Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ohio Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Burglarizing Southern Illinois Pharmacies of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district court judge sentenced two Columbus, Ohio, men to federal prison for burglarizing several pharmacies of oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine pills with intent to illegally distribute the controlled substances.
George H. Cunningham, 42, was sentenced to 100 months’ and Tarvin M. Hamler, III, 43, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances: oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances and burglary involving controlled substances.
“Targeting, disrupting and burglarizing locally-owned pharmacies that provide vital healthcare services impair rural communities, and controlled substances must be lawfully distributed by medical professionals to help prevent misuse and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the DEA agents for their efforts to piece together this investigation in order to seek justice for the pharmacists, pharmacy employees and patrons.”
According to court documents, the pair targeted and entered pharmacies in McLeansboro, Illinois; Irvington, Illinois; Carthage, Missouri; St. James, Missouri; Hillsboro, Missouri; Ladue, Missouri; North Vernon, Indiana; and Reidsville, North Carolina, by breaking glass windows, prying open locked doors and stealing bulk quantities of oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine from March 2018 through February 2020.
“Criminals that target community-based pharmacies rip at the core of health and safety for many whom rely upon these much needed services,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA will remain steadfast in its commitment to the citizens of southern, Illinois and beyond. DEA and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate anyone who puts greed ahead of patient care and is committed to preventing the diversion of controlled substances.”
In a similar case, McKindley V. Allen, 32, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to federal charges Wednesday for conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and attempted burglary involving controlled substances.
According to court documents, Allen and others unlawfully entered a pharmacy in Casey, Illinois, with intent to steal controlled substances in December 2023 by using a Sawzall to cut through the exterior wall. In January, Allen and others burglarized a pharmacy in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and took more than 16,000 pills. After burglarizing the pharmacies, Allen admitted to conspiring with others to distribute the stolen oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine. Allen’s sentencing is scheduled at the federal courthouse in Benton at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 11.
Allen’s alleged co-conspirator Deleon J. Fontennet, 27, of Houston, is facing the same three federal charges. In addition to involvement in the two other pharmacy burglaries, the charging document alleges Fontennet also burglarized a pharmacy in Murphysboro, Illinois. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Benton on Sept. 10.
An indictment is merely 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.
DEA St. Louis is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Hudson and John Trippi are prosecuting the cases.
Three Federal Workers Indicted on PPP Loan Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned indictments charging three Metro East residents for scheming to falsely obtain more than $20,000 each in pandemic relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program.
In response to financial hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration utilized the Paycheck Protection Program to offer relief and forgivable loans to struggling businesses. Under PPP, business owners could apply for loans to offset operational costs for payroll, employee benefits, facility expenses and other bills.
“Countless small business owners and employees fell on hard economic times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and PPP loans allowed many to keep their families fed and lights on,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “In one of the most prevalent and widespread fraud crimes in history, the greedy individuals who sought to steal from the federal government under false pretenses and enrich themselves with PPP funds will be held accountable under the law.”
Katherine L. Liggins, 36, of Belleville, is facing one count of wire fraud and one count of material false statement for allegedly lying to acquire more than $20,000 in PPP funds.
Eric C. Scott, 43, of Belleville, is facing one count of wire fraud and one count of material false statement for allegedly applying for and spending more than $20,000 in PPP funds under false pretenses.
Tamika N. Wilson, 44, of Belleville, is facing two counts of wire fraud, two counts of material false statement and two counts of material false document. Wilson is accused of applying for and receiving more than $40,000 in PPP loans she was not entitled to.
“These indictments send a clear message that VA employees will be held accountable if involved in fraudulent activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this investigation.”
The defendants also used misinformation to apply for loan forgiveness and each was approved.
At the time of the alleged misconduct, Liggins, Scott and Wilson were full-time employees of the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in St. Louis County.
An indictment is merely 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.
Wire fraud convictions are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and material false statement and document convictions may lead to up to five years in federal prison.
Agents with the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Inspector General are contributing to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
Effingham County Man Accused of Financial Exploitation of an ElderRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – An Effingham County man is facing multiple federal charges for accusations of defrauding and stealing more than $330,000 from an elderly individual.
A federal grand jury charged Edward L. Stief, Jr., 41, with five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of monetary transaction in criminally derived property.
“Financial exploitation of vulnerable populations is deplorable, and the Department of Justice is committed to supporting victims and combatting elder abuse in its many forms against offenders intent on enriching themselves at another’s expense,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to the charging document, Stief convinced the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney in May 2023. In October 2023, Stief persuaded the victim to leave a nursing home facility and move into his full-time care. Stief was a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts, talked the victim into cashing out life insurance policies and deposited most of the victim’s money into Stief’s personal bank accounts.
“Seniors are a particularly vulnerable victim group and are often specifically targeted for financial fraud,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “Criminals who exploit this vulnerability can wreak havoc on elderly victims’ financial, psychological, and physical well-being. The FBI encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud or knows a senior who may be, to immediately report the incident to law enforcement.”
Stief is in federal custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the federal courthouse in Benton.
An indictment is merely 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.
Convictions for wire and mail fraud are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and monetary transaction in criminally derived property is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation with support from the Effingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a service from the U.S. Department of Justice that helps victims over 60 years report crimes and access resources. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET, at (833) 372-8311 or (833) FRAUD-11. Callers can remain anonymous, and translation services are available.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, Community Partners to Host National Night Out Event in East St. LouisRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – To strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois, event organizers and police officials are inviting the East St. Louis community to a free event with activities for attendees of all ages to celebrate National Night Out.
The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 8206 State St. in East St. Louis.
Community partners will give out school supplies to students, provide food to families and offer an array of activities like competitive games, police demonstrations, and a live DJ. This National Night Out is a free event for East St. Louis residents.
