Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Indiana Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Offenses Occurring in IllinoisRead the Press Release
Craig Wayne Wilson, also known as "Nathaniel R. Smith," 40, a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana, was sentenced in federal court today to 120 months in prison for drug and firearm offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced. Wilson previously pleaded guilty on December 6, 2017, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence includes a four-year term of supervised release immediately following Wilson’s imprisonment.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that Wilson, who had outstanding arrest warrants in Indiana, was at a motel in Marshall, Illinois. Deputies with the United States Marshals Service, assisted by the Marshall Police Department and the Illinois State Police, went to the motel on the afternoon of October 7, 2016, and learned Wilson checked into the motel as "Nathaniel R. Smith" and was in his assigned room. Law enforcement entered the room to arrest Wilson, and when removing him from the bed, found a fully loaded Taurus .380 semi-automatic pistol by Wilson’s thigh. Wilson has a prior felony conviction from Vigo County, Indiana, for dealing in methamphetamine and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Law enforcement also found 24.1 grams of methamphetamine of 92% purity, commonly known as "ice," in Wilson’s possession.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation following Wilson’s arrest and presented the case to the United States Attorney’s Office. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Williamson County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On July 17, 2018, a Williamson County, Illinois man was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison on a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Rex A. Hopper, 45, of Creal Springs, was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment, fined $250, and placed on supervised release for four years.
A jury previously convicted Hopper of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between January 2015 and May 31, 2017, in Williamson and Franklin Counties.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. The Williamson and Franklin County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
Marion County, Illinois Man to Serve 14 Years in Prison on Bath Salts Related ChargesRead the Press Release
On July 17, 2018, a Marion Illinois man was sentenced to prison on charges related to Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP) (also known as "bath salts), United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Dennis R. Thacker, Jr., 49, of Alma, Illinois, was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Thacker, Jr., previously plead guilty to three counts in a federal Indictment. Count 1 charged that from 2016, until on or about December 2017, in Clay County and Marion County, and elsewhere, Thacker, Jr., conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Alpha-PVP, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of federal law. Count 2 charged that on June 2, 2017, in Clay County, Thacker, Jr., distributed a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP and Count 3 charged that on June 2, 2017, in Marion County, Thacker, Jr., possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP.
The investigation was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Settles Dispute with Transportation Company over Contracted Afghanistan Security ServicesRead the Press Release
U.S. based multi-modal transportation and logistics company Liberty Global Logistics LLC (LGL) has paid the United States TWO HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS ($294,800) to settle claims that it violated its contract with United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) by falsely billing the United States for convoy security services that were never actually provided, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
USTRANSCOM contracted with LGL for the transportation of U.S. military cargo from the United States to various military outposts in Afghanistan. The contract required LGL to comply with Afghanistan law, which mandates the purchase of extra security services for cargo convoys moving along certain trucking routes within Afghanistan. Those services were reported to have been provided by the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) – an arm of the Afghanistan government – and a portion of the security costs were reimbursed to LGL by the United States under the contract.
USTRANSCOM later discovered that on 20 occasions in 2016 and 13 occasions in 2017, certain LGL shipments moved without APPF security services, in violation of the contract.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement negotiated by the parties, LGL agreed to withdraw its outstanding claims for additional reimbursement associated with APPF costs for the movements at issue in 2016, and further agreed not to seek any additional reimbursement from USTRANSCOM for the movements at issue in 2017.
As a result of the investigation, LGL has already implemented a strengthened internal compliance program to monitor, identify and prevent inaccurate billings. The company agreed to maintain that strengthened program as part of the settlement agreement.
This matter was investigated by USTRANSCOM, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan D. Stump.
LGL was cooperative in the investigation.
Harrisburg Man Convicted of Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
Dennis D. Jackson, 32, of Harrisburg, Illinois, was found guilty of methamphetamine related offenses on Thursday following a four day jury trial at the federal courthouse in Benton, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Jackson was convicted of three counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The offenses were committed in March 2017.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on two counts that charged Jackson with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jackson has been held without bond since August 2017. Following the jury’s verdict, he was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing, which is currently set for October 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the United States District Court in Benton.
The investigation leading to the charges and conviction was conducted by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Cutchin and Amanda A. Robertson.
US Attorney Boyce Announces Resignation, Steven Weinhoeft Assumes Role of Acting US AttorneyRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce has announced his resignation from the position of United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, effective at midnight on July 21, 2018.
Mr. Boyce was sworn-in as United States Attorney on July 8, 2016, after his appointment by then United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Mr. Boyce was later re-appointed United States Attorney by the Judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on October 28, 2016.
Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney, Mr. Boyce had served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2006, most recently as Chief of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. Mr. Boyce is also a former St. Louis police officer.
Effective on July 22, 2018, Steven D. Weinhoeft will assume the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Mr. Weinhoeft has served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2008, including serving as First Assistant United States Attorney from 2016 to the present. Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Weinhoeft served as First Assistant in the Sangamon County, Illinois, State’s Attorney’s Office in Mr. Weinhoeft’s home town of Springfield, Illinois.
Carbondale Man Charged with Making a False Threat to Blow up a U.S. Military Recruiting CenterRead the Press Release
On July 2, 2018, George Rita II, 42, of Carbondale, Illinois, appeared in United States District Court on a Complaint charging him with falsely making a threat to blow up a Carbondale, Illinois Military Recruiting Center, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Rita was arrested and charged on June 29, 2018, for posting a threatening anonymous message to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tip line located in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The message claimed that the sender planned to go to a recruitment center and blow it up and that no one could stop him. No location was given for the threatened recruitment center.
Agents of the FBI were able to determine that the threat received in West Virginia originated in Southern Illinois and ultimately tracked the internet connection that was the source of the threat back to Rita’s Carbondale apartment. Agents also determined that the threat was against a U.S. Military Recruiting Center in Carbondale, close to Rita’s apartment.
The complaint charges Rita with Maliciously Conveying False Information Regarding a Bomb Threat in violation to Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e). This violation carries possible penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Rita was ordered detained in federal custody by a United States Magistrate Judge pending further court proceedings.
A criminal complaint is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Carbondale, Illinois Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Red Bud Resident to Serve 25 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
On June 29, 2018, Michael B. Stephens, Jr., 43, of Red Bud, Illinois, was sentenced to 25
years in federal prison for producing child pornography, United States Attorney for the Southern
District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Stephens previously pled guilty on March
22 to a two-count indictment charging him with sexually exploiting a minor on two occasions in
November 2016.
