Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Alexander County Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn December 16, 2014, Keithy D. Carter, a/k/a “Darnell K. Carter,” 21, of Tamms, IL, was sentenced for a federal firearm violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Carter, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment, charging Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $200.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, on January 14, 2014, Carter possessed a Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm Luger semiautomatic pistol, in Tamms, Alexander County. The firearm had been used the day before by another individual to commit a homicide in Jackson County. Because Carter had previously been convicted of a felony, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Carbondale Police Department and Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Waterloo Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that a Waterloo, Illinois, man, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on December 11, 2014. Shawn Buckley, 32, received his 70 month sentence for offenses which occurred in St. Clair County, IL, and in St. Louis, MO. Buckley pled guilty to those offenses on August 20, 2014. Following release from imprisonment, Buckley will serve a 4 year term of supervised release. Buckley was also ordered to pay a $200 fine and a $200 special assessment. Buckley has been in custody since his arraignment on September 25, 2013.
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, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and U.S. Marshal Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Madison Resident Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on December 15, 2014, Monte D. Perry, 26, of Madison, IL, pled guilty to a two-count Indictment charging him with Illegal Transfer of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Previously Convicted Felon. On both counts, Perry faces a federal prison term of not more than ten years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. Perry’s sentencing is scheduled for April 13, 2015, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Perry has been detained since his arraignment on the Indictment on September 26, 2014.
The charges arose from a controlled buy of a sawed-off shotgun from Perry, who had been convicted of a felony offense in Madison County in 2009. The controlled buy was videotaped. During the buy, Perry is heard discussing the characteristics of the gun, clearly indicating that he knew that the shotgun had been sawed-off. After being paid for the sawed-off shotgun, Perry wiped his prints from it before placing it in the backseat of the confidential source’s vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Richland County Woman Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargeRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsJacque Lee Brown, 43, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted on December 2, 2014, on a methamphetamine related charge in a one 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.
Jacque Lee Brown, 43, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted on December 2, 2014, on a methamphetamine related charge in a one 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.
Brown faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of up to 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 Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Jerseyville Man to Serve 25 Years in Prison for Attempted Sex Offenses with A MinorRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsTimothy S. Griesemer, 40, of Jerseyville, Illinois was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court to 25 years in prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Attempted Enticement of a Minor, United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton announced. Griesemer was also ordered to pay a $1200 fine and a $200 special assessment. When he is released from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for the remainder of his life. Griesemer was convicted of both counts on October 10, 2014 after a three-day jury trial.
Evidence presented at trial established that in October 2013, Griesemer sent several text messages to a female acquaintance indicating that he had a desire to obtain a minor child for the purposes of engaging in sexual acts with the child. The acquaintance called the Jerseyville Police Department to report the substance of the text messages. Jerseyville Police Department enlisted the assistance of agents from the Illinois State Police and the United States Secret Service who initiated an investigation. On October 10, 2013, Griesemer exchanged over 95 text messages with undercover agents during which Griesemer repeatedly stated his desire to pay money to engage in sexual acts with an eight (8) year old female.
During the text conversation, Griesemer agreed to meet at an apartment in Jerseyville for what he believed would be a meeting with the young child to engage in sexual acts. Griesemer arrived at the apartment, confirmed his intentions, and was arrested by law enforcement. During a search of Griesemer upon arrest, agents located a condom, two bottles of personal lubricant, a sexual device, and $311 in Griesemer’s pockets.
In pronouncing the sentence, the United States District Judge commented on the serious and heinous nature of the offense and the need to protect the public from future crimes of Griesemer, stating that Griesemer is a “sexual parasite, the treatment for which is a lengthy prison sentence.”
“I am grateful that a member of the public reported to law enforcement Griesemer’s text messages which revealed a plan to find a child to sexually violate. But for the actions of a conscientious citizen and dedicated law enforcement officers who immediately investigated the tip, this defendant would have been free to prey on innocent children,” United States Attorney Wigginton said.
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 investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police, the United States Secret Service, and the Jerseyville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of Belleville Liquor StoreRead the Press Release
Case is one of many brought as a result of the United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton’s Metro-East Armed Robbery Initiative
Follow @SDILNewsRoderick Taylor, 23, was sentenced to just over 9 years in prison today on a three-count indictment charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced. The Armed Robbery count arises from the federal Hobbs Act, which makes it a crime to obstruct, delay or affect interstate commerce by robbery, and is used by United States Attorney Wigginton as a way to combat armed robbery in the Southern District of Illinois. Following his prison sentence, Taylor will be on federal supervised release for 5 years. Taylor was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,000. Taylor has been in custody since his arrest on July 12, 2013.
Documents filed in US District Court establish that on July 12, 2013 Taylor went with his two co-defendants, Timothy Collier and Charmonequette Reynolds, to Arena Liquor located at 105 S. Belt E, Belleville, Illinois with the plan to commit a robbery. While Reynolds waited in the car, Taylor and Collier entered Arena Liquor both armed with a firearm. Collier and Taylor pointed the two firearms at the two individuals working in the store and demanded money from the cash registers as well as personal belongings from the victims. Taylor and Collier left the liquor store with a large sum of United States currency and a cell phone belonging to one of the victims. They returned to the getaway vehicle and the three fled from the scene. A witness driving near Arena Liquor noticed Collier and Taylor running from the store and followed them as they ran several blocks to the getaway vehicle. The witness recorded the license plates of Reynolds’ vehicle and gave the number to Belleville Police officers. Reynolds and Taylor were apprehended within hours of the robbery. During a recorded interview with law enforcement, Taylor admitted his involvement in the planning and participation in the armed robbery of Arena Liquor and identified Collier and Reynolds as the other two individuals involved.
This case was investigated by the Belleville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Festus Man Found Guilty of Mailing Threatening CommunicationsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that William J. Mabie, 56, of Festus, Missouri, was found guilty today in federal district court in East St. Louis of three counts of Mailing Threatening Communications.
The Indictment in the case alleged that Mabie, who had been previously convicted of similar crimes in the Eastern District of Missouri, mailed three threatening letters to persons within the Southern District of Illinois. Mabie wrote two of the threatening letters in 2012 while he was incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary in Lompoc, California; he wrote the third threatening letter while he was incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary in Florence, Colorado.
Sentencing has been set for April 3, 2015, at 9:00 A.M. before Chief Judge Michael J. Reagan. The maximum penalties that can be imposed for each count of the Indictment are up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, and three years’ supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Clark and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Drucker. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service.
