Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Belleville Woman Sentenced for Heroin and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney, James L. Porter, announced today that Fetara D. McCarter, 31, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment in United States District Court in East St. Louis on January 12, 2016, for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine.
McCarter pled guilty to the federal charge on September 2, 2015, and has been confined in federal custody since that date. At her change of plea hearing in September, McCarter admitted that she had distributed heroin in the Belleville, Illinois, are from February 2014 until her arrest on April 18, 2014.
The investigation which resulted in McCarter’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Drug Tactical Unit (DTU).
This case was prosecuted by Robert L. Garrison.
Randolph County Residents Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On January 5, 2016, and January 7, 2016, Michael A. Boyt, Jr., 20, and Russell A. Stokes, 24, both of Sparta, were sentenced for methamphetamine offenses, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois James L. Porter announced today.
Boyt, Jr., who had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $725.00. Stokes, who had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing pseudoephedrine knowing that it was going to be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 100 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $825.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Boyt, Jr., and Stokes were involved with co-defendant Jonathan Haslett and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Stokes provided pseudoephedrine to multiple other persons, including Boyt, Jr., to use to manufacture methamphetamine. Boyt, Jr. manufactured and distributed methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearings, the district court found that Boyt, Jr. was responsible for the possession of 125.28 grams of pseudoephedrine, while Stokes was responsible for the possession of 222.48 grams of pseudoephedrine. The offenses occurred from 2013 to January 2015, in Perry, Randolph, Williamson, Jackson, and Franklin Counties. Co-defendant Haslett has pled guilty and is currently being held without bond pending a February 2, 2016, sentencing hearing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Steeleville Police Department, Coulterville Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Perry County Drug Task Force, and Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team. The Randolph 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.
Southern Texas Accountant Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Mario Luis Torres, an accountant from the McAllen, Texas, area, pled guilty yesterday afternoon in federal district court to a charge of Conspiracy to commit Money Laundering. Sentencing has been set for April 19, 2016, at 1:30 P.M. before the Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel, United States District Judge. At sentencing, Torres faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.
Olney Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that David Mitchell Carter, 49, of Olney, Illinois, pled guilty to the charge of Theft of Government Funds in the United States District Court in Benton, Illinois. The theft charge constitutes the Social Security fraud. The charge carries maximum penalties of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for May 3, 2016.
The indictment, to which Carter pled, alleges that from around January 2008, continuing to around January 2014, Carter did knowingly steal and convert money belonging to the Social Security Administration, having a value in excess of $1,000.00, by concealing his employment status in order to receive benefits from the Social Security Administration’s Title II Disability Insurance Benefits program, to which he knew he was not entitled by failing to disclose income through employment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Former FPC-Greenville Inmate Pleads Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on January 7, 2016, Shelia B. Hatfield, 52, formerly an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp in Greenville, Illinois (FPC-Greenville), pled guilty to an Indictment charging her with Escape. Hatfield faces a term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three (3) years. Hatfield’s sentencing is scheduled for May 3, 2016, in Benton, Illinois. She has been detained (held without bond) since her arraignment on the Indictment on May 12, 2015.
The charged offense occurred on March 9, 2015, when Hatfield, who was an inmate at FPC-Greenville at the time, was found at a convenience store outside the prison camp’s grounds in Greenville, Illinois. The investigation determined that Hatfield had not received authorization to leave the grounds of FPC-Greenville.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela ScottCentralia Woman Sentenced for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Rachel L. Reeve, 24, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison, 5 years’ supervised release to follow imprisonment, a $400 fine and a $200 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing followed Reeve’s September 18, 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, in Marion, Clinton and Jefferson Counties, Reeve agreed to, and did, provide pills containing pseudoephedrine to others in exchange for cash, knowing they would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. Reeve wanted the cash to support her own drug habit.
Information leading to the conviction of Reeve 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.Franklin County Men Charged with Methamphetamine Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Two men with ties to Franklin County, Illinois, were charged separately with crystal methamphetamine offenses, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Rodney G. Hebbeler, 56, of Thompsonville, Illinois, and Steven M. Burns, 37, of Marion, Illinois, and formerly of West Frankfort, Illinois, were charged with distributing crystal methamphetamine. The offenses are alleged to have occurred in Franklin and Williamson Counties over the last year.
Hebbeler was charged with 6 counts of distributing methamphetamine in Franklin County, Illinois, and Burns was charged with 2 counts of distributing methamphetamine in Williamson and Franklin Counties. Each count carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release after release from prison. Both Burns and Hebbeler have been ordered held without bond pending trial.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Franklin County, Illinois, State’s Attorney’s Office, the Franklin County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Department, the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Illinois State Police, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, the Carmi Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas E. Leggans.
Federal Complaint Alleges Barge Operator Illegally Discharged Pollutants into the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois, for YearsRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that the United States has filed a Clean Water Act (CWA) complaint in the Southern District of Illinois on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency against American Commercial Lines, Inc. (ACL), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ACBL Transportation Services, LLC (ACBLTS), alleging that from June 2007 to February 2014, the two companies repeatedly and consistently violated their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits at their facility in Cairo, Illinois.
