Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Local Nurse Sentenced for Prescription Drug AbuseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 3, 2104, Amber Jennings, 29, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois was sentenced to a term of three years’ probation. The two-count indictment alleged that Ms. Jennings obtained a controlled substance by fraud, misrepresentation and deception. At her plea on September 3, 2014, Jennings admitted to having a long history of drug and alcohol abuse which lead to the theft of prescription drugs from her workplace.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley Killian and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
Jerseyville Woman Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Destroy Calhoun County High SchoolRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that on September 2, 2014, Michelle Lynn Smith, 36, of Jerseyville, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging the offense of Conveying a False Threat in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1038. On April 29, 2014, authorities arrested Smith. She is currently detained.
On April 28, 2014, authorities responded to a potential bomb threat at the Calhoun County High School in Hardin. The response was prompted by the discovery of a typewritten note in the ladies’ restroom. The note read as follows:
- This school is going down today. KABOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im tired of all the people here. Everyone is going down, the school will b n flames. It is so stupid here. I cant take it ne more. The teachers suck and don’t do ne thing to help u. All that matters is what ur name is. If I had certain names I would not have the truble I do. Don’t matter, this place sucks and will not be here for long. So long and GOOD-BYE!!!!!!!!!
Authorities immediately evacuated the school and notified the parents of the students. The Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad and Capitol Police K-9s conducted a search of the building, but no explosives were located. Following these events, law enforcement collected evidence and conducted interviews which lead to the criminal charges against Smith, a teacher at the high school.
Sentencing is set for December 15, 2014. The charge of Conveying a False Threat carries maximum penalties of five years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Illinois State Police, with the assistance of the Calhoun County State’s Attorney, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, Jersey County Sheriff’s Department, the Jerseyville Police Department, the Illinois Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad and Capitol Police K-9s, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Constance.
East Saint Louis Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, that Beatrice L. Randall, 59, of East Saint Louis, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Sentencing has been set for December 5, 2014, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. Randall will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
Randall was a customer and beneficiary of the Illinois’ Home Services Program, which is a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. At her plea hearing, Randall admitted that she had submitted, together with her personal assistant, false and fraudulent claims in regard to the hours of services performed by her personal assistant. The false billing occurred between October 15, 2012 and January 31, 2013.
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 William E. Coonan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Hallock.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 1.800.447.8477.
Former Bank Employee of U.S. Bank Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsCynthia L. Palmer, 45, of Alton, Illinois, entered a plea of guilty to bank fraud in a scheme to defraud and embezzle from U.S. Bank, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Palmer faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and up to 5 years’ supervised release after serving her sentence and mandatory restitution. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 15, 2014.
As part of the plea, Palmer was employed by U.S. Bank at the Bethalto Airport Branch in Bethalto, Illinois, as a Universal Banker. Palmer admitted she made unauthorized debits on customer’s accounts. Palmer principally targeted older individuals to take unauthorized activity on their accounts with customers' ages ranging from 65 to 96. Palmer was terminated by U.S. Bank effective December 12, 2013. Palmer caused a direct loss of $105,827.62.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of U.S. Bank. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Missouri Couple Plead Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on August 28, 2014, Darren E. Everett, 43, and his companion, Mackenzie A. Leonard, 28, both of St. Louis, MO, pled guilty to an Indictment charging them with Bank Robbery. For this offense, each faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and not more than 5 years of supervised release. Sentencing for both of them is scheduled for December 19, 2014, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Both are currently detained in St. Louis, Missouri, on unrelated charges.
The bank robbery occurred on February 4, 2013, when Everett and his girlfriend, Leonard, robbed the Commerce Bank in Columbia, Illinois, of approximately $1,782. $250 of this amount was bait money. Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing showed that Leonard went inside the bank disguised as an elderly woman. As she approached the teller, she handed the teller a note indicating that she had a gun and demanded money. Once she was given the money, she exited the bank.
Officers arrested Everett and Leonard at their residence in Chesterfield, Missouri, on February 8, 2013. Both were taken to the Town and Country Police Department in Missouri. Two of the $50 bait bills from the Commerce Bank were found in Everett’s wallet at the time of his arrest. Both Everett and Leonard admitted their role in the robbery of the Commerce Bank in Columbia. Both also indicated that some items from the robbery would be found in a pink suitcase in the master bedroom of their residence. Everett consented to law enforcement officers searching their residence. During the search, officers found a pink suitcase in the master bedroom. Inside the suitcase, officers recovered items worn by Leonard during the Commerce Bank robbery, as well as the purse she used with the note still inside.
The case was investigated by the Columbia, Illinois, Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Town and Country, Missouri, Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Murphysboro Resident Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn August 21, 2014, Heather L. Richey, 38, of Murphysboro, Ill., was sentenced for her involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Richey, who had previously pled guilty to the one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, 3 years 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 Richey obtained over 44 grams of pseudoephedrine to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Leeann Simmerman was previously sentenced to 108 months in prison for her involvement in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Co-defendants Greg Emery and Tasha Craig have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Ten other co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Franklin County Resident Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn August 21, 2014, Samantha J. Plumlee, 28, of Christopher, Ill., was sentenced for her involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Plumlee, who had previously pled guilty to the one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and fined $250. The offense occurred between 2012 and June 2013, in Perry, Jackson, Randolph, Franklin, and Williamson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Richey obtained over 43 grams of pseudoephedrine to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Two co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, DuQuoin Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Former East St. Louis Police Officer’s Prison Sentence UpheldRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA former East St. Louis police officer lost his bid to have his 30-month federal prison sentence overturned, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Ramon T. Carpenter, 42, was convicted of two federal charges for making false statements to federal law enforcement officers during their investigation of a civil rights complaint. Carpenter was prosecuted for false statement crimes but was sentenced according to the law applicable to civil rights violations.
Carpenter appealed his January 31, 2013, sentence because it was far in excess of the sentence called for by the United States Sentence Guidelines. The applicable sentencing guideline suggested that the district court should have imposed between 6-12 months imprisonment. However, the United States Attorney’s Office sought and obtained a more severe sentence because of Carpenter’s egregious conduct.
Evidence in the case established that in the early morning hours of May 8, 2012, that a female motorist was driving near the intersection of Louisiana Blvd. and 25th Street, in East St. Louis, Ill. when she encountered East St. Louis police officers Ramon Carpenter and Chris Parks. The driver was intoxicated and driving with open liquor at the time. The driver believed that she would be arrested by the officers for driving with no license, no insurance, and for driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Instead of being arrested, the female alleged that she was driven to a secluded area in Jones Park, in East St. Louis, where she felt that she had to perform oral sex on the officer to avoid going to jail. When Carpenter was interviewed by federal agents he falsely denied being present in Jones Park during his shift and he also falsely denied receiving oral sex. An FBI investigation conclusively established that Carpenter had lied when agents located discarded napkins containing Carpenter’s semen.
Carpenter was fired from the East St. Louis police department on July 10, 2012, and was indicted by the federal grand jury on July 17, 2012.
