Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
White County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsLuke L. Burnett, 30, of Crossville, IL, was indicted on April 8, 2014, on methamphetamine related charges in a one count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count 1 charges that on March 7, 2014, in White County, Burnett knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Burnett 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 case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the White County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the Illinois State Police and the Indiana State Police.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Two Mt. Vernon, Il Residents Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsMonty D. Hamson, 44, and Denise A. Huston, 40, both of Mt. Vernon, IL, were indicted on April 8, 2014, on methamphetamine related charges in a four count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count 1 charges that from May 2010, until on or about February 19, 2014, in Jefferson County, Hamson and Huston conspired to knowingly and intentionally manufacture methamphetamine.
Count 2 charges that on February 19, 2014, in Jefferson County, Hamson and Huston knowingly and intentionally possessed equipment, chemicals, products, or materials which may be used to manufacture methamphetamine, knowing, intending, and having reasonable cause to believe, that those items would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Count 3 charges that on February 4, 2014, in Jefferson County, Huston knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
Count 4 charges that from March 2010, to February 11, 2014, in Jefferson County, Huston knowingly and intentionally possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, each defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 3 years.
With respect to Count 2, each defendant faces up to 10 years imprisonment, up to $250,000 fine, and supervised release of up to 3 years.
With respect to Count 3, Huston faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 3 years.
With respect to Count 4, Huston faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $250,000 fine, and supervised release of up to 3 years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the 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.
Murphysboro, Il Woman Indicted on Bank Embezzlement ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsBuffy A. Bastien, 41, of Murphysboro, IL, was indicted on April 8, 2014, on bank embezzlement charges in an 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.
Bastien was charged in a one count indictment which charges that from about 2010, to on or about February 23, 2014, in Jackson County, Bastien, being an officer and employee of The Bank of Carbondale, a bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with intent to injure and defraud The Bank of Carbondale, did willfully embezzle the sum of approximately $229,221.80 of the moneys or funds intrusted to the custody or care of The Bank of Carbondale.
Bastien faces a possible penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of up to 5 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
East St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 23, 2014, Derek M. McCaster, a forty-six year old East St. Louis, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to failure to register as a sex offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. McCaster is scheduled for sentencing on August 8, 2014. He faces a term of imprisonment of up to ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release up to (5) years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
The violation occurred between December 13, 2012 and December 27, 2013. McCaster was required to register as a sex offender under both Illinois law and the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) because he was convicted of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and Attempted Forcible Rape on February 6, 1995, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He last registered as a sex offender in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, on December 12, 2012. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Illinois. McCaster was arrested on December 27, 2013, in St. Clair County, Illinois, stemming from Burglary and Forgery charges of a check theft incident that occurred in October 2013. McCaster admitted to being aware of his requirements to register in Illinois and to update his registration in Ohio upon his move to Illinois in December 2012, but not having done either.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak prosecuted the case.
Clay County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsChristopher S. Brown, 32, of Xenia, IL, was indicted on April 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 August 2012, until on or about November 20, 2013, in Clay County, Brown conspired and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally manufacture methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that from August 5, 2012, to on or about November 5, 2013, Brown knowingly and intentionally possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Brown faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of at least 3 years. With respect to Count 2, Brown faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $250,000 fine, and supervised release of up to 3 years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Cahokia Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Cahokia man was sentenced on April 24, 2014, on a three-count superseding indictment charging Production of Child Pornography (Count 1), Receipt of Child Pornography (Count 2), and Possession of Child Pornography (Count 3), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Charles E. Hicks, 24, was sentenced to a total term of 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 10 year term of supervised release. In addition, upon his release from prison, Hicks must register as a sex offender as a condition of his supervised release. Finally, Hicks agreed to pay $500 in restitution to each of the victims in the “Vicky” and “J_Blonde” child pornography series. Hicks has been detained (held without bond) since he was found guilty by a jury on March 14, 2013.
“Anyone who thinks these cases are merely about people looking at dirty pictures should read about how the child victims of this severe physical and psychological abuse suffer each and every day for the rest of their lives. My office will continue to seek appropriate prison sentences for those who would abuse children.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
The investigation that led to the offenses for which Hicks was ultimately sentenced began on January 14, 2011, when an undercover operation conducted by a member of the United States Secret Service=s Southern Illinois Cyber Crime Unit identified a computer that was offering to share images and videos of child pornography. The agent downloaded three images of child pornography from this computer, and later obtained a subpoena to identify the subscriber information related to this computer. The subscriber information identified Hicks’ residence as the location of the computer from which the images of child pornography were downloaded. Agents obtained a federal search warrant to search the residence. Hicks was not at home, but the agents were able to make contact with him at his mother’s house in Belleville, Illinois. While speaking with him, agents learned that Hicks had two computers stored at his mother’s residence, one of them a HP Pavilion desktop computer. Hicks gave written consent to search both computers. A forensic preview at the scene revealed images of child pornography on the HP computer.
Hicks eventually admitted that he had been downloading child pornography for about two to three years, but that he only did so in the hope that law enforcement officers would track him down so they could find the person making the images available.
A forensic examination performed on the HP Pavilion desktop computer revealed 159 images and 130 video files of child pornography were present on this computer, and that the forensic evidence was consistent with Hicks as the person who downloaded and possessed the images. It also revealed that on April 3, 2008, Hicks downloaded several image and video files from LimeWire that he knew contained child pornography.
The investigation also revealed that, on August 1, 2008, Hicks took two pornographic photographs of TH knowing that he/she was 16 years old at the time. One of the photographs depicted Hicks engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor. The other photograph was of the lascivious display of the minor=s genitals.
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 and United States Secret Service=s Southern Illinois Cyber Crime Unit. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Three St. Clair County Women Indicted for Theft of Government Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R, Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced the return of indictments by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, against three St. Clair County women alleging that they defrauded the Social Security Administration.