The charges arose from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and the Waterloo, Illinois, Police Department. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings
established that on numerous occasions in 2016, Stephens videotaped himself engaging in sexual
intercourse with a minor female at his residence in Waterloo, Illinois. The evidence also
established that Stephens was both physically and verbally abusive to the minor female during this
time.
In addition to the 25 year sentence, United States District Judge Michael J. Reagan imposed
a ten-year term of supervised release and ordered Stephens to pay a $500 fine. As a result of his
conviction, Stephens will also have to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched
in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation
and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child
Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local
resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to
identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit
www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Child
Exploitation Task Force and the Waterloo, Illinois, Police Department. The case was prosecuted
by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak with assistance fromMonroe County State’s
Attorney Christopher Hitzemann.
National Healthcare Fraud Takedown Results in Charges of Medicaid Fraud Against Pair in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
Southern District of Illinois Indictment Part of Largest Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action in Department of Justice History
United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced today that a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, has returned an indictment charging Elizabeth A. Schwarz, 55, of Highland, and Frank Coleman Stroehmer III, 62, of Granite City, with defrauding the Illinois Medicaid Home Services Program. The indictment comes as part of a larger coordinated effort led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat health care fraud nationwide.
Earlier today, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar III announced the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. The coordinated takedown was led by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit and resulted in charges against 601 defendants across 55 federal districts. The charges cover a wide variety of health care fraud schemes that together total more than $2 billion in false billings.
According to the Southern District indictment, Schwarz was a beneficiary of the Illinois Home Services Program funded by Medicaid, and Stroehmer was one of her personal assistants in the same program. The pair were charged with felony health care fraud for claiming and receiving payments for services (hourly wages for supporting activities of daily living) that were never performed.
Schwarz and Stroehmer are scheduled to be arraigned on July 9, 2018, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois. Under federal law, each count of health care fraud is punishable by as much as ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case against Schwarz and Stroehmer is being investigated by HHS-OIG agents and the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Quinley.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Mexican Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Transporting HeroinRead the Press Release
On Thursday, June 28, 2018, Martha Z. Gamboa-Madrid, 49, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced. Gamboa-Madrid was previously indicted on October 18, 2017.
The investigation began on June 12, 2017, when members of the Illinois State Police interdiction team made a traffic stop on Interstate 70, near Highland, Illinois. During the stop, the trooper obtained consent to search the car and located a concealed compartment containing packages totaling just over five kilograms of heroin.
Although she is a citizen of Mexico, Gamboa-Madrid was lawfully present in the United States at the time of the offense, having obtained a nonresident visitor visa. That visa has since been revoked as a result of her arrest in this case.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Illinois State Police and its Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
East St. Louis Woman Sentenced to Prison for ArsonRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that LoriM. Jones, 50, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced today for one count of Arson. The Honorable Michael J. Reagan sentenced Jones to 60 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $100 special assessment. Judge Reagan also ordered Jones to pay restitution in the amount of $1,074,407.33.
Court proceedings revealed that on May 31, 2016, firefighters responded to a fire at the Cahokia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center ("CNRC") in Cahokia, Illinois. Jones was employed at CNRC as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Surveillance footage showed Jones leaving the room where the fire was located approximately 1 minute prior to smoke being detected. During an interview with investigators, Jones admitted to intentionally setting the fire by lighting some clothes in a closet on fire with a lighter. The room was occupied at the time by two bedridden residents. Firefighters and employees were able to evacuate all of the residents without any serious injuries.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with assistance from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Benton Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Southern Illinois HealthcareRead the Press Release
On June 13, 2018, Cary E. Mosley, 48, of Benton, Illinois, pled guilty to defrauding his former employer, Southern Illinois Healthcare ("SIH"), announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. A federal grand jury had returned an indictment on January 4, 2018, charging Mosley with wire fraud and mail fraud.
From December 1, 2006, through July 13, 2013, Mosley was employed as the manager of SIH’s radiation oncology department. During that same time frame, Mosley held a second job with Q.E.D. Medical Physics, Inc. ("QED"), a contractor based in Lebanon, Tennessee, that provides support services for radiation oncology departments operated by smaller hospitals.
As part of his guilty plea, Mosley admitted that he was paid by QED for work he allegedly performed at SIH, and that he made entries in QED’s electronic timekeeping system which falsely claimed he had performed work at SIH that he had not actually performed. Mosley also admitted to claiming compensation from QED for work he performed as part of his normal employment duties with SIH. Based upon Mosley’s fraudulent timekeeping entries, QED submitted invoices to SIH that were falsely inflated. The indictment alleges that Mosley was paid over $500,000 by QED for work he performed at SIH.
Mosley admitted in his guilty plea that he concealed his fraud scheme by altering the documents that were sent to SIH’s Accounts Payable Department in support of the QED invoices.
Each month, QED sent to SIH an "Hours and Details" sheet, which identified the QED employees who had worked at SIH, the work they had performed, the number of hours they had worked, and the dates they had worked. During the initial portion of his scheme, Mosley altered the "Hours and Details" sheets by removing his name and inserting the names of other QED employees. During the latter portion of his scheme, Mosley simply discarded the "Hours and Details" sheets before the QED invoices were sent to SIH’s Accounts Payable Department.
Mosley pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Both charges carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000. In addition, Mosley could be ordered to pay full restitution to SIH.
Mosley’s sentencing is currently scheduled for September 25, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., at the United States District Court in Benton, Illinois.
The case was investigated by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). Both SIH and QED have cooperated with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Former Treasurer for City of Zeigler, IL sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Embezzlement and FraudRead the Press Release
On the morning of June 12, 2018, at the United States District Court in Benton, Illinois, Ryan A. Thorpe, 44, the former Treasurer for the City of Zeigler, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for his conviction for wire fraud and embezzlement from a local government, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The charges against Thorpe relate to events that occurred while Thorpe worked as the Treasurer for the City of Zeigler in Franklin County, Illinois.
When he pled guilty on March 1, 2018, Thorpe admitted that that from March 4, 2013, through August 3, 2017, he embezzled $321,399.22 by writing checks payable to himself and drawn on the City of Zeigler’s general account. Thorpe also admitted that he concealed his thefts from the City of Zeigler by altering the copies of the checks that were sent to the city each month by the city’s bank. Thorpe accomplished this by "whiting out" his name in the payee section of those checks, writing in the names of vendors and suppliers that the city did business with, photocopying the altered checks, placing the photocopies in the bank records kept by the city, and then shredding the copies of the checks with the "white out." Thorpe also acknowledged that he further concealed his thefts by submitting false monthly Treasurer’s Reports to the Zeigler City Council.
