Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Alton Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Shaun Meyer, 33, of Alton, plead guilty today in the United States District Court to a one-count indictment charging him with Receipt of Child Pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced.
Court documents filed in the US District Court establish that during an undercover Internet investigation, agents from the United States Secret Service Illinois Cyber-Crime Unit determined that Meyer was receiving child pornography using a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant for Meyer’s residence during which they seized Meyer’s laptop computer. Meyer was interviewed by law enforcement agents and admitted that he had been downloading child pornography from the Internet for approximately two years using a file sharing program. During a forensic examination of Meyer’s laptop computer, agents recovered 171 video files containing child pornography.
Meyer faces a term of in federal prison of not less than five, but not more than twenty years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years up to a term for life. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2015.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service Southern Illinois Cyber-Crime Unit, the Greenville Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Franklin County Resident Sentenced for Heroin OffenseRead the Press Release
On July 1, 2015, George A. Mayo, 34, of West Frankfort, Illinois, was sentenced for his involvement in a heroin conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Mayo, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. Johnson was fined $300.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Mayo and co-defendant Frank Johnson, a/k/a "Moe," were involved together in the distribution of heroin in the Elkville and West Frankfort areas between 2012 and January 2014. At sentencing, the district court determined that Mayo was responsible for the distribution of approximately 309 grams of heroin. Johnson was previously sentenced to 108 months in prison for his role in the heroin conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, West Frankfort Police Department, and 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.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Reginald L. Beck, 39, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court in East St. Louis for the crime of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Beck was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $300, following his plea of guilty on March 12, 2015. The charges relate to an incident that occurred on January 1, 2015, in Centreville, Illinois, where police officers attempted to stop Beck for speeding. Beck sped off, abandoned his car, and fled on foot. The officers saw Beck throw something into some nearby weeds as he ran. After apprehending Beck, officers found two loaded firearms in the weeds – a Bryco .38 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Taurus .357 magnum revolver; Beck admitted to the officers that he possessed the guns and threw them into the weeds.
Beck was previously convicted of possession of firearm by a felon in the Southern District of Illinois, on June 27, 2002. Beck is currently serving a sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault. The sentence imposed today in federal court runs consecutive (in addition) to Beck’s state conviction. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm and the ammunition contained therein.
The case was investigated by members of the Centreville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Boyce.
Telemarketer Pleads Guilty Role in Multi-Million Dollar ScamRead 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, pled guilty in federal court this morning to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. Nosack faces maximum penalties of 25 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Nosack is being held without bond pending his sentencing, which is set for Thursday, September 17, 2015.
The charge arose out of a telemarketing scam which operated in Las Vegas, Nevada, which 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. The scheme operated from December 5, 2006, until January 24, 2012.
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. 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. Like all such scams, none of the purported sales occurred 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys William E. Coonan and Michael Hallock.
Salem Man Sentenced for Role in Methamphetamine CaseRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Walter James Henson, 38, of Salem, Illinois, was sentenced today to 151 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, a $500 fine and a $200 special assessment. Sentencing followed Henson’s guilty plea in March 2014 to both charges against him in an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2014. The offenses relate to the manufacture of methamphetamine and both occurred in Marion County, Illinois, on March 5, 2014, at a time when Henson was a parole absconder from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Specifically, Henson was sentenced for Possession of Equipment, Chemicals, Products and Materials with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine (Count 1), and Possession of a Listed Chemical (Pseudoephedrine) Knowing It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine (Count 2).
Information leading to the charges against Henson 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. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Alton Man Sentenced for His Part in Cocaine Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
An Alton man, previously convicted by a jury in the Southern District of Illinois for Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises Near a School, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Distribution of Cocaine Near a School, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison on June 26, 2015, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Miles L. Musgraves, a/k/a, "Lou," 41, of Alton, Illinois received a 240 month sentence on the drug convictions, and a 120 month sentence on the firearm and ammunition offenses. Following release from imprisonment, Musgraves will serve a 6 year term of supervised release. Musgraves was also ordered to pay a $500 special assessment, and he forfeited his interest in the firearm and ammunition.
Evidence at trial showed that after Musgraves had been caught by police selling cocaine and in possession of ammunition, he agreed to work as a confidential informant. Instead of providing actual assistance, however, Musgraves planted cocaine and a gun in another man’s car and called police in an attempt to frame the other man. Police recovered the cocaine and the gun, and the other man was initially charged with felony offenses punishable by 6-30 years in prison. After the Alton police discovered what Musgraves had done, the charges against the other man were dropped, and Musgraves was charged with the offenses in federal court.
This case was investigated by the Alton Police Department with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Lab and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Telemarketer Sentenced for Roll in Multi-Million Dollar ScamRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that James Richard Currey, 55, of Winter Park, FL, was sentenced in federal court this morning on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. Currey was sentenced to one year in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Currey was also ordered to pay $67,137.50 in restitution to the individual victims and a $100 special assessment.
The investigation determined that Curry was a telemarketer for National Solutions and related companies located in Orlando, Florida. National Solutions defrauded consumers across the continent using the fictitious names, Bluescape Timeshares International, Country Wide Timeshares, Countrywide Timeshares MA, Landmark Timeshares, Propertys Direct, Quicksale Propertys, Sun Property Networks, Sun Property’s, Universal Propertys, VIM Timeshares, Propertys DRK, Quick Sale Advisers, Quick Sale International, City Resorts, Resort Advisers, American Timeshares, Exit Week, and Resort Advisors International. These companies targeted owners of timeshares throughout the United States and Canada. In various court filings related to the National Solutions scam, the government has alleged that the overall scam bilked over 2,500 consumers out of at least $6 million, including eight victims within the Southern District of Illinois.
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 Midwest Region Office of the Federal Trade Commission and 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 Attorneys William E. Coonan and Michael Hallock.
Pope County Man Convicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Pope County man was convicted on June 23, 2015, on methamphetamine related charges following a two day jury trial, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Colt V. Lynn, 30, of Golconda, Illinois, was convicted following a two day jury trial on both counts in a federal indictment. 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.
With respect to each Count, Lynn faces up to 20 years in federal prison, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 3 years.
Sentencing is scheduled during September 2015, at the United States Courthouse in Benton, Illinois.
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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas E. Leggans.
FCI-Greenville Inmate Pleads Guilty to Possession of ContrabandRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on June 23, 2015, Anthony Johnson, 25, pled guilty to an indictment charging him with Possession of Contraband by a Federal Inmate. Johnson was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution located in Greenville, Illinois at the time the offense was committed. Johnson faces a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years which must be served consecutive, or in addition to his current sentence. Sentencing has been scheduled for September 18, 2015, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Johnson has been held without bond since his arraignment on May 12, 2015.