Lashonda Russell, 38, of Cahokia, Amber Dawn Adams, 33, of Fayetteville, and Tara Star Johndrow, 28, of Belleville, were indicted separately on April 23, 2014, on charges of Theft of Government Funds, which carry potential penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment, fines of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release to follow any period of incarceration.
The indictment against Russell alleged that between September of 2006 and March of 2013, she received more than $50,134 by falsely claiming and receiving Supplemental Social Security Income payments for a child that did not live with her and she did not support during the time frame alleged in the indictment.
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.
Note: Any person charged is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. No person is required to prove their innocence.
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The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Robbery of Cahokia Gas StationRead the Press Release
Case is One of Many Brought as a Result of United States Attorney Wigginton’s Metro-East Armed Robbery Initiative
Follow @SDILNewsA St. Louis man, Carvin G. Brooks, 33, was sentenced on April 24, 2014, for Interference of Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The Hobbs Act makes it a crime to obstruct, delay, or affect interstate commerce by robbery, and is used by United States Attorney Wigginton’s office as a way to combat armed robbery in the Southern District of Illinois. Brooks, was sentenced to a term of 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release, fined $300, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
The Honorable Judge Michael J. Reagan sentenced Brooks to over twice the prison term recommended by the United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual. This manual provides a guideline to the parties in a federal case as to what an appropriate sentence should be in a particular type of case. It does not, however, account for all of the factors relevant to a particular defendant or to a particular case. In this case, the United States successfully presented argument, as well as evidence, to show that a sentence within the advisory guideline range was not appropriate because, among other things, Brooks had extensive prior criminal conduct, the brutality of the robbery, and the likelihood that Brooks would continue to commit crimes when released from prison.
“This sentence was well deserved by a violent person who preyed upon the public. Although he was not armed, Brooks struck terror into this innocent victim. I will always fight for maximum sentences on behalf of the victims of violent crime.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
Specifically, evidence showed that, prior to this robbery in Illinois, Brooks committed five prior violent crimes in Missouri. Evidence was introduced that Brooks stole a purse from an individual, striking her in the chest and knocking her down on April 1, 2003. The very next day, he broke into the home of another individual and threatened that individual with a knife during the course of the residential burglary. On April 12, 2003, Brooks’ crime spree continued when he committed two additional residential burglaries, threatening the individual in each with a knife. That same day, he followed another individual up to her front porch and robbed her. Brooks’ crime spree ended that day. On April 29, 2004, all of the cases were consolidated, and Brooks was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Brooks was released on parole on November 1, 2011, but had his parole revoked on October 24, 2013, because of the commission of this offense.
On October 9, 2013, Brooks came to Cahokia, Illinois, and robbed the BP Station of $300. During the robbery, Brooks punched the female clerk several times in the head with a closed fist. She had to receive medical treatment for the injuries she sustained. The victim, who was approximately one foot shorter and approximately 75 pounds lighter than Brooks, testified at sentencing. She cried on the stand while recounting the brutal beating she withstood. Finally, among other factors, Judge Reagan noted that, because Brooks committed this robbery while on parole for the Missouri offenses, he showed a lack of respect for the law, and was likely to commit crimes in the future.
A tip from Crimestoppers led to Brooks’ arrest. This case was investigated by the Cahokia Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong.
Shiloh Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Pipe BombsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Justin A. Vangilder, 21, of Shiloh, Illinois, pled guilty today in federal district court in East St. Louis to an Indictment charging him with three counts of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm/Explosive Bomb.
A Stipulation of Facts filed by the parties in conjunction with the plea states that on October 3, 2013, law enforcement agents received information from a Cooperating Witness that Vangilder possessed several pipe bombs at his residence in Shiloh. Based upon this information, agents went to Vangilder’s residence and spoke with Vangilder, who admitted possessing three pipe bombs and also admitted that he knew that possession of such pipe bombs was illegal.
Vangilder consented to a search of his residence, wherein agents located three pipe bombs – two of which had plastic casings, while the third had a metal casing. Each bomb contained a fuse, explosive material, birdshot, and nails. Each such bomb was capable of exploding by detonation from the attached fuse. Vangilder made each of the pipe bombs on previous occasions and therefore knew of components of each bomb, and knew that each bomb was capable of explosion by detonation from the attached fuse.
The maximum penalties that can be imposed for each count are ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Sentencing is set for August 1, 2014, in federal district court in East St. Louis.
The case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
East St. Louis Post Office Supersivor Pleads Guilty to Stealing PackagesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Jane Johanna Emily, a/k/a Jane Moeller, 41, of St. Louis, Missouri, pled guilty in federal district court on April 22, 2014, to charges that she opened and stole packages from the U.S. Mail.
The federal grand jury charged Emily with Obstruction of Mail, Theft of U.S. Mail by a Postal Employee, and Opening of Mail. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. The sentencing hearing is set for August 8, 2014.
The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to in Excess of Thirteen Years in Federal Prison on Crack Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Jefferson County man was sentenced on April 17, 2014, to federal prison on crack cocaine charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Andre T. Davis, 27, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, was sentenced to 162 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and fined $200. The Court sentenced Davis as a Career Offender due to Davis’ previous criminal history. Davis had previously pleaded guilty to a federal indictment charging that on May 18, 2012, in Jefferson County, Illinois, Davis knowingly and intentionally distributed crack cocaine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Two Jackson County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 8, 2014, Travis J. Sanders, 29, and April M. Elliot, 33, both of Pomona, were charged by superseding indictment with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2009 and December 2013, in Union and Jackson Counties. Elliot made her initial appearance in federal court on April 14, 2014. At an April 15, 2014, hearing, she was released on bond pending a June 16, 2014, jury trial. Sanders is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court on April 24, 2014.
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.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team 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.
Three Randolph County Residents Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 8, 2014, Allen W. Clover, Jr., 40, Carmen J. Clover, 40, and Jimmy L. Richeson, 51, all of Tilden, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2012 and March 2014, in Jackson, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties. Carmen Clover made her initial appearance in federal court on April 14, 2014. At her April 15, 2014, detention hearing, she was ordered held without bond pending a June 16, 2014, jury trial. Allen Clover had previously appeared in federal court and is on bond pending jury trial. Richeson has not yet made his initial appearance.