In announcing the four year prison sentence this morning, United States District Judge Staci M. Yandle said she found it troubling that Thorpe began embezzling from the City of Zeigler only a few months after becoming the Treasurer. Judge Yandle also noted the devastating impact Thorpe’s embezzlements have had on the City of Zeigler and its residents, telling Thorpe: "The seriousness of your crime cannot be overstated." Noting that Thorpe used funds stolen from the city to purchase several expensive items for himself and his family members, Judge Yandle determined that Thorpe’s crimes were motivated by "absolute and unadulterated greed." She further observed that public corruption of the sort committed by Thorpe destroys public confidence in Government and the democratic process.
"We feel that the sentence imposed by the court today appropriately addresses the seriousness of Thorpe’s criminal conduct," commented U.S. Attorney Boyce. "Officials who steal from the citizens they are elected and appointed to represent commit a gross abuse of public trust. It’s our hope that lengthy prison sentences like the one imposed today will serve to deter other public officials from defrauding their constituents."
As part of the sentence, the court ordered Thorpe to pay full restitution of $321,399.22 to the City of Zeigler and its insurance carrier. In accordance with the terms of his plea agreement, Thorpe also turned over to the City of Zeigler numerous items that he purchased with the embezzled funds. Those items include: a side-by-side Utility Task Vehicle; two motorcycles; a utility trailer; a lady’s diamond ring; numerous firearms; a gun safe; and a four-propeller drone. The total value of this property is estimated at $35,872.74. Thorpe was given a credit toward restitution paid in this amount.
Thorpe also agreed to forfeit a significant number of assets to the United States, including a second side-by-side Utility Task Vehicle; a portable building; a lot and trailer located across the street from Thorpe’s house in Zeigler; five additional vacant lots located in Zeigler; two IRAs valued at a total of approximately $9,000; and a camper. After these properties are forfeited and sold, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will request that the funds from these sales be released and applied to the restitution amount that Thorpe owes to the City of Zeigler.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Marion, Illinois Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Metro East Man Pleads Guilty to Using Seniors' Personally Identifiable Information to Commit FraudRead the Press Release
Christopher Rhodes, age 53, from Lovejoy, Illinois, entered pleas of guilty to aggravated identity theft and wire fraud, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Rhodes faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty years in prison for each of the wire fraud offenses and a mandatory consecutive two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2018.
The convictions are the result of Rhodes’ conduct as an employee of St. Paul’s Senior Community, a not-for-profit retirement community in Belleville, Illinois. In his position, Rhodes had access to sensitive patient/resident information, including medical records containing personally identifiable information (PII). From at least 2012 and continuing through approximately July of 2017, Rhodes used the names, social security numbers and other PII of patients/residents of St. Paul’s Senior Community, without legal authority, to obtain and maintain electric and gas service, water service, and satellite television service at his residence.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Florida Scammer Sent to Prison for Repeat Telemarketing OffenseRead the Press Release
Wesley Scott Aldred, 30, of Kissimmee, Florida, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for violating his supervised release on his prior telemarketing fraud conviction, Donald S. Boyce, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Aldred was previously sentenced in 2015 for participating in a timeshare resale fraud scam known as Premier Timeshare Solutions, which victimized timeshare owners all over the country, including southern Illinois. While he was on supervised release for that conviction, Aldred was caught engaging in a similar telemarketing fraud scam targeting timeshare owners.
On June 7, 2018, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, United States District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel revoked Aldred’s supervised release and ordered him to serve 21 months in federal prison, to be followed by an additional 39 months of supervised release. The sentence imposed by the court was the maximum term recommended by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and Scott A. Verseman.
Williamson County Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison for Dealing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On June 5, 2018, William J. Craig, a/k/a "Billy," 35, of Marion, Illinois, was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Craig previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between March 2016 and April 2017, in Williamson and Franklin Counties.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Craig was involved with numerous other persons in the manufacture of methamphetamine and the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found Craig responsible for the possession of 174.96 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of over 116 grams of ice.
Craig received an enhanced sentence for threatening violence during the commission of the offense and for maintaining a drug residence. Because of his prior convictions, Craig was classified as a Career Offender. His sentence includes a four-year term of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Marion Police Department and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Randolph County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On June 6, 2018, Jordan P. Leggans, 31, of Tilden, Illinois, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Leggans previously pled guilty to a one-count second superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between 2015 and April 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Leggans was involved with numerous other persons in the manufacture of methamphetamine and the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found Leggans responsible for the possession of 16.8 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of over 374 grams of ice. Leggans received an enhanced sentence because he and a co-defendant stole an SKS rifle and traded the firearm for ice.
Seven co-defendants have already been sentenced to prison for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Two additional co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Leggans’ sentence includes four years of supervised release.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Tactical Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, Chester Police Department, Coulterville Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Lenzburg Police Department, Perry County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
On May 30, 2018, Arthur Robinson, 30, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to serve 188 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. United States District Judge David R. Herndon sentenced Robinson on the conviction, as well as two supervised release revocation cases. Robinson’s prison sentence is to be followed by three years of supervised release. Robinson also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that at approximately four o’clock on the morning of September 18, 2016, an East St. Louis police officer encountered Robinson, a previously convicted felon, passed out behind the wheel of his running truck in the middle of a roadway. The officer observed a Glock handgun loaded with a 30 round magazine laying in Robinson’s lap. The firearm was secured and Robinson was woken up and arrested.
Robinson received an enhanced sentence because of a St. Clair County state court conviction for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm in 1991, federal court convictions for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Distribution of Cocaine Base in 1992, and federal court convictions for Distribution of Cocaine Base and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base in 2002.
The case was investigated by the East St. Louis Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
St. Clair County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On May 24, 2018, Garrick E.R. Recker, a/k/a "Curtis Lowe," 28, of Lenzburg, Illinois, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Recker previously pled guilty to a one-count second superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. His sentence includes eight years of supervised release and a $600.00 fine.
