Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Williamson County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
On March 8, 2018, Johnathan D. Long, 41, of Johnston City was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine and firearm offenses, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Long, who had previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, was sentenced to a total term of 144 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. The offenses occurred between December 2016 and January 23, 2017, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea and sentence hearings established that Long was involved with co-defendant Julian Rodriguez and others in the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%.
On January 20, 2017, Long sold ice to a confidential source that was working for law enforcement. At the time of the drug sale, Long was armed with a firearm. When agents executed a search warrant at the Johnson City residence of Long and Rodriguez, they recovered multiple firearms, over 200 grams of ice, cannabis, and a large amount of U.S. currency. At sentencing, the judge found that Long was responsible for the distribution of approximately 907 grams of ice. Long received a sentencing enhancement for maintaining a residence for the distribution of drugs. Co-defendant Rodriguez was previously sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment for his involvement in the methamphetamine and firearm offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
Williamson County Man Charged with Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On March 6, 2018, a Williamson County man was indicted for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Richard W. Sellers, 57, of Herrin, was charged in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offenses occurred between July 17, 2017, and February 25, 2018, in Williamson County. Sellers made his initial appearance in federal court on March 8, 2018. He was ordered held without bond pending a May 14, 2018, jury trial.
The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000,000. The distribution offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Herrin Police Department, Illinois State Police, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Metro-East Contractor Pleads Guilty to Home Remodeling Fraud Scheme and Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Andrew Kirchhoefer, 42, of Belleville, Illinois, doing business as Liberty International Operations Group, Inc. and Gateway Constructions Solutions, Inc., pled guilty to a charge of wire fraud in a scheme to defraud homeowners through contracts to do remodeling construction jobs in Missouri and Illinois, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Kirchhoefer also pled guilty to failure to file a corporate federal income tax return. He faces a statutory maximum prison sentence of up to 21 years, a fine of up to $350,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2018.
As part of the plea, Kirchhoefer admitted that from October 2014 through February 2016 he entered into home remodeling contracts with home owners and requested large up front down payments where he subsequently had little or no work done on the projects.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Williamson County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
On March 2, 2018, Summer B. Kirby, 28, of Johnston City, Illinois, was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine and firearm offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Kirby, who had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense was sentenced to a total sentence of 140 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release. The offenses occurred between 2015 and April 2017, in Williamson and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Kirby and co-defendant Clay Kirby were 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. On multiple occasions, the defendants sold ice to a confidential source working for law enforcement. During an April 2017 traffic stop in Johnston City, Summer Kirby was in possession of a loaded firearm. Officers also located methamphetamine, drug scales, and a large amount of U.S. currency in the vehicle. At sentencing, the district court found that Summer Kirby was responsible for the distribution of 735 grams of ice. Co-defendant Clay Kirby was previously sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment for his role in the ice conspiracy.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Johnston City Police Department and Marion Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
New Baden Man Charged and Pleads Guilty to Asbestos Felony OffenseRead the Press Release
On March 1, 2018, Joseph Michael Kehrer was charged with the felony offense of failure to notify regulatory authorities prior to removing asbestos material, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Mr. Kehrer pled guilty to the charge. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2018, in the federal district court in Benton.
Mr. Kehrer admitted that around February and March of 2015, he was the owner of a building formerly used as the Okawville Elementary School in Okawville, Washington County, Illinois. During this time and during a renovation activity, Kehrer caused the removal of a combined amount of material containing asbestos greater than 160 square feet. Under such circumstances, he was required by law to notify regulatory authorities at least 10 working days prior to removing asbestos material. In this instance, the appropriate regulatory authority to have been notified was the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Kehrer admitted to knowingly having failed to provide the prior notification to IEPA.
The offense of failure to notify regulatory authorities prior to removing asbestos material carries up to a maximum of five years of imprisonment, to be followed by up to three years of
supervised release and a fine up to $250,000.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William E. Coonan, with the assistance of David P. Mucha, Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Cahokia Resident Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses and Tampering with A WitnessRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 1, 2018, Ricardo D. Minor, 38, of Cahokia, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, in a three count indictment charging him with enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and tampering with a witness. The violations took place between June 14, 2017, and November 17, 2017, in St. Clair and Madison Counties, Illinois, and the State of Missouri.
If convicted on the enticement and transportation charges, Minor faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years up to life, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of five years to life. If convicted of witness tampering, Minor faces a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty 20 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are brought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Collinsville Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the FBI’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Williamson County Man Convicted of Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 28, 2018, a federal jury in Benton, Illinois, convicted a Williamson County man of a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Rex A. Hopper, 44, of Creal Springs, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleged the offense occurred between January 2015 and May 31, 2017, in Williamson and Franklin Counties. Hopper was ordered detained pending a June 6, 2018, sentencing hearing. The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and up to a $5,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The Williamson and Franklin County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
Treasurer of City of Zeigler Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Embezzlement ChargesRead the Press Release
Today in federal court in Benton, Illinois, Ryan A. Thorpe, 44, the former Treasurer of the City of Zeigler, Illinois, pled guilty to five counts of 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 which occurred while Thorpe worked as the Treasurer for the City of Zeigler.