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the district court properly imposed the more serious sentence. The appellate court opinion noted that the factual disputes in the case were properly resolved by the judge who chose to believe the testimony of the victim “instead of the thrice-lying Carpenter and the complicit Parks.” The appellate court also validated the use of the more serious civil rights sentencing guidelines to the case, finding that implicit threats of arrest are a form of coercion that make sexual encounters nonconsensual.
US Attorney Wigginton said, “The appellate court decision is the final chapter to this sordid episode. The vast majority of law enforcement officers are good and decent public servants. However, this office will never hesitate to vigorously prosecute a corrupt officer when the evidence establishes a crime. This prosecution vindicated the dignity of a victim of sexual coercion and should serve to restore the public’s confidence in law enforcement.”
The investigation was conducted through the Metro East Public Corruption Task Force by agents from the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Cahokia Man Sentenced to 308 Months for Kidnapping and A Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsAntwon D. Jenkins, a 27 year old Cahokia resident, was sentenced Friday by United States Chief District Court Judge David R. Herndon to 308 months in federal prison for kidnapping and using or carrying a firearm during or in relation to kidnapping, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
According to Court documents, Jenkins, was indicted in August 2012 for kidnapping, or aiding and abetting kidnapping, and for using or carrying a firearm during or in relation to the kidnapping or aiding and abetting kidnapping. A jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in East St. Louis, Illinois, returned a guilty verdict on both counts.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 17, 2012, Jenkins lured a young man to his house in East St. Louis, Illinois. While there, Jenkins and others brutally attacked the young man and accused him of committing a burglary on Jenkins’ second home in Cahokia. After some time, Jenkins told the young man they were going to “take that ride.” And the young man was walked outside and put into Jenkins’ truck where the young man could not get out. Jenkins drove the young man across the Poplar Street Bridge and into Franklin County, Missouri. During the drive, Jenkins pulled off Highway 44 twice and threatened the young man twice at gunpoint. The second time Jenkins pulled over, he told the young man to get out of the truck so Jenkins could shoot him in the back. Fortunately, the victim ran off into the woods and escaped. Jenkins was arrested a few days later.
Judge Herndon sentenced Jenkins to 188-months for the kidnapping count and 120-months for the firearm offense in federal prison to run consecutively, for a total term of 308 months. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Herndon also sentenced Jenkins to serve 5 years of supervised release, to pay restitution to the victim, and to pay a $200 special assessment fee. According to United States Attorney Wigginton, “My office remains committed to prosecuting this district’s most violent criminals, especially those who arm themselves with firearms and use them. Antwon Jenkins is an exceptionally dangerous and violent man. A sentence like this sends a strong, clear message: stop the violence or pay the price.” Wigginton further recognized the victim and his family for their courage and strength during the case, and he acknowledged and thanked the many members of law enforcement for their hard work and dedication: “I am particularly grateful to the victim and his family for their patience and courage during the investigation and prosecution of this case. It has been a long road to justice. I also want to thank the tireless efforts of the many members of law enforcement who investigated this case and without whom there would not be a case.”
The investigation team was comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, the Columbia, Illinois, Police Department, and the East St. Louis, Illinois, Police Department, who comprised the Save Our Streets Task Force active in the summer of 2012. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman during the trial.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDavid Lee Martin, 57, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced on August 20, 2014, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, on one count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Martin was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, immediately after which Martin would be placed on a term of 5 years of supervised release. He was also fined $150 and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. On July 21, 2012, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) received an anonymous Crime-Stoppers tip that Martin, who was wanted in Missouri for charges of child molestation and violating probation, was residing in Illinois. Martin knowingly failed to update his registration in Illinois as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Martin was apprehended by the United States Marshals on July 24, 2012.
This case was investigated by the USMS and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong.
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn August 15, 2014, Eric Scott Russell, 48, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a two-count superseding indictment, charging conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The offenses occurred between 2012 and April 2013, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea hearing established that Russell was involved with co-defendant Albert Wesley, a/k/a “Boogie,” and others in the distribution of crack cocaine. On April 7, 2013, Russell sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. Russell faces a prison term of up to 20 years on each count, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. Russell is currently being held without bond pending a December 3, 2014, sentencing hearing. Wesley has previously pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Perry County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn August 8, 2014, a Perry County, Illinois, man pled guilty to an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Thomas D. Tindall, 21, of Willisville, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The offense occurred between 2012 and February 2014, in Jackson, Randolph, and Perry Counties. The factual basis for the guilty plea established that Tindall was involved with others, including juveniles, in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During a February 20, 2014, search of defendant’s vehicle and residence, agents located methamphetamine, methamphetamine-making materials, and drug paraphernalia. Tindall is currently being held without bond pending a November 21, 2014, sentencing hearing.
The methamphetamine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
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 States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Nigerian Scammer Nabbed by U.K. AuthoritiesRead the Press Release
Was Wanted On Indictment Pending in Southern Illinois
Follow @SDILNewsA citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wanted in connection with a recently unsealed indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Illinois, was arrested on Saturday, August 9, 2014, in London, England, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Olayinka Ilumsa Sunmola, 31, of Lagos, Nigeria, was arrested by London's Metropolitan Police as he was about to board a British Airways flight at Heathrow airport bound for Johannesburg, South Africa, where he currently resides and conducts his activities.
Sunmola was indicted on November 20, 2013, in an eight count suppressed indictment charging him with various federal criminal offenses in connection with his operation of a romance scam targeting women in the United States. According to the indictment, Sunmola created several bogus online profiles on dating websites portraying himself as a U.S. citizen currently or formerly in the Armed Forces of the United States and temporarily doing business in South Africa. Over the course of several months, the indictment states, Sunmola cultivated a romantic relationship with each victim. He sent them flowers, stuffed animals, greeting cards and candy. His purpose was to lead each of his victims to believe that she was his one true love, his sole love interest, and the woman with whom he intended to spend the rest of his life, the indictment states. After successfully drawing women into a romantic relationship, Sunmola then began to manufacture phony emergencies requiring increasingly large amounts of money from his victims. He played upon each victim's romantic feelings and vulnerability and manipulated and groomed them for the purpose of bilking them of their cash, their assets and their credit worthiness. According to the indictment, Sunmola victimized least thirty women in the United States.
One victim described in the indictment was unwittingly drawn into a scheme involving counterfeit or stolen traveler's checks. As a result of her innocent involvement in cashing the checks for Sunmola, she was arrested by local police and jailed, charged with theft by deception and forgery, the indictment alleges. The indictment also alleges that another victim, a resident of the Southern District of Illinois, was induced to purchase a web cam and then pose in a sexually suggestive position. She learned only after it was too late that Sunmola was making a video recording. He thereafter threatened to post the sexually suggestive photos on the internet. According to the indictment, Sunmola told the woman that by the time he was done with her she would want to kill herself. He pledged to ruin her life if she did not continue to send him the money he demanded.
