,000 in restitution to the victim bank.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Myerscough noted the robbery “terrified” the victims and she remarked on the emotional toll such crimes take on bank employees’ ability to feel safe at work. At the time Young committed the offense, he was already serving a term of supervised release for a previous charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence. Judge Myerscough revoked that term of supervision and sentenced Young to a consecutive 6-month term of imprisonment for his supervised release violations.
Young was indicted on January 19, 2022, he pled guilty on July 31, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. McNaught. Young has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since January 2022.
The statutory penalties for Bank Robbery are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Springfield Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
Metamora Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Metamora, Illinois man, Dana Anthony Curtin, 50, of the 1100 block of Willow Lake Drive, was sentenced on November 29, 2023, to 180 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Curtin must also register as a sex offender.
At the trial before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the United States presented evidence to establish that from March through May 2022, Curtin spoke with an individual he believed to be an adult offering sex with a minor, then traveled to meet the adult and child. Federal law enforcement agents arrested him when he arrived at the meeting location.
Curtin was arrested on May 20, 2022, and was indicted on June 7, 2022. A federal jury found him guilty on June 15, 2023, following trial. Curtin was initially released on bond and has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since June 2023.
The statutory penalties for attempted sex trafficking of a minor are15 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by five years to life of supervised release, and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna and Keith Hollingshead-Cook represented the United States.
The case against Curtin 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.
Davenport, Iowa, Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – Auston McLain, 38, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced today to ten years’ imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, following his June 2023 conviction by a federal jury for attempted enticement of a minor and travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Over two days of trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah Darrow, the United States presented evidence establishing that from November 10, 2020, through November 14, 2020 McLain communicated with an individual he believed to be a minor about engaging in sexual activity, sent pornographic pictures to that person, asked for pictures in return, and then traveled from Iowa to Illinois with the intent to meet with the child and engage in sexual activity.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Darrow found that McLain obstructed justice during the trial when he falsely testified about a variety of material issues.
McLain faced statutory penalties of ten years to life imprisonment, a possible fine of $250,000, and up to a five-year to life term of supervised release for attempted enticement. He faced up to thirty years’ imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and a five-year to life term of supervised release for travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. McLain also must register as a sex offender. McLain was initially released on bond and has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since March 2023.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with the assistance of the Rock Island Police Department, the Macomb Police Department, the East Moline Police Department, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tanner Jacobs and Matthew Weir represented the United States.
The case against McLain 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.
Former Illinois Death Row Inmate Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on November 14, 2023, against Jeffrey D. Parmly, 60, of Peoria, Illinois, for attempted enticement of a minor. Sentencing for Parmly is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Peoria.
Parmly was previously convicted of murder in Marion County, Illinois, in 1984 and given a death sentence, which was later reduced to 76 years. He was paroled in November 2021 and was on parole at the time of the current offense.
Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence that, in December of last year, Parmly communicated with, and attempted to meet, an individual for the purpose of having sexual contact with an 11-year-old girl.
Parmly remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. At sentencing, he faces statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by five years to a life term of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay a mandatory $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy A. Bass and John David Hoelzer represented the government at trial.
The case against Parmly 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
Piatt County, Illinois, Farmer Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –James R. R. Williams, 64, formerly of rural Cisco, Illinois, and now residing in Fort Meyers, Florida, was sentenced on November 17, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Collen R. Lawless to 42 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution to two central Illinois banks following his convictions for four counts of bank fraud.
At the sentencing hearing, which took place over two days, the government presented evidence that during the 2016 growing season Williams obtained a loan of approximately $4.6 million from participating banks First Security Bank and Gifford State Bank on behalf of his farming operation, RJW Williams Farms, Inc. The loans were collateralized by Williams’s assets, including grain. Williams defrauded the banks by concealing grain sales from the banks and by instructing employees of Archer Daniels Midland grain elevators in Niantic and Weldon, Illinois, to issue checks in his son’s name, without his son’s knowledge, which were then deposited into an account held jointly by Williams and his son. Williams then used the checks for his own benefit. Judge Lawless found that between October 20, 2014, and February 1, 2017, Williams caused ADM to issue approximately twenty-two checks totaling $540,505.35 to his son for grain that was actually sold by Williams and was collateral for Williams’s outstanding loan.
Judge Lawless also determined that Williams knowingly violated a court order in Piatt County Circuit Court that was intended to freeze grain sale disbursements following a citation to discover assets hearing and that the bankruptcy petition filed by RJW Williams Farms, Inc., and signed by Williams as president contained numerous false assertions.
A federal grand jury first returned an indictment against Williams in June 2019, and he pleaded guilty to the four bank fraud counts in May 2023.
Williams faced statutory penalties of a maximum twenty-year term of imprisonment, a maximum $1 million fine, and a maximum five-year term of supervised release on the bank fraud counts.
“This sentencing reflects the FDIC OIG’s commitment to bring to justice those who defraud banks and use stolen funds for their own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and DOJ partners to investigate and hold those accountable who commit such financial crimes and threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s financial institutions.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that the bankruptcy system requires full, accurate and complete disclosures, and those who fail to do so will be held accountable,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Central Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Indiana (Region 10). “I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris and our law enforcement partners for their strong commitment to uphold the integrity of the bankruptcy system.”
The matter was referred by the U.S. Trustee and investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation -- Office of Inspector General in collaboration with the Central District of Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group, coordinated by U.S. Trustee Gargula. The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Ind., and Peoria, Ill.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation -- Office of Inspector General. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugene L. Miller and Douglas J. Quivey, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Lynch, represented the government in the prosecution.
Urbana, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – An Urbana, Illinois, man, Phoutasone Champanine, 37, was sentenced today to an aggregate 27 years in prison following his convictions for conspiracy to possess fifty grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with intent to distribute, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possessing a firearm as a felon. He was also ordered to serve an aggregate five years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce, the government sought to hold Champanine accountable for eight pounds of methamphetamine found on his person when he was arrested during a Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force operation and for additional methamphetamine and several firearms found in places that Champanine controlled in connection with the conspiracy. Judge Bruce included that relevant conduct in determining Champanine’s advisory sentencing guidelines.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to possess fifty grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with intent to distribute are ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and a maximum life term of supervised release. Champanine also faced up to twenty years of imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for maintaining a drug-involved premises. Finally, he faced up to ten years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon.
