Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Madison Man Sentenced for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Dexter L. McClendon, 26, of Madison, IL, was sentenced Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 6 months in prison, followed by 12 months of home confinement on one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Prohibited Person, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
McClendon had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor Domestic Battery offense, which prohibited him from possessing any firearms or ammunition. On July 28, 2014, he had been in possession of a 7.62 caliber rifle.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Cahokia Man Sentenced to Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
James B. Moore, 54, of Cahokia, IL, was sentenced Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 46 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release on one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Moore had been in possession of a .357 Magnum and had previously been convicted of Armed Robbery. He has been in custody since June 20, 2014.
The case was investigated by the Cahokia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Part in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A St. Louis man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison on March 6, 2015, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Eric Watson, 28, of St. Louis, MO, received a 57 month sentence for offenses which occurred in St. Clair County, IL and in St. Louis, MO.Watson had previously pled guilty to those offenses. Following release from imprisonment, Watson will serve a 3 year term of supervised release. Watson was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and a $100 special assessment.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and United States Marshals Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Collinsville Man Sentenced to Prison for Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Steve M. Dodson, 45, of Collinsville, was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court to 78 months in prison on two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and two counts of Bank Robbery in connection with the robbery of Fairmount Village Credit Union in September 2012 and the robbery of Scott Credit Union in May 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois has announced. Following his prison sentence, Dodson will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. Dodson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $112,933. Dodson has been in custody since June 23, 2014.
Documents filed in U.S. District Court establish that on September 19, 2012, Dodson’s co-conspirator, William Hunter, entered the Fairmount Village Credit Union in Fairmount City, Illinois wearing a bandana covering his face, threated the teller, and demanded money. The teller placed $11,401 in a brown bag and Hunter left the credit union. Investigation revealed that prior to the robbery of the Fairmount Village Credit Union, Dodson agreed to make, and did make, a false 911 call for the purposes of diverting police resources away from the bank robbery. Dodson received fifty-percent of the proceeds for his participation in the robbery. The documents filed in Court also show that on May 24, 2013, two employees of Scott Credit Union in O’Fallon, Illinois were filling the outside ATM with money when Dodson approached them wearing a flesh-colored mask and told them he had a gun. Dodson demanded that they step away from the money at which time he took the three containers of U.S. currency and fled on foot. Dodson was picked up a short distance from the Scott Credit Union by his wife, Denise Dodson, who has also been charged with the bank robbery. Dodson and his wife obtained $100,000 from the robbery of Scott Credit Union.
Hunter had previously pleaded guilty in a companion state-court prosecution.
As to Denise Dodson, her case is pending, thus she is presumed innocent of the charges unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Collinsville Housewife Pleads Guilty to Three Bank TheftsRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 6, 2015, Easter Jimison, 37, of Collinsville, Illinois, pled guilty to three counts of Bank Burglary.
The investigation determined that on November 7, 2014, Jimison entered First Collinsville Bank in Caseville, Illinois, and handed the teller a note which read "put the money in a bag. Act normal. Don’t look around." The bank teller placed stacks of bills on the counter until Jimison said "that’s enough," then she put the money inside of her coat and walked out the front door of the bank. As a result, the FCB Caseyville Branch suffered a loss of $4,621.
Again on December 5, 2014, Jimison walked into the Bank of Edwardsville in Swansea, Illinois, and displayed a demand note to a bank teller. The demand note read "give me the money, this is not a joke." The bank teller promptly gathered the money from her drawer and placed it on the counter. Jimison then stated that she was unable to go through with the robbery and began to apologize and make excuses stating that she needed the money for rent. As this was happening an employee of the bank approached Jimison and referred her to a religious organization for financial assistance. Jimison then left the Bank of Edwardsville without taking the money.
On December 10, 2014, Jimison arrived at First Collinsville Bank in Maryville, Illinois in Madison County where she unfolded a note to the teller which stated "act normal" and "withdrawal." The bank teller promptly complied with the demand note and handed Jimison $1,144.00. Jimison then left the bank taking the money and the demand note with her.
Sentencing is set for June 11, 2015. Jimison will face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Caseville Police Department, the Maryville Police Department and the Swansea Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
Missouri Woman Guilty of Tax Scheme to Obtain “Free Money”Read the Press Release
Tanya Nichols, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty on March 5, 2015, in US District Court for participating in an income tax refund scheme, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Nichols, and her half-brother Justin Durley, 30, of Hazelwood, Missouri, were indicted by the federal grand jury on August 20, 2014. They were charged in lengthy indictment that alleges Nichols functioned as a dishonest tax preparer who filed false tax returns to claim inflated refundable tax credits for low-income tax filers.
Nichols pleaded guilty 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 is charged with theft of government property. Durley is scheduled for trial on May 11, 2015.
The scheme to defraud was described as an ongoing federal income 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, which were 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. The indictment charges 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."
The indictment explains that "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. The indictment alleges that Nichols took advantage of this system by falsifying income, employment, dependents, and other factors, to fraudulently generate these large refundable tax credits.
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Conspiracy is punishable by not more than 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 5 years supervised release. Theft of government property is punishable by not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not more than three years supervised release. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. Nichols is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2015.