Sunmola was charged with conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and extortion. If convicted of all offenses, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 127 years, a fine of $100,000 on each of the eight counts of the indictment, and five years of supervised release. A trial date will be set after extradition proceedings, which could take several months, have been completed.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The St. Louis Resident Agency of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Fairview Heights office of U.S. Secret Service assisted in the investigation. The Illinois Attorney General's Office referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office for investigation as part of an ongoing partnership between the two offices to identify, investigate and prosecute international scammers who prey upon Illinois residents. This prosecution is also part of a larger initiative with the Chicago Office of the Federal Trade Commission to target romance scammers.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce Reppert and Nathan Stump.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 57 Months’ Imprisonment for Valentine’s Day Robbery of Highland BankRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Alexander P. Gerth, 18, of Troy, Michigan, was sentenced on August 8, 2014, in federal district court in East St. Louis for Bank Robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2113(a).
Chief Judge David R. Herndon sentenced Gerth to 57 months’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, following his plea of guilty, on April 7, 2014. The charges relate to the robbery of the Bradford National Bank in Highland, Illinois, on Valentine’s Day earlier this year. His co-defendant, Ramsey Z. Fakhouri, was sentenced July 11, 2014, to 78 months’ imprisonment.
Fakhouri and Gerth lived in Michigan, but Fakhouri had a girlfriend who worked at the bank in Highland. While talking with the girlfriend long-distance one day, Fakhouri put the call on speaker phone so that Gerth could hear the girlfriend unwittingly give details about bank’s procedures in stocking its ATM, which was located outside and away from the bank building.
Gerth and Fakhouri decided to rob the bank employee who filled the ATM. They drove all night from Michigan to Illinois, then waited for the bank to open. When an employee came out to fill the ATM, Gerth, masked and armed with what looked like a gun (it was actually an air gun), forced the employee to give him the cash from the ATM. Gerth returned to the car, and Fakhouri drove the car away from the bank.
The unsuspecting girlfriend soon texted Fakhouri about the bank robbery and about her own fears – she had watched helplessly from inside the bank while her fellow employee had been robbed. Fakhouri decided to return by bus to comfort his girlfriend. Gerth drove Fakhouri’s car back to Michigan.
On February 16, 2014, the girlfriend received an email on her cell phone that contained photos of the alleged bank robbers. Fakhouri tried to explain that although one of the images was of him, he had nothing to do with the bank robbery. He rode with his girlfriend to the Highland Police Department to try to convince the police that he had not been involved in the robbery.
The police did not believe his story; they arrested him. Eventually, however, Fakhouri admitted that he and Gerth had come from Michigan to rob the bank. Gerth was then arrested in Michigan; the air gun that he had used in the robbery was in his backpack.
Police were able to recover most of the money that Gerth and Fakhouri stole.
The case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Highland Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 188 Months on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Jefferson County man was sentenced on August 8, 2104, to federal prison on methamphetamine charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Jose A. Roman, 37, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, and was fined $200. The Court sentenced Roman as a Career Offender due to Roman’s previous criminal history. Roman had previously pleaded guilty to a two count federal indictment. Counts 1 and 2 charged that on two separate occasions on May 7, 2013, in Jefferson County, Illinois, Roman knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
East St. Louis Post Office Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing PackagesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today, that on August 8, 2014, Jane Johanna Emily, a/k/a Jane Moeller, 42, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced on a three-count indictment charging that she had stolen packages from the United States Mail. The United States District Court in East Saint Louis sentenced Emily to serve five years’ probation with the first six months of which to be served in home detention. She was also ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and pay a special assessment of $300.00.
At her plea Emily, who worked as a customer service supervisor at the United States Post Office in East Saint Louis, admitted that she had opened and stolen mail packages that she believed were carrying controlled substances (drugs). The investigation that resulted in the charges was brought about after a customer contacted the post office in March 2013 regarding a missing parcel that had been seen by other postal employees in her office at the East St. Louis Post Office.
In April 2013, an undercover investigation was conducted by Special Agents of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. Agents sent a package that was suspicious in that it might contain drugs to the East St. Louis Post Office. During the undercover operation, Emily, who did not deliver packages, removed the package and left the post office. Agents ultimately stopped Emily and discovered that she still had the undercover package and the undercover package had been opened.
At one point during the investigation Emily indicated she was actually working for the Postal Inspectors to uncover suspicious packages. Agents, who were conducting the undercover investigation, knew this information to be false.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Woman Indicted for Scheme to Defraud CharitiesRead the Press Release
Scheme Defrauded the United States Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and BackStoppers
Follow @SDILNewsA federal grand jury returned an indictment against Pamela Denise Robtoy, 53, of Belleville, Illinois. The indictment contains three-counts, charging mail fraud, wire fraud, and making a false statement to federal agents conducting a criminal investigation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Robtoy faces possible prison sentences totaling up to 45 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release after serving her sentence, and a mandatory order of restitution.
“All theft from charities is intolerable. Theft by any person from charities striving to honor a first responder who lost his life protecting the public is simply disgusting and abhorrent!” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The indictment alleges that Pamela Denise Robtoy embezzled funds from the 3rd Annual John Perry Golf Benefit held in October of 2013. The proceeds from the charitable event were to benefit the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and BackStoppers, Inc. The Annual John Perry Golf Benefit Tournament was a charitable benefit held annually to remember Deputy U.S. Marshal John Brookman Perry, who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The wire fraud count alleges that Pamela Denise Robtoy sent an email to a Deputy United States Marshal falsely indicating that the checks to the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund and The BackStoppers, Inc. had been reissued in an effort to avoid detection of her scheme. The false statement count alleges that Pamela Denise Robtoy lied to federal agents when she said she started taking money from the benefit fund in November of 2013, when in fact, she started embezzling funds from the account as soon as the account was created.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the Government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of other federal agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Murphysboro Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn July 31, 2014, Toni J. Johnson, 33, of Murphysboro, was sentenced on a methamphetamine violation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Johnson, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $250. The offense occurred between 2009 and October 2013, in Union and Jackson Counties. Evidence at Johnson’s plea and sentencing hearings established that she was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Johnson stole anhydrous ammonia and obtained pseudoephedrine pills, herself, and from others to use during the manufacture of methamphetamine. During a February 2013, search of Johnson’s Carbondale hotel room, agents located an oxygen tank containing anhydrous ammonia, along with other methamphetamine-making materials. At sentencing, the district court determined that Johnson was responsible for approximately 200 grams of pseudoephedrine, which was possessed for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. Two co-defendants have pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Two co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial.
