Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Southern Illinois Residents Plead Guilty to Crack Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 9, 2016, three southern Illinois residents pled guilty to a crack cocaine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Keenon J. Farr, a/k/a "Keeno," 32, and Roderick L. McClain, a/k/a "Big Bama," 30, both of Carbondale, and Tommy T. Langston, a/k/a "G," 38, of Herrin, pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment, charging conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between October 2014 and July 2015, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearings established that Farr, McClain, and Langston were involved with each other and others in the distribution of crack cocaine. During the investigation, the three co-defendants sold crack cocaine to confidential sources working for law enforcement. Farr, McClain, and Langston are being held without bond pending June 2016 sentencing hearings.
Farr and Langston are facing penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment, to be followed by 8 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $8,000,000. McClain is facing a penalty of 5-40 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Carbondale Police Department. The Williamson and Jackson County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Monroe County Resident Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 17, 2016, Nicholas J. Perjak, 34, a Monroe County resident, pled guilty to a four-count Superseding Indictment charging him, in Count 1, with Attempt to Access with Intent to View Child Pornography; and, in Counts 2 through 4, with Access with Intent to View Child Pornography. Perjak’s sentencing date is June 3, 2016, in East St. Louis, Illinois. On Counts 1 through 4, Perjak faces a term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans’ Office in which IP addresses were captured when an individual, using a particular IP address, visited a website that contained links to child pornography and subsequently clicked on a link that indicated, through the description of the link, that the link would lead to child pornography. An administrative subpoena issued as part of the investigation determined that one of the captured IP addresses was registered to Perjak at his prior residence in Waterloo, Illinois. The investigation by the FBI’s New Orleans’ office revealed that Perjak attempted to access child pornography on this website on May 14, May 18, and June 25, 2011 (Count 1).
Based on this information, Task Force Officers with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, located in Fairview Heights, Illinois, conducted an interview at Perjak’s residence on December 13, 2012. Perjak provided a voluntary statement in which he identified a Dell laptop computer as the computer he primarily used for work and personal business. Perjak also admitted viewing child pornography for approximately two years, and indicated that he last viewed child pornography "in the last week." Perjak admitted being addicted to child pornography, and said that he had been addicted to it for the past three years. Perjak also admitted viewing child pornography of girls between ten and sixteen years of age. Perjak said that he never saved or stored any child pornography on his Dell laptop computer. After the interview ended, Perjak gave the officers written consent to seize his Dell laptop computer.
A forensic review of the Dell laptop computer revealed approximately 6,164 image files of child pornography. The forensic review also revealed that on November 11, November 24, and December 3, 2012, Perjak searched for and accessed both image and video files of child pornography using Internet Explorer (Counts 2-4). The forensic review also indicated that the image and/or video files of child pornography that had been accessed and viewed on these dates had been downloaded to the laptop computer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans’ Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Marion Prison Inmate Sentenced to an Additional 6 ½ Years for Seriously Assaulting Another Inmate with Two WeaponsRead the Press Release
William Fuller III, 40, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Marion, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to an additional term of 77 months in prison for possessing two weapons in that facility and using them to assault another inmate, announced James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The offenses were committed at USP-Marion on April 6, 2015. Fuller pled guilty to those charges on October 15th.
Evidence adduced in support of the guilty plea and sentence showed that Fuller attacked the victim from behind while the victim was sitting at a table wearing a pair of bulky headphones. As captured on the prison’s video surveillance system, Fuller pulled a sock filled with chunks of concrete out of his clothing and struck the victim on the left side of the head with it. The blow shattered the headphones the victim was wearing and resulted in a deep laceration to the side of his face that would have been much more serious but for the headphones absorbing the majority of the impact. Fuller then pulled a second weapon from his clothing, a metal combination lock tied to a lanyard, and chased the victim up a set of stairs while swinging both weapons over his head in a threatening manner until prison officials were able to intervene.
At the time of the assault, Fuller was serving a 262 federal sentence imposed in the Northern District of Illinois for various drug offenses. The 77 month sentence in this case was imposed consecutively to that sentence. In addition, Fuller was placed on 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration and was ordered to pay the United States $300 in special assessments. Fuller was immediately returned to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to resume serving his sentences.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Herrin Man Sentenced on Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
On February 10, 2016, James N. Taylor, a/k/a "James Taylor, Jr.", "James Taylor, II," and "Oolie," 47, Herrin, Ill., was sentenced for heroin offenses, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Taylor, who had previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $400.00. The offense occurred between 2014 and July 2015, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Taylor was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. On June 25, 2015, and June 26, 2015, Taylor sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement. During a July 1, 2015, search of Taylor and his Herrin residence, agents located pre-packaged heroin and pre-recorded buy money. Upon his arrest, Taylor admitted that he was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. At sentencing, the district court found that Taylor was responsible for the distribution of approximately 248 grams of heroin and 10 grams of crack cocaine.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
East Carondelet Man Charged with Possession, Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 12, 2016, Richard Lee Doerr, III, 28, East Carondelet, IL, was arraigned on a five-count Indictment charging him, in Count 1, with Distribution of Child Pornography, in Counts 2-4, with Receipt of Child Pornography, and, in Count 5, with Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography. Doerr was ordered detained, that is, held without bond, after a detention hearing today.
Count 1 alleges that, on or about December 27, 2013, Doerr knowingly distributed at least four visual depictions of child pornography, as described in the Indictment. Counts 2 through 4 allege that, on July 11, August 31, and September 1, 2014, respectively, Doerr knowingly received at least seven (7) visual depictions of child pornography, as described in the Indictment. Finally, Count 5 alleges that, on or about October 2, 2014, Doerr knowingly possessed material that contained child pornography that involved prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age, as described in the Indictment.
Trial is scheduled for April 4, 2016, in East St. Louis, Illinois. The penalty for Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography is a term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years but not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life. The penalty for Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography is a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
California Man Pleads to Heroin PossessionRead the Press Release
On February 10, 2016, Conrad Valdez, Jr., 45, of Selma, California, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Valdez was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. During a September 27, 2016, traffic stop in Effingham County, officers located approximately 20 kilograms of heroin in Valdez’s truck. Valdez is currently being held without bond pending a June 8, 2016, sentencing hearing.