In pleading guilty today, Thorpe admitted that from March 4, 2013, through Aug. 3, 2017, he embezzled $321,399.22 by writing checks payable to himself 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 these checks, writing in the names of vendors and suppliers that the city did business with, photocopying the altered checks, placing these 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.
"Corruption by public officials simply cannot be tolerated," 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. Whenever this type of conduct is discovered, our office will prosecute
these officials and seek appropriate punishments."
As part of his plea agreement, Thorpe agreed to turn over to the City of Zeigler numerous items he purchased with the embezzled funds. These 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 also agreed to forfeit a significant number of assets to the United States. The assets Thorpe agreed to forfeit include: 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 retirement accounts valued at a total of approximately $9,000, and a camper. After these properties are forfeited and sold, the United States Attorney’s Office will request that the funds from these sales be released and applied to the restitution amount that Thorpe will owe to the City of Zeigler. In the plea agreement, Thorpe acknowledged that he owes restitution to the City of Zeigler in the amount of $321,399.22, less credits for the value of the items turned over to the City and forfeited to the United States.
The sentencing hearing for Thorpe has been set for June 12, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. The sentencing hearing will be conducted at the Federal Courthouse in Benton. Each of the three wire fraud counts to which Thorpe pled guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each of the two counts of embezzlement from a local government carries a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Marion, IL Resident Agency of the FBI. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Dutch Citizen Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on Friday, February 23, 2018, a federal court in Benton found Pieter Roor, 66, of the Netherlands, guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.
Evidence presented at trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Roor was guilty of founding and operating on-line investment programs. At trial, Roor admitted receiving five million dollars from investors. Roor faces a maximum of twenty years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 31, 2018, before U.S. District Judge J. Phil Gilbert. A preliminary order forfeiting Roor’s assets was entered on February 23, 2018.
The investigation into these crimes was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Netherland’s FIOD investigative office.
Granite City Man Indicted for Child Pornography and Destruction of Records OffensesRead the Press Release
A Granite City man previously indicted on a charge of receiving child pornography now faces additional charges for crimes he allegedly committed while on pretrial bond, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
David C. Hogue, 30, of Granite City, was originally charged in a one-count indictment with knowingly receiving, in September 2016, a video file containing child pornography. Subsequent to that indictment, on March 8, 2017, the U.S. District Court released Hogue on pretrial bond. The superseding indictment, filed on February 21, 2018, adds two new counts and alleges that Hogue committed additional crimes while released on bond. The superseding indictment adds a second count alleging that while on bond Hogue knowingly received another video file containing child pornography. The superseding indictment adds a third count alleging that while on bond Hogue attempted to destroy images, videos and files on his computer in an attempt to obstruct the FBI’s investigation into Hogue’s receipt of child pornography.
The receipt of child pornography offenses carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years imprisonment up to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by not less than five years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. The destruction of records offense is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Hogue also faces up to ten years imprisonment for committing an offense while on pretrial bond in an existing case.
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 FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Alleged Serial Bank Robber Indicted for Five Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
ALLEGED SERIAL BANK ROBBER INDICTED FOR FIVE BANK ROBBERIES
Dandre R. Brown, 29, of Godfrey, Illinois, was indicted on February 21, 2018 on five counts of bank robbery and one count of transportation of stolen vehicle, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
The indictment alleges Brown committed five bank robberies in southern Illinois between November 29, 2017 and January 10, 2018. On November 29, 2017, Brown allegedly robbed the U.S. Bank at 1520 Washington Avenue in Alton, Illinois. On December 20, 2017, Brown allegedly robbed the Reliance Bank at 2810 Godfrey Road, in Godfrey, Illinois. On December 22, 2017, Brown allegedly robbed the Regions Bank at 347 W. Main Street, in East Alton, Illinois. On January 2, 2018, Brown allegedly robbed the U.S. Bank at 1301 Edwardsville Road, in Wood River, Illinois. Finally, on January 10, 2018, Brown robbed 1st MidAmerica Credit Union at 1702 Troy Road, in Edwardsville, Illinois. A sixth count in the indictment alleges that on December 11, 2017, Brown transported a stolen vehicle from Missouri into Illinois.
If convicted of bank robbery, Brown faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. If convicted of all bank robbery counts, Brown could face discretionary, consecutive sentences totaling 100 years. If convicted of Transportation of Stolen Vehicle, Brown faces a prison sentence of up to ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
On January 23, 2018, Brown was apprehended by United States Marshals on a federal arrest warrant in Atlanta, Georgia.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, Illinois State Police, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the following police departments: Granite City, Alton, St. Louis County, Godfrey, East Alton, Wood River, and Edwardsville. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr.
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.
Two Illinois Postal Employees Indicted for Theft and Delay of United States MailRead the Press Release
On February 21, 2018, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois returned two separate indictments against former United States Postal Service employees who had been employed in Post Offices in Belleville, Illinois, and Godfrey, Illinois, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
In the first indictment, Briana N. Burrage, 22, of Belleville, Illinois, was charged with unlawful delay of United States Mail while working as a letter carrier at a Belleville, Illinois Post Office. The indictment alleged that in September of 2017, Burrage, failed to deliver thousands of pieces of United States mail by placing the mail in large trash bags in her personal vehicle over a several week period.
