Northern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former U.S. Postal Service Employee in Chicago Charged with Stealing Stimulus Checks from the MailRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Chicago has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly stealing government stimulus checks from the mail.
OLIVIA L. BRYANT, 33, of Chicago, is charged with three counts of theft from the U.S. mail. Bryant pleaded not guilty to the charges during her arraignment Monday in federal court in Chicago. A status hearing is set for May 13, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Andre Martin, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Area Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General; and J. Russell George, Inspector General of the Treasury Department Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
The indictment accuses Bryant of stealing three pieces of mail from her route in Chicago in March of last year. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Malgorzata Tracz Kozaka advised the Court during arraignment that the stolen mail contained government stimulus checks.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count in the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Indictment Charges Suburban Chicago Man with Trafficking Cocaine and Illegally Possessing Loaded GunRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a suburban Chicago man for allegedly trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
An indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges GILBERTO ALMANZA, 44, of North Chicago, Ill., with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug-trafficking activities.
The charges in the indictment carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life. Almanza is currently detained in federal custody. Arraignment is set for Friday at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the DEA. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan DeMarco and A.J. Dixon.
According to the indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case, Almanza distributed approximately 46 kilograms of cocaine on Sept. 2, 2021. The delivery occurred in a restaurant parking lot in Bolingbrook, Ill., the charges allege. Unbeknownst to Almanza, the individual to whom Almanza delivered the cocaine was cooperating with law enforcement, the charges allege.
A second drug deal allegedly occurred last month at Almanza’s residence. Another individual surreptitiously cooperating with law enforcement bought approximately half a kilogram of cocaine from Almanza, the charges allege. Law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Almanza’s residence on March 17, 2022, and discovered approximately two kilograms of cocaine and the loaded handgun, the charges allege.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Jury Convicts Illinois Man in Connection with the Killing of Special Deputy U.S. Marshal Jacob KeltnerRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A federal jury in Rockford today convicted an Illinois man in connection with the killing of Special Deputy U.S. Marshal Jacob Keltner.
The jury found FLOYD E. BROWN, 42, of Springfield, Ill., guilty of second-degree murder of a federal officer, attempting to kill additional federal officers, assault of federal officers, and multiple firearm offenses. The convictions carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set sentencing for July 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
The convictions were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Rockford Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Bloomington Police Department, Loves Park Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois State Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Talia Bucci, Scott Paccagnini, and Ronald DeWald.
Evidence presented at the two-week trial revealed that Special Deputy Keltner was fatally wounded on March 7, 2019, when members of the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and other law enforcement officers attempted to execute a warrant for Brown’s arrest at a Rockford hotel. Brown was wanted on a residential burglary charge. Special Deputy Keltner served as a McHenry County Sheriff’s deputy and was a sworn member of the task force.
When the officers attempted to gain access to Brown’s third-floor hotel room, he fired ten shots through the door and nearby walls, narrowly missing a Deputy U.S. Marshal and two Special Deputy U.S. Marshals. Brown then jumped out of a window and fired a shot that fatally struck Special Deputy Keltner, who was covering the exterior of the hotel. Brown was arrested several hours later near Lincoln, Ill., after a high-speed pursuit.
Two Men Indicted in Rockford on Charges of Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A federal grand jury in Rockford has returned an indictment charging two defendants - TONY CLAPP, 58, and GREGORY BOLLMAN, 48 - with conspiracy to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Clapp was also charged with attempted possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. He is currently on supervised release stemming from federal distribution of cocaine charges.
The indictment was returned on Tuesday. Arraignments in U.S. District Court in Rockford have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the DEA. Substantial assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police, Illinois State Police Blackhawk Area Task Force, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Ladd.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Clapp faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life, while Bollman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Gun on Chicago StreetRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun on a Chicago street.
CIPRIANO RIVERA illegally possessed the gun on Sept. 28, 2019, near an alley in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. Rivera was driving his sport-utility vehicle when he fired several shots at an individual who was walking through the alley. Neither the individual nor anyone else was wounded. While speeding away from the area, Rivera tossed the gun out of the car window. Chicago Police officers a short time later pulled over the SUV and arrested Rivera. Bystanders near the scene of the shooting found the gun and alerted police.
Rivera, 36, of Villa Park, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Rivera had previously been convicted of multiple felony firearm offenses in state court and was prohibited by federal law from possessing the gun.
U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman imposed the prison sentence Tuesday after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“Defendant fired his gun to kill the man walking in the alley,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Yonan argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “These actions were egregious and placed numerous members of the public at grave risk, including the person defendant shot at and the people living nearby.”
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Justice Department Announces Superseding Indictment Charging 12 in Gun-Running Conspiracy to Supply Firearms to Gang Members in ChicagoRead the Press Release
A 21-count superseding indictment unsealed Wednesday charges 12 individuals with conspiring to violate federal firearms statutes, including engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license; transporting and receiving firearms into another state; making false statements to a federally licensed firearm dealer; conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and to use and carry firearms in relation to crimes of violence; and conspiring to commit money laundering, as well as other related substantive offenses.
“The Justice Department recognizes that fighting violent crime requires approaches tailored to the needs of individual communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “But gun violence can be a problem that is too big for any one community, any one city, or any one agency to solve. That is why our approach to disrupting gun violence and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals rests on the kind of coordination you see here today.”
Wednesday morning, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) and officers from the Chicago Police Department and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department began arresting those charged in the indictment. As of this morning, six of those charged are in custody and the remaining defendants are currently being sought by law enforcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois will handle the initial appearances by all defendants before they are transferred to the Middle District of Tennessee for further proceedings.
In July 2021, Demarcus Adams, 21; Jarius Brunson, 22; and Brandon Miller, 22, were enlisted members of the U.S. Army and stationed at the Fort Campbell military installation in Clarksville, Tennessee, and were charged by indictment with crimes stemming from the purchase and transfer of dozens of firearms to the streets of Chicago. In addition to these defendants, this superseding indictment charges the following nine individuals in the conspiracies and other substantive offenses: Blaise Smith, 29; Rahaeem Johnson, aka Rah, 24; Bryant Larkin, 33; Corey Curtis, 26; Elijah Tillman, 24; Lazarus Greenwood, aka Zarro, 23; Dwight Lowry, aka Ike, 41; Dreshion Parks, 25, all of Chicago; and Terrell Mitchell, 27, of Davenport, Iowa.
The indictment alleges that the new defendants are members of the Gangster Disciples street gang in the Pocket Town neighborhood of Chicago. Between December 2020 and April 2021, the defendants conspired to purchase and deliver over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the Chicago area to facilitate the ongoing violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs.
The indictment further alleges the methods used by co-conspirators to purchase firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Clarksville, Tennessee and Oak Grove, Kentucky areas, which included communicating via text messages to coordinate the purchase and delivery of firearms to the Chicago area; providing false information on firearms purchase application forms; and using online apps to facilitate payment for the illegal transfer of firearms. On one occasion, the indictment alleges that in addition to several firearms available for sale, Brandon Miller had 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition available for purchase.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison on one or more of the charged counts.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland; U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney John Lausch for the Northern District of Illinois; Special Agent in Charge Mickey French of the ATF Nashville Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the ATF Chicago Field Division; Karen Wingerd, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI, Charlotte Field Office; and Assistant Director Guy Surian for Investigations and Operations, U.S. Army - Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
This case is being investigated by the ATF-Nashville, Chicago, and Des Moines Divisions; the U.S. Army-CID; the IRS-CI - Charlotte and Chicago Field Offices; the Clarksville, Tenn. Police Department; the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Crime Gun Intelligence Center; and the Davenport, Iowa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Kurtzman and Kathryn Risinger are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Southern California Businessman Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Illegally Brokering Sales of Embargoed Defense Articles from ChinaRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Southern California businessman has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for illegally brokering the sales of embargoed defense articles from the People’s Republic of China and filing a false corporate tax return.