The case investigation was conducted by the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional group composed of officers from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the Champaign Police Department, the Urbana Police Department, and the University of Illinois Police Department, with assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Sullivan and William J. Lynch represented the government at both trial and sentencing.
The case against Champanine is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Los Angeles, California, Man Sentenced to 144 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Los Angeles, California, man, Juan Trujillo, 44, was sentenced on November 13, 2023, by Senior U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough to 144 months in prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
Trujillo was indicted in March 2019 and pleaded guilty in December 2022.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine are up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin are up to life in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Trujillo is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Effingham, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An Effingham, Illinois, man, Dillon Rensner, 22, was sentenced on November 14, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 48 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for bank robbery. Judge Lawless also ordered restitution in the amount of $1,476.00 and a $200 special assessment.
Rensner was indicted in May 2023 and pleaded guilty that same month.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Lawless found that Rensner entered the Regions Bank at 111 South Durkin Drive in Springfield, Illinois, carrying what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money from bank employees. During the robbery, Rensner pointed the firearm at various people inside the bank and threatened them. Judge Lawless stated that, even though the firearm was later proven to be a blank gun, the fear and terror that the victims of Rensner’s crime felt was very real and very traumatic.
The statutory penalties for bank robbery are up to 25 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Springfield Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Indiana State Police, and the Terre Haute Police Department.
The case against Rensner is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Rantoul Man Convicted of Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict Thursday morning against Edward C. Brown, 45, of 1300 block of Juniper Drive, Rantoul, Illinois, for possession of child pornography. Sentencing for Brown has been scheduled on March 8, 2024, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Brown, who was serving a term of supervised release for another child pornography offense, was found in possession of an unauthorized phone that had several child pornography images on it. The evidence showed the minors depicted in the images were under the age of 12 years.
“Possession of child pornography is a crime that perpetually abuses the victim every time that it is possessed and viewed. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those individuals who victimize our children.” said United States Attorney Gregory Harris.
“HSI and our law enforcement partners are watching closely for indicators of child exploitation throughout our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of HSI Chicago. “Today’s guilty verdict is a result of those partnerships and the watchful eyes of all of the dedicated agents and officers involved in not only this but the defendants previous case.”
“The FBI is committed to protecting the innocence of our children,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Together with our law enforcement partners we work tirelessly to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those intent on harming the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Brown remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service. At sentencing, Brown faces statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, a maximum life term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Timothy Sullivan represented the government at trial.
The case against Brown 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. Attorney’s 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.
Pere Marquette Developers Convicted of Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, and Bankruptcy ChargesRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury today returned guilty verdicts after a day and a half of deliberations in the trial against Pere Marquette Hotel developers Gary E. Matthews, 81, of East Peoria, Illinois, and Monte J. Brannan, 70, of Peoria, Illinois. Matthews and Brannan were jointly charged with five counts of mail fraud and 13 counts of money laundering. Brannan was also charged, individually, with three counts related to bankruptcy fraud committed in his personal bankruptcy case. Matthews was found guilty on all mail fraud charges and 12 of the 13 money laundering counts. Brannan, who earlier in the trial had pleaded guilty to the bankruptcy fraud counts, was convicted on all 18 remaining counts. Sentencing for both Matthews and Brannan is scheduled for March 27, 2024, at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
Over 11 days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Matthews and Brannan orchestrated a scheme to defraud their investors, the City of Peoria, Core Construction, Indure, and other lenders and creditors. The pair had conspired to disguise the fact that they were taking money from the hotel complex operations by claiming they were using the funds to pay for the mortgage and real estate taxes for the hotel. In the course of that scheme, the two illegally transferred funds to themselves in an effort to disguise the source and ownership of the money they had taken.
Both Matthews and Brannan were released with their current bonds in full force and effect. At sentencing, the defendants face statutory penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the mail fraud and money laundering charges, followed by up to five years of supervised release. The bankruptcy charges carry a possibility of up to five years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release. Each of the counts carries the possibility of a $250,000 fine.
The case investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. The bankruptcy fraud charge was referred for criminal prosecution by the Office of the United States Trustee for Region 10, Nancy J. Gargula. The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Indiana, and Peoria, Illinois. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer, Ronald L. Hanna, and William J. Lynch represented the government at trial. The case was presented to a federal grand jury for indictment by Criminal Chief Darilynn J. Knauss.
Decatur, Illinois, Man Convicted of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict on October 31, 2023, against Brian R. Lewis, 45, of Decatur, Illinois, for possession of child pornography. Sentencing for Lewis has been scheduled for March 15, 2024, in front of Senior United States District Judge Michael M. Mihm at the U.S. Courthouse in Peoria, Illinois.
In a half day of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Lewis possessed on his cellular phone nearly one hundred images depicting child pornography. Lewis also emailed himself several child pornography images. The images depicted children as young as four to six years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Lewis was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service. At sentencing, Lewis faces up to ten years’ imprisonment; a fine of up to $250,000; and up to a lifetime term of supervised release.
The case investigation was conducted by the Decatur Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon O’Brien Ranck and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government at trial.
The case against Lewis 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, Illinois, Man Sentenced to Three Years of Probation for Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Andre K. Johnson, 25, was sentenced on October 30, 2023, to three years of probation for making false statements related to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). United States District Judge James E. Shadid also ordered Johnson to pay restitution in the amount of $30,586.05 and to serve six months of home detention.
The PPP provided federal funds to small businesses that were directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities and mortgage interest. The program was implemented by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and administered by third-party lenders. The PPP was enacted via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, an economic bill that passed in March 2020 in response to the economic fallout caused by the pandemic.