Alhambra Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on December 11, 2014, Robert E. Godsey, 34, Alhambra, IL, pled guilty to a three-count Indictment charging him with Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 1), Receipt of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 2), and Possession of Visual Depictions of Prepubescent Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 3). On Counts 1 and 2, Godsey faces a term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years but not more than forty (40) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life. On Count 3, he faces 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. Godsey’s sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2015, in East St. Louis, Illinois, until then, he will be held in custody without bail.
Facts revealed in Court showed that on July 8, 2014, a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), obtained a federal search warrant to search a residence in Alhambra occupied by Godsey, and others, for evidence of child pornography. When executing the search warrant, officers seized a Samsung notebook computer from Godsey’s bedroom.
On the same day that the search warrant was executed, Godsey provided a videotaped statement in which he admitted collecting and trading images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct with other collectors of child pornography via the internet. Godsey said that he was the only user of the Samsung notebook computer, and that there would be some images and/or videos depicting minors under the age of twelve (prepubescent minors) engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic review of the notebook computer revealed numerous video and image files of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and, as acknowledged by Godsey, some of these images and videos were of minors under the age of twelve.
After obtaining Godsey’s consent to assume control of the e-mail account used to trade image and video files of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a special agent with HSI accessed the e-mail account and found video and image files of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on the account, many of which involved prepubescent minors. This confirmed Godsey’s statement that he traded images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, many of which depicted prepubescent minors, with other individuals online.
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 Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Robbing Old National BankRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsShawn Thomas Gregory, 39, of Harrisburg, Illinois, was sentenced on December 8, 2014, in United States District Court in East St. Louis to a term of 141 months in federal prison for his role in robbing the Harrisburg branch facility of Old National Bank (“ONB”), Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Gregory pled guilty on September 17th to a four-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, aiding and abetting a bank robbery, aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence introduced in support of Gregory’s guilty plea and sentence showed that Gregory recruited his cousin, codefendant Casey Allan Heflin of Boaz, Kentucky, to assist him in robbing ONB on October 17, 2013. As shown by the bank’s video surveillance system, at approximately 9:09 a.m. on that date, Heflin entered the ONB facility with a loaded .45 caliber/.410 gauge handgun which had been provided to him by Gregory the prior evening. Heflin pointed the firearm at a teller and demanded money. Gregory waited in the parking lot to act as the get-away driver. After obtaining $4197 from the teller, Heflin and Gregory fled Harrisburg. They later divided the money from the robbery and split up. Gregory was arrested later that day in Harrisburg and Heflin was arrested the following day in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
In addition to the near twelve year prison term, Gregory was ordered to pay $400 in special assessments and $4197 in restitution to ONB. Gregory was placed on a 3 year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Heflin also pled guilty to robbing ONB and was previously sentenced to a term of 100 months in prison and also ordered to pay $4197 in restitution.
Gregory has been held without bond in the custody of United States Marshal since his arrest on federal charges in July 2014. Following sentencing, he was returned to the Marshal’s custody to await designation to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The federal investigation into the robbery was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police Zone 7 Investigations unit in Carmi, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Centralia Resident Charged in Federal Court for Burglarizing Gun Dealer and Attempting to Sell 39 Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Centralia resident was charged in federal district court on December 3, 2014, for burglarizing a federal firearms licensee and attempting to sell the guns, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Dakota R. Moss, 19, was charged in a criminal complaint which alleged that Ferguson, Missouri was a potential destination for the cache of weapons, which included semi-automatic handguns and AR-15 assault rifles.
The complaint affidavit stated that on November 29, 2014, the Buchheit of Centralia farm and home supply store was burglarized and thirty nine (39) firearms were stolen, along with at least one thousand rounds of ammunition. The burglary was accomplished using a full size pickup truck, which was stolen from Centraila High School. The suspects utilized the stolen truck to ram the locked security gate to make entry onto Buchheit’s parking lot, where the suspects then broke out store windows to make entry into the store. The surveillance video established that the initial burglary occurred at approximately 2:40 am. However, the video evidence revealed that the two suspects left the scene and returned to steal additional firearms and ammunition on two occasions - thereby making a total of three separate entries into the store between 2:40 am and 4:00 am.
Evidence filed in court established that Moss and his juvenile accomplice were armed while inside of Buchheit’s and intended to shoot anyone who interrupted the burglary – including police. The complaint alleges that Moss and his accomplice stole the firearms in order to sell the guns; and that Ferguson, Missouri was among the planned destinations for the weapons. The charges also state that the two planned on participating in the looting of businesses in the Ferguson, Missouri area, however the plan did not materialize. Centralia Police and agents from the ATF identified the suspects soon after the burglary and have recovered 35 of the 39 stolen guns as of this date. Anyone with knowledge of the remaining stolen firearms or the ammunition is encouraged to call law enforcement.
US Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton said, “I commend the members of law enforcement who quickly and professionally interrupted this incredibly dangerous crime before lives were lost. Firearms trafficking is always a very serious crime. But, it is even worse that these two considered profiteering from the lawlessness in Ferguson by planning to sell arms to rioters and looters.”
The complaint charges Moss with stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, possession of stolen firearms, being a felon in possession of firearms, and with carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. The first three charges are all punishable by not more than 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 5 years supervised release. Carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence carries an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of not less than 5 years. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. Moss will be arraigned in US District Court on December 10, 2014.
The investigation is being conducted by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Centralia Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
A complaint 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.
Murphysboro Resident Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn December 3, 2014, Gregory A. Emery, 45, of Murphysboro, 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.
Emery, who had previously pled guilty to the one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between 2010 and January 2014, in Jackson, Williamson, Union, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Emery was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Emery was a methamphetamine cook and purchased pseudoephedrine to use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Emery also collected pseudoephedrine from numerous other persons. At sentencing, the district court found that Emery was responsible for the illegal possession of 496 grams of pseudoephedrine. Emery also received an enhanced sentence because he involved a juvenile in the methamphetamine offense. Three co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their involvement in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Four co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Six co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial. As to these defendants, they are, of course, presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Murphysboro Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Crack Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn December 3, 2014, Jamie Kay Kelly, a/k/a “Jamie K.” and “Jamie K. Short,” 45, of Murphysboro, IL, was sentenced for her 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.
Kelly, who had previously pled guilty to the two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $400. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Kelly was involved with Harold Lewayne Barron, a/k/a “Wayne” and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine offense occurred between August 2012, and October 2013, in Jackson and Perry Counties. Kelly was involved with Barron 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. Barron and Robinson have pled guilty to their roles in the drug offenses and are awaiting sentencing.
