Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Belleville Man Charged with Theft of United States MailRead the Press Release
On July 18, 2017, a Belleville man was charged in a one-count indictment with Theft of Mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
David A. Ledbetter, age 37, of Belleville, Illinois was charged in a one-count indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in East St. Louis, Illinois with Theft of United States Mail by a postal employee. The indictment alleges that in May of 2017, Ledbetter stole items of mail entrusted to him for delivery.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 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 investigation is being conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General. The Case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Two Richland County Women Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Vickie L. Sanders, 56, and Kylee D. Black, 34, both of Olney, Illinois, were indicted on July 12, 2017, on methamphetamine related charges in a seven count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count One charges that from on or about 2015, until on or about April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Sanders and Black conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to knowingly and intentionally manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count Two charges that on April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Sanders knowingly and intentionally attempted to manufacture methamphetamine.
Counts Three through Six charges 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 Three), December 15, 2015 (Count Four), September 30, 2015 (Count Five), and April 3, 2015 (Count Six).
Count Seven charges that on May 14, 2017, in Richland County, Black knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to Count One, Sanders and Black each face 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 Two, Sanders faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
With respect to each of the Counts Three through Six, Sanders and Black face up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and supervised release up to three years.
With respect to Count 7, Black 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 investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Nebraska Men Indicted for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that two Nebraska men were indicted on July 12, 2017 for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, four counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Allen McCray, 19, and Victor Linton, 23, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were charged in a seven count indictment. The indictment alleges that beginning on or about April 12, 2017 and continuing through and including April 21, 2017, McCray and Linton conspired and did commit a series of four armed robberies of MotoMart, Circle K, and Casey’s General Store on April 15, 2017 and Prime Sole on April 19, 2017 within the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment also alleges that a firearm was brandished or discharged at each of these robberies.
The conspiracy and robbery offenses carry up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years to life imprisonment, to be followed by five years supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. For a second or subsequent conviction under this section, the minimum sentence is not less than 25 years of imprisonment up to life imprisonment. Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years to life imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. For a second or subsequent conviction under this section, the minimum sentence is not less than 25 years of imprisonment up to life imprisonment.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maryville Police Department, the O’Fallon Police Department, the Troy Police Department, the Effingham Police Department, Illinois State Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol and multiple law enforcement agencies in Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, and Indiana.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Howard S. Mister, 42, of East St. Louis, Illinois was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment on July 7, 2017 for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.
At his change of plea hearing on April 4, 2017, Mister admitted that he had cooperated with several other individuals to distribute multiple kilogram quantities of cocaine in the East St. Louis area during late 2015 and early 2016. Police arrested Mister on March 11, 2016 as he was attempting to sell two kilograms of cocaine for $32,000.00.
The investigation which resulted in Mister’s arrest and sentence was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Using Stolen Account Numbers at Metro East Walmart’sRead the Press Release
This morning, in federal court in East St. Louis, IL, Samirahdam E. Rolley, 25, of Stone Mountain, GA, and Michael A. Gordon, 28, also of Stone Mountain, GA, were both sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for using stolen account numbers at several Southern Illinois Walmarts, United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced. Rolley was ordered to serve 26 months in federal prison, followed by four months of home confinement, while Gordon was sentenced to 25 months in prison. The court also ordered both men to pay $19,939.16 in restitution to the victims of their crimes.
In February, both Rolley and Gordon pled guilty to federal charges of using unauthorized access devices, using counterfeit access devices, and aggravated identity theft. At their plea hearings, both Rolley and Gordon admitted that they travelled from Georgia to Southern Illinois in early June 2015. During their trip, Rolley and Gordon had in their possession numerous gift cards. The magnetic strips of these gift cards had been re-encoded with stolen debit card numbers. Some of these debit account numbers were for the accounts of Southern Illinois residents at a local credit union. Rolley and Gordon used the altered gift cards to make purchases at numerous Metro East Walmarts, including the stores in Cahokia, O’Fallon, Belleville, Highland, Wood River, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Jerseyville, Waterloo, and Carlyle. The purchases made by
Rolley and Gordon were debited to the bank accounts of the victims whose debit account numbers had been embedded on the gift cards.
The investigation was conducted by the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). Several Metro East police departments assisted the FBI with the investigation. Those include the Carlyle, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Jerseyville, Waterloo, and Wood River Police Departments, as well as the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Walmart’s Global Security Department has also provided significant assistance in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Christopher Edward Pendegraft, 57, was sentenced Friday, June 23, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 24 months in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $375 fine, restitution of $2,000, and $5,100 in special assessments for possession of child pornography. Pendegraft will also have to register as a sex offender.
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 investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura V. Reppert.
St. Clair County Woman Indicted for Arson OffenseRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that a St. Clair County woman was indicted on June 20, 2017 for an arson offense.
Lori M. Jones, 49, of East St. Louis, was charged in a one-count indictment charging arson. The indictment alleges that on May 31, 2016, Jones maliciously damaged by fire the Cahokia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cahokia, IL. Jones made her initial appearance in federal court on June 22, 2017. At that hearing, Jones was released on bond pending a July 31, 2017 jury trial. Special conditions of Jones’s bond are that she be placed on electronic monitoring and that she cannot be employed by a nursing home, assisted care facility or in any capacity in which she assists or takes care of other individuals.
The arson offense carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years imprisonment up to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine 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 proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with assistance from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Final Defendant Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison for Participating in Large Stolen Property Fraud RingRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that this morning, in federal court in Benton, Illinois, Angel Speed, 26, of Columbus, MS, was sentenced to 39 months in federal prison for crimes arising from his participation in a large stolen property fraud ring. The stolen property ring operated in the Metro East and numerous other locations.
Co-defendant Jason J. Parmeley, 43, formerly of O’Fallon, MO, was the leader and organizer of the stolen property ring that victimized numerous retailers and equipment rental stores throughout the United States. At his plea hearing, Parmeley admitted that he used the internet to obtain credit account numbers that individuals and businesses had with retail stores, such as Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, and rental stores, such as SunBelt Rentals. Using this information, Parmeley placed orders with the stores in the names, and under the credit accounts, of the individuals and businesses. The items Parmeley ordered frequently consisted of appliances, computers, expensive tools, and construction equipment. Parmeley further admitted that, after he placed the orders, he dispatched drivers to go to the stores and pick up the items. The items were then sold at prices substantially below retail. The profits were wire transferred to Parmeley in Mexico. The losses caused by this stolen property ring exceeded $4,000,000.
Parmeley lived in Mexico and controlled the fraud ring from that country. In late August of 2015, Mexican Immigration Authorities deported Parmeley from Mexico. Parmeley has been held in federal custody since that time.
At the sentencing hearing this morning, United States District Judge Staci M. Yandle found that Speed functioned as Parmeley’s "second lieutenant" while he operated the scheme in Mexico. Specifically, Judge Yandle found that Speed hacked into business’s accounts and obtained their financial information, laundered proceeds of the scheme, and helped to coordinate the activities of the conspiracy’s drivers. In addition to imposing the 39 month prison sentence, the judge also ordered Speed to pay restitution of $456,882.37 to the victims of the stolen property ring for the specific losses that could be identified.