Johnson was indicted in March 2023 and pleaded guilty in June 2023 to one count of making a false statement to obtain a PPP loan. From May 2020 to September 2021, Johnson fraudulently obtained PPP funds to which he was not entitled by submitting a false PPP application, as well as a fraudulent PPP loan forgiveness application. Johnson claimed to be a self-employed individual who was the sole proprietor of an alleged jewelry and watch wholesale store with a taxable gross income of $100,000 on his loan application. He was held responsible for losses to the SBA of $23,410.05 and Harvest Small Business Finance LLC, in the amount of $7,176.00.
In addition to the fraudulent PPP loan, Johnson fraudulently tried to obtain over $26,000 in unemployment benefits from the states of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and California.
The statutory penalties for making a false statement are up to five years imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case. Criminal Chief Darilynn J. Knauss represented the government in the prosecution.
Springfield, Illinois Woman Sentenced to 12 Months and One Day for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois woman, Bridget Hansen, 40, of the 3600 block of Lancaster Road in Springfield, Illinois was sentenced on October 23, 2023, by Senior United States District Court judge Sue. E. Myerscough to 12 months and 1 day in prison for wire fraud. As part of her sentence, Hansen was ordered to pay a total of $45,894.53 in restitution.
Hansen was indicted in October of 2020 and pled guilty in January of 2023.
At the sentencing, the government provided information that, while employed as the director of Our Redeemer Day Care in Jacksonville, Illinois, Hansen devised a scheme to defraud the day care by transferring money from the business’s bank accounts to her own bank accounts. Hansen would also write checks on the day care’s bank accounts to herself or to cash and use the money for personal expenses. While employed with Our Redeemer, Hansen stole over $45,000, which caused the day care to cut back on the services it offered and contemplate closing the facility.
At the hearing, Judge Myerscough indicated that Hansen abused her position of trust and her actions caused, not only internal financial hardships to Our Redeemer Day Care, but had additional consequences by limiting the day care’s ability to obtain grants and other resources that would enhance the programs for the children in their care.
The statutory penalties for wire fraud are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
The Jacksonville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
Decatur Man Convicted of Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal jury returned guilty verdicts on October 26, 2023, against Kevin Dial, 52, of Decatur, Illinois, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Sentencing for Dial has been scheduled for February 26, 2024, in front of United States District Judge Colin S. Bruce at the federal courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Over three days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Dial directed another individual to sexually abuse three minor victims, all of whom were under the age of 11 at the time, and to video record that abuse. Dial then ordered the individual to send the video recordings of the sexual abuse to him.
Dial remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. At sentencing, Dial faces statutory penalties of 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the sexual exploitation counts and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography. The district judge may order that the sentences on each count be served consecutively.
The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Philippine National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand represented the government at trial.
Nevada Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Nevada man, Jacob Pangborn, 34, was sentenced on October 18, 2023, to 77 months of imprisonment for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government stated that Pangborn, who had previously been convicted of several felony offenses in the State of Nevada, was stopped when he attempted to enter the Rock Island Arsenal military installation. Officers determined that Pangborn’s driver’s license had been revoked, and he was arrested. A search of Pangborn’s vehicle revealed that he had a loaded 9 mm pistol under his seat. The firearm did not have a serial number.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Rock Island Arsenal Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution.
Cuba, Missouri, Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug, Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Cuba, Missouri, man, Raymond Toth, 65, was sentenced on October 13, 2023, to 120 months in federal prison, consisting of 60 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug crime. United States District Judge Colleen R. Lawless further ordered Toth to serve four years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.
Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that Toth brought large amounts of methamphetamine from Missouri to Taylorville, Illinois, for his coconspirators to distribute in the Central District of Illinois. In total, Toth was responsible for helping to distribute approximately eight pounds of almost pure methamphetamine. Toth also possessed a 9 mm handgun when he was arrested in a Pana, Illinois, parking lot with 756 grams of methamphetamine.
Toth was indicted in June 2018 and pleaded guilty in June 2023. He has been detained and is in the custody of the United States Marshal since May 24, 2018. Toth’s co-defendants Randy Hammond, Macy Sweitzer, and Claudette Borders were previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy, and co-defendant Jesse Stoldorf is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2023.
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine are not less than five and up to forty years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. The penalties for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug crime are up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Resident Office; the Illinois State Police; the Christian County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office; the Taylorville, Illinois, Police Department; and the Pana, Illinois, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Toth is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Two California Men Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two men from Santa Ana, California, have been sentenced to multiple years in prison for trafficking narcotics to Central Illinois. Cesar Lopez Reyes, 21, and Angel Tovar, 22, were each charged with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and information presented at public court hearings, the two men had been using social media to conduct a mail-order drug business, which distributed illegal narcotics via the U.S. Mail across the country to Nevada, Oregon, North Carolina, Kentucky, and to multiple places in Illinois. Tovar conducted sales and Lopez Reyes assisted in shipping the illegal substances. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Illinois State Police West Central Illinois Task Force opened an investigation into the duo after intercepting a package containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit pills bound for Adams County, Illinois. The two men were arrested at their residences in Orange County, California. At Tovar’s home, law enforcement recovered an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.
Lopez Reyes was sentenced on August 30, 2023, to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Tovar was sentenced on October 3, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. At both hearings, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless noted that while neither man had any criminal convictions, each had committed a very serious offense.
Lopez Reyes pleaded guilty on April 25, 2023, and Tovar pleaded guilty on May 10, 2023.
“The distribution of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and counterfeit pills, via social media is happening nationwide, and young adults are particularly susceptible to this type of marketing,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger. “Our law enforcement partners’ work to stem this tide of illegal drug sales is vitally important to protect public safety. Counterfeit pills also are often not what they appear to be, exacerbating this danger of these sales and leading to potential overdoses. We are grateful for federal and local law enforcements’ combined efforts on this case.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to dismantling drug trafficking operations to keep USPS customers and employees safe from drug traffickers who favor profit over human lives,” stated Inspector in Charge Ruth M. Mendonça of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Chicago Division. “This case is an example of the dedication of the Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners to prevent the shipping of illegal narcotics through the U.S. Mail, which not only endangers the public but also places USPS employees at risk. I appreciate the efforts by all of our law enforcement partners in this case.”