The charge arose on September 28, 2014, when an officer monitoring the visiting room at FCI-Greenville observed Johnson swallow an unknown object. Based on this behavior, Johnson was immediately placed in a dry cell after his visit ended so that his bowel movements could be monitored. On October 1, 2014, Johnson defecated one balloon which contained a white powdery substance. The substance found in the balloon contained heroin with an approximate weight of 1.1 grams.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigation Section. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Carbondale Resident Charged with Armed Robbery of Duquoin Shell Gas StationRead the Press Release
On June 16, 2015, Stanley L. Cohen, 32, of Carbondale, IL, was charged in a two-count indictment with 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.
The charges stem from a May 16, 2014, armed robbery of the Shell Gas Station in DuQuoin, Perry County. Cohen is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Benton on June 30, 2015.
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.
If convicted of the Hobbs Act violation, Cohen faces a term in federal prison of up to 20 years to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. The firearm offense carries a minimum penalty of 7 years, to a maximum of life in prison, 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, or 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.
Two Californians Charged in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two California residents were indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, for methamphetamine-related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Marcos Becerra, 29, and Francisco Ramirez-Quintero, 44, both of Richmond, CA, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than a 500 grams of methamphetamine and for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The two face a minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of life in federal prison if convicted. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. The charges are related to a June 24, 2014, seizure of methamphetamine.
The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Cahokia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
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.
St. Louis Resident Charged for Selling CrackRead the Press Release
A St. Louis, Missouri, man was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, for distribution of a controlled substance, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Eric J. Simpson was charged with one count of selling crack cocaine on March 12, 2015. Simpson faces up to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing.
The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
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.
Benld Physician Indicted for Unlawfully Writing Prescriptions and for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
A Benld physician was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, for use of a suspended or revoked DEA registration number when prescribing a controlled substance and for making false statements or material omissions from a DEA registration application, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Prescription medications are lawfully dispensed through a closed distribution system. The closed system begins with the importer who brings raw material into the United States, and extends to the manufacturer, distributor, physician, and finally to the dispensers or practitioners who provide the controlled substances to the customer or ultimate user. The Controlled Substances Act is designed to eliminate the diversion of drugs from legitimate channels to illegitimate channels by requiring strict registration and documentation requirements for all persons, including physicians, who are authorized by state law to dispense controlled substances. Federal law states that a prescription may only be issued by a practitioner who is (a.) authorized by a licensing state; and (b.) is also properly registered with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The Indictment explains that Larry Leone was a medical doctor licensed by the state of Illinois, until his state licenses to practice medicine and to prescribe controlled substances were suspended for one year in 2010. After serving his suspension, Leone was placed on probation by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. At the time that his Illinois medical license and his state license to prescribe controlled substances were suspended, Leone also voluntarily surrendered his federal DEA registration that authorized him to prescribe medications. That federal license was never renewed. Leone is charged in nine counts for unlawfully issuing nine (9) prescriptions for 1,260 Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien) pills and 540 Diazepam (Valium) pills that were dispensed under the authority Leone’s DEA registration number, which had been surrendered and was revoked at the time the prescriptions were written.
Leone is also charged with one count of making a false statement. That count alleges that on November 11, 2014, the Defendant completed DEA Form 224 and applied for a DEA registration that would have authorized him to lawfully dispense controlled substances again. On that form, Leone was asked the following question,
"Has the applicant ever surrendered (for cause) or had a state professional license or controlled substance registration revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, or placed on probation, or is any such action pending?"Leone was charged for falsely answered "No" to that question and omitting material information from his application by failing to disclose prior disciplinary proceedings against his Illinois Physician and Surgeon License and his Illinois Controlled Substance License.
If convicted, Leone faces a maximum of 4 years in federal prison, not more than a $250,000 fine, and not more than 1 year of supervised release on each count. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing.
The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office of Diversion Control. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
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.
United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton Announces "Home Alone IV" and Nationwide Takedown of Health Care ScamsRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, and Gerald Roy, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations for Region 7 (Kansas City office) today announced indictments and arrests arising out of Operation Home Alone IV. The indictments are a fourth wave of charges targeting the abuse of a Medicaid program in Illinois that provides personal assistants to Medicaid recipients to assist them with general household activities and personal care. The program is intended for recipients under 60 years of age and is designed to reduce Medicaid expenditures by avoiding more expensive institutional care, including nursing home care.
This morning, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, together with FBI Director James Comey and HHS Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson, announced the largest health care fraud takedown in the nation's history. The Southern District of Illinois was one of seventeen United States Attorney's Offices participating in the nationwide takedown. Several hundred federal agents took part in the arrests that began on Tuesday, June 16th.
The nationwide takedown centered on both medical services that were never performed but billed to the government together with medical services that were performed but were medically unnecessary. In the indictments returned in the Southern District of Illinois, the defendants are being charged with submitting bills for claimed personal assistant services that were purportedly medically necessary, but were not performed. Eleven of the twelve defendants were purported personal assistants and the other was a supposed recipient of the services.
Among the Operation Home Alone IV cases, are the following:
- A recipient was found in her home in an incoherent state and partially covered in dried excrement. She was discovered by a friend checking on her welfare after she had been unable to reach the recipient by phone for many days. The daughter of the customer was her Personal Assistant ("PA") and submitted claims for services.
- A recipient, who purportedly was unable to drive a car to work, indeed did drive to work as an East St. Louis School teacher. He also failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration that he was substantially gainfully employed as a teacher. A PA submitted false claims for services purportedly rendered in Illinois while the PA was actually in Costa Rica.
- A PA submitted claims while the recipient was in jail.
- A PA submitted claims for services at the same time she was working as a PA for a social services agency in East St. Louis.
- Several PA’s submitted claims while their customers were in the hospitals and nursing homes.
The following individuals were charged and arrested locally as part of Home Alone IV:
- Kevin Landis Boyd, 58, East St. Louis, IL
- Shirley A. Hair, 49, East St. Louis, IL
- Kiara S. Hopkins, 24, Belleville, IL
- Lisa Jorden, 50, Cottage Hills, IL
- Shelia Vickery, 40, Alton, IL
- Alfreda E. Perkins, 53, East St. Louis, IL
- Ann Marie Sheppard, 54, O’Fallon, IL
- LaTasha Stevenson, 37, Belleville, IL
- Jessica A. Teets, 27, Mulberry Grove, IL
- Terry L. Waeltermen, 30, Pocahontas, IL
Two other defendants have been charged, but not yet arrested.