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 County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Lawrenceville Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn July 31, 2014, Daryl G. Nenninger, 33, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, pled guilty in federal district court, in Benton, Illinois, to failure to register as a sex offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Nenninger is scheduled for sentencing on November 20, 2014, at which time he faces a prison term of up to ten years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, at least five years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
On December 11, 2013, after registering as a sex offender in Lawrence County, Illinois, Nenninger traveled to the Country of Mexico and was arrested there on March 28, 2014. He was aware of his requirements to inform the State of Illinois of his travel to Mexico by updating his registration. Nenninger has a prior conviction from an Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse case on November 17, 2005, in Bond County, Illinois.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak prosecuted the case.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsRonnell M. Hunter, 21, of Belleville Illinois, was sentenced on August 1, 2014, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, for unlawfully possessing a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Hunter was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, fined $250, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. He was apprehended after he ran from law enforcement officers requesting he show identification, as he walked through the John DeShields Housing Complex in East St. Louis, Illinois. A Smith & Wesson .38 semi-automatic pistol was discovered in Hunter’s pocket during a pat down after his arrest. Hunter admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm.
This case was investigated by the East St. Louis Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong.
Man Charged with Inserting Needles into Packaged MeatsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsRonald G. Avers, 68, of Belleville, Illinois, was charged by criminal complaint on July 30, 2014, with seven violations of the Product Packaging Protection Act of 2002, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Avers appeared in federal court in East St. Louis earlier today for an initial appearance. A detention hearing will be held on August 4, 2014. Each violation of the Act carries a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
The complaint alleges that the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned on July 9, 2014, from Shop ‘n Save that needles had been found in packaged meat products offered for sale. Shop ‘n Save reported seven incidents, all of which were associated with its location on North Belt West Road in Belleville. The recoveries were made during the time period of May, 2013, to July, 2014. The complaint alleges that one customer found a needle in her mouth while eating; another reported being stuck in the hand. In other instances, customers said that they found the needles in purchased meat products but were not injured. On one occasion, an employee detected the presence of a needle in a meat product.
“Shop ‘n Save conducted an internal investigation and provided information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation which directly led to the identification of Ronald G. Avers as a suspect.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “I want to assure the public that, while our investigation is ongoing, we do not, at this time, believe that the suspect acted at any other markets or stores, or that he was working with any other persons. I commend the time, money and effort that Shop ‘n Save expended in assisting investigators in this case. As a corporate citizen, their assistance to law enforcement was invaluable.”
A criminal complaint is a preliminary charging document. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.
Jerseyville Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Former Employer of over $440,000.00Read the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 31, 2014, Stacy Jo Kanallakan, 35, of Jerseyville, Illinois, was sentenced in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois on a one-count information charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit wire fraud. The district court sentenced Kanallakan to serve 33 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years mandatory supervised release. The district court ordered Kanallakan to pay $442,211.91 in restitution to her former employer. The court also ordered Kanallakan to pay a special assessment of $100.00.
At her plea on May 2, 2014, Kanallakan admitted that while working as the bookkeeper and accountant for Telsar Laboratories, Inc. (TLI), she fraudulently caused electronic deposits to be made to her own accounts and also caused fraudulent payments to be made to her by check out of TLI accounts. TLI was at the time a business located in Madison County, Illinois and the wire communications in furtherance of her scheme to defraud TLI utilized a bank in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Kanallakan admitted that between September of 2005 and October of 2011, she defrauded the business and its owner of $442,211.91.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Carbondale Resident Sentenced on Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn July 30, 2014, Leeann M. Simmerman, 21, of Carbondale, was sentenced for her involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Simmerman, who had previously pled guilty to the one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 108 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 Simmerman obtained over 151 grams of pseudoephedrine to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Two co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Eleven co-defendants have pled not guilty and are awaiting jury trial.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Illinois State Police/Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Belleville Man Charged in Circle K RobberyRead the Press Release
Case is One of Many Prosecuted by United States Attorney Wigginton’s Metro-East Armed Robbery Initiative
Follow @SDILNewsA Belleville man was charged today in federal court in East St. Louis in connection with the robbery which occurred at Circle K Gas Station, located on South Belt East, Belleville, IL, on July 25, 2014, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Patrick S. McGuire, 48, of Belleville, IL, was charged with Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery).
“I will continue to use these harsh federal sentences as a tool to try to deter folks from terrorizing our businesses.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “If you commit these crimes, be prepared to face hard federal time.”
At his first appearance on the complaint filed today, Federal Magistrate Judge Wilkinson ordered that McGuire be held without bond pending a further hearing on the United States Attorney’s motion that McGuire continue to be held without bond pending his trial.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Belleville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura V. Reppert.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Fairfield Community High School Coach Charged with Attempted Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 28, 2014, Timothy C. Going, 43, formerly of Fairfield, IL, where he worked as the coach for the cross country team, the assistant coach for the track team, and a math teacher at Fairfield Community High School, was arraigned on a four-count Indictment charging him, in Counts 1 through 3, with the Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor or Minors, and, in Count 4, with Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct. A detention hearing has been scheduled for August 5, 2014, to determine whether or not Going should be held without bond pending trial.
Counts 1 through 3 of the Indictment allege that between August 24, 2012, and August 25, 2012, and between October 26, 2012, and October 27, 2012, and between November 1, 2013, and November 2, 2013, Going attempted to sexually exploit minors by using these minors in an attempt to produce child pornography. Count 4 alleges that, on May 9, 2014, Going knowingly possessed a desktop computer and a laptop computer, both of which contained visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Trial is scheduled for September 30, 2014. The penalties for each count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor or Minors are a term in prison of not less than fifteen years, but not more than thirty years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years to life. The penalties for the offense of Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct are a term in prison of not more than ten years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years to life.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Illinois State Police, the Fairview Heights Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Ohio Man Indicted for Traveling Across State Lines for the Purpose of Engaging in A Sexual Act with A MinorRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis has indicted Nathan D. Maphis, 36, of New Boston, Ohio, charging him with Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. The offense charged in the indictment alleges that on June 24 and 25, 2014, Maphis travelled from the State of Ohio to Effingham County, Illinois, for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a person under the age of 18 years.
A federal trial date has not yet been set. If convicted of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Maphis faces a term in prison of up to 30 years; a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years, up to and including, a lifetime of supervision once he is released.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
This case 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 Madison County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Metro East Cyber Crimes and Analysis Task Force, the Maryville, Illinois, Police Department and the Illinois State Police. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Man Sentenced to Just over 15 Years for Armed Bank Robbery and Use of A Firearm During A Crime of Violence in Madison CountyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Phillip D. Webb, 33, was sentenced today in United States District Court. Webb had previously pled guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with Armed Bank Robbery, Use and Carry of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Webb was sentenced to 181 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, fined $800, and ordered to pay a $400 assessment. Webb was also ordered to pay restitution.
Documents filed in US District Court establish that on June 28, 2011, two women stopped at the Quick Trip station in Madison, Illinois, to buy gasoline. As the driver reentered her vehicle after paying at the pump, Webb slipped into the backseat of her car and pointed a gun at her and her mother. Webb then abducted the two victims, forcing them to drive to a nearby ATM and withdraw money from a bank account. Webb was arrested by the United States Marshals on July 18, 2011, as he fled from an apartment in Collinsville, Illinois. Upon his arrest, Webb was found in possession of two firearms, several rounds of ammunition and 26 grams of crack cocaine which he intended to distribute. Webb was a previously convicted felon, having been convicted of the offense of second degree murder in 2003.