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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Jackson County Woman Sentenced on Bank Embezzlement ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Jackson County woman was sentenced today to federal prison on bank embezzlement charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Buffy A. Bastien, 42, of Ava, IL, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Bastien had previously pleaded guilty to a one count Indictment which charged that from about 2010, to on or about February 23, 2014, in Jackson County, Bastien, being an officer and employee of The Bank of Carbondale, a bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with intent to injure and defraud The Bank of Carbondale, did willfully embezzle the sum of approximately $229,221.80 of the moneys or funds entrusted to the custody or care of The Bank of Carbondale. Bastien has already repaid $48,721.80 towards restitution. The Court ordered Bastien to pay the remaining $180,500 still owed in restitution.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Clay County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsKevin L. Brown, 44, of Flora, was indicted on December 2, 2014, on methamphetamine related charges in a one count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count 1 charges that from May 2012, until on or about November 10, 2014, in Clay County, Brown conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Brown faces 5-40 years in federal prison, up to $2,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 4 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 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.
California Man Found Guilty of Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA California man, Willie Gonzalez, a/k/a “Bullet,” 31, was found guilty by a jury sitting in federal court in East St. Louis of participating in a large methamphetamine distribution organization, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Gonzalez was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2015, in United States District Court in East St. Louis. He faces a potential sentence of twenty-five years to life in prison, a fine of up to $20,000,000, at least 10 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment per count of conviction.
Evidence in support of this prosecution was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Agencies participating in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Marshal Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce.
Perry County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ViolationRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn December 2, 2014, a Perry County, Illinois, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court for a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Thomas D. Tindall, 21, of Willisville, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and fined $250.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Tindall was involved with co-defendant Seth Conway and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During a February 20, 2014, search of Tindall’s vehicle and residence, agents located methamphetamine, methamphetamine-making materials, and drug paraphernalia. At sentencing, the district court found that Tindall was responsible for the possession of 176 grams of pseudoephedrine. Tindall’s sentence was enhanced because he involved multiple juveniles in the methamphetamine offense. The offense occurred between 2012 and February 2014, in Jackson, Randolph, and Perry Counties. Co-defendant Conway has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Coulterville Police Department, Randolph County Drug Task Force, Steeleville Police Department, Percy Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
East St. Louis Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on December 2, 2014, Steven W. Beckman, 64, East St. Louis, IL, pled guilty to an Indictment charging him with Possession of Visual Depictions of Prepubescent Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct. Because Beckman has a similar prior conviction, he faces an increased penalty of not less than ten years but not more than twenty years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years to life. Beckman’s sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2015. Beckman has been held without bond since his arraignment on July 22, 2014.
The investigation began in March, 2014, when a detective with the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted an investigation which indicated that Beckman uploaded an image of child pornography to his Facebook page. Beckman was on federal supervised release for convictions from 2006 for child pornography offenses.
That same day, United States Probation Officers searched Beckman’s home and seized, among other items, approximately twenty-seven compact disks found in various areas of the house. When asked whether he possessed child pornography on any of the electronic media seized from his home, Beckman stated that there was child pornography mixed into the CD’s as well as on some other electronic media taken from his home.
Results from a federal search warrant revealed that twenty-seven CD’s recovered from the Beckman’s home contained images and video files of minors engaged in sexually explicit behavior, with the majority of the images depicting prepubescent males.
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 Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United States Probation Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Marion Woman Pleads Guilty to Multiple FraudsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsTajuana L. Sullivan, 27, of Marion, Illinois, entered pleas of guilty in federal district court to fraud in a scheme to defraud and embezzle from U.S. Bank on November 26, 2014, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Sullivan faces a total prison sentence of up to 37 years, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and mandatory restitution. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 26, 2015.
Facts revealed in Court showed that on February 19, 2013, deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Sullivan. A search of the car revealed over 50 debit cards and a notebook with names and identifying information. Using this evidence, the IRS located internet protocol (IP) addresses, employers, occupations, and electronic filing identification numbers (EFIN), which revealed a tax refund scheme, part of which involved stolen identities. The data provided by the IRS consisted of 2011 and 2012 tax returns, which were filed during the years 2012 and 2013, respectively. This tax refund scheme consisted of approximately 86 federal income tax returns, which claimed approximately $283,700 in fraudulent tax refunds.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations, the Postal Inspection Service, the Secret Service, and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. The prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn November 24, 2014, John S. Andrews, 30, of Marion, was sentenced for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Andrews, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and fined $200. The district court granted Andrews 23 months credit for time served on a related state case. The offense occurred between August 2012 and December 2012, in Jackson County. Evidence at the plea and sentence hearings established that Andrews and others obtained pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Murphysboro Police Department.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Texas Woman Sentenced for Telemarketing FraudsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on November 24, 2014, Jacqueline Enid Acevedo, 30, of Cedar Hill, TX, was sentenced in the United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois on two counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. Acevedo was sentenced to 15 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Acevedo was also ordered to pay a $600 fine and a $200 special assessment.
The investigation determined that Acevedo was a telemarketer at C&G Marketing Associates, LLC, d/b/a Premier Timeshare Solutions (PTS), Universal Marketing Solutions (UMS), and Creative Vacation Solution (CVS). Working out of office buildings in Florida, PTS, UMS, and CVS targeted owners of timeshares throughout the United States and Canada. 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, and UMS/CVS bilked over 22,000 victims of $30 million dollars including dozens of victims within the Southern District of Illinois.
This prosecution is one of nearly 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 with assistance from the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock and Assistant United States Attorney William Coonan.
Williamson County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn November 19, 2014, Shannon L. Connett, 36, of Marion, 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.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Connett was involved with co-defendant Jonathan Merydith and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Union, Williamson, and Jackson Counties. Connett is currently being held without bond pending a March 18, 2015, sentencing hearing, at which time he will face up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. Co-defendants Merydith, Rusty Smith and Ruth Diane Wiseman have previously 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.
Two Randolph County Residents Plead Guilty to Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsNovember 19, 2014, Allen W. Clover, Jr., 41, of Tilden, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. On November 17, 2014, co-defendant Carmen J. Clover, 41, also of Tilden, entered a guilty plea to the methamphetamine conspiracy offense.
The offenses occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Jackson, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties. Evidence at the plea hearings established that the Clovers were involved with each other and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The Clovers often traveled together to obtain pseudoephedrine, which they would later provide to methamphetamine manufacturers. On January 17, 2014, Allen Clover obtained pseudoephedrine from pharmacies located in both Randolph and St. Clair Counties.