The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Internal Revenue Service / Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven D. Weinhoeft and Norman R. Smith.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, Justin Durley is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Metro-East Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fraudulent Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Sylvia Baker, 30, from Fairview Heights, Illinois, pled guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States by making false claims for tax refunds to the Internal Revenue Service by submitting false federal income tax returns, and also pled guilty to five additional counts for making false claims for federal tax refunds, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Baker faces a prison sentence of up to 35 years, a fine of up to $1,500,000, and up to 3 years’ supervised release after serving her sentence and mandatory restitution. Her sentencing has been scheduled for July 10, 2015.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Getaway Driver in Bank Robbery SentencedRead the Press Release
Gregory Gilmer, Jr., 34, of Belleville, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Michael J. Reagan to 70 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
According to court documents, Gilmer, Cortez Beckman, and Jimmie Rhodes agreed to rob the Gateway Metro Federal Credit Union in Swansea, Illinois on April 30, 2013. Gilmer served as the getaway driver, while Beckman and Rhodes went inside the credit union armed with a BB gun and stole $10,092.00. The three men fled the scene. Law enforcement in Belleville attempted to stop the getaway car. When the car would not, a vehicle chase ensued. The getaway car crashed, and the three men fled on foot. Beckman was found under a chicken coup with the robbery proceeds and arrested. Rhodes and Gilmer were arrested a short time later. All three men pled guilty and are serving time in the Bureau of Prisons.
Chief Judge Reagan sentenced Gilmer to a total of 70 months in federal prison: 60 months for the conspiracy to commit bank robbery and 70 months for armed bank robbery to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Reagan also sentenced Gilmer to serve 3years of supervised release. United States Attorney Wigginton stated, "I am pleased with sentence imposed by Chief Judge Reagan. The prosecution of this bank robbery demonstrates my office’s sincere commitment to doing everything we can to assist law enforcement in targeting, investigating, and prosecuting those individuals that seek to profit from violent crimes. Hopefully my Armed Robbery Initiative, coupled with prosecutions of any kind of theft or robbery, will make our communities safer places to live and work."
The Swansea, Illinois, Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case with the assistance of the Belleville, Illinois, Police Department and the Illinois State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted the offense.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy, Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of the Conspiracy, and Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 5, 2015, Martez Moore, 40, formerly of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2), and Distribution of Cocaine Base in the Form Commonly Known as "Crack" (Counts 3 and 4), following his guilty plea to the charges on September 24, 2014. Moore was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison on Counts 1, 3 and 4, the sentences to run concurrently, and 60 months in prison on Count 2, the sentence to run consecutively to the sentence imposed on Count 1, for a total sentence of 211 months in prison. He was also ordered to serve 5 years’ supervised release following service of his term of imprisonment, and to pay a $400 special assessment. Moore has been in custody since his arrest on May 7, 2014.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) beginning in April 2013. An ATF special agent posed as a cocaine distributor for a Los Angeles based cocaine trafficking organization which was considering using the Metro East St. Louis area as a hub for distribution. The undercover ATF agent was first introduced to Martez Moore and later to Antwone Johnson, Dewayne Hill, Brian Matthews, Bryant Sawyer, Jaren
Jamison, and former East St. Louis police detective Orlando Ward. The undercover agent’s meetings with Moore culminated in Moore asking the undercover agent to broker the supply of 10 kilograms of cocaine from the Los Angeles organization. In return, Moore agreed to provide armed security for the anticipated delivery of 10 kilograms of cocaine and distributors for the cocaine. Moore recruited Johnson as a distributor, and Matthews, Sawyer and Jamison as armed security. Moore also recruited Dewayne Hill to protect him when he accepted delivery of the cocaine. Finally, Moore recruited Orlando Ward, a then detective with the East St. Louis Police Department, to provide police information and to help the conspiracy avoid law enforcement detection. Moore was the last to be sentenced in the case.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Metroeast Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fraudulent Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Lamarion Shanes, 33, from East St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts of making a false claim for a federal tax refund in submitting a false federal income tax return, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Shanes faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to 3 years’ supervised and mandatory restitution. Shanes was indicted with three other metro east individuals for participating in a tax refund scheme. Sentencing has been set for July 10, 2015.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to over Five Years 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 William A. Moore, 29, 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.
Moore was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, to be followed by 2 years’ supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $500. The charge relates to an incident that occurred on December 30, 2013, in East St. Louis, Illinois, when law enforcement agents went to Moore’s home on a state arrest warrant and discovered four firearms in the home. Moore was previously convicted of possession with intent to deliver marijuana on April 8, 2004, in St. Clair County. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearms.
The case was investigated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
Drug Courier Sentenced to 50 MonthsRead the Press Release
Rodolpho Hernandez Flores, a 47-year old Mexican national, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Michael J. Reagan to 50 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of heroin, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
According to court documents, Flores pled guilty to driving 5.4 kilograms of heroin, hidden in his truck, across the United States to Ohio. An Illinois State Police Trooper stopped Flores on Interstate 55 in April 2014 and following an alert by a drug canine, law enforcement found the heroin in a concealed compartment within the truck. Flores confessed to being a drug courier.