According to the complaint, ACL – one of the largest marine transportation services companies in the United States – discharged sewage and polluted wastewater into the Ohio River from two office septic systems, a marine sanitation device, and a barge cleaning operation. The wastewater allegedly exceeded permit limits for four separate pollutants: biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total residual chlorine, and fecal coliform. The two companies are charged with committing at least 554 CWA violations over the span of almost seven years.
Reports submitted by ACL and ACBLTS to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency show that many of the alleged violations were egregious. The complaint notes over 50 occasions from 2007 to 2013 when ACL exceeded its daily maximum limit for fecal coliform (water contaminated by fecal matter) by a factor of nine or more, including at least 16 occasions when the concentration of fecal coliform measured 100 times higher than the permit limit. During one reporting period in September 2009, total residual chlorine – a pollutant that can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life even at low concentrations – allegedly registered more than 700 times the permit limit.
The complaint seeks civil penalties of up to $37,500 per violation day against both ACL and ACBLTS, as provided by statute.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan D. Stump and Nicholas J. Biersbach, in concert with the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Craigslist Counterfeit ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Lewis Johnson, 35, of Florissant, Missouri, pled guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Possess and Pass Counterfeit United States Currency. Sentencing has been set for March 31, 2016, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. At sentencing, Johnson will face up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During his plea hearing, Johnson admitted that he along with several others, had engaged in an agreement to manufacture counterfeit United States Currency and then use the currency to buy vehicles with counterfeit currency and then resell the vehicles for genuine United States currency. During August of 2013, the group contacted a person in Sandoval Illinois, who had listed his vehicle for sale on Craigslist. Johnson, along with the other conspirators then met with the seller in Sandoval, Illinois and purchased the vehicle for $2,400 in counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve Notes. Johnson and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested a short time after the fraudulent purchase by law enforcement from Carlyle, Clinton County and Sandoval.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Carlyle and Sandoval Police Departments, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Craigslist Counterfeit ConspiracyRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Lewis Johnson, 35, of Florissant, Missouri, pled guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Possess and Pass Counterfeit United States Currency. Sentencing has been set for March 31, 2016, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. At sentencing, Johnson will face up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During his plea hearing, Johnson admitted that he along with several others, had engaged in an agreement to manufacture counterfeit United States Currency and then use the currency to buy vehicles with counterfeit currency and then resell the vehicles for genuine United States currency. During August of 2013, the group contacted a person in Sandoval Illinois, who had listed his vehicle for sale on Craigslist. Johnson, along with the other conspirators then met with the seller in Sandoval, Illinois, and purchased the vehicle for $2,400 in counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve Notes. Johnson and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested a short time after the fraudulent purchase by law enforcement from Carlyle, Clinton County and Sandoval.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Carlyle and Sandoval Police Departments, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Edwards County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
An Edwards County 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 December 22, 2015, Joshua L. Millman, 44, of West Salem, Illinois, was sentenced to 114 months in federal prison, four years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, and fined $600. Millman had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from April 2014, to July 1, 2015, in Clay and Richland Counties, within the Southern District of Illinois, the state of Indiana, and elsewhere, Millman knowingly conspired and agree with others to distribute methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that on July 1, 2015, in Clay County, Millman knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Count 3 charged that on July 1, 2015, in Clay County, Millman knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Union County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On December 21, 2015, Nathan G. Stokes, 34, of Anna, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for methamphetamine related offenses, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Stokes, who had previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $800. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, between April 2014 and March 2015, Stokes was involved with others in obtaining pseudoephedrine and manufacturing methamphetamine in Jackson and Union Counties. At sentencing, the district judge found that Stokes was responsible for the unlawful possession of approximately 222 grams of pseudoephedrine.
The investigation was conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Carbondale Police Department. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Two Randolph County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Two Randolph County residents were indicted on December 8, 2015, for a methamphetamine offense, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Joseph S. Hatley, 37, of Sparta, and Dyllan V. Wayland, 25, of Coulterville, are charged in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between March 2015 and August 2015 in Perry, Randolph, and Monroe Counties. Hatley and Wayland are scheduled to make their initial appearances in federal court in Benton on January 5, 2016.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Sparta Police Department, and Illinois Department of Corrections. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Randolph County Man Charged with Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On December 8, 2015, Christopher L. Dallas, 35, of Chester, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2014 and June 2015 in Perry and Randolph Counties. Dallas made his initial appearance in federal court on December 21, 2015. He was ordered held without bond pending a February 27, 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 maximum penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
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, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, DuQuoin Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph and Perry County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Williamson County Woman Sentenced for Escape OffenseRead the Press Release
On December 16, 2015, Latoya M. McDaniel, 29, of Marion, was sentenced on a one-count indictment charging Escape from Federal Custody, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
McDaniel, who had previously pled guilty to the escape offense, was sentenced to 9 months of additional incarceration, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that McDaniel was serving a 78 month federal sentence for Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine. McDaniel was being housed through the Centerstone facility in Marion, Illinois. On April 6, 2015, she failed to return to Centerstone as required. McDaniel fled the area and was located and arrested by the United States Marshals Service in Missouri on June 23, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Randolph County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On December 17, 2015, Thomas H. Schaeffer, 43, of Sparta, was sentenced on a one-count indictment charging Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Schaeffer, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 188 months’ incarceration, 4 years’ supervised release, and was fined $400.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, between January 2014 and February 2015, Schaeffer and others were transporting multi-ounce amounts of ice/methamphetamine from Kansas City to southern Illinois. Schaeffer was supplying dealer amounts of the ice/methamphetamine to others in Randolph County. At sentencing, the district judge found that Schaeffer was responsible for the distribution of approximately 2.95 kilograms of ice/methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Tilden Police Department. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Oregon Man Convicted of Diverting Medical Marijuana and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
An Oregon man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Money Laundering, was sentenced to federal prison on December 17, 2015, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Walter Wayne Moser, 51, of Eugene, Oregon, received a 1 year and 1 day sentence for offenses which occurred in the Southern District of Illinois. Moser had previously pled guilty to those offenses. Following release from imprisonment, Moser will serve a 3 year term of supervised release. Moser was also ordered to pay a $375 fine and a $200 special assessment.