TUQIANG XIE, also known as “Tony Xie,” 60, of Irvine, Calif., pleaded guilty in 2019 to one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act and one count of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Norgle imposed the year-and-a-day prison sentence Wednesday after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. Substantial assistance was provided by the Central Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur of the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Attorney Matthew R. Hoffman of the Tax Division.
Xie admitted in a plea agreement that through his company, Bio-Medical Optics LLC of Irvine, Calif., he served as a broker for the shipment of defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List and the U.S. Munitions Import List. The items on these lists are regulated components and systems used in U.S. military equipment. Federal law requires that individuals involved in the business of manufacturing or exporting defense articles must obtain a license and register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls at the U.S. Department of State. Xie never obtained a license or registered with the DDTC. Moreover, the U.S. since 1989 has imposed an arms embargo on the PRC, restricting imports or exports of arms between the two countries.
Despite the arms embargo and the lack of a license or registration, Xie admitted in his plea agreement that in 2014 and 2015 he located a manufacturer in the PRC to produce defense articles for one of his clients. Over time, Xie earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in commissions or fees based on his role in shipments to and from the PRC.
The tax charge pertained to Xie’s filing a false corporate tax return for Bio-Medical Optics for 2013. Xie also admitted in the plea agreement that he filed false corporate tax returns for Bio-Medical Optics for 2009 through 2012, causing a total tax loss to the IRS of more than $100,000.
Suburban Chicago Woman Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Insider TradingRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge today sentenced a suburban Chicago woman to a year in prison for using insider information obtained from her husband to purchase shares of a company ahead of its acquisition by the husband’s employer.
DENISE GREVAS, 60, of Evanston, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to a securities fraud charge. In addition to the year-and-a-day prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber fined Grevas $100,000.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which filed a civil enforcement action against Grevas, provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten and Jason Yonan represented the government in the criminal case.
Grevas admitted in a plea agreement that she made $286,960 in illegal profits from the purchase and sale of securities in a Washington state-based pharmaceutical company, which was a target for acquisition and later acquired by a foreign pharmaceutical company that employed Grevas’s husband. Grevas used material, non-public information about the expected acquisition to purchase shares in the Washington company ahead of a public announcement of the acquisition on Sept. 16, 2019. After the announcement, the Washington company’s stock price increased and Grevas sold the shares for the profit.
Rockford Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegally possessing loaded handguns.
JAMES PETERSON, 41, last year illegally possessed a .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a .45-caliber handgun. As a previously convicted felon, Peterson was not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the prison sentence Friday after a hearing in federal court in Rockford.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. Substantial assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police’s State Line Area Narcotics Team (SLANT), the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
Federal Jury Convicts Suburban Chicago Man of Laundering Drug Proceeds on Behalf of Traffickers in MexicoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a suburban Chicago man of laundering illegal narcotics proceeds on behalf of drug traffickers in Mexico.
In the summer and fall of 2017, HUAZHI HAN schemed with an individual in Mexico to facilitate the receipt of more than $1 million in narcotics proceeds in the United States. Han picked up the drug money from others in the Chicago area and used the cash to purchase and then re-sell electronic devices. Han and another individual then caused the laundered money to be sent back to the traffickers in Mexico.
In November 2017, Han attempted to receive approximately $100,000 in narcotics money from a drug dealer. At the time, Han was in possession of approximately $200,000 in cash, a firearm, and two loaded magazines. Law enforcement then searched Han’s residence and discovered a money counter, multiple firearms, more than $1.1 million in cash concealed in cookie tins inside of a drop ceiling in the basement, and approximately $200,000 in cash in vacuum-sealed packaging in the basement closet. In June 2018, law enforcement arrested Han after he received approximately $192,000 in money that was represented to Han to be drug money. At that time, Han was again in possession of a loaded firearm.
After a two-week trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the jury on Thursday convicted Han, 43, of North Riverside, Ill., on all four charges against him, including one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of attempted concealment money laundering, one count of conducting a financial transaction with funds represented to be drug proceeds, and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. In addition to the guilty verdicts, the jury returned a special verdict as to the forfeiture of criminally derived property, finding that Han should forfeit approximately $1.5 million in cash, four handguns, a 2016 Mercedes-Benz automobile, a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan, and an iPhone.
Each money laundering count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business count is punishable by up to five years. U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood has not yet set a sentencing date.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Substantial assistance was provided by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago, Chicago Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Alexandra Morgan.
Brothers from Chicago Charged in Labor Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two brothers from Chicago have been arrested on a labor trafficking charge for allegedly forcing undocumented Mexican immigrants to work in the construction trade.
AGUSTIN ARIAS LOPEZ, 30, and JUAN ARIAS LOPEZ, 32, conspired to illegally bring two individuals from Mexico to the United States on the condition that they work for the brothers’ construction business and repay the purported costs of their transport into the U.S., according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. After they arrived in Chicago, the undocumented immigrants worked 12-15 hours per day, seven days per week, in exchange for weekly payments from the Arias Lopez brothers of $800 to $1,000, the complaint states. From that sum, the immigrants were required to pay the Arias Lopez brothers $500 per week, which the brothers claimed went towards not only the costs of the transport but also rent, as the immigrants resided in Agustin Arias Lopez’s unfinished basement in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, the complaint states.
The complaint alleges that the Arias Lopez brothers threatened the immigrants with violence if they did not pay the money. On one occasion in November 2021, Agustin Arias Lopez allegedly pointed a handgun at one of the immigrants.
The complaint charges the Arias Lopez brothers with conspiracy to knowingly bring, transport, harbor, and induce aliens to come to, enter, remain in, and reside in the U.S. The brothers were arrested Thursday. A detention hearing in federal court in Chicago is set for March 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
The complaint and arrests were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Mulaney.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge in the complaint is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Loves Park Investment Advisor Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Financial FraudRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Loves Park, Ill., investment advisor has been sentenced to four years and four months in federal prison for financial fraud.
NASEEM SALAMAH, 41, fraudulently obtained a total of more than $968,000 from the accounts of three customers. Salamah told the customers that he needed to move the money to diversify their assets, when, in fact, Salamah deposited the money into a bank account that he controlled. Salamah then used the money for his own benefit and without the customers’ knowledge or consent.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston on Wednesday ordered Salamah to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $968,582.12.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which filed a civil enforcement action against Salamah, provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Paccagnini.
Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Violently Sex Trafficking Two ChildrenRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for violently sex trafficking two children in the Chicago area and Wisconsin.
In late 2019 and early 2020, DAVID L. SMITH took sexually explicit photographs of the children, who at the time were 16 and 17 years old, and posted them in commercial sex advertisements on the websites SkipTheGames and MegaPersonals. He then arranged for the children to meet customers in hotel rooms, with Smith keeping all of the money that the children received. On at least one occasion, Smith hit the 17-year-old victim in the face after she mistakenly accepted fake money from a customer. On another occasion, Smith hit the 16-year-old victim in the face after he learned that the girl had contacted her mother.
Smith, 28, of Milwaukee, Wis., pleaded guilty last year to a federal sex trafficking charge. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., on Friday ordered Smith to pay $50,000 in restitution to each of his victims.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Oak Lawn (Ill.) Police Department, FBI Milwaukee Field Office, FBI Kansas City Field Office, FBI St. Louis Field Office, Wauwatosa (Wis.) Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Marie E. Ursini and Caitlin S. Walgamuth.
“Defendant caused his minor victims irreparable harm and trauma by causing them to engage in commercial sex on numerous occasions,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie E. Ursini argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “These victims will carry the emotional scars of the defendant’s actions for the rest of their lives.”
Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man involved in a shooting incident in a Chicago suburb has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for illegally possessing ammunition.
LAVOYCE BAYS was charged with illegally possessing four cartridges of .40-caliber ammunition on June 15, 2019, in Markham, Ill. Bays was involved in a dispute with a man and others at a party and later saw the man at a gas station in the south suburb. As the man attempted to drive away from the gas station, Bays fired multiple shots and wounded him. The victim survived the shooting. Law enforcement recovered ammunition casings from the crime scene, which led to the federal charges.