The offenses carry a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. The conspiracy offense carries a fine of up to $1,000,000, while the pseudoephedrine offense carries a fine of up to $250,000. Carmen and Allen Clover are set for sentencing on March 4, 2015, and March 25, 2015, respectively.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Tilden Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Makanda Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn November 19, 2014, George G. Oliver, 56, of Makanda, was sentenced on a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Oliver, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $600. The offense occurred between 2009 and October 2013, in Union and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Oliver was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Oliver stole anhydrous ammonia and also obtained pseudoephedrine pills from others to use to manufacture methamphetamine. During an October 17, 2013, search warrant at Oliver’s Makanda residence, investigators located anhydrous ammonia and other methamphetamine-making materials. At sentencing, the district court determined that Oliver was responsible for approximately 1.49 kilograms of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Toni Johnson was previously sentenced to 87 months in prison for her role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendants Sommer Koons, April Elliot, and Travis Sanders have pled guilty to their roles 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 for prosecution.
Former Centreville Firefighter Guilty of Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA former firefighter for the Church Road Fire Protection District in Centreville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on November 24, 2014, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Derrick N. Henry, 44, of Alorton, Illinois, pled guilty to possessing firearms while he was serving a state sentence of intensive probation resulting from a domestic violence conviction.
Court documents revealed that on March 7, 2014, at approximately 7:00 AM, the St. Clair County Probation Department conducted a compliance check of high-risk probationers who were serving terms of intensive probation for state-court criminal violations. A St. Clair County probation officer was assigned to go to Derrick Henry’s home to verify whether Henry was complying with the terms of his intensive probation. The probation officer conducted a search of the residence and found five long guns (rifles and shotguns) in plain view leaning against the corner of the wall immediately adjacent to the door of a locked bedroom. Four of the weapons were unloaded, but one of the .22 caliber rifles was loaded with a magazine and had a live round in the chamber. Additional ammunition was found inside of the home. Henry denied knowing that the guns were in the locked room, however, the key to the door was found inside of Henry’s pants pocket.
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by not more than 10 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, or both, 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. Henry will be sentenced on March 7, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by a probation compliance task force including agents from the Illinois State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, St. Clair County State’s Attorney, Marissa Police Department, Southwestern Illinois College Police Department, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Police Department, Millstadt Police Department, and the St. Clair County Probation Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
Carbondale Resident Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn November 19, 2014, Maurice Christian, a/k/a “Reece,” 26, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2013 and March 2014, in Jackson County. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Christian was involved with co-defendant Johnathan Buck, a/k/a “Buffalo,” and others in the distribution of crack cocaine in Carbondale. Buck, Christian and their associates were transporting crack cocaine from northern Illinois to Carbondale for distribution. On multiple occasions, Christian sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement.
The crack cocaine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. Christian is currently being held without bond pending a March 25, 2015, sentencing hearing. Co-defendant Buck has previously pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Richland County Man Sentenced to 105 Months on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Richland County man was sentenced on November 19, 2014, to federal prison on methamphetamine charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Nathan W. Headley, 39, of Olney, Illinois, was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and fined $300. Headley had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from July 2010, through December 2012, in Richland County, Headley conspired with others to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that on April 16, 2014, in Richland County, Headley possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Count 3 charged that on March 12, 2014, in Richland County, Headley did distribute methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
United States Attorney Wigginton Announces Civil and Criminal Collections Amounting to Nearly $5.5 Million Dollars in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsUnited States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton, Southern District of Illinois, announced today that the Southern District of Illinois collected $5,490,994.09 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $1,574,414.70 was collected in criminal actions and $3,916,579.39 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, Southern District of Illinois worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $5,174,776.44 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount, $8,746.63 was collected in criminal actions and $5,166,029.81was collected in civil actions.
Attorney General Eric Holder also announced today that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws, in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”
United States Attorney Wigginton noted, “As I have done for the last four years, I will continue to make crime pay the honest citizens of Southern Illinois. My office will not fail to collect monies due the United States. Whether you illegally take money with a gun or with a pen, I will see that you are punished and that your ill-gotten gains are returned to the treasury of the United States. As an example, I would highlight our case where we recovered $3,300,000.00 as part of the settlement in a qui tam case filed against Kmart Corporation. The case involved Kmart improperly issuing gift cards to customers who moved their Medicare and Medicaid prescriptions to Kmart from competing pharmacies contrary to federal medicare/medicaid re-imbursement regulations.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Education.
Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,745,492.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Man Convicted of Armed Robbery of East St. Louis Pawn Shop and Armed Robbery of Belleville Liquor Store Case Is One of Many Brought as A Result of the United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton’s Metro-East Armed Robbery InitiativeRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsUnited States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton announced today that Timothy R. Collier, 48, of Centreville, Illinois was convicted in the United States District Court on November 12, 2014, of all five charges for the armed robbery and shooting of an East St. Louis pawn shop owner that occurred on April 25, 2013, and the robbery of a Belleville liquor store that occurred three months later on July 12, 2013. The verdict was announced after a six-day jury trial.
According to Court documents, Collier was indicted on November 20, 2013 with Interference with Commerce by Robbery (“Hobbs Act robbery”), Carry and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in connection with the armed robbery of East St. Louis Jewelry and Loan as well as with Interference with Commerce by Robbery (“Hobbs Act robbery”) and Carry and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in connection with the armed robbery of Arena Liquor in Belleville. Collier pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Trial commenced on November 3, 2014. United States Attorney Wigginton has made use of several federal statutes in his initiative to curb the violent armed robberies occurring in the metro-east.
Evidence presented at trial established that on April 25, 2013, Collier entered the East St. Louis Jewelry and Loan armed with a silver revolver and pointed it at the owner of the business. As the owner reached for his own firearm in defense of himself, Collier fired several shots from his revolver which struck the owner in the hand, shoulder and chest, causing him to fall to the counter. Collier then stood on top of the counter, pointed the revolver to the back of the owner’s head directly behind his ear and fired a final shot. As a result of the shooting, the store owner is paralyzed and wheelchair-bound for life. Collier took hundreds of women’s rings and other items of jewelry, as well as cash and a .357 revolver belonging to the store owner. Although Collier was not immediately apprehended, the entire robbery and shooting was recorded on the store’s video surveillance which captured Collier’s face during the robbery and as he fled the store.
Three months later, on July 12, 2013, Collier conspired with his niece, Charmonequette Reynolds, and another associate, Roderick Taylor, to rob Arena Liquor in Belleville, Illinois. Reynolds, acting as the getaway driver, drove Collier and Taylor in her gold Grand Am to an area near Arena Liquor where the two men exited the vehicle armed with a silver revolver and a black and silver .40 caliber handgun. Collier and Taylor entered Arena Liquor, pointed the two firearms at the two individuals working in the store and demanded all of the money from the cash registers. Collier and Taylor left the liquor store with a large sum of United States currency and a cell phone belonging to one of the victims, returned to the getaway vehicle, and the three fled from the scene.