The investigation in this case showed that Moser 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 a co-defendant, Jason 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.
East St. Louis Woman Sentenced for Distribution of Crack and Felon in Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
An East St. Louis woman, convicted of Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack), Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack), and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, was sentenced to federal prison today, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced. Georgia Phillips, 40, of East St. Louis, Illinois, received a 46 month sentence for her offenses Phillips had previously pled guilty. Following release from imprisonment, Phillips will serve a 3 year term of supervised release. Phillips was also ordered to pay a $900 fine and a $300 special assessment.
Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Cahokia Man Sentenced for Having Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Khoury, 43, of Cahokia, Illinois, was sentenced today in the United States District Court to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon.
Khoury pled guilty to the charge on May 12, 2015. Evidence showed that Khoury and another individual broke into Rural King, located at 2801 North Illinois in Swansea, Illinois, and stole over fifteen firearms. Khoury later sold one of the stolen firearms to a confidential informant, who provided that weapon to law enforcement. The serial number of that firearm matched the serial number of one of the firearms taken in the burglary. Khoury is a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Swansea Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Granite City Man Sentenced for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Billy Joe Merchant, age 43, of Granite City was sentenced on Thursday, December 17, 2015 to 70 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Merchant pled guilty to the federal charge on May 8, 2015 in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. At the time when he pled guilty, Merchant admitted that he had possessed approximately 30 grams of unusually pure crystal "ICE" methamphetamine at his Granite City mobile home on February 6, 2015. Merchant also admitted that he had intended to sell the methamphetamine which he possessed. ICE often sells for as much as $100 per gram.
Merchant has been continuously confined in federal custody since March 3, 2015. When he is released from his federal prison sentence, Merchant will also have to complete a term of three years of supervised release.
Merchant’s arrest and prosecution was one part of a joint federal/state law enforcement initiative to address the problem of methamphetamine distribution in the Granite City, Illinois area. Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations.
The investigation which led to Merchant’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), and the Granite City Police Department.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Two Cuban Nationals Indicted for Possession Stolen Account Numbers and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in East St. Louis, IL, returned an indictment charging Eriberto Ricardo Gomez, 41, and Yasmanis L. Oduardo Fonseco, 26, with possession of fifteen or more stolen account numbers and aggravated identity theft, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Gomez and Gonseco, who are both originally from the country of Cuba, are currently residing in Houston, Texas.
The stolen account numbers were discovered by an officer of the Caseyville, Illinois, Police Department on October 8, 2015, during a traffic stop on I-70 in Madison County. At that time, Gomez and Gonseco had in their possession 19 prepaid credit cards. The magnetic strips of these prepaid credit cards had been re-encoded with account numbers registered to customers of a financial institution in the state of Pennsylvania,
The charge of possession of 15 or more stolen account numbers is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison, which must be served consecutively with any prison sentence imposed for the stolen account number charge.
The investigation is being conducted by the Fairview Heights, Illinois, Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The Caseyville and Pontoon Beach Police Departments are assisting in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys 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.
Southern Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Arnoldo Garza, 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 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today. Garza was detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 3, 2016, at 2:30 P.M. before the Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel, United States District Judge. Garza faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment up to life imprisonment followed by a minimum of five years on supervised release. Garza 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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.
East St. Louis Woman Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Delenthegia "Del" Beard-Hawkins, 54, of East St. Louis, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to a Superseding Indictment which charges her and David L. Bradford in Count 3 with Transfer of a Firearm to a Previously Convicted Felon, and which charges her, alone, in Count 4 with Unlawful User in Possession of a Firearm. The remaining charges name David L. Bradford alone. Bradford is also of East St. Louis and formerly of Madison, Illinois.