Previous Operations Home Alone I through III had resulted in the indictment of 43 individual defendants. Of those, 42 were convicted (one died before sentencing) and given federal sentences ranging up to three years in federal prison.
Past cases involved personal assistants who were in jail at the time they were purportedly providing care to their customer, a customer who was in jail at the time he was ostensibly receiving the medically necessary services, PAs who lived out of state who were claiming to provide services in Illinois and PAs who billed for services while their customers were in a hospital and nursing home. In one case, a customer died of neglect at the same time as her PA was billing for providing for her care.
"After three previous rounds of indictments, I am truly mystified how these defendants thought they could get away with defrauding Medicaid through bogus claims of personal assistant services," said United States Attorney Wigginton. "I know that we can't prosecute our way out of this problem; but the fact remains that I will continue to prosecute until there is no such widespread abuse of this program. People who cheat this system rob from a very worthy program and steal directly from our fellow citizens."
"The home-care program provides vital services for many of our state’s most vulnerable residents," Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. "These prosecutions are critical to ensure that the integrity of the program is maintained."
"I find billing for personal assistant services while the customer was in a nursing home or hospital to be especially galling." said Special Agent in Charge Gerald Roy. "The whole purpose of the program is to save federal and state tax money by providing assistance to recipients so that they don't need to go to a hospital or nursing home."
"Working with federal officials, other agencies and the public, we will continue to fight fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid system." said Felicia Norwood, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Norwood added that HFS has been coordinating closely with the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide oversight over programs.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of the jury.
This 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 individual cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hanna, William E. Coonan, Ranley R. Killian and Michael Hallock.
Five Men Now Charged in Connection with the Armed Robbery of Two Grocery Stores in CahokiaRead the Press Release
A Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis has indicted Byron "Josh" Holton, 26, LaMarcus D. Jackson, 28, and Undray C. Webb, 25, with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery and Interference with Commerce by Robbery, which are both violations of the Hobbs Act, and with Use and Carry of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in connection with the armed robbery of the Alps Grocery Store that occurred in Cahokia, Illinois on December 11, 2014, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today. These charges are in addition to the charges Holton, Jackson and Webb were already facing for the January 11, 2015 armed robbery of the Shop ‘n Save in Cahokia. On February 19, 2015, a Federal Grand Jury indicted Holton, Jackson and Webb, along with two others, Durand Harper, 26, and Devante Hodges, 22, for Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, and Use and Carry of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in connection with the Shop ‘n Save armed robbery.
Documents filed in the U.S. District Court allege that on December 11, 2014, Holton, Jackson and Webb entered the Alps Grocery Store, located at 800 Upper Cahokia Road, in Cahokia, Illinois, masked and armed with three firearms. Holton, Jackson and Webb pointed the firearms at the store employees and demanded money. Holton, Jackson and Webb all took money from two registers and a safe located within the office and fled the store.
The documents further allege that on January 11, 2015, Holton, Jackson, Webb, and Hodges entered the Shop ‘n Save, located at 1028 Camp Jackson Road in Cahokia, Illinois, masked, gloved and armed with four firearms. Holton, Jackson, Webb, and Hodges pointed the firearms at employees and customers within the store. Holton jumped the service counter and demanded the employees place money from the safe into a black book bag while Jackson, Webb and Hodges stood guard at the door with their firearms. Holton, Jackson, Webb and Hodges then left the store and fled the area in a vehicle being driven by Harper.
If convicted of any of the Hobbs Act violations, the defendants all face a term in prison of up to 20 years on each count, 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 Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in connection with the armed robbery of the Shop ‘n Save, all five defendants face 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 on the Hobbs Act violations, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. Additionally, if Holton, Jackson and Webb are convicted of a second offense of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in connection with the armed robbery of Alps Grocery Store, the three face a minimum term in prison of 25 years up to a maximum of Life, consecutive to the term of imprisonment imposed on all other counts of conviction.
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.
The case is being investigated by the Cahokia Police Department, the Sauget Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers for prosecution.
United States Attorney Wigginton Announces Press EventRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that there will be a press event held tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 1:00 PM at the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, located at Nine Executive Drive, Fairview Heights, IL, 62208-1344, concerning the announcement of a Health Care Fraud Investigation and resultant Charges. This press conference will follow a press conference in Washington, DC at 11:00 AM Eastern hosted by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to announce a major crackdown on health care fraud in sixteen districts, including the Southern District of Illinois.
Media are advised to have press credentials and to arrive in sufficient time to allow for security screening prior to the event.
Two Marion Residents Indicted on Heroin/Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
Anita L. Argento, a/k/a Anita L. Warren, 43, and Travis L. Boley, 26, both of Marion, Illinois, were indicted on June 2, 2015, on heroin related charges in a four 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 on or about August 2014, until on or about May 11, 2015, in Williamson County, Argento and Boley did knowingly conspire and agree with others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 100 grams of more of heroin. Count 2 charges that on May 11, 2015, in Williamson County, Illinois, Argento knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin. Count 3 charges that on May 11, 2015, in Williamson County, Illinois, Argento knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly called "crack cocaine." Count 4 charges that on May 11, 2015, in Williamson County, Illinois, Boley knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin.
With respect to Count 1, Argento and Boley face 5-40 years in federal prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years.
With respect to Count 2, Argento faces up to 20 years in prison, up to $1,000,000 fine, and 2 supervised release of not less than 3 years.
With respect to Count 3, Argento faces 5-40 years in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years.
With respect to Count 4, Boley faces up to 20 years in prison, 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 Illinois State Police, the Marion, Illinois Police Department, and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation of this case.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Franklin County Man Indicted on Heroin and Heroin Death Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Erik Scott Brown, 26, of West Frankfort, IL, was indicted on June 2, 2015, on heroin related charges in a two 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 on or about December 2, 2014, in Franklin County, Brown knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance, to Steven Keith Scott, and that Scott died as a result of the use of the heroin which Brown had distributed. Count 2 charges that on December 3, 2014, in Franklin County, Illinois, Brown knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin.
With respect to Count 1, Brown faces a minimum of 20 years, to life in federal prison, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.