The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between 2015 and April 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Recker was involved with numerous other persons in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Recker was responsible for the distribution of over three kilograms of ice. Recker’s sentence was enhanced because he recklessly endangered others during an October 2016 pursuit in Monroe County.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Tactical Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, Chester Police Department, Coulterville Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Lenzburg Police Department, Perry County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Owners of Tech Support Scams in South Florida and Costa Rica Charged with Federal Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Federal fraud charges were filed this week against owners of two businesses that allegedly conducted an international tech support scam, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Michael Austin Seward, 31, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Kevin James McCormick, 45, of Delray Beach, Florida, were named in a superseding indictment that charges them and their former vice president, Grant Clark Wasik, 35, of Boynton Beach, Florida, with 13 counts of wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the indictment, Seward and McCormick owned and operated two tech support scam businesses: Client Care Experts, LLC ("Client Care"), based in Boynton Beach, Florida,1 and ABC Repair Tech, based in Costa Rica. From approximately November 12, 2013, through at least December 9, 2016, the two companies allegedly combined to defraud more than 40,000 people across all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, several U.S. territories, all ten Canadian provinces, the United Kingdom, and several other foreign countries. At least 57 victims of the alleged scams were located in 22 counties within the Southern District of Illinois, with multiple victims in both St. Clair and Madison Counties. The charged scheme allegedly took in over $25,000,000.
According to the superseding indictment, the defendants purchased pop-up advertisements, which appeared without warning on consumers’ computer screens and locked up their browsers. These pop-ups falsely informed the victims that serious problems, such as viruses or malware, had been detected on their computers. The pop-ups also usually warned the victims that they were at serious risk of losing their data and instructed them to call a toll-free number. When the victims called the numbers shown on their screens, they were connected to Client Care salespersons.
The salespersons allegedly convinced the victims to allow them to have remote access to their computers. Once they had accessed the victims’ computers, the indictments charge, the salespersons examined routine computer functions and processes and then tried to convince the victims that these functions and processes were evidence of problems. The salespersons also ran a system analyzer program on the victims’ computers, but no matter what the program showed, the salespersons allegedly still tried to convince the customers that their computers had serious problems. According to the indictment, the salespersons also concealed from the victims that they could make the pop-ups go away by unplugging or rebooting their computers, and that the pop-ups which had frozen their computer screens were actually advertisements paid for by Client Care.
The superseding indictment alleges that ABC Repair Tech operated substantially the same scheme from its location in Costa Rica.
Seward is alleged to have been the chief executive officer of Client Care, with McCormick as his chief financial officer. Both men allegedly had an ownership interest in Client Care and ABC Repair Tech and oversaw the operations of both entities. Wasik allegedly worked as one of the supervisors on the sales floor (known as a "Team Leader") before being promoted to sales manager and eventually vice president. Trial for all three defendants is set to begin on July 23, 2018, at the federal courthouse in Benton, Illinois, though a defense motion has already been filed seeking to have the case transferred for convenience to East St. Louis, Illinois.
Since April 2017, fourteen other employees of Client Care / ABC Repair Tech have been charged with federal fraud violations in the Southern District of Illinois:
Joseph Ralph Aievoli, IV, 25, of Boynton Beach, FL – Salesperson
Cory Steven Bachman, 25, of Boynton Beach, FL – Salesperson
Andrew Douglas Broad, 26, of Boynton Beach, FL – Director of Recruiting and Training
Ryan Stocker Carr, 23, of Mount Laurel, NJ – Team Leader
Joshua Dennis Cortez, 37, of Lake Worth, FL – Director of Recruiting and Training
Nicholas James Davidson, 26, of Boynton Beach, FL – Salesperson
Patrick M. Dougherty, 35, of Boynton Beach, FL – Salesperson
Tatum Elyse Espenshade, 26, of West Palm Beach, FL – Salesperson
Eric M. Iannaccone, 32, of Monroe Township, NJ – Sales Manager
Anthony Vincent Ludena, 29, of Boca Raton, FL – Salesperson
Robert Thomas McCart, 32, of Boynton Beach, FL – Team Leader
Timothy James Miller, II, 27, of Schwenksville, PA – Salesperson
Jonathan Matthew Richardson, 27, of Lake Worth, FL – Salesperson
Kyle Evan Swinson, 26, of Boynton Beach, FL – Team Leader
All of the defendants against whom indictments have been returned have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Under the SCAMS Act, because the crimes allegedly took place in connection with telemarketing and victimized ten or more persons over the age of 55, the maximum penalty is 30 years imprisonment. The defendants can also be ordered to serve up to five years of supervised release after any term of imprisonment, pay a fine of up to $250,000, and pay restitution to the victims.
Seward, Wasik, and McCormick are also charged with thirteen counts of wire fraud. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release of up to three years, and restitution.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Ten of the defendants charged to date have already pled guilty. On March 8, 2018, Ryan Carr was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $20,384.86. Joshua Cortez was sentenced on May 3, 2018, and ordered to serve 18 months in federal prison and to pay $3,034 in restitution. The remaining defendants who have been convicted have not yet been sentenced.
These cases are part of an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott A. Verseman, Ranley R. Killian, and Nathan D. Stump.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office is cooperating with the federal investigation. In addition, the Florida Attorney General’s Office brought a civil enforcement action against Client Care for the purpose of ending the fraudulent activities at that business.
The Federal Trade Commission has been working for some time to shut down illegal tech support scams. For more information about the FTC’s "Operation Tech Trap," please go to https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2017/05/ftc-federal-state-international-partnersannounce-major-crackdown.
St. Louis Resident Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
A St. Louis resident was sentenced to federal prison on Thursday, May 24, 2018, for his role in the conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine in Southern Illinois and elsewhere.
United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced the sentence for the Southern District of Illinois. Defendant Charles Christopher Thirdkill, 48, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, a $2,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment.
An indictment filed on October 18, 2016, charged Thirdkill and co-defendant Marlon Lee in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances and a second count of unlawful distribution of heroin. Co-defendant Lee pleaded guilty and subsequently sentenced to 120 months in prison.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative brings federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Three Richland County Residents Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Three Richland County, Illinois residents have been charged with methamphetamine related offenses in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Justin R. Mason, age 35, Harvey L. Ireland, age 34, and Brianna N. Bare, age 25, all of Olney, Illinois, were charged on May 8, 2018, in a three-count superseding indictment. Count 1 charges that from August 2017, until on or about March 7, 2018, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Mason, Ireland, and Bare conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Count 2 charges that on February 3, 2018, in Richland County, Bare knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on February 17, 2018, in Richland County, Bare knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Mason, Ireland, and Bare each face 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years. For Counts 2 and 3, Bare faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
Ireland and Bare both made their initial appearance and were arraigned in federal court on May 14, 2018. Mason and Ireland were ordered detained in federal custody pending trial, which is presently scheduled to begin on July 23, 2018, at the federal courthouse in Benton, Illinois.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Three Indicted in Bath Salt ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three people have been indicted on charges related to Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP), also known as "bath salts," Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Toby L. Depoister, 32, of Edgewood, Illinois, Crystal L. Behrens, 33, of Alma, Illinois, and Brandon L. Hewkin, 28, of Farina, Illinois, were charged in a one-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018. The indictment charges that from 2015, until on or about December 2017, in Clay County and Marion County, and elsewhere, Depoister, Behrens, and Hewkin conspired with Dennis R. Thacker, Jr., 49, of Alma, Illinois, and others known and unknown, to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Alpha-PVP, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of federal law.