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.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Tilden Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Murphysboro Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 17, 2014, Jaben S. Graff, 36, of Murphysboro, Illinois, was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced.
Graff, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, and fined $300. The offense occurred between March 2011 and March 2013 in Jackson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Graff was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court found that Graff was responsible for obtaining over 76 grams of pseudoephedrine to be used to manufacture methamphetamine. Graff received an enhanced sentence because the district judge found that Graff created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to others when he fled from police on February 13, 2013.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Washington Park Woman Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 16, 2014, Amber M. Salts, 27, of Washington Park, Illinois, pled guilty in federal 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. Salts is scheduled for sentencing on August 1, 2014. She faces a term of imprisonment of up to ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
The violation occurred between June 2012 and June 2013, when Salts moved to Illinois from Missouri after being released from parole in 2012, following a conviction of Passing a Bad Check of $500 or More in Howell County, Missouri. She was required to register as a sex offender under both Illinois law and the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), because of her conviction of Permitting the Sexual Abuse of a Child on July 14, 2009, in Madison County, Illinois. Salts signed a Missouri sex registration compliance form on June 28, 2012, then traveled to Illinois where she resided since. Salt was interviewed by Fairview Heights police officers on January 8, 2014, after her arrest for shoplifting. She provided the officers with a Washington Park, Illinois, address and stated she last registered as a sex offender Illinois in October 2013. Salts admitted not having registered within the three-day timeframe after moving to Illinois. Salts knowingly failed to comply with either Illinois, Missouri and SORNA sex offender registration requirements.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Fairview Heights Police Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T Kapsak for prosecution.
Greenville Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Greenville man was sentenced on April 17, 2014, on one count of Attempt to Access with Intent to View Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Terry L. Adcock, 65, Greenville, Illinois, was sentenced to a term of 30 months in federal prison, to be followed by a 10 year term of supervised release, fined $3,000, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Adcock also forfeited the two computers that were used in the attempt to access the illegal images. In addition, upon his release from prison, Adcock must register as a sex offender as a condition of his supervised release. Adcock had been detained since he entered his guilty plea on January 16, 2014.
Before imposing sentence, Chief Judge David R. Herndon noted that Adcock was charged with a serious offense because child pornography “is not a victimless crime.” He stated that the children contained in these images and/or videos of child pornography suffer from knowing that people are looking at their images and/or videos over and over again. He also noted that, in past victim impact statements submitted on behalf of some children depicted in child pornography currently found on the internet, some noted that, when an individual catches their eye, they have to wonder if this person is looking at him or her because that individual has seen he or she depicted in one of these images and/or videos depicting their abuse that is on the internet. He suggested that individuals who look at child pornography need to think about this. Specifically, he suggested that, maybe when someone has an inclination to look at child pornography, that individual stop and realize that they are not looking at “nothing” or “inanimate objects,” but at “people.” He stated that, maybe when an individual thinks of that child as being aware that that individual is looking at that child and how that makes that child feel, then just maybe the inclination to look at child pornography will pass.
The charges resulted from an FBI nationwide investigation that revealed IP addresses that accessed a web forum known to contain links to images and/or videos of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The web forum listed a detailed description of the image and/or video file that a user could link to, with some of the descriptions of the images clearly indicating that the images and/or video vile involved a prepubescent minor. This investigation revealed that, between October and November, 2011, an IP address assigned to Defendant Terry Adcock tried to access the web forum on five separate occasions.
On December 18, 2012, FBI Special Federal Officers spoke with Adcock at his residence about the results of the investigation. Adcock admitted that he had been searching for and viewing images of child pornography on the internet since he bought his first computer approximately twenty years prior, and that he was interested in prepubescent girls between the ages of 10 and 12. He said that, by googling a search term commonly associated with child pornography, he would gain access to thousands of websites that contained child pornography, sometimes paying for access to certain websites. Adcock gave consent to the officers to search and seize, among other things, a Gateway desktop computer and a Dell Inspiron laptop computer. Adcock stated that he used these two computers to access and view child pornography.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation=s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force (SCETF). The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Jefferson County Woman Convicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Jefferson County woman was convicted on April 15, 2014, on methamphetamine related charges following a two day jury trial, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Julia Ann Snow, 52, of Mt.Vernon, Illinois, was convicted on all five counts (other counts involved other persons) in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about June 2010, until on or about September 19, 2012, in Jefferson County, Snow and others conspired to knowingly and intentionally manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 4 charged that on July 5, 2012, Snow knowingly possessed equipment, chemicals, products, or materials used to manufacture methamphetamine. Counts 5, 6, and 7 charged that Snow knowingly possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, on three separate dates (December 16, 2011, August 25, 2011, and July 29, 2010).
Snow faces penalties ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of forty years in federal prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years supervised release to follow incarceration. Snow’s sentencing has been set for August 14, 2014, in Benton.
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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that on Monday, April 14, 2014, Fausto Sotelo-Estrada was sentenced in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois, to a three-year prison term for Illegal Re-Entry by an Aggravated Felon.
Sotelo-Estrada, 31, of Ixtapa, Mexico, admitted at his sentencing hearing that he had been previously convicted of narcotics trafficking in Circuit Court in Sangamon County, Illinois, in 2008. Sotelo-Estrada was deported to Mexico in 2012, after his release from state prison.
On August 14, 2013, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) agents arrested Sotelo-Estrada in Madison County, Illinois. Sotelo-Estrada pled guilty in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois, on December 4, 2013. Sotelo-Estrada has been continuously confined since his arrest.