Eight of the fifteen defendants in the case were sentenced to prison. On May 4, 2017, Parmeley received a total sentence of 14 years in prison. Parmeley was sentenced to 140 months for his role in organizing and leading the stolen property conspiracy. Parmeley received an additional 28 months for a bank fraud he committed in Alabama. On June 7, 2016, James D. Litchfield, 59, owner of Big Jim’s Autorama in Madison, IL, was sentenced to 3 years in prison, and his brother, Ryan P. Litchfield, 37, of O’Fallon, MO, was sentenced to 1 year in prison. Both of the brothers admitted to receiving large quantities of the stolen property. On October 4, 2016, Shannan M. Flora, 42, of O’Fallon, MO, and Rigoberto Gutierrez, 28, of Compton, CA, were both sentenced to 15 months in prison. Flora performed a wide variety of tasks for the conspiracy, including arranging sales of stolen goods. Gutierrez coordinated shipments of stolen goods in California. On October 12, 2016, Russell J. Witt, 34, of Mount Clemens, MI, was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Witt worked as a driver for the conspiracy for over a year. On December 13, 2016, Sean A. Shields, 48, of Ozark, MO, was also sentenced to 12 months in prison. Shields owned a store in Ozark, MO, and purchased large quantities of the stolen merchandise.
Seven other defendants in the stolen property case were sentenced to terms of probation. They are: Steven J. Belcher, 45, of St. Charles, MO; Nicholas A. Brockman, 20, of Wentzville, MO; Benedict G. Pellerito, 56, of Troy, MO; Bryce E. Atkinson, 22, of Lake Saint Louis, MO; Alice J. Hembree, 44, of Moscow Mills, MO; Tony G. Robertson, 45, of O’Fallon, MO; and Jessie S. Urias, 38, of Compton, CA. Belcher, Brockman, Pellerito, Atkinson, Robertson, and Urias all worked as drivers for the conspiracy. Hembree performed administrative and bookkeeping functions for the fraud ring.
The investigation of the stolen property ring was conducted by agents from the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The FBI received substantial assistance from many state and local police departments in numerous jurisdictions, including the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force and the California Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Cocaine and Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Tyrone D. Heard, 41, of Belleville, Illinois was sentenced to 151 months of imprisonment on June 19, 2017 for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin.
At his change of plea hearing on January 31, 2017, Heard admitted that he had possessed cocaine and heroin at an O’Fallon, Illinois motel on February 28, 2016, and that he intended to sell 16 grams of black tar heroin and 55 grams of cocaine.
The investigation which resulted in Heard’s arrest and sentence was conducted by the O’Fallon Illinois Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Houston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Following $1.2 Million Dollar Cash SeizureRead the Press Release
A drug trafficker was sentenced to over 12 years in prison in federal court on Friday, June 16, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced the sentence for the Southern District of Illinois. Defendant Rodney Bernoid Smith, 43, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 147 months in prison, five years of supervised release, a $700 fine, and a $100 special assessment. Smith’s sentence came after the Court determined that he was involved in distributing approximately 120 kilograms of cocaine from Texas into the Midwest.
Smith was charged in an indictment on February 18, 2016, alleging that he and seven co-defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine into the Southern District of Illinois. In addition to the drug crimes, the indictment sought forfeiture of $1,212,934 in U.S. currency seized on December 2 and 3, 2015, along with jewelry appraised at $72,000.
Court records established that Smith and seven co-defendants conspired to traffic cocaine in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Evidence showed that in November 2015, Smith and others traveled to the St. Louis area to deliver cocaine and transport cash. Part of this shipment included instructions to meet with a co-defendant to supply him with three kilograms of cocaine destined for O’Fallon, Illinois. On December 2, 2015, several individuals met in the parking lot at the Galleria Mall in St. Louis, Missouri, and delivered three kilograms of cocaine. Those kilograms were sold on a "front," or consignment-type arrangement, where the buyer was not required to make payment at the time of delivery. The recipient took the three kilograms back to O’Fallon where two of the kilograms were promptly redistributed to St. Louis and East St. Louis.
The next day, December 3, one of the buyers contacted the supplier to complain that the third kilogram was of poor quality. The buyers asked to exchange it for a replacement kilogram. The parties agreed to meet again at the Galleria Mall in St. Louis to obtain the replacement kilogram. Police interrupted the planned exchange in the parking lot and arrested each of the participants who were present. Police recovered a drug log that referenced customer and payment records for 19 kilograms of cocaine that sold for $32,500 per kilogram. A search of the vehicles revealed the replacement kilogram along with a number of hotel room key cards and rental car keys. Agents traced the keys to a hotel in St. Louis and ultimately discovered a black suitcase containing $508,330 in U.S. currency, two more kilograms of cocaine, and a small black stolen .38 caliber revolver. In the parking garage of the hotel, agents found the rental cars driven by the defendants, which contained $339,380 and $319,920 in cash hidden in the spare tires.
Smith is the second of the eight defendants in this case to be sentenced. Co-defendant Sammy Monroe was sentenced last week to 168 months in prison. The other six co-defendants in this case, Astin Allison, Nahum Shibeshi, Terrance Miles, Victor Johnson, Jamie Green, and Dan E. Bell, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
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. The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and Assistant United States Attorney Derek Wiseman.
Glen Carbon Man Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced for Defrauding Victims from Prior ConvictionRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Kenneth J. Lee, 54, of Glen Carbon in Madison County, Illinois, was sentenced on June 9, 2017 based upon his May 3, 2016, plea of guilty to a six-count information charging conspiracy to defraud, criminal contempt of court, mail fraud, making false statements and aggravated identity theft. The Court sentenced Lee to a term of imprisonment of 42 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered Lee to pay approximately $525,000 in restitution to victims of his fraud schemes.
In January of 2006, Lee pled guilty in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to charges that he had committed mail fraud and failed to file taxes. Lee was sentenced to prison, ordered to pay over $580,000 in restitution to his "Ponzi" scheme victims, and serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. After his release from prison, he began serving his period of supervision in the Southern District of Illinois. While serving the term of supervised release Lee violated the 2006 order to repay his victims by failing to report to United States Probation and the United States Attorney’s Financial Litigation Unit, income and assets, that should have been used for restitution.
At his plea, Lee admitted that beginning in April of 2006 and continuing until July of 2015, Lee along with others agreed to utilize various entities, names, and ruses to conceal and disguise business dealings and assets. The defendant utilized assets generated by his various business and financial dealings to pay personal expenses while concealing those assets from the legitimate efforts of the government to obtain restitution for the defendant’s prior victims. During this time, Lee made false statements, created false documents, failed to comply with the order of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and, on at least one false document, used the name of a prior victim without permission, therein committing aggravated identity theft.
United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce complemented both investigative efforts by federal law enforcement as well as the supervision efforts of United States Probation. "The victims of this defendant have waited over 10 years for their savings to be paid back by a man who has worked tirelessly to continue his deception and fraud against his victims and the government’s efforts to get their money back. This prosecution is a sign that the victims, regardless of how much time has passed, are not forgotten, and that the men and women who investigate, and prosecute these cases will continue to work tirelessly to seek justice for them."