All three defendants were arraigned in federal court on May 11, 2018. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, supervised release of at least three years, and a $100 special assessment. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on July 9, 2018, and will be held at the federal courthouse in Benton, Illinois.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Illinois State Police.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Olney, Illinois Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Murphy, 37, of Olney, Illinois, was recently sentenced to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On May 16, 2018, Murphy was sentenced to 150 months imprisonment and ten years on supervised release following his imprisonment. Murphy had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from December 2016, until on or about March 25, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Murphy conspired to distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was fifty (50) grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Count 2 charged that on March 25, 2017, in Richland County, Murphy knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine possessed by the defendant was five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Missouri Man Lands 15-Year Prison Sentence for Southern Illinois Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On May 17, 2018, Derek L. Sumpter, a/k/a "Doucher," 31, of Oak Ridge, Missouri, was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Sumpter, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count second superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years on supervised release. He was also fined $400.00. The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between 2015 and April 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Sumpter was involved with numerous other persons in the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Sumpter was responsible for the distribution of over 423 grams of ice. Five co-defendants have already been sentenced to prison for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Four additional co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Tactical Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, Chester Police Department, Coulterville Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Lenzburg Police Department, Perry County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Jackson County Resident Charged with Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
On May 8, 2018, Dwayne L. Watson, a/k/a "C," 44, of Murphysboro, Illinois, was charged by indictment with two counts of Unlawful Distribution of Heroin and one count of Unlawful Distribution of Cocaine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The indictment alleges that the offenses occurred in Jackson County on October 27, 2017, February 7, 2018, and March 6, 2018. On May 14, 2018, Watson made his initial appearance in federal court. He was ordered held without bond pending a July 9, 2018 jury trial.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury. The drug offenses each carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.00.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Ex-Teamsters Union Officials Plead Guilty to Embezzlement and FraudRead the Press Release
Scott Alexander, 56 and Nancy Alexander, 52, from Belleville, Illinois, entered pleas of guilty to Embezzlement and Theft from a Labor Union and Wire Fraud, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald Boyce, announced today. The offenses carry a possible sentence of up to 25 years in jail, a fine of up to $500,000 and mandatory restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2018.
As part of the plea, it was acknowledged that between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2016, during the time Scott D. Alexander was President/Business Agent of the union Local 50 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and his wife Nancy L. Alexander was the Local’s office administrator, the Alexanders embezzled and converted Union funds by using the Union’s credit card to make personal purchases, manipulating their payroll withholdings in order to increase their net pay at the Local’s expense, receiving more vacation pay than earned, receiving salary while on vacation, and receiving additional auto allowance payments.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Carbondale Woman Sentenced on Healthcare Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
On May 16, 2018, Stephanie L. Patterson, of Carbondale, Illinois, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in Benton, Illinois on the charge that she engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program. The district court sentenced Patterson to five years of probation with the first four months to be served in home detention. She was also ordered to pay $81,131.20 in restitution to the Home Services Program and a $100.00 special assessment.
Court records indicate that Patterson defrauded the State of Illinois Medicaid Home Services Program by falsely claiming and taking payments for personal assistant services not actually performed. The Home Services Program is a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Patterson falsely billed the program between January 2011 to June 2016, when she falsely claimed that a relative purportedly rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, the relative was incarcerated at the time services were claimed to be performed. As a result, Patterson improperly billed hundreds of hours of services and obtained $81,131.20 in payments for services not performed.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Quinley.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 1.800.447.8477.
Randolph County Resident Charged with Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
On May 8, 2018, Aaron L. Butler, of Steeleville, Illinois, was charged by indictment with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on March 13, 2018, in Perry County. On May 9, 2018, Butler made his initial appearance in federal court. At a May 14, 2018, detention hearing, he was ordered held without bond pending a trial by jury, which is currently scheduled for July 9, 2018.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted of the firearm violation, Butler faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Perry County Sheriff’s Office.
Randolph County Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On May 11, 2018, Jason M. Stoker, 35, of Chester, Illinois, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Stoker previously pleaded guilty on January 26, 2018, to a one-count superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
As part of his guilty plea, Stoker admitted his involvement with others in the distribution of ice in Southern Illinois. "Ice" is a substance containing methamphetamine of at least 80% purity. Stoker obtained dealer amounts of ice and supplied it to others. On August 24, 2016, Stoker sold ice to a confidential source working for law enforcement. He admitted that he should be held responsible for distributing between 150 and 500 grams of ice.
On October 28, 2016, Officer James I. Brockmeyer of the Chester, Illinois Police Department attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Stoker. Because he had ice in his car, Stoker refused to pull over and instead fled from law enforcement at a high rate of speed. During the ensuing pursuit, Officer Brockmeyer lost control of his vehicle and was killed as a result of the crash. Officer Brockmeyer was 22 years old and also served as a volunteer firefighter in Chester.
At sentencing, Officer Brockmeyer’s mother, Dixie, and Chief Ryan Coffey of the Chester Police Department spoke in open court about the impact of his death. Stoker received an enhanced sentence for recklessly creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury in the course of fleeing from a law enforcement officer.
The investigation was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Chester Police Department, Illinois State Police, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Police Department, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, United States
Marshals Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda A. Robertson and Adam E. Hanna for prosecution.
St. Peters Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Preparation of Bankruptcy PetitionsRead the Press Release
On May 10, 2018, Phebe Ibrahim, formerly known as "Phebe Khan," age 50, of St. Peters, Missouri, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud and related charges, announced Donald S. Boyce, U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Ibrahim was previously charged in a 21-count indictment filed on October 3, 2017, as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s continuing effort to crack down on those who commit fraud in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois. She pled guilty to all charges on February 8, 2018.