“FBI Springfield and our law enforcement partners have one common goal – the safety of the citizens we have sworn to protect. Removing dangerous drugs and drug dealers off the streets demonstrates our commitment to that goal and holds narcotic traffickers accountable for their actions, no matter what state they reside in,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Shannon Fontenot. “As our commitment is ongoing, the FBI will remain vigilant, continuing to identify and investigate those engaged in the illegal acquisition and distribution of controlled substances.”
The Illinois State Police West Central Illinois Task Force; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Quincy Police Department; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Santa Ana Police Department. Assistance was also provided by the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office. AUSA Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
The cases against Lopez Reyes and Tovar are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Nineteen-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Trafficking 3D-Printed “Glock Switches” and “Auto-Sears”Read the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Washington, Illinois, man, Zavien James Ross, 19, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of machineguns.
According to court documents, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made two separate undercover purchases of Glock switches from Ross in November 2022, purchasing a total of nine 3D-printed Glock switches and one 3D-printed auto-sear designed for an AR-15 rifle. Machinegun conversion devices, sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears,” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal to possess or sell in almost all cases.
Later in the investigation Ross was arrested by the Peoria Police Department on November 28, 2022, for possessing a firearm in a car during a traffic stop. On November 29, 2022, ATF agents conducted a search of Ross’s residence and located a 3D printer, five additional 3D printed Glock switches, and two 3D printed pistol lower receivers.
Ross was arrested and then indicted in February 2022. He was released on bond with pre-trial conditions. However, a petition for revocation of bond was filed in September 2023 when a probation officer found various pieces of counterfeit money and forged checks during a home visit. Ross surrendered shortly thereafter and has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The statutory penalties for possession of machineguns are up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a three-year term of supervised release, and a possible fine of $250,000. Ross also has pending charges in Peoria County, Illinois, for unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owners Identification card.
ATF investigated the case, with the assistance of the Peoria Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Ross is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Iowa Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Davenport, Iowa man, Joseph A. Meador, 37, was sentenced on October 4, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of pure (ice) methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government referenced prior written filings stating that in April 2021, Moline police officers received information that Meador was distributing methamphetamine in the Quad Cities area. Officers approached Meador, who was in a SUV that was parked in a motel parking lot and found him to be in possession of 55.6 grams of methamphetamine and $3,970 cash. Meador admitted to officers that he had gone to the motel to sell half an ounce of methamphetamine and he had been selling methamphetamine to four or five customers since January or February 2021.
Meador was indicted in October 2021 and arrested in April 2022. He entered into a written plea agreement in May 2023. Meador has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for distribution of more than 50 grams of ice methamphetamine are 10 years to life imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $10 million dollars, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
The Moline Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Meador is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Taylorville Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Taylorville, Illinois, man, Jamal Shehadeh, 40, was sentenced today to 92 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a six-year term of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
Shehadeh was previously found guilty by a federal jury following a two-day trial in October 2022. At the trial, the government presented evidence that on March 3, 2021, Shehadeh arranged to sell a confidential source methamphetamine. Shehadeh accepted payment for the methamphetamine electronically and later called 911 to report an emergency in attempt to distract law enforcement. Shehadeh then went to a residence, met with the source, and sold the source methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow found that a sentencing guideline enhancement for obstruction of justice applied due to Shehadeh’s fanciful testimony at trial, which was rejected by the jury. In imposing the 92-month sentence, Judge Darrow also noted Shehadeh’s high risk of recidivism and pattern of repeated criminal conduct, explaining in part that the instant case represented his third federal criminal conviction. At the time Shehadeh sold methamphetamine in this case, he was already serving a term of supervised release for a previous federal drug trafficking charge. Judge Darrow revoked that term of supervision and sentenced Shehadeh to a consecutive 30-month term of imprisonment for his supervised release violations.
The statutory penalties for the offense of distribution of methamphetamine are up to 30 years’ imprisonment, at least six years of supervised release, and up to a $2,000,000 fine.
The Taylorville Police Department investigated the case. AUSA Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
El Paso, Texas, Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An El Paso, Texas, man, Raul Morales, 42, was sentenced on September 25, 2023, to 120 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing over 29 kilograms of fentanyl and xylazine.
At the sentencing hearing in front of Senior United States District Judge Sue Myerscough, the government presented evidence that the Illinois State Police stopped Morales while he was traveling northbound on Interstate 55 in Sangamon County, Illinois. Morales was driving a pick-up truck and pulling a trailer holding two vehicles. Documents showed Morales started the trip in Texas and was heading to Joliet, Illinois. During the stop, Illinois State Police troopers located over 29 kilograms of a substance containing fentanyl and xylazine; it was packaged in 30 separate bundles, each of which was wrapped in black tape, and located in a suitcase in one of the vehicles being hauled on the trailer.
Morales was indicted in November 2022 and pleaded guilty in May 2023. He has been detained by the United States Marshals Service since November 2022.
The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl are not less than 10 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The Illinois State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Morales is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Woodhull Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Attempted Crimes Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. – A Woodhull, Illinois, man, Scott Edward Raschke, 39, of the 200 block of Southeast Third Avenue, was sentenced on September 21, 2023, to 240 months of imprisonment for Attempted Sex Trafficking of Children, Attempted Enticement of a Minor, and Sexual Exploitation of a Child. He was further sentenced to a lifetime term of supervised release and a $300.00 special assessment.
At the sentencing hearing, the government proffered evidence that Raschke engaged in a months’ long online conversation in which he arranged to pay for sex with an eleven-year-old child. Ultimately, Raschke traveled to Moline, Illinois to meet the eleven-year-old for sex and to take sexually explicit photos of the child. Upon arriving in Moline, Raschke was apprehended by law enforcement.