"Those who engage in this type of fraud should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable," said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On June 7, 2017, Julian V. Rodriguez, 21, of Johnston City, pled guilty to methamphetamine offenses, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
At the plea hearing, Rodriguez pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea hearing established Rodriguez was involved with others in the distribution of ice and marihuana. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. The offenses occurred between December 2016 and January 23, 2017, in Williamson County. During his plea, Rodriguez admitted he was responsible for the distribution of more than 500 grams of ice and 540 pounds of marihuana. The offenses carry 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 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 June 6, 2017, a Williamson County man was indicted for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Shaundale E. Johnson, a/k/a "Shug," 36, of Marion, was charged in a two-count indictment charging distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred on March 17, 2017, and March 20, 2017, in Williamson County. Johnson made his initial appearance in federal court on June 7, 2017. At his June 9, 2017, detention hearing, he was ordered held without bond pending an August 14, 2017, jury trial.
The methamphetamine offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 30 years of imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 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 Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Williamson County Man Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On June 6, 2017, a Williamson County man was indicted for a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Rex A. Hopper, 43, of Creal Springs, was charged in a one-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred on January 2016 and May 31, 2017, in Williamson and Franklin Counties. Hopper made his initial appearance in federal court on June 9, 2017. He was ordered held without bond pending a June 12, 2017, detention hearing.
The methamphetamine offenses carry a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 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 Drug Task Force, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson and Franklin County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
Jackson County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On June 8, 2017, Marshall D. Rosenberger, 36, of Carbondale, was sentenced to federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Rosenberger, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was fined $350.00. The indictment alleged the offense occurred between October 2015 and July 13, 2016, in Jackson and Williamson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established Rosenberger was involved with Lucas Holland and other persons in the manufacture of methamphetamine and distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found Rosenberger was responsible for the possession or distribution of 42.53 grams of ice, 312 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, and 2.88 grams of pseudoephedrine. Lucas Holland was previously sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment for his role in the ice conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Carbondale Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Houston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Following $1.2 Million Dollar Cash SeizureRead the Press Release
A drug trafficker was sentenced to 14 years in prison in federal court on Friday, June 9, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced the sentence for the Southern District of Illinois. Defendant Samuel Dewayne Monroe, 39, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, five years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment, a $600 fine, and a $100 special assessment. Monroe’s sentence came after the Court determined that he was involved in distributing approximately 120 kilograms of cocaine from Texas into the Midwest.
Monroe was charged in an Indictment on February 18, 2016, alleging that he and seven co-defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine into the Southern District of Illinois. In addition to the drug crimes, the indictment sought forfeiture of $1,212,934 in U.S. currency seized on December 2 and 3, 2015, along with jewelry appraised at $72,000.
Court records established thatMonroe and seven co-defendants conspired to traffic cocaine in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Evidence showed that in November 2015, Monroe and others traveled to the St. Louis area to deliver cocaine and transport cash. Part of this shipment included instructions to meet with a co-defendant to supply him with three kilograms of cocaine destined for O’Fallon, Illinois. On December 2, 2015, several individuals met in the parking lot at the Galleria Mall in St. Louis, Missouri, and delivered three kilograms of cocaine. Those kilograms were sold on a "front," or consignment-type arrangement, where the buyer was not required to make payment at the time of delivery. The recipient took the three kilograms back to O’Fallon where two of the kilograms were promptly redistributed to St. Louis and East St. Louis.
On the next day, December 3, 2015, one of the buyers contacted the supplier to complain that the third kilogram was of poor quality. The buyers asked to exchange it for a replacement kilogram. The parties agreed to meet again at the Galleria Mall in St. Louis to obtain the replacement kilogram. Police interrupted the planned exchange in the parking lot and arrested each of the participants who were present. Police recovered a drug log that referenced customer and payment records for 19 kilograms of cocaine that sold for $32,500 per kilo. A search of the vehicles revealed the replacement kilogram along with a number of hotel room key cards and rental car keys. Agents traced the keys to a hotel in St. Louis and ultimately discovered a black suitcase containing $508,330 in U.S. Currency; two more kilograms of cocaine; and a small black stolen .38 caliber revolver. In the parking garage of the hotel, agents found the rental cars driven by the defendants, which contained $339,380 and $319,920 in cash hidden in the spare tires.
Monroe is the first of eight defendants in this case to be sentenced. The seven co-defendants in this case, Astin Allison, Nahum Shibeshi, Terrance Miles, Victor Johnson, Jamie Green, Rodney Smith and Dan E. Bell, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
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. The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Randolph County Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted a Randolph County man for a methamphetamine offense. The indictment was announced today by Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Jason M. Stoker, 34, of Chester, was charged in a one-count indictment for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between June 2016 and October 31, 2016, in Randolph County.
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 methamphetamine 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 investigation in this case was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Chester Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Marshals Service. The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Adam E. Hanna and Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Harrisburg Woman Sentenced for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Rietta M. Miller, 52, of Harrisburg, IL, was sentenced in federal court in Benton, Illinois, on her federal bankruptcy fraud conviction, United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced. The court ordered Miller to serve three years of probation, with the first six months of that time being spent under home confinement. The court also ordered Miller to pay a $100 fine and an additional $100 Special Assessment. Charges were filed against Miller on January 30, 2017, as part of the U.S. Attorney’s effort to crackdown on those who commit fraud in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
Miller was charged with concealing assets in her bankruptcy case. When she pled guilty to that charge on February 16, 2017, Miller admitted that she concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $47,736.12 worker’s compensation settlement she received approximately one month before she filed bankruptcy. Miller acknowledged that she attempted to conceal this money from the Bankruptcy Court by moving the funds in and out of her bank accounts. Miller also admitted that she lied on the bankruptcy petition and schedules she filed with the Bankruptcy Court, and again when she was asked questions under oath at a Meeting of Creditors held in her bankruptcy case. Miller’s chapter 7 bankruptcy case was filed and litigated in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Benton, Illinois.
"Concealment of assets in a Bankruptcy case is a serious crime," Mr. Boyce explained. "In essence, these criminals attempt to use the federal court system to defraud their creditors. Our office will continue to prosecute those who engage in this type of conduct."
"Together with U.S. Attorney Boyce and our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue fraud and abuse in bankruptcy cases," stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Southern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Indiana (Region 10). The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, IN, and Peoria, IL.