With respect to Count 2, Brown faces up to 20 years in prison, 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 Illinois State Police, the West City Police Department, the Benton Police Department, the West Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation of this case.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Altamont Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Travis Cole Maxfield, 28, of Altamont, Illinois, was sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, a $500 fine and a $500 special assessment. Sentencing followed a guilty plea in February 2014 to all charges against him in an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2014. All offenses relate to the production and distribution of methamphetamine.
Specifically, Maxfield was sentenced for Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine from October 2013 through May 2014 in St. Clair, Clinton, and Marion Counties (Count 1); Manufacture of Methamphetamine on February 26, 2014, in St. Clair County (Count 2); Distribution of Methamphetamine on March 5, 2014, in Marion County (Count 3); Possession of a Listed Chemical (Pseudoephedrine) Knowing or Having Reason to Know that It Would Be Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine in St. Clair County (Counts 9 and 10).
Information leading to the charges against Maxfield 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. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Schnuck Markets Agree to Pay $65,000.00 Civil PenaltyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Schnuck Markets, Inc. (Schnucks) has paid the United States of America sixty-five thousand dollars ($65,000.00) as part of a voluntary agreement settling allegations that Schnucks violated the Controlled Substances Act.
The United States alleged that Schnucks pharmacies filled prescriptions written by unauthorized practitioners. In particular, the allegations include that the pharmacies filled prescriptions written by mid-level practitioners not authorized to prescribe certain controlled substances and by practitioners who previously surrendered their prescribing privileges.
"Pharmacies are the last line of defense in ensuring that prescription drugs do not fall into the wrong hands. The Controlled Substances Act requires careful scrutiny of each prescription before it is filled. That scrutiny falls squarely on the shoulders of the pharmacy which dispenses the drugs." noted United States Attorney Wigginton. "Abuse of prescription drugs is a nationwide epidemic, and my office will not hesitate to pursue all appropriate penalties, be those civil or criminal, against pharmacies and pharmacists who violate the law."
"I would note that to its credit, Schnucks was cooperative throughout this investigation and the resolution of this case. Schnucks has made significant changes in its pharmacy practices and besides the civil penalty paid, invested additional monies and resources in technology and training to reduce the chance that violations like these ever occur again," said United States Attorney Wigginton.
This matter was investigated by the Saint Louis and Chicago field offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hanna.
Missouri Woman Sentenced for Orchestrating Tax Scheme to Obtain “Free Money”Read the Press Release
Tanya Nichols, 34, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison on June 12, 2015, for orchestrating a four-year long income tax refund scheme, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Nichols was also ordered to pay $603,898 in restitution, to pay a $500 special assessment, and to serve three years of supervised release after she is released from prison.
Nichols, and her half-brother Justin Durley, 30, of Hazelwood, Missouri, were indicted by the federal grand jury on August 20, 2014. The pair was charged in lengthy indictment that alleged Nichols functioned as a dishonest tax preparer who filed false tax returns to claim inflated refundable tax credits for low-income tax filers.
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, remarked that, "Nichols, in her fraud scheme, recruited people by promising them ‘free money.’ But there is no free money in the tax code. Tax credits are paid out of the monies collected from men and women who do their lawful duty and contribute to the system. My office will not cease to combat this ‘free money’ mentality responsible for the various types of frauds against the government that we see. Tax cheats such as Nichols do not steal from some unknown ‘government,’ they steal directly out of the pockets of the hard-working people of Southern Illinois."
Nichols pleaded guilty on March 5, 2015, to conspiracy to obstruct or impair the Internal Revenue Service in the lawful assessment and collection of income taxes and distribution of tax refunds, three counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government property. Durley was not charged with conspiracy, but rather was charged with one count of theft of government property and was separately sentenced to 3 months in prison for stealing more than $3,000.
The scheme to defraud was an ongoing tax refund scheme where Nichols
prepared fraudulent income tax returns for individual tax filers in order to generate "refundable tax credits," such as the earned income tax credit (EIC) and the child tax credit (CTC), which are refunded to the filer. The false information contained in the income tax returns prevented the IRS from making an accurate ascertainment, computation, and assessment of tax liabilities. It also prevented the IRS from making a correct distribution of income tax refunds. The false tax returns generated a larger tax refund than the filer was entitled to receive. Nichols shared the proceeds generated from the fraudulent returns with the tax filers, while collecting a fee in excess of that typically charged by legitimate tax preparers.
Nichols also paid finders’ fees to those who recruited tax filers to participate in the scheme. Evidence in Court revealed that Nichols and her coconspirators solicited low-income individuals residing in St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, to become participants in this refund scheme by promising IRS tax refunds, sometimes marketed as "free money."
"Refundable tax credits" are vulnerable to abuse because they have cash value to tax filers. That means a filer can receive "refund" payments for refundable credits even when the person filing the tax return has never paid any income tax whatsoever. In the case of low-income tax filers, it is common for a person to have little or no federal tax liability while still qualifying to receive these valuable refundable tax credits. This means that a low-income filer can receive a tax "refund" that exceeds the amount of income tax the filer actually paid. In that situation, the filer is not receiving a refund of their money; but rather they are actually profiting from the tax code by receiving thousands of dollars’ worth of refundable tax credits that exceed the filer’s tax obligations. Nichols took advantage of this system by falsifying income, employment, dependents, and other factors, to fraudulently generate these large refundable tax credits.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Internal Revenue Service / Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven D. Weinhoeft and Norman R. Smith.
Fairfield Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm in White CountyRead the Press Release
Alvin L. Ewing, II, 51, of Fairfield, Illinois, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to a two-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an illegal drug user in possession of a firearm, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The offenses occurred on August 21, 2014, in White County.
The charges stemmed from a traffic stop conducted by the Illinois State Police on a motorcycle Ewing was driving near Grayville, Illinois. During the traffic stop the Grayville Police Department’s drug detection dog alerted on the motorcycle. A subsequent search of a box strapped to the motorcycle revealed a Bushmaster .223 caliber AR-15 style rifle and a high capacity magazine loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. Because he was a convicted felon, Ewing was placed under arrest. A search of Ewing incident to that arrest revealed 4 individually baggies of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and a hypodermic syringe. Ewing admitted that he knowingly possessed the firearm and was a user of methamphetamine.
Sentencing was set for October 6, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton. Because of his extensive prior conviction record, Ewing faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release after his incarceration.
Ewing has been held without bond in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on federal charges in October 2014. He was returned to the custody of the Marshal to await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Illinois State Police, and the Grayville Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Shu K. Chen, 38, from the People’s Republic of China, entered pleas of guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Chen faces up to thirty years in prison for the conspiracy and a consecutive two year sentence for the Aggravated Identity Theft charge, plus a $250,000 fine and up to three years supervised release and mandatory restitution.