The case was investigated by the Illinois State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Madison Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ali Summers and Donald Boyce.
Former Washington State Man Sentenced to Twenty Years in Prison for String of Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA former resident of Spokane, Washington, Carl Kieffer, 49, was sentenced in federal district court on July 25, 2014, for a total of seven bank robberies, three of which were charged by Information or Indictment, and four of which were considered relevant conduct, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The three charged bank robberies were of the Bank of O’Fallon in O’Fallon, Illinois, on October 15, 2013 (Case No. 13-30251-MJR); the Lusk State Bank in Lusk, Wyoming, in the District of Wyoming, on August 26, 2013 (Case No. 14-30051-MJR); and the Fifth Third Bank in Charlotte, Michigan, in the Western District of Missouri, on October 9, 2013 (Case No. 14-30052-MJR). These bank robberies were charged in separate cases but later consolidated into a single proceeding.
The four bank robberies that were not charged but were considered relevant conduct in the ultimate determination of the sentence were the Chase Bank, in Novi, Michigan, on September 5, 2013, the New Carlisle Federal Savings Bank, in Tipp City, Ohio, on September 13, 2013, the Bank and Trust of Farmersville, Farmersville, Illinois, on September 16, 2013, and the Huntington National Bank, in Bolivar, Ohio, on October 3, 2013.
Evidence at sentencing revealed that Kieffer lied to both an O’Fallon Detective and FBI agents when he told them that he was dying from cancer, and that was why he began robbing the banks – so that he could enjoy the rest of his life, spending his money on hotels, women and food. Medical records confirmed that while Kieffer was in poor health, he did not have any terminal illnesses.
Before imposing sentence, the Honorable Michael J. Reagan noted Kieffer’s extremely lengthy criminal history, as well as the fact that Kieffer had been incarcerated approximately 30 of the 49 years of his life. Judge Reagan noted that Kieffer was “one of those rare individuals who can’t function in a civilized society because he can’t conform his behavior” to society’s norms. Judge Reagan noted that the evidence of these crimes, as well as the evidence of Kieffer’s past criminal behavior, and his utter lack of remorse for the tellers who were the victims of his robberies, support a finding that Kieffer is likely to recidivate. Judge Reagan therefore imposed a total sentence of 240 months in federal prison for these crimes. Judge Reagan ordered that this sentence be followed by a three year term of supervised release and that Kieffer pay a total special assessment due of $300. Judge Reagan also ordered Keiffer to pay to each of the banks who did not receive all of their proceeds back. Specifically, he ordered mandatory restitution of $7,015 to Lusk State Bank and $3,600 to Fifth Third Bank. He further ordered discretionary restitution of $8,000 to Chase Bank, $1,950 to New Carlisle Federal Savings Bank, $8,480 to Bank and Trust of Farmersville, and $2,800 to Huntington National Bank. The discretionary restitution is imposed as a term of Kieffer’s supervised release.
The Bank of O’Fallon robbery in O’Fallon, Illinois, was investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department, the Belleville Police Department, the Swansea Police Department, the Fairview Heights Police Department, the Shiloh Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Lusk State Bank robbery, in Lusk, Wyoming, was investigated by the Lusk Police Department, the Wyoming Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Fifth Third Bank robbery in Charlotte, Michigan, was investigated by the Charlotte Police Department, the Michigan State Police, the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The cases were assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Williamson County Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn July 24, 2014, Sherman L. Allen, Jr., a/k/a “Larue,” 29, of Marion, Illinois, was sentenced on a federal firearm offense, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Allen, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years on supervised release, and fined $200. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, on July 29, 2013, agents executed a search warrant at a Marion residence where Allen had been residing. Agents located a Lorcin .25 caliber pistol, which Allen admitted was his. Agents also located evidence of drug distribution, including digital scales and drug packaging materials. Because Allen had previously been convicted of a felony, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Illinois State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team and Williamson 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.
U.S. Seniors Deceived by Foreign Scammers in Medicare HoaxRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that a federal grand jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, returned an indictment on July 23, 2014, charging three Canadian citizens with defrauding elderly American citizens. Fawaz Sebai, also known as “Frank Sebag,” 36, Vassilios Klouvatos, also known as “Billy Klouvatos,” 29, and Lefkothea Klouvatos, also known as “Thea Klouvatos,” 22, all of Laval, in the province of Quebec, Canada, were each charged with eight counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Each charge carries a term in federal prison of up to 25 years, a fine of $250,000 and five years of supervised release. Arrest warrants have been issued. The United States Attorney’s Office will seek extradition of the defendants from Canada.
The Indictment alleges that Sebai and Vassilios Klouvatos owned and operated a telemarketing business in Canada that operated under the names of AFD Medical Advisors, LLC, and Clinacall. Lefkothea Klouvatos managed the call center for the business. The telemarketers who worked for the business were provided call lists with the names and telephone numbers of elderly Americans. The telemarketers were instructed to sell prescription drug discount cards to the individuals on the list. According to the indictment, the telemarketers often falsely stated or implied that they were affiliated with programs operated by the United States Government, such as Social Security or Medicare, and led the victims to believe that they were required to purchase this prescription drug discount program in order to continue receiving their Social Security and Medicare. The telemarketers then obtained the victims’ bank account information, which other members of the conspiracy then used to create demand drafts that were debited against the victims’ accounts. The victims were typically charged a fee of $299 for these prescription discount cards, which according to the indictment, were available for free on the internet, and typically provided no benefit for individuals insured by Medicare or private insurance.
The indictment alleges that over 5,000 American citizens, including 7 residents of Southern Illinois, were defrauded by this scam. The scheme was conducted from September 2012, through July 2013, and the total losses exceeded $1,000,000.
“Scammers, especially foreign scammers, see seniors in the U.S. as easy marks. Sadly, these fraudsters have seized on the opportunity to exploit the confusion and uncertainty regarding health care to deceive and con the elderly.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “These international scammers are mistaken, however, if they believe that international borders will insulate them from the consequences of their criminal acts.”
The case is part of an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Commercial Crime Section (“C.O.L.T.”) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Montreal has conducted its own investigation of this fraudulent organization and has cooperated with United States’ investigative efforts. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Quinley and Scott A.Verseman.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Albion Man Charged with Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDillion Wayne Bailey, 29, of Albion, Illinois, has been charged in United States District Court in Benton with 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 8, 2014, stemmed from Bailey’s arrest by the Grayville Police Department following a traffic stop shortly after 10:00 p.m. on June 13th , during which approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine were located in the vehicle Bailey was driving.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Bailey faces up to 20 years in federal prison, $1 million fine, and a term of 3 years to life of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Following a hearing held today, Bailey was denied bond on the federal charges and remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await further proceedings. Bailey’s next scheduled court appearance is August 29th at 9:30 a.m. for a final pre-trial conference at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. A trial date of September 8th at 9:00 a.m. has also been set.