The charges resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee and the investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") with assistance from members of the Southern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Mt. Vernon, IL Man Sentenced on Gun and Drug Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Larry D. Mays, 63, of Mt. Vernon, IL, was recently sentenced to federal prison on gun and drug related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On May 25, 2017, Mays was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment and three years’ supervised release following his imprisonment. Mays had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that on June 28, 2016, in Jefferson County, Mays was a convicted felon in possession of three separate firearms, in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Count 2 charged that on June 28, 2016, in Jefferson County, Mays knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute marihuana in violation of federal law. Count 3 charged that on June 28, 2016, in Jefferson County, Mays knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
Lawrenceville, Illinois Man and Arizona Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Kelly W. Cessna, 47, of Bridgeport, IL, and Lorenzo M. Molina, 50, of Phoenix, Arizona, were 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 23, 2017, Cessna was sentenced to 200 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. On May 25, 2017, Molina was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release. Both Cessna and Molina had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from November 2015, until June 18, 2016, in Crawford, Lawrence, and Richland Counties, within the Southern District of Illinois, and elsewhere, Cessna, Molina, and Kedly G. Newlin, 57, of Lawrenceville, IL, and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was fifty grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice).
Count 3 charged that in mid to late May 2016, in Richland County, within the Southern District of Illinois, Molina knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. Count 4 charged that on June 9, 2016, in Lawrence County, within the Southern District of Illinois, Cessna knowingly and intentionally possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
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Co-defendant Newlin was previously sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Robinson, Illinois Police Department, the Bridgeport, Illinois Police Department, the Lawrenceville County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry by A FelonRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Lamberto Torres-Garcia, 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on May 25, 2017, for illegal re-entry into the United States by a convicted felon.
At his change of plea hearing in January, Torres-Garcia admitted that he re-entered the United States from Mexico unlawfully in 2015. Torres-Garcia also acknowledged that he had been previously convicted of burglary, felony theft, and felony illegal re-entry after deportation. Torres-Garcia was deported to Mexico twice in 2012. Torres-Garcia has been continuously confined since his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Granite City in November, 2016.
The investigation which resulted in Torres-Garcia’s arrest and conviction was conducted by ICE agents. ICE is a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Jury Rejects “South Park” Terror Convict’s First Amendment ClaimsRead the Press Release
After deliberating for fifty-five minutes on May 24, 2017, six jurors in Benton, Illinois, unanimously rejected a First Amendment lawsuit brought by Zachary Chesser. Chesser’s lawsuit claimed that his former unit manager and case manager from the United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, unlawfully retaliated against him for drafting an e-mail while he was incarcerated there in 2012. United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce of the Southern District of Illinois announced the verdict today.
Chesser appeared at the trial by video from the administrative maximum-security penitentiary in Florence, Colorado. He is currently serving a 25-year sentence for communicating threats against the writers of television show South Park, as well as soliciting violent jihadists to desensitize law enforcement, and attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s office is responsible for defending federal officials who face civil lawsuits arising out of the course and scope of their official duties.
The trial was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Hanna and Senior Attorney Katherine Siereveld of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Cairo Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Double Murder During an Attempted Robbery of Cairo BankRead the Press Release
James Nathaniel Watts, 32, of Cairo, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to life in prison without the possibility of release plus a 10 year consecutive term of imprisonment announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Watts pled guilty in March of this year to a two count indictment charging him with an attempted robbery of the First National Bank in Cairo in May 2014 during which two bank employees were murdered by Watts and a third employee was grievously injured. Watts also pled guilty to being a felon in passion of a firearm in relation to the .380 caliber handgun he carried with him during the attempted robbery.
Evidence introduced in support of the guilty pleas and sentence established that on May 15, 2014, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Watts approached bank employees Anita Grace, Nita Smith, and Kaeley Price as they left the bank after closing. Watts covered his face with a folded white pillowcase and armed himself with a handgun and a hunting knife. Watts forced the three employees back into the bank at gunpoint. Once inside, he bound each of the employees’ hands with zip ties as he attempted to gain entry to the vault. The employees were unable to open the vault because it was equipped with a time lock that could not be opened until the next morning. Watts then then forced the three employees into the bank’s break room where he killed Ms. Grace and Ms. Smith and attempted to kill Ms. Price. Ms. Smith died at the bank. Ms. Grace died from injuries inflicted by Watts shortly after being transported to the hospital. While Watts believed he had also killed Ms. Price, she survived and, despite being critically injured, was able to call 911 after Watts fled the bank. Police captured Watts following a high-speed chase and manhunt. Authorities found him hiding in the structure of a railroad trestle bridge in Cairo that spans the Ohio River between Illinois and Kentucky. He was taken into custody after a two-hour standoff with federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.
The surviving victim and family members of the deceased victims were given the opportunity to address the Court and Watts before sentence was pronounced. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Watts was ordered to pay to the United States fines and special assessments totaling $1200.
Watts has been held without bond since his arrest in May 2014 and was again remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal after the sentencing hearing to await designation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to one of its facilities.
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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys George Norwood and James M. Cutchin, and Department of Justice Capital Case Section Trial Attorney Jeffrey Zick.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Michael Davis, 32, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 8 years of imprisonment in the United States District Court, Benton, for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The Court also ordered Davis to pay a $100 special assessment and to serve a term of three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Davis has been in custody since his arrest on August 17, 2016.
Court documents establish that, on August 17, 2016, Fairview Heights police received a report of shots fired at a residence within Fairview Heights city limits. Officers responded to the residence, and upon their arrival, spoke to a neighbor who stated he had heard several shots. As officers approached the residence at issue, they heard the sound of a weapon being "racked." Officers then heard three rapid shots coming from the rear of the residence. Three individuals, including Davis, were present at the residence and taken into custody by Fairview Heights police. Later, officers recovered a cellular telephone video that depicts Davis firing an LAR-15 semiautomatic rifle three times in the back yard of the residence at issue. Information from the video establishes someone took the video on the same date and at the same time as officers’ response to the residence. Court documents further establish that, prior to August 17, 2016, Davis was convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than one year.
The Fairview Heights Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Biersbach prosecuted this case.
Williamson County Resident Charged with Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On May 2, 2017, a Williamson County resident was indicted for methamphetamine related offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Erin K. Wright, a/k/a "Erin Shannon," "Erin Tennyson," and "Erin Atchison," 47, of Creal Springs, was charged in a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offenses occurred between September 2012 and April 2015, in Franklin, Williamson, and Jackson Counties. Wright appeared in May 5, 2017. At her May 9, 2017, detention hearing, she was ordered held without bond pending a July 10, 2017, jury trial.
The methamphetamine offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 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 Drug Task Force and Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Seven Charged in International "Tech Support Scam"Read the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that federal fraud charges were recently filed against seven Florida men for participating in an international "Tech Support Scam." In a Tech Support Scam, the scammer attempts to convince the victim that he or she has a serious computer problem, and then tries to sell the victim unnecessary products and services.
The federal charges allege that all seven men worked at a business in Boynton Beach, FL, known as Client Care Experts, LLC ("Client Care"). Client Care was formerly known as First Choice Tech Support, LLC ("First Choice"), and was formerly located in Pompano Beach, FL. According to the indictments, the conspiracy and scheme to defraud operated from approximately November 12, 2013, through at least June 29, 2016. During this period, Client Care/First Choice victimized over 40,000 people and defrauded these individuals out of more than $25,000,000. The victims were located in all fifty of the United 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 fifty-seven 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.