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. Chen, with the assistance of another individual, had used counterfeit credit cards to make purchases at retail locations in other jurisdictions. 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.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation and the Collinsville Police Department, with the assistance of several other local police departments and the Madison County State’s Attorneys Office.
The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Woodrow Rutherford, 72, from Houston, Texas, pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess 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 will be sentenced on October 8, 2015, at 9 a.m. before Chief Judge Michael J. Reagan. Facts presented in court revealed that Rutherford drove from Texas to Chicago at the behest of 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 and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Alton 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 Jason Edwards, 28, of Alton, Illinois, pled guilty today to all charges against him in the indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in December 2014. All offenses relate to the distribution of cocaine. Specifically, Edwards pled guilty to distribution of cocaine on or about February 20, 2014 in Madison County (Count 1); and distribution of cocaine on or about September 5, 2014 in Madison County (Count 2). All offenses are violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Count 1 and 2 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.
Information leading to the charges against Edwards was obtaining in an investigation conducted by the Alton Police Department. This case is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa T. Lu.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Illinois Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
On June 9, 2015, Jonathon M. Ford, a thirty-eight year old Fenton, Missouri, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to Bank Robbery, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Ford is scheduled for sentencing on September 29, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., at which time he faces a prison term of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, not more than 3 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
Court proceedings revealed that on March 19, 2015, Ford entered Regions Bank in Smithton, Illinois, wearing a dark-colored hooded zip up jacket and black face mask. Ford approached a bank teller, pointed a BB gun at the teller, and then 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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.
Shiloh Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Claims in Operating Tax Preparation BusinessRead the Press Release
Shanta C. Doss, 35, of Shiloh, Illinois, entered pleas of guilty to fifteen counts of Making False Claims Against the United States through the preparation and submission of fraudulent federal tax returns, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Doss faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to seventy-five years in prison, three years supervised release, a fine and mandatory restitution to the United States. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2015.
Facts revealed in Court showed that from 2011 through 2013, Doss prepared and electronically submitted returns to the Internal Revenue Service for friends and from other referrals. Many of these returns were false in that she electronically filed Schedule "C" forms that inflated or entirely fabricated business income. Doss knew she was required to disclose to the IRS that she was a paid preparer and to identify herself on the Form 1040. Instead, Doss concealed her identity by failing to disclose herself as a paid preparer on the Forms 1040. Doss concealed her identity to evade detection from the IRS because she was operating a tax refund fraud scheme.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Seven Southern Illinois Residents Charged with Methamphetamine and Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
Seven southern Illinois residents were indicted on June 2, 2015, in a two-count indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute heroin, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Paula L. Summers, 61, and Randall A. Miller, 25, both of Percy, Justin Ogle, 32, of Steeleville, Christopher R. Pelate, a/k/a "Critter," 34, of Willisville, and Brian T. Lane, a/k/a "Squirrel," of Marissa, are charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the methamphetamine offense occurred between 2013 and May 2015, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Summers, along with Larry D. Rice, 27, and Amanda J. Reeves, 25, both of Percy, are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin. The indictment alleges that the heroin offense occurred between 2013 and May 2015 in Perry and Randolph Counties.
Miller, Pelate, Rice, and Reeves made their initial appearances in federal court in Benton on June 4, 2015. They are currently being held without bond pending June 9, 2015, detention hearings. Summers, Ogle, and Lane are scheduled to make their initial appearances in federal court on June 5, 2015. The case has been set for an August 10, 2015, 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.
If convicted, the methamphetamine and heroin offenses carry penalties of a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, 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 States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Lebanon, Illinois, man, who was already a registered sex offender, was sentenced in federal district court on June 4, 2015, for Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Ryan Scott Richards, 41, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, to be followed by a ten year term of supervised release. Richards pled guilty to the charges on January 14, 2015. Richards was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,250.
The violations occurred from approximately January 11, 2014 to March 5, 2014, in St. Clair County, Illinois.
"We hope that such a long and well-deserved sentence will send a message to those who seek to prey upon children." noted United States Attorney Wigginton. "The harm these predators do is vast, and it lasts for lifetimes of not only the direct victims, but those who must deal with these images."
According to a factual stipulation filed at the time of the plea, on January 11, 2014, an investigator with the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force was doing an online investigation, and downloaded four images and a movie from a computer, later linked to Richards, a registered sex offender with two prior state convictions for sex offenses involving children. The movie downloaded from Richards’ computer depicted a nine year old female, who has been identified in numerous other investigations, engaged in sex acts with an adult male and a dog.
The ICAC Task Force executed a search warrant at Richards’ residence on March 5, 2014. At the time, Richards was downloading child pornography. Forensic analysis reviewed that Richards had a collection of 264,293 child pornography pictures and 1,821 movies.
At sentencing, the Court referenced a victim impact statement from the parent of the child in the film which expressed the constant anxiety the child experiences due to the ongoing dissemination of her images on the internet.
"I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the officers and forensic examiners who are members of our ICAC task force," United States Attorney Wigginton stated. "The psychological burdens of investigating crimes which involve movies and images of children being subjected to sexual assault, degradation, and humiliation leave lasting effects on the men and women who investigate these crimes. Their work involves constant exposure to violent and disturbing crime scene images, and through prior investigations they have learned the personal experiences of these victims whose images are constantly traded on the internet."
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the support of the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.
Jefferson County Man Convicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Jefferson County man was convicted on June 2, 2015, on methamphetamine related charges following a two day jury trial, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Robert A. Tate, 31, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, was convicted following a two day jury trial on both counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2013, until on or about June 2014, in Jefferson County, Tate knowingly conspired to manufacture methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that on March 31, 2014, in Jefferson County, Tate knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to each Count, Tate faces up to 20 years in federal prison, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 3 years.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2015, at the United States Courthouse in Benton, Illinois.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Caseyville Man Pleads Guilty to 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, 52, of Caseyville, Illinois, pled guilty to charges that he stole disability benefits from the United States Railroad Retirement Board.
Facts revealed in Court were that, from May 2009 through June 2012, French fraudulently obtained monies belonging to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, an agency of the United States, by concealing his employment status in order to receive occupational disability benefits. In this way, French illegally obtained over $82,000.00.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. The district court set sentencing for September 30, 2015.