A witness driving near Arena Liquor noticed Collier and Taylor running from the store and followed them as they ran several blocks to the getaway vehicle. The witness recorded the license plates of Reynolds’ gold Grand Am and gave the number to Belleville Police officers. Reynolds was identified and apprehended within hours of the robbery. During a recorded interview, Reynolds admitted her involvement in the planning and participation in the armed robbery of Arena Liquor and identified Collier and Roderick Taylor as the two gunmen. Roderick Taylor was arrested later that same day and also admitted during a recorded interview to his participation in the armed robbery of Arena Liquor and identified Collier as the second gun man.
In recorded interviews of Reynolds and Taylor, both individuals identified Collier as the person seen in the surveillance video committing the robbery and shooting at the East St. Louis Jewelry and Loan on April 25, 2013. Reynolds and Taylor both testified that Collier had told them details about the robbery and shooting that occurred at the East St. Louis pawn shop and Reynolds testified that the day before the robbery she had agreed to be Collier’s getaway driver but was unable to follow through she was arrested that morning. Evidence at trial also included the testimony of Collier’s step-son, who testified that Collier had asked him to participate in the robbery of the East St. Louis pawn shop, which he refused, and that Collier admitted to him that he shot the owner during the robbery after a struggle at the counter. Collier’s step-son also testified that Collier attempted to sell him the .357 revolver Collier stole from the store owner. The silver revolver and the black and silver .40 caliber handgun used to commit the two robberies were recovered by law enforcement after Collier’s girlfriend admitted that she gave the two guns to two of Collier’s childhood friends to hide after Collier’s arrest. The silver revolver Collier used in the robbery and shooting of the owner of the East St. Louis pawn shop was turned over to law enforcement officers by Collier’s best friend who admitted during trial that he had been hiding the gun for Collier. Forensic analysis of the silver revolver performed by the Illinois State Police Forensic Crime Laboratory revealed a ballistic match to a bullet recovered from the crime scene of the East St. Louis pawn shop shooting. Analysis of the barrel of the silver revolver also revealed a DNA match to the victim of the shooting, unquestionably linking the firearm to the robbery of the East St. Louis Jewelry and Loan.
Collier is facing a term in prison of up to 20 years on each violation of the Hobbs Act. Collier also faces a minimum term in prison of 10 years up to a maximum term of Life for the conviction on Carry and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence for the armed robbery of the East St. Louis Jewelry and Loan, which must be served consecutive to, meaning in addition to, any term of imprisonment imposed on the Hobbs Act violations. Additionally, for Collier’s conviction for a second offense of Carry and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence for the armed robbery of Arena Liquor, Collier faces a minimum term in prison of 25 years up to a maximum of Life, consecutive to the term of imprisonment imposed on the other four counts of conviction. In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, Collier can be fined up to $250,000 on each count and sentenced to a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.
The investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Belleville Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the East St. Louis Police Department as part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative. The case was tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Ali Summers and Steven Weinhoeft.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Telemarketing SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Amber Jones, 28, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Friday, November 14, 2014, on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Jones was sentenced to one day in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Jones was also ordered to pay $6,934 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
The investigation determined that Jones was a telemarketer who worked for National Solutions and related companies located in Orlando, Florida. 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. The company solicited from each victim advanced fees of up to several thousand dollars in purported closing costs that were to be refunded to the owner at closing. Many timeshare owners were told that their closings would occur within a matter of days. Despite collecting fees from these victims, the National Solutions companies never sold a single timeshare unit and indeed made little effort even to market the properties for sale. Instead, Jones and her co-conspirators simply pocketed the advanced fees. Jones’ participation in the scheme began in August 2010 and continued through April, 2011. From 2007 to 2011, over 2,500 timeshare owners across the country were scammed by the National Solutions businesses to the tune of more than $6 million.
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 Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Quinley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
Centralia Man Sentenced for Defrauding TaxpayersRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on Friday, November 14, 2014, Jody Ray Wooters, 46, of Centralia, Illinois, was sentenced in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois on one count of Health Care Fraud. Wooters was sentenced to six months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Wooters was also ordered to pay $53,098.15 in restitution back to the State of Illinois and a $100 special assessment. Wooters previously pled guilty to submitting false and fraudulent bills in relation to personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. The investigation determined that Wooters billed for hours of care for the customer, who was his mother’s boyfriend, when he was either not caring for the customer or when the customer was actually in the hospital. On at least one occasion, Wooters even billed for services while he was appearing in court in Marion County on unrelated charges.
This prosecution is part of the third wave of the “Operation Home Alone” initiative announced on June 5, 2014, by United States Attorney Wigginton. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley Killian, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
East Alton Man Sentenced for Drug and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Demarcus L. Freeman was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison by the U.S. District Court in East St. Louis on Thursday, November 13, 2014.
Freeman, 33, is an East Alton resident. On August 7, 2014, Freeman pled guilty to federal charges of Distribution of Cocaine Base (“crack cocaine”) (2 counts); Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base; and Money Laundering.
At his change of plea hearing, Freeman admitted selling crack cocaine in Wood River, Illinois, on May 13, 2013 and again on June 4, 2013. Police stopped Freeman’s car on July 8, 2013, in Bethalto, Illinois, and seized 9 ounces of crack cocaine. Freeman admitted the cocaine in his car belonged to him.
Freeman also opened a credit union account in Wood River in the name of a relative. Freeman admitted laundering the proceeds of his drug dealing through the account, in an attempt to disguise the source of the money. Freeman laundered over $60,000. The federal government seized $10,010.39 from the account at the time of Freeman’s arrest. The United States Attorney’s Office has moved to forfeit the $10,000 as drug trafficking proceeds.
At Freeman’s sentence hearing on November 13, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Reagan commented that “the 151 month sentence I have imposed is driven primarily by deterrence and the need to protect the public.” Judge Reagan noted that Freeman is a “career offender” under applicable federal sentencing guidelines, and that Freeman has numerous prior felony convictions for dealing drugs and domestic battery.
The investigation which resulted in Freeman’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Wood River Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Alton Man Sentenced for Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Demarcus O. Johnson, 30, of Alton, Illinois, was sentenced on Friday, November 14, 2014, to 151 months in federal prison for distribution of cocaine.