Chief Judge Reagan sentenced Flores after considering many factors, including the facts surrounding the traffic stop, Flores’s prior employment and work history, his character, and the serious amount of heroin in this case, commenting that "it’s a lot of heroin" and that Flores had "up to 50,000 doses of heroin." There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Reagan also sentenced Flores to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $500 fine. According to United States Attorney Wigginton, "The amount of heroin in this case is astonishing and highlights how severe the problem has become in our communities. This is why I have made cases involving heroin one of the highest priorities in my office. We are deeply committed to prosecuting heroin traffickers, whether they are the illegal variety (such as this man) or those who do so with a prescription pad."
The Illinois State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted the offense.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy and Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 3, 2015, Dewayne Hill, 40, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Previously Convicted Felon (Count 6), following his guilty plea to the charges on October 3, 2014. Hill was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Counts 1 and 6, to run concurrently, and 5 years in prison on Count 2, to run consecutively to the sentence on Count 1, for a total sentence of 15 years. Hill was also ordered to serve 5 years’ supervised release following imprisonment and to pay a $600 fine and a $300 assessment. Hill has been in custody since his arrest on May 7, 2014.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) beginning in April 2013. An ATF special agent posed as a cocaine distributor for a Los Angeles based cocaine trafficking organization which was considering using the Metro East St. Louis area as a hub for distribution. The undercover agent was first introduced to Martez Moore and later to Antwone Johnson, Dewayne Hill, Brian Matthews, Bryant Sawyer, Jaren Jamison, and former East St. Louis police detective Orlando Ward. The undercover agent’s meetings with
Moore culminated in Moore asking the undercover agent to broker the supply of 10 kilograms of cocaine from the Los Angeles organization. In return, Moore agreed to provide armed security for the anticipated delivery of the 10 kilograms of cocaine and distributors for the cocaine. Moore recruited Johnson as a distributor, and Matthews, Sawyer and Jamison as armed security. Moore also recruited Dewayne Hill, his "right hand man," to protect him when he met with and accepted delivery of the cocaine. Hill was in possession of a fully loaded 9mm pistol and an extra clip for the firearm.
All conspirators pleaded guilty. Only Moore remains to be sentenced.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Kit Morrissey.
Alton Man Sentenced for Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Glenn P. Lowers, 25, of Alton, Illinois, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 to 144 months in federal prison for selling the heroin which killed Alton resident Joshua Shelton.
U.S. Attorney Wigginton commented, "The sentence imposed today is another example of the anti-heroin initiative which I started when I took office. Our anti-heroin initiative is active and ongoing, and it will continue. We are trying to send a message to drug dealers out there that they risk a severe prison sentence every time they sell heroin, especially to a young person in the Southern District of Illinois."
Upon release from prison, Lowers will also be required to serve a supervised release term of three years.
Shelton was 21 years old when he died of a heroin overdose in Alton on September 4, 2013.
Lowers admitted selling Shelton 1/10 gram of heroin for $10 shortly before Shelton’s grandfather discovered his grandson’s body.
The investigation which resulted in Lowers’ arrest and conviction was conducted by the Alton, Illinois Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Marion Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On March 3, 2015, Sarah Lindsey, 30, of Marion, Ill., was sentenced for her involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Lindsey, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200.00. Lindsey was given credit for 10 months previously served on a related state case. The federal offense occurred between 2012 and January 22, 2014, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Lindsey was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Lindsay obtained pseudoephedrine pills for herself or others to use to manufacture methamphetamine. During a January 22, 2014, Illinois Department of Corrections compliance check, agents located a methamphetamine lab at Lindsey’s Marion residence. At sentencing, the district judge found that Lindsey was responsible for the unlawful possession of more than 479 grams of pseudoephedrine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Marion Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team also assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Alton Man Sentenced for Selling Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Steven Foster, 28, of Alton, Illinois was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 for selling crack cocaine.
Foster pled guilty on July 25, 2014 to two counts of selling crack cocaine. According to evidence introduced at his change of plea hearing, Foster sold a gram of crack cocaine to a police informant in Alton on January 14, 2014, and again on January 15, 2014.
Under applicable federal sentencing guidelines, Foster was categorized as a "career offender," because of his two earlier state convictions for selling cocaine in 2011.
Foster has been continuously confined since his arrest in January, 2014.
The investigation which resulted in Foster’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Alton Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Bank Manager Charged with Theft of Bank FundsRead the Press Release
Matthew S. Liebheit, 39, of Moro, IL, was charged Friday with a three count Complaint charging him with two counts of Theft, Embezzlement, or Misapplication by a Bank Officer or Employee, and one count of False Bank Entries.
The charges stem from a purported bank robbery at Liberty Bank in Bethalto, Illinois, on December 13, 2014. Liebheit, a bank manager at Liberty Bank, called police to report a bank robbery, indicating that a masked individual forced him into the bank at gun point prior to the bank opening. He gave a description of the suspect’s vehicle as being a tan station wagon or crossover style vehicle. He stated that he was forced to give that individual over $200,000 from the bank’s vault.