The heroin offense carries a penalty of 10 years’ to life imprisonment, to be followed by at least 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Illinois Enforcement Group and Illinois State Police. The Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Bank Manager Sentenced for Staging Bank Robbery and Falsifying Bank DocumentsRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Matthew S. Liebheit, 40, Moro, IL, was sentenced in federal court to 41 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release on two counts of Theft, Embezzlement, or Misapplication by a Bank Officer or Employee and one count False Bank Entries. Liebheit was also ordered to pay $140,862 in restitution and a $300 Special Assessment.
The charges stem from a purported bank robbery at Liberty Bank in Bethalto, Illinois on December 13, 2014. Liebheit, a bank manager at Liberty Bank, called police to report a bank robbery, indicating that a masked individual forced him into the bank at gun point prior to the bank opening. He gave a description of the suspect’s vehicle and stated that he was forced to give that individual over $280,000 from the bank’s vault.
Further investigation revealed that Liebheit’s truck was used as a getaway vehicle and Liebheit was involved in the planning of the staged bank robbery. The "robber" was identified as Eugene Babcock, who Liebheit recruited to do the "robbery," and who used a BB gun to make the robbery appear authentic. Additional investigation showed that Liebheit had also altered withdrawal documents from a Liberty Bank customer’s account to reflect a larger than intended withdrawal from that customer’s account. The day before the staged robbery, Liebheit falsified documentation to show a substantial deposit to that customer’s account.
Babcock has pled guilty to his role in the staged robbery and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2016.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bethalto Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Reppert and Jonathan Drucker.
Alton Woman Indicted for Government Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Ebony J. Smith, 37, of Alton, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 20, 2016, on two counts of Theft of Government Funds and two counts of False Statement, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Smith was arraigned on the charges this week. If convicted of Theft of Government Funds, Smith faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release as to each count. If convicted of False Statement, Smith faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release as to each count.
The indictment alleges that from around November 2001, continuing to around November 2011, Smith willfully and knowingly did steal, purloin, and convert for her own use money belonging to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, having a value of approximately $88,000, by obtaining HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program rent subsidies for a home in which she had an ownership interest when she knew she was not entitled to the rent subsidies due to her ownership interest in the property. The indictment further alleges that from November 2001, continuing to around November 2011, Smith willfully and knowingly did steal, purloin, and convert to her own use money of the Social Security Administration, having a value of approximately $72,000, by obtaining supplemental social security income while also receiving unreported assistance from the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program. Smith is also alleged to have made materially false statements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Social Security Administration in the HUD "Tenant Annual Renewal Personal Declaration" and the SSA "Redetermination Summary for Determining Continuing Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income Payments" forms when she did not disclose her ownership interest in the real estate for which she was receiving the rent subsidies and she did not disclose to the SSA the rent assistance she was receiving through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the United States must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Summers.
Three Individuals, Including Madison Business Owner, Plead Guilty to Participating in Stolen Property RingRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that three individuals pled guilty this morning in Federal Court in Southern Illinois to charges arising from their participation in a large stolen property ring. The individuals who pled guilty this morning are James D. Litchfield, 58, owner of Big Jim’s Autorama in Madison, IL, his brother, Ryan P. Litchfield, 37, of O’Fallon, MO, and Benedict G. Pellerito, 55, of Troy, MO.
Evidence revealed in Court showed that the leader of this stolen property fraud ring, Jason J. Parmeley, 42, formerly of O’Fallon, MO, conducted the scheme from Mexico. According to the indictment, Parmeley used the internet to obtain credit account numbers that individuals and businesses had with retail stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menard’s, and rental stores, such as SunBelt Rentals. Using this information, Parmeley placed orders with the stores in the names of, and under the credit accounts, of the individuals and businesses. The items Parmeley ordered frequently consisted of appliances, expensive tools, and construction equipment. The indictment charges that, after he placed the orders, Parmeley dispatched drivers to go to the stores and pick up the items. According to the indictment, the items were then sold at prices substantially below retail. The profits were then wire transferred to Parmeley in Mexico.
During the plea hearing today, James D. Litchfield admitted that he received numerous truckloads of items which he knew had been obtained by fraud. This fraudulently obtained property included construction equipment, such as Skid Steer Loaders, appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators, as well as assorted other merchandise, including paint, flooring, and siding. These items were delivered to Big Jim’s Autorama in Madison, IL. James Litchfield admitted that he kept some of these items for his own personal use, but sold other items at prices far below their retail value. James Litchfield also admitted that he provided two trucks that were used by the co-conspirators to pick up fraudulently ordered items. Finally, James Litchfield admitted that he engaged in money laundering by wire transferring payments for the merchandise to Parmeley in Mexico under fake names.
During his plea hearing, Ryan P. Litchfield admitted that he received approximately 20 to 25 truckloads of property and merchandise that had been obtained by fraud. Ryan Litchfield sold the majority of that merchandise to his friends and business associates. On occasion, Ryan Litchfield sold the items by placing advertisements on websites such as Craig’s List. Ryan Litchfield sold these items for substantially less than their retail value. He also admitted that he occasionally allowed Parmeley to store items that had been obtained by fraud at his house and that he rented storage lockers that were used to store property obtained by fraud.
Benedict G. Pellerito admitted that he worked as a driver for the conspiracy on at least 12 occasions. Pellerito acknowledged that he picked up fraudulently ordered merchandise at various retail stores in Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, and then delivered those items to Parmeley’s customers. Pellerito also admitted that he engaged in money laundering by wire transferring money to Parmeley in Mexico under fake names.