According to the indictments, Client Care/First Choice purchased pop-up advertisements, which appeared without warning on the victims’ 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 informed them to call a toll-free number. When the victims called the numbers shown on their screens, they were connected to Client Care/First Choice salespersons.
The indictments further allege that the salespersons convinced the victims to allow them to have remote access to their computers. Once they 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. In addition, the salespersons also ran a system analyzer program on the victims’ computers. However, regardless of what this system analyzer showed, the salespersons allegedly still tried to convince the customers that their computers had serious problems. According to the indictment, the salespersons concealed from the victims: (1) that they could make the pop-ups go away by unplugging or rebooting their computers; and (2) that Client Care/First Choice paid for the pop-up ads which had frozen their computer browsers.
According to the indictments, the salespersons usually charged the victims $250 for a computer system "tune up," and then also sold them an anti-virus protection software for $400. The salespersons worked on commission.
The seven men who have been charged are: Joseph Ralph Aievoli, IV, 25, of Boynton Beach, FL; Andrew Douglas Broad, 26, of Boynton Beach, FL; Ryan Stocker Carr, 23, of Boynton Beach, FL; Joshua Dennis Cortez, 37, of Lake Worth, FL; Nicholas James Davidson, 25, of Boynton Beach, FL; Patrick M. Dougherty, 35, of Boynton Beach, FL; and Anthony Vincent Ludena, 29, of Boca Raton, FL.
Each of the defendants is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 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 is 30 years of imprisonment. The defendants can also be ordered to serve up to 5 years of supervised release after any term of imprisonment, can be fined up to $250,000, and can be ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
Carr and Broad have already pled guilty. Their sentencing hearings are set for July 21, 2017, and August 24, 2017, respectively. Aievoli, Davidson, Dougherty, and Ludena all entered pleas of not guilty at their arraignment hearings. Aieveoli’s trial date has been set for July 10, 2017. Trial dates for Davidson, Dougherty, and Ludena will be set in the near future. Cortez is scheduled for an Initial Appearance and Arraignment hearing on June 12, 2017.
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 and Ranley R. Killian.
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/First Choice for the purpose of ending the fraudulent activities at that business.
Today’s announcement is issued in conjunction the Federal Trade Commission’s "Operation Tech Trap." Operation Tech Trap is a nationwide and international crackdown on 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-partners-announce-major-crackdown.
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.
O'Fallon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Hamza L. Nijmeh, 32, of O’Fallon, IL, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge David R. Herndon to 12 years imprisonment for one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. The sentences will run concurrently with each other. Judge Herndon also sentenced Nijmeh to ten years of supervised release to follow the imprisonment and $6,500 in restitution to three identified victims of the child pornography images.
According to court documents, in August 2015, law enforcement officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a New Mexico suspect who was trading child pornography online. An investigation by New Mexico authorities revealed that the suspect was trading child pornography with approximately 50 other individuals across the United States via group chats in a cellular phone messaging app.
A subsequent investigation by agents with the Fairview Heights division of the FBI identified one of those 50 individuals as Nijmeh. The FBI investigation revealed that on August 14, 2015, Nijmeh received an image of child pornography and on August 15, Nijmeh distributed an image of child pornography. Both the distribution and receipt were conducted from Nijmeh’s cell phone. A forensic search of Nijmeh’s phone found 483 image files and 281 videos containing child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 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 FBI’s Fairview Heights division and prosecuted by
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Four Southern Illinois Residents Charged with Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On May 2, 2017, four southern Illinois residents were charged with a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Starlet J. Howie, a/k/a "Star Oettle," and "Star Miller," 47, of Cutler, Mandy L. Hagen, 29, of Lenzburg, Jeremy S. Copple, 31, of St. Libory, and Daniel M. Dortch, 26, of Chester, were charged in a one-count second superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2015 and April 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties. On May 8, 2017, Howie and Hagen made their initial appearances in federal court. They were ordered held without bond pending a May 15, 2017, detention hearing. Copple and Dortch are scheduled to make their initial appearances in federal court on May 15, 2017.
The methamphetamine 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.
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 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.
Developer Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud in Connection with Carbondale Apartment ComplexRead the Press Release
Yesterday afternoon, Christopher E. Creek, 56, of Champaign, IL, pled guilty to a charge of bank fraud in federal court in Benton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The charge arose from Creek’s participation as a developer for the construction of an apartment complex in Carbondale, IL, known as the Pointe at SIU.
In pleading guilty yesterday, Creek admitted that he submitted fraudulent requests for draws of construction loan funds to the banks that financed the project. Specifically, Creek admitted that he submitted documents to the banks that falsely stated that the framing for the project had been provided by a company called "Southern Framing," and that the foundation work had been done by a company called "Solid as a Rock." Both Southern Framing and Solid as a Rock were fictitious entities that Creek created. Creek deposited the checks that were payable to Southern Framing and Solid as a Rock into bank accounts that he controlled. He then used those funds for his own purposes, including paying subcontractors and materials suppliers from prior jobs to whom he still owed money.
Creek’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the federal courthouse in Benton, Illinois. The crime of bank fraud is punishable by up to 30 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, not more than five years of supervised release, and
restitution.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Marion, Illinois, Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
O'Fallon Missouri Man Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Prison for Running Large Stolen Property Fraud Ring and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that yesterday, in federal court in Benton, Illinois, Jason J. Parmeley, 43, formerly of O’Fallon, MO, was sentenced to fourteen years in federal prison for crimes arising from a large stolen property fraud ring and a separate bank fraud. The stolen property ring operated in the Metro East and numerous other locations.
At his plea hearing on December 6, 2016, Parmeley admitted that he was the leader and organizer of a stolen property ring that victimized numerous retailers and equipment rental stores throughout the United States. Specifically, Parmeley admitted that he used the internet to obtain credit account numbers that individuals and businesses had with retail stores, such as Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, and rental stores, such as SunBelt Rentals. Using this information, Parmeley placed orders with the stores in the names, and under the credit accounts, of the individuals and businesses. The items Parmeley ordered frequently consisted of appliances, computers, expensive tools, and construction equipment. Parmeley further admitted that, after he placed the orders, he dispatched drivers to go to the stores and pick up the items. The items were then sold at prices
substantially below retail. The profits were wire transferred to Parmeley in Mexico. The losses caused by this stolen property ring exceeded $4,000,000.
Parmeley lived in Mexico and controlled the fraud ring from that country. In late August of 2015, Mexican Immigration Authorities deported Parmeley from Mexico. Parmeley has been held in federal custody since that time.
Parmeley also pled guilty to a second federal criminal indictment on December 6, 2016. The charges in that case were brought by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama. In that case, Parmeley was charged with defrauding Regions Bank by electronically re-depositing checks that he had previously deposited, and then withdrawing funds from those re-deposited checks. Parmeley engaged in this fraudulent scheme from November 20, 2009, through September 20, 2010. As a result of this fraud, Regions Bank sustained a loss of $174,451.80. Although the charges in the second indictment originated in Alabama, Parmeley’s guilty plea was made to the Court here in the Southern District of Illinois.