Further investigation revealed that Liebheit’s truck was used by the masked individual and a band of ten dollar bills was found in a search of Liebheit’s truck. Additional investigation showed that Liebheit had allegedly altered withdrawal documents from a Liberty Bank customer’s account to reflect a larger than intended withdrawal from that customer’s account. The day before the purported robbery, Liebheit allegedly falsified documentation to show a substantial deposit to that customer’s account.
Liebheit is scheduled for an initial appearance on the complaint today at 11 a.m. in federal court in East St. Louis.
If convicted, Liebheit faces a term in federal prison of not more than thirty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than five years.
A criminal complaint is merely a document used to begin a federal prosecution. A defendant is presumed innocent of any charges unless or until a jury decides that the person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bethalto Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Part in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Christopher Thomas, 50, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on February 27, 2015, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in East Saint Louis for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Thomas had previously pled guilty to the charge on October 15, 2014.
The district court sentenced Thomas to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release to follow imprisonment. Thomas was also ordered to pay a $200 fine and a $100 special assessment. In addition, a $500 forfeiture judgment was entered.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Illinois State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma State Patrol, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Homeless Man Sentenced for Conveying A False ThreatRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 26, 2015, Oliver M. Dotts, 41, with no legal address, was sentenced for Conveying a False Threat. Dotts was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Dotts has been held without bond since his arraignment on a Criminal Complaint on July 9, 2014.
The investigation of Dotts began when, on July 8, 2014, Dotts came to the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis, Illinois, and asked to speak with a Deputy United States Marshal (DUSM). Dotts told the DUSM that he was “having bad thoughts” and “not thinking right.” When asked what he meant, Dotts replied that he was thinking about getting some gas and burning some cars in the Courthouse parking lot, and also that he wanted “to get some gas and burn down the f**king Post Office.” After Dotts repeatedly made the threats despite the DUSM’s efforts to calm him down, the DUSM contacted the Department of Homeland Security - Federal Protective Service (FPS).
A Special Agent with FPS arrived at the Federal Courthouse and interviewed Dotts. When asked if he was serious about the comments he made to the DUSM, Dotts said that he was serious, and that, when he leaves the Courthouse, he is going to go buy some gas, set fire to the cars in the Courthouse parking lot and set fire to the Post Office. Dotts said that he did not want to hurt anyone. He said that he just wanted to draw media attention to his acts so someone would put him “in therapy or a program” to help him with this substance abuse problems and get him back on the medication he takes for his mental health issues. Dotts reported earlier to the DUSM that he went to a mental health facility and asked to be admitted to get back on his medication and “get into a program or some therapy.” Dotts said that, despite telling the staff at the facility that he was having serious problems with drugs and alcohol and would do something dangerous, the facility would not admit him. He said that it was then that he decided to walk to the Federal Courthouse.
Based on Dotts’ continued threats to burn cars in the Courthouse parking lot and the Post Office if he was released from the Courthouse, and his apparent calm and lucid behavior, Dotts was taken into custody, and a criminal complaint was issued the next day.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Service. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Timothy Davis, Jr., 47, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court in East St. Louis for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and for Distribution of a Controlled Substance to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $200 special assessment, and a fine of $500. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. The charges relate to an incident that occurred on June 3, 2013, in East St. Louis, Illinois, when Davis sold a .38 caliber S&W revolver and 1.9 grams of crack cocaine to a cooperating individual in a controlled purchase supervised by law enforcement agents. Davis was previously convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
The case was investigated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
East Saint Louis Man Indicted for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Kasmiel Samuel Sumrall, 28, of East Saint Louis, was arraigned today, after being indicted last week by a federal grand jury, on charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The charge carries maximum penalties of ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sumrall is detained pending trial which is set for April 20, 2015.
The indictment alleges that on or about October 6, 2014, in Saint Clair County, Sumrall, a/k/a “Kash,” possessed a 9-mm. Ruger semi-automatic pistol, its magazine, and ten rounds of 9-mm. ammunition. The indictment also alleges that Sumrall had previously been convicted, on October 30, 2007, of the felony offense of Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the United States must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by East Saint Louis Housing Authority, the East Saint Louis Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Union County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 25, 2015, Rusty J. Smith, 36, of Cobden, IL, was sentenced for a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Smith, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 125 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200.00. The offense occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Union, Williamson, and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Smith was involved with co-defendants Ruth Diane Wiseman, Jonathan E. Merydith and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court determined that Smith was responsible for the possession of more than 290 grams of pseudoephedrine. Co-defendants Wiseman and Merydith were previously sentenced to prison terms of 18 months and 60 months, respectively, for their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendant Shannon Connett has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team and Drug Enforcement Administration. The 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force (Tennessee) assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Pomona Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 25, 2015, April M. Elliot, 34, of Pomona, was sentenced on a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Elliot, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between 2009 and October 2013, in Union and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Elliot was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Elliot obtained pseudoephedrine pills for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Elliot also acted as a look-out while others cooked methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court determined that Elliot was responsible for over 142 grams of pseudoephedrine. Co-defendants Toni Johnson and George Oliver have previously been sentenced to prison terms of 87 months and 70 months, respectively, for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendants Sommer Koons and Travis Sanders have pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, Carbondale Police Department, and Union and Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Offices assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Marion Resident Charged with Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On August 20, 2014, Tyree M. Neal, Jr., a/k/a “Bubby,” 27, of Marion, IL, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2012 and August 2014, in Williamson County. Neal, who had been a fugitive, was arrested on February 24, 2015, and made his initial appearance in federal court on February 25, 2015. He is being held with bond pending a March 2, 2015, bond hearing.