In late August of this year, Mexican Immigration Authorities deported Parmeley from Mexico. Parmeley is currently in federal custody in Alabama on an unrelated bank fraud charge. It is expected that he will be transferred to the Southern District of Illinois in the near future to stand trial on the charges in this indictment. As to Parmeley, please remember that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The sentencing hearings for James Litchfield and Ryan Litchfield will be conducted on June 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively; the sentencing hearing for Benedict Pellerito will be conducted on June 14, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. at the Federal Courthouse in Benton, IL. The trial of the remaining defendants is scheduled for April 18, 2016.
The charges contained in the indictment include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to transport property obtained by fraud in interstate commerce, wire fraud, interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud, possession of property obtained by fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the fraud scheme.
The investigation 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott A. Verseman and Jonathan Drucker.
Cahokia Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Interstate Travel in Support of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
On February 11, 2016, Ronald Artis, 26, of Cahokia, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court in East St. Louis after having previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Interstate Travel In Support of Racketeering, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Artis was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release. In addition, Artis was ordered to pay a $200 fine and a $200 special assessment.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Illinois State Police, and the East St. Louis Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Perry County Man Sentenced on Explosives and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A Perry County man was sentenced on February 10, 2016, to federal prison on explosives and firearms charges, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Samuel L. Dunson, 19, of DuQuoin, IL, was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years’ supervised release, and fined $300. Dunson had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment which charged (Count 1) on August 5, 2015, around 5:00 a.m., in Perry County, Illinois, Dunson did knowingly possess a destructive device, described as an Improvised Explosive Incendiary Device, which had not been registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and, (Count) 2 on August 5, 2015, around 5:30 a.m., in Perry County, Illinois, Dunson did knowingly possess a destructive device, further described as an Improvised Explosive Incendiary Device, which had not been registered, and, (Count 3) on August 5, 2015, in Perry County, Illinois, Dunson did knowingly possess a firearm, that is, a weapon made from a Revelation model 350M shotgun, with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, commonly referred to as a sawed-off shotgun, which had not been registered.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the DuQuoin, IL Police Department, and the Illinois State Police Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
O'Fallon Woman Sentenced for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Ann Marie Sheppard, 55, of O’Fallon, Illinois, was sentenced on February 10, 2016, in the U.S. District Court in East Saint Louis, Illinois, on the charges that she engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program and that she committed two related mail frauds. The district court sentenced Sheppard to five years of probation with the first six months to be served in home detention. She is also ordered to pay $34,168.33 in restitution to the Home Services Program and a $300.00 special assessment.
Court records indicate that Sheppard submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Sheppard falsely billed the program between June 30, 2013 and April 30, 2015, when she purportedly rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, she had not. For example, she billed for home services when she was actually in Costa Rica and then again when she was on a cruise in the Caribbean Sea. As a result, Sheppard improperly billed hours of services and obtained $34,168.33 in payments for services not performed.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Illinois State Police - Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 1.800.447.8477.Southern Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Sigifredo Bazan, a resident of the McAllen, Texas area, pled guilty in federal district court this afternoon to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Bazan was detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for June 7, 2016, at 10:30 A.M. before the Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel, United States District Judge. Bazan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to a term of life in federal prison, followed by a minimum of five years on supervised release. Bazan also faces a fine of up to $10,000,000 and a special assessment fee of $100.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.
Granite City Woman Sentenced for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on February 9, 2016, Jessica A. Teets, 28, of Granite City, Illinois, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in East Saint Louis on the charge that she engaged in a scheme to defraud a health care program. The district court sentenced Teets to five years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $1,292.62 in restitution to the Home Services Program.
During her plea hearing, Teets admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Illinois Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Teets admitted to falsely billing the program between December 7, 2012 and June 30, 2014, claiming that she had rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, she had not. As a result, Teets improperly billed 111 hours of services and obtained $1,312.05 in payments for services not performed.
Teets further admitted that her customer (who was her mother) was found on July 1, 2014 in an incoherent state, partially covered in dried excrement, by a friend checking on her welfare. Emergency responders transported the customer to a hospital and she was hospitalized for multiple days. Teets had not performed personal assistant services for the customer for more than a week prior to July 1, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police - Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the Wood River, Illinois Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam E. Hanna.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 1.800.447.8477.
Randolph County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 3, 2016, Randall A. Miller, 25, of Percy, was sentenced on a methamphetamine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Miller, who had previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Miller was involved with others in distribution of ice/methamphetamine. Ice is a form of methamphetamine with a purity of at least 80%. Miller was getting dealer amounts of ice/methamphetamine from a Missouri source for redistribution in southern Illinois. At sentencing, the judge found that Miller was responsible for the distribution of more than 1.9 kilograms of ice/methamphetamine. Miller also received a sentencing enhancement based on his possession of a firearm. The offense occurred between 2013 and June 2015, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Six co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Five co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting a February 29, 2016, jury trial. As to those awaiting trial, remember that they are presumed innocent unless/until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Mascoutah Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, DuQuoin Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph and Perry County State’s Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Two Williamson County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Two Williamson County residents were indicted on February 2, 2016, for a methamphetamine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Blake R. Gordon, 34, and Shara L. Peyton, a/k/a "Shara Smothers," 39, both of Marion, are charged in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between August 2015 and December 15, 2015, in Williamson County. Peyton made her initial appearance in federal court on February 4, 2016. She was ordered held without bond pending a February 5, 2016, detention hearing. Gordon is being held without bond on a prior revocation matter.
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 of 5 to 40 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years’ supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Herrin Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
West Frankfurt Man Convicted of Diverting Medical MarijuanaRead the Press Release
A West Frankfurt man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison on February 4, 2016, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Jason Furlong, 39, of West Frankfurt, Illinois, received a 27 month sentence for offenses which occurred in the Southern District of Illinois. Furlong had previously pled guilty to those offenses. Following release from imprisonment, Furlong will serve a 3 year term of supervised release. Furlong was also ordered to pay a $300 fine and a $200 special assessment.