At the sentencing hearing yesterday, United States District Judge Staci M. Yandle sentenced Parmeley to serve 140 months in prison on the convictions arising from the stolen property ring. Judge Yandle then ordered that Parmeley will serve a consecutive sentence of 28 months on his bank fraud conviction. The judge also ordered Parmeley to pay restitution of $456,882.37 to the victims of the stolen property ring for the specific losses that could be identified. She further directed Parmeley to pay $174,451.80 in restitution to Regions Bank.
To date, six defendants have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the stolen property conspiracy. On June 7, 2016, James D. Litchfield, 59, owner of Big Jim’s Autorama in Madison, IL, was sentenced to 3 years in prison, and his brother, Ryan P. Litchfield, 37, of O’Fallon, MO, was sentenced to 1 year in prison. Both of the brothers admitted to receiving large quantities of
the stolen property. On October 4, 2016, Shannan M. Flora, 42, of O’Fallon, MO, and Rigoberto Gutierrez, 28, of Compton, CA, were both sentenced to 15 months in prison. Flora performed a wide variety of tasks for the conspiracy, including arranging sales of stolen goods. Gutierrez coordinated shipments of stolen goods in California. On October 12, 2016, Russell J. Witt, 34, of Mount Clemens, MI, was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Witt worked as a driver for the conspiracy for over a year. On December 13, 2016, Sean A. Shields, 48, of Ozark, MO, was also sentenced to 12 months in prison. Shields owned a store in Ozark, MO, and purchased large quantities of the stolen merchandise.
Six other defendants in the stolen property case were sentenced to terms of probation. They are: Nicholas A. Brockman, 20, of Wentzville, MO; Benedict G. Pellerito, 56, of Troy, MO; Bryce E. Atkinson, 22, of Lake Saint Louis, MO; Alice J. Hembree, 44, of Moscow Mills, MO; Tony G. Robertson, 45, of O’Fallon, MO; and Jessie S. Urias, 38, of Compton, CA. Brockman, Pellerito, Atkinson, Robertson, and Urias all worked as drivers for the conspiracy. Hembree performed administrative and bookkeeping functions for the fraud ring.
The two remaining defendants will be sentenced on the following dates: (1) June 6, 2017 – Steven J. Belcher, 45, of St. Charles, MO; and (2) June 22, 2017 – Angel Speed, 26.
The investigation of the stolen property ring is being conducted by agents from the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The FBI has received substantial assistance from many state and local police departments in numerous jurisdictions, including the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force and the California Highway Patrol. The investigation of the bank fraud scheme involving Regions Bank was conducted by the FBI in Alabama. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Godfrey Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Jeremy Foster, 32, of Godfrey, Illinois, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Staci M. Yandle to 60 months imprisonment for one count of receipt of child pornography. Judge Yandle also sentenced Foster to five years of supervised release to follow the imprisonment, a fine of $3,000 and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on October 9, 2014, the Federal Police of Switzerland seized a server in Zurich, Switzerland that was running a child pornography website. Swiss authorities identified over 800 Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in the United States that had downloaded child pornography from this server. One of these IP addresses was registered to Foster’s Godfrey address. Agents from the St. Louis division of Homeland Security conducted the local investigation. Foster’s laptop was seized and a forensic search revealed that on October 4, 2015, Foster downloaded multiple videos containing child pornography. These videos constituted child pornography as defined at 18 U.S.C. § 2256(8). Homeland Security Investigations agents interviewed Foster and he confessed to downloading and viewing videos containing child pornography.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 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 Homeland Security Investigations St. Louis division and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Willianson County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 26, 2017, Otis R. Elion, 48, of Marion, was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Elion, who had previously pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging distribution of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 167 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $600.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, on October 17 and 18, 2016, Elion sold methamphetamine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. The offenses occurred in Williamson County.
At the time that he committed the offenses, Elion had 17 prior felony drug convictions and was on supervised release for a 2007 federal drug conviction. At the sentencing hearing, the district judge revoked Elion’s term of supervised release on the prior federal case and imposed an additional 33 month sentence, for a total of term of imprisonment of 200 months.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Marion Police Department Emergency Response Team, Illinois State Police, and Williamson County States Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
Three Men Plead Guilty to Armed Robberies of Cahokia Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Leslie Woods, 22, Derek Marshall, 24, and Terrell McGee, 26, have pled guilty in the U.S. District Court to two armed robberies and shootings that occurred in Cahokia, Illinois in 2010, United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced today. Woods, Marshall and McGee were charged by a federal grand jury in 2015 with two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery ("Hobbs Act robbery"), two counts of interference with commerce by robbery ("Hobbs Act robbery"), and two counts of use and carry of a firearm during a crime of violence for their involvement in the June 17, 2010 robbery and shooting that occurred at the Best Stop convenience store in Cahokia, Illinois and the July 8, 2010 robbery and shooting that occurred at D&D’s MiniMart, also located in Cahokia, Illinois.
Documents filed in the U.S. District Court establish that on June 17, 2010, Woods, Marshall, McGee and James Smith robbed the Best Stop convenience store partially masked and armed with a rifle and two handguns, one of which was a .40 caliber pistol that had been stolen during a burglary of a St. Louis gun store earlier in June. Woods, acting as the getaway driver, drove Marshall, McGee and Smith to the store in a silver Altima that had been stolen during a carjacking in South St. Louis the day before. Woods waited in the car while Marshall, McGee and Smith went into the store, ordered a customer to the ground, pointed a gun to the owner’s head and
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took over $11,000 from the cash register. As they fled the store, Marshall shot the customer laying on the floor with a .40 caliber pistol and then fired four shots toward a woman sitting in her car parked outside the business. The entire robbery was captured on the store video surveillance.
Five hours after the robbery, the stolen Altima was recovered in St. Louis County. Two fingerprints were recovered from the door of the gas tank, which were determined to be a match to Leslie Woods. Approximately a week and a half later, Marshall was found in possession of a .40 caliber handgun during a traffic stop in Brooklyn, Illinois. Testing by the Illinois State Police forensic lab revealed that the gun recovered from Marshall was a match to the .40 caliber fired cartridges recovered by a crime scene investigator from the shooting at Best Stop.
Three weeks later, on July 8, 2010, Woods, Marshall, McGee, Smith and Reshon Farmer robbed D&D’s Minimart partially masked and armed with two rifles and two handguns. Farmer drove Woods,Marshall,McGee and Smith to the store in a white minivan they had stolen in North St. Louis earlier that day. Farmer waited in the van while Woods, Marshall, McGee and Smith went into the store and pointed their guns at the two employees behind the counter. Woods, Marshall and Smith went behind the counter and demanded the money from the register. While the male clerk was trying to open the register, Woods continually pushed the barrel of the rifle against his back until he grabbed the barrel and turned around. At that time, Woods shot the clerk with the rifle, causing him to fall on top of the female clerk who was lying on the ground. Woods then fired two more shots at the male clerk, resulting in severe injuries to his arm, hand and chest. They took the cash register and a .40 caliber handgun that belonged to the store owner. The entire robbery was captured on the store video surveillance.