Johnson pled guilty on August 13, 2014, at which time he admitted selling cocaine to a police informant in Alton on September 23, 2013.
At Johnson’s sentence hearing, Judge Reagan noted that Johnson was a “career offender” under applicable federal sentencing guidelines, because Johnson had prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and aggravated fleeing from police. Judge Reagan stated that “your sentence is being determined in large part by your extensive criminal history.”
The investigation which resulted in Johnson’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Alton Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Alton Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that on Thursday, November 13, 2014, Glenn P. Lowers pled guilty in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois to a federal charge of Distribution of Heroin Resulting In Death.
At his change of plea hearing, Lowers, 21, of Alton, Illinois, admitted that he had sold heroin to his friend Joshua S. Shelton on September 3, 2013. Shelton’s grandfather discovered Shelton’s body at Shelton’s Alton residence a few hours after the heroin sale occurred. An autopsy established that Shelton had died from injecting heroin. Shelton was 21years old when he died.
Lowers’ sentence hearing is scheduled for February 5, 2015. Lowers will be confined until he is sentenced. Lowers faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation which resulted in the successful prosecution of Lowers was conducted by the Alton Police Department.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Alton Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Previous Felony Conviction for First Degree Murder
Follow @SDILNewsShannon L. Musgraves, 27, of Alton, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on November 10, 2014, to 46 months in prison, to be followed by two years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $375 fine, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Court proceedings revealed that on March 11, 2014, Musgraves was involved in a hit and run accident. The struck driver pursued Musgraves and reported the traffic crash to the police. The driver also provided an address in Alton, Illinois, where Musgraves could be found. Upon arriving at the address, officers observed that the reported vehicle was still hot to the touch and that the driver’s side mirror had markings of a collision. Officers also noticed a handgun in plain view on the rear seat of vehicle.
After answering the door and allowing officers to enter the residence, Musgraves gave consent for the vehicle to be searched. Officers then found a handgun under the driver’s seat. Musgraves subsequently admitted that the gun belonged to him.
This investigation was conducted by the Alton Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Drucker.
Belleville Woman Admits to Defrauding TaxpayersRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on November 10, 2014, Connie D. Evans, 50, of Belleville, Illinois, pled guilty to an indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Sentencing has been set for February 5, 2015, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. Evans will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During her plea hearing, Evans admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Evans admitted to falsely billing the program between November 15, 2012 and May 15, 2013. The indictment charges that Evans submitted claims for 140 hours of personal assistant services during times when the customer was in a medical treatment facility receiving dialysis treatments.
This prosecution is part of the third wave of the “Operation Home Alone” initiative announced on June 5, 2014, by United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley Killian, Assistant United States Attorney Scott Verseman, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Child Pornography and Drug Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on November 7, 2014, Daris A. Quinn, a/k/a “DQ,” 26, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced on three counts of a four-count Indictment (One count was dismissed at sentencing). On Count 2, charging Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, the Court sentenced Quinn to 80 months in federal prison. The Court sentenced Quinn to 21 months in federal prison on Count 3, Using a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Drug Transaction, and Count 4, Making a False Statement to a United States Postal Inspector, to run concurrently to each other, but consecutively to Count 2, for a total term in federal prison of 101 months. The Court ordered Quinn to serve a five (5) year term of supervised release on Count 2, a one (1) year term of supervised release on Count 3, and a three (3) year term of supervised released on Count 4, all to run concurrently, for a total term of supervised release of five (5) years. The Court also ordered Quinn to pay a fine of $150 on each count, for a total fine of $450, and a $300 special assessment. Quinn has been held without bond since his arraignment on a criminal complaint on May 30, 2013.
The offense in Count 2 was revealed on October 19, 2011, when Quinn’s cellular telephone was seized during the search of a residence where Quinn was present. A forensic examination of Quinn’s cellular telephone revealed videos taken by Quinn of a minor performing oral sex on Quinn in both his car and inside the minor’s home. The minor was fifteen years old at the time the videos were made; Quinn was 23.
With respect to Count 3, the forensic examination of Quinn’s cellular telephone also revealed that Quinn had used his cellular telephone, a communication facility, between on or about August 19, 2011 and October 10, 2011, to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances between himself and an individual located in Oakland, California. Text messages found on the telephone discussed, among other things, the amount of drugs to be shipped, the location of where to ship the drugs, and ways to disguise the smell of the drugs to be shipped so that the narcotics-sniffing canines would not detect them.
Finally, the offense charged in Count 4 occurred on or about February 26, 2013, during the investigation of a suspicious package by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The package was addressed to an individual in California. It listed a return address in Collinsville, Illinois, but did not provide a name. A search warrant was obtained to open the package after a narcotics-sniffing dog alerted on it. Inside the package was $23,650 in United States Currency. United States Postal Inspectors posed as postal workers to see if anyone would claim the package. A few days later, Quinn, identifying himself by a false name, arranged to come to the post office in Collinsville, Illinois, to pick up the package. Quinn continued to provide this false name to the Postal Inspector who interviewed him regarding the package. After initially lying about the contents of the package, Quinn told the Postal Inspector that he was sending the money to a friend so his friend could buy a car. Quinn then stopped talking and left when confronted with the search warrant and a photograph of the contents of the package. When the Postal Inspectors tried to stop the vehicle that he was riding in, Quinn jumped out and fled. The Postal Inspectors did not learn Quinn’s true identity until after he was eventually caught and taken to the Collinsville Police Department.
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 Collinsville Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
United States Attorney Wigginton Announces Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Recovery on Behalf of the United StatesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsMaersk Line, Limited, (Maersk) paid the United States of America eight million seven hundred thousand dollars ($8,700,000.00) as the result of a civil settlement regarding Maersk’s failure to fully comply with certain terms of its contract with the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
“One can clearly see that in contracts of this magnitude, even a small percentage of fraud amounts to significant loss of funds. By this and other ongoing investigations, I am putting these world-wide contractors on notice that my office will not tolerate any fraudulent, false or unwarranted billings to the United States and its client agencies.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
DCIS Special Agent in Charge Brian Reihms said “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is dedicated to working with investigative partners to resolve fraudulent activity impacting the Department's supply chain and ensuring the integrity of the procurement system."
Under Maersk’s contract with USTRANSCOM, the Department of Defense used Maersk services to ship cargo from the United States to military outposts in Afghanistan. Maersk moved cargo by sea to an appropriate port, then by trucks over land, often travelling in remote areas where enemy combatants and criminal entities were active in delivering shipments.