The investigation in this case showed that Furlong’s co-defendant, Walter Wayne Moser of Eugene, Oregon, operated a medical marijuana dispensary that was legal under Oregon state law. In addition to dispensing medical marijuana to patients in Oregon, Moser diverted pounds of marijuana to Furlong, in West Frankfort, Illinois, where the marijuana was resold for recreational use. Furlong would sell the marijuana and send payment back to Moser by FedEx in packages addressed to Moser’s graphic design company, which Moser used as a front to conceal the nature of the drug proceeds.
"Even as States like Illinois and Oregon have enacted laws allowing for medical use of marijuana, the United States Department of Justice still maintains a strong federal interest in preventing the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states and in preventing the diversion of marijuana intended for medical use to recreational use," said Acting United States Attorney James L. Porter.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the Illinois State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Perry County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 2, 2016, Clint D. Williams, 32, of DuQuoin, was sentenced for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Williams, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $350.00. The offense occurred between 2012 and September 2014, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, Williamson, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Williams was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. On February 20, 2014, Williams was caught manufacturing methamphetamine at a DuQuoin residence with an 11-month old child present. At sentencing, the district court found Williams responsible for the possession of approximately 88 grams of pseudoephedrine, which was possessed for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Six co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, and DuQuoin Police Department. The Pinckneyville Police Department and Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Ongoing Methamphetamine Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
A southern Illinois resident and St. Louis resident were indicted on February 2, 2016, for a methamphetamine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Brandon L. Watson, a/k/a "Dubb," 28, of Metropolis, and Gary M. Skinner, 61, of St. Louis, are 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 May 2015 and October 26, 2015, in Williamson and Massac Counties. Both Watson and Skinner are being held without bond pending a March 28, 2016, jury 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 penalty of up to 5-40 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years’ supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Illinois State Police, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Massac County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Man Pleads Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Wallace B. Carson, 48, of East St. Louis, Illinois, pled guilty today in United States District Court in East St. Louis to a three-count indictment charging him with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon.
Facts revealed in Court were that on September 2, 2015, Carson entered the Walgreens located on 2510 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois, pulled out a gun and committed an armed robbery. In addition, Carson had a prior felony conviction punishable by imprisonment by a term exceeding more than one year, thus he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The investigation was led by the East St. Louis Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre A. Durborow.
Las Vegas Woman Sent to Prison for Telemarketing Scam That Defrauded Southern Illinois ResidentsRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that this morning, United States District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel sentenced Elpenike Eddy-Aldava, 74, of Las Vegas, NV, to one year and one day in federal prison on her conviction for telemarketing fraud. On October 9, 2015, after a four day trial, a federal jury in East St. Louis found Eddy-Aldava guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. The fraud scheme that Eddy-Aldava participated in victimized individuals throughout the United States, including Southern Illinois.
Evidence at trial showed that for more than 5 years, Eddy-Aldava worked as a telemarketer for a telemarketing business in Las Vegas. Although the business frequently changed names, the two primary names of the business were Showcase Resorts and Vacation Max. Telemarketers from Showcase Resorts and Vacation Max called timeshare owners throughout the United States and offered to help them sell their timeshares. The telemarketers then falsely represented that they had found corporate buyers interested in acquiring blocks of timeshare units and that the victims’ timeshare units could be included in these blocks. In order to participate in this "corporate block," however, the telemarketers told the victims that they had to pay upfront fees, which usually ranged from $2,000 to $3,000. The telemarketers falsely told the victims that these fees were needed to pay closing costs. Instead, the fees were used as revenues for Showcase Resorts and Vacation Max. In addition, the telemarketers were paid a large commission for each fraudulent sale. These commissions typically ranged from 40% to 50%.
Because Showcase Resorts and Vacation Max had no corporate buyers, no timeshares were ever sold to any corporations. Showcase Resorts and Vacation Max employed individuals known as "Updaters" to handle all of the calls from customers who called in to ask why their timeshares had not been sold as had been promised. The job of these Updaters was to provide false excuses to the victims in order to string them along and prevent them from contacting their credit card companies and demanding their money back.
The scheme operated from at least December 5, 2006 until January 24, 2012. The losses caused by the scheme exceeded $11,000,000.
"Unfortunately, these telemarketing scams take place far too often," Acting U.S. Attorney Porter stated. "Hopefully, today’s sentence will send a message to other telemarketers that when they defraud citizens of Southern Illinois, they are going to be prosecuted and they will most likely go to prison. I’d also like to remind our citizens that when someone contacts them on the telephone with an offer that sounds too good to be true, it usually is."
In May 2013, the owner of Vacation Max, Michael Patrick Sullivan, was indicted. Sullivan pled guilty and on January 9, 2015, was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Three other telemarketers from the scheme (John Nicosia, Robert Kelly Mathews, and Rebecca Marrs), as well as one of the Updaters (Patrick Nosack) were also charged. Nicosia, Mathews, and Nosack all pled guilty and were sentenced to prison. Rebecca Marrs’ trial is scheduled to begin on April 5, 2016.
As part of today’s sentence, the court also ordered Eddy-Aldava to pay $647,015 in restitution to the victims she defrauded. When she completes her prison sentence, Eddy-Aldava will serve a period of 2 years of supervised release.
The case against Eddy-Aldava is one of approximately 80 cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois relating to timeshare resale fraud and part of an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Verseman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa Lu.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 151 Months on Cocaine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Jefferson County man was sentenced on January 26, 2016, to federal prison on cocaine related charges, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Darrain D. Bowdry, 30, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, with three years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, and fined $400. Bowdry had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that on November 4, 2014, at approximately 2:36 p.m., Bowdry knowingly and intentionally distributed cocaine. Count 2 charged that on November 4, 2014, at approximately 4:05 p.m., Bowdry knowingly and intentionally distributed 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.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Former Bookkeeper for the Pinckneyville Rural Fire Protection District Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Tammy L. Kellerman, 53, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, the former bookkeeper for the Pinckneyville Rural Fire Protection District (PRFPD), pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to a four-count information charging her with defrauding that municipal entity, announced James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The information to which Kellerman pled guilty alleged that between 2004 and 2013, Kellerman used her trusted position with PRFPD to steal over $450,000 in PRFPD funds. Throughout that time period Kellerman regularly used the United States mail to send unauthorized checks drawn on PRFPD’s bank account to pay her personal credit card bills and other expenses and, thereafter, made false entries in PRFPD’s accounting software to conceal her thefts.