The second indictment charged Amber J. Brawley, 36, of Godfrey, Illinois with theft and embezzlement of United States Mail while working as a postal employee at a Godfrey, Illinois Post Office. The indictment alleged that in August of 2017, Brawley stole items from the United States Mail and converted the contents of the mail for her own use.
Burrage and Brawley both face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
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 investigations were conducted by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Mexican National Sentenced for Immigration and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
On February 22, 2018, Edwin Vergara-Cedillo, 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to a term of 18 months of imprisonment, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Vergara-Cedillo pled guilty on November 7, 2017 to two federal charges, illegal reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Vergara-Cedillo was sentenced to 18 months on each count, to be served concurrently.
At his change of plea hearing in November, Vergara-Cedillo admitted that he was an illegal alien and that he had been previously deported to Mexico. He also admitted that he had unlawfully possessed a handgun and ammunition at the time of his arrest.
Vergara-Cedillo was arrested by O’Fallon, Illinois police on July 2, 2017 for violating an order of protection. Police found and seized a handgun and ammunition from the console of the car which Vergara-Cedillo was driving. Vergara-Cedillo has been continuously confined in federal custody since his arrest in July.
The investigation which resulted in Vergara-Cedillo’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the O’Fallon, Illinois Police Department and by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Clay County, Illinois Man Sentenced on Drug Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Ryan T. Harmon, 44, of Xenia, Illinois, was recently sentenced to federal prison on drug related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On February 21, 2018, Harmon was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Harmon had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about June 2016, until on or about January 3, 2017, in Clay County and Marion County, within the Southern District of Illinois, and elsewhere, Harmon conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP), in violation of federal law. Count 2 charges that on January 3, 2017, in Marion County, Harmon attempted to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP. Count 3 charges that on December 29, 2016, in Clay County, Harmon possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP.
Alpha-PVP is also known as "Flakka" or "Gravel." It is a dangerous synthetic drug that is similar to the street drug commonly known as "bath salts." Harmon admitted in documents filed with the federal court that he and other co-conspirators would order Alpha-PVP over the internet from China. After the Alpha-PVP arrived in Southern Illinois, Harmon and others would split the Alpha-PVP amongst themselves for use and for further resale.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI).
Two East St. Louis Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Jason Hampton, 41, and Arthur Carter, 40, both of East St. Louis, were sentenced on February 16, 2018 for their roles in a cocaine distribution operation. Hampton was sentenced to 141 months of imprisonment, and Carter to 87 months. Both men pled guilty to the federal conspiracy charge in September, 2017. Hampton also pled guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
At their change of plea hearings last September, both Hampton and Carter admitted receiving multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine from a Texas distributor, for re-sale in the St. Louis Metro-East. Three other co-defendants will be sentenced in March.
The investigation which resulted in the arrest and conviction of Hampton and Carter was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that William C. Cosby, 33, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 15 years in federal prison and six years of supervised release, following convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence presented to the District Court showed that on September 27, 2016, police stopped Cosby’s vehicle because the vehicle did not have a front license plate. An East St. Louis Police officer ran a records check and learned that Cosby’s license was suspended, and Cosby was arrested.
During a search of Cosby following his arrest, two bags containing a total of two grams of crack cocaine were located in Cosby’s jacket pocket. During a search of Cosby’s vehicle, East St. Louis police officers located a .45 caliber pistol loaded with an extended magazine containing fifteen rounds of ammunition and equipped with a laser sight under the driver’s seat. The firearm had previously been reported stolen.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court heard evidence that Cosby had been previously convicted of first degree murder in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County in April of 2013 before being granted a new trial and ultimately acquitted in a subsequent trial in December of 2014. The Court heard evidence that during the second trial, Cosby admitted that he carried a firearm "all the time" despite the fact he was a convicted felon.
The Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel noted Cosby’s criminal history, which included prior felony convictions for residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon and stated, "The public needs to see that these crimes are taken seriously" before imposing sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation was conducted by the East St. Louis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Olney, Illinois Woman Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Kylee D. Black, 34, of Olney, IL, was sentenced on February 14, 2018, to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Black was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and four years’ supervised release following her imprisonment. Black previously pled guilty to six counts of a federal indictment brought against her.
Count 1 charged that from around 2015, until on or about April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Vickie Sanders, 57, of Olney, Illinois, and Black conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to knowingly and intentionally manufacture fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine.
Counts 3-6 charged that Sanders and Black knowingly and intentionally possessed Pseudoephedrine knowing that the Pseudoephedrine 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).
Count 7 charged that on May 14, 2017, in Richland County, Black knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
Sanders has also pleaded guilty to charges against her and is scheduled for sentencing on March 13, 2018, in the United States District Court in Benton, Illinois.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Mark Day, 31, of St. Louis, Missouri will serve 138 months in federal prison for possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Following his prison sentence, Day will be on federal supervised release for 4 years. Day has been in custody since January 4, 2017.
Documents filed in the U.S. District Court establish that on February 26, 2015, Day and a juvenile accomplice were observed by MEGSI officers making hand-to-hand drug deliveries in Washington Park, Illinois. When officers attempted to stop the car driven by the juvenile accomplice, he fled at a high rate of speed and eventually crashed the car into a ditch. Day and the juvenile were arrested. Inside the car and on Day’s person officers found 2,626 capsules of heroin and three loaded firearms which included a Century Arms AK-47 rifle, a Taurus 9 mm semiautomatic handgun that had been stolen, and a Taurus .45 caliber handgun.