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 United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Owner of Metro East Title Company Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling Escrow Funds from Clients and StructuringRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsKaren Strasser Steinke, age 65, of Millstadt, Illinois, was sentenced to twenty-one [21] months imprisonment followed by three [3] years supervised release as a result of her convictions for Wire Fraud in a scheme to defraud clients of Metro East Title, and Structuring of Financial Transactions to Avoid Currency Transaction Reporting Requirements, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Restitution was made in full to the victims prior to the sentencing.
Karen Strasser Steinke was an officer, owner and operator of Metro East Title Company. As such, operating as a title insurance agent, she received money on behalf of others, which included escrow, settlement and closing funds. At all times Karen Strasser Steinke was required to hold these funds as a fiduciary in a fiduciary trust account. On or about July 16, 2013, R. L. and M. L. purchased real property in St. Clair County, Illinois, and Metro East served as the settlement agent for the transaction. As part of the transaction, the proceeds paid were to be used to satisfy a mortgage against the real property for $76,864.98 held by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. $84,109.57 of purchase funds were deposited into Metro East's escrow account, however the fiduciary funds were misused by Karen Strasser Steinke. On or about August 7, 2013, Metro East served as a settlement and escrow agent pursuant to an escrow disbursement agreement in connection with a real property transaction between the Columbia American Legion, Columbia Post 581 District 22, American Legion Department of Illinois, which acted as the seller to the transaction, and the City of Columbia, the buyer. The City of Columbia deposited $407,960.04 into the escrow account of Metro East which was to serve as the source for the ultimate escrow and settlement disbursals however the fiduciary funds were misused by Karen Strasser Steinke. There was evidence that Karen Steinke embezzled the funds to support a gambling habit. Karen Steinke structured the deposit of cash into bank accounts to replenish part of the money that she had taken to attempt to avoid detection.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service with the assistance of the Columbia, IL police department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Prison Sentence UpheldRead the Press Release
“Personal Assistant” Fraud Case Where Patient Found Dead of Neglect is Affirmed By Court of Appeals
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 15, 2014, the four-year prison sentence imposed on Lisa C. Luckett, 50, of Cahokia, IL, was affirmed by a panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The Appellate Court noted, quoting Chief Judge Herndon, that, “The judge commented that what concerned him the most about the case was that ‘it’s not just simply fraud; it’s fraud on fraud and perhaps on fraud.'”
Luckett pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Luckett admitted that she had submitted or caused to be submitted, false fraudulent bills in regard to providing personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program. The program is designed to provide a person with a disability with assistance in performing daily living activities in the home in order to allow the person to stay at home instead of entering into a nursing home. In the Appellate Opinion, the Court noted that [Luckett] was at the time the scheme was undertaken, receiving food stamps and social security payments, decided to take into her home, Dorothy Cooper, who was also receiving food stamps and social security. In addition, Cooper, who was disabled, was eligible for personal assistant services paid by the State of Illinois. It was the additional income and personal assistant funds that the defendant took significant steps to receive and to conceal. A responding EMT testified that upon entering the bedroom, he was assailed with an overpowering foul odor. He found the victim’s body wrapped in a comforter covered in fresh and old fecal matter and showed numerous bed sores, some of which were so severe as to reveal the outline of her hip bone. In deference to Luckett’s presumption of innocence on the state charges she faces, all federal courts only took into account the fraud she committed in arriving at her sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Illinois State Police; and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian, William E. Coonan, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsTyrone H. Bailey, 56, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced on July 11, 2014, in federal district court in East St. Louis, Illinois, for his failure to register as a sex offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Bailey was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, five years of supervised release, ordered to pay $100 special assessment and a $300 fine.
Bailey moved back and forth from Missouri to Illinois between August 18, 2010, and November 19, 2013, failing to register within the three day requirement each time he changed his residence. The registration condition was due to his three count Statutory Rape conviction on November 17, 1995, in St. Louis County, Missouri.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Mt. Vernon Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsRobert A. Tate, 30, of Mt. Vernon, IL, was indicted on July 8, 2014, on methamphetamine related charges in a two count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count 1 charges that from February 2013, until on or about June 2014, in Jefferson County, Tate knowingly conspired to manufacture methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on March 31, 2014, in Jefferson County, Tate knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to each Count, Tate faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 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 Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Flora, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Being A Convicted Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Clay County man was sentenced on July 10, 2014, to federal prison on gun charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Leroy O’Ryan, 67, of Flora, Illinois, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release following his imprisonment, and fined $2,000. O’Ryan had previously pleaded guilty to a one count federal indictment. That Indictment charged that on August 12, 2013, O’Ryan, who had a previous felony conviction for Aggravated Battery, knowingly possessed a Bushmaster, Carbon 15 model, .223 caliber rifle, and a Ruger, P85MKII, 9mm semi-automatic pistol. O’Ryan sold the firearms to an undercover officer and a confidential informant working for law enforcement.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Two Metro East Women Convicted of Unemployment FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsTwo more metro east women have been convicted of unemployment fraud. Melonetria McCallum, 37, of O’Fallon, Ill., and Trudie Lindsey, 57, of East St. Louis Ill., pleaded guilty to Embezzlement of Public Funds on July 11, 2014, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
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. McCallum is accused of unlawfully taking $14,219.97 from the program, while Lindsey was charged with stealing $14,001.00.
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. US 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 those who double dip.”
Embezzlement of public funds is punishable by not more than 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, or both, and not more than three years of supervised release. Each defendant will also be required to make restitution for the amount that they stole. The United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. Both defendants will be sentenced in US District Court on October 23, 2014.
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.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for the Valentine’s Day Robbery of Bradford National Bank in HighlandRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Ramsey Z. Fakhouri, 22, of Troy, Michigan, was sentenced today in federal district court in East St. Louis for Bank Robbery.
Chief Judge David R. Herndon sentenced Fakhouri to 78 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The charges relate to the robbery of the Bradford National Bank in Highland, Illinois, on Valentine’s Day this year.
During Court hearings, the following facts about the case were revealed. Fakhouri and a co-defendant lived in Michigan. But Fakhouri had a girlfriend who worked at the bank in Highland. Fakhouri had met his girlfriend a couple of years earlier at the Indiana Bible College. While talking with the girlfriend long-distance one day, Fakhouri put the call on speaker phone so that the co-defendant could hear the girlfriend unwittingly give details about bank’s procedures in stocking its ATM, which was located outside and away from the bank building.
Fakhouri and the co-defendant decided to rob the bank employee who filled the ATM. One of Fakhouri’s motives for the bank robbery was to buy a $13,000 engagement ring for his girlfriend.
Fakhouri and his co-defendant brought with them two Airsoft pistols that looked like real semi-automatic handguns. They drove all night from Michigan to Illinois. They then waited for the bank to open and for an employee to re-stock the ATM. While they waited, Fakhouri’s girlfriend called him to wish him good morning. Fakhouri watched as his girlfriend pulled onto the bank lot.
When an employee came out to fill the ATM, the co-defendant, masked and armed with what looked like a gun, forced the employee to give him the cash from the ATM. “This is the look of terror,” said the prosecutor, as he showed the Court a bank security photo of the employee’s face as she cowered before the armed co-defendant.