The cocaine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Marion Police Department and United States Marshals Service assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 162 Months on Crack Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
Kenez K. Parks, 28, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years’ supervised release, and fined $150, on crack cocaine charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Parks had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that on August 8, 2013, in Jefferson County, Parks knowingly and intentionally distributed crack cocaine. Count 2 charged that on August 9, 2013, in Jefferson County, Parks knowingly and intentionally distributed crack cocaine. Count 3 charged that on August 12, 2013, in Jefferson County, Parks knowingly and intentionally distributed crack cocaine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Florida Telemarketer Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar ScamRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 25, 2015, James Currey, 55, of Orlando, FL, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. The investigation determined that Currey was a telemarketer for National Solutions and related companies from October 7, 2010 until June 10, 2011.
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. National Solutions 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. Sentencing is set for June 12, 2015. Currey will face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release.
This prosecution is one of nearly 75 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 Service. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Verseman and Michael Hallock.
Belleville Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fraudulent Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Alicia Jackson, 40, from Belleville, pled guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States by making false claims for tax refunds to the Internal Revenue Service by submitting false federal income tax returns, and also pled guilty to two additional counts for making false claims for federal tax refund, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Alicia Jackson faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years’ supervised release after serving her sentence, and mandatory restitution. Her sentencing has been scheduled for June 12, 2015.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Altamont 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 Travis Cole Maxfield, 28, of Altamont, Illinois, pled guilty today 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 pled guilty to 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 (Counts 9 and 10). All offenses are violations of the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Count 1 carries a maximum penalty of not less than 5 years, up to 40 years in federal prison, a $5 million fine, and at least 4 years’ supervised release. Counts 2 and 3 carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and not less than 3 years’ supervised release. Counts 9 and 10 carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years’ supervised release. All counts require an assessment of $100.
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 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.
Home Health Worker Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly PatientRead the Press Release
A St. Louis, Missouri, resident was sentenced to federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft on February 20, 2015, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Melissa Charlton, originally from Valmeyer, Illinois, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, $5,271.69 in restitution, a $200 special assessment and three years of supervised release.
Evidence presented in Court established that Charlton exploited an 82 year old woman from O’Fallon, Ill. Charlton obtained unauthorized access to the victim’s credit cards and her checking account to obtain money and goods valued at more than $5,000. The victim attempted to stop the fraud after she discovered fraudulent credit card purchases, but Charlton also stole her replacement credit cards and misused the victim’s social security number and date of birth to activate the replacement cards. She also used the victim’s personal information to apply for an additional credit card account without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the US Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Belleville Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael M. Anderson, 25, of Belleville, IL, was arraigned today on a one count Indictment charging him with Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography. The Indictment alleges that on or about September 4, 2014, Anderson knowingly possessed a digital recording which contained child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. Trial is scheduled for April 29, 2015 in front of the Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel. If convicted, Anderson faces a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years, up to life.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Drug and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
A St. Louis man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison on February 20, 2015, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Zachary Weil, 36, of St. Louis, MO, received a 144 month sentence for offenses which occurred in St. Clair County, IL and in St. Louis, Mo. Weil had previously pled guilty to those offenses. Following release from imprisonment, Weil will serve a 5 year term of supervised release. Weil was also ordered to pay a $400 fine and a $200 special assessment.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and United States Marshals Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
St. Charles, Missouri Man Sentenced on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Steven L. Carson, 27, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced on Friday, February 20, 2015, to 30 months in federal prison for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Carson pled guilty to the federal charge on October 15, 2014 in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
At his change of plea hearing in October, Carson admitted that he had possessed a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol on May 6, 2012, in Brooklyn, Illinois. Carson was arrested as he was leaving the Pink Slip Topless Club in Brooklyn. Carson also admitted that he had been previously convicted of the felony offense of 1st Degree Burglary in 2005, in state court in St. Louis County, Missouri.
The investigation which resulted in Carson’s arrest and conviction was conducted by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel T. Kapsak and Robert L. Garrison.
Perry County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 19, 2015, Stephanie A. Ellis, 36, DuQuoin, Ill., pled guilty to a one-count indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and September 2014, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, Williamson, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Ellis was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Four co-defendants have previously pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Two co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial. Ellis is currently being held without bond pending a June 18, 2015, sentencing hearing.
The offense carries a possible prison term 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 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.
Perry County Resident Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jamie M. Trzinski, 28, of DuQuoin, was indicted on February 3, 2015, in a one-count indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and December 2014, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Franklin Counties. Trzinski made her initial appearance in federal court in Benton on February 19, 2015. At a February 20, 2015, bond hearing, Trzinski was ordered held without bond pending an April 20, 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.
The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, 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.