Bays, 32, of Markham, pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of illegal possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He had previously been convicted in state court of a felony criminal offense and was not legally allowed to possess ammunition or a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman on Friday imposed a 102-month federal prison sentence. Judge Coleman found that, in addition to illegally possessing the ammunition, the government met its burden in proving Bays possessed a firearm and committed the shooting at the gas station, conduct which supported an enhanced sentence.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Markham Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Albert Berry III.
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
South Beloit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A South Beloit, Ill., man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of transportation of child pornography.
DAVID WITTWER, 51, entered the guilty plea Wednesday before U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee in Rockford. Wittwer admitted in a plea agreement that on Feb. 24, 2016, he used his computer to post images of child pornography to a website. Wittwer further admitted that he possessed a tablet device and cellphone that contained more than 600 images and videos of child pornography.
The conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, and a maximum of 20 years. Judge Lee set sentencing for July 27, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by the South Beloit Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Love.
Former City of Chicago Alderman Sentenced to More Than a Year in Federal Prison for Using Political Funds to Pay Personal ExpensesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Former City of Chicago Alderman RICARDO MUNOZ was sentenced today to 13 months in federal prison for using money from a political fund to pay personal expenses.
While serving as Alderman of the 22nd Ward in Chicago, Munoz used money from a political action committee formed by the Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus (CPRC) to pay a relative’s college tuition and other personal expenses, including jewelry, clothing, cell phones, vacations, sports tickets, and airline travel. Public officials were prohibited by law from misappropriating funds from the CPRC for personal expenditures. Munoz attempted to conceal the fraud scheme by making materially false representations to the Illinois State Board of Elections and staff members and contractors of the CPRC.
Munoz, 57, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges. U.S. District Judge John F. Kness imposed the prison sentence after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morris Pasqual and Jared Hasten.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Suburban Chicago Police Officer for Allegedly Extorting Cash Payments from Local Towing BusinessesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A police officer in Harvey, Ill., threatened to interfere with local towing companies’ ability to compete for city work unless they paid him cash and other benefits, according to a federal indictment.
From 2011 to 2019, DERRICK MUHAMMAD served as a Harvey Police Officer and oversaw the Harvey Police Department’s Traffic Division. The role provided Muhammad with the authority to assign City of Harvey towing work to private towing companies. An indictment returned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that Muhammad conspired with a relative to obtain cash, cars, and other benefits from the towing companies on the understanding that, absent such payment, Muhammad would interfere with the ability of the companies to compete for City of Harvey towing work.
The indictment charges Muhammad, also known as “Rick,” 73, of South Holland, Ill., with conspiracy, extortion, and bribery. The indictment seeks forfeiture from Muhammad of approximately $100,000. Arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Brandon Gardner, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J.B. Franzblau.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The conspiracy and extortion charges are each punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while the bribery charge is punishable by up to ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Thomson Penitentiary Inmate Found Guilty of Assaulting Federal Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A federal inmate at Thomson Penitentiary in Thompson, Ill., was convicted Tuesday for the assault of a federal correctional officer.
JOSEPH VAN SACH, 49, was found guilty following a seven-day jury trial in federal court in Rockford. According to evidence at trial, Van Sach on April 2, 2019, forcibly assaulted the officer while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties. Van Sach made physical contact and inflicted bodily injury to the officer.
Van Sach faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victim. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey did not immediately set a sentencing date.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica S. Maveus and Vincenza L. Tomlinson.
Sales Representative Charged in Federal Indictment Alleging Procurement Fraud at Chicago Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An ongoing federal investigation into an alleged procurement fraud scheme at a Chicago elementary school has resulted in charges against a sales representative for a Chicago Public Schools vendor.
An indictment returned Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that DEBRA M. BANNACK schemed with the Principal and Business Manager of Brennemann Elementary School on the North Side of Chicago to submit false purchase orders to CPS for school materials that Bannack’s company would purportedly supply. In reality, Bannack’s company provided iPhones, iPads, and pre-paid gift cards to the Principal, Business Manager, and others at the school, for their personal use, the indictment alleges. As a result of the scheme, Bannack and the CPS employees fraudulently misappropriated approximately $75,000 in CPS funds to which they were not entitled, the indictment states.
Bannack, 62, of Schaumburg, Ill., is charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Each of the counts is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.
The Principal – SARAH JACKSON ABEDELAL, of Chicago – and the Business Manager – WILLIAM JACKSON, of Chicago – were previously charged with participating in the fraud scheme. Abedelal and Jackson have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
The Bannack indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Will Fletcher, Inspector General of the Chicago Board of Education, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terry M. Kinney and Patrick Mott.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing More Than a Dozen Chicago Stores at GunpointRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for violently robbing more than a dozen Chicago liquor and convenience stores.
In the summer and fall of 2016, ANGELO STANTON robbed 15 stores and attempted to rob two others. Stanton carried out takeover-style heists in which he pointed a handgun at employees and demanded cash from the register or safe. Stanton fired shots in five of the incidents, wounding two store employees.
The robberies and attempted robberies occurred in various Chicago neighborhoods:
- Aug. 23, 2016: Castillo’s Super Market, 2732 W. 59th St.
- Aug. 26, 2016: Danny’s Liquors, 2222 N. Western Ave.
- Aug. 30, 2016: One Stop Western Market, 3456 S. Western Ave.
- Sept. 3, 2016: Granados Liquors, 1859 W. 47th St.
- Sept. 8, 2016: Buchanas Food & Liquor, 1834 W. 47th St.
- Sept. 13, 2016: El Yunque Liquor Store, 1900 N. California Ave.
- Sept. 20, 2016: West Town Wine and Spirits, 2501 W. North Ave.
- Sept. 21, 2016: Park Dollar and Food Store, 1101 N. California Ave.
- Sept. 22, 2016: Albany Food & Liquors, 3048 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Sept. 23, 2016: Value Most Liquors, 3236 N. Pulaski Rd.
- Sept. 25, 2016: Manha grocery store, 3751 W. Armitage Ave.
- Sept. 28, 2016: Evelyn Food Market, 2926 W. Pulaski Rd.
- Sept. 30, 2016: Don’s Grill, 1837 S. Western Ave.
- Oct. 2, 2016: One Stop Market, 3456 S. Western Ave.
- Oct. 4, 2016: Humboldt Haus, 2958 W. North Ave.
- Oct. 9, 2016: Bucktown Food & Liquors, 2422 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Oct. 11, 2016: Lucky One Food, 1854 N. Pulaski Rd.
Stanton, 32, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to robbery and firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr., imposed the prison sentence Monday. A hearing to determine the amount of restitution that Stanton must pay to the victims is scheduled for May 3, 2022.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Chung represented the government.
Suburban Chicago Man Admits Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has pleaded guilty to a federal child pornography charge for taking dozens of sexually explicit photographs of a three-year-old child.
MARCOS GERMAN MENDEZ, 34, of Rosemont, Ill., pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of production of child pornography. The conviction is punishable by a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years. U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland set sentencing for June 21, 2022.
Mendez admitted in a plea agreement that on two occasions in 2015 he took a total of more than 60 sexually explicit photographs of the child while she was sleeping. Mendez saved the images on his iPhone and iCloud account, and in 2016 he fled to Mexico. He was later arrested and extradited to the United States.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by HSI’s Mexico City office; FBI Chicago Field Office; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Postal Service; Cook County, Ill., Sheriff’s Office; and U.S. Marshals Service. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Misty N. Wright and Ashley A. Chung.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Federal Prison for Conducting Illegal Sports Gambling BusinessRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for conducting an illegal sports gambling business and laundering the proceeds.
VINCENT DELGIUDICE, also known as “Uncle Mick,” 58, of Orland Park, Ill., directed an illegal bookmaking business in the Chicago area from 2016 to 2019. Delgiudice retained a company in Costa Rica to operate a website, Unclemicksports.com, that gamblers used to place wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events. Delgiudice worked with more than 20 agents and sub-agents who recruited gamblers and shared in the profits from the gamblers’ losses. The agents and sub-agents managed more than 1,000 gamblers, meeting them as necessary to settle up and collect losses from them. Delgiudice laundered the profits in a variety of ways, including making cash investments in businesses and having gamblers directly pay his personal expenses.