The case was investigated by theMetropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Williamson County Man Sentenced on Charges Relating to Unlawful Dealing of FirearmsRead the Press Release
On February 13, 2018, Austin K. Sims was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton, Illinois on three charges relating to the unlawful possession and sale of firearms, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Sims, who was charged in a three-count indictment on July 12, 2017, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release. Sims previously pled guilty to all three counts.
Count One charged Sims with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, Count Two charged that Sims knowingly possessed a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substances and Count Three charged Sims with making materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements to law enforcement agents during the investigation into his criminal conduct.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Marion, Illinois Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liam Coonan and Amanda Robertson.
Randolph County Resident Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Brian A. Mudd, 60, of Ruma, IL, 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 February 8, 2018, Mudd was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Mudd pleaded guilty to a one count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine on November 1, 2017.
As part of his guilty plea, Mudd admitted to being involved with others in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. "Ice" is a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine of at least 80% purity. He obtained dealer amounts of ice and supplied it to others, primarily in Randolph County. On or about December 6, 2016, Mudd sold ice to a confidential source working for law enforcement. Searches of his home and vehicle located pre-recorded U.S. currency, a digital scale, paraphernalia, and other evidence of drug use and distribution. Defendant admitted that his relevant conduct included between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of ice.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Chester Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda A. Robertson and Adam E. Hanna for prosecution.
Lawrenceville, Illinois Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Robert T. Turner, 47, of Lawrenceville, IL, 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 February 6, 2018, Turner was sentenced to 264 months of imprisonment and ten years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Turner had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that on March 17, 2017, in Lawrence County, Turner knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that on April 5, 2017, in Lawrence County, Turner knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. Count 3 charged that on April 6, 2017, in Lawrence County, Turner knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine involved was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lawrenceville Police Department.
Williamson County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On February 5, 2018, Shaundale J. Johnson, a/k/a "Shug," 36, of Marion, was sentenced for methamphetamine violations, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Johnson, who had previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging unlawful distribution of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 204 months of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release, and was fined $400.00. The offenses occurred on March 17, 2017, and March 20, 2017, in Williamson County. At sentencing, the district judge found that Johnson was responsible for the distribution of 59.5 grams of methamphetamine. Because Johnson had multiple prior felony drug trafficking convictions, he received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
Williamson County Man Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
On January 4, 2018, Bobby A. Commons, a/k/a "Blood," 44, of Herrin, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges the offense occurred on November 22, 2017, in Williamson County. Commons made his initial appearance in federal court on February 2, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a February 6, 2018, bond hearing.
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 firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Herrin Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Mexican National Sentenced to 71-Months in Federal Prison for His Role in Conspiring in the Distribution of Almost 22 Kilograms of Cocaine and Funneling Drug Proceeds to MexicoRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Ricardo Peral-Lopez, a 43-year old Mexican national, was sentenced Friday by United States Chief District Judge Michael J. Reagan to 71 months in federal prison for one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering conspiracy to run concurrently, three years of supervised release to follow the imprisonment, a $250 fine on each count, and a $100 special assessment fee for each count.
Facts revealed in open court at the sentencing and on the record revealed that Peral-Lopez facilitated in the distribution of almost 22 kilograms of cocaine, used his bank account and others’ to funnel drug proceeds back to Arizona and eventually to Mexico, personally drove drug proceeds across the border into Mexico, and paid for the insurance of a vehicle holding 6 kilograms of cocaine later transported from Arizona to Belleville, Illinois and South Carolina. At sentencing, Chief Judge Reagan commented that the offense involved a "substantial" amount of cocaine having a street value of over $600,000. In sentencing Peral-Lopez to 71-months of imprisonment on each count to run concurrently, three years of supervised release, a $500 fine and $200 in special assessment fees, Chief Judge Reagan indicated that this sentence reflects the seriousness of the
offense and deters others from committing similar crimes.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation 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. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the Illinois State Police, and Fontana, California Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted this case.
Jackson County Resident Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
James E. Sizemore, a/k/a "Jimmy," 58, of Carbondale, was indicted on January 4, 2018, in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between June 2016 and November 2017, in Jackson County. Sizemore made his initial appearance in federal court on January 31, 2018. He was ordered held without bond pending an April 9, 2018, jury trial.
The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Franklin County Man Sentenced to 20 Years on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that a Benton, Illinois man received a 20-year sentence in Federal Court for methamphetamine-related offenses. Kyle D. Osburn, 35, received the sentence after a sentencing hearing conducted earlier today.
Osburn was convicted in October of 2017, following a guilty plea to an indictment alleging he conspired with others to sell the "ice" form of methamphetamine in the Benton and surrounding Franklin County area. Law enforcement officials with several agencies conducted a year-long investigation during 2016 into Osburn’s activities which culminated in his arrest, charges, conviction and sentencing. The facts developed during the investigation, and established during the proceedings, showed that a group of individuals located in the Southern District of Illinois, were engaged in the acquisition and distribution of the "ice" form of methamphetamine. Several law enforcement officers participated in multiple controlled purchases of "ice" from Osburn. Some of those transactions occurred at Osburn’s Benton residence. After a transaction occurring on December 13, 2016, law enforcement agents executed a valid search of the Defendant’s residence and discovered over an ounce of "ice’ methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Illinois State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County States Attorney’s Office and the Benton Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas E. Leggans.