As to Bradford, Please Note - 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 of all charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The maximum penalty for each of Counts 3 and 4 is up to 10 years in federal, a $250,000 fine, 3 years’ supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, with respect to Count 3, on February 22, 2014, Beard-Hawkins purchased a Romarm Cugir Draco, 7.62 x 39 mm caliber semiautomatic pistol in Missouri and traveled with it to East St. Louis, Illinois, where she left it with Bradford knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that Bradford was a convicted felon. With respect to Count 4, on March 4, 2014, Beard-Hawkins was arrested in possession of a Magnum Research Desert Eagle, .50 caliber semiautomatic pistol and an amount of marihuana. Beard-Hawkins is an illegal user of marihuana and had been illegally using marihuana on a regular basis for several months prior to her arrest on March 4, 2014.
Bradford’s trial on the Superseding Indictment is scheduled for April 2016.
Information leading to the charges against Beard-Hawkins and Bradford was obtained in an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Belleville Man Sentenced to 168 Months in Prison for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Joseph R. Carr, 25, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced to 168 months in prison on a four-count indictment charging him with Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced. Following his prison sentence, Carr will be on federal supervised release for 5 years. Carr was also ordered to pay a fine of $400, as well as a $400 special assessment.
On April 15, 2015, Carr was arrested for selling heroin to an undercover informant in Belleville, Illinois while carrying a firearm. Carr has one prior felony conviction. Carr pled guilty to the charges on September 15, 2015.
This case was investigated by the St. Clair County Drug Tactical Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre A. Durborow.
Southern Illinois Man Sentenced on Healthcare Fraud-Related ChargeRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on December 15, 2015, Terry L. Waeltermann, Jr., 30, of Mulberry Grove and Pocahontas in Bond County, and Vandalia in Fayette County, Illinois, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in Benton on the charge that he engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program. The district court sentenced Waeltermann to two years of probation with the first four months to be served in home confinement. He is also ordered to pay $6,660.75 in restitution to the Home Services Program.
Court records indicate that Waeltermann (also known as Waelterman and Waeltermen) admitted that he had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to his 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. Waeltermann admitted to falsely billing the program between April 14, 2013 and December 31, 2013, when he purportedly rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, he had not because he had moved away and forged the customer’s signature. As a result, Waeltermann improperly billed 573 hours of services and obtained $6,660.75 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.
Murphysboro Resident Sentenced for Crack Cocaine and Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On December 10, 2015, Isaac Jackson, 36, of Murphysboro, was sentenced for possessing and distributing crack cocaine and methamphetamine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Jackson, who had previously pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging two counts of distribution of crack cocaine and methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $750.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, on February 24 and 25, 2015, Jackson sold both crack cocaine and methamphetamine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. When Jackson was arrested on February 25, 2015, he was in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency and a large amount of crack cocaine, which was packaged for distribution. Jackson received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Murphysboro Police Department. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Johnston City Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On December 10, 2015, Krystle N. Statler, 28, of Johnston City, was sentenced for methamphetamine related offenses, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Statler, who had previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $600.
The offenses occurred between 2012 and November 2014, in Williamson, Jackson, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Statler was involved with others in obtaining pseudoephedrine and manufacturing methamphetamine. On April 17, 2013, Statler traveled to Carbondale with two other persons to obtain pseudoephedrine.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Marion Police Department. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Carbondale Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
On December 8, 2015, Ryan L. Gibbs, a/k/a "Blood," 35, of Carbondale, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Gibbs was in possession of a large amount of cocaine during a September 16, 2014, Illinois Department of Corrections compliance check at Gibbs’s Carbondale residence. The cocaine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. Gibbs is currently being held without bond pending a March 22, 2016, sentencing date.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Carbondale Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois Department of Corrections. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Belleville Resident Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on December 11, 2015, Jared L. Seats, 25, Belleville, IL, was sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon. Seats received 92 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, fined $250, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Seats also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed. Seats has been detained, that is, held without bond, since August 24, 2015.
At sentencing, evidence was presented that, on January 31, 2015, when Seats’ wife and two other individuals returned to the Seats’ residence, a verbal confrontation took place between Seats, his wife and one of the other individuals. When the argument ended, the two individuals remained outside in the driveway while Seats and his wife went into the residence. The two individuals reported to the police that they heard sounds as if the two were fighting inside the residence. The two individuals were unable to leave because their vehicle had been blocked in by Seats. One of the individuals tried to get in the house, cutting his/her hand on the side door’s window in the process, to get keys to the car so that the two individuals could leave. Evidence, including a 911 call, showed that, when the other individual returned to the driveway, Seats shot at the two individuals while they were standing in his driveway.
Seats was captured when officers arrived and recovered a Ruger, 22 caliber rifle from the residence. Seats admitted that he had possessed the rifle.
Before imposing sentencing, Honorable David R. Herndon noted that the recklessness of firing a shot outside of a rear window "[wa]s stunning." He then mentioned the recent incidents where children or other innocent people have been killed by stray bullets. After considering Seats’ criminal history, lack of remorse for the crime, and the facts of the instant offense, Judge Herndon labeled Seats a "narcissist," and noted that Seats "doesn’t care much about other people."
The case was investigated by the Belleville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Terry L. Stinnett, 68, of Marion, Illinois, pled guilty in federal court on December 8, 2015, to charges that he engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program. Sentencing has been set for March 15, 2016. Stinnett will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During his plea hearing, Stinnett admitted that he had submitted false and fraudulent claims in relation to his 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. Stinnett admitted to falsely billing the program between July 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014, when he purportedly rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, he had not been caring for the customer.
This prosecution is part of the fourth wave of the "Operation Home Alone" initiative announced on June 5, 2014, by United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton. 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.
Crime Pays: United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton Announces Monies Collected in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that his office collected $19,428,426.20 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2015. Of this amount, $9,337,630.59 was collected in criminal actions and $10,090,795.61 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Southern District of Illinois worked with other United States Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $36,117,452.46 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount, $14,468.49 was collected in criminal actions and $36,102,983.97 was collected in civil actions.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced on Thursday, December 3, 2015, that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2015. The more than $23.1 billion in collections in FY 2015 represents more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion of the Justice Department’s combined appropriations for the 93 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
"The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse," said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. "The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to this ongoing work."
"My Office will not stop in its efforts to collect monies owed the United States. The honest and law-abiding citizens of Southern Illinois deserve no less than our best efforts, and, I can assure them that they will continue to receive those best efforts on their behalf. As always, no legal avenue to collect debts owed the United States will go unused." noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
As examples, United States Attorney Wigginton highlighted that his office recovered over $7.75 million dollars from a mortgage fraud case in the Carbondale area and a joint collection of over $25 million dollars from fraud in contracts out of Scott Air Force Base.
Individual United States Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Finally, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $537,950.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2015. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Jose Galvan-Lopez, 44, a Mexican national who most recently resided in Granite City, was sentenced on December 1, 2015, to one year and one day in federal prison for the offense of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien.
Galvan-Lopez pled guilty to the federal charge on August 10, 2015. He has been continually confined since his arrest in Granite City, Illinois on May 8, 2015. At his change of plea hearing in August, Galvan-Lopez admitted that he is an illegal alien who has been previously deported from the United States to Mexico, and that he had purchased a stolen 9mm assault rifle and ammunition for $50.00 in cash in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2013.
Upon release from federal custody, Galvan-Lopez acknowledged that he will be deported again.
The investigation which resulted in Galvan-Lopez’ arrest and conviction was conducted by the Granite City, Illinois Police Department and by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Williamson County Resident Sentenced for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
On November 24, 2015, Corinthus Bevely, a/k/a "Rent," 45, of Marion, Illinois was sentenced for a federal drug offense, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Bevely, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $850.00. The offense occurred between March 2014 and December 2014, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Bevely was involved with others in the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. On multiple occasions, Bevely sold cocaine and crack cocaine to confidential sources working for law enforcement. Bevely received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. 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.
Domestic Violence Offender in Washington Park Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Mario B. Taylor, 42, of Washington Park, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on November 19, 2015, to 117 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, a $750 fine, and a $100 special assessment, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Facts presented in court revealed that on February 22, 2015, the Washington Park Police Department received a domestic battery report stemming from an argument between Taylor and his girlfriend at their residence in Washington Park, where he threatened her with a knife and gun, and family members who escorted her with a gun, as she tried to retrieve her belongings from the home. When officers escorted the girlfriend to the home to gather her things, they could hear the two arguing loudly and heard the girlfriend say "don’t touch me" and "get off me." Officers then entered the residence, observing the girlfriend pinned up against a doorway. A search of the home uncovered a total of 10 guns located in various places inside the residence. Taylor was previously sentenced for Aggravated Battery on May 25, 2000, in St. Clair County, Illinois.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Drucker.
East Saint Louis Woman Sentenced on Healthcare Fraud-Related ChargeRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Alfreda E. Perkins, 54, of East Saint Louis, 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 March 22, 2016. Perkins 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, Perkins 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. Perkins admitted to falsely billing the program between November 1, 2013 and September 15, 2014, when she purportedly rendered personal assistant services to a customer when, in fact, she had not been with the customer.
This prosecution is part of the fourth wave of the "Operation Home Alone" initiative announced on June 5, 2014, by United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton. 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.
United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, has announced his resignation effective midnight on December 11, 2015. After his resignation, he plans on joining a national law firm based in the St. Louis, Missouri, area.
Mr. Wigginton was sworn into office as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois on August 27, 2010, after nomination by President Barack Obama and unanimous confirmation by the United States Senate. Mr. Wigginton served on the following subcommittees and working groups of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee: Violent and Organized Crime, Health Care Fraud, Civil Rights and Controlled Substances/Asset Forfeiture. From December 2012 to the present he has served as Chairman of the Violent and Organized Crime subcommittee. In December 2012 he was appointed as the U.S. Attorney’s representative on the Violent Crime Resource Working Group supporting Vice-President Biden’s Violent Crime Task Force in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, school shootings. He is also a member of the Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Working Group, and, served as the representative for the U.S. Attorney Community on the Nation’s Threat Mitigation Working Group.
"It has been an honor to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Words cannot express the appreciation I have for the opportunity to serve the people of Southern Illinois, granted to me by the efforts of Senator Dick Durbin, the nomination by President Barack Obama and the unanimous support of the Senate. It is truly a privilege to work with the many men and women in law enforcement at the federal, state and local level who risk their lives daily to make our communities safer. The dedicated professionals in this United States Attorney’s office have performed outstanding work over the past five years and will continue to do so in the future. I have been fortunate to work with two great leaders- former Attorney General Eric Holder and current Attorney General Loretta Lynch. The leadership, support and advice of the past and present Attorneys General have allowed our office and the Department of Justice as a whole to perform at the highest levels and achieve extraordinary success not only in the Southern District of Illinois but across this great nation. Having served as the United States Attorney for over five years, I witnessed many challenges and my office met every challenge. We viewed challenges as opportunities to do tough work, make difficult decisions and always, always, seek justice." noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
During his tenure as United States Attorney, Mr. Wigginton directed and oversaw many important law enforcement operations targeting violent crime, public corruption, fraud on government programs, health care fraud and crimes involving the exploitation of children. He took a very aggressive stand targeting prohibited persons from possessing weapons. He worked closely with the St. Clair County and Madison County State’s Attorneys’ offices to combat violent crime and the heroin epidemic which exploded over the Metro-East area in 2011.
Over the past five years, Mr. Wigginton substantially increased the number of prosecutions of public officials and law enforcement officers caught violating the law. This included elected officials, police chiefs, police officers, probation officers, federal correctional officers, water clerks, township officials and mayors.
In March, 2011, he along with the St. Clair County and Madison County State’s Attorneys’ offices formed the Anti-Heroin Task Force and focused not just on the prosecution of heroin dealers but also engaged in a robust educational program at area high schools and middle schools to educate parents and children about the danger of heroin and other opiate based prescription drugs. He has spoken to over 10,000 high school and middle school students throughout Southern Illinois.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois aggressively pursued child exploitation perpetrators and was recognized nationally for the strategic plan they formulated in 2012 showing how an office can increase the number of child exploitation prosecutions during austere times without hiring additional prosecutors.
In September 2013, United States Attorney Wigginton formed the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative, bringing together local, state and federal law enforcement to address the increase in armed robberies of commercial establishments. This Initiative has been wildly successful in locating, arresting and convicting violent individuals who use guns to rob convenient marts, retail stores, restaurants and banks.
United States Attorney Wigginton oversaw many operations targeting individuals who defrauded federally funded programs such as Medicaid, Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board and grant programs. He also focused on consumer fraud crimes such telemarketing scams. During his tenure the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois was one of the nation’s leaders in prosecuting and convicting telemarketing and mass marketing fraudsters. Wigginton’s office obtained over 50 convictions in one telemarketing scam arising out of Florida. His Operation Home Alone program, which pursues individuals who falsely claim to be performing personal assistant services and billing a fund administered by the State of Illinois, and funded by federal tax dollars, has resulted in over 45 convictions so far. His office was also one of the nation’s leaders in prosecuting health care fraud.
United States Attorney Wigginton also aggressively pursued many affirmative civil enforcement actions against individuals and corporations involved in defrauding the government. During the past five years his office has recovered over $450,000,000.00 in monies through the aggressive enforcement of both civil and criminal actions. He, along with his Affirmative Civil Enforcement Assistants, established a Defense Procurement Fraud Task Force targeting those contractors who have defrauded the government during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Last year, in a case involving defense contractors engaged in shipping, United States Attorney Wigginton’s office recovered $32 million from the contractors.
As the Chairman of the Violent and Organized Crime Subcommittee, Mr. Wigginton has been invited to speak at a number of regional as well as national conferences on the issue of gun violence. He has hosted meetings with law enforcement officials in Baltimore, Camden, Chicago, Indianapolis and Philadelphia. He received the "Olympian Award" from the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association for his leadership in tackling violent crime. He received the "Extra Effort Award" from the Edwardsville School District for his work in combating heroin related crimes and his participation in Project Drugsmart.
The Southern District of Illinois covers the 38 southern-most counties in Illinois, has a population of approximately 1.25 million people and encompasses a geographical area about the size of Maryland. The United States Attorney’s Office, with staffed offices in East St. Louis, Benton and Fairview Heights, Illinois, has 32 attorneys and is responsible for conducting all criminal and civil litigation in the district on behalf of the United States of America.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Part in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An Ohio man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison on November 20, 2015, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Kenyon Ramon Walton, 31, of Cincinnati, Ohio, received a 262 month sentence for offenses which occurred in the Southern District of Illinois. Walton had previously pled guilty to those offenses. Following release from imprisonment, Walton will serve a 10 year term of supervised release. Walton was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and a $200 special assessment.
Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and various other state law enforcement agencies. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Non-Citizen Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for DrugsRead the Press Release
Jose Francisco Garcia, 28, of Mexico, was sentenced to 60 months in prison on a one-count indictment charging him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced. Following his prison sentence, Garcia will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. In addition, Garcia was ordered to pay a fine of $500 and a $100 special assessment.