Delgiudice pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and gambling charges. In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall ordered Delgiudice to forfeit $3.6 million in criminally derived proceeds.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The FBI’s Integrity in Sport and Gaming Initiative (ISG) is designed to tackle illegal sports gambling and combat threats of influence from criminal enterprises.
“While cloaked with a professional veneer and flashy website, this was a sordid operation,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry M. Kinney argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “He preyed upon individuals’ addictions to line his pockets.”
U.S. District Court Orders Suburban Chicago Company to Stop Distribution of Adulterated and Misbranded Nutritional SupplementsRead the Press Release
In a consent decree entered Monday, a federal court ordered a Waukegan, Illinois, company to stop distributing nutritional supplements that violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced.
The United States alleged in a complaint filed in the Northern District of Illinois on March 3 that Salud Natural Entrepreneur, Inc. (Salud), its owner, Hector Pablo Oliva, production manager Michel Monfort, and quality control manager Carolina L. Giral violated the FDCA by distributing adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements and unapproved new drugs that the company claimed would cure, mitigate, treat or prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The United States also alleged that Salud did not comply with good manufacturing practice regulations designed to help ensure the safety of nutritional supplements, and that on one occasion Salud used ingredients that had tested positive for salmonella in manufacturing a product.
“Nutritional supplement makers must comply with laws and regulations meant to protect public health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to working with its agency partners to take action against manufacturers who risk the safety of consumers by failing to adhere to the FDCA.”
“Nutritional supplements must be manufactured, labeled, and distributed in compliance with federal law,” said U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our colleagues at the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch to ensure that the public is not misled by unsubstantiated claims.”
“Current good manufacturing regulations are in place to protect consumers, and it is imperative that dietary supplement manufacturers comply to ensure this protection,” said Associate Commissioner Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D. for FDA Regulatory Affairs. “We also hold manufacturers responsible when their product is inappropriately labeled with claims to cure or prevent disease to protect consumers who are unknowingly scammed by false or misleading claims.”
The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction filed along with the complaint. The order entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the FDCA, and requires, among other things, that the defendants stop manufacturing, processing, labeling, holding or distributing any product that they claim can treat or cure disease, until they comply with federal law. The defendants also must bring their operations into compliance with current good manufacturing regulations.
The government was represented in this matter by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel Don Lorenzen of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, with the assistance of Leslie Cohen of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
U.S. District Court Orders Suburban Chicago Company to Stop Distribution of Adulterated and Misbranded Nutritional SupplementsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – In a consent decree entered Monday, a federal court ordered a Waukegan, Ill. company to stop distributing nutritional supplements that violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced today.
The United States alleged in a complaint filed in the Northern District of Illinois on March 3, 2022, that Salud Natural Entrepreneur Inc., its owner, Hector Pablo Oliva, production manager Michel Monfort, and quality control manager Carolina L. Giral violated the FDCA by distributing adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements and unapproved new drugs that the company claimed would cure, mitigate, treat or prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The United States also alleged that Salud did not comply with good manufacturing practice regulations designed to help ensure the safety of nutritional supplements, and that on one occasion Salud used ingredients that had tested positive for salmonella in manufacturing a product.
“Nutritional supplement makers must comply with laws and regulations meant to protect public health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to working with its agency partners to take action against manufacturers who risk the safety of consumers by failing to adhere to the FDCA.”
“Nutritional supplements must be manufactured, labeled, and distributed in compliance with federal law,” said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our colleagues at the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch to ensure that the public is not misled by unsubstantiated claims.”
"Current good manufacturing regulations are in place to protect consumers, and it is imperative that dietary supplement manufacturers comply to ensure this protection,” said Associate Commissioner Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D. for FDA Regulatory Affairs. “We also hold manufacturers responsible when their product is inappropriately labeled with claims to cure or prevent disease to protect consumers who are unknowingly scammed by false or misleading claims.”
The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction filed along with the complaint. The order entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the FDCA, and requires, among other things, that the defendants stop manufacturing, processing, labeling, holding or distributing any product that they claim can treat or cure disease, until they comply with federal law. The defendants also must bring their operations into compliance with current good manufacturing regulations.
The government was represented in this matter by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel Don Lorenzen of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, with the assistance of Leslie Cohen of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found here.
Former Illinois State Senator Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Receiving Salary and Benefits from Labor UnionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Former Illinois State Sen. THOMAS E. CULLERTON pleaded guilty today to a federal embezzlement charge and admitted fraudulently receiving salary and benefits from a labor union for which he did little to no work.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amarjeet S. Bhachu and Erika Csicsila.
Cullerton, 52, of Villa Park, Ill., was hired in 2013 by Teamsters Joint Council 25 as a purported union organizer and remained on the payroll until February 2016. In addition to receiving a salary, monthly car and telephone allowances, and bonuses, Teamsters Joint Council 25 also funded Cullerton’s participation in Teamsters Local Union 734’s health and pension funds, which enabled Cullerton to receive health and welfare benefits.
Cullerton admitted in a plea agreement that he did little to no work as an organizer for the three years he was on the union payroll. When his supervisors requested that he perform his job duties, Cullerton routinely ignored them, the plea agreement states. For the last year he remained on the payroll, Cullerton admitted that he performed no work at all of value for Teamsters Joint Council 25. From March 2013 to February 2016, Cullerton fraudulently obtained from Joint Council 25 and its members approximately $169,488 in salary, bonuses, and other benefits, approximately $57,662 in health and pension contributions, and approximately $21,678 in reimbursed medical claims. Cullerton admitted that he used the money to pay personal expenses, such as his mortgage, utilities, and groceries.
The embezzlement charge is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman set sentencing for June 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.
Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has been sentenced to nine and a half years in federal prison for bank robbery and attempted bank robbery.
LIONEL RUSSELL, 35, pleaded guilty last year to the attempted robbery of BMO Harris Bank, 228 S. Main St. in Rockford, and the robbery of Illinois Bank and Trust, 308 W. State St. in Rockford, both of which occurred on Jan. 27, 2020.
Russell admitted in a plea agreement that in the BMO Harris heist he presented a note to the teller demanding $20,000. While the teller was complying with the note, Russell took the note back and left the bank without any money. In the Illinois Bank and Trust robbery, Russell presented a note to the teller that stated, “I have a gun, I need everything out of the register.” Russell received $14,625 from the teller and left the bank.
Russell was arrested by the Warren County (Ind.) Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 3, 2020, after a traffic stop. At the time, Russell possessed in his car several bundles of cash that Russell admitted was stolen during the robbery of Illinois Bank and Trust.
U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the prison sentence Friday after a hearing in federal court in Rockford. Russell was also ordered ordered to pay restitution totaling $14,625.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Substantial assistance was provided by the Rockford Police Department and the Warren County (Ind.) Sheriff’s Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Throwing Explosive Device into Suburban Chicago RestaurantRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for using an explosive device to damage a suburban Chicago restaurant.
On June 1, 2020, DIEGO VARGAS, 27, of Aurora, Ill., threw a lit explosive device through the window of Egg Harbor Cafe in Naperville, Ill., resulting in two explosions. The restaurant was closed, and no injuries were reported.
In addition to the restaurant incident, Vargas on the previous night tried to steal cash from an ATM in Aurora. Vargas struck the ATM with a baseball bat and a metal pole from a street sign in an unsuccessful attempt to pry it open.
U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo imposed the five-year prison sentence Thursday after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Naperville Police Department and Aurora Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Jonas and Kate McClelland.
Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violently Robbing Suburban Chicago Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge today sentenced two men to federal prison for stealing expensive watches and jewelry at gunpoint from a suburban Chicago store.