Murphysboro Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Crack Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
On February 19, 2015, Harold Lawayne Barron, a/k/a “Wayne,” 51, of Murphysboro, Ill., was sentenced for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy and a crack cocaine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Barron, who had previously pled guilty to the two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to 156 months in prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and was fined $400. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Barron was involved with Jamie Kay Kelly, a/k/a “Jamie K.” and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine offense occurred between August 2012, and October 2013, in Jackson and Perry Counties. Barron was involved with Kelly and Maurice L. Robinson, a/k/a “Ray Ray,” and others in the distribution of crack cocaine. The crack cocaine offense occurred between May 2013, and September 2013, in Jackson County. At sentencing, the district court found that Barron’s offenses involved at least 177 grams of pseudoephedrine and 64 grams of crack cocaine. Kelly and Robinson were previously sentenced to imprisonment terms of 84 months and 87 months, respectively, for their roles in the drug offenses.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Murphysboro Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Jackson County Resident Sentenced for Heroin OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 20, 2015, Frank R. Johnson, a/k/a “Mo,” 45, of Elkville, Ill., was sentenced for his involvement in a heroin conspiracy the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Johnson, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. Johnson was fined $400.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Johnson was transporting ounce amounts of heroin from northern Illinois to Elkville for distribution. On numerous occasions, Johnson sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement and to an undercover agent. When agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence, they recovered heroin, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and a large amount of U.S. currency. At sentencing, the district court determined that Johnson was responsible for the distribution of approximately 825 grams of heroin. Johnson received an enhanced sentence based on the district court’s finding that Johnson had a leadership role in the criminal offense. The offense occurred between 2012 and January 2014, in Jackson and Franklin Counties.
The ongoing investigation is being 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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
East St. Louis Resident Resentenced to 135 Months for Role in KidnappingRead the Press Release
Jevon M. Jenkins, from East St. Louis, Illinois, was resentenced today by United States District Court Judge David R. Herndon to 135 months in federal prison for Aiding and Abetting Kidnaping, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Court documents indicate that in July 2012, Jenkins and others physically assaulted a Cahokia man in East St. Louis. Jenkins then aided and abetted a co-defendant in confining the Cahokia man in a vehicle and driving him across the Popular Street Bridge into Missouri.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Herndon considered the facts and circumstances surrounding Jenkins’ conviction and his criminal history, commenting that the “brutality of the case was quite shocking” and this was a “horrendous crime against a human being.” Judge Herndon then sentenced Jenkins to 135 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Herndon sentenced Jenkins to serve 5-years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the victim. According to United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton, “What the victim in this case endured should never be experienced by any human being. We are proud of the sentence imposed today by Judge Herndon. It sends a strong message to criminals: crimes of brutality and torture will not be tolerated.”
U.S. Attorney Wigginton added that: “This case would not have been successful without the courage and perseverance of law enforcement, the witnesses, and especially the victim. We are grateful for the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, the Columbia, Illinois Police Department, and the East St. Louis, Illinois, Police Department, who comprised the Save Our Streets Task Force active in the summer of 2012.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump.
East Saint Louis Man Sentenced for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Maurice L. Burks, 44, of East St. Louis, IL, was sentenced on a one-count indictment charging that Burks engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. On February 20, 2015, the district court sentenced Burks to six months of incarceration and ordered him to pay $1,016.82 in restitution as well as a $100 special assessment.
Burks was the personal assistant for his brother. Information in the record showed that Burks billed for hours of care when he was at work or while his brother was hospitalized. Rather than these crucial funds going to providing personal assistants for needy individuals, Burks simply pocketed the payments for his own financial gain.
Especially vulnerable to fraud are programs, such as the one implemented in Illinois, that allows the Medicaid recipient to control the selection and payment of personal care attendants. In most cases, the personal care assistant is a relative or family friend, who often is a ghost employee. In a typical fraud scenario, the payments made by the State of Illinois are split between the Medicaid recipient and the ghost employee.
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 U.S. Attorney 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 call 800.447.8477.
Columbia Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 20, 2015, Dan Stephen Daniels, 49, Columbia, IL, was arraigned on a two-count Indictment charging him, in Count 1, with Receipt of Child Pornography, and, in Count 2, Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography. Daniels was ordered detained, that is, held without bond, after a detention hearing held immediately after his arraignment.
Count 1 alleges that, on or about October 12, 2014, Daniels knowingly received two (2) images of child pornography, one of a prepubescent male engaged in sexual intercourse with an adult female and the other of a prepubescent female in the lascivious display of her genitals. Count 2 alleges that, on or about October 17, 2014, Daniels knowingly possessed a desktop computer that contained images of child pornography that involved prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age.
Trial is scheduled for April 6, 2015. The penalty for Receipt of Child Pornography is a term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years but not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life. The penalty for Possession of Prepubescent Child Pornography is a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Columbia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Carbondale Resident Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On February 19, 2015, Brandon K. Craig, 21, of Carbondale, Ill., was sentenced for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Craig, who had previously pled guilty to the one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and was fined $300. The offense occurred between 2010 and January 2014, in Jackson, Williamson, Union, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Craig was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Craig was a methamphetamine cook and purchased pseudoephedrine for himself and others to use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court found that Emery was responsible for the illegal possession of 247 grams of pseudoephedrine. Four co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their involvement in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Two co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Six co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Granite City Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Ronald J. Wiggins, 35, of Granite City, was sentenced on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 to 151 months in federal prison for offenses relating to the distribution of methamphetamine.