East St. Louis Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Evelyn Johnson, 56, of East St. Louis, Illinois was sentenced to serve eighteen months in prison following her conviction for 29 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false federal tax returns, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Following her release from prison Johnson will serve one year of supervised release.
Johnson operated the E.J. Johnson Tax Service in East St. Louis. Evidence presented showed that the Internal Revenue Service sent an undercover agent to have her taxes prepared after the I.R.S. Scheme Development Center detected a potential pattern of fraudulent returns. Johnson prepared a false return for the undercover agent that falsified Schedule A itemized deductions. The tax service business offered a "refund guarantee." The overall tax loss to the United States was established to be over $769,000. Johnson was convicted of preparing the false return for the undercover agent and convicted of preparing twenty-eight other false federal tax returns.
The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Williamson County Resident Charged with Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On January 17, 2018, a Williamson County man was indicted for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today.
Benjamin A. Burns, 44, of Pittsburg, was charged in a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between April 2017, and January 2018, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Burns made his initial appearance in federal court on January 19, 2018. At his January 24, 2018, detention hearing, Burns was ordered held without bond pending a March 12, 2018, jury trial.
The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. The distribution offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Williamson County Man Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
On October 3, 2017, Reginald L. Cavitt, a/k/a "Reggie," 36, of Marion, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on June 28, 2017, in Williamson County. Cavitt made his initial appearance in federal court on January 23, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a January 30, 2018, bond hearing.
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 firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Marion Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Randolph County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On January 26, 2018, Jason M. Stoker, 35, of Chester, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The offense occurred between June 2016 and October 31, 2016, in Randolph County. The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years to life imprisonment, to be followed by at least five years of supervised release, and a $10,000,000 fine. Stoker is currently being held without bond pending a May 11, 2018, sentencing hearing.
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, St. 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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda A. Robertson and Adam E. Hanna for prosecution.
Jackson County Man Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
On December 5, 2017, Anthony I. Hunter, a/k/a "Shug," 29, of Murphysboro, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on October 4, 2017, in Jackson County. Hunter made his initial appearance in federal court on January 24, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a January 26, 2018, bond hearing.
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 firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Monroe County Man Sentenced for Sawed Off Shotgun OffensesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that James C. Voss, 25, of Waterloo, IL, was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment on January 19, 2018 for unlawful possession of a sawed-off shotgun and felon in possession of a firearm. Voss will also have to serve a term of two years of supervised release after he is released from prison.
At his change of plea hearing on September 22, 2017, Voss admitted that he had used a sawed-off shotgun to kill a neighbor’s cat, and that he had been previously convicted of burglary, a felony offense, in Monroe County in 2011.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation which resulted in Voss’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Former O'Fallon, Illinois Resident Indicted for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Christopher R. Buse, 42, of Staunton, Illinois, was indicted on January 17, 2018 on one count of receipt of child pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The case is set for trial on March 27, 2018 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Buse was released on bond pending trial with special conditions that include home detention and electronic location monitoring.
The indictment alleges that on July 11, 2016, Buse knowingly received a video file that contained child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(B). If convicted, Buse faces a prison sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
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 prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes against Children Task Force, the United States Secret Service’s Springfield Electronic Crime Unit-Southern Illinois Cyber Group as well as the O’Fallon, Illinois Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois and the Staunton, Illinois Police Department assisted in this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr.
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.
Cairo Man Pleads Guilty to 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, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to assisting James Nathanial Watts in the May 15, 2014, attempted armed robbery of the First National Bank in Cairo, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. During that attempted robbery, long-time bank employees Anita Grace and Nita Jo Smith were killed and a third employee was seriously injured.
In addition to that crime, Watkins also pled guilty 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.
James Watts previously pled guilty to the attempted bank robbery and was sentenced in May 2017 to life in prison plus 10 years.
Sentencing for Watkins was set for March 21, 2018. Watkins is already serving a 155 month federal prison sentence relating to the armed robbery of another McDonald’s restaurant in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in October 2014. Watkins was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing in this case.
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.
St. Louis Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 108 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Andre Walker was sentenced on January 17, 2018, in the United States District Court in East St. Louis, to 108 months in federal prison for one count of delivery of fentanyl, with three years of supervised release to follow the imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
Facts revealed in open court at the sentencing and plea hearings established that Walker sold 324.8 grams of fentanyl between August 2016 and April 2017. Agents also discovered a make-shift manufacturing operation at Walker’s home, where he measured fentanyl into individual capsules. Additionally, Walker was arrested in this case while he was in possession of 89.4 grams of pre-packaged fentanyl, more than $3,000 in cash, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun, with a bullet in the chamber and an extended magazine containing 19 bullets. After considering many factors, such as the need to protect the public from dangerous narcotics like fentanyl, the District Court sentenced Walker to 108 months of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Derek J. Wiseman prosecuted the case.