The co-defendant returned to the car and Fakhouri drove the car away from the bank. Later, the co-defendant drove as Fakhouri counted the cash – about $16,000 for him but only about $10,000 for the co-defendant.
The unsuspecting girlfriend soon texted Fakhouri about the bank robbery and about her own fears – she had watched helplessly from inside the bank while her fellow employee had been robbed.
Fakhouri decided to return by bus to comfort his girlfriend. She and her father met him at midnight at the St. Louis bus station. The co-defendant drove Fakhouri’s car back to Michigan. Fakhouri stayed with the girlfriend’s family, keeping his portion of the money in his gym bag at their house.
The girlfriend received an email on her cell phone that contained photos of the alleged bank robbers. Fakhouri tried to explain that although one of the images was of him, he had nothing to do with the bank robbery. He rode with his girlfriend to the Highland Police Department to let the police know that he had nothing to do with the robbery. The police did not believe his story, so they put him under arrest. As they emptied his pockets, they found $766.91.
The co-defendant was arrested in Michigan; the Airsoft gun was in his backpack.
Further investigation indicated that both Fakhouri and the co-defendant had Airsoft pistols that the co-defendant had provided for purposes of the bank robbery.
Portions of a victim statement from the bank employee who was robbed were read at sentencing. This led the judge to remark that the statement was “One of the most descriptive I’ve ever read and one of the most effective. The victim-impact statement does a wonderful job of describing the treachery of bank robbery. Bank robbery is a devastation almost beyond description.”
The case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Highland Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
Getaway Driver Pleads Guilty to 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 @SDILNewsCharmonequette Reynolds, 22, plead guilty in United States District Court to a three-count indictment charging her with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. The Armed Robbery counts arise from the federal Hobbs Act, which makes it a crime to obstruct, delay or affect interstate commerce by robbery, and is used by United States Attorney Wigginton as a way to combat armed robbery in the Southern District of Illinois.
Documents filed in Court establish that on July 12, 2013 Reynolds drove her two co-defendants, Timothy Collier and Roderick Taylor, to Arena Liquor located at 105 S. Belt E, Belleville, Illinois, to commit a robbery. While Reynolds waited in her vehicle, Collier and Taylor entered Arena Liquor, each armed with a firearm. Collier and Taylor pointed the two firearms at an employee of Arena Liquor and another individual in the store and demanded all of the money from the cash registers as well as personal belongings from the two individuals. Collier and Taylor left the liquor store with approximately $15,000 of United States Currency, entered Reynolds’ vehicle, and the three fled from the scene. Reynolds was identified and apprehended a short time after the robbery and interviewed by law enforcement. During the interview, Reynolds admitted to her involvement in the planning and participation in the armed robbery.
Reynolds faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years on the Hobbs Act violations. On the count of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Reynolds faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 7 years up to a maximum term of Life, consecutive to, meaning in addition to, any term of imprisonment imposed on the Hobbs Act violations. Sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2014, in East St. Louis, Illinois.
This case was investigated by the Belleville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Former Army Private and South Carolina Resident Pleads Guilty to 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 @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 11, 2014, Denzell D. Grant, 19, a resident of South Carolina who was an Army Private stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, at the time of the commission of the offense, pled guilty to a two-count Indictment charging him, in Count 1, with Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Armed Robbery), and, in Count 2, with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. 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 as a way to combat armed robbery in the Southern District of Illinois.
Grant faces a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty (20) years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three (3) years on Count 1. On Count 2, Grant faces a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years in prison, and that term must run consecutively (in addition) to any sentence imposed on Count 1, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than five (5) years. Sentencing is scheduled for October 24, 2014, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Grant has been held without bond since his initial appearance on February 27, 2014.
The offense occurred on October 13, 2013, when Grant, an Army private visiting Swansea with a friend, decided, with others, 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. grabbed 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 helped prevent Grant from escaping until the police arrived.
The victim, R.B., spoke at Grant’s change of plea hearing, stating that Grant told him that he (Grant) was going to kill R.B. R.B. said that he thought of his newborn child and began to wrestle with Grant over the gun. R.B. also informed the Court of the emotional consequences of the robbery, stating that, after a while, he could no longer work at Max’s because he (R.B.) would be scared every time the door to the store opened. Finally, R.B., looking directly at Grant, told Grant, “You’re in the Army. Your job is to protect us, not to kill us.”
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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Making A False Statement During the Purchase of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 11, 2014, Mack Davis, Jr., 23, was sentenced in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois. The Honorable Judge David R. Herndon sentenced Davis to a term of 30 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Davis was also fined $250 and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
On February 19, 2013, Davis pled guilty to a felony, residential burglary, in state court, in St. Clair County, Illinois. After receiving probation for his crime, he immediately went to a firearms store and attempted to purchase two firearms. Davis filled out a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473, which firearms purchasers are required to complete by law. The ATF Form 4473 is necessary in order to keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited individuals. Davis lied on the ATF Form 4473 stating that he was not a felon, when in fact he was.
This case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong.
South Florida Man Sentenced for Bilking ConsumersRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn July 10, 2014, Peter L. Massimino II was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison to be followed by 2 years supervised release, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. United States District Court Judge Michael J. Reagan sentenced Massimino for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with an international telemarketing scam. The plea agreement states that Massimino, and others were engaged in an extensive telemarketing scam which operated in Palm Beach County, Florida, that swindled thousands of victims of over $35 million dollars, victimizing consumers throughout the United States, and all ten Canadian Provinces and the Northwest Territory. There were at least 68 victims located in the Southern District of Illinois.
According to documents filed in Court, between October 5, 2007, and continuing until on or about January 2010, Massimino was a telemarketer and manager at Universal Marketing Solutions (UMS) and American Marketing Group (AMG). During that time, Massimino and other telemarketers falsely represented that they had found buyers for the consumers’ timeshare interests and solicited fees of up to several thousand dollars from each consumer in purported pre-paid closing costs and related expenses. There were no interested buyers, the closings did not occur, and the timeshares were not resold. “This entire scheme, put simply, was nothing but an act of thievery.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “Again, I urge consumers to be wary of unsolicited telephone calls pitching schemes that sound too good to be true. Hang up!”
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce E. Reppert and Nathan Stump and by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
Fairview Heights Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Armed Robbery of Moto Mart Employee and CustomerRead the Press Release
Case Is One of many Prosecuted by United States Attorney Wigginton’s Hobbs Act Robbery Initiative
Follow @SDILNewsOn July 10, 2014, Jahrastafar Jamal Farmer, 25, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, received a 96 month sentence in federal prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a special assessment of $200, a fine of $200, and restitution in the amount of $206.88, following his plea of guilty to violating the Hobbs Act and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in connection with the robbery of Moto Mart in Fairview Heights on November 2, 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today.