The investigation which resulted in Sotelo-Estrada’s conviction was conducted by ICE agents assigned to the St. Louis, Missouri, field office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Oakland, California Man Sentenced for Role in Marijuana Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsAlfonso Hayden, 45, of Oakland, California, who pled guilty on September 25, 2013, in federal court, to being a supply source of marijuana and cocaine, as well as money laundering for a drug distribution organization in Eagle Park, in Madison County, Illinois, between December 2009 and June 2010, was sentenced on April 10, 2014, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Hayden was sentenced to 46 months concurrent prison sentences on each count, followed by concurrent 10-year and 3-year terms of supervised release on the respective count, ordered to pay a $750 fine and a $200 special assessment. To date, twenty-eight other members of the organization have been convicted and sentenced.
Evidence in support of the indictment was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal Service, the Granite City Police Department, Fairmount City Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, Fairview Heights Police Department, Caseyville Police Department, Pontoon Beach Department, Park Hills (Missouri) Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Bethalto Man Sentenced for Producing Child PronographyRead the Press Release
Will Spend Twenty Five Years in Prison, Then Will Be on Supervision for the Rest of His Life
Follow @SDILNewsA Bethalto man was sentenced in federal district court on April 11, 2014, for Production of Child Pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Walter Lewis Sherman, 47, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Sherman pled guilty to the charges on December 4, 2013. He has been in continuous custody since January 24, 2011. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This was an appropriately harsh sentence for a very disturbing crime. My office will always be on the forefront of protecting the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community from such predators.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
The violation occurred from approximately December 13, 2008, to July 2010, in Madison County, Illinois, and involved a kindergarten-aged child. Sherman admitted to taking still photographs of the nude child, consisting of extreme close-up images of the child’s genitalia.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Bethalto Police Department, which has a detective assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Metro East Cybercrime Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.
Alton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 11, 2014, Cameron D. Matlock, a 22-year old Alton, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Matlock is scheduled for sentencing on August 1, 2014, at which time he faces a prison term of not more than 10 years’, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, not more than 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
Court proceedings revealed that on or about December 22, 2013, an Alton police officer was dispatched to an apartment building in Alton, Illinois, on a report of suspicious behavior by individuals parked in a vehicle towards the back of the building. Upon arrival, the officer observed two men standing outside of the car and two sitting in the backseat. As he came closer to the men, he immediately smelled marijuana and ordered the individuals inside the car to step out. Matlock occupied the driver side rear seat. A search of the car uncovered a small black handgun on the rear driver side floorboard, where Matlock was seated. Matlock admitted to knowing he was not to possess a firearm, as a previously convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Alton Police Department and is assigned to Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong for prosecution.
Two Randolph County Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 10, 2014, Stephen P. Salzwedel, a/k/a “Steak,” 41, and Tony G. Carle, 27, both of Tilden, Illinois, were sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced.
Salzwedel and Carle, who had both previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, were sentenced to prison terms of 140 months and 120 months, respectively. They were each fined $200 and placed on 3 years’ supervised release. The offense occurred between 2012 and April 2013 in Perry, Randolph, and Jackson Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Salzwedel and Carle were involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. They purchased pseudoephedrine, themselves, and collected pseudoephedrine from others to use in cooking methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district judge found that they were responsible for obtaining over 72 grams of pseudoephedrine. Salzwedel and Carle also received enhanced sentences because there was a minor involved in the offense.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Sesser Man Pleads Guilty to Conveying False Allegations of A Terrorist Plot to Disrupt Election Day 2012Read the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Ray Allen Flener, 25, of Sesser, Illinois, pled guilty today to federal charges that he made a false statement to a federal officer and that he conveyed a false threat. Sentencing is set for July 31, 2014.
At the change of plea hearing, Flener admitted that on November 2, 2012, as a detainee at the Franklin County Jail in Benton, he told a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that he had knowledge of a plan by a group called “the New World Order” to disrupt Election Day on November 6, 2012, by using weapons and explosives. Specifically, Flener told and showed the FBI agent the area in which the weapons and explosives allegedly had been stored in August of 2012. Flener’s representations were false because, as Flener knew, he had no such knowledge of weapons and explosives having been stored at that location.
Flener also admitted that on November 1, 2012, he did intentionally convey false and misleading information, under circumstances where such information may reasonably have been believed. Specifically, Flener told law enforcement officers from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI that he had personal knowledge of a plan by a group called “the New World Order” to disrupt Election Day, November 6, 2012, by using weapons and explosives.
The first charge of making a false statement carries a maximum penalty of 8 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. The second charge of conveying a false threat carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sheriff’s Offices of Franklin County, Williamson County, Saline County and Jackson County, and the Police Departments of Marion, West Frankfort, and Johnston City. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Fairview Heights Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOtto W. Jean, a 60-year old, Fairview Heights, Illinois, man was sentenced on April 7, 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. Jean was sentenced to 5 years’ probation, fined $150 and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
The violation occurred when Jean moved his residence from Missouri to Fairview Heights, Illinois, in November 2011, without registering as a sex offender as required under both Illinois law and the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Jean was convicted of Statutory Sodomy in the 2nd Degree, Statutory Rape, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child on March 1, 2000, in St. Louis County, Missouri.
Jean signed a Missouri Sex Offender Registration Act Form on May 3, 2000, acknowledging he understood the conditions of maintaining his sex offender registration after his release from prison. The victim’s mother in the 2001 conviction reported him residing within the city limits to the Fairview Heights Police Department. Officers interviewed Jean on July 28, 2013, where he admitted living in Illinois, between November 2011 and July, 27, 2013, and not having registered, until police confronted him on July 28, 2013.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Fairview Heights Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak prosecuted the case.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Was Wearing Polka Dot Dress and Wig During Robbery
Follow @SDILNewsArnell L. Edwards, 50, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced in federal district court, in East St. Louis today, for bank robbery, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Edwards was sentenced to 52 months in prison, three years supervised release, ordered to pay $1,547 restitution, and a $100 special assessment. Edwards pled guilty on November 19, 2013, to charges stemming from a September 6, 2013, bank robbery at US Bank in New Athens, Illinois. Edwards entered the bank wearing a polka dot dress, wig and sunglasses. He then placed a rag over his mouth and approached a bank teller, showing her hand written instructions on a small piece of red paper, reading “STICK UP ALL MONEY” and stated, “Give me all the money.” Edwards grabbed the cash, exited the bank and discarded the clothing before returning to a nearby apartment. A search of the apartment resulted in the discovery of a pad of red Post-It-Notes matching the size, shape and color of the note given to the bank teller.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Perry County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn April 3, 2014, Ty W. Dusch, 50, of DuQuoin, was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Dusch, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 96 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between 2011 and June 2013 in Jackson and Perry Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Dusch and others were obtaining pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. When officers executed a search warrant at a Murphysboro residence where Dusch was staying, they located methamphetamine and methamphetamine-making materials. At sentencing, the district court found that Dusch was responsible for 371.26 grams of pseudoephedrine. The district court increased Dusch’s sentence because Dusch violated the terms of his pre-trial bond.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The DuQuoin Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Fairview Heights Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Quinten M. Allen, 26, of Fairview Heights, was sentenced in the federal district court in East St. Louis on April 7, 2014, on the charge of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Chief District Judge David R. Herndon sentenced Allen to fifteen months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered Allen to pay a fine of $250 and a special assessment of $100.