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 Liam 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]
Altamont Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Ricky T. Garner, age 46, of Altamont, Illinois, pled guilty on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 to a federal indictment charging him with Possession of alpha-PVP with Intent to Distribute.
Garner is scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis on September 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.
"Alpha-PVP" is a prohibited controlled substance very similar to methamphetamine. It is chemically similar to methamphetamine and produces similar effects when ingested.
According to evidence introduced at Garner’s plea hearing, Illinois State Police troopers stopped Garner’s truck near Beecher City, Illinois on October 1, 2014. Garner was arrested because of outstanding arrest warrants. Police found 70 grams (2½ ounces) of alpha-PVP near Garner in the truck.
Garner has been continuously confined since his arrest last October.
At his sentence hearing in September, Garner faces maximum penalties of not more than 20 years imprisonment; a fine of not more than $1,000,000.00; and a term of not less than 3 years of supervised release.
The investigation which resulted in Garner’s arrest and conviction was conducted by an Illinois State Police Swat Team based in Effingham, Illinois.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Florida Timeshare Resale Co-Owner Sentenced for Role in Multi-Million Dollar ScamRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Leandro Velazquez, 36, of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on May 28, 2015, to 108 months in federal prison for his role is a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
In February 2014, a grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Velazquez with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. The indictment alleged that Velazquez, and others were engaged in an extensive telemarketing scam which operated in Orlando, Florida, that bilked thousands of victims of approximately $6 million dollars, victimizing consumers throughout the United States and Canada. There were victims in seven of the thirty eight (38) counties comprising the Southern District of Illinois.
According to documents filed with the Court in connection with his guilty plea and sentencing, Velazquez was a co-owner of National Solutions and related companies located in Orlando, Florida. The scheme operated under more than a dozen business names including Bluescape Timeshares International, Country Wide Timeshares, Countrywide Timesharesales, and Landmark Timeshares, among others. Evidence provided to the Court established that Velazquez' participation in the scheme began on or about December 5, 2007 and continued through July 13, 2011. Telemarketers for National Solutions placed cold calls to timeshare owners and then falsely represented that their company had actual buyers for the owners’ timeshare property. Telemarketers then solicited advanced fees of up to several thousand dollars from each victim in purported closing costs that they promised would be refunded to the owner once the closing on the property occurred. Many timeshare owners were told that their closings were scheduled within a number of days. Despite collecting fees from these victims, these companies were not successful in selling a single timeshare unit, according to testimony from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The Federal Trade Commission investigated the National Solutions businesses and brought a civil complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Orlando. In that action the FTC seized the offices and records of National Solutions on July 13, 2011 pursuant to Court Order.
This prosecution follows an investigation by the Midwest Region Office of the Federal Trade Commission and the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce E. Reppert and Michael J. Quinley.
Consumers who believe that they have been the victim of a consumer fraud should call the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or file an online complaint at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
Granite City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Billy Joe Merchant, age 42, pled guilty on Thursday, May 28, 2015 to a one-count federal indictment charging him with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
Merchant’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. Merchant faces a maximum possible sentence of no more than 20 years imprisonment.
At Merchant’s change of plea hearing on May 28, Merchant admitted that he had possessed 34 grams of methamphetamine (approximately 1¼ ounces) at a mobile home trailer park near Granite City, Illinois on February 6, 2015. Merchant also admitted that the methamphetamine seized from him had been packaged for sale in 22 individual plastic baggies, and that Merchant had intended to distribute this methamphetamine in the Granite City area.
Merchant’s arrest and conviction are part of an ongoing DEA investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Granite City. To date, a dozen meth dealers have been convicted as a result of the police operation.
Merchant has been confined in federal custody since March 3, 2015, and he will remain in custody until his sentence hearing.
The investigation which resulted in Merchant’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Granite City Police Department; the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI); and by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Florida Man Sentenced for Telemarketing FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Nathan Christian, 31, of Boynton Beach, FL, was sentenced in the United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois on his conviction for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Christian was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. The court also ordered Christian to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
Christian was a "Closer" at C&G Marketing Associates, LLC, also known as Premier Timeshare Solutions (PTS). Closers are telemarketers who "close the deals" with the victims. The PTS closers earned commissions that were based upon the volume of sales made.
PTS operated out of offices located in southern Florida. The company targeted owners of timeshares throughout the United States and Canada who wished to sell their timeshares. By falsely representing that PTS had located buyers who were interested in purchasing the victims’ timeshares, the closers convinced the victims to pay upfront fees of approximately $2,000 to PTS. During the lifespan of the scam, PTS defrauded over 7,000 people out of approximately $14.5 million. Victims were located throughout the United States and Canada.
This prosecution is one of more than 50 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. Both the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture have assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Verseman and Michael Hallock.
“Career Offender” Sentenced for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Sammy R. Holliday, age 43, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 for distributing methamphetamine.
Holliday, who has no recent fixed address, committed the federal offenses one month after his release from an Illinois state prison, where he had just served 5 years for manufacture of methamphetamine. Because of his extensive criminal record, Holliday was classified as a "career offender" under applicable federal sentencing guidelines.
Holliday pled guilty to federal charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Distribution of Methamphetamine, on February 3, 2015. At his change of plea hearing, Holliday admitted that he and another man sold methamphetamine to a DEA informant in Granite City, Illinois on three separate occasions in September and October, 2014. Holliday has been confined in federal custody since November 5, 2014.
The investigation which resulted in Holliday’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Granite City Police Department; the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois (MEGSI); and by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Two Clay County Men Sentenced in Federal Court on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Two Clay County men were recently sentenced to federal prison on methamphetamine charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On May 27, 2015, Kevin L. Brown, 44, of Flora, Illinois, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment, four years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, and was fined $200. Kevin Brown had previously pleaded guilty to one count in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from May 2012, to November 10, 2014, in Clay County, Kevin Brown conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
In a separate case, on May 21, 2015, Christopher S. Brown, 33, of Flora, Illinois, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, and was fined $200. Christopher Brown had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from August 2012, to November 20, 2013, in Clay County, Christopher Brown conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally manufacture methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that from August 5, 2012, to on or about November 5, 2013, Christopher Brown knowingly and intentionally possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
New York Man Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud Relating to Marshall Reed Apartments in CarbondaleRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Maximus A. Yaney, 38, of New York, New York, pled guilty to mortgage fraud and was sentenced, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. United States District Judge J. Phil Gilbert sentenced Yaney to 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, fined him $7,500, and ordered Yaney to pay full restitution of $7,748,019 to the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Greystone Servicing Corporation, the lender harmed by Yaney’s crime. Yaney paid the full amount of restitution into the Court prior to today’s hearing.