Also at the hearing, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sara Darrow discussed the seriousness of Raschke’s conduct, commenting on graphic nature of the conversations Raschke engaged in and his intent to memorialize the abuse of a child.
Raschke pled guilty to the charges in May of 2023. The statutory penalties for the offenses are a minimum of 15 years up to life imprisonment for Attempted Sex Trafficking of Children, a minimum of 15 years up to 30 years imprisonment for Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment for Attempted Enticement of a Minor. The convictions also provided for a term of supervised release from five years to life.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Mathew represented the federal 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.
Central Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Arson of ClinicRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Prophetstown, Illinois, man, Philip J. Buyno, 73, pleaded guilty on September 19, 2023, to attempting to use fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce. Sentencing for Buyno is scheduled for February 5, 2024, at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
In court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long, Buyno admitted that, on May 20, 2023, he brought several containers filled with gasoline with him and used his car to breach the front entrance to a commercial building at 600 N. Logan Avenue in Danville, Illinois, for the purpose of burning it down before it could be used as a reproductive health clinic. During the hearing, the government stated that Danville police officers responded to an alarm at 600 N. Logan Avenue around 4:30 a.m. early that Saturday morning. When officers arrived, they found Buyno stuck inside a maroon Volkswagen Passat that he had backed into the entrance of the building, which was under renovation. During a search of the car, FBI Agents found bottles containing gasoline, a hatchet, road flares, multiple old tires, and a pack of matches. Agents also found that Buyno had fortified the trunk of the Passat with 4x4 wooden beams.
Buyno has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since May 2023, where he remains pending sentencing.
Buyno faces statutory penalties of a minimum five years up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and restitution for the damage caused to the building.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, and the Danville Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government in the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts 19 Central Illinois United States Postal Service Workers for Wire Fraud Related to COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A federal grand jury has returned indictments against 19 United States Postal Service employees and former employees, charging them with fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The PPP provided federally backed funds to small businesses that were directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest. The program was implemented by the SBA and administered by third-party lenders. The PPP was enacted via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, an economic bill that passed in March 2020 in response to the economic fallout caused by the pandemic.
The indicted individuals, all current or former United States Postal Service employees, are:
- Dominique Alexander, 31, of Downers Grove, Illinois, formally of Springfield, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Tenneil Baskin, 42, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Breanea Brown, 28, of Savoy, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Rachaundra Donaldson, 33, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Maya Egbejima, 25, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Larry Eubanks, 35, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Angela Gillespie, 35, of Champaign, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Patrice Green, 47, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in August 2023 with four counts of wire fraud.
- Charles Hughes, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, formally of Springfield, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Marcus Jones, 39, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Sarah Jones, 43, of Danville, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Jasmine Morris, 30, of Champaign, Illinois, was charged in February 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Shakeena Mosley, 35, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with four counts of wire fraud.
- Ainmere Sangster, 32, of Champaign, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Diamond Vinson, 29, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in August 2023 with four counts of wire fraud.
- Uniqua Whitaker, 27, of Urbana, Illinois, was charged in March 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Ta Sheena White, 32, of Urbana, Illinois, was charged in March 2023 with one count of wire fraud.
- Rikkia Williams, 33, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in September 2023 with two counts of wire fraud.
- Shawntelle Lynn, 31, of Springfield, Illinois, was charged in October 2022 with two counts of wire fraud.
Each of the individuals have either already been arraigned or have been issued a summons to appear in federal court in Springfield or Urbana for arraignment. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for the alleged crimes charged are a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, a maximum five-year term of supervised release, and restitution.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; United States Secret Service; United States Postal Inspection Service; the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General; the Internal Revenue Service Office of Inspector General; the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General; and the Illinois Department of Revenue. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Bertrand and Sierra Senor-Moore are representing the government in the prosecutions.
COVID-19 disaster relief and enhanced unemployment benefits are intended to help people and businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic. If members of the public suspect anyone fraudulently obtained or misused benefits, they should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NDCF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hotline staff will obtain information regarding complaints, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 60 Months and One Day for Manufacturing Methamphetamine and Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Matthew Morlee, 46, was sentenced on September 5, 2023, by Senior U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough to 60 months and one day in prison for manufacturing methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug crime.
Morlee was indicted in September 2018 and pleaded guilty in May 2023. After his initial release on bond, Morlee’s bond was subsequently revoked, and he was detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
The statutory penalties for manufacturing a substance containing methamphetamine are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. The penalties for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug crime are up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
This case was indicted as part of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force which included members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; Illinois State Police; Springfield Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Chatham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Morlee is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Springfield, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Possessing Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute ItRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Jeremy Mitchell, 34, was sentenced on September 8, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless to 180 months in prison for possessing a substance containing fentanyl with intent to distribute it. He was also ordered to serve eight years of supervised release.
Mitchell was indicted in May 2021 and pleaded guilty in April 2023. He has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest in April 2021. Mitchell has numerous drug-related prior convictions, as well as a prior conviction for aggravated battery with a firearm.
The statutory penalties for possessing a substance containing fentanyl with intent to distribute are up to life imprisonment, up to an $8,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Mitchell is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Le Roy, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Theft of Medical Products and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Le Roy, Illinois, man, Issac Jackson, 29, was sentenced on September 7, 2023, to 30 months in federal prison for theft of medical products and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, while employed as a pharmacy technician, Jackson stole hydrocodone, alprazolam, and promethazine with codeine before selling it illegally. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless found that Jackson was responsible for diverting over 28,000 hydrocodone pills from the medical chain of supply to the illicit drug market.
Jackson was indicted in October 2021 and pleaded guilty in November 2022.