Several police officers from North St. Louis who knew Woods, Marshall, Smith and Farmer viewed the video surveillance of D&D’s MiniMart robbery and identified Marshall, Woods and Smith as three of the gunmen. They also identified Farmer as the getaway driver. During an
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interview with law enforcement officers, Smith and Farmer confessed to their involvement in the D&D’s MiniMart robbery and identified Marshall, Woods and McGee as the three other gunmen.
In 2015, McGee was arrested and interviewed about his involvement in the two robberies. McGee admitted that he was one of the three gunmen in the Best Stop robbery. He also admitted that he was one of the four gunmen in the D&D’s MiniMart robbery.
Woods, Marshall and McGee all face a term of up to 20 years in prison on each violation of the Hobbs Act. They also face a minimum term in prison of 10 years up to a maximum of life for the conviction on carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence for the armed robbery of the Best Stop, which must be served consecutive to, meaning in addition to, any term of imprisonment imposed on the Hobbs Act violations. Additionally, for their conviction for a second offense of carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence for the armed robbery of D&D’s MiniMart, all three men face a minimum term in prison of 25 years up to a maximum of life, consecutive to the term of imprisonment imposed on the other five counts of conviction. In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, Woods, Marshall and McGee can be fined up to $250,000 on each count and sentenced to a term of supervised release of up to five years. Smith and Farmer were prosecuted for these offenses by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. Smith is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Cahokia Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ali Summers, Dan Kapsak and James Piper, Jr.
Mexican National Sentenced to 135 Months in Federal Prison for Coordinating over 20 Kilograms of Methamphetamine in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Ernesto Vizcarra-Aguilar, 58, a Mexican national, was sentenced today by United States Chief District Judge Michael J. Reagan to 135 months in federal prison for one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Vizcarra-Aguilar will be subject to five years of supervised release to follow the imprisonment, a $300 fine, and a $100 special assessment fee.
Facts revealed in open court at the sentencing revealed that Vizcarra coordinated the distribution of over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine to California, Colorado, Nevada, and Kansas from either October or November 2014 through March 2015. Vizcarra also provided cash to a courier on two occasions to cover travel expenses. At sentencing, Chief Judge Reagan commented that the offense involved a "staggering" amount of methamphetamine: anywhere from over 41,000 to over 207,000 individual doses depending on the dosage weight. Chief Judge Reagan indicated that the sentence punishes Vizcarra, reflects the seriousness of the offense, promotes respect for the law 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.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
A Chicago resident was sentenced to serve 85 months in prison for distribution of heroin and conspiracy to distribute heroin in the St. Louis metropolitan area, announced United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce for the Southern District of Illinois.
According to documents filed with the Court, Lacy Edward Snead, 53, was charged in a superseding indictment on December 16, 2015, along with two co-defendants: Alfred Reeves, Jr., 43, of O’Fallon, Ill., and Ciera McNeal, 29 of East St. Louis, Ill. Snead was charged with distributing heroin on March 5, 2013, and with participating in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute heroin over a three-year period of time.
Snead and Reeves, sold heroin to a confidential informant on March 5, 2013, and continued to be involved in heroin distribution thereafter. On June 18, 2015, Snead traveled from Chicago with Reeves and McNeil, transporting approximately 150 grams of heroin that was intended to be distributed in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Snead pleaded guilty in September of 2016. He was sentenced on Friday, April 21, 2017.
Both of Snead’s co-defendants, McNeil and Reeves, were sentenced in October of 2016. McNeil was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison, and Reeves was sentenced to serve 67 months in prison.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
St. Clair County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 19, 2017, Misty D. Calvert, 28, of Marissa, Illinois, was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine offenses, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Calvert, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging her with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 88 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $400.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Calvert was involved with co-defendant Ricky M. Carle and numerous other persons in the manufacture of methamphetamine and the distribution of ice and heroin in Williamson, Franklin, and Randolph Counties. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the District Court found that Calvert was responsible for the possession of 98.24 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of 10.62 grams of ice and 1.3 kilograms of heroin. Co-defendant Carle was previously sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment for his role in the drug offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Marissa Police Department.
Southern Illinois Man Indicted on Methamphetamine and Firearm Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Ryan A. Jacklin, 25, of Centralia, Illinois, was indicted on April 19, 2017, on methamphetamine and firearm related charges in a four count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count One charges that on September 12, 2016, in Richland County, Jacklin knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine possessed by the defendant was 50 grams or more. Count Two charges that on September 12, 2016, in Richland County, Jacklin knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute heroin. Count Three charges that on September 12, 2016, in Richland County, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Jacklin did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver. Count Four charges that from 2014, until on or about September 12, 2016, in Marion and Washington Counties, Jacklin conspired to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
With respect to Count One, Jacklin 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 Two, Jacklin faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years. With respect to Count Three, Jacklin faces five years to life imprisonment (which must run consecutive to any other count), up to $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. With respect to Count Four, Jacklin faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five 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, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
Richland County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Murphy, 36, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted on April 19, 2017, on methamphetamine related charges in a two count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count One of the indictment charges 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 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (ice), or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Count Two charges 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 grams or more of methamphetamine (ice), or 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
With respect to Count One, Murphy faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years. With respect to Count
2
Two, Murphy faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four 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.
Perry County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 19, 2017, Bradley M.D. Miller, 28, of Cutler, Illinois, was sentenced to federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Miller, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $300.00. The superseding indictment alleges that the methamphetamine offense occurred between 2014 and September 2016, in Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Miller was involved with co-defendant Taylor C. Robertson and numerous other persons in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the District Court found that Miller was responsible for the distribution of 1.4 kilograms of ice. Miller received an enhanced sentence because he used a juvenile to distribute some of the ice. Co-defendant Robertson was previously sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment for her role in the ice conspiracy. One co-defendant has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Three co-defendants have pled not guilty and are being held without bond pending a May 15, 2017, jury trial.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Illinois State Police, Sparta Police Department and Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Two Randolph County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On April 4, 2017, two Randolph County residents were charged with a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Rodney V. Howie, 47, of Tilden, and Jordan P. Leggans, 29, of Sparta, were charged in a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2015 and February 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties. On April 10, 2017, Howie and Leggans made their initial appearances in federal court. They were ordered held without bond pending an April 13, 2017, 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 proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The methamphetamine 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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, 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.
Southern Illinois Public Corruption Task Force Introduces New TiplineRead the Press Release
On Monday, April 10, 2017, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, and Brendan F. Kelly, State’s Attorney for St. Clair County, Illinois, announce the introduction of the Southern Illinois Public Corruption Task Force Tip Line: 618-589-7353. There will also be a billboard campaign in connection with the Tip Line.
Anyone with information concerning public corruption occurring within the 38 counties that make up the Southern District of Illinois is encouraged to call the Tip Line. Agents from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, and Illinois State Police will professionally and swiftly investigate any information provided. It is only by citizens alerting law enforcement to public corruption that law enforcement can continue to investigate and prosecute those officials who have betrayed their oaths and the public trust by choosing to make public service into self-service.