Sentencing was set for May 24, 2016, at 9:30 a.m., at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. On each count Kellerman faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow any term of incarceration imposed. Kellerman will also be required to make full restitution to PRFPD. Kellerman will remain on bond pending sentencing.
The investigation leading to the charges and guilty plea was a cooperative effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, the Criminal Investigations Division of the Illinois Department of Revenue, and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Crystal Meth Distributor Sentenced to 324 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Reymundo Molina-Trujillo, a Mexican national, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel to 324 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as "ice."
According to Court documents, Molina-Trujillo pled guilty in October 2015 without a plea agreement. At sentencing, Judge Rosenstengel stated that Molina-Trujillo faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life. Judge Rosenstengel sentenced Molina-Trujillo to a total of 324 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Rosenstengel also ordered Molina-Trujillo to serve a 5 year term of supervised release and to pay $100 in court fees.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted this case.
Acting United States Attorney Announces Crackdown on Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, three individuals were indicted in three separate cases for bankruptcy fraud, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced. These indictments are part of an effort to crackdown on those who commit fraud during the course of bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
"Our federal bankruptcy laws allow people who have overwhelming debt to obtain a fresh start," Acting United States Attorney Porter explained. "Before their debts are eliminated, however, individuals who file bankruptcy are asked to be truthful about their assets and other matters that affect the bankruptcy case. When people conceal their assets and otherwise lie in bankruptcy proceedings, they are cheating their creditors and subverting the bankruptcy process. People who engage in this type of activity can expect to be prosecuted by my office no less than those persons who would use force to steal."
The individuals indicted today are:
SCOTT L. THOMPSON
Scott L. Thompson, 44, of Sesser, IL, was charged with one count of concealing assets and three counts of fraudulently withholding records in a bankruptcy case. The indictment charges that Thompson concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $28,129.55 settlement he received for a worker’s compensation claim. In addition, it is alleged that Thompson withheld copies of his federal and state tax returns, despite being ordered to turn them over by the Bankruptcy Court. Under federal law, tax refunds in amounts above certain thresholds must be paid to the Bankruptcy Court and used to pay back the bankruptcy’s creditors. Thompson filed his chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Benton, Illinois.
JENNY L. PARKS-SMITH
Jenny L. Parks-Smith, 41, of Carterville, IL, was charged with two counts of concealing assets and one count of fraudulently withholding records in a bankruptcy case. Parks-Smith’s chapter 13 bankruptcy was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Benton. The indictment alleges that Parks-Smith concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $17,000 settlement she received for a worker’s compensation claim. In addition, the indictment charges that Parks-Smith concealed a $2,478 federal tax refund that she received for the 2011 tax year. Parks-Smith is also charged with fraudulently withholding her 2011 tax returns.
MARK A. MCFARLAND
Mark A. McFarland, 58, of Jacksonville, IL, was charged with two counts of making false statements under penalty of perjury, one count of falsifying records, and two counts of making false statements under oath. The bankruptcy case that is the subject of the indictment was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois in East St. Louis, IL. Prior to filing that case, McFarland had filed 10 separate bankruptcy cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of Illinois in Springfield. All but one of those cases had been dismissed due to McFarland’s failure to comply with the Bankruptcy Court’s orders. In the last case, the Bankruptcy Court barred McFarland from filing any more bankruptcy cases in the Central District of Illinois for 180 days. On October 6, 2014, McFarland filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy on behalf of his business, Second Chance of Springfield, Inc., in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment charges that McFarland: (1) lied on his bankruptcy petition by claiming that his business was located in the Southern District of Illinois; (2) lied on an amended bankruptcy petition when he said that his business had an address in Alton, IL; (3) provided a lease to the Bankruptcy Court that was fraudulently backdated to September 25, 2014; (4) falsely testified under oath that he had signed that lease on September 25, 2014; and (5) falsely testified under oath that he had reached an oral agreement with the landlord for the rental of the Alton property in September 2014.
"I am grateful to Acting U.S. Attorney Porter and the members of the Southern Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group for their strong commitment to combating bankruptcy fraud," stated Nancy J. Gargula, the U.S. Trustee for Southern Illinois, Central Illinois and Indiana (Region 10). "Today’s charges will go a long way toward protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system." The charges resulted, in part, from a referral by the U.S. Trustee. Assistance with the investigation was provided by members of the Southern Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. 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.
Each count of bankruptcy fraud is punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment, and/or a $250,000 fine, not more than three years of supervised release, and restitution.
The investigations are being conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Saint Louis Man Sentenced for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on Friday, January 29, 2016, Ronald Terry, of Saint Louis, Missouri, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Michael J. Reagan to 57 months in federal prison for three counts of heroin distribution. Following his prison sentence, Terry will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. Terry was also ordered to pay a fine of $300 and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, Terry was arrested on July 16, 2015, after law enforcement officials conducted a series of controlled drug purchases from him in the parking lot of the St. Clair Square shopping mall in Fairview Heights, Illinois.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Illinois State Police Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Shane Kelbley and Vanessa Lu.
Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Anabolic Steroids from ChinaRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on January 28, 2016, Matthew Short, 29, of Marion, Illinois, pled guilty in federal court to Importation of a Controlled Substance (Anabolic Steroids) from China. Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2016. Short waived Grand Jury Indictment and was charged in the single count Information. Short will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During his plea hearing, Short admitted that he had ordered close to a kilogram of various Anabolic Steroids, all Schedule III Controlled Substances, from China to be sent to his home in Marion, Illinois. The package was identified as it entered the United States and was seized by United States Customs and Border Protection at the San Francisco Mail Center, where it was referred for investigation to Homeland Security Investigations.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Cottage Hills Woman Sentenced on Healthcare Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on January 29, 2016, Lisa Jorden, 50, of Cottage Hills, Illinois, pled guilty and was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in East Saint Louis, Illinois, on the charge that she engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program. The district court sentenced Jorden to five years of probation. She is also ordered to pay $16,828.00 in restitution to the Home Services Program and a $100.00 special assessment.