A factual stipulation filed at the time of the guilty plea indicates that a Moto Mart employee and a customer were ordered to the floor at gunpoint by Farmer, who then fled the scene with a mere $206.88. Alert employees and cooperative citizens provided valuable leads to the Fairview Heights Police Department, which ultimately led to a search of Farmer’s home and a recovery of physical evidence linking him to the armed robbery, to include a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Text messages recovered from Farmer’s phone indicated he was having some financial difficulties and “had to do sum extreme shit to bounce back.”
“The Fairview Heights Police Department conducted a commendable investigation in this case. Metro East residents have grown intolerant of violence in their community. We’re very pleased with the cooperation we received in this case from citizens. Stated simply, they were instrumental in solving this crime.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “I will continue to use the Hobbs Act, and any other tool that I have, to try to stop this sort of violence in Southern Illinois.”
This case, and others like it, are all part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative. The case was investigated by the Fairview Heights Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Multiple Crack Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 9, 2014, Frederick C. Addison, 32, was sentenced in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois. The Honorable Judge Michael J. Reagan sentenced Addison to a term of 210 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Addison was also fined $800 and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment.
On March 7, 2014, a federal jury found Addison guilty of distributing crack cocaine and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it. A video during the trial showed Addison selling crack cocaine to multiple customers from a home in East St. Louis. When Addison and another man were arrested, police recovered approximately 17 grams of crack cocaine from an abandoned house where Addison and his associate had hidden it. The crack had a street value of about $12,000, according to police experts who testified at trial.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI) and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong and Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
East St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that on July 9, 2014, Edward A. Banks, 42, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
On July 11, 2013, Banks sold cocaine to undercover law enforcement agents. Banks also gave the undercover agents his telephone number in order for them to contact him if they wanted to make future purchases. The agents contacted Banks the same day and bought more cocaine from him. Both transactions were recorded on video.
Banks is scheduled for sentencing on October 17, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000, not less than 3 years of supervised release following his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI) and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong.
Union Worker Sentenced for Stealing Public FundsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsKenneth Loving, of East St. Louis, IL, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, as a result of his conviction for Embezzlement of Public Funds administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Additionally, Loving was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $200.00 per month.
While employed by the Midwest Service Group, Inc., Loving stole $25,575.00 in funds administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) operated the State of Illinois unemployment insurance program, which is an employer-funded program providing temporary income replacement for individual workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Furthermore, the administrative costs of IDES are funded primarily by the federal government.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Weinhoeft and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hallock.
To report suspicious activity to the F.B.I., call (217) 522-9675 or email [email protected]. To report public corruption, call (877) 884-7633 or (877) U-TIP-OFF. To report health care fraud, call (888) 557-9503.
St. Clair County Women Plead Guilty to Theft of Government Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R, Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on July 1, 2014, Tara Star Johndrow, 30, of Belleville, Illinois, and Amber Dawn Adams, 34, of Fayetteville, Illinois, each pled guilty to one count of Theft of Government Funds. Sentencing for Johndrow is scheduled for October 9, 2014, and sentencing for Adams is scheduled for October 17, 2014. Both sentencings will take place in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Adams and Johndrow were indicted separately on April 23, 2014, on charges of Theft of Government Funds, which carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release to follow any period of incarceration.
The indictment against Adams alleges that between March of 2008 and August of 2012, she falsely claimed and received more than $9,000 in Title II – Survivor Benefits that were intended for the benefit of her child, when the child did not live her and she did not support the child during the time frame alleged in the indictment.
The indictment against Johndrow alleges that between August of 2010 and August of 2012, she received $14,500 in Supplemental Social Security Payments from the Social Security Administration, when she falsely claimed to the government agency that she did not work during the time frame alleged.
“These cases are yet additional examples of the wide-spread fraud that plagues both state and federal programs that are in place to help those in our society who need that help the most. My office will continue to stand beside both federal and state agencies and law enforcement in taking every step necessary to find and prosecute those who steal from, and continue to defraud these vital programs,” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and the cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Husband and Wife Indicted for Bank Robbery of Scott Credit Union in O’Fallon, IllinoisRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA United States Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment against Steve M. Dodson, 45, and Denise K. Dodson, 43, (husband and wife) of Collinsville, Illinois, charging them with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and Bank Robbery, United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton announced today. Following a hearing, both were ordered held in custody without bond pending trial, which is set for August 25, 2014.
The offenses charged in the indictment allege that on May 24, 2013, Steve and Denise Dodson committed the offenses of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and Bank Robbery by (1) driving to the Scott Credit Union in O’Fallon, Illinois; (2) Steve Dodson exiting the vehicle, putting a mask over his face, and walking toward the credit union; (3) Denise Dodson waiting in a car to drive Steven Dodson away from the credit union; (4) Steve Dodson approaching two employees of Scott Credit Union, telling them that he had a gun, and taking money belonging to the credit union (5) stealing and retaining approximately $100,000 from the Scott Credit Union; and (6) fleeing the scene in a vehicle driven by Denise Dodson.
The announcement of this Indictment was delayed until the Dodsons could be brought into the federal system. Before this time, they were each serving sentences in the Illinois Department of Corrections for crimes related to burglary.
If convicted, each person faces a term in prison of up to 5 years on the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Robbery and a term in prison of up to 20 years on the charge of Bank Robbery. Steve and Denise Dodson also face a fine up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to five (5) years once they are released.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The case was investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Former Bank President Guilty of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA former bank president pleaded guilty to bank fraud on June 30, 2014, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Paul C. Smith, 54, of East Alton, Illinois, pled guilty to the charges after having been indicted by the federal grand jury on November 20, 2013.
Documents filed in US District Court established that Paul Smith was employed by Laclede Community Credit Union (LCCU) from November 1977, until his resignation on June 29, 2012. During his tenure at LCCU, Smith held various positions, including that of President beginning in January 2012. In addition to working at LCCU, Smith also served as the treasurer for a credit union trade association. Smith held a debit card for the trade association’s bank account at LCCU.
Smith was convicted for making cash advances and purchases with his trade association credit card, but then manipulating the bank’s computers so that the expenses would not be reflected against the trade association’s account. In total, from 2007-2012, investigators identified $58,286.85 in purchases and ATM withdrawals that were incurred with Paul Smith’s trade association debit card. By manipulating the computer system, Smith concealed his embezzlement while causing LCCU to pay for personal expenditures made with the trade association’s debit card.
Bank fraud is punishable by not more than 30 years in prison, and/or a $1,000,000 fine, or both, restitution, and not more than five years of supervised release. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. Smith will be sentenced in US District Court on September 29, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the US Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Belleville Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn June 25, 2014, Willie L. Carroll, a fifty year old Belleville, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to failure to register as a sex offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Carroll is scheduled for sentencing on October 17, 2014, at which time he faces a prison term of up to ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, at least five (5) years supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
In 2013, after signing the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act Registration Form on January 14, 2013, Davis moved to Missouri without registering in the state. Davis was required to register as a sex offender within three days of his move from Illinois to Missouri. The registration was due to his Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault conviction on May 1, 1991, in St. Clair County, Illinois.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.