The statutory penalties for theft of medical products are up to 15 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The statutory penalties for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute are up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit, which focuses on cases involving pharmaceutical controlled substances diverted from the legal chain of commerce to the illegal drug market, investigated this case in conjunction with the Illinois State Police, Southcentral Drug Task Force, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Carlinville Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Pharmacy Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
Illinois Family Members Plead Guilty to Kidnapping, Forced Labor and Conspiracy for Coercing Two Minors and a Third Victim in Years-Long Forced Labor SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lorenza Domingo-Castaneda, 34, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty on September 8, 2023, in the Central District of Illinois to three counts of forced labor and two counts of conspiracy to commit forced labor. On August 18, codefendant Catarina Domingo-Juan, 37, also pleaded guilty to three counts of forced labor and two counts of conspiracy to commit forced labor. A third codefendant, Domingo Francisco-Juan, 43, previously pleaded guilty on August 30 to forced labor, conspricy to commit forced labor, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
According to court documents, the defendants, who are siblings, conspired to bring two minor victims from Guatemala to the United States to work in their homes between December 2015 and March 2021. The defendants compelled the victims to provide domestic services within the homes and to work outside the homes at local hotels and factories. The defendants used false promises of a better life and an education to gain the permission of the victims’ mothers for their minor daughters to travel to the United States to live with the defendants. Domingo-Castaneda and Domingo-Juan also compelled a third victim to work in their homes and outside their homes at local businesses. The defendants isolated the victims in their homes, restricted their communications with their family in Guatemala and subjected them to physical, verbal and psychological abuse, among other coercive means.
“Human trafficking—particularly compelling the labor and services of unaccompanied minors—cannot be tolerated. Traffickers deftly use the promise of America to lure adults and children into the United States from thousands of miles away, only to then turn around and reveal their promises were false as part of a coercive scheme to compel their labor,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department remains steadfast in identifying and prosecuting human traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims for their own financial benefit.”
“Human trafficking is a scourge that affects not only far-flung locales but our local communities as well,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois. “Traffickers prey on vulnerable victims – including children – bringing them to the United States and entangling them in forced labor schemes. The Central District of Illinois is committed to prosecuting these crimes and further asks community members who are aware of any signs of such exploitation to pass that information on to law enforcement.”
“Labor traffickers only care about one thing — money,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “Those subjected to domestic servitude are robbed of their dignity and freedom. Thankfully, these victims were rescued thanks to the efforts of law enforcement. Apprehending labor and human traffickers who take advantage of our most vulnerable and rescuing those exploited will always be a top priority for HSI.”
In accordance with the plea agreements, the defendants face penalties of 20 years up to life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any penalty after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI with the assistance of the Champaign Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Freres for the Central District of Illinois and Trial Attorney Kate Alexander of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Florida Woman Sentenced to More than 16 Years in Prison for Defrauding an Elderly Galesburg Woman and Others Throughout the United StatesRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – An Orlando, Florida, woman, Jasmine Annette Bradley, 37, was sentenced on September 6, 2023, to 16.5 years (198 months) for her role in a conspiracy to defraud and steal the identities of victims throughout the United States. The victims included an elderly woman from Galesburg who was suffering from dementia when Bradley stole her identity and credit.
In February 2023, Bradley had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, five counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft in connection with the offense conduct.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government presented evidence that between April 2018 and June 2019, Bradley participated in an elaborate scheme to steal the identities of individuals, obtain control of their phone numbers, and steal their mail. Using these stolen identities, Bradley and her co-conspirators rented luxury apartments, purchased utilities, rented cars, and otherwise lived a lavish lifestyle, including shopping trips and spa appointments. The people Bradley victimized were scattered across the United States and tended to be older individuals who had established a good working history and credit rating.
At Bradley’s sentencing, Judge Shadid heard from several of the victims in person. These victims discussed the damage Bradley had inflicted upon their lives and spoke about their resulting anxiety. One victim relayed a story about how Bradley stole the phone number that was connected to her terminally ill husband’s medical monitoring device and as a result it was not connected to his doctor’s office for several days. And the government explained how Bradley had exploited the Galesburg woman’s dementia in order to further her fraud and delay detection so that she could continue to spend the woman’s money.
Overall, Bradley’s scheme had at least 22 victims including three property-management companies, ten financial institutions, and nine individuals from Missouri, Ohio, Arizona, Florida, and Galesburg, Illinois. Bradley was responsible for a combined intended loss of $430,409.34.
At the hearing, Judge Shadid commented on the fact that the victims had all lived their lives in an exemplary fashion, despite personal challenges including a terminally ill spouse and other issues. He further noted that the victims had abided by a simple rule: “If it’s not yours, keep your hands off it.” The judge contrasted the lives of the victims with Bradley, whom he described as the type of person who only takes and does nothing to give back or try to make things better.
Given the severity of the offense conduct and the resulting harm to the victims and their families, Judge Shadid found that the sentencing guidelines range was not sufficient. The judge therefore imposed above-guidelines, concurrent sentences of 150 months’ imprisonment on the conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud counts. Judge Shadid also imposed two consecutive 24-month sentences for the aggravated identity theft offenses, resulting in an aggregate sentence of 198 months.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Office; the North Olmstad, Ohio, Police Department; Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Police Department; the Yuma, Arizona, Police Department; and Seminole County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Paul B. Morris represented the Government in the prosecution.
Peoria, Illinois, Felon Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria, Illinois, man, Dazmine M. Erving, 32, was sentenced on September 6, 2023, to a total of 65 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.
In a prior written filing, the government stated that on September 14, 2022, a Peoria Police officer approached an SUV that was backed into a parking spot at River Front Park after the park had closed. The officer discovered Erving in the backseat of the vehicle with a juvenile female later determined to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest. The officer also smelled the odor of burnt cannabis coming from the SUV during the encounter. During a records check, the officer learned that Erving was on federal supervised release following a conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. After Erving and the female exited the SUV, the officer located a firearm on the floorboard where Erving had been seated. The gun, a semiautomatic pistol, was loaded with a round of ammunition in the chamber and eight rounds in the magazine. The firearm had previously been reported stolen.
Erving was indicted in September 2022 and entered a guilty plea in May of 2023. Erving also pleaded guilty to a petition to revoke supervised release in his prior case alleging that possession of the pistol was a violation of the terms of his supervised release.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid imposed a term of 41 months’ imprisonment for Erving’s new gun case, to run consecutively to a term of 24 months’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release. The new sentence and supervised release sentence in combination require Erving to serve 65 months’ imprisonment. Erving’s term of imprisonment on the new case will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest.