Court records indicate that Jorden admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Jorden admitted to falsely billing the program between February 14, 2013 and August 15, 2014, when she purportedly rendered personal assistant services to customers when, in fact, she had not. As a result, Jorden improperly billed hours of services and obtained $16,828.00 in payments for services not performed.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Illinois State Police - Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 1.800.447.8477.
Centralia Man Sentenced for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Joseph Lee Smith, 35, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $500 fine and a $200 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing followed Smith’s September 15, 2015, guilty plea to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession of Pseudoephedrine Knowing It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine.
According to court documents, from approximately December 2012, to February 21, 2014, a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine was operating in Marion, Clinton and Jefferson Counties. Smith participated in the conspiracy by providing pills containing pseudoephedrine to his co-conspirators in exchange for cash or drugs, knowing the pills would be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Information leading to the conviction of Smith was obtained in an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and the Centralia Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Robbery of Imo’s DriverRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on Friday, January 29, 2016, Gregory Morgan, 20, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced in federal District Court for obstructing commerce by robbery and for carrying a firearm during a robbery. Morgan was sentenced to a 111 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. The District Court also ordered that Morgan pay the victims of the robbery $45 in restitution.
On January 23, 2015, Morgan called an Imo’s Pizza restaurant and placed a delivery order for pizza and chicken wings. Morgan, wearing black pants, a black sweatshirt and a dark colored bandana covering his face, lay in wait for the driver. When the Imo’s Pizza delivery driver arrived, Morgan brandished a .22 caliber semi-automatic weapon and demanded the pizzas, chicken wings and any money the driver had. Morgan then fled with the food and $45 in cash.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Belleville Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Reppert and Jonathan Drucker.
Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
On January 28, 2016, Jiwon Jiwon Park, a thirty- seven year old, Las Vegas, Nevada, resident pled guilty in federal district court in East St. Louis, Illinois, to count one of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Park is scheduled for sentencing on May 5, 2016, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both, at least 5 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
Court proceedings revealed that on June 27, 2015, an Illinois State Police officer conducted a traffic stop on Park, after observing him traveling too close to other vehicles on Interstate 70 in Madison County, Illinois. An ensuing search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 7 kilograms of cocaine hidden in vacuum sealed bags in a box in the trunk of Park’s car.
The investigation of this matter is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Belleville Woman Pleads Guilty to Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Kiara Hopkins, 24, of Belleville, Illinois, pled guilty in federal court to charges that she engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program. Sentencing has been set for May 5, 2016. Hopkins will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During her plea hearing, Hopkins admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent claims in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Hopkins admitted to falsely billing the program between July 22, 2013 and November 26, 2013, when she purportedly rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, she had not been caring for the customer during those times.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Illinois State Police - Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 1.800.447.8477.
Pontoon Beach Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine in Granite CityRead the Press Release
The Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today that Michael J. Murphy, 35, of Pontoon Beach, Illinois, was sentenced on January 28, 2016 to 36 months in federal prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine in Granite City in December, 2013.
Murphy pled guilty to the federal charge on October 16, 2015. He has been in federal custody since then.
According to evidence presented at Murphy’s change of plea hearing, Murphy sold approximately two ounces of methamphetamine to a police informant for $3,800 on December 11, 2013, near a tavern in Granite City.
Charged along with Murphy was a co-defendant, Shawn A. Thompson, who supplied the methamphetamine to Murphy. Thompson has also pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois, on March 17, 2016.
The investigation which resulted in Murphy’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Edwardsville Woman Pleads Guilty to Structuring ChargesRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Song Chong Fulton, 50, of Edwardsville, Illinois, pled guilty today in federal district court in East St. Louis to an Information charging her with the crime of Structuring Financial Transactions to Avoid a Currency Transaction Report.
The charges relate to sixty-four currency deposits that Fulton made into a bank account between January 22, 2014, and August 11, 2015. Under federal law, financial institutions are required to report to the IRS any currency transaction, such as deposits, exceeding $10,000. It is a federal crime to structure financial transactions in such a way as to avoid this reporting requirement. Documents filed with the court indicate that the total amount of deposits made by Fulton during the above period was over $190,000.
The maximum statutory penalties for this offense are 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years’ supervised release; and a $100 special assessment.
Sentencing is set for May 17, 2016, at 10:30 A.M. before Judge Yandle in Benton, Illinois.
The case was investigated by members of IRS and HHS, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Clark.
Centreville Man Indicted for Commercial Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
The United States Grand Jury has returned a two-count indictment against Demerous E. Foxworth, 24, of Centreville, Illinois, charging him with Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Use of a Facility of Interstate Commerce to Promote an Unlawful Activity, Acting United States Attorney James L. Porter announced today. The Court ordered that Foxworth be held without bond pending trial after a hearing held today.
The offenses charged in the indictment allege that, from on or about June 1, 2014, to February 28, 2015, Foxworth recruited, enticed, provided and maintained a person knowing that the person had not attained the age of 18 years and knowing that the person would be caused to be engaged in a commercial sex act. The indictment further alleges that from on or about October 1, 2012 to October 10, 2015, Foxworth used a facility of interstate commerce, being the Internet, with the intent to promote, manage, establish, carry on and facilitate an unlawful activity, being illegal prostitution under Illinois law.
A trial date is set for April 4, 2016. If convicted of Commercial Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Foxworth faces a term in prison of not less than ten (10) years up to life, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years up to life. If convicted of Use of a Facility of Interstate Commerce to Promote an Unlawful Activity, Foxworth faces a term in prison of up to five (5) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
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."