As part of her guilty plea, Ibrahim, a non-lawyer, admitted that she worked as a bankruptcy petition preparer, preparing bankruptcy petitions and other documents for debtors who wished to file bankruptcy in the Southern District of Illinois. The Bankruptcy Code imposes certain restrictions on bankruptcy petition preparers, including requiring them to disclose their names on any documents they prepare, and allowing the Bankruptcy Courts to set maximum fees that they can charge their customers. The practice in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois is that bankruptcy petition preparers are not allowed to charge fees of more than $150.
Ibrahim admitted that she defrauded the debtors for whom she prepared bankruptcy petitions by routinely charging fees that exceeded the maximum allowable amount. Ibrahim also acknowledged that she attempted to conceal her fraud by not disclosing her name on the documents she prepared, and by instructing her customers not to mention her name during their bankruptcy cases.
The Bankruptcy Code also requires that debtors attend a credit counselling briefing prior to filing a bankruptcy case. Ibrahim admitted that she circumvented and defeated this provision of the Bankruptcy Code by causing false "Certificates of Counselling" to be filed on behalf of her customers. These Certificates represented that Ibrahim’s customers had attended the required credit counselling briefing.
In rejecting the defendant’s request for a probationary sentence, United States District Judge Staci M. Yandle noted that Ibrahim "took advantage of individuals when they were in a vulnerable financial situation," calling Ibrahim’s fraud and repeated false statements to the Bankruptcy Court "repugnant." Judge Yandle also found it "unbelievable" that after the
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois specifically ordered Ibrahim to stop acting as a bankruptcy petition preparer, she then engaged in the same conduct in the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
In addition to the 18 month prison sentence, Judge Yandle imposed a three-year term of supervised release and ordered Ibrahim to pay a $2,100 special assessment and total restitution in the amount of $13,200 to the bankruptcy clients she defrauded.
"Today’s sentence sends a strong message to those who abuse the bankruptcy system," stated Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Southern and Central Illinois and Indiana (Region 10). "Providing false documents to the United States Bankruptcy Court, such as false bankruptcy credit counseling certificates, bankruptcy petitions that concealed this bankruptcy petition preparer’s involvement in the cases and charging fees that exceeded the maximum allowable amount, undermines the integrity of the system and will not be tolerated. We appreciate the commitment of U.S. Attorney Boyce and our law enforcement partners to holding those who abuse the bankruptcy system accountable. We welcome information that will help detect unscrupulous bankruptcy petition preparers and we encourage citizens to report suspected bankruptcy fraud through our Internet hotline at [email protected]." The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.
The case against Ibrahim resulted from a referral by the United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10) to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation was conducted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, in collaboration with the Southern Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group, which is coordinated by the United States Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Houston Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine into Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
Another Houston, Texas resident has been sentenced in the Southern District of Illinois to federal prison for drug trafficking. On Thursday, May 10, 2018, Victor Johnson, age 44, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the seizure of $1.2 million dollars in cash, $72,000 in jewelry, and several kilos of cocaine. United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced the sentence for the Southern District of Illinois.
An indictment filed on February 18, 2016, charged that Johnson was one of the leaders of a group who connected a Houston-based drug organization with customers in the St. Louis area. Johnson and seven co-defendants were named in the indictment, which accused them of participating in a conspiracy to transport and distribute large amounts of cocaine into the Southern District of Illinois from Texas. The indictment further sought forfeiture of $1,212,934 in U.S. currency, along with jewelry appraised at $72,000 – criminal proceeds that were seized on December 2 and 3, 2015, in Creve Coeur, Missouri, and O’Fallon, Illinois.
All of the defendants previously pleaded guilty, and Johnson was the last member of the group to be sentenced. His co-defendants also received significant prison sentences – Sammy Monroe (168 months), Rodney Smith (147 months), Dana Bell (87 months), Nahum Shibeshi (48 months), Astin Allison (151 months), Terrance Miles (121 months) and Jamie Green (262 months)
– after it was determined that they were responsible for trafficking approximately 120 kilos of cocaine into Southern Illinois.
This investigation was conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative brings federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Herrin Resident Charged with Robbery of Marion Gas StationRead the Press Release
On May 8, 2018, Travis J. Taylor, of Herrin, Illinois, was charged by indictment with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, in violation of the Hobbs Act, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The charge stems from an April 25, 2018, robbery of the Valero Gas Station in Marion, Illinois (Williamson County). On May 10, 2018, Taylor made his initial appearance in federal court. He was ordered held without bond pending trial, which is currently set for July 9, 2018.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted of the Hobbs Act violation, Taylor faces up to 20 years in prison.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion Police Department.
Olney, Illinois Woman Nets 10-Year Prison Sentence for Methamphetamine-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Vickie L. Sanders, 57, of Olney, IL, was sentenced on May 9, 2018, to 120 months in federal prison for methamphetamine-related offenses, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Sanders previously pleaded guilty to six counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from on or about 2015, until on or about April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Sanders and co-defendant Kylee D. Black, 34, of Olney, Illinois, conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to knowingly and intentionally manufacture fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 2 charged that on April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Sanders knowingly and intentionally attempted to manufacture a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
Counts 3-6 charged that Sanders and Black knowingly and intentionally possessed Pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. The dates involved were December 21, 2016 (Count 3), December 15, 2015 (Count 4), September 30, 2015 (Count 5), and April 3, 2015 (Count 6).
Co-defendant Kylee Black was previously sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment.
As part of her sentence, Sanders was ordered to serve eight years on supervised release.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Randolph County Man Sentenced to 16 Years on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On May 3, 2018, Joseph S. Hatley, 39, of Tilden, Illinois, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Hatley’s federal sentence was ordered to run consecutively to any previously imposed state sentence.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Hatley was involved with other persons in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in Southern Illinois. Co-defendants Dyllan Wayland and Colty Peak were previously sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment and 140 months’ imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy. The one-count superseding indictment to which Hatley previously pled guilty charged that the conspiracy occurred between November 2013 and August 2015, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, Jackson and St. Clair Counties.
At sentencing, the district judge found Hatley responsible for the distribution of 1.76 kilograms of methamphetamine and 283.5 grams of ice. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. Hatley was also found responsible for the unlawful possession of 28.8 grams of pseudoephedrine. His sentence was enhanced based on his reckless endangerment of others during an August 18, 2015 police pursuit in Monroe County.
This case is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Sparta Police Department, and Illinois Department of Corrections. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Two Mexican Nationals Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Metro EastRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Christian Renteria-Espinoza, age 32, and Raul Salazar-Ortega, age 35, both Mexican citizens, were sentenced on Friday, April 27, 2018, for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Renteria-Espinoza was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment, and Salazar-Ortega to 78 months.