The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are up to 15 years; imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The U.S. Department of Justice; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Peoria Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Erving is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Three Peoria Men Sentenced for Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – Three Peoria, Illinois, men were sentenced on September 5, 2023, by U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid for making false statements related to the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Two of the three were also held responsible for fraudulently obtaining unemployment insurance benefits from multiple states.
The PPP provided federal funds to small businesses that were directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities and mortgage interest. The program was implemented by the Small Business Administration and administered by third-party lenders. The PPP was enacted via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, an economic bill that passed in March 2020 in response to the economic fallout caused by the pandemic.
The three men were indicted in October 2022. Kendall A. Mack, 26, pleaded guilty in May 2023 to one count of making a false statement in April 2021 to obtain a PPP loan. From April to September 2021, Mack fraudulently obtained PPP funds to which he was not entitled by submitting a fraudulent PPP application, as well as a fraudulent PPP loan forgiveness application. He was held responsible for losses to the Small Business Administration and Capital Plus Financial, LLC, in the amount of $39,239.08. Mack was sentenced to three years’ probation and imprisonment for a period of time served. Judge Shadid also ordered Mack to pay restitution in the amount of $39,239.08.
Rasheem McCree, 38, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of making a false statement in March 2021 by submitting a false application for PPP funds. He also admitted to fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits from five states, including the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation; the Arizona Department of Economic Security; the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; the New York State Department of Labor; and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. McCree was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Shadid also ordered McCree to pay $89,981.34 in restitution to the SBA and the states.
Adrian Lamont Morris, 27, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of making a false statement in March 2021 by submitting a false application for PPP funds. In addition to the PPP loan, Morris filed for unemployment benefits from Illinois, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania, for a loss to the SBA and those states of $60,642. Morris was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Shadid also ordered Morris to pay $60,642 restitution.
On their applications, each of the defendants claimed to be the sole proprietor of a barber shop. However, none of them had a registered barber shop, employees, a payroll, or business-related expenses. None were licensed barbers.
In sentencing McCree and Morris, Judge Shadid noted their significant criminal histories. McCree and Morris were ordered to report to the Bureau of Prisons on November 14, 2023.
The statutory penalties for false statements under 18 U.S.C. §1001(a)(3) are up to five years’ imprisonment, a possible $250,000 fine, and up to a three-year term of supervised release.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case. Criminal Chief Darilynn J. Knauss represented the government in the prosecution.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession and Sale of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Springfield, Ill. – A Springfield, Ill., man, Dalton Smith, 29, has been sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for three years to be followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and selling a stolen Colt AR-15 style rifle
During the sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that the defendant, a convicted felon, sold a AR-15 he knew to be stolen for $450. The semi-automatic firearm contained a high-capacity magazine, capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition. The AR-15 was one of a number of firearms and firearm parts stolen from a Springfield residence in January of 2023. Smith was previously convicted in North Carolina of felony breaking and entering.
Smith pleaded guilty on April 25, 2023, and has been detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest on March 16, 2023.
The statutory penalty for possessing a firearm as a felon is up to 15 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $250,000 fine. The statutory penalty for knowingly possessing and selling a stolen weapon is up to 10 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government in the prosecution.
Rantoul, Illinois, Man Convicted of Possession with Intent to Deliver More Than 50 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – On August 23, 2023, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Artez L. Johnson, 38, of Rantoul, Illinois, for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Johnson was convicted following a jury trial in front of United States District Judge Colin s. Bruce. During the trial, the government presented evidence establishing that on February 20, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Johnson’s car near the intersection of Maplewood and Grove Avenue in Rantoul. After Johnson – who was driving – got out of the car, Rantoul Police officers noticed a small bag of suspected cocaine on the driver’s seat. Officers searched the car and located approximately 330 grams of methamphetamine ice packed in three ziploc bags in the center console. Johnson said the methamphetamine belonged to him but claimed it was for personal use.
The government presented additional evidence showing that Johnson had been dealing methamphetamine for several months before the traffic stop and that 330 grams is a distribution amount, not a personal use amount.
The statutory penalty for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine is not less than 10 years or more than life imprisonment.
The case investigation was conducted by the Rantoul Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Sullivan and Rachel Ritzer represented the government in the prosecution.
Four from Peoria Charged with Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Licensed Dealers in Spring Valley, Taylorville, Le Roy, Lincoln, Decatur, and BloomingtonRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A federal criminal complaint filed August 21, 2023, charges four people from Peoria, Illinois, with conspiring to steal firearms from six different locations in central Illinois between August 14, 2023, and August 18, 2023. Terrence Daniels, 23; Dezmond Hardy, 22; Erika Garner, 21; and Shaleik Ward, 19, are each charged with one count of conspiring to steal guns from a federal firearms licensee. All four were arrested on Friday, August 18, 2023, and the complaint and affidavit were unsealed at their court appearances on Monday, August 21, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley in Peoria. At the conclusion of their respective hearings, all four were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings.
As alleged in the complaint affidavit, on August 14, 2023, police officers were dispatched to an attempt burglary at Mean Metal, a gun dealer in Spring Valley, Illinois, and discovered that a glass window of the business had been shattered. On August 15, 2023, officers responded to an attempt burglary at Powder Keg Outfitters, a gun dealer in Taylorville, Illinois. As with the first attempt burglary, officers discovered that a glass window on the business had been shattered.
Additional attempt burglaries were reported at Guns and Glory in Le Roy, Ill., Tactical Bunker in Lincoln, Ill., Archers Alley in Decatur, Ill., and Smiley’s Sport Shop in Bloomington, Ill.
If convicted of conspiring to steal firearms, each defendant faces up to five years’ imprisonment. The charges also carry up to three years of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The arrests followed a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including agency members of the Peoria Area Federal Firearms Task Force as well as the Spring Valley Police Department, the Taylorville Police Department, and the Peoria Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna.