This investigation was conducted by the St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Louis and Springfield Offices. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers
Highland Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on January 25, 2015, Richard Hogg, 55, Highland, IL, pled guilty to a five-count Indictment charging him, in Count 1, with Distribution of Child Pornography, in Counts 2 and 3, with Receipt of Child Pornography, in Count 4, with Access with Intent to View Child Pornography, and, in Count 5, with Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography. Hogg was ordered detained (held without bond in the custody of the United States Marshal) immediately after his plea hearing ended. His sentencing date is April 29, 2016, in East St. Louis, Illinois.
On Counts 1 through 3, Hogg faces a term in federal prison of not less than five (5) years but not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life after his prison sentence. On Count 4, Hogg faces a term in prison of not more than ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life. On Count 5, Hogg faces a term in prison of not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life.
The charges arose after an Intelligence Analyst with the FBI found information on the internet that Hogg had engaged in a sexually explicit chat with a person Hogg apparently believed to be a minor female, as well as other reports of Hogg soliciting minors to engage in sex acts. Based on this information, on February 3, 2015, the FBI Intelligence Analyst and a FBI Special Agent went to Hogg’s residence. Hogg admitted chatting online with a girl he believed to be sixteen years old who resided in New York, and that the chats were sexual in nature.
Hogg stated that he began viewing pornography in 2007, and that he gradually started viewing younger females. When asked if images of prepubescent children would be found on his computer, Hogg replied in the affirmative. When asked what the pictures he owned showed with respect to the minor females, Hogg replied "everything." When asked how often he chatted with young females online, Hogg said that it likely occurred a "few times a month." Hogg estimated that he had approximately 1,000 images and four videos of child pornography on his computers, and that they would be found in the "My Pictures" folder. Hogg said that the images typically included a "dad" with their children.
A forensic review of two of Hogg’s desktop computers and of an external hard drive revealed that these devices contained approximately 1,206 image and 54 video files of child pornography, with many of the images being of prepubescent children. The forensic review also indicated that, from on or about July 26, 2014, until on or about November 20, 2014, Hogg distributed image and/or video files via the Internet and that he received image and/or video files of child pornography, on July 26 and August 28, 2014, also via the Internet. Finally, the forensic review revealed that, on or about November 20, 2014, Hogg attempted to access with the intent to view an image of child pornography, via the Internet.
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 Aresources.@
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation=s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Texas Man Sentenced for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Stacy L. Harden, 42, from Desoto, Texas, was sentenced on January 22, 2016, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute More than Five Kilograms of Cocaine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Harden was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, fined $750, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Court proceedings revealed that on October 21, 2010, a confidential informant told DEA agents that Harden was in the St. Louis area with a large amount of cocaine for sale. DEA agents tracked Harden down and on October 22, 2010, observed Harden leave an O’Fallon home with a plastic shopping bag. Harden then went to another residence in Swansea, Illinois, where he left with a black bag. Shortly thereafter, the Fairview Heights Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Harden at the direction of the DEA agents. Harden sped off, driving into a residential area and throwing items out of the window, as witnessed by officers. Approximately 4 kilograms of cocaine were seized by officers. Harden was placed under arrest and later admitted to possessing a total of 7 kilograms of cocaine.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Fairview Heights Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Honduran National Sentenced for “Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation by an Aggravated Felon”Read the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Jose Zuniga-Amador, age 33, a Honduran citizen, was sentenced on January 22, 2016 to 30 months’ imprisonment for Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation By An Aggravated Felon.
Zuniga-Amador pled guilty to the federal charge on October 7, 2015. At his change of plea hearing in October, Zuniga-Amador admitted that he had been previously deported from the United States to Honduras on five separate occasions between 2000 and 2012.
In addition to the 30 month sentence on his new federal case, Zuniga-Amador’s supervised release was also revoked on a previous 2012 federal conviction for the same offense. Zuniga-Amador was sentenced to 10 months on his earlier case, to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 40 months imprisonment. Upon release from federal prison, the Court noted that Zuniga-Amador will be placed in deportation proceedings.
The investigation which resulted in Zuniga-Amador’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), and by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Glen Carbon Man Indicted for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
The Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today that Jonathan Michael Malone, 53, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court in East Saint Louis, Illinois. Malone was charged in the first count with Interference of Commerce by Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591, in the second count with Brandishing a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), and in the third count with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). The armed robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The brandishing of a firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and not less than seven years of prison, to run consecutive to any term imposed on the armed robbery charge, a $250,000 fine, and not less than five years of supervised release. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The Indictment alleges that on January 14, 2016, Malone robbed the One Stop Shop Gas Station in Maryville, Illinois. During the robbery, Malone brandished a handgun at the owner. Furthermore, Malone possessed the handgun unlawfully after having been previously convicted of armed robbery.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a Defendant. Under the law, a Defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the United States must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Glen Carbon Police Department, the Maryville Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Coonan.
California Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
A California man was recently sentenced to federal prison on methamphetamine charges, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On January 21, 2016, Edsgardo Ambriz-Lopez, 24, of East Alto Paso, California, was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, and was fined $350. Ambriz-Lopez had previously pleaded guilty to seven counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from on or about November 2013, until on or about December 2014, in Williamson County, Illinois, Marion County, Illinois, the State of California, and elsewhere, Ambriz-Lopez knowingly conspired and agreed with others to distribute methamphetamine. Counts 13, 14, 16, and 17 charged that Ambriz-Lopez knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. Count 15 charged that Ambriz-Lopez knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin. Count 18 charged Ambriz-Lopez with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Illinois State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Jacksonville, Illinois Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Kenneth A. Stephenson, age 43, of Jacksonville, Illinois was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on January 20, 2016 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Stephenson pled guilty to the federal charge on September 16, 2015. At his change of plea hearing, Stephenson admitted that he had possessed about 40 grams of methamphetamine in Venice, Illinois on February 16, 2015. The methamphetamine which Stephenson possessed has a street value of about $5,000.00. Stephenson admitted that he intended to sell the methamphetamine which police recovered from his car.