Both men admitted that they had been active members of an organization which shipped large quantities of "ICE" (99% pure meth) from San Diego, California, to the Metro East region in 2016. Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized 15 pounds of ICE in San Diego from Salazar at the time of his arrest.
The investigation which resulted in the arrest and conviction of the two men was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Man on Supervised Release for Bank Robbery Pleads Guilty to Brandishing a Gun During Another Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
On April 27, 2018, Marcus J. Thornton, 37, of Edwardsville, Illinois, pled guilty in federal district court to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Thornton’s guilty plea to the gun charge comes on the heels of his March 22 guilty plea to two bank robberies, which were charged in the same indictment.
Court proceedings revealed that on October 13, 2016, Thornton entered a Regions Bank in Lebanon, Illinois, and demanded money from bank tellers. Thornton took a total of $13,710.90 in U.S. currency before fleeing in a vehicle. Court proceedings further revealed that on February 9, 2017, Thornton entered a U.S. Bank in O’Fallon, Illinois, and demanded money from bank tellers while brandishing a silver and black semi-automatic handgun. Thornton made off with $10,720 on that occasion. In his guilty plea earlier today, Thornton admitted to his use of the handgun in connection with the second robbery.
Thornton was previously convicted in 2009 of bank robbery in Mississippi and was on federal supervised release when he committed both of the robberies described above.
Sentencing is currently scheduled for July 27, 2018. On the gun charge alone, Thornton faces a prison term of at least seven years and as much as life imprisonment, a fine of up to
$750,000, and a minimum of five years on supervised release. He may also be ordered to make restitution for his offenses.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Illinois Statement Police, Lebanon and O’Fallon Police Departments, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel T. Kapsak and James G. Piper, Jr.
Cape Girardeau Resident Sentenced for Southern Illinois Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On April 24, 2018, Carlos L. Hemphill, a/k/a "Los," age 35, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. Hemphill previously pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. His sentence includes five years of supervised release and a $600 fine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Hemphill was involved with others in the distribution of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was distributed between November 2016, and August 2017, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. At sentencing, the district judge found that Hemphill was responsible for the distribution of more than 3.7 kilograms of a methamphetamine. Hemphill received an enhanced sentence based on his possession of a firearm during the methamphetamine offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The SEMO Drug Task Force, Herrin Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration also assisted in the investigation.
Centerville Man Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jeremy Rickman, age 31 of Centreville, Illinois, was sentenced on Friday, April 20, 2018 to 100 months in federal prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced today.
Rickman pled guilty to the one-count federal indictment on December 4, 2017. At his change of plea hearing, Rickman admitted that he had distributed approximately 75 grams of ICE (99% pure methamphetamine) in the East St. Louis, Illinois area, and in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2016. Rickman received approximately $2,500.00 for the ICE that he sold.
Two other co-defendants charged in the same indictment are awaiting trial.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations.
The investigation that resulted in Rickman’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Former Director of East St. Louis Public Library Indicted for Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Marlon P. Bush, 47, formerly the Director of the East St. Louis Public Library, was charged in a six-count Indictment with three counts of Wire Fraud and three counts of Embezzlement from the City of East St. Louis Public Library, A Unit of Government That Received Federal Funds, Don Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Counts One through Three of the Indictment, Wire Fraud, each carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, while Counts Four through Six, Embezzlement, each carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Each of the offenses is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, with mandatory restitution.
The Indictment charges that from September 2014 through December 2016, Bush took excess salary and charged personal purchases to the East St. Louis Public Library’s credit card that included professional sports tickets, concert tickets, personal apparel, jewelry, firearm accessories, and personal travel expenses. Specific counts of the Indictment charge Bush with using the Library’s credit card to purchase tickets for the Dallas Mavericks and the entertainer Bootsy Collins, as well as throwing knives, a machete, and an axe.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation was conducted by the Metro-East Public Corruption Task Force, consisting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations, and the Illinois State Police. Anyone with information concerning public corruption can call the Southern Illinois Public Corruption Task Force Tip Line: 618-589-7353. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Jackson County Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 10, 2018, Alphonso Pierre Allison, 47, a/k/a "Pierre," "P," and "Perry," of Carbondale, was sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearm offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Allison, who had previously pled guilty to a three-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, unlawful distribution of heroin, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 8 years’ supervised release, and was fined $600.00. The offenses occurred between 2015 and July 2016 in Jackson County.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Allison was involved with others in the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin in Murphysboro and Carbondale. On March 31, 2016, Allison sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement. When agents executed a search warrant at Allison’s Murphysboro residence, they located over 18 grams of crack cocaine, 19 grams of heroin, cannabis, a large amount of U.S. currency, and a loaded .22 caliber revolver. When agents later executed a search warrant at Allison’s Carbondale residence, they located 9 grams of crack cocaine, 9.5 grams of heroin, and a large amount of U.S. currency. At sentencing, the district judge found that Allison was responsible for the distribution of 168.25 grams of crack cocaine and 135 grams of heroin. Allison received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as an Armed Career Criminal.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Carbondale Police Department. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 5, 2018, Answar D. Rollins, Jr., a/k/a "Chuck" and "Swar," age 31, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and unlawful distribution of methamphetamine. The offenses occurred between March 2017, and August 8, 2017, in Jackson County. The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. Rollins also faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine on the distribution offense.
During the plea hearing, Rollins also admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release relating to a 2006 federal drug offense. Rollins is currently being held without bond pending his July 18, 2018 sentencing hearing.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Richland County Man Indicted on Methamphetmine-Related ChargeRead the Press Release
A Richland County, Illinois man was indicted on April 3, 2018, on a methamphetamine- related charge, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Justin R. Mason, age 35, of Olney, Illinois was the only defendant named in the one-count Indictment, which charges that from August 2017, until on or about March 7, 2018, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Mason conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. The Indictment further alleges that the conspiracy involved fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
If convicted of the charge, Mason faces 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Former Resident of John DeShields in East St. Louis, Illinois Sentenced to 60 Months Incarceration for Possessing Three Shell CasingsRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 23, 2018, William J. Stepney, 29, a former resident of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 60 months incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of ammunition.