TOBIAS DIGGS, 28, of Chicago, and JOSHUA MCCLELLAN, 32, of Oak Lawn, Ill., robbed Razny Jewelers in Hinsdale, Ill., on the morning of March 17, 2017. More than $400,000 in merchandise was stolen during the heist, including watches by luxury brands Frederique Constant, Patek Phillipe, and Tudor. The defendants later sold, attempted to sell, or disposed of some of the stolen items in the Chicago area and Atlanta, Ga.
A federal jury in 2020 convicted Diggs and McClellan on robbery and firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Gary S. Feinerman today sentenced Diggs to eleven years in federal prison, and McClellan to eight years.
The sentences were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Angie Salazar, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hinsdale Police Department, Oak Lawn Police Department, and the FBI Chicago Field Office’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST). Additional support was provided by the Felony Investigation Assistance Team (FIAT), a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force in the western suburbs of Chicago. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Albert Berry III.
Two other individuals allegedly participated in the robbery. MARVON HAMBERLIN, of Chicago, was indicted and is a fugitive. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The fourth individual has not been identified.
According to evidence presented at trial, the robbers planned in advance to rob Razny Jewelers. On the day of the heist, McClellan drove the getaway car – a Lexus sport-utility vehicle – while Diggs and the other robbers entered the store and pointed a gun at a female employee. After the unidentified robber tackled a store security guard, Diggs hit the female employee with the gun and dragged her by her hair to a back room, while he and the others gained accessed to the store’s safe and stole the jewelry.
Former Illinois Speaker of the House Indicted on Federal Racketeering and Bribery Charges in Connection with Alleged Corruption SchemesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago today indicted former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives MICHAEL J. MADIGAN on racketeering and bribery charges for allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates.
The 22-count indictment accuses Madigan of leading for nearly a decade a criminal enterprise whose purpose was to enhance Madigan’s political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his political allies and associates. The charges allege that Madigan, who served as Speaker and occupied a number of other roles, including Representative of Illinois’s 22nd District, Committeeman for Chicago’s 13th Ward, Chairman of both the Illinois Democratic Party and the 13th Ward Democratic Organization, and partner at the Chicago law firm of Madigan & Getzendanner, used these positions to further the goals of the criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges that Madigan directed the activities of his close friend – co-defendant MICHAEL F. MCCLAIN – and that McClain carried out illegal activities at Madigan’s behest. Madigan and McClain allegedly caused various businesses, including the utility company Commonwealth Edison, to make monetary payments to Madigan’s associates as a reward for their loyalty to Madigan, at times in return for performing little or no legitimate work for the businesses.
Madigan, McClain, and other members of the enterprise allegedly unlawfully solicited benefits from businesses and other private parties. The indictment accuses Madigan of engaging in multiple schemes to reap the benefits of private legal work unlawfully steered to his law firm, including legal work from those with business before the State of Illinois and City of Chicago.
Madigan, 79, of Chicago, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and individual counts of using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion. McClain, 74, of Quincy, Ill., is charged with racketeering conspiracy and individual counts of using interstate facilities in aid of bribery and wire fraud.
Arraignments in U.S. District Court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amarjeet S. Bhachu, Diane MacArthur, Timothy J. Chapman, Sarah E. Streicker, Michelle Kramer, and Julia Schwartz.
“Corruption by an elected official and his associates undermines the public’s confidence in our government,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office.”
“Our elected officials swear an oath to carry out the duties of their office,” said FBI SAC Buie. “When they dishonor that oath, it erodes the trust we have in our officials to do the right thing for our communities, and the FBI and its partners stand ready to stamp out corruption at any level of government.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation provides financial investigative expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners,” said IRS-CI SAC Campbell. “Our hallmark expertise in following the money trail in this type of case shows our agency is committed to rooting out public corruption. Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to this work in a collaborative effort to promote honest and ethical government at all levels, and to prosecute those who allegedly violate the public’s trust.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Two Executives of Chicago-Area Non-Profit Organization Charged with Misappropriating $1.8 MillionRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two executives of a Chicago-area non-profit organization have been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly misappropriating more than $1.8 million in funds intended to support the charity’s work with underprivileged youth.
TONY BELL served as executive director of the Center for Community Academic Success Partnerships, and BARBARA HARRIS was a CCASP project manager. The non-profit organization received government grants and other funds to provide after-school programs to elementary and secondary schools in the Chicago area. The government grants included funds from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, a federal program offering financial support to community centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities. The 21st Century program issued grants to its local administrator, the Illinois State Board of Education, which in turn disbursed the funds to CCASP.
An indictment returned Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that Bell, Harris, and others from 2012 to 2017 fraudulently obtained and misappropriated at least $1.8 million in the federal funds. Bell, Harris, and their associates allegedly transferred approximately $1.3 million of the fraud proceeds to bank accounts they controlled, and they used approximately $436,536 to pay down Bell’s credit card balances. The pair and their associates also used approximately $130,372 of the fraud proceeds to write numerous checks made payable to Community Partners, an unincorporated entity which the defendants fraudulently claimed was a subcontractor to CCASP, the indictment states. Bell and Harris subsequently negotiated the Community Partners checks for cash or used them to purchase money orders at a currency exchange in Dolton, Ill., according to the indictment.
The indictment charges Bell, 61, of Matteson, Ill., and Harris, 52, of South Holland, Ill., with conspiracy, money laundering, and wire fraud. Arraignments in U.S. District Court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; John F. Woolley, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Midwestern Regional Office; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. The Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Fluhr.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Suburban Chicago Businessman Admits Swindling Hospital in Connection with Attempted Purchases of Personal Protective EquipmentRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago businessman pleaded guilty today to a federal fraud charge for swindling $2.5 million from a hospital that paid him for scarce personal protective equipment in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DENNIS W. HAGGERTY, JR., 45, of Burr Ridge, Ill., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, and one count of money laundering, which is punishable by up to ten years. U.S. District Judge John F. Kness set sentencing for May 25, 2022.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Heidi Manschreck.
Haggerty and two business partners in March 2020 formed a company called At Diagnostics Inc. to sell personal protective equipment. The company reached an agreement with a hospital in Iowa to sell 500,000 N95 respirator masks for $2.495 million. Haggerty created an invoice to reflect the agreement and to instruct the hospital on where to wire the payment. Based on the invoice, the hospital on March 31, 2020, wired the money to a bank account that Haggerty falsely claimed was an At Diagnostics account but which was actually the account of a different business solely controlled by Haggerty.
Haggerty admitted in a plea agreement that he spent part of the money for his own personal benefit, including purchasing two Maserati automobiles and a Land Rover sport-utility vehicle, paying nearly $189,000 to credit card companies, withdrawing more than $147,000 in cash, and paying $20,000 to a personal friend. Haggerty further admitted that At Diagnostics never delivered the masks, and when questioned about it by the hospital he falsely claimed that the bank had no record of the hospital’s payment being received. When his business partners also questioned Haggerty about the whereabouts of the money, Haggerty altered a bank statement to make it appear as if the hospital’s funds had not been received.
Haggerty admitted in the plea agreement that he engaged in similar conduct with a hospital based in Illinois. After reaching an agreement with that hospital to sell one million N95 masks for nearly $4.5 million, the hospital requested that an initial payment be sent to an escrow account instead of the account Haggerty provided. When At Diagnostics failed to fulfill the hospital’s order, the money in escrow was returned. The Illinois hospital, however, later inadvertently wired more than $933,000 to Haggerty’s account in connection with a second order for 500,000 N95 masks that were never delivered. Haggerty admitted in the plea agreement that he spent some of this money for his own personal use and did not return any of it.
Chicago Woman Who Cashed Her Deceased Grandmother’s Pension Checks Convicted on Federal Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a Chicago woman on fraud and tax offenses for cashing her deceased grandmother’s pension checks and preparing false tax returns.