The investigation which resulted in Stephenson’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Illinois State Police Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois and by the Venice, Illinois Police Department. The investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Chicago Man Sentenced for Mailing Bomb Threats and Threats of Violence Against Southern Illinois UniversityRead the Press Release
The Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today that Derrick Dawon Burns, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court in reference to four federal charges stemming from a series of bomb threats and threats of violence directed toward the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) students, faculty and staff on October 10, 2012, October 15, 2012, December 6, 2012, and October 1, 2013. Three of these letters were entitled "The War on SIU." Each letter was addressed to a combination of the following targets: Southern Illinois University, staff, students, SIU police, and the FBI. The United States District Court in Benton sentenced Burns to 24 months’ imprisonment, two years supervised release, and a $400 special assessment
The investigation was conducted by the SIUC Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistance was provided by the Carbondale Police Department, the Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Coonan.
Marion Inmate Pleads Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
Jeffery Eugene Roetzel, 30, an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp at Marion, Illinois, pled guilty on Thursday, January 14, 2016, in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging him with escaping from that facility, announced James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on December 8, 2015, alleged that the escape occurred on November 8th. Roetzel was taken into custody in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on November 11th. At the time of the escape, Roetzel was serving a 70 month sentence imposed in 2012 in the Western District of Michigan for numerous federal firearms offenses.
Sentencing was set for April 20, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Roetzel faces up to an additional 5 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following his incarceration.
Roetzel was returned to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to await sentencing on the escape charge.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
FCI-Greenville Inmate Sentenced for Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on January 14, 2016, Gregory Mason, 27, was sentenced for Possession of Contraband by a Federal Inmate. Mason was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution located in Greenville, Illinois, commonly known as FCI-Greenville, at the time the offense was committed. Mason was sentenced to a term of 8 months, which must be served in addition to his current sentence, fined $100, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Mason has been held without bond since his arraignment on August 13, 2015.
The charge arose when, on December 20, 2014, an officer monitoring the visiting room at FCI-Greenville observed Mason acting suspiciously. Mason was immediately placed in a dry cell after his visit ended so that his bowel movements could be monitored. On December 22, 2014, Mason defecated out four balloons that contained marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigation Section. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Chicago Man Sentenced on Williamson County Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On January 14, 2016, David T. Walls, Jr., a/k/a "Gun," 36, of Chicago, IL, was sentenced for a federal drug offense, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois James L. Porter announced today.
Walls, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison, to be followed by 8 years of supervised release, and fined $850.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Walls was involved with others in the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in Williamson County. Walls and others were transporting the drugs from northern Illinois for distribution in Southern Illinois. At sentencing, the district court found that Walls was responsible for the distribution of more than 427 grams of heroin and 714 grams of crack cocaine. Walls received a sentencing enhancement because the group sometimes possessed firearms during the drug offense. The offense occurred between 2012 and October 2014. The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Carrier Mills Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution in Saline CountyRead the Press Release
David E. Garris II, 36, of Carrier Mills, Illinois, pled guilty on Thursday, January 14, 2016, in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging him with one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on June 2, 2015, alleged that the offense occurred on March 21st in Saline County. The charges stemmed from a traffic stop conducted by the Illinois State Police Department during which Garris was found to be in possession of approximately 41 grams of methamphetamine and $4,180.23 in cash.
Sentencing was set for April 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Garris faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and 3 years to life on supervised release following his incarceration.
Garris has been held without bond in the custody of the United States Marshal since his appearance on the federal charges in June. He was returned to the custody of the Marshal to await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Illinois State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Washington Park Woman Convicted of Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
On January 13, 2016, Amber M. Salts, a twenty-nine year old Washington Park, Illinois, woman pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Salts will be sentenced on April 15, 2016, at 10 a.m. before the Honorable David R. Herndon, at which time she faces a jail sentence of up to ten years, or fines up to $250,000.00, or both.
The violation occurred between April 2015 and July 2015, after Salts moved from Rolla, Missouri, to Washington Park, Illinois, without registering as a sex offender in Illinois or updating her registration in Missouri. Salts had been previously convicted of Permitting the Sexual Abuse of a Child, in 2009, in Madison County, Illinois, and was required to register as a sex offender thereafter.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who 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 United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Cahokia Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking, Firearms Offenses, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
On January 13, 2016, Ayiko L. Paulette, 40, of Cahokia, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court in East St. Louis after having previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, being a Felon in Possession of Firearms, Distribution of Cocaine, Interstate Travel In Support of Racketeering, and Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Paulette was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison, to be followed by10 years of supervised release. In addition, Paulette was ordered to pay an $8,000 fine and an $800 special assessment.
The investigation of this case showed that Paulette was a leader of the Waverly Crips street gang in East St. Louis, and that Paulette was involved in importing and selling cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin in the East St. Louis area from 2007 until he was arrested in 2014. The investigation showed that Paulette maintained a drug house in East St. Louis, and that in March 2013, a shootout occurred at the house between rival gang members. After the shootout, police recovered several firearms from the house, including multiple assault rifles. The investigation also showed that even after he was arrested in this case, Paulette attempted to obstruct justice from his jail cell by directing others to attempt to intimidate a potential witness in the case.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Illinois State Police, and the East St. Louis Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Caseyville Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on January 12, 2016, Anthony M. Allen, 35, of Caseyville, Illinois, was sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon. Allen was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison and 6 months of home detention, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $150 fine and a $100 special assessment. Allen, who has been detained since November 16, 2015, also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that Allen, a previously convicted felon, was pulled over by Collinsville police officers for erratic driving on January 7, 2015. After Allen was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, police found a firearm and ammunition in his vehicle. The investigation was conducted by the Collinsville Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.
Brighton Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on January 12, 2016, Ryan Richard Duckett, 30, of Brighton, Illinois, was sentenced on the charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance. The U.S. District Court in Benton sentenced Duckett to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The district court also ordered Duckett to pay a fine of $600.00 and a special assessment of $100.00.
Court records indicate that Duckett admitted on February 6, 2013, in Brighton, Illinois, Jersey County, that he possessed a GP WASR-10/63, 7.62 x 39 mm. caliber semi-automatic rifle, during a time that he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, namely cocaine and marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Coonan.