Wiggins pled guilty in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis on September 3, 2014 to three federal charges: Maintaining Drug-Related Premises; Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Upon release from prison, Wiggins will also be required to serve a term of three years on supervised release.
At his change of plea hearing in September, Wiggins admitted that he had used his residence in Granite City, Illinois to distribute methamphetamine throughout 2013. Wiggins also admitted that he had sold methamphetamine to a police informant on June 13, and again on June 19, 2013, in Granite City.
The investigation which resulted in Wiggins’ arrest and conviction was conducted by the Granite City Police Department and by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
West Salem Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDillion Wayne Bailey, 30, of West Salem, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to a 14 year term of imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute 2 ounces of highly pure methamphetamine (commonly known as “crystal” or “ice”), announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Bailey was charged with that offense by a Federal Grand Jury on July 8, 2014, and pled guilty to it on October 23rd. The offense occurred on June 13, 2014, in White County.
Evidence introduced in support of the guilty plea and sentence showed that on June 13th Bailey was stopped by a Grayville, Illinois, Police Department officer for a traffic violation. After an Edwards County Sheriff’s Department drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in Bailey’s vehicle, Bailey attempted to flee the scene in his vehicle. Bailey struck the officer with his car which forced the officer onto the hood to avoid being ran over. Bailey proceeded across a 2 block long parking lot with the officer still on his hood. Bailey ignored the officer’s commands to stop until the officer was able to draw and point his service weapon. Bailey continued to resist arrest, forcing officers to deploy the canine. After Bailey was subdued, 2 ounces of ice, a bag of glass smoking pipes, numerous small unused plastic baggies, and a digital scale were found in Bailey’s vehicle. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed that the methamphetamine was 100% pure. A search of Bailey’s pockets revealed $2,131 in cash.
In addition to the 14 year prison sentence, Bailey was ordered to pay fines and special assessments totaling $300 to the United States and was placed on a 3 year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration. Following his sentencing, Bailey was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal, where has been held without bond since his arrest on the federal charges in July, to await designation to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Grayville Police Department, with the assistance of the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Two More Florida Telemarketers Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 18, 2015, Nathan Christian, 31, of Boynton Beach, FL, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. The investigation determined that Christian was a manager at C&G Marketing Associates, LLC, a Florida corporation that in 2009 defrauded consumers across the continent using the fictitious name, Premier Timeshare Solutions (“PTS”). Working out of an office building in West Palm Beach, Florida, PTS targeted owners of timeshares throughout the United States. In various court filings related to the PTS scam, the government has alleged that the overall scam bilked consumers of $14.5 million from over 7,000 people throughout the United States and Canada, including dozens of victims within the Southern District of Illinois. Sentencing is set for May 29, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. Christian will face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release.
In a separate case, United States Attorney Wigginton announced today that on February 18, 2015, Gemma Tzen, 26, of Orlando, FL, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. The investigation determined that Tzen was a telemarketer for National Solutions and related companies located in Orlando, Florida, corporations that 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. National Solutions 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. Sentencing is set for May 29, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. Tzen will face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release.
These prosecutions are two of nearly 75 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 with assistance from the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William Coonan and Michael Hallock.
Lawrenceville Man Who Fled to Mexico Sentenced for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDaryl G. Nenninger, a 34-year old, Lawrenceville, Illinois, man was sentenced on February 18, 2015, in federal district court in Benton, Illinois, for violation of the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Nenninger was sentenced to 48 months in prison with 5 years of supervised release to follow; fined $100, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment.
The violation was discovered after the Department of State and the U.S. Consulate in Mexico notified the United States Marshal’s Service that Nenninger had been arrested in Mexico on March 28, 2014. Nenninger was extradited to Illinois and taken into custody by law enforcement officials, where he then admitted that after registering in Lawrence County, Illinois, on December 11, 2013, he took a train from Effingham, IL, to El Paso, Texas, and then crossed the Mexican border without properly informing the State of Illinois as to his whereabouts. Nenninger was convicted on November 17, 2005, for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse in Third Judicial Court in Bond County, Illinois.
Further information about the federal sex offender registration requirements is available here: http://www.justice.gov/criminal/ceos/citizensguide/citizensguide_sorna.html.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Las Vegas Telemarketer Sentenced to over Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on February 17, 2015, Robert K. Mathews, 52, of Las Vegas, NV, was sentenced in the United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, to 63 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Mathews was also ordered to pay $1,460,343 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
“I can only hope that this sentence sends a very loud and clear message to the scammers and thieves who try to prey on Southern Illinois consumers – Illinois is a “no call” state!” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The charge arose out of a telemarketing scam which operated in Las Vegas, Nevada, which defrauded over 3,000 victims more than 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. Court filings state that the scheme operated from December 5, 2006 until January 24, 2012.
The company purported to be a Georgia corporation located in Delaware, but actually operated in Las Vegas, Nevada. Vacation Max 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. Then fees were solicited of up to several thousand dollars from each timeshare owner in purported pre-paid closing costs and related expenses. However, sales did not occur and Vacation Max did not successfully sell any consumer’s timeshare interest except a relatively small number at fire sale prices.