Members of the public are reminded that the charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Quincy, Illinois man Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy, Illinois man, Demetrius Fernando, 46, of the 2200 block of Ohio Street in Quincy, Illinois has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough to 96 months in prison to be followed by 48 months of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Fernando distributed more than 5 grams of methamphetamine in 2020 on two occasions in Quincy, Illinois. He has multiple prior state-controlled substances convictions.
Fernando was indicted in March 2020 and pleaded guilty in April 2023. He has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since March of 2020.
The statutory penalties for distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) are up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release.
The West Central Illinois Task Force, Quincy Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Fernando was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
California Men Stopped on I-55 Charged with Trafficking over 100 Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two California men, David Dowling-Chacon, 41, and Luis Dukes-Acosta, 38, have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to the Affidavit filed with the complaint, on August 15, 2023, an Illinois State Police Trooper stopped the tractor trailer Dowling-Chacon and Dukes-Acosta were operating on Interstate 55 near Springfield for a routine motor carrier safety inspection. The men told the trooper they were traveling together from California to Chicago to pick up a load for the tractor trailer. While speaking to Dowling-Chacon and Dukes-Acosta, the trooper became suspicious and determined further investigation was necessary. After receiving permission to search the vehicle, law enforcement officers recovered approximately 103 kilograms of suspected cocaine. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the investigation on the scene.
If convicted, Dowling-Chacon and Dukes-Acosta face a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment of at least 10 years and could receive up to life in prison. The charges also carry up to a life-time term of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $10,000,000.
The arrests followed investigation by the Illinois State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Police Department, Jacksonville Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
Members of the public are reminded that the charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Hotel in Peoria, Illinois, to Ensure Access for People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Department of Justice announced today it has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Hampton Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie, located in Peoria, Illinois, to resolve alleged violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Department reached the agreement with Mark B. Peterson and Petersen Hospitality LLC, who own and operate the hotel. The agreement requires the hotel to train its staff and provide equal service to customers with disabilities.
The settlement resolves an ADA complaint alleging that after reserving an accessible room, when an individual with a disability attempted to check-in, the Hampton Inn provided a room that was not accessible as it lacked bathroom grab bars. According to the complaint, the hotel then said no physically accessible rooms were available, cancelled the reservation, and said it could not accept “liability” for the individual with a disability. This left the complainant, who was traveling from out of town, stranded with nowhere else to stay.
The complaint prompted an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. The ADA requires that hotels provide access to individuals with disabilities, including honoring reservations, providing fully accessible rooms, and making accommodations.
“For many people with disabilities, the decision to travel is unfortunately fraught with uncertainty over many of life’s most basic necessities, such as whether they will have a place to sleep at night or be able to use the bathroom,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant for the Central District of Illinois. “The law protects people with disabilities who are traveling and requires that hotels provide equal access to their rooms and facilities. We appreciate the hotel’s prompt remedial action and encourage all hotels in the Central District of Illinois to train their staff regarding the ADA’s requirements.”
Under the agreement, the hotel will provide training to its staff about the ADA’s requirements to ensure that customers enjoy equal access to its services. Without admitting violating the ADA, the hotel also agreed to a monetary payment to the parent of the individual identified in the complaint to fully resolve the matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant represented the government during the investigation and settlement process. For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.
Four Sentenced for Multi-Kilogram Crack Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The last four men in a six-man crack cocaine conspiracy were sentenced on August 8, 2023, before Chief District Court Judge Sara L. Darrow. The conspiracy covered a period of time from 2017 until mid-2020, and occurred in and around Rock Island County, Illinois. In addition to the conspiracy, some men were charged with individual counts of distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. All six defendants involved in the conspiracy pleaded guilty and were sentenced as follows.
- Rasheem Damonte Bogan, a/k/a “Sheem”, 31, of the 1800 block of West 8th Street, Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
- Raheem Jacques Houston, a/k/a “Heem”, 30, of the 800 block of 21st Street, Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
- Devell Carl Lewis, 35, of Brown Court Street, Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 126 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release;
- Christopher William Pullman, a/k/a “Dime”, 35, of the 2700 block of 6th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and ten years of supervised release. Based on Pullman’s prior criminal history, his statutory penalties were enhanced to a mandatory minimum term of fifteen years up to a maximum of life in prison, followed by at least ten years of supervised release.
- Two other co-defendants had previously been sentenced in March of 2022 for their involvement in the conspiracy.
- Brandon Jerome Pullman, a/k/a “Tall B.” a/k/a “B”, 32, of the 2700 block of 6th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced to 120 months’ of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
- Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr., a/k/a “Tez”, 29, of the 900 block of West 14th Street, Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
The statutory penalty for conspiracy to distribute at least 280 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, “crack” is a mandatory minimum term of ten years, and up to a maximum of life in prison, followed by at least five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for distribution of at least 28 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, “crack” is five years to 40 years in prison, followed by at least five years of supervised release. The statutory penalty for distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine or cocaine base, “crack” is up to 20 years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release. Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented commentary about the multi-year nature of the conspiracy and the impact that the drug distribution had on the Quad Cities community.
Additionally, three of the men, Rasheem Bogan, Devell Lewis, and Raheem Houston, were also charged in May of 2023, by federal indictment in the Southern District of Iowa, Davenport Division, for a Racketeering Conspiracy. It is alleged that the three men and others, were members of a criminal organization known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse, a/k/a Zone Fifth, a/k/a, Fifth Street Mafia, a/k/a Rock Town Money Getters, a/k/a Money Team. According to that indictment, the organization’s purpose was to distribute controlled substances, obtain money and things of value, and earn and maintain respect in the Quad Cities. It is alleged that Bogan, Lewis and Houston, as well as the other members of the organization, conspired to engage in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murders, robbery, and drug trafficking. Additional information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/defendants-charged-joint-federal-state-and-local-investigation-firearms-trafficking
The Rock Island Police Department, and the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Mathew and former Assistant United States Attorney Alyssa Raya represented the government in the prosecution.
This case was brought as 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF