Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Washington Park Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Devonte T. Franklin, 22, of Washington Park, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on November 10, 2015 to 30 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, a $150 fine, and a $100 special assessment, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
Court proceedings revealed that on June 5, 2014, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop and observed the occupants not wearing their seat belts. Officers asked all passengers if guns were in the car, with no response from Franklin, who was in the back seat behind the driver. A search of Franklin subsequently revealed a Tec-22 semi-automatic pistol in Franklin’s front waistband. The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber and had a large capacity magazine with the ability to hold thirty rounds.
This investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Drucker.
Belleville Man Charged for Armed Robbery of Domino’sRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Sterling D. Gould, thirty-seven years old, from Belleville, Illinois, was charged by complaint on November 10, 2015, in federal court in East St. Louis, Illinois, for one count of Interference with Commerce by Robbery, which is a violation of the Hobbs Act; one count of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon, in connection with the armed robbery of the Belleville, Illinois, Domino’s Pizza that occurred on July 12, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative announced by United States Attorney Wigginton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak is prosecuting the case.
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On November 5, 2015, Jeremey A. Phillips, a/k/a "Jeremy Phillips," 28, of Marion, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offenses occurred between 2012 and February 2015, in Williamson, Jackson, and Jefferson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Phillips was involved with others in obtaining pseudoephedrine and manufacturing methamphetamine. Phillips is currently being held without bond pending a March 8, 2016, sentencing hearing. At that time, Phillips faces up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Marion Police Department.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Perry County Resident Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On November 4, 2015, Herman E. Sims, Jr., 35, of Pinckneyville, was sentenced in United States District Court, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Sims, who had previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $600. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Sims was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Sims stole anhydrous ammonia and manufactured methamphetamine with others. At sentencing, the district judge found that Sims’s relevant conduct included 360 grams of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2012 and December 2014, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Franklin Counties. Co-defendant Jamie Trzinski was previously sentenced to 57 months in prison for her role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Three other co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Jackson County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On November 5, 2015, Michael F. Halliday, , a/k/a "Micky," 33, of Elkville, pled guilty to one-count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Halliday was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2013 and June 2015, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Halliday is currently being held without bond pending a February 23, 2016, sentencing hearing. Halliday faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, 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, 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.
Herrin Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
On November 5, 2015, James N. Taylor, a/k/a "James Taylor, Jr.", "James Taylor, II," and "Oolie," 47, of Herrin, Illinois, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2014 and July 2015, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Taylor was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. On June 26, 2015, Taylor sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement. During June 2015 searches 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.
Taylor is currently being held without bond pending a February 10, 2016, sentencing hearing. At that time, Taylor faces up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Centralia Woman Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Dusty Jo Gambill, 40, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today for her role in a Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine which operated from February 28, 2014, through October 1, 2014, in Clinton and Marion Counties, and for Possession of a Listed Chemical (Pseudoephedrine) Knowing It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine. Gambill was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, a $400 fine, and a $200 special assessment. Supervised release follows service of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sentencing followed Gambill’s guilty plea to the charges on July 31, 2015. The charges were brought by a Federal Grand Jury in December 2014. Gambill has been in custody since July 21, 2015, when her bond was revoked. Also charged in the Conspiracy were Michael Alan Flanagan, James Perry Horton, David Leroy Altom, Jayme Lee Barnes and Kathy Sue Tomes. Flanagan, Horton, Altom and Tomes, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Barnes was sentenced in September to 5 years in prison, 4 years’ supervised release, a $200 fine and a $200 special assessment.
Information leading to the charges against Gambill 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 Husband/Wife Each Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Franklin J. Johnson, 33, and his wife, Deanna A. Johnson, 32, both of Centralia, Illinois, were sentenced today to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for the commission of methamphetamine related crimes. Franklin Johnson was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison, 4 years’ supervised release, an $800 fine, and a $400 special assessment. Deanna Johnson was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison, 4 years’ supervised release, a $600 fine, and a $300 special assessment. Supervised release follows service of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Johnsons’ sentences follow their guilty pleas on July 30, 2015, to an Indictment returned against them by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2014. The Johnsons were both charged with Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Chemicals, Products and Materials with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine. The Conspiracy operated from January 2014, through August 13, 2014, in Clinton and Marion Counties. The remaining crimes took place in Marion County. The Johnsons have been in custody, held without bond, since their arrests on January 8, 2015.
Information leading to the charges against Franklin and Deanna Johnson was obtained in an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Abetting Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on November 6, 2015, Marc G. Miller, 53, a resident of St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to an Indictment charging two counts of Bank Robbery. For each count, Miller faces a term in federal prison of not more than twenty years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than five years. Miller will also be ordered to pay restitution to the financial institutions for their losses. Sentencing is scheduled for February 22, 2016, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Miller has been held without bond since his initial appearance in Illinois on July 10, 2015.
According to court documents, the charges arose when Miller aided and abetted his co-defendant when that person robbed two US Banks, located inside of Schnucks grocery stores, in Edwardsville and Fairview Heights, Illinois. The robbery of the US Bank in Edwardsville occurred on January 28, 2015, while the robbery of the US Bank in Fairview Heights occurred on February 10, 2015. Miller allowed the codefendant to use Miller’s vehicle to commit the robberies, and rode with him, as a passenger, to both robberies. Miller would wait in the car during the robberies. Miller was located during the investigation of a bank robbery of a US Bank, located inside a Schnucks grocery store, in St. Peters, Missouri. Miller provided a voluntary, videotaped statement in which he admitted his part in the robberies.
The case was investigated by the Edwardsville, Fairview Heights and St. Peters Police Departments, assisted by Metro-East Forensic Laboratory and the FBI. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Shop N Save Sentenced to over 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Devante J. Hodges, 22, was sentenced to 9 ½ years in prison on a three-count indictment charging him with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. The Armed Robbery counts arise from the federal Hobbs Act, which makes it a crime to obstruct, delay or affect interstate commerce by robbery, and is used by United States Attorney Wigginton as a way to combat armed robbery in the Southern District of Illinois. Following his prison sentence, Hodges will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. Hodges was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,000. Hodges has been in custody since he was charged on February 6, 2015.
Documents filed in the U.S. District Court establish that on January 11, 2015, Hodges, Lemarcus Jackson, Undray Webb, and Byron Holton entered the Shop ‘n Save, located at 1028 Camp Jackson Road in Cahokia, Illinois, masked, gloved and each armed with a gun. Hodges, Jackson, Webb, and Holton pointed the firearms at employees and customers within the store and threatened to kill a customer if they were not given the money. Holton jumped the service counter and demanded the employees place money from the safe into a black book bag while Hodges, Jackson, and Webb stood guard at the door with their firearms. Hodges, Jackson, Webb and Holton then left the store and fled the area in a vehicle being driven by the getaway driver, Durand Harper.
Hodges was arrested and interviewed by law enforcement. During the interview Hodges admitted to being one of the four gunmen who robbed the Shop ‘n Save and identified Byron Holton, Undray Webb and Lemarcus Jackson as the other three gunmen and Durand Harper as the getaway driver. Hodges admitted that he receive approximately $1,000 in proceeds from the robbery.
As to Lemarcus Jackson, Undray Webb, Byron Holton, and Durand Harper, their cases are still pending, thus they are innocent of the charges unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Cahokia Police Department, the Sauget Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers for prosecution.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Trymaine Davis, 26, of East Saint Louis, Illinois, was sentenced on Friday, November 6, 2015, in federal district court, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Davis received a sentence of 21 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $250.
Court documents established that on June 5, 2014, Davis was stopped by Illinois State Police for a traffic infraction. As officers approached Davis’ vehicle, they observed a handgun in plain sight in the car’s center console, which was later determined to be a loaded .38 caliber handgun. Davis later admitted to possessing the gun, and to his previous felony conviction.
The case was investigated by the Illinois State Police, the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.
East Alton Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Obstruction of Justice ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that George W. Holliday, Sr., 46, of East Alton, IL, entered pleas of guilty on November 5, 2015 in U.S. District Court in Benton, IL, to federal charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Obstruction of Justice.
Holliday is scheduled to be sentenced in Benton on March 1, 2016. Holliday faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment on each of the three federal charges, as well as a fine of not more than $1 million, and a term of not less than 3 years of supervised release upon release from prison.
At his change of plea hearing, Holliday admitted that he and co-defendant James E. Bailey, Jr., had attempted to deliver methamphetamine to a woman in Pocahontas, IL, on November 22, 2014. Holliday also admitted that when Glen Carbon police officers attempted to stop the car he was driving, Holliday instructed Bailey to hide a handgun beneath the seat cushions in the backseat of the car.
Bailey pled guilty to methamphetamine and firearms offenses in federal court on October 2, 2015. He will be sentenced in Benton on January 5, 2016.
The investigation which resulted in the conviction of Holliday and Bailey was conducted by the Glen Carbon Police Department.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Effingham, Illinois, Doctor Sentenced for Illegal Dispensation of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Naeem Mahmood Kohli, 61, a medical doctor from Effingham, Illinois, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $10,500 in fines as well as $700 in special assessments, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after incarceration. Kohli was also ordered to forfeit to the United States his office building located at 500 North Maple, as well as $34,419.72, as a result of his drug convictions.
United States Attorney Wigginton stated, "The evidence heard by the jury and judge in this case established that Dr. Kohli abandoned his role as a medical professional for a price. In a community, and a nation, where medical doctors are held up as the trusted gatekeepers, Kohli, for a price, sold the keys to the pharmacy to patients with drug addictions. My office will continue to seek out those willing to peddle their professional integrity for financial gain. The abuse of prescription drugs is at an epidemic level in our communities and those responsible for putting these drugs on the street will be found and prosecuted."
Kohli, who operated the Kohli Neurology and Sleep Center, located at 500 North Maple in Effingham, Illinois, was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in March of 2014 and went to trial in United States District Court during January 2015. On January 27, 2015, after a 17-day jury trial, Kohli was found guilty on seven counts of illegally dispensing Schedule II Controlled Substances to patients who suffered from drug addiction. The Benton, Illinois, jury concluded that Kohli illegally dispensed Oxycodone and Hydromorphone, both highly addictive controlled substances, outside the usual course of the medical practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The prosecution arose from a law enforcement investigation titled Operation Doctor Feelgood. The joint law enforcement investigation focused on "pill mills" where doctors provided prescription drugs to addicts for a fee.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Effingham Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and Michael J. Quinley.
Caseyville Man Sentenced for Stealing Funds from Railroad Retirement BoardRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Dennis Harold French, 53, of Caseyville, Illinois, was sentenced following his guilty plea to charges that he stole disability benefits from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. The United States District Court in East Saint Louis sentenced French to three years of probation. The court also ordered him to pay restitution of $82,763.47 to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board and a special assessment of $100.
At his plea, French admitted that from May 2009 through June 2012, French fraudulently obtained benefits from U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, an agency of the United States, by concealing his employment status in order to receive occupational disability benefits.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. 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 committing fraud against any U.S. Railroad Retirement Board program, you may report this to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board=s Office of Inspector General by calling 1.800.772.4258 or by e-mailing a complaint or information to: [email protected].
Ex-Postal Service Employee Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
Ashton Luck, 29, from South Roxana, Illinois, pled guilty to a six-count Indictment that charged one count of workers compensation fraud and five additional counts of making false statements, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Luck faces up to thirty years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervision upon his release, plus mandatory restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2016.
As part of the plea, Luck admitted that while she worked for the U.S. Postal service as a mail carrier for the East Alton Post Office, she submitted a fraudulent workers compensation claim for a purported on-the-job injury. She also admitted that she submitted a number of false leave slips, fabricated a doctor's note and falsified hospital records in support of claimed emergency and sick leave.
The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Alorton Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Travis T. Wells, 33, of Alorton, Illinois, was sentenced on Friday, October 30, 2015, in federal district court, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Wells received a sentence of 42 months in prison, to be followed by one year supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $375 fine.
On January 6, 2015, law enforcement officers received a tip that Wells, who was a wanted individual, was at a residence in Alorton, Illinois. Upon entering the apartment, officers observed an infant on a bed in the upstairs bedroom with Wells. Wells informed the officers that he needed to change the baby’s diaper. Officers then asked Wells to take the infant out of the room and law enforcement officers found a .22 caliber semiautomatic firearm under a sheet on the bed – the very same bed where the baby was laying just moments earlier. Wells subsequently admitted that he owned the gun.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Drucker.
East Alton Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Shaun C. Meyer, 33, of East Alton, Illinois, was sentenced Thursday, October 22, 2015, in federal court to seven years in prison for Receipt of Child Pornography, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today. Following his prison sentence, Meyer will be on federal supervised release for 5 years and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Meyer was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution to the victims and a special assessment of $100.
Court documents establish that during an authorized undercover Internet operation, a U.S. Secret Service Task Force Officer identified a computer in the Southern District of Illinois with a certain IP address offering to participate in the distribution of child pornography through an Internet peer to peer network. Subsequently, the Task Force Officer completed a direct download of three different video files that contained child pornography from the IP address. The three video files downloaded contained depictions of prepubescent and infant female children engaged in acts of sexual penetration with adult males. The investigation further revealed that the computer was located at a certain address in East Alton, Illinois.
A federal search warrant was obtained and executed at the address in East Alton, Illinois. Meyer was present in the residence at the time the search warrant was executed. Meyer admitted to downloading and possessing child pornography.
During a forensic examination of Meyer’s computer, law enforcement agents recovered 171 video files which contained child pornography. 98 of the video files contained sexual acts involving penetration of toddler and prepubescent minors by adult males, as well as bondage or other sadistic or masochistic acts. The videos were from one minute to 53 minutes in length.
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 U.S. Secret Service Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Greenville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton and Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Swansea Brothers Sentenced in $1.6 Million FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Qais Hussein, 43, and Majdi Odeh, 45, both of Swansea, Illinois, were sentenced on related charges in the United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Hussein and Odeh were returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in East Saint Louis, Illinois on October 22, 2014. In addition to Odeh and Hussein, the owners of the Garden Grill stores, five employees had also been charged. Elsayed Hassan and Hossam Ahmed were charged along with Hussein and Odeh in the indictment with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Acquire SNAP Stamps. Albraa K. Sabrah, Alaa K.A. Jaber and Rami M. Abou Amra were all indicted separately on October 23, 2013, and charged with Unauthorized Acquisition of SNAP Benefits.
After a two-day hearing, on October 20, 2015, the district court sentenced Hussein and Odeh, each, to 85 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered both Hussein and Odeh to each pay $12,500 in fines, $1,682,604.38 in restitution for the loss to the SNAP program, and $400 in special assessments.
Previously, Hussein and Odeh pled guilty, on May 11, 2015, to a four-count indictment charging that they along with others engaged in a conspiracy from January 2010 through July of 2012, to Unlawfully Acquire Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits (formerly known as Food Stamp benefits), Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Presentation of False Tax Returns, and Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods.
During their plea hearing, Hussein and Odeh, brothers who operated businesses in East Saint Louis, Illinois, known as Garden Grill Market, Inc. and Garden Grill Market II, Inc., admitted to conspiring together and with others to fraudulently traffic in and acquire over $1 million dollars in federal SNAP benefits (the exact amount, which was ultimately determined by the district court, was found to be 1,682,604.38).
Additionally, the five employees of the business, who also pled guilty, were sentenced as follows:
-- Hossam Ahmed, 25, of Saint Louis, Missouri, pled guilty on April 28, 2015, to the charge that he along with others engaged in a conspiracy from January 2010 through July of 2012, to Unlawfully Acquire Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps benefits). The district court sentenced Ahmed to three years of probation with the first 30 days being in home confinement. The court also ordered Ahmed to pay $250.81 in restitution for the loss to the SNAP program and a $100 special assessment.
-- Alaa Jaber, 29, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pled guilty on April 28, 2015, to five counts of stealing SNAP benefits. The district court sentenced Jaber to 30 days in jail, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Jaber to pay $2,500 in fines, $1,422.36 in restitution for the loss to the SNAP program, and $500 in special assessments.
-- Elsayed Hassan, 25, of East Saint Louis, Illinois, pled guilty on May 7, 2015, to one count of the indictment for Conspiracy to Unlawfully Acquire SNAP Benefits. Hassan was sentenced to time served, three years supervised release, $675.13 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment.
-- Rami Abou Amra, 37, of Troy, Illinois, pled guilty on January 9, 2015, to three counts of the indictment for Unauthorized Acquisition of SNAP Benefits. Abou Amra was sentenced to two years’ probation, $328.40 in restitution, a $100 fine and a $300 special assessment.
-- Albraa Sabrah, 27, of Hazelwood, Missouri, pled guilty on March 20, 2015, to 3 counts of the indictment for Unauthorized Acquisition of SNAP Benefits. Sabrah was sentenced to three years’ probation, $798.48 restitution, a $200 fine, and a $300 special assessment.
United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton stated, "This successful investigation and prosecution is yet another step in the combined efforts of State and Federal law enforcement to unmask those who enrich themselves while others in our community, who are in desperate need of assistance, suffer from reduced benefits because of the fraud that is literally pillaging assistance programs. As I have said before, my office, the attorneys who prosecute these cases, and the agents who work tirelessly to investigate them, simply will not stop. If you defraud the government, we are looking, we will find you, and you will be prosecuted, and you will wind up in a federal jail far from your home."
SNAP benefits are similar to United States currency in that SNAP recipients can purchase food from grocery retailers at the face value of their SNAP benefits. In most states, SNAP benefits are provided to recipients on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that is used like a bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. The food stamp recipients in Illinois receive an EBT card known as an "Illinois Link" card. Illinois SNAP recipients can use their Illinois Link card at an authorized retailer in any state.
The defendants admitted that as part of the conspiracy, they would use Garden Grill Market Inc. and Garden Grill Market II, Inc., to unlawfully acquire SNAP benefits from customers by offering and unlawfully giving cash payments to those customers in return for the electronic transfer of SNAP benefits for well in excess of the cash amount given, normally giving the recipients cash in the amount of 50 to 60 percent of the value received by the store. In addition, the defendants fraudulently accepted SNAP benefits for ineligible items such as tobacco, cellular phones, and purses/handbags. The defendants also admitted to buying Woman, Infant and Children (WIC) vouchers by giving cash amounts less than the face value of the voucher.
As to the tax charges, the defendants admitted that they had assisted in the preparation of two false 2010 tax returns by underreporting income generated by Garden Grill Market Inc. and Garden Grill Market II, Inc.
As to the Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods, the defendants admitted that from January of 2010, through July 2012 they trafficked in counterfeit goods, including watches, hats, DVDs and other items.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General; the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
Fifteen Individuals Indicted in Stolen Property Fraud RingRead the Press Release
On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, IL, returned a 17 count indictment charging 15 individuals, including a Madison, IL, business owner, with numerous charges arising from a stolen property fraud ring, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced.
The indictment alleges that the leader of this fraud ring, Jason J. Parmeley, 42, formerly of O’Fallon, MO, conducted this fraud 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, Lowes, Menards, 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. The items were then sold at prices substantially below retail. The profits were then wire transferred to Parmeley in Mexico.
"Essentially, we allege that Parmeley and his gang committed identity theft, not only stealing the electronic identity of individuals, but also stealing the electronic identity of businesses. I urge anyone who thinks that they might have been affected by this scheme to report their case to my office." said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The retail and rental stores victimized by this scheme were located in various parts of the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Some of the victimized stores were located within the Southern District of Illinois, including stores in Collinsville, Granite City, and O’Fallon, IL.
The indictment also charges that James D. Litchfield, 58, owner of Big Jim’s Autorama in Madison, IL, purchased many items which he knew had been obtained by fraud. These items were delivered to Litchfield at Big Jim’s Autorama. The indictment further alleges that Litchfield provided two trucks that were used by his co-conspirators to pick up fraudulently ordered items.
The other defendants charged in the indictment are: Angel Speed, 25, formerly of O’Fallon, MO, Sean A. Shields, 47, of Ozark, MO, Shannan Flora, 41, of Vienna, IL, Alice J. Hembree, 43, of O’Fallon, MO, Tony G. Robertson, 43, of O’Fallon, MO, Steven J. Belcher, 44, of Wentzville, MO, Jesse S. Urias, 36, of Los Angeles, CA, Ryan P. Litchfield, 37, of O’Fallon, MO, Rigoberto Gutierrez, 26, of Compton, CA, Russell J. Witt, 33, of New Baltimore, MI, Bryce E. Atkinson, 21, of Lake Saint Louis, MO, Nicholas A. Brockman, 20, of Wentzville, MO, and Benedict G. Pellerito, 55, of Troy, MO.
Both James D. Litchfield and Ryan P. Litchfield were arrested yesterday. Their trial date has been set for December 21, 2015.
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. The remaining defendants are expected to appear for arraignment within the next two weeks.
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 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.
Caseyville Woman Indicted for Armed Robbery of Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
On October 20, 2015, a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, indicted Jenna McGlasson, 28, of Caseyville, Illinois, for one count of Interference with Commerce by Robbery, which is a violation of the Hobbs Act, and for one count of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in connection with the armed robbery of the Caseyville, Illinois, Mini Mart that occurred on June 25, 2015, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. McGlasson has been in custody since September 24, 2015, and is being held without bond.
If convicted of Interference with Commerce by Robbery, McGlasson faces a term in prison of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. If convicted of the offense of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, McGlasson faces a minimum term in prison of 7 years up to a maximum term of life, consecutive to, meaning in addition to, any term of imprisonment imposed for the count related to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, as well as a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 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 is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative announced by United States Attorney Wigginton. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.
Greenville Inmate Sentenced for Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on October 19, 2015, Anthony Cunningham, 29, was sentenced for Possession of Contraband by a Federal Inmate. Cunningham was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution located in Greenville, Illinois, when he swallowed five balloons of marijuana while in the visiting room at FCI Greenville. Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing marijuana inside a federal penal institution. Cunningham was sentenced to a term of 8 months in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release after the prison sentence, fined $100, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Cunningham has been held without bond since his arraignment on May 12, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigation Section and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Randolph County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On October 14, 2015, Randall A. Miller, 25, of Percy, pled guilty to one-count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Miller was involved with others in the distribution of Ice/methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2013 and June 2015, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. During his plea, Miller admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of more than 1.5 kilograms of Ice/methamphetamine. The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, 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, 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.
Randolph County Resident Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
On October 15, 2015, Jessie J. Sheridan, 34, of Steeleville, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Sheridan was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2013 and June 2014, in Jackson, Randolph, and Perry Counties. The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. Sheridan is currently being held without bond pending his January 16, 2016, sentencing hearing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Perry County Drug Task Force.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Lonnie C. Mathenia, a 50-year old, Granite City, Illinois, man was sentenced on October 16, 2015, in federal district court in East St. Louis, Illinois, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Mathenia was sentenced to 15 months in prison; 5 years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
After Mathenia registered as a sex offender in Granite City, Illinois, on May 6, 2014, a compliance check was conducted on June 3, 2014, by Granite City, Illinois, Police Department officers to verify Mathenia’s listed address. Law enforcement officials learned that Mathenia had been stopped and arrested for hitchhiking in Shawnee County, Kansas, on June 17, 2014, arrested for trespassing in Cheyenne County, Colorado, on July 28, 2015, and arrested for trespassing in Conway, Arkansas, on September 24, 2015. During this time, Mathenia neither registered as a sex offender in any of these jurisdictions nor updated his registration in the State of Illinois, as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Mathenia was convicted of Possession of Child Pornography in 2014 in Madison County, Illinois.
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 the Granite City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Angela Scott and Daniel T. Kapsak.
Centreville Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy, Attempted Robbery, Possession of Heroin, and a Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Antwyne Warren, 38, of Centreville, Illinois, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge David R. Herndon to 120 months in federal prison for four felonies he committed in July 2013: (1) conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; (2) attempted interference with commerce (robbery); (3) using or carrying firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and a crime of violence; and (4) possession heroin.
According to court documents, in July 2013, Warren agreed with two men to rob a drug stash house containing cocaine. Warren and another codefendant brought two loaded firearms with them to assist in the robbery. ATF agents, who had been investigating Warren and his codefendants’ plans to commit the robbery, arrested the three men in St. Louis. Warren was charged in federal court in East St. Louis, Illinois in July 2013 and later pled guilty.
There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Herndon also sentenced Warren to serve a total of five years of supervised release and to pay $325 in court fees.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted the case.
California Man Charged with Heroin PossessionRead the Press Release
On October 6, 2015, Conrad Valdez, Jr., 45, of Selma, California, was charged by indictment with possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred on September 27, 2015, in Effingham County. Valdez made his initial appearance in federal court on October 15, 2015. He was ordered held without bond pending a December 21, 2015, jury trial.
The heroin offense carries a penalty of a minimum of 10 years, to a maximum of life in federal prison, to be followed by at least 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the 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.
Robinson Resident Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael L. Goff, 36, of Robinson, Illinois, was indicted on October 6, 2015, on methamphetamine related charges in a three count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count 1 charges that from May 2015 to September 1, 2015, in Crawford and Richland Counties, within the Southern District of Illinois, the state of Indiana, and elsewhere, Goff conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that from August 30, 2015 to September 1, 2015, in Crawford County, Goff knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on August 31, 2015, in Richland County, Goff knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Goff faces a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years. With respect to Count 2, Goff faces 5-40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years. With respect to Count 3, Goff faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Robinson, Illinois, Police Department, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. The Crawford County State’s Attorney Office also assisted in the investigation of this case.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
O’Fallon Woman Pleads Guilty to Healthcare Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that on October 14, 2015, Ann Marie Sheppard, 54, of O’Fallon, Illinois, pled guilty in federal court to charges that she engaged in a scheme to steal from a health care program and committed mail fraud. Sentencing has been set for February 10, 2016. Sheppard 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, Sheppard 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. Sheppard admitted to falsely billing 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 because she was out of the country for eleven days and on an ocean cruise for four days, along with other times she was not with the customer. As a result, Sheppard improperly billed 2,883.4 hours of services and obtained $34,168.33 in payments for services not performed.
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.
Brighton Woman Pleads Guilty to Healthcare Fraud OffenseRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Jessica A. Teets, 27, of Brighton, Illinois, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court on October 13, 2015, to the charge that she engaged in a scheme to defraud a health care program. Sentencing has been set for February 9, 2016, in U.S. District Court in East Saint Louis. Teets 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, 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 was found on July 1, 2014 in an incoherent state and 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.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police - Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the Wood River, Illinois Police Department. The case is being 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.
Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for O’Fallon Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Denise K. Dodson, 45, of Troy, Illinois, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court to 70 months in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and Bank Robbery in connection with the robbery of the May 2013 robbery of Scott Credit Union in O’Fallon, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today. Following her prison sentence, Dodson will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. Dodson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $101,532.
Documents filed in U.S. District Court establish that at noon on May 24, 2013, Denise Dodson drove her husband, Steven Dodson, to the Scott Credit Union to commit a bank robbery. As two employees of Scott Credit Union were filling the outside ATM with money, Steven Dodson approached them on foot wearing a flesh-colored mask and yelled "Get away." "I have a gun." The two women stepped back and Steven Dodson walked away from the credit union with the three "cassettes" containing $100,000 of United States currency. Denise Dodson picked Steven Dodson up a short distance from the Scott Credit Union and the two fled the area.
Steven Dodson was also charged and convicted for the bank robbery of Scott Credit Union. He was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Las Vegas Woman Found Guilty of Defrauding Southern Illinois Residents in Telemarketing ScamRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that late Friday afternoon, a federal jury in East St. Louis found Elpenike Eddy-Aldava, 75, of Las Vegas, NV, guilty of telemarketing 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.
"These telemarketing scams are truly reprehensible," United States Attorney Wigginton stated. "These scam artists reach their tentacles into people’s homes and steal money by lying to those in need. When scammers reach out and steal from the citizens of Southern Illinois, we are going to aggressively prosecute them."
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 Mars), as well as one of the Updaters (Patrick Nosack) were also charged. Both Nicosia and Mathews pled guilty and were sentenced to prison. Nosack also pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2015. Rebecca Marrs’ trial is scheduled to begin on January 26, 2016.
The sentencing hearing for Eddy-Aldava is scheduled for February 4, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. Eddy-Aldava is subject to a term of imprisonment of up to 25 years, a fine of $250,000 and five years of supervised release. In addition, Eddy-Aldava can be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of her crime.
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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Verseman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa Lu.
Chinese National Sentenced for Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Shu K. Chen, 38, from the People’s Republic of China, was sentenced to 31 months in prison for his convictions for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Chen was also ordered to serve three years supervised release and pay restitution totaling $22,137.40 to nineteen area financial institutions.
Chen was originally arrested by the Collinsville Police Department on December 12, 2014, at the Walmart store in Collinsville, Illinois, for using counterfeit credit cards to fraudulently purchase gift cards. Further investigation revealed that Chen had also used counterfeit credit cards the day before at the same Walmart and that he was traveling around the area with another individual. Chen had used counterfeit credit cards to make purchases at least twenty-six retail locations in this area and in Missouri. The credit cards were encoded on the magnetic strip with legitimate credit card account numbers of area residents who were victimized. Chen provided a false New Jersey driver’s license at the time of the arrest in the name of Chang Zhang, which was the name embossed on the front of the counterfeit credit cards.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation, and the Collinsville Police Department with the assistance of other local police departments and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Centralia Woman Sentenced on Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Katelyn Woolever, a.k.a. "Baby K," 21, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced today to 6 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, $400 fine and a $200 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing followed Woolever’s June 25, 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, Woolever agreed to, and did, provide pills containing pseudoephedrine to others knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine in order to support her own drug habit and to make extra cash.
Information leading to the conviction of Woolever 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.
Texas Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy and Transporting Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
Woodrow Rutherford, 72, from Houston, Texas, was sentenced on October 8, 2015, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, following his plea of guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and one count of Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Rutherford was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also fined $500 and ordered to pay $100 special assessment. Court proceedings revealed that Rutherford drove from Texas to Chicago in June 2013 at the command of a drug organization to collect money from the sale of marijuana. After collecting approximately $103,000 in drug proceeds, Rutherford then traveled through Madison County, Illinois, where his vehicle was stopped by law enforcement officials and the drug proceeds recovered.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Sandoval Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Kathy Sue Tomes, 62, of Sandoval, Illinois, pled guilty on October 7, 2015, to an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in December 2014 against her and others. All charges relate to the production and distribution of methamphetamine - Count 1 of the indictment is a Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine from February 28, 2014, through October 1, 2014, in Clinton and Marion Counties, and, Count 8 related to Possession of a Listed Chemical (Pseudoephedrine) Knowing or Having Reasonable Cause to Believe that It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine.
Count 1 carries a penalty of not less than 5 years, up to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison, a $5 million fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release. Count 8 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and not less than 3 years of supervised release. Both counts require an assessment of $100. There is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing is scheduled January 22, 2016.
Information leading to the charges against Tomes was obtained in an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 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.
Brighton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that on October 8, 2015, Ryan Richard Duckett, 30, of Brighton, Illinois, pled guilty to the charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance. The charge carries maximum penalties of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 12, 2016, at the United States District Court in Benton.
Court records indicate that Duckett admitted that on February 6, 2013, in Brighton, Jersey County, he possessed a GP WASR-10/63, 7.62 x 39 mm. caliber semi-automatic rifle during a time 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.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Stacy L. Harden, 42, of Desoto, Texas, pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, on October 6, 2015, to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Harden is scheduled for sentencing on January 22, 2016, at 9 a.m. before the Honorable David R. Herndon. Harden faces a potential sentence of a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, not more than 5 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
Court proceedings revealed 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 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.
The investigation has been 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. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal Service, the Granite City Police Department, Fairmount City Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, Pontoon Beach Police Department, Park Hills (Missouri) Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Settlement Agreement Reached to Aid in Access for DisabledRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on October 5, 2015, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds and Expo Center have entered into a Settlement Agreement. The Settlement Agreement was reached after the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice investigated a complaint alleging Belle-Clair failed to remove barriers that prohibited persons with disabilities from participating in Grandstand activities.
Belle-Clair is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the full and equal enjoyment of its goods and services, as required by Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In accordance with the Settlement Agreement, Belle-Clair agrees to undertake specific barrier removal throughout the Grandstand by September 30, 2017. Additionally, Belle-Clair will provide written notification to all vendors, lessees, and security staff that when the facility is open to the public, accessible parking spaces are available only to those vehicles with state-issued accessible vehicle tags, plates, or decals.
Persons who believe they have been excluded from participation in or been denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or been subjected to discrimination by any such entity due to their disability, or by certain private entities open to the public, may file a complaint, nationwide, online at www.ADA.gov or, within the Southern District of Illinois, by contacting the United States Attorney’s Office at 9 Executive Drive Fairview Heights, Illinois 62208.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Reymundo Molina-Trujillo, a Mexican national, pled guilty in federal district court this afternoon to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Molina-Trujillo was detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for February 2, 2016, at 10:30 am. Molina-Trujillo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison, up to life in prison, followed by a minimum of five years on supervised release, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a special assessment 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, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.
Get-Rich-Quick Scammer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 30, 2015, Heintina Roor-Potman, also known as Heleen Potman, 52, of the Netherlands, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, ordered to pay restitution, and to forfeit $3,200,000.00, following her guilty plea to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, two counts of Wire Fraud, and Criminal Forfeiture. The violations took place between 1998 and September, 2010, in the Southern District of Illinois and elsewhere.
"My office is very aggressive in prosecuting scammers wherever we find them. Whether you steal from folks with a gun or you steal from them with a telephone and a computer, we will prosecute you." said United States Attorney Wigginton. "To consumers – please follow this simple advice: If a scheme to get rich seems too good to be true, then it is. Scammers prey upon people in need. Please do not become a victim."
At her guilty plea, Potman admitted that she and her ex-husband, Pieter Roor, also known as Pedro Dispenza, operated a series of fraudulent on-line investment schemes. These schemes were offered to on-line consumers as high-yield investment opportunities. These on-line investment schemes were run using multiple names. As investors learned their investments were not being returned, the "investment program" would close and re-open under another name. Thousands of investors sent Roor and Potman no less than $3,200,000.00. A multi-national investigation showed that Roor and Potman routed investors’ money all over the entire globe. The couple utilized on-line currency accounts from eGold and eBullion as well as bank accounts in Latvia, Germany, Netherlands, Great Britain, the United States, Belize, and Egypt.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service with extensive cooperation with the Dutch FOID. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Hudson.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Darnell Roy Baker, a.k.a. "Forty," 26, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty today to charges returned against him by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2014. Specifically, Baker pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin from September 2012 through October 2014 in Marion County (Count 1), and four counts of Distribution of Heroin during June and July 2014, also in Marion County (Counts 2, 3, 4, and 6).
Count 1 carries a maximum penalty of not less than 5 years in federal prison, up to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, and at least 4 years’ supervised release. The remaining counts carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and not less than 3 years’ supervised release. All counts require an assessment of $100.
According to court documents, Baker agreed with his co-defendants, Dominique Burwell, and Marquise Ross, to distribute heroin for profit in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. Baker and the others shared a cell phone which customers would contact to order heroin. Burwell often answered the shared cell phone, took the order, and then sent Baker or Ross to complete the transaction with the customer at whatever location was agreed upon. In July, Burwell was convicted in the case. In August, Ross pleaded guilty in the case and is awaiting sentencing.
Information leading to the charges against Baker was obtained in an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Pope County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Pope County man was sentenced on October 1, 2015, to 16 years in federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Colt V. Lynn, 30, of Golconda, Illinois, was convicted on June 23, 2015, following a two day jury trial on a two-count indictment alleging he conspired with others to manufacture methamphetamine. Count 1 charged that from January 11, 2013, until on or about January 15, 2013, in Pope, Union, and Saline Counties, Lynn knowingly conspired to manufacture methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that from January 11, 2013, until on or about January 15, 2013, in Pope, Union, and Saline Counties, Lynn knowingly and intentionally possessed pseudoephedrine pills knowing they would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Pope County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Department, the Pope County, Illinois, State’s Attorney’s Office, the Pope County, Illinois, Probation Office, the Golconda, Illinois, Police Department, the Massac County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas E. Leggans.
Fenton Man Sentenced for Smithton Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jonathon M. Ford, 38, of Fenton, Missouri, was sentenced today in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, for Bank Robbery, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Ford was sentenced to 64 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $150 fine, as well as a $100 special assessment. Ford pled guilty on June 9, 2015, to charges stemming from a March 19, 2015, bank robbery at Regions Bank in Smithton, Illinois. Ford entered the bank wearing a dark-colored hooded zip up jacket and a black face mask. He then approached a bank teller, pointed a BB gun at the teller, and stated, "I need all of your money." The teller immediately removed $3,872 in United States currency from the drawer and handed it to Ford, who then fled from the bank. Shortly thereafter, Ford was captured by law enforcement officials and all of the stolen money was recovered.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Two Jackson County Residents Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On September 14, 2015, and September 24, 2015, James Scott Rankin, 45, and Thomas A. O’Grady, 50, both of Carbondale, IL, were sentenced for their involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Rankin and O’Grady had previously pled guilty to the one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Rankin and O’Grady were sentenced to prison terms of 84 months and 132 months, respectively. Both men were also ordered to serve 3 years’ supervised release following the prison sentence and were each fined $200. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Rankin and O’Grady were involved with others in the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2010 and May 2014, in Jackson, Williamson, Union, and Franklin Counties. Twelve co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their involvement in the methamphetamine conspiracy.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Madison County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that James L. Wagner, 49, of Madison County, Illinois, pled guilty to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. At sentencing, Wagner faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $10 million fine, not less than 5 years’ supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.00.
Information leading to the charge against Wagner was obtaining in an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois. This case is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa T. Lu.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Darral C. Morris, 35, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on September 25, 2015, to 180 months in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $750 fine, 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.
"Again, I would warn convicted felons – possess a weapon and you will do hard federal time." noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
Court proceedings revealed that on August 8, 2013, the Project Safe Neighborhoods Detail patrolling in the Metro East Area observed two vehicles at a gas station in East St. Louis parked next to one another other, with neither vehicle obtaining fuel. Officers, believing a drug transaction to be occurring, approached the vehicles. Upon seeing law enforcement officers, Morris, the driver of one of the vehicles, placed what appeared to be several pieces of crack in his mouth. After being removed from the car, Morris’ saliva tested positive for cocaine. The officers searched his vehicle and found a loaded .9mm semi-automatic pistol between the driver’s seat and center console.
This investigation was conducted by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Drucker.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Williamson County Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On September 24, 2015, David T. Walls, Jr., a/k/a "Gun," 36, of Chicago, IL, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing 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. The group oftentimes possessed firearms during their involvement in the drug conspiracy. The offense occurred between 2012 and October 2014. Walls is currently being held without bond pending a December 29, 2015, sentencing date.
The crack cocaine and heroin offense carries a minimum penalty of 10 years, to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, to be followed by 8 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $8,000,000.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Carbondale Resident Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Duquoin Shell Gas StationRead the Press Release
On September 23 2015, Stanley L. Cohen, 32, of Carbondale, IL, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging Interference with Commerce by Robbery, in violation of the Hobbs Act, and Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that, on May 16, 2014, Cohen committed an armed robbery of the Shell Gas Station in DuQuoin, Perry County. Cohen, who was armed with a firearm, struck a clerk in the head with the gun. The clerk required staples for his wound.
The penalties for the Hobbs Act violation are up to 20 years to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. The firearm offense carries a penalty of 7 years’ to life imprisonment to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release. Federal law requires that any term of imprisonment imposed on the firearm offense must be served consecutive, that is, in addition to any term imposed on the Hobbs Act charge. Both offenses also carry a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the DuQuoin Police Department, Perry County Sheriff’s Department, and Carbondale Police Department.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Pontoon Beach Gas Station Robber Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Hero citizens gave chase and subdued robber until police arrived on scene
Shawn M. Bequette, 23, of Pontoon Beach, Illinois, was sentenced on September 24, 2015, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, to a term of 92 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for the October 6, 2014 robbery of a Conoco Phillips gas station in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence showed that in the early morning hours of October 6, 2014, Bequette robbed the Pontoon Beach gas station with a BB gun that resembled a real firearm, threatening the store clerk and demanding money from the cash register, along with the clerk’s wallet. As Bequette fled the scene, two witnesses to the crime – who had arrived as the robbery was in progress – chased Bequette down and pinned him to the ground until Pontoon Beach police arrived to arrest him.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pontoon Beach Police Department, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Wildlife TraffickingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Rex Dale Rains II, 54, of Maryland Heights, Missouri, was sentenced on two counts of Wildlife Trafficking and two counts of False Labelling under the Lacey Act. For each of these misdemeanors, the United States District Court in East Saint Louis sentenced Rains to serve 24 months of probation. The district court ordered Rains to pay a $500 fine and a $100 special assessment. The district court also ordered Rains to pay restitution of $3,000 each to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lacey Act Reward Account and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Police Operations Assistance Fund, totaling $6,000. Rains must also pay $3,120 for the Collateral Forfeiture of the tilapia and he will forfeit the payment he received for the illegal transaction of $1,325. In all, Rains will owe $11,040 for committing the offenses.
Court records indicate that on June 12, 2012, and June 22, 2013, Rains illegally transported and sold blue tilapia which he obtained from out of Illinois. He also falsely labelled the blue tilapia as blue gill.
Tilapia, a non-native fish from tropical and subtropical Africa and the Middle East, have caused significant damage to the native ecosystems in which they have been released. The blue tilapia is considered a competitor with native species for spawning areas, food and space. In water in which the species is abundant, there has been a significant loss of vegetation and nearly all native fishes.
The case was investigated by the Special Agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Coonan.