EUNICE SALLEY, also known as “Eunice Salley Dobyns,” “Oya Awanata-Bey,” and “Oya Awanata,” 37, was found guilty on all 29 counts against her, including pension fraud, embezzlement, mail fraud, and tax charges. The jury returned the verdicts Friday after a four-day trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr., set sentencing for July 21, 2022.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Stuart M. Goldberg, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Jonas of the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to evidence presented at trial, Salley worked as a paid tax return preparer. In 2016 and 2017, Salley prepared and filed with the IRS 22 false individual income tax returns on behalf of clients. The returns, which sought more than $1 million in false refunds, contained fictitious wages and withholdings, as well as false medical, charitable, and employment-related expenses. Salley demanded that many of her clients pay her up to 50% of the refund, in addition to her regular preparation fee.
Evidence regarding the pension fraud revealed that Salley’s grandmother died in 2009 after having worked for American Can Co. After her death, the grandmother’s monthly pension checks continued to be delivered to the residence where Salley continued to reside. From January 2013 to December 2017, 33 pension checks, totaling $14,131, were issued to the grandmother and deposited into one of six bank accounts opened and controlled by Salley. On several occasions during that time Salley notarized and submitted to the pension plan administrator affidavits under her grandmother’s name, fraudulently affirming that the grandmother was alive. Salley did not report approximately $5,000 in income she received in 2017 from the pension checks that she embezzled.
Arizona Prison Inmate Charged with Brokering Sale of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in IllinoisRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An inmate in a state prison in Arizona has been charged with federal drug offenses for allegedly brokering the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Illinois.
A criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges MANUEL GARCIA, also known as “Chuy,” 42, with distribution of controlled substances.
Garcia has been incarcerated since 2010 by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry. In the summer of 2021, while residing at the Eyman Arizona State Prison Complex, Garcia allegedly coordinated with a buyer outside of the prison to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl for delivery to Illinois. Garcia negotiated the transaction, including sending photos of the methamphetamine via video chat, using a cell phone he had smuggled into the prison, the complaint states. Garcia had approximately a pound of crystal methamphetamine and nearly 1,000 fentanyl pills sent to the buyer at an address in Joliet, Ill., the complaint states. Unbeknownst to Garcia, the buyer was cooperating with law enforcement. On July 8, 2021, law enforcement intercepted the package of narcotics upon arrival at a U.S. Postal facility in Forest Park, Ill.
In the days that followed, Garcia allegedly directed the buyer to meet a third party and pay him on Garcia’s behalf for the fentanyl and methamphetamine. On July 14, 2021, with law enforcement covertly watching, the buyer met with Garcia’s representative in a parking lot at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and provided $11,100 as payment to Garcia for the narcotics, the complaint states.
Garcia currently resides at the Florence Arizona State Prison Complex. His initial appearance in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A.J. Dixon and Megan DeMarco.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge in the complaint is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison and a maximum of life. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Member of Violent Robbery Crew Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for participating in a violent robbery crew that targeted cell phone stores in the suburbs of Chicago.
AARON CLARK was part of a crew that conspired to rob cell phone stores in Calumet City, Ill., and Peotone, Ill., in 2017. The crew conducted takeover-style heists in which the robbers pointed guns at employees and bound their hands and feet with duct tape or rope. The robbers then stole cash and electronic devices and fled the stores. Clark brandished a gun during the heists and threatened to shoot store employees. In the Peotone robbery, Clark violently kicked a store employee in the face and knocked another employee off of a stool to the ground.
Clark, 44, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to federal conspiracy, robbery, and firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang imposed the prison sentence Wednesday after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Calumet City Police Department, Peotone Police Department, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“The offenses in this case were violent and dangerous,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Rothblatt and Aaron R. Bond argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “No one should have to experience the physical pain and psychological terror defendant imposed upon the employees at these stores who were simply doing their jobs.”
One other member of the crew was convicted of armed robbery offenses in the Circuit Court of Cook County and sentenced to 14 years in state prison.
Two More Defendants Added to Federal Indictment Alleging Fraud Scheme at Chicago Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An ongoing federal investigation into an alleged fraud scheme at a Chicago elementary school has resulted in charges against two new defendants.
An eleven-count superseding indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that SARAH JACKSON ABEDELAL carried out a fraud scheme while serving as Principal of Brennemann Elementary School on the North Side of Chicago. The first aspect of the scheme involved overtime fraud, for which Abedelal was initially charged last year. The superseding indictment adds a second aspect to the alleged scheme – procurement fraud – and charges two new defendants: former Brennemann Assistant Principal JENNIFER MCBRIDE, also known as “Jennifer Ellen,” and former Brennemann Business Manager WILLIAM JACKSON. McBride allegedly participated in the overtime aspect of the fraud scheme, while Jackson allegedly participated in both the overtime and procurement aspects.
The superseding indictment charges Abedelal, 58, of Chicago, with one count of wire fraud. McBride, 40, of Northbrook, Ill., is charged with four counts of wire fraud. Jackson, 37, of Chicago, is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Arraignments in U.S. District Court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The superseding indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Will Fletcher, Inspector General of the Chicago Board of Education, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terry M. Kinney and Patrick Mott.
According to the superseding indictment, the procurement aspect of the fraud scheme was carried out by Abedelal, Jackson, and a sales representative for a company that sold goods to Chicago Public Schools. The trio allegedly submitted or caused to be submitted to CPS false purchase orders and invoices totaling more than $45,000, ostensibly for office and school supplies. In reality, they knew that the false orders and invoices were actually meant to conceal the receipt of iPhones, iPads, and approximately $30,000 in gift cards intended for the personal use of Abedelal, the indictment alleges.
The overtime aspect of the fraud scheme was allegedly carried out by Abedelal and McBride, with assistance from Jackson, two other former employees at the school, and others. The charges allege that Abedelal authorized unearned overtime pay for certain employees and directed them to deliver the proceeds to Abedelal or McBride in the form of cash or gift cards. Abedelal told the employees that the money would be used to fund legitimate school expenses, when, in fact, Abedelal intended to convert the money to her own personal use, the indictment alleges. Abedelal, McBride, Jackson, and others prepared or caused to be prepared fraudulent overtime sheets to conceal the scheme, the indictment states.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count in the indictment is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Four Men Indicted on Federal Firearm Offenses for Allegedly Trafficking Guns from St. Louis to ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted four men on firearm offenses for allegedly trafficking guns from St. Louis to Chicago.
A superseding indictment returned Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges JEROME BOYKIN, 31, of St. Louis, Mo., ROBERT NARUP, 71, of Washington, Mo., RODOLFO ORTEGA, 26, of Chicago, and ROGELIO MANCERA, 26, of Schaumburg, Ill., with willfully dealing firearms without a license. The indictment charges Boykin and Mancera with possessing multiple firearms while trafficking marijuana in the Chicago area, and it charges Ortega with illegally possessing two firearms as a previously convicted felon.
Arraignments are set for Feb. 23, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Charles R. Norgle.
The superseding indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan DeMarco represents the government.
ATF investigated the case alongside CPD’s Gun Investigations Team. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri, and the St. Louis Field Office of ATF’s Kansas City, Mo., Field Division.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with ATF, CPD, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“Firearms traffickers enable unlawful possession of guns and the violence that may follow,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in Chicago and across the country to bring impactful cases that hold firearms traffickers accountable and reduce violent crime in Chicago.”
“This case is an excellent example of how partnership and coordination among the Chicago Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF addresses the root causes of gun trafficking,” said ATF SAC de Tineo. “We will continue to focus on these investigations that have an impact on the gun violence in our community.”
According to criminal complaints previously filed in the case, Narup purchased firearms at gun shows throughout the United States and illegally sold them to Boykin in St. Louis. Boykin allegedly brought the guns to Chicago and sold them to Mancera in exchange for marijuana. Mancera then allegedly re-sold the guns to Ortega, who in turn allegedly sold them to buyers on the streets of Chicago.
The charges allege that 23 guns were possessed by Boykin and four guns were possessed by Mancera while they trafficked the marijuana.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Dealing firearms without a license is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Possessing a firearm while trafficking marijuana is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life. The illegal firearm possession charge against Ortega is punishable by up to ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Rioting ChargeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge accusing him of inciting rioting involving multiple incidents of property damage and looting in the city in the summer of 2020.