St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly said, "Over the past five years, we have greatly increased prosecution of public corruption. With trust in our public institutions at an all-time low, we must do everything we can to protect it from those who would violate it."
U.S. Attorney Boyce said, "Concerned citizens are the government’s biggest asset when it comes to exposing people who are abusing the public’s trust and misusing taxpayer money to line their own pockets. This initiative is designed to solicit the public’s help in identifying and targeting public corruption."
Randolph County Resident Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On April 4, 2017, a Randolph County man was charged with a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Brian A. Mudd, 59, of Ruma, was charged in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between June 2016 and December 8, 2017, in Randolph County. On April 10, 2017, Mudd made his initial appearance in federal court. He was ordered held without bond pending an April 13, 2017, 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 proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The methamphetamine 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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Chester Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County States 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.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Luis Fernando Enciso-Ulloa, 58, was sentenced Friday morning by United States Chief District Judge Michael J. Reagan to 18 months in federal prison for one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, three years of supervised release to follow the imprisonment, a $300 fine, and a $100 special assessment fee.
Facts revealed in open court at the sentencing and plea hearings revealed that Enciso-Ulloa packaged and shipped four packages of marijuana weighing 22 pounds each from Nogales, Arizona to Belleville, Illinois, and agreed to help find a buyer for approximately 13 pounds of marijuana in 2014 and 2015. Enciso-Ulloa was charged in February 2016 and pled guilty in January 2017. This was Enciso-Ulloa’s seventh drug conviction. In sentencing Enciso-Ulloa to 18 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, a $300 fine and a $100 special assessment fee, Chief Judge Reagan indicated that this sentence punishes Enciso-Ulloa, promotes respect for the law and serves to deter the public and Enciso-Ulloa from committing drug 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. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Two Federal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
D’Shawn Turner, 32, of East St. Louis, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment on federal firearm charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On December 21, 2016, Turner pled guilty to two criminal counts, namely being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Turner was sentenced to 60 months on each count to run concurrently. At his change of plea hearing in December, Turner admitted that he had possessed two firearms in Centreville, Illinois on March 19, 2016. Turner also admitted that he had a prior felony conviction, and that one of the firearms he possessed had an obliterated serial number. Turner has been continuously confined on the federal charges since his arrest on June 15, 2016.
The investigation which resulted in Turner’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Centreville Illinois Police Department and by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol and Firearms (BATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
On April 6, 2017, Leon S. Johnson, 41, of Herrin, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on November 4, 2016, in Williamson County. Evidence at his change of plea hearing established that, in October and November 2016, Johnson sold cocaine and crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. On November 4, 2016, agents executed search warrants at Johnson’s Herrin residence and at a Herrin storage locker rented by Johnson. During the searches, agents recovered over two kilogram of cocaine, four kilograms of marihuana, 40 grams of crack cocaine, and over $21,000.00. Johnson is being held without bond pending his July 13, 2017, sentencing date.
The cocaine 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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Herrin Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Office and Illinois National Guard also assisted in the investigation.
Southern Illinois and Missouri Residents Charged with Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 4, 2017, three southern Illinois and one Missouri resident were charged with a methamphetamine offense, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Garrick E.R. Recker, a/k/a "Curtis Lowe," 26, of Lenzburg, Paige M. Gleghorn, 26, of Sparta, Jeremy J. Humphries, 31, a/k/a "Hump," and "Slick," of Tilden, and Derek L. Sumpter, 29, a/k/a "Doucher," of Cape Girardeau, were charged in a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges the offense occurred between 2015 and February 2017, in Perry, Randolph, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties. On April 6, 2017, Gleghorn made her initial appearance in federal court. She was ordered held without bond pending a May 15, 2017, jury trial. Recker, Sumpter, and Humphries had previously appeared in federal court and were also ordered held without bond pending trial.
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 methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, 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.
Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Stephen A. Turner, 36, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 27 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Turner will also be subject to 15 years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment and will be required to register as a sex offender. The Court also ordered Turner to pay a $100 special assessment.
Turner had utilized the chat function within the Marvel "Contest of Champions" game application to befriend an 11-year-old minor. He continued to cultivate a relationship by texting her and ultimately induced her to photograph her genitals and send him the photographs. The minor’s mother discovered the text messages and illicit photographs and immediately reported the crime to police.
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 investigation was conducted by the Collier County, Florida Sheriff’s Office, the Wood River Police Department, and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura V. Reppert.
Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Randal L. Mamino, 49, of Collinsville, Illinois, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Mamino pled guilty to this offense on December 12, 2016.
Records filed in court established that in April 2016, Mamino removed a 12-gauge shotgun from his mother’s residence in Collinsville. This shotgun belonged to Mamino’s brother, who was storing it at their mother’s residence. After removing the shotgun, Mamino transported it to a pawnshop in Collinsville and sold it for approximately $90. When Mamino was later arrested, he admitted to knowingly taking the firearm from his mother’s residence and selling it to a pawn shop. Mamino further acknowledged that he was convicted of a felony offense prior to these actions and knew he was not permitted to possess a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Former Pontoon Beach Water District Supervisor Admits to Embezzlement and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Brian Buske, 44, of Alton, Illinois, entered a plea of guilty to an indictment charging wire fraud in a scheme to defraud the Pontoon Beach Water District, in Madison County, Illinois, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Buske faces a statutory maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release and mandatory restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2017. Buske was employed by the Pontoon Beach Water District from 2007 through June of 2016. In approximately May of 2014, Buske was promoted to the position of supervisor. As supervisor, Buske managed the daily operations of the company. Buske also handled the daily financial transactions of the company in that he issued checks to pay other companies for equipment or services rendered. In May of 2016, the Chairperson of the Pontoon Water District Board noticed that the District was a month behind in making the bank deposits. The missing deposits were not located within the safe. On May 27, 2016, Buske was confronted about the missing funds. Buske then retrieved four deposit summaries with the corresponding checks and cash from his truck. Four additional deposits were found to be missing. Buske admitted to taking the money and later returned with $5323 in cash, the amount of money corresponding to the records of the missing deposits. Further investigation revealed that records of the Pontoon
Beach Water District had been falsified to cover up personal expenses that Buske made on the District’s credit card. Check stubs were supposed to record the payment of legitimate District expenses, but some of the stubs falsified who the payee was to conceal personal expenses made by Buske that included the payment of an electric bill, insurance, cell phone bills and other personal expenses. The total misappropriated funds was in excess of $10,000.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Pontoon Beach Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the cooperation of the Pontoon Beach Water District. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Former Milstadt Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Illegal StructuringRead the Press Release
Dean Kreher, 51, of Milstadt, Illinois, was sentenced to two months in prison followed by three years supervised release as a result of his conviction for two counts of structuring financial transactions to avoid cash transaction reports, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Financial institutions are required by federal law to report cash transactions that exceed $10,000. It is illegal to structure financial transactions in smaller amounts with the purpose of causing a financial institution to fail to file a cash transaction report. Dean Kreher’s conviction is the result of structuring cash deposits into multiple financial transactions at multiple financial institutions totaling over $230,000.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.