"Mortgage fraud is a tremendous problem in our country," commented United States Attorney Wigginton. "This type of crime is a tremendous drain on our economy, and was a contributing factor to the financial crisis of the late 2000s. We hope today’s sentence sends a message to those who may be contemplating mortgage fraud: Not only will you be sent to prison, but you’ll be forced to pay back every dime of the losses caused by your crime."
In pleading guilty today, Yaney acknowledged that he owned and operated various companies which purchased rental properties in college towns, including Carbondale, Illinois. Yaney further admitted that in June of 2007, he used a company he had recently formed, known as H.G. Capital, LLC, to purchase the Marshall Reed Apartments in Carbondale for $2,710,000. Then, in November of 2007, Yaney caused H.G. Capital, LLC, to sell the Marshall Reed Apartments to another company that he owned, Titan, LLC, for $9,780,000. In obtaining both the short-term and long-term financing for this transaction, Yaney concealed from the lenders the fact that he had an ownership interest in both the selling and buying companies.
In order to persuade the lenders to finance the purported $9,780,000 sale, Yaney made several misrepresentations and engaged in numerous fraudulent acts. These misrepresentations and fraudulent acts included: (1) submitting fraudulent Rent Rolls for the Marshall Reed Apartments; (2) creating false leases to support the fraudulent Rent Rolls; (3) submitting a fraudulent Operating Statement for the Marshall Reed Apartments; (4) submitting false information regarding the percentage of apartments that were rented; (5) staging empty apartments with items to make them appear to be occupied; (6) paying employees of one of Yaney’s companies to sit in unoccupied apartments and pretend to be renters while appraisals and bank inspections were being performed; and (7) providing false information about the number of apartments that had been renovated.
On November 14, 2007, $6,123,342.81 in loan proceeds from the purported sale of the Marshall Reed Apartments were wire transferred to a bank account in the name of H.G. Capital. On the very next day, it is alleged that $6,123,300.06 of those funds were wire transferred to the account of Campus Habitat, one of other companies Yaney owned. Yaney then used those funds for operating expenses and to purchase other rental properties.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of the Inspector General ("FHFA – OIG"). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Heroin and Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Ronald G. Murphy, age 53, formerly of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Murphy had previously pled guilty on February 3, 2015 to two federal charges: 1) Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine; and 2) Attempted Distribution of Heroin.
According to evidence introduced at Murphy’s change of plea hearing in February, Murphy worked as a drug courier between December 2013 and April, 2014. Murphy took cash from Belleville to Chicago, and brought heroin and cocaine back to Belleville for re-sale in the Metro East area.
Murphy was arrested by DEA agents at a bus station in St. Louis, Missouri on April 18, 2014. At the time of Murphy’s arrest, police seized 45 grams of heroin (slightly less than 2 ounces) which Murphy had intended to deliver to a drug dealer in Belleville. Murphy has been confined in federal custody since October 17, 2014.
The investigation which resulted in Murphy’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Godfrey Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
On May 22, 2015, Joseph E. Schwank, a twenty-four year old Godfrey, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to one count of Bank Robbery and two counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Schwank is scheduled for sentencing on September 16, 2015, at which time he faces a potential sentence for each count of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release after his prison term, a mandatory special assessment of $100, and restitution.
Court proceedings revealed that on March 2, 2015, Schwank entered a US Bank branch facility in Alton, Illinois, wearing a hunter’s hat and large white sunglasses. He approached a teller and handed her a note which read, "don’t be a hero put all of the money in your cash register on the counter for me robbery." A teller removed cash in the amount of $1,613 from a drawer and placed it in a bag. Schwank picked up the cash and then exited the bank. On February 23, 2015, Schwank entered a Pizza Hut restaurant in Alton, Illinois, wearing a disguise, walked to the counter, handed a bag to an employee, and stated, "Put the money in the bag." Schwank showed this employee a black airsoft gun he had in his waistband upon making this demand. The employee then provided Schwank with approximately $475 in cash. Schwank then fled from the restaurant. In a third robbery, Schwank entered Domino’s Pizza on March 3, 2015, in Bethalto, Illinois, wearing a disguise, and yelled, "This is a robbery. Give me all the money you have." After being handed approximately $53 in cash by an employee, Schwank fled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.
Two Perry County Residents Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On May 21, 2015, Brant A. Sizemore, 39, of DuQuoin, and Jamey A. Carson, 36, of Pinckneyville, were sentenced for their involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Both Sizemore and Carson had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging them and five others with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Sizemore was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $625.00. Sizemore was given 60 days credit for time served on related state case. Carson was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $400.00. The offense occurred between 2012 and September 2014, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, Williamson, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Sizemore and Carson were involved with each other and with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court found Sizemore responsible for 181 grams of pseudoephedrine, which was possessed for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Carson was found responsible for 28.8 grams of pseudoephedrine. The other five co-defendants have pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, and DuQuoin Police Department. The Pinckneyville Police Department and Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Herrin Man Sentenced on Heroin OffenseRead the Press Release
On May 15, 2015, Adam M. Calvert, 31, Herrin, Ill., was sentenced for his involvement in a heroin violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Calvert, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200.00. The offense occurred between 2012 and January 2014, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Calvert was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. On multiple occasions, Calvert sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement. During the execution of a July 2013 search warrant at Calvert’s Herrin residence, officers located syringes, pre-recorded buy money, a digital scale, and numerous other drug-related items. During a later January 2014 arrest, officers located heroin in Calvert’s sock. At that time, officers again located digital scales, used syringes, and other drug-related items at Calvert’s residence. At sentencing, the district court found Calvert responsible for more than 1.2 kilograms of heroin.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.
Colp Resident Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On May 18, 2015, Ahamad R. Atkins, a/k/a "Omar," and "O," 34, of Colp, IL, was sentenced for a federal drug violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Atkins, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $400.00. The offense occurred between 2012 and May 2014, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings, established that Atkins and co-defendant Antuan Perkins, a/k/a "Little Man," and others were bringing large amounts of cocaine and heroin from Chicago to Colp for distribution. In Colp, Atkins often cooked the powder cocaine into crack cocaine. On multiple occasions, Atkins sold crack cocaine and heroin to confidential sources working for law enforcement. Atkins often had other persons assisting him in the distributions. At sentencing, the district court found that Atkins was responsible for the distribution of 701.2 grams of crack cocaine, 1009 grams of powder cocaine, and 1430.1 grams of heroin. Atkins received a sentencing enhancement because he possessed multiple firearms during his drug dealing. Because Atkins falsely denied and frivolously contested much of his drug involvement at sentencing, the district court found that Atkins had not accepted responsibility for his offense. Co-defendant Perkins has pled guilty to the crack cocaine and heroin offense and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement and Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.