With respect to the shipments at issue in this matter, USTRANSCOM discovered that some claims submitted by Maersk contained suspicious signatures. Further investigation revealed that signatures purporting to verify receipt of shipments in Afghanistan were forged. USTRANSCOM’s review uncovered 277 instances in which such claims were falsely made.
“I would note that to its credit, Maersk was cooperative in the investigation. Aside from these containers, Maersk has successfully delivered thousands of shipments during the war effort. Maersk’s overall conduct reflects a stronger performance and greater diligence than the relatively small amount of non-compliant warzone shipments would suggest, but, as I have noted, even a small amount of overall fraud becomes a huge waste of tax dollars, and I will not tolerate any such waste.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
John F. Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, stated, “This $8.7 million settlement is a real win for the American taxpayer and highlights the critical importance that oversight plays in helping to protect U.S. funds.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gerald M. Burke and David J. Pfeffer.
United States Attorney Wigginton Announces Press Event Relating to Response to Civil Unrest in Our CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that he anticipates that there will be a press conference held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at 3:00 PM, at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center, 1003 North 25th Street, East St. Louis, Illinois.
It is expected that this conference will involve a broad coalition of elected officials, chiefs of police, clergy members, and community leaders from several communities throughout the Metro-East, who will be on hand to discuss their ongoing efforts in addressing racial harmony and to express their common desire for unity and peace in light of the civil unrest occurring in various communities throughout our area and our nation.
Creal Springs Man Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Charges Included Possession / Transfer of Short-barreled Rifles, Shotgun and Silencer
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Robert Ira Longworth, 28, of Creal Springs, Williamson County, Illinois, was sentenced today in the United States District Court in Benton. The district court ordered Longworth to serve 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Longworth to pay $500 in fines and $400 in special assessments.
Longworth had previously plead guilty to three counts of illegal transfers of a firearm, being, a silencer, a short barreled rifle, and a short barreled shotgun, respectively, and one count of illegal possession of a short barreled rifle. Longworth had been held without bail since his arrest in April of this year. He was ordered to remain in jail pending his transfer to the federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Illinois State Police, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department, the Creal Springs Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Vienna Police Department, the Williamson County State’s Attorney, and the Johnson County State’s Attorney. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Belleville Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Appear for Sentencing After Being Convicted of Making False Income Tax ClaimsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDestry Marcotte, 48, of Belleville, Illinois, pled guilty to Failure to Appear for Sentencing the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Marcotte faces up to five years in prison which would be in addition to the sentence he receives on the underlying offenses of conviction for submitting false claims for federal refunds.
Marcotte had been convicted in 2013, following a jury trial, of making false claims against the United States by submitting false claims for tax refunds. Marcotte filed tax returns, as part of the sovereign citizen movement, claiming that the I.R.S. owed him more than $600,000. He faces up to forty years in prison on those charges. He was on bond with electronic monitoring, but fled prior to sentencing. Sentencing on both cases is scheduled for November 21, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service and the Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Norman Smith.
Southern Illinois Resident Charged with Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn October 27, 2014, Antuan D. Perkins, a/k/a “Little Man,” 22, of Carbondale, made his initial appearance in federal court in Benton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. At an October 28, 2014, detention hearing, Perkins was ordered held without bond.
Perkins, who is charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin, fled the area after the May 2014, indictment. On October 8, 2014, he was arrested in Chicago by members of the United States Marshals Service and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.
The offense occurred between 2012 and May 2014, in Williamson County. The crack cocaine and heroin offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. Co-defendant Ahamad R. Atkins, a/k/a “Omar” and “O” has previously pled guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
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 and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office, United States Marshals Service, and Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Murphysboro Resident Charged with Crack Cocaine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn October 7, 2014, Martell L. Brown-Wright, a/k/a “Low Key,” 28, of Murphysboro, was charged by indictment with distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment asserts that the offenses occurred on September 4-5, 2014, at the New Horizons Housing Complex, in Murphysboro, Jackson County.
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 crack cocaine offenses carry a penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison, to be followed by 6 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $2,000,000. The firearm offense carries a penalty of 5 years to life in federal prison, followed by 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Federal law requires that any term of imprisonment imposed on the firearm offense must be served consecutive to any term imposed on the drug offenses.
Brown-Wright made his initial appearance in federal court in Benton on October 28, 2014. He is currently being held without bond, pending an October 31, 2014, bond hearing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Murphysboro Police Department. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Union County Resident Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn October 22, 2014, Jonathan E. Merydith, 26, of Cobden, 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.
Evidence at the plea hearing established that Merydith was involved with co-defendant Rusty Smith and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Union, Williamson, and Jackson Counties. Merydith is currently being held without bond pending a February 15, 2015, sentencing hearing, at which time he will face up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. Co-defendants Smith and Ruth Diane Wiseman have previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. One co-defendant has pled not guilty and is awaiting a jury trial.
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.
Two Williamson County Residents Plead Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn October 22, 2014, Michael A. Boyt, Sr., 42, of Marion, and Matthew S. Beers, 31, of Johnston City, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging them with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2012 and January 2014, in Williamson, Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea hearings established that Beers and others were supplying pseudoephedrine pills to Boyt for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During a November 2013 traffic stop, officers located an active methamphetamine lab in Beers’ vehicle. Beers was transporting the lab for Boyt. Boyt is currently being held without bond pending a February 11, 2015, sentencing hearing. The district court allowed Beers to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The methamphetamine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Marion Prison Inmate Charged with Assaulting A Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsErick Roman, 38, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Marion, Illinois, appeared today for arraignment in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging him with assaulting a correctional officer at that facility, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on October 7, 2014, alleged that the offense occurred on August 20, 2014.
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.
At the time of the assault, Roman was serving a 60 year sentence from the District of Maryland for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise. If convicted of the assault offense, Roman faces up to an additional 8 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Following his arraignment, Roman was ordered held without bond and was returned to the custody of the Attorney General to await further proceedings. Roman’s next scheduled court appearance is a final pretrial conference on December 17, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton. A trial date of December 29th at 9:00 a.m. was also set.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Two Metro East Women Sentenced for Unemployment FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsTwo metro-east women have been sentenced in federal court for their convictions of theft of public funds (unemployment fraud), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Melonetria McCallum, 38, of O’Fallon, Illinois, was sentenced to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay $14,219.97 in restitution and a $100 Special Assessment. Trudie Lindsey, 57, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was also sentenced to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay $13,751 in restitution and a $100 Special Assessment.
The two women pleaded guilty to Embezzlement of Public Funds on July 11, 2014. Documents filed in US District Court established that in each case the women applied for and received unemployment compensation from the state of Missouri at a time when they were earning income and residing in Illinois. In each case, the women falsely certified that they were eligible to receive unemployment benefits and concealed the fact that they had employment at the time they were also receiving benefits.