Pontoon Beach Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on January 12, 2018, Marc Biggs, 34, of Pontoon Beach, Illinois, was sentenced for felon in possession of a firearm. The Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel sentenced Biggs to 30 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Biggs also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that officers with the Madison Police Department responded to an apartment building in reference to a call about removing squatters from an apartment. During a search of the apartment officers found Biggs, a previously convicted felon, hiding in a bedroom. Officers also discovered a rifle in the same bedroom.
The case was investigated by the Madison Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Mexican National Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Unlawfully Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Vicente Santiago-Castro, 40, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to a term of 16 months in prison for being illegally present in the United States after having previously been removed by immigration officials, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Santiago-Castro was charged by a Federal Grand Jury on September 6, 2017, with being an illegal alien unlawfully present in the United States and pled guilty to that offense on October 26. Santiago-Castro was arrested by Immigration agents on September 2, 2017, in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Evidence supporting the guilty plea and sentence showed that Santiago-Castro had previously been removed or deported from the United States on seven prior occasions.
In addition to the 16-month term of imprisonment, Vasquez-Santelis was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. After serving his term of imprisonment, Santiago-Castro will be removed or deported to Mexico by immigration officials.
Following his sentencing, Santiago-Castro was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal pending his designation to a facility by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Honduran National Sentenced to Five Months in Prison for Unlawfully Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Jose Donaldo Vasquez-Santelis, 33, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to a term of five months in prison for being illegally present in the United States after having previously been removed by immigration officials, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Vasquez-Santelis was charged by a Federal Grand Jury on September 6, 2017, with being an illegal alien unlawfully present in the United States and pled guilty to that offense on October 26. Vasquez-Santelis was arrested by Immigration agents on August 7, 2017, in Marion, Illinois.
Evidence supporting the guilty plea and sentence showed that Vasquez-Santelis had previously been removed or deported from the United States on two prior occasions. Vasquez-Santelis claimed that he last re-entered the country illegally in 2010.
In addition to the five-month term of imprisonment, Vasquez-Santelis was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. After serving his term of imprisonment, Vasquez-Santelis will be removed or deported to Honduras by immigration officials.
Following his sentencing, Vasquez-Santelis was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal who will hold him until Immigration agents take him into their custody.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on January 11, 2018, Leon Johnson, 28, of Granite City, Illinois, was sentenced after being convicted of one count of felon in possession of a firearm. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was on supervised release in a prior federal case involving a conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. A petition to revoke his supervised release was filed in that case after Johnson’s arrest. Pursuant to a sentencing agreement, the Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel sentenced Johnson to a total of 37 months in federal prison on the new conviction as well as the supervised release revocation case. Johnson’s prison sentence is to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Johnson also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that on November 9, 2016, East St. Louis police officers responded to a call regarding shots being fired in the Norman E. Owens Housing Projects. Officers discovered Johnson sitting on a park bench with a loaded pistol on the ground at his feet. A Housing Authority officer identified Johnson as the individual who had been firing the pistol in the air moments earlier.
The case was investigated by the East St. Louis Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Fairmont City Latin King Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Geovany Calderon-Osorio, 24, from Fairmont City, Illinois, was sentenced to 144months in prison on seven different counts of trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine, Don Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Calderon-Osorio also was ordered to pay a special assessment of $700 and to serve five years supervised release. Calderon-Osorio was sentenced on January 11, 2018, after having pled guilty to the seven counts in the indictment on August 16, 2017.
Evidence presented in court showed that Calderon-Osorio, who identifies as a member of the Fairmont City Latin Kings, was involved in distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine in Madison and St. Clair counties between October 2015 and March 2017. Courtroom evidence also showed that Calderon-Osorio possessed multiple firearms.
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. Agencies participating in this case include the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, and the Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Don Boyce.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on January 10, 2018, Bernard L. Cherry, 30, of Granite City, Illinois, was sentenced after being convicted of one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In July 2017, a federal jury in East St. Louis convicted Cherry after a two-day jury trial.
At the time of his arrest, Cherry was on supervised release in two separate prior federal cases involving convictions for felon in possession. Petitions to revoke his supervised release were filed in both cases after Cherry’s arrest. The Honorable David R. Herndon sentenced Cherry to a total of 84 months in federal prison on the conviction as well as the two supervised release revocation cases. Cherry’s prison sentence is to be followed by three years of supervised release, along with a fine of $375 and a $100 special assessment. Cherry also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that on December 13, 2016, East St. Louis police officers responded to a 911 call and discovered Cherry, a previously convicted felon, standing by his vehicle in the front yard of an abandoned house. Officers spotted and recovered a loaded pistol on the ground by Cherry’s feet.
The case was investigated by the East St. Louis Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Hoell and Derek Wiseman.
Three Richland County Men Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Three Richland County, Illinois men were indicted on January 4, 2018, on methamphetamine related charges in separate indictments returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Brian E. Adkins, age 35, of Olney, IL was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2015, until on or about December 11, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Adkins conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on August 30, 2015, in Richland County, Adkins distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Adkins faces ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years.