On January 10, 2017, video surveillance recorded that multiple gunshots were fired from a red Dodge Charger driven by Stepney. Illinois State Police responded to the shooting and recovered multiple spent casings at the intersection of 11th and Bond Avenues in East St. Louis, Illinois. Three additional casings were recovered from the vehicle Stepney drove. Stepney later admitted that, while at the corner of 11th and Bond on January 10, 2017, he had possessed and fired a 9mm handgun at another vehicle. Prior to January 10, 2017, Stepney had been convicted of the felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Rose Bud Resident Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Michael B. Stephens, Jr., 43, of Red Bud, Illinois, has pled guilty to an indictment charging him with two counts of production of child pornography. Stephens faces a term of imprisonment of 15 to 60 years, a fine of up to $500,000, and a term of supervised release of five years to life. Stephens will also have to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. Stephens’s sentencing has been scheduled for June 29, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The charges against Stephens stemmed from an investigation which revealed that in 2016 he used cellular phones and tablets to record himself engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor female on at least twenty-five occasions.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force, as well as the Waterloo, Illinois, Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Edwardsville Man Pleads Guilty to Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
On March 22, 2018, Marcus J. Thornton, 37, of Edwardsville, Illinois, pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to two counts of bank robbery, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Thornton faces a prison term of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $500,000, a minimum of five years of supervised release after his prison term, and an amount of restitution that is yet to be determined.
Court proceedings revealed that on October 13, 2016, Thornton entered the Regions Bank located at 107 E. Schuetz Street, Lebanon, Illinois, brandished a silver and black semi-automatic handgun, and demanded money from bank tellers. Thornton took a total of $13,710.90 in United States currency before fleeing in a vehicle.
Court proceedings also revealed that on February 9, 2017, Thornton entered the U.S. Bank located at 400 South Lincoln Avenue, O’Fallon, Illinois, brandished a silver and black semi-automatic handgun, and demanded money from bank tellers. Bank tellers gave $10,720 in United States currency to Thornton, who then put the currency into a white plastic bag, and fled in a vehicle.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel T. Kapsak and James G. Piper, Jr..
Cairo Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Assisting in the 2014 Attempted Armed Robbery of First National Bank in Cairo and Other Related CrimesRead the Press Release
Otha Don Watkins, III, 35, of Cairo, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to 23 years in prison for assisting James Nathanial Watts in the May 15, 2014, attempted armed robbery of the First National Bank in Cairo and for other related crimes, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Watkins admitted that he assisted Watts in the planning of the robbery, drove him to the bank on May 15, and served as a lookout while communicating with Watts via a hand-held radio. After failing to obtain any money, Watts killed long-time bank employees Anita Grace and Nita Jo Smith and seriously injured a third employee.
Watkins had previously pled guilty in January 2018 to assisting Watts in that offense and to making false statements to the FBI during the investigation of the attempted bank robbery, possessing a stolen firearm, and conspiring with Watts to commit robberies that interfered with interstate commerce. That conspiracy included both the attempted robbery of the First National Bank and the successful May 2014 armed robbery of over $12,000 from a McDonald’s Restaurant in Charleston, Missouri.
The 23-year sentence was imposed consecutively to a 155-month federal prison sentence which Watkins was already serving for the armed robbery of another McDonald’s restaurant in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in October 2014. According to information from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Watkins will not finish serving that sentence until January 7, 2026. Watkins will begin serving the 23-year sentence imposed today after that date.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Watkins was ordered to pay a total of $12,062.51 in restitution to the owner of the Charleston McDonalds and its insurer. Watkins was also placed on a five-year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration. After sentencing, Watkins was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal to await his return to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
James Watts was previously sentenced in May 2017 to life in prison plus ten years for his role in these crimes.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Illinois State Police with the assistance of numerous other law enforcement agencies in Illinois and Missouri.
Kinmundy, IL Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
On Friday, March 16, 2018, in Federal Court in East St. Louis, Illinois, Alfred L. Cross, 75, of Kinmundy, Illinois (originally from Mattoon, Illinois), pled guilty to five counts of bank fraud, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment charged Cross with defrauding seven southern Illinois banks out of more than $500,000.
In pleading guilty on Friday, Cross admitted that he opened checking accounts at the following banks: Bradford National Bank in Greenville, Illinois; Community First Bank of the Heartland in Mount Vernon, Illinois; the Farmers and Merchants National Bank in Nashville, Illinois; First Southern Bank in Carbondale, Illinois; Midland States Bank in Effingham, Illinois; State Bank of Whittington, in Benton, Illinois; and Washington Savings Bank, located in Effingham, Illinois. After these accounts had been open for a short period of time, Cross deposited into each of the accounts very large checks, ranging from $18,875 to $148,000. These checks were drawn on out-of-state bank accounts in the names of businesses that Cross controlled. Cross admitted that at the time he deposited these checks, he knew there were insufficient funds in the out-of-state accounts to cover the checks. Cross further admitted that before the checks could be returned as non-sufficient funds, he withdrew almost all of the funds he had deposited. Cross gave
some of these funds to his relatives and used the remainder to pay for personal expenses. Cross conducted this fraud scheme from April 14, 2011, through March 25, 2015.
Each of the bank fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The court can also order Cross to pay restitution to the victim banks. Cross will be sentenced on May 9, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. at the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis, IL.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Southern Illinois Residents Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On March 13, 2018, two southern Illinois residents were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Jeremy J. Humphries, 33, of Red Bud, and Mandy L. Hagen, 30, of Lenzburg, had previously pled guilty to a one-count second superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between 2015 and April 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties. Humphries was sentenced to 235 months of incarceration, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was fined $200.00. Hagen was sentenced to 84 months of incarceration, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was fined $200.00.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Humphries and Hagen were involved with each other and numerous other persons in the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine, which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Humphries was responsible for the distribution of over 1.3 kilograms of ice. Humphries received an enhanced sentence based on his possession of a stolen SKS rifle during his drug involvement. The district court determined that Hagen was responsible for the distribution of 372 grams of ice. Evidence also established that Hagen had allowed methamphetamine to be manufactured at her apartment.
Co-defendants Jeremy Copple and Paige Gleghorn have previously received prison sentences of 168 months and 140 months, respectively, for their role in the methamphetamine
conspiracy. Five additional co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Drug Tactical Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois, Chester Police Department, Coulterville Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Lenzburg Police Department, Perry County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office and the Monroe County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Franklin County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On March 14, 2018, Kevin W. Shuman, 41, of Benton, was sentenced to federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Shuman, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between December 2015 and March 2017, in Franklin and Williamson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Shuman was involved with other persons in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine, which has a purity level of at least 80 percent. At sentencing, the district court found that Shuman was responsible for the distribution of more than four kilograms of ice.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.