This prosecution is one of nearly 75 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Verseman and Michael Hallock.
Illinois Woman Sentenced for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that, Lakeshia W. White, 24, of Cahokia, IL, was sentenced on a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. The district court sentenced White to three years of probation and ordered her to pay $1,957.72 in restitution as well as a $100 special assessment.
Facts revealed in court showed that White was the personal assistant for her cousin. Information in the record showed that White billed for hours of care when she was either not caring for her cousin or when her cousin was actually in jail. White simply pocketed the payments for her own financial gain even though she was on court supervision at the time.
“Nationwide, the biggest fraud problem in the Medicaid program has been these personal assistant programs which represent the number one fraud complaint to state Medicaid fraud units. Especially vulnerable to fraud are programs, such as the one implemented in Illinois, that allows the Medicaid recipient to control the selection and payment of personal care attendants. In most cases, the personal care assistant is a relative or family friend, who often is a ghost employee. In a typical fraud scenario, the scam payments made by the State of Illinois are split between the Medicaid recipient and the ghost employee.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton. “My goal is that our prosecutions help end this fraud so that funds which are essential to needy persons are not illegally paid to fraudsters.”
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 U.S. Attorney 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 call 800.447.8477.
Union County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn February 13, 2015, Jonathan E. Merydith, 27, of Cobden, IL, was sentenced for a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Merydith, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, and fined $200.00. The offense occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Union, Williamson, and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Merydith was involved with co-defendant Rusty Smith and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court determined that Merydith was responsible for the possession of more than 74 grams of pseudoephedrine. Co-defendant Ruth Diane Wiseman was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendants Rusty Smith and Shannon Connett have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team and Drug Enforcement Administration. The 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force (Tennessee) assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Three Perry County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThree Perry County residents were indicted on February 3, 2015, for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Skyler A. Elder, 25, Joseph D. Smith, 41, and Jamie L. Smith, 33, all of Pinckneyville, are charged in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and December 2014, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Franklin Counties. The Smiths made their initial appearances in federal court in Benton on February 9, 2015. They are currently on bond, pending an April 2015, jury trial. Elder made his initial appearance in federal court on February 13, 2015. He is currently being held without bond pending a February 17, 2015, detention hearing.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, 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.
Perry County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn February 12, 2015, Donald K. Brown, Jr., a/k/a “DJ,” 31, DuQuoin, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and September 2014, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, Williamson, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Brown was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. In addition to manufacturing methamphetamine, Brown also allowed others to manufacture methamphetamine at his residence. Three co-defendants have previously pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Three co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial. Brown is currently being held without bond pending a June 11, 2015, sentencing hearing.
The offense carries a penalty of a term in federal prison 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 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.
Man Sentenced to over 20 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of Farmers & Merchants Bank in Hoyleton, IllinoisRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDonald Ridley, 33, was sentenced to 246 months in prison on February 13, 2015, on a six-count indictment charging him with Bank Robbery, Carrying Using, and Brandishing a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Making a False Statement to a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, and Obstruction of Justice, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced. Following his prison sentence, Ridley will be on federal supervised release for 5 years. Ridley was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $115,098, as well as a $500 special assessment. The sentencing hearing follows a four-day jury trial in federal court in East St. Louis, Illinois, where Ridley was found guilty on all counts.
Ridley and co-defendant Johnson entered Farmers & Merchants Bank both armed with firearms, masked, and wearing gloves. They ordered the employees and a customer to the ground and Donald Ridley emptied the tellers’ drawers and the bank vault while co-defendant Johnson pointed a firearm at the employees and customer inside the bank. The robbers left the bank in a stolen truck carrying a plastic bag containing $115,098 of Federally Insured Deposits (bank money). Unbeknownst to the robbers, Ridley had also taken dye packs when he emptied the bank teller drawers. The dye packs exploded while the robbers were in route to their getaway vehicle and the tear gas caused Ridley to spit out the truck’s driver side window. This same truck had been seen by two Washington County farmers the day before. The farmers also noticed a white Mitsubishi parked in the same place the truck was parked on the day of the robbery. The farmers were highly suspicious and recorded the license plate of the car. The farmers called the police when they saw that the truck had been returned and the white Mitsubishi was speeding away. The robbery truck was processed by a crime scene technician and saliva was found on the driver’s side weather strip. This stain was the sputum of defendant Ridley and contained his DNA. The bank robbery proceeds were never recovered and both robbers have been ordered to pay restitution.
At Ridley’s sentencing hearing, the District Judge stated that armed robberies are one of the most serious federal offenses and victims of bank robberies have psychological scars that last well beyond the day of the robbery. The judge determined that a maximum guideline sentence of 246 months (20.5 years) was needed to protect the public from Donald Ridley and to provide deterrence to others. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois noted that the crime would not have been solved without the quick thinking of the local farmers in remembering the license plate of the car and reporting the location of the robbery truck. “These men provided the first lead and the most important link which enabled law enforcement to solve this robbery. Sometimes it takes more than police work to solve crimes---it takes a watchful community.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
This case was investigated by the Washington County Sherriff’s Department, the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre A. Durborow.