With respect to Count 2, Adkins faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
Brandon L. Atwood, age 33, of Olney, Illinois, was charged in a four-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2015, until on or about December 29, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Atwood conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on November 4, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on November 5, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 4 charges that on December 29, 2017, Atwood possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Atwood faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
With respect to Counts 2-4, Atwood faces on each count up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
Robert A. Harden, age 44, of Calhoun, Illinois, was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2016, until on or about August 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Harden conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on January 20, 2017, in Effingham County, Harden possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Harden faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
With respect to Count 2, Harden faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three 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 investigations in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Flora Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police.
Marion County, Illinois Man Indicted on Bath Salts Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Marion County, IL man was indicted on January 4, 2018, on charges related to Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP) (also known as "bath salts"), in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Dennis R. Thacker, Jr., 49, of Alma, IL, was charged in a three count indictment. Count 1 charges 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 charges that on June 2, 2017, in Clay County, Thacker, Jr., distributed a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP. Count 3 charges that on June 2, 2017, in Marion County, Thacker, Jr., possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP.
With respect to all three Counts, Thacker, Jr. faces on each count up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, supervised release of at least three years, and a $100 special assessment.
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 Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force.
Benton Man Charged with Defrauding Southern Illinois HealthcareRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that yesterday, a federal grand jury in Benton, IL, returned an indictment charging Cary E. Mosley, 48, of Benton, with defrauding his former employer, Southern Illinois Healthcare ("SIH"). The indictment charges Mosley with six counts of wire fraud and six counts of mail fraud.
During the time-period covered by the indictment, Mosley was employed as the Manager of SIH’s Radiation Oncology Department. During that same time-frame, Mosley had a second job with Q.E.D. Medical Physics, Inc. ("QED"). QED, which is based in Lebanon, TN, is a contractor that provides support services for radiation oncology departments operated by smaller hospitals.
According to the indictment, Mosley was paid by QED for work he allegedly performed at SIH. Specifically, the indictment charges that Mosley made entries in QED’s electronic timekeeping system which falsely claimed that he had performed work at SIH which he had not actually performed. The indictment also alleges that Mosley claimed that he was entitled to be compensated by 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 which were falsely inflated.
The indictment further alleges that Mosley 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. The indictment alleges that 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. The indictment further charges that 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.
The indictment alleges that Mosley conducted his fraud scheme from December 2006 through July 2013, and that he was paid over $500,000 by QED for work he allegedly performed at SIH. Each of the mail and wire fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. In addition, Mosley could be ordered to pay full restitution to SIH.
Mosley is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on January 16, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at the Federal Courthouse in Benton, IL.
The case is being 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.
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.
Granite City Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on January 4, 2018, Dakota L. Childs, 26, of Granite City, Illinois, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Honorable Staci M. Yandle sentenced Childs to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, along with a fine of $250 and a $100 special assessment. Childs also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that Childs, a previously convicted felon, was pulled over by Granite City police officers for speeding, erratic driving and disobeying a red traffic light. After Childs was arrested for reckless driving and other traffic offenses, police officers conducted an inventory search of his vehicle. Officers discovered a loaded pistol on the floorboard of Childs’ vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Granite City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Franklin County Resident Charged with Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Benton, Illinois, has charged a Franklin County, Illinois, resident with methamphetamine related offenses. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced the charges today. Carl L. Darnell was charged in a nine-count indictment with possessing pseudoephedrine pills intending that they be used to manufacture methamphetamine. If convicted, Darnell faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine as to each count. Darnell appeared in Court and was ordered held without bond after the Court advised him of his rights and at the completion of a detention hearing.
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 in this case was conducted by, the Illinois State Police, Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Sesser, Illinois, Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff=s Office, the Energy, Illinois Police Department, the West Frankfort, Illinois, Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Two California Residents Charged with Defrauding Thousands in Nationwide Telemarketing Real Estate ScamRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on Tuesday, a grand jury in East St. Louis, IL, returned an indictment charging two California residents for their participation in a nationwide telemarketing real estate scam. Michael S. Davenport, 49, of Santa Barbara, CA, and Cynthia L. Rawlinson, 51, also of Santa Barbara, CA, were both charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and one count of mail fraud. The indictment arises from Davenport’s and Rawlinson’s participation in a Santa Barbara based telemarketing business. The business changed names several times, but was known at various times as MDSQ Productions, LLC, Housing Standard, LLC, Anchor House Financial, American Standard, American Standard Online, and Your American Standard (for ease of reference hereafter "American Standard").
According to the indictment, American Standard placed ads on Craigslist stating that certain houses were available for sale or rent at very favorable prices. When individuals called in response to these ads, American Standard salespersons told them they would have to purchase American Standard’s list of houses in order to get more information about the property in the Craigslist ad. The salespersons also said that the houses on the American Standard list were in
"pre-foreclosure," that the customers could purchase the houses by simply taking over the homeowners’ mortgage payments, and the deeds to these homes would then be transferred into the customers’ names. The salespersons told the customers that there was a $199 fee for access to the list, but claimed that this $199 fee would cover title searches and deed transfers. In addition, regardless of what area of the country the customers lived in, the salespersons told them that the list contained numerous pre-foreclosure properties that were available in their area.