On February 5, 2013, in East St. Louis, Allen knowingly possessed a firearm - one SCCY, model CPX-1, 9 mm. caliber, semi-automatic pistol with ten (10) rounds of 9 mm. caliber ammunition. Previously on July 26, 2012, Allen was convicted of the felony offense of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in St. Clair County, Illinois.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsPhillip S. Miller, 23, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced on April 4, 2014, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, on one count of possession of a stolen firearm, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Miller was sentenced to 8 months in prison, two years supervised release, fined $500, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Miller pled guilty on November 15, 2013. A parole compliance check conducted by law enforcement officials at Miller’s home on January 15, 2013, led to the discovery of a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in a bedroom he occupied. Miller admitted to purchasing the firearm from a drug addict off the streets. The gun was reported stolen out of Clinton County in April 2012.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong prosecuted the case.
Venice Man Sentenced for "Crack” Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsNathan V. Young, 23, from Venice, Illinois, was sentenced on April 3, 2014, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, on one count of cocaine distribution in the form of “crack” cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Young was sentenced to 63 months in prison, three years of supervised release, fined $600, and ordered to pay $100 special assessment. Court proceedings revealed that Young sold over 5 grams of cocaine base in the form of “crack” on June 13, 2013, to a confidential informant in Venice, Illinois, at the direction and arrangement of ATF agents.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Daron Whitt, 30, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced in federal district court in East St. Louis for the crime of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Whitt was sentenced to 51 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $500, following his plea of guilty, on November 18, 2013. The charges relate to an incident that occurred on March 17, 2013, in Brooklyn, Illinois, when Whitt, driving erratically, was stopped by a Brooklyn police officer, who then found a 9mm. Beretta pistol on Whitt’s person. Whitt was previously convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon on April 24, 2007, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm.
The case was investigated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Crack Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Damon L. Pruitt was sentenced today in District Court in East St. Louis to 100 months in prison for selling crack cocaine.
Pruitt, 28, of East St. Louis, Illinois, pled guilty on November 15, 2013, to selling crack cocaine on three separate occasions in East St. Louis during May, 2013. Pruitt has been confined since his arrest on June 26, 2013.
The investigation which resulted in Pruitt’s arrest and conviction was conducted by police officers assigned to the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI). The case resulted from the efforts of the WAVE (Working Against Violent Elements) Task Force, which focuses its efforts on combating violent crime in East St. Louis, Washington Park, and surrounding communities. The WAVE Task Force receives financial support through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a nationwide federal program which endeavors to address gun-related violence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Alton Doctor Sentenced on Charges of Health Care Fraud and Illegal Dispensation of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsViwathna Bhuthimethee, 69, a medical doctor who operated the Walk In Clinic, located on East Broadway Street in Alton, Illinois, was sentenced, today, in district court to twelve months and a day in federal prison on his guilty plea to the fifteen felony counts of an indictment which charged health care fraud against the Illinois Medicaid program and illegal distribution of Schedule III controlled substances (Hydrocodone) and Schedule IV controlled substances (Xanax) by prescribing outside the usual course of professional conduct and without legitimate medical purpose, Stephen R. Wigginton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced. The Court also imposed a $5,000 fine, a $1,500 special assessment, restitution to Medicaid of $397.48, and two years of supervision following release from prison.
“Our evidence showed, for most patients, that Bhuthimethee did not operate a legitimate medical practice, but instead was engaged in a scheme to distribute controlled substances illegally, thereby defrauding Health Care Benefit Programs, namely, Illinois Medicaid, by running what was in essence a prescription service for drug addicts, commonly known as a ‘Pill Mill’.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “As I have long noted – whether you are a doctor, a lawyer, a pharmacist, or an accountant, you cannot hide behind a license and a diploma. If you commit federal crimes, you will be prosecuted!” The illegal distribution charges involved four specific patients to whom Bhuthimethee continued to prescribe controlled substances in spite of the patients’ out of control behavior, overdoses and failed drug screens.
The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau; the Alton Illinois Police Department and the Madison County Coroner’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Quinley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Zander.
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 Washington Park Trustee and St. Clair County Probation Officer Sentenced on Health Care Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on April 1, 2014, Darron A. Suggs, 39, of Washington Park, Illinois, was sentenced on the one-count indictment charging that he engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud in the United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. The district court sentenced Suggs to serve five (5) years of probation. The district court also ordered Suggs to pay $64,867.00 in restitution to the Illinois Department of Human Services and pay a special assessment of $100.00.
Suggs admitted that he had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to his alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Suggs admitted to falsely billing the program between June 30, 2006 and April 16, 2013, when he purportedly rendered personal assistant services to two individuals when he, in fact, did not. As a result, Suggs stole $64,867.00 in payments for services not performed.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police - Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liam Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, or you may call 800.447.8477.