On December 22, 2014, Garcia was arrested by Collinsville Police Department for possession of a controlled substance. Garcia pled guilty to the offense on May 14, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Collinsville Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre A. Durborow.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Pass Fraudulent PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that on November 19, 2015, Luke Xavier Lore, 47, formerly of Saint Louis, Missouri, pled guilty to two counts of Attempting to Acquire or Obtain a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge. The charges carry maximum penalties of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. Having been previously arrested on July 2, 2015, pursuant to a federal criminal complaint, Lore remains detained, without bond, pending sentencing. The district court set sentencing for March 8, 2016.
According to facts revealed in court, on February 2, 2015, in Madison County, and on April 6, 2015 in Saint Clair County, Lore created fraudulent prescriptions and attempted to have them passed at pharmacies. In February, he attempted to illegally obtain Hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and Alprazolam (trade name: Xanax), a Schedule IV controlled substance. In April, he attempted to illegally obtain Hydrocodone (trade name: Norco).
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Alton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Coonan.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
An East St. Louis man, convicted of Distribution of Cocaine, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison on November 20, 2015, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. David Lee Taylor, Jr, 35, of East St. Louis, IL, received a 57 month sentence for distributing cocaine in St. Clair County, Illinois. Taylor had previously pled guilty to the offense on August 13, 2015. Following release from imprisonment, Taylor will serve a 3 year term of supervised release. Taylor was also ordered to pay a $1000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was the investigative agency in this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Three Perry County Residents Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On November 17, 2015, Skyler Elder, 25, Joseph D. Smith, 42, and Jamie L. Smith, 34, all of Pinckneyville, were sentenced in United States District Court, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Elder, who had previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $725.00. Joseph and Jamie Smith had previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and one count of possessing pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. Joseph Smith was sentenced to 60 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $825.00. Jamie Smith was sentenced to 54 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $800.00.
The offenses occurred between 2012 and December 2014, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Elder, Joseph Smith, and Jamie Smith were involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Elder was a methamphetamine cook. The Smiths and others provided Elder with pseudoephedrine for the production of methamphetamine. Joseph Smith also allowed co-defendant Herman Sims, Jr., to manufacture methamphetamine at the Smiths’ Pinckneyville residence. At the sentencing hearing, the district judge found that Elder was responsible for the possession of 206.56 grams of pseudoephedrine and that the Smiths were responsible for the possession of 157.6 grams of pseudoephedrine. Co-defendants Sims and Jamie Trzinski have previously been sentenced to 84 months and 57 months, respectively, for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, 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.
Las Vegas Scammer Sentenced for Timeshare Resale FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Patrick A. Nosack, 34, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced yesterday afternoon to thirty months in federal prison in connection with his role in a multi-million dollar timeshare resale scam that operated out of Las Vegas. Nosack was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims and serve five years of supervised release when he is released from federal prison.
The sentence arose out of a telemarketing scam which operated in Las Vegas, Nevada. The scheme bilked over 3,000 victims of approximately 10 million dollars. Consumers were victimized in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, all ten Canadian provinces and the Northwest Territory of Canada, as well as Australia, Israel and the United Kingdom. There were at least twelve victims in nine of the thirty-eight counties comprising the Southern District of Illinois.
Evidence revealed that Nosack was a telemarketer at a telemarketing company, called Vacation Max, which operated a timeshare resale scam. The company purported to be a Georgia corporation located in Delaware, but actually operated in Las Vegas, Nevada in office space leased in the name of "Hot Girls Entertainment." The company falsely represented that they had found corporate buyers interested in acquiring blocks of timeshare units including the consumer's timeshare unit for purported business and tax purposes. The company solicited fees of up to several thousand dollars from each timeshare owner in purported pre-paid closing costs and related expenses. The purported sales did not occur and Vacation Max did not successfully sell any consumer’s timeshare interest except a relatively small number at fire sale prices.
This prosecution is one of nearly 100 timeshare resale fraud prosecutions brought in the Southern District of Illinois over the past four years. The case is part of an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys William E. Coonan and Michael Hallock.
Former Secretary-Treasurer of Labor Union Charged with Filing False Report with Department of LaborRead the Press Release
Joshua Lewis, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, on November 19, 2015, for filing a false report with the Department of Labor, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The indictment alleges that Lewis was the secretary-treasurer for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED) Lodge 212 from December 2011 until September 2012. The indictment alleges that during the time that Lewis served as Treasurer he converted to his own use, without authority, union funds in excess of $3,000. The indictment alleges that Lewis filed a false annual report for the union with the Department of Labor that falsely reported that he did not receive any union funds during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. The submission of the false annual financial report concealed the funds Lewis converted from the union. Lewis faces a prison sentence of up to 1 year, a fine of up to $100,000, and up to 1 year supervised release if convicted of the charge.