JAMES MASSEY, 23, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of inciting a riot, and participating in and carrying on a riot. The conviction is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set sentencing for May 10, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri L. Wong.
“Anyone involved in destructive behavior in Chicago – such as rioting – should expect to be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our office will continue to work with the FBI, CPD, and our other law enforcement partners to prosecute rioters and others engaged in violent crime.”
“Inciting riots and other unlawful activity is both irresponsible and reckless, and the FBI will continue to work tirelessly with police and prosecutorial partners to ensure public safety is not compromised,” said FBI SAC Buie.
Massey admitted in a plea agreement that on Aug. 9, 2020, he posted multiple videos and messages on Facebook calling for people to travel to downtown Chicago to engage in property damage and looting. In one of the videos, Massey stated, “Y’all ready? I sent everybody the location to link up at bro. I trying to get something. I need to hit a couple stores.” In another video, Massey stated, “Fitting to go [expletive] them up. I ain’t missing out. I am ready to steal.”
Massey admitted in the plea agreement that he and at least three other individuals damaged four stores in the downtown or Near North Side areas of Chicago.
Chicago Attorney Convicted on False Statement and Tax Offenses in Connection with Funds Received from Failed BankRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury today convicted a Chicago attorney on false statement and tax offenses in connection with funds he received from the failed Washington Federal Bank for Savings.
PATRICK D. THOMPSON, 52, of Chicago, was found guilty on all seven counts against him, including five counts of willfully filing a false income tax return and two counts of knowingly making a false statement to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Each false statement count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, while each tax count is punishable by up to three years. U.S. District Judge Franklin U. Valderrama set sentencing for July 6, 2022.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jay N. Lerner, Inspector General of the FDIC’s Office of Inspector General; Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Catherine Huber, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Sally Luttrell, Assistant Inspector for Investigations of the Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General; and Kathryn B. Richards, Chicago Housing Authority Inspector General. Valuable assistance was provided by the City of Chicago Inspector General’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Petersen, Brian Netols, and Jeremy Daniel.
According to evidence presented at trial, Thompson from 2011 to 2014 received $219,000 from Chicago-based Washington Federal via a purported loan and other unsecured payments. He made one re-payment on the loan but then stopped making payments, and he failed to pay interest on the funds he received. Washington Federal was shut down in 2017 after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency determined it was insolvent and had at least $66 million in nonperforming loans. When the FDIC, as successor in interest to Washington Federal, attempted to obtain repayment from Thompson in 2018, he falsely stated that he owed only $110,000 and that those funds were for home improvement. In reality, Thompson knew he had actually received $219,000 in three separate installments – none of which went towards home improvements – and that $110,000 of it was paid by the bank directly to Thompson’s law firm as Thompson’s capital contribution.
The tax charges stemmed from Thompson falsely representing on five years of income taxes that he was entitled to a mortgage interest deduction for interest payments made on money he received from Washington Federal, even though he knew the loan was not a mortgage loan and he did not make interest payments as reported on those returns.
Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Gun on Chicago StreetRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun on a Chicago street.
TERRANCE WEATHERSBY illegally possessed the gun on the afternoon of Oct. 6, 2018, in the 5800 block of West Fulton Street in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Shortly after 1:00 p.m., Chicago Police officers responding to the sound of gunfire approached the area and observed a man subsequently identified as Weathersby firing a gun multiple times at unidentified individuals down the street, in the presence of bystanders. Weathersby ran from the police and tossed the gun into a backyard before fleeing in a vehicle. Other officers pulled over the vehicle a few blocks away and apprehended Weathersby. Police then searched the area where Weathersby ran and discovered the gun, which was equipped with a high-capacity magazine.
Weathersby, 32, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm. He had previously been convicted of felonies in state court, including a firearm offense, and was prohibited by federal law from possessing the gun.
U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin imposed an 87-month prison sentence Thursday after a hearing in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“A felon carrying a gun fitted with a large capacity magazine, walking down our residential streets and shooting, strikes fear into the hearts of ordinary people,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri H. Mecklenburg argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant’s offense conduct was brazen, dangerous, and adversely affected public safety.”
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Suburban Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges of Child Pornography and Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges of child pornography and traveling to engage in sexual conduct with a minor.
JEREMIAH HARRIS, 22, of Naperville, Ill., pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years, while the travel charge is punishable by up to 30 years. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah set sentencing for June 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Chicago Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Chicago Police Department. The Crystal Lake, Ill., Police Department and FBI Resident Agency in Waco, Texas, provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Guzman.
The child pornography charge involves sexually explicit photographs and videos that Harris repeatedly requested from a 17-year-old boy in 2020. Harris admitted in a plea agreement that the boy sent the photos and videos of himself to Harris in exchange for $2,000. Harris also admitted in the plea agreement that he requested and received other images of child pornography from two other minor boys, and he attempted to entice one of them to engage in sexual activity.
The travel charge pertains to Harris traveling in 2019 from Dallas, Texas, to Orlando, Fla., to engage in sexually explicit conduct with a 15-year-old boy. Harris admitted in the plea agreement that he directed the boy to meet him in a public bathroom, where Harris sexually assaulted him.
Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Gun at Chicago Block PartyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded semiautomatic handgun at a block party on the South Side of Chicago.
ANTHONY CARR illegally possessed the gun on the night of July 8, 2020, in the 6100 block of South Normal Boulevard in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Shortly after 11:00 p.m., Chicago Police officers approached the block party crowd and observed Carr, who immediately attempted to run away while holding his waistband. Ignoring police commands to stop, Carr tossed the gun into a large outdoor tent before officers were able to apprehend him.
Carr, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Carr had previously been convicted of felonies in state court, including multiple armed robberies, and was prohibited by federal law from possessing the gun.
U.S. District Judge Charles R. Norgle imposed the federal prison sentence Monday after a hearing in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“The illegal possession of guns by felons are very serious offenses that threaten the safety of the public,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty N. Wright argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant and other felons who carry guns must understand that illegally possessing weapons on the streets of Chicago translates to real consequences and real punishment.”
Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.
Federal Indictment Charges Man with Setting Fire to Chicago BuildingRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been indicted on a federal arson charge for allegedly using a Molotov cocktail to set fire to a building in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.
JUAN AGUILAR, 37, of Chicago, is charged with one count of maliciously damaging and destroying a building, and one count of unlawfully possessing an improvised incendiary bomb, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The indictment accuses Aguilar of setting fire to a building in the 1600 block of West Cullerton Street in Chicago on Sept. 24, 2019.
Aguilar was taken into federal custody on Monday. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday afternoon in federal court in Chicago. A detention hearing is set for today at 11:15 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives in Chicago; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Julien.
The arson charge is punishable by a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. The unlawful possession charge is punishable by up to ten years. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Illegally Selling “Ghost Gun” in Chicago SuburbRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a man on a firearm charge for illegally selling a “ghost gun” to a convicted felon in a Chicago suburb.
The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on Thursday convicted JOSEPH GHANDOUR of illegally selling an AR-15 rifle to the felon during a meeting in a grocery store parking lot in Deerfield, Ill., on July 28, 2017. The rifle was considered a “ghost gun” because it contained no identifiable serial number and had been manufactured by another individual from parts collected from various sources. Unbeknownst to Ghandour, the felon to whom he sold the rifle was cooperating with law enforcement.
Ghandour, 31, of Glenview, Ill., was convicted of selling or disposing of a firearm to a convicted felon who could not lawfully possess a firearm. The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Chester Choi.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
Federal Indictment Charges Telecommunications Company with Conspiring with Former Motorola Solutions Employees to Steal TechnologyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A telecommunications company conspired with former employees of Chicago-based Motorola Solutions Inc. to steal digital mobile radio technology developed by Motorola, according to an indictment unsealed today in federal court in Chicago.