Mt. Vernon Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsRoman Victor Dymashok, 45, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and a citizen of Ukraine, pled guilty on Thursday in United States District Court in Benton to an information charging him with three counts of making false statements in relation to the purchase of three different firearms, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Specifically, the information alleged that Dymashok provided false information regarding his use of marijuana on three federal background check forms he completed between January 2010 and July 2011. The firearms he purchased included two .223 caliber semi-automatic rifles and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Sentencing was set for July 10, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Dymashok faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration on each of the three counts. Dymashok will also be required to forfeit the three firearms, as well as others he possessed, to the United States.
Dymashok has been held in custody since his arrest on these charges in May 2013. He was again remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Illinois State Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Effingham, Illinois, Doctor Indicted on Charges of Health Care Fraud and Illegal Dispensation of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, returned a 15 count Indictment against an Effingham County doctor, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The indictment was opened today upon the arrest and arraignment of the doctor in Benton, Illinois.
Naeem Mahmood Kohli, 59, of Effingham, Illinois, operated the Kohli Neurology and Sleep Center, located on North Maple in Effingham, Illinois. The indictment alleges that, for some patients, Kohli did not operate a legitimate medical practice, but instead was engaged in a scheme to illegally distribute controlled substances by running what was in essence a prescription service for drug addicts, commonly known as a “Pill Mill.” The indictment also alleges that Kohli defrauded Health Care Benefit Programs, namely, Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, by billing for services not provided.
In the Indictment, Kohli is charged with the following offenses: (1) health care fraud in Counts 1 through 3, which carry penalties of a maximum of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum of three years supervised release; (2) illegal distribution of a Schedule II controlled substances (Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, and Methadone) in Counts 4 through 13, which carry penalties of a maximum of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, no less than three years supervised release; and (3) money laundering in Counts 14 and 15, which carry penalties of a maximum of ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and one year of supervised release. A $100 special assessment must be imposed on each count.
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 matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Quinley and Ranley R. Killian.
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.
Two Carbondale Residents Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn February 4, 2014, Heather L. Richey, 38, and Leeann M. Simmerman, 20, both of Carbondale, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The offense occurred between 2010 and January 2014, in Jackson, Williamson, Union, and Franklin Counties. The two co-defendants made their initial appearances in federal court on March 25, 2014. They are currently being held without bond pending a March 28, 2014, detention hearing.
The methamphetamine offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the 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.
Carbondale Man Sentenced in Madison County Tax Sale SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsThe United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Barrett R. Rochman, 71 of Makonda, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Ill., for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Evidence argued at the sentencing hearing established that Rochman participated in a price fixing scheme orchestrated by former Madison County Treasurer Fred Bathon. Bathon structured the Madison County tax sale to permit the tax buyers to charge distressed homeowners inflated interest rates from 2005-2008 in exchange for campaign contributions.
Rochman was sentenced to 16 months in prison, to serve three (3) years supervised release, to pay a $30,000 fine and a special assessment of $100. The sentence was the maximum sentence recommended by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Former Treasurer Fred Bathon, along with tax buyers Scott McLean and John Vassen have all been previously sentenced to federal prison for their roles in this scheme.
Arguments made in court revealed that Rochman’s lawyer had reached out to prosecutors before he was charged and offered to pay a large settlement in lieu of prosecution or in exchange for a misdemeanor plea. Prosecutors said that Rochman’s conduct was too serious to be resolved solely by way of a settlement or a reduced plea and that they would not create the perception, or the reality, that one defendant would be able to buy his way out of trouble. US Attorney Wigginton noted, “Whether the case involves an elected official, a local attorney, or a wealthy businessman, my office will ensure accountability. No amount of money offered will interfere with the administration of justice.”
The charges allege that at Illinois tax lien auctions, investors bid to purchase tax lien certificates issued against delinquent tax payers. Investors are supposed to compete to purchase these tax liens by bidding on the interest rate the property owner will be required to pay prior to redeeming the tax lien attached to the owner's property. The bid opens at no more than the statutory maximum of 18% and through a competitive bidding process can be driven as low as 0 percent. The bidder offering the least penalty percentage rate, i.e., the bidder who is willing to allow the owner to redeem his property for the smallest penalty, is allowed to purchase the tax lien. As such, competitive bidding benefits financially distressed homeowners by reducing the amount of money that they have to pay to save their home from foreclosure; however, that same system reduces the profit made by tax buyers. Tax buyers prefer to receive high interest rates, which corresponds to higher profits.
For the tax sales conducted in 2005-2008, Fred Bathon structured the tax sales in a way that eliminated competitive bidding and allowed the tax buyers to engage in price fixing by only bidding the statutory maximum interest rate of 18%. The tax buyers who pled guilty today were charged with making campaign donations to Bathon in exchange for receiving property tax liens at non-competitive interest rates.
By 2007 and 2008, the bid rigging and price fixing was so pervasive that distressed homeowners were charged the statutory maximum interest rate on nearly every property tax lien sold. During the tax auction occurring November 14-15, 2007, 2,549 out of 2,574 property tax liens were awarded to bidders for the statutory maximum interest rate of 18%, which represented 99.03% of the property tax liens auctioned. During the tax auction occurring November 13-14, 2008, 2,290 out of 2,364 property tax liens were awarded to bidders for the statutory maximum interest rate of 18%, which represented 96.86% of the property tax liens auctioned.
United States Attorney Wigginton observed that if Rochman were sincere in his desire to pay back those affected, that he could agree to do so by putting the money in some sort of escrow account. “Rochman is encouraged to make victims whole by helping repay their losses. What he is not free to do is to use his fortune to evade criminal responsibility.”
The investigation was conducted through the Metro East Public Corruption Task Force by agents from the Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by US Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton and Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Jefferson County man was sentenced on March 19, 2014, to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Alvin Gene Chelf, 42, of Bonnie, Illinois, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, and fined $400. The Court sentenced Chelf as a Career Offender due to Chelf’s previous criminal history. Chelf had pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment, Count 1 charged that on February 14, 2013, in Jefferson County, Illinois, Chelf knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine, and Count 2 charged that on February 19, 2013, in Jefferson County, Illinois, Chelf 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.
Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn March 20, 2014, Sherman L. Allen, Jr., a/k/a “Larue,” 29, of Marion, Ill., pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Evidence at the plea hearing 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. Because Allen had previously been convicted of a felony, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The firearm offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Allen is currently being held without bond pending a June 18, 2014, sentencing hearing.
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 is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Panama Man Sentenced for Child Pornography/Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA resident of Panama, who was living illegally in the United States, in Glen Carbon, Illinois, was sentenced on March 21, 2014, on a three-count Indictment, charging him with Receipt of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 1), Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 2), and Possession of a Counterfeit Alien Registration Card, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Jean Paul Jimenez-Kuchler, 30, Panama City, Panama, was sentenced to a concurrent terms of 84 months in federal prison on each count, concurrent terms of supervised release of five years on Counts 1 and 2 and three years on Count 3, fined $300, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment. In addition, upon his release from prison, Jimenez-Kuchler will be deported to Panama.
The investigation began on June 6, 2013, when a federal search warrant was executed at Jimenez-Kuchler’s residence in Glen Carbon, after local agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), were informed that an IP address registered to Jimenez-Kuchler’s address was captured while trying to access an online bulletin board that had, as its primary purpose, the sexual exploitation of minors, primarily prepubescent minors.
Agents seized two hard drives from Jimenez-Kuchler’s bedroom. Jimenez-Kuchler admitted that the hard drives belonged to him. One of the hard drives contained at least five video files, four of which exceeded five minutes in length, of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit behavior. The other hard drive contained approximately 4,349 image and/or video files of minors engaged in sexually explicit behavior, many of which depicted prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age (Count 2). The analysis also revealed that two of the videos depicting images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were downloaded and received by Jimenez-Kuchler on or about June 5, 2013 (Count 1).
Jimenez-Kuchler admitted that he was a citizen of Panama City, Panama, who was present in the United States illegally. He also admitted accessing the child pornography bulletin board that had, as its primary purpose, the sexual exploitation of minors, which was the basis of the federal search warrant.
An alien registration receipt card was also recovered from Jimenez-Kuchler. During his interview, Jimenez-Kuchler admitted that the alien registration card was counterfeit, stating that he obtained it approximately five years prior so that he would be eligible for employment in the United States. Jimenez also admitted being in the United States illegally since after 2001 when his “visitor for pleasure” card expired, and that he knew that the alien registration card found in his possession was fake (Count 3).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Murphysboro Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn March 21, 2014, Donald E. Gregory, 47, of Murphysboro, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Gregory, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 130 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years supervised release, and fined $300. The offense occurred between March 2011 and March 2013 in Jackson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Gregory was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court found that Gregory was responsible for the manufacture of 660 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Missouri Residents Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 21, 2014, Darren E. Everett, 43, and Mackenzie A. Leonard, 28, residents of Chesterfield, Missouri, who were dating at the time of the commission of the alleged offense, were arraigned on an Indictment charging them with Bank Robbery. Both defendants were ordered detained, that is, held without bond, pending trial, which is scheduled for May 5, 2014, in Federal Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
The indictment charges that, on February 4, 2013, both defendants robbed Commerce Bank in Monroe County of approximately $1,782. If convicted, both defendants face a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Columbia, Illinois, Police Department, the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Meth Manufacturer Sentenced to Lengthy Federal Prison TermRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn March 20, 2014, Eric L. Kellems, 43, of Madison, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Kellems, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 192 months in federal prison, to be followed by 6 years on supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between June 2012 and January 28, 2013, in Jackson and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Kellems was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Kellems obtained over 70 grams of pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Kellems received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearm in Wabash CountyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsLevi M. Glick, 28, of Princeton, Indiana, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on September 4, 2013, alleged that Glick possessed a .357 caliber revolver in Wabash County on July 8th. Prior to that date, Glick had been convicted of a felony offense, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing was set for June 19, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Glick faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Elkville Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsOn March 21, 2014, Charles L. Scott, a/k/a “Boomer, 43, of Elkville, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Scott, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between March 2012 and March 2013 in Jackson and Perry Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Scott was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. On March 13, 2013, Scott received severe burns while manufacturing methamphetamine inside an Elkville residence. Scott’s sentence was enhanced based on the substantial risk of harm created by his criminal conduct. One co-defendant has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, DuQuoin Police Department, and Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Baldwin Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsA Baldwin, Illinois, man was sentenced in federal district court on March 21, 2014, on a three-count Indictment charging him with Receipt of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 1), Access with Intent to View Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 2), and Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Count 3), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Michael A. Nieweglowski, Jr., a/k/a “Tony,” 45, was sentenced to a term of 180 months in federal prison on all counts, to run concurrently, to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release on all counts, again to run concurrently, ordered to pay $632.71 in restitution, fined $500, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment. In addition, upon his release from prison, Nieweglowski must register as a sex offender as a condition of supervised release. Nieweglowski has been detained by the United States Marshals Service since his arraignment on May 1, 2013.
“Predators, like this person, must face long sentences if we are to protect our children from them. If anyone doubts that these individuals are a danger, that person should look at this case. My office will continue to seek appropriate sentences for those who would prey on the most vulnerable in our communities.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The investigation began on January 14, 2011, when Nieweglowski, who had been on mandatory supervised release since at least September 10, 2010, for a Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault conviction which was the result of Nieweglowski molesting a five (5) year old relative, was turned over to his parole officer after suspected child pornography was found on a printer in Nieweglowski’s parents’ home on December 30, 2011. On January 15, 2011, a Special Federal Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force seized numerous media devices from Nieweglowski’s camper trailer which was parked next to his parents’ home, as well as the laptop computer that Nieweglowski could access in his parents’ home. Among the items seized from the defendant’s camper trailer was a PNY thumb drive.
A forensic review of the seized laptop home revealed approximately 79 visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been downloaded via the internet. The PNY thumb drive was found to contain approximately 80 visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been transferred to the thumb drive from the laptop computer. Several of the visual depictions possessed by Nieweglowski contained images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct as well as images of minors that depicted sadistic behavior.