The Missouri Department of Employment Security administers Missouri’s unemployment program to provide temporary income replacement for individual workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton said, “These programs are funded through the taxes paid by employers, employees, and additional federal contributions. This money is intended to serve as the fundamental safety net in society, not as a hammock for thieves who double dip.”
The investigations were conducted by agents from the US Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Seven Perry County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsSeven Perry County residents were indicted on October 7, 2014, in an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Brant A. Sizemore, 38, Stephanie A. Ellis, 36, Clint D. Williams, 31, Clinton Waters, 37, and Donald K. Brown, a/k/a “D.J.,” 31, all of DuQuoin, Joseph E. Soldan, Sr., 44, of Tamaroa, and Jamey A. Carson, 35, of Pinckneyville, are charged in an indictment with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and September 2014, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, Williamson, and Franklin Counties. Waters and Carson made their initial appearances in federal court in Benton on October 20, 2014. At their October 22, 2014, detention hearings, they were both ordered held without bond pending a December 15, 2014, jury trial. Sizemore, Ellis, and Brown have previously appeared and are being held without bond. Waters and Soldan are set to make their initial appearances in federal court on October 28, 2014.
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 federal 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.
Four Men Indicted in $1.6 Million FraudRead the Press Release
Charges Include SNAP (food stamp) Fraud, Tax Fraud, and Sale of Counterfeit Goods
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Qais Hussein, 43, and Majdi Odeh, 45, both of Swansea, Illinois, were charged on October 22, 2014, with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Acquire Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits (formerly known as Food Stamp benefits), Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Presentation of False Tax Returns, and Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods in an Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in East Saint Louis, Illinois. The Indictment also charges Hossam Ahmed, 24, of Saint Louis, Missouri, and Elsayed Hassan, 24, of Belleville, in the offense of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Acquire SNAP Benefits.
For the SNAP benefit conspiracy charge, all four men face up to 5 years in federal prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. For the two tax fraud counts, Hussein and Odeh face up to 3 years in federal prison, up to a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release as to each of the two counts. For the trafficking in counterfeit goods charge, Hussein and Odeh face up to 10 years in federal prison, up to a $2,000,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Each man also faces $100 special assessment for each count.
The indictment alleges that Hussein and Odeh owned and operated Garden Grill Market, Inc. and Garden Grill Market, II, Inc. in East St. Louis, Illinois. The indictment further alleges that along with Elsayed Hassan and Hossam Ahmed they conspired to illegally pay cash at about fifty-cents on the dollar for SNAP benefit funds. This conspiracy allowed Hussein and Odeh to fraudulently receive over $1.6 million in electronic transfers to their bank accounts. The indictment also alleges that they filed false tax returns based upon the unreported fraudulent SNAP payments. Finally, the Grand Jury charged that both Hussein and Odeh in operating Garden Grill Market, II, Inc. illegally trafficked in counterfeit items from Casio, Major League Baseball, the Motion Picture Association, Prada, Coach, Fendi, Gucci and Juicy Couture.
United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton stated, “This indictment is another step in my efforts to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who defraud the government programs which try to help those most in need. My office, the attorneys who prosecute these cases, and the agents who work tirelessly to investigate them, simply will not stop. For those who continue to steal from this country and from those of our communities most in need, I warn you - We are coming!”
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 United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General – Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and Liam E. Coonan.
Former Army Private Sentenced for Hobbs Act Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Case is one of many brought as a result of United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton’s Metro-East Armed Robbery Initiative
Follow @SDILNewsDenzell D. Grant, 20, a former resident of South Carolina, who was an Army Private stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, at the time he committed the offenses, was sentenced on October 24, 2014, for Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. The Armed Robbery count is a federal “Hobbs Act Robbery.” The Hobbs Act makes it a crime to obstruct, delay, or affect interstate commerce by robbery, and is used by United States Attorney Wigginton’s office as a way to combat armed robbery in the Southern District of Illinois.
Grant was sentenced to a total of 180 months in federal prison, consisting of 30 months on Count 1 and 150 months on Count 2, each sentence to run consecutively. Grant’s sentence of imprisonment is to be followed by a three year term of supervised release on each count, to run concurrently. Grant was also ordered to pay $10,500 in restitution to R.B., the victim of the armed robbery, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment on each count, for a total special assessment of $200. Because of the amount of the restitution imposed, the Court waived the imposition of a fine.
“Since I announced this initiative [the anti-armed robbery initiative], I have been warning people of the serious consequences of their acts. This case illustrates my point – if you want to be locked away, far from family and friends, keep doing these senseless acts. This is a well-deserved prison sentence for someone who simply should have had better sense. Thank God that no one lost their life over a few dollars.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The offense occurred on October 13, 2013, when Grant drove to Swansea with other individuals stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, one of whom had family in Swansea. While in Swansea, Grant and the other individuals developed a plan to rob Max’s One Stop in Swansea. Grant, wearing a mask and armed with a loaded gun, entered Max’s One Stop, and jumped over the counter which led to the area where the lone clerk, R.B., was sitting. Grant put the gun to R.B.’s head and told R.B. to give Grant all of the money. Grant held the gun on R.B. as Grant followed R.B. to the cash register. As R.B. was giving Grant the cash from the register, R.B. stated that Grant told him that Grant was “here to kill him (R.B.).” Hearing this, R.B. decided to grab the gun and the two began struggling over the gun. During the struggle, the firearm discharged, injuring R.B.’s left hand and striking Grant in the right arm.
After being shot, Grant tried to escape by jumping over the counter into the customer area. At the same time, a customer who knew R.B. walked into the convenience store and heard R.B. call for help. The customer and R.B., who now had possession of Grant’s gun, helped prevent Grant from escaping until police arrived.
The case was investigated by the Swansea Police Department, the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Albion Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDillion Wayne Bailey, 30, of Albion, Illinois, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging him with one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on July 8th, alleged that the offense occurred on June 13th in White County. The charges stemmed from a traffic stop conducted by the Grayville Police Department during which Bailey was found to be in possession of 2 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, digital scales, drug packaging material, and several glass pipes used to smoke methamphetamine. Bailey was also in possession of $2131 in cash.
Sentencing was set for February 18, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Bailey faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and 3 years to life on supervised release following his incarceration.
Bailey has been held without bond in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on federal charges in July. He was returned to the custody of the Marshal to await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Grayville Police Department with the assistance of the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department whose drug detection dog was utilized during the traffic stop.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.