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 prosecution is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, with the assistance of the labor union. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Former Scott Credit Union Loan Officer Indicted for FraudRead the Press Release
Theodore J. Longust, 50, formerly from Columbia, Illinois, was indicted on November 18, 2015, by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, in a nine count Indictment charging: Count 1: Financial Institution Fraud; Counts 2 - 5: Misapplication of Funds; Counts 6 - 8: Money Laundering; and Count 9: Making a False Record to Scott Credit Union With The Intent to Deceive, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that Longust was an employee and officer of Scott Credit Union in the commercial loan department from November 7, 2005, continuing through December 8, 2014, and held the title of Business Relationship Manager. The indictment further alleges that he executed a scheme to defraud through the embezzlement of credit union funds, the creation of fraudulent loans, the payment of loans through the misapplication of funds from other loans, the increase of credit limits on loans that did not have the requisite board approval, the issuance of business loans without the required documentation or security and the issuance of letters of credit without the required documentation and security. The indictment also alleges that Longust knowingly submitted a false report to Scott Credit Union for the 3rd quarter of 2014 that misstated loan balances and omitted loan amounts and underreported loans of over $12,000,000.
If convicted, Longust faces a prison sentence of up to 240 years, a fine of up to $4,500,000, and up to 5 years supervised release, and mandatory restitution. The safety and soundness of Scott Credit Union has not been adversely affected by the criminal conduct. Employees of Scott Credit Union cooperated in the federal investigation.
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 prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations, with the assistance of Scott Credit Union. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Former Labor Union Treasurer Charged with EmbezzlingRead the Press Release
Jeffrey Magelitz, 44, of Chester, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, on November 18, 2015, for embezzlement and theft from a labor union and for filing a false report with the Department of Labor, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that Magelitz was the former treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 415, in Vienna, Illinois, from January of 2012 through June of 2013. AFSCME Local 415 represents employees at the Vienna Correction Center, located in Vienna, IL. The indictment alleges that Magelitz embezzled $30,811.96 and prepared and cashed unauthorized checks for himself and forged the signatures of the president and vice-president of the union on the checks. The indictment also alleges that Magelitz submitted a false annual report for the union which contained the forged signature of the president and falsely reported the amount of money that he received during the year. If convicted Magelitz faces a prison sentence of up to 6 years, a fine of up to $350,000, and up to 3 years’ supervised release.
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 prosecution is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, with the assistance of the labor union. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Former Belleville Doctor's Office Manager Indicted for FraudRead the Press Release
Jerry L. Akin, 60, formerly from Belleville, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, on November 19, 2015, for two counts of wire fraud involving a scheme to embezzle funds from the doctor's office, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that Jerry L. Akin charged personal purchases to the company's credit card that included Cardinal baseball season tickets, concert tickets, medical bills and personal travel expenses. The indictment further alleges that Akin paid personal credit card bills using the business checking account and that he attempted to conceal the payments by altering the payee of the checks in the business' QuickBooks accounting software. The indictment also alleges that he paid himself excess salary. If convicted, Akin faces a prison sentence of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to 3 years supervised release.
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 prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the doctor's office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Collinsville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Jeffrey C. Brown, 36, of Collinsville, Illinois, was sentenced to a total of thirty-six months in federal prison for the offenses of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in a scheme to obtain money and property through the use of unauthorized access devices through the commission of identity theft, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Brown was also ordered to pay $19,505.17 in restitution and serve two years of supervised release following his release from prison.
The convictions are the result of Brown and a co-conspirator stealing mail out of mailboxes. The stolen mail matter contained means of identification of other persons that included names, dates of birth and social security numbers. As part of the conspiracy, Brown used that information to apply for and obtain credit cards. The credit cards were then used to make purchases. Some of the fraudulently obtained items were then shipped or mailed to Brown’s residence. The items fraudulently obtained were often taken to local pawn shops for quick cash. It was ultimately determined that Brown was addicted to methamphetamines and cocaine and also had a gambling addiction.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Collinsville Police Department, the Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations, and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Member of Centralia Meth Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that David Leroy Altom, 41 of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today to 6 and ½ years (78 months) in federal prison, 4 years’ supervised release, a $200 fine and a $300 special assessment for his role in a Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine in Clinton and Marion Counties. There is no parole in the federal system.
Altom was ordered to self-surrender to the federal prison facility where he is designated for service of sentence.
Information leading to the charges against Altom and the others 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.
Centralia Woman Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Sara Rose Davis, 34, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced on November 13, 2015, to 4 years in federal prison, 4 years’ supervised release, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment following her guilty plea in May to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The offense took place in Marion and Clinton Counties. Supervised release follows service of the term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court documents establish that at least from the summer of 2012, through and including October 2, 2014, Davis obtain the ingredients necessary to manufacture methamphetamine, including pseudoephedrine tablets, and provided them to others to use in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Information leading to the charge against Davis and others 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.
Another Member of Centralia Meth Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Michael A. Flanagan, 43, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today for his role in a Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine in Clinton and Marion Counties. Flanagan was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $200 fine, and a $100 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Flanagan plead guilty to the charges on July 31, 2015. Flanagan has been in custody since his arrest on January 6, 2015. Also charged in the Conspiracy were Dusty Jo Gambill, James Perry Horton, David Leroy Altom, Jayme Lee Barnes and Kathy Sue Tomes. Horton, Altom, and Tomes have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Barnes and Gambill were previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.
Information leading to the charges against Flanagan and the others 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.