Evidence introduced at the Nieweglowski’s sentencing showed that another relative came forward after Nieweglowski was charged with the molestation of the first relative, and reported that Nieweglowski began molesting him/her since he/she was five years old and that it lasted for years. He/she did not, however, want to discuss it with the police, thus no formal charges were filed against Nieweglowski for this alleged molestation. In addition, while being transported back to an Illinois prison after violating the terms of his mandatory supervised release by viewing and downloading child pornography, Nieweglowski told his parole officer that he began looking at pornography because he was lonely, and that he was “doing some of the same things he did before he was charged the first time,” with the molestation of his five year old niece.
Furthermore, during an interview by a FBI Special Federal Officer, Nieweglowski admitted that, once he found child pornography on the internet, he could not stop himself from searching for and viewing child pornography. He said that he bought a thumb drive to use to save the images of child pornography because he was not always able to find it on the internet. He would then take the images to his camper where he was able to view them through his television. Nieweglowski stated that he had an interest in pedophilia and incest.
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 Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Herrin Man Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Mark P. Troehler, 39, of Herrin, Illinois, was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton, Illinois on one count of Bank Fraud.
Troehler was sentenced to two months in federal prison followed by two months of home confinement, three years supervised released, and ordered to pay $80,190 in restitution to the Bank of Marion, the victim of the fraud. Troehler previously pled guilty to submitting false lien waivers to the Bank of Marion where he had taken out a construction loan. Troehler, who was at the time a contractor, took out a loan from the bank to build a home in Herrin, Illinois, and then utilized the funds for personal and unrelated business expenses, while supplying false documents to the bank indicating the funds were being used to build the home.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian.
Federal Jury Finds Missouri Woman Guilty of Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsStephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 19, 2014, Tisa V. Vaughn, 49, of Florissant, Missouri, was found guilty in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois, on an indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Sentencing is set for July 11, 2014. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
Vaughn was the personal assistant for her sister, a Medicaid recipient, who resides in East St. Louis. Evidence at trial showed that Vaughn billed for hours of care when she was either not caring for her sister or when her sister was actually in the hospital. Furthermore, testimony indicated that the sisters split the payments that Vaughn billed and received from the Home Services Program for the State of Illinois.
“Nationwide, the biggest fraud problem in the Medicaid program has been these personal assistant programs which represent the number one fraud complaint to state Medicaid fraud units. Especially vulnerable to fraud are programs, such as the one implemented in Illinois, that allows the Medicaid recipient to control the selection and payment of personal care attendants. In most cases, the personal care assistant is a relative or family friend, who often is a ghost employee. In a typical fraud scenario, the scam payments made by the State of Illinois are split between the Medicaid recipient and the ghost employee. By prosecuting these frauds, I hope to get more accountability into the programs and to preserve these funds for deserving people who really do benefit from the assistance.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police’s Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case was tried by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Zander and Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan. The lead prosecutor for the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Quinley.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General or call 800.447.8477.
Former Washington Park Street Superintendant Sentenced to Prison for Forging Village CheckRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDouglas T. Knowles, 37, of Washington Park, Illinois, was sentenced to 3 months in federal prison, followed by 6 months of home detention and three years of supervised release for the offense of uttering a forged check of the Village of Washington Park, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
In December 2012, Knowles, who was a public works/street superintendent for the Village of Washington Park, purchased and picked up a gas range from Gil Klein TV & Appliance, Inc., a/k/a Klein’s Brand Source, in Fairview Heights. Knowles presented a Village of Washington Park check purported to be signed by the Mayor of Washington Park for payment. It was later learned that Knowles forged the endorsement of the Mayor and used the gas range for his private residence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations as part of the Metro East Public Corruption Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Cahokia Man Sentenced for Robbery of Chili's Bar and GrillRead the Press Release
Follow @SDILNewsDaniel W. Amerson, 26, of Cahokia, Illinois, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,883.30 in restitution, following his plea of guilty to an indictment charging Interference with Commerce by Violence, a violation of the Hobbs Act, in connection with the robbery of Chili’s Bar and Grill in Fairview Heights on August 1, 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today. Amerson has been in custody since his arrest on August 1, 2013.
“Creative charging decisions and lengthy federal sentences are only a few of the tools that I will continue to use in order to combat the rash of armed robberies that has been plaguing the metro east.” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “Part of the message is to let persons know that their actions may result in a harsh federal prison sentence, far from their friends and families. Think before you act. Simply, don’t do the crime.”
According to documents filed in court, on August 1, 2013, at approximately 9:24 p.m., Amerson, and his co-defendants entered Chili’s [Restaurant in Fairview Heights, Illinois] to commit a robbery. Amerson and one of his co-defendants were masked and armed with BB guns which resembled genuine semi-automatic firearms. The third co-defendant was unarmed and unmasked. In total, over twenty customers and employees were present in the restaurant when the defendants entered a side door to commit the robbery. The manager was ordered at gunpoint to open the safe, which contained a cash drawer and box. Amerson and a co-defendant maintained watch over customers and employees (some of whom were ordered to the back of the restaurant and the ground) while monies were being taken. Some customers fled the restaurant during the robbery. Having obtained monies from the restaurant, the defendants departed in their getaway car. An alert customer was able to record the Missouri license plate number of the getaway car, and to provide it to police during a 911 call.
Police officers quickly located the getaway car on westbound Interstate 64, headed to Missouri, and activated their lights and sirens near the foot of the MLK Bridge. The defendants did not obey the directive to stop the car, passed another motorist by driving on the shoulder, and drove at a high rate of speed (60 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone) into the City of St. Louis until encountering a dead end.
The defendants attempted to flee the police on foot, but were quickly caught. The getaway car was found to contain masks, two Daisy Powerline Model 340 BB guns, a cash register drawer and a cash box. In total, approximately $800 was recovered from the car and the path of flight.
This case was investigated by the Fairview Heights Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.