Moro Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Staged Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Eugene Babcock, 58, of Moro, IL, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to charges stemming from a staged bank robbery at Liberty Bank in Bethalto, Illinois, that occurred on December 13, 2014. Sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2015, at 9 a.m.
At sentencing, Babcock faces a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years.
Facts revealed in open Court today indicated that the bank’s manager had engaged Babcock to assist him with a "staged" bank robbery, which the manager then reported, in order for the two of them to share in funds stolen from the bank. When confronted by the police, Babcock returned over $100,000 taken from the fake bank robbery to investigators.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Bethalto Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Centralia Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Destry Wood, 50, of Centralia, Illinois, pled guilty on May 19, 2015, to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Pseudoephedrine with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine as charged against him in an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2014. The offenses took place in Marion, Clinton and St. Clair Counties.
The Conspiracy carries a penalty of not less than 5 years, and not more than 40 years in federal prison, up to a $5 million fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release. The charge of Possession of Pseudoephedrine with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Each charge carries a special assessment of $100. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2, 2015.
Information leading to the charges against Wood 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, the Centralia Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Mt. Vernon Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Two from Centralia Plead Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Daniel L. Gazdik, 51, and Sara Rose Davis, 34, of Centralia, Illinois, pled guilty in federal district court yesterday to Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Methamphetamine as charged against them in an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in December 2014. Gazdik also pled guilty to two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine and another count of Possession of Pseudoephedrine with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine. The offenses took place in Marion and Clinton Counties.
The Conspiracy carries a penalty of not less than 5 years, up to 40 years in federal prison, up to a $5 million fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release. Each charge of Distribution of Methamphetamine carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1 million fine, and not less than 3 years of supervised release. The charge of Possession of Pseudoephedrine with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Each charge carries a special assessment of $100. Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2015, for Gazdik and August 28, 2015, for Davis.
Information leading to the charges against Gazdik and Davis 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, the Centralia Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Mt. Vernon Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Duncan Lewis, 54, of East St. Louis, IL, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 18 months incarceration, followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Evidence showed that Lewis was convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault and Home Invasion in Sangamon County, Illinois, in 1991, sentenced to prison, and released on mandatory supervised release in 2010. Upon release, Lewis was required to register as a sex offender due to the Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault conviction. Lewis last registered as a sex offender on December 31, 2012 in the state of Missouri, but then moved to East St. Louis, Illinois and failed to register as a sex offender once in Illinois. On June 5, 2014, he was apprehended in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
St. Louis Woman Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Role in Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Annalise McGhee, 28, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court to 70 months in prison on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and two counts of Bank Robbery in connection with the robbery of Laclede Community Credit Union in Alton, IL, on February 11, 2013, and the robbery of People’s Bank and Trust in Altamont, IL, on February 26, 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois has announced. Following her prison sentence, McGhee will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. McGhee was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,684. McGhee has been in custody since February 26, 2013.
Documents filed in U.S. District Court establish that on February 11, 2013, McGhee drove her male co-defendant, Altonio Graves, to the Laclede Community Credit Union in Alton, Illinois to commit a robbery. Graves entered the credit union wearing a long black women’s wig, a black hat, and a black trench coat to disguise his appearance. Graves told the teller he had a gun, handed her a plastic grocery bag and a note demanding money. The teller placed $5,684 in the bag and Graves left the credit union with the money. Graves then entered the getaway vehicle being driven by McGhee and the two fled the area and escaped capture at that time.
On February 26, 2013, McGhee drove Graves to the People’s Bank and Trust in Altamont, Illinois to commit a robbery. Graves entered the bank wearing a long black women’s wig, a dark trench coat and a black hat with earflaps to disguise his appearance. Graves handed the teller a plastic grocery bag and a note which stated: "This is a robbery, I have a gun and I will use it." The teller placed $7,390 in the bag and Graves left the bank with the money. Graves then entered the getaway vehicle being driven by McGhee and the two fled the area. Illinois State Police officers located the suspect vehicle on the interstate and attempted a traffic stop. McGhee refused to stop the vehicle and fled from the officers at speeds in excess of 120 mph until she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. During a search of Graves and the vehicle, officers located the $7,390 in United States currency taken from the bank. Also during the search of the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol behind the glove box.
Altonio Graves, 39, of St. Louis, Missouri has also pleaded guilty and was sentenced on April 17, 2015 to 10 years in prison for the two bank robberies.
The case was investigated by the Alton Police Department, Altamont Police Department, the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Marion Woman Sentenced for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Charlietta M. Lee, 51, of Marion, Illinois, was sentenced for engaging in a scheme to commit health care fraud by defrauding the Home Services Program, which is a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home.
The district court in Benton sentenced Lee to serve five years of probation, and a pay a $100 special assessment. Lee was also ordered to pay $25,820.70 in restitution to the Illinois Department of Human Services and to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. During her plea hearing, Lee admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services to a customer. She had been engaged in other employment during times she billed for performing personal assistance. As a result, Lee improperly billed $25,820.70 in payments for services not performed.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William E. Coonan and Michael Hallock.
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.
Belleville Woman Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and the Backstoppers, Inc.Read the Press Release
Pamela Denise Robtoy, 55, Belleville, Illinois, entered pleas of guilty to Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud in a Scheme to Defraud and Embezzle from the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and The BackStoppers, Inc., the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Robtoy faces a prison sentence of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $500,000, up to 3 years’ supervised release after serving her sentence, and a mandatory order of restitution. Sentencing has been set for August 28, 2015.
Robtoy admitted as part of her pleas of guilty that she embezzled funds from the 3rd Annual John Perry Golf Benefit held in October of 2013. The proceeds from the charitable event were to benefit the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and The BackStoppers, Inc. The Annual John Perry Golf Benefit Tournament was a charitable benefit held annually to remember Deputy U.S. Marshal John Brookman Perry, who was killed in the line of duty on March 8, 2011. The wire fraud count charged that Pamela Denise Robtoy sent an email to a Deputy United States Marshal falsely indicating that the checks to the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and The BackStoppers, Inc. had been reissued in an effort to avoid detection of her scheme.
The investigation was conducted by the Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of other federal agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.