The indictment further alleges that, after the customers paid the $199 fee, they learned that the houses on American Standard’s list were not available to be purchased. Instead, the customers found that a substantial number of the addresses contained on the list were fictional and/or no houses existed at those locations. In numerous other cases, the customers learned that the houses were not in pre-foreclosure or financial distress, and were not available to be purchased at below market prices. If the customers asked for more information about the houses they had seen on Craigslist, American Standard’s Customer Service Department informed them that the houses were no longer available.
The indictment charges that Davenport was the owner of American Standard and oversaw the operations of the company. It is alleged that Rawlinson started out as a salesperson, but was promoted to the position of Sales Manager for American Standard’s Santa Barbara office. American Standard also had a sales room located in Lompoc, CA.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy and scheme to defraud operated from approximately January 2009 through at least October 5, 2016. During this period, American Standard victimized over 100,000 people and defrauded these individuals out of more than $27,000,000. The victims were located in all fifty of the United States and the District of Columbia. At least 104 victims of the scam were located in twenty-two counties within the Southern District of Illinois, with multiple victims in both St. Clair and Madison Counties. In
addition, the indictment charges that American Standard’s list included 534 houses located in Southern Illinois.
Davenport and Rawlinson are scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on January 17, 2018, at the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis, IL.
Under the SCAMS Act, because it is alleged that the crimes took place in connection with telemarketing, and victimized ten or more persons over the age of 55, the maximum penalty for the conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud charge is 30 years of imprisonment. Each of the individual mail and wire fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The defendants can also be ordered to serve up to five years of supervised release after any term of imprisonment, can be fined up to $250,000 per count, and can be ordered to pay restitution to the victims. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $853,210.11 that was seized from Davenport’s Merchant Processing accounts, and $104,000 in cash that was seized from Davenport at the Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This case is part of an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Office of the Honorable Joyce E. Dudley, District Attorney for Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Maria Office of the FBI have provided substantial assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
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.
Springfield Resident Sentenced for Bank Robberies in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and SpringfieldRead the Press Release
Adrianna C. Frye-Williamson, 21, of Springfield, Illinois, received a 51-month sentence and three years of supervised release from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, for bank robberies committed between January 12 and February 9, 2017, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced. The District Court also ordered Frye-Williamson to pay restitution to the victim banks and a special assessment of $300.
According to the evidence of record, on January 20, 2017, Frye-Williamson approached a teller at the National Bank in Edwardsville, Illinois, with a note: "This is a robbery. I have a gun. BIG BILLS ONLY." The teller complied with the demand and gave Frye-Williamson the money from her teller drawer, and Frye-Williamson left the bank.
On February 9, 2017, Frye-Williamson approached a teller at the U.S. Bank in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with a note stating that she had a gun and demanding money. The teller complied with the demand and gave Frye-Williamson the money from his teller drawer. Witnesses saw Frye-Williamson leave the bank, get on a bicycle, and ride away from the U.S. Bank.
Law enforcement soon thereafter located the abandoned bicycle in a residential neighborhood. Law enforcement determined Frye-Williamson purchased the bicycle at a pawnshop in Springfield, Illinois, earlier in the day. Law enforcement obtained the pawnshop’s security camera images and determined they matched the images of the robber from the U.S. Bank, the National Bank in Edwardsville, and the Illini Bank in Springfield, Illinois, occurring on January 12, 2017. In the Illini bank robbery, Frye-Williamson approached a teller and handed her a note indicating that she had a bomb strapped to her body and demanding money.
Law enforcement located and arrested Frye-Williamson in Springfield, Illinois, on February 10, 2017. Law enforcement recovered some of the stolen money from Frye-Williamson’s car on the day of her arrest, and recovered some additional stolen money at her home. She has remained in custody since her arrest.
The Central District of Illinois transferred the case involving the Illini Bank robbery to the Southern District of Illinois for plea and sentencing.
Law enforcement agencies providing information leading to the charges against Frye-Williamson included the FBI and the Glen Carbon, Edwardsville and Springfield Police Departments.
Former Pulaski County Illinois Resident Sentenced for Receipt of Child Pornography and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Clint Wade Green, 43, of Paducah, Kentucky, was sentenced on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, on four counts of receipt of child pornography in one indictment and one count of mail fraud in a separate information involving theft of Pulaski County Development Association (PCDA) funds, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Green was sentenced to 108 months in prison and five years of supervised release on each of the receipt of child pornography counts and 24 months in prison and three years supervised release on the mail fraud count. All sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Green was ordered to pay $51,881.60 in restitution to the PCDA in the mail fraud case.
The prosecution was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Marion. The Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the Illinois State Police, and the Paducah Kentucky Police Department also participated in this investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr.
Air Force Employee Pleads Guilty to Providing Confidential Information to Companies Bidding on Federal ContractsRead the Press Release
James Gillis, 60, of Maryville, IL, pled guilty to a charge of government procurement fraud in federal court in East St. Louis, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Gillis was the Chief of Project Management for the 375th Civil Engineering Squadron at Scott Air Force Base. He admitted to knowingly disclosing confidential information to private companies bidding on contracts at Scott Air Force Base. This information gave an unfair competitive advantage to the companies receiving the information. Gillis received lunch and baseball tickets in connection with providing the confidential information.
Gillis’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2018, at 9:00 a.m., at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois. The crime of government procurement fraud is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, not more than three years of supervised release, and restitution.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Procurement Fraud Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Quinley.