According to the indictment, Motorola Solutions developed the DMR technology through years of research and design. Motorola Solutions marketed and sold the radios, which are sometimes referred to as “walkie-talkies,” in the United States and elsewhere. The indictment alleges that China-based HYTERA COMMUNICATIONS CORP. LTD. recruited and hired Motorola Solutions employees and directed them to take proprietary and trade secret information from Motorola without authorization. The charges allege that while still employed at Motorola, some of the employees allegedly accessed the trade secret information from Motorola’s internal database and sent multiple emails describing their intentions to use the technology at Hytera.
From 2007 to 2020, Hytera and the recruited employees used Motorola’s proprietary and trade secret information to accelerate the development of Hytera’s DMR products, train Hytera employees, and market and sell Hytera’s DMR products throughout the world, the indictment states. According to the indictment, Hytera paid the recruited employees higher salaries and benefits than what they received at Motorola.
The 21-count indictment was partially unsealed today by court order in U.S. District Court in Chicago. It charges Hytera with conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. Hytera and others are also charged with individual counts of possession or attempted possession of stolen trade secrets. The names of other defendants who have not appeared in U.S. District Court are redacted.
The indictment was announced by John C. Kocoras, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Steven Dollear, and Vikas Didwania.
Hytera’s arraignment in federal court in Chicago has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, the company faces a potential criminal fine of three times the value of the stolen trade secret to the company, including expenses for research, design, and other costs that it allegedly avoided.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Indictment Charges PRC-Based Telecommunications Company with Conspiring with Former Motorola Solutions Employees to Steal TechnologyRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed today in the Northern District of Illinois, charging a telecommunications company with conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. The indictment alleges that a telecommunications company conspired with former employees of Chicago-based Motorola Solutions Inc. to steal digital mobile radio (DMR) technology developed by Motorola.
According to court documents, Motorola Solutions developed the DMR technology through years of research and design. Motorola Solutions marketed and sold the radios, which are sometimes referred to as “walkie-talkies,” in the United States and elsewhere. The indictment alleges that PRC-based Hytera Communications Corp. LTD recruited and hired Motorola Solutions employees and directed them to take proprietary and trade secret information from Motorola without authorization. The charges allege that, while still employed at Motorola, some of the employees allegedly accessed the trade secret information from Motorola’s internal database and sent multiple emails describing their intentions to use the technology at Hytera.
As alleged, from 2007 to 2020, Hytera and the recruited employees used Motorola’s proprietary and trade secret information to accelerate the development of Hytera’s DMR products, train Hytera employees, and market and sell Hytera’s DMR products throughout the world, the indictment states. According to the indictment, Hytera paid the recruited employees higher salaries and benefits than what they received at Motorola.
The 21-count indictment was partially unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago by court order. It charges Hytera with conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. Hytera and others are also charged with individual counts of possession or attempted possession of stolen trade secrets. The names of other defendants who have not appeared in U.S. District Court are redacted.
If convicted, Hytera faces a potential criminal fine of three times the value of the stolen trade secret to the company, including expenses for research, design, and other costs that it avoided. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, First U.S. Attorney John C. Kocoras for the Northern District of Illinois and Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Steven Dollear and Vikas Didwania for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Nic Hunter of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Controls Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Cyberstalking Federal Probation OfficerRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for cyberstalking his federal probation officer.
ISAAC MYLES partially exposed his genitals to an officer from the U.S. Probation Office during an official visit to Myles’s home in September 2018. Myles at the time was on court-supervised release after recently completing a federal prison sentence. After the incident in his home, Myles repeatedly called the officer, leaving sexually explicit voicemails on her phone and referring to the officer in obscene and degrading terms.
Myles, 52, pleaded guilty last year to a federal charge of cyberstalking. U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman on Wednesday sentenced Myles to four years and four months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of court-supervised release.
The charge was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; David Gelement, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Jodrey.
Suburban Chicago Man Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been charged in federal court with fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits in the names of hundreds of individuals whose information was used without their knowledge.
DARRONTE REGGANS, 33, of Matteson, Ill., is charged with ten counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Reggans pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. A status hearing is scheduled for March 1, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold.
According to the indictment, Reggans obtained unemployment insurance benefits from the Illinois Department of Employment Security by falsely and fraudulently representing that the purported claimants had worked and been terminated without fault by various employers. Reggans requested payment from IDES via debit card and directed the agency to mail the cards to various addresses he selected, the indictment states. Reggans then allegedly used the cards to withdraw the fraudulently obtained benefits from automated teller machines.
The charges allege that Reggans filed and caused to be filed approximately 296 fraudulent claims in the names of other individuals, using their names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other personal identifying information without their knowledge. The fraudulent claims sought at least $3.6 million in benefits and caused IDES to issue benefits totaling approximately $174,000, the indictment states.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and William Hedrick, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago. Substantial assistance was provided by the Matteson, Ill., Police Department, and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.
“Unemployment insurance benefits provide a lifeline to many Americans facing economic hardships and job losses,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “We will continue to work with our federal and state partners to hold accountable those who seek to commit fraud in connection with this important program.”
“An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations involving unemployment insurance fraud,” said DOL-OIG SAC Lindow. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to holding responsible those who attempt to compromise the integrity of the U.S. Mail in furtherance of criminal activity,” said USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Hedrick. “Postal Inspectors will continue working with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice on behalf of Postal customers in our community.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, while each count of aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory two-year sentence. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Man Indicted for Allegedly Straw Purchasing 27 Handguns from Stores in the Chicago SuburbsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly straw purchasing 27 handguns from stores in the Chicago suburbs.
MATTHEW JAMAAL JOHNSON purchased the handguns in 2020 and 2021 from licensed firearms dealers in Oak Forest, Ill., Mokena, Ill., Hodgkins, Ill., and Lansing, Ill., and falsely certified on federal forms that he was the actual buyer, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. In reality, Johnson purchased the guns on behalf of another individual, the charges allege.
Johnson, 34, of Dolton, Ill., is charged with 12 counts of making a false and fictitious statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. Johnson was arrested Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Tuesday afternoon in federal court in Chicago. A detention hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2022, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Steindorf.
Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s cross-jurisdictional strike force aimed at reducing gun violence. As part of the Chicago firearms trafficking strike force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with ATF, the Chicago Police Department, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in the Northern District of Illinois and across the country to help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.
“Straw purchasers put guns in the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Our office will continue to use federal laws to prosecute straw purchasers and hold them accountable for trafficking illegally purchased firearms.”
“Straw purchasers play a grave role in enabling the unlawful possession of guns and the violence that follows,” said ATF SAC de Tineo. “Our agents are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to stop the flow of guns to individuals who cannot legally purchase them.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count in the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Man Arrested After Federal Law Enforcement Seizes Fentanyl and “Pill Press” from Suburban Chicago ResidenceRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been arrested on a federal drug charge after law enforcement seized fentanyl and a “pill press” in his suburban Chicago residence.
A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges TROY CLARK, 51, of Calumet City, Ill., with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Law enforcement this week conducted a court-authorized search of Clark’s residence in Calumet City and discovered distribution quantities of fentanyl, as well as equipment that can be used to manufacture counterfeit pills, including a pill press, funnel, metal press, and dye pieces, the complaint states.
Clark was arrested Tuesday. A detention hearing in federal court is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez.
The complaint and arrest were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; William Hedrick, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Calumet City Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth E. Palmer.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Iowa Man Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — An Iowa man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rockford on federal drug and firearm charges.
BRADLEY S. GODDARD, 33, of Clinton, Iowa, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, according to an indictment returned Jan. 25, 2022, in U.S. District Court in Rockford. The drug charge involves 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, the indictment states. The charges allege that Goddard possessed the drugs and firearm on Sept. 8, 2021, in Fulton, Ill.
Goddard pleaded not guilty Wednesday during arraignment in federal court.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Nicholas Neblung, Chief of Police of the Fulton, Ill., Police Department. The Whiteside County, Ill., Sheriff’s Office and the Morrison, Ill., Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza L. Tomlinson.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.