Ameren Illinois, ATF, the City of East St. Louis, Community Development Sustainable Solutions (CDSS), Community Life Line, the East St. Louis Police & Fire departments, Illinois State Police, Family & Community Engagement Center of East St. Louis School District #189, Indivisible Metro East, Kaskaskia Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, the Metro East Organizing Coalition, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service are partnering to host the event.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes community partnerships with police and neighborhood camaraderie.
Telemarketing Company CEO Convicted of Health Insurance Policy Scheme Sentenced to Federal Prison for 25 YearsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district court judge in southern Illinois sentenced the owner of a south Florida-based telemarketing company to 25 years in federal prison for causing his employees to sell limited indemnity health insurance plans to unsuspecting consumers by means of false and deceptive practices.
Steven Dorfman, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, owned, operated, and functioned as the CEO of a south Florida telemarketing company known as Simple Health. In February, a jury convicted Dorfman of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud and eight counts of wire fraud in connection with his operation of Simple Health.
“Steven Dorfman orchestrated a scam to enrich himself by deceiving thousands of victims. He directed sales agents at his telemarketing company to lie to consumers and trick them into believing the limited indemnity insurance plans they were peddling would function like major medical insurance,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This brazen fraud had lasting, and financially disastrous, effects on many victims. Although the Simple Health salespersons had promised that the policies would cover most of their medical expenses, when the victims attempted to use the policies, they found out that they provided little, if any, coverage. As a result, these victims were left owing thousands of dollars’ worth of medical bills that were not covered by the limited indemnity plans sold by Simple Health.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Dorfman’s company trained employees to use deceptive sales tactics to scam consumers into purchasing the limited indemnity insurance plans. These plans cover relatively low amounts of medical expenses. Once the low caps were reached, the consumers were then responsible for paying 100% of their medical expenses.
“This sentencing is a statement that mail fraud will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, John Jackman, who leads the St. Louis Field Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers and U.S. consumers.”
At Dorfman’s direction, Simple Health salespeople utilized false and misleading scripts to mislead consumers about the amount of coverage provided by the policies. Following these scripts, salespeople would make statements such as “the whole idea of this plan is to make your out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible” and “when all is said and done, you’ll end up owing pennies on the dollar.” Evidence at trial also established that Simple Health’s commissioned salespersons frequently told additional, off-script lies to the consumers to get them to buy them to buy the policies, with little to no effort by Dorfman to stop this practice.
Using the deceptive scripts and the blatant lies of their salespersons, Simple Health sold these limited indemnity policies to more than 400,000 unsuspecting victims across the country from May 2012 through November 2018. This fraudulent conduct generated more than $190 million in revenue for Simple Health. The company sold more than 1,400 of these limited indemnity policies to individuals from all 38 counties in the Southern District of Illinois.
Two co-conspirators were also charged in the conspiracy. Candida Girouard, 47, of Valrico, Florida, was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment in May. Simple Health’s vice president of sales, John A. Sand, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was tried at the same time as Dorfman and was convicted by the jury on all counts contained in the indictment. As a post-trial hearing, however, the federal judge assigned to this case granted Sand’s motion for judgment of acquittal notwithstanding the verdict. The Government is currently considering whether to appeal that decision.
Following imprisonment, Dorfman will serve five years of supervised release.
The St. Louis Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Peter Reed are handling the prosecution.
The investigation began with a referral from the Federal Trade Commission’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. The FTC filed a complaint for civil injunctive relief in October 2018. The FTC’s action put an end to the fraud and a court-appointed receiver was appointed to take over Simple Health’s business operations.
Franklin County Man Sentenced to Prison for Producing Counterfeit U.S. CurrencyRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a man from Christopher, Illinois, to 24 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to printing counterfeit money.
Michael A. Eskew, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., one count of possession of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., and one count of possessing digital image of U.S. currency for counterfeiting.
“Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.”
According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce counterfeit U.S. Currency at his home. Following a search warrant of Eskew’s residence in July 2019, law enforcement recovered $33,826 in counterfeit bills.
Eskew distributed the counterfeit bills to at least five individuals within his community. In addition to imprisonment, Eskew was ordered to pay a $600 fine and serve three years of supervised release.
The U.S. Secret Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Gross and Kathleen Howard contributed to the prosecution.
Centralia Man Sentenced to 30 Years on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal judge in southern Illinois sentenced a man from Centralia to 30 years’ imprisonment for selling drugs, unlawfully possessing a firearm and tampering with a witness.
In February 2024, a jury convicted De’Andre Owens, 37, on one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of tampering with a witness, victim or informant. In February 2022, Owens pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“Felons who continue to sell drugs, possess firearms illegally and attempt to pay off witnesses to further conceal their crimes are a true threat to public safety, and I commend the law enforcement officers who worked this investigation that ultimately placed De’Andre Owens behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a jury found Owens guilty of selling 18 grams of meth in March 2022. The jury also found Owens guilty of trying to pay off an individual to prevent their testimony in his case.
“This substantial sentence underscores De’Andre Owens’ criminal history as a career offender,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermaine Deans. “The successful outcome of the investigation is a testament to the collaborative efforts and teamwork of multiple law enforcement agencies working shoulder-to shoulder with the FBI to make safer communities.”
Owens was prohibited from possessing a firearm as an individual with a prior felony drug conviction from 2016. In December 2019, police conducted a search warrant on Owens’s vehicle and found a 9mm pistol.
Following imprisonment, Owens will serve eight years of supervised release.
The FBI Springfield Field Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, the Centralia Police Department and the Carlyle Police Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Hudson and David Dean prosecuted the case.
Suspected Car Thief Facing Federal Charges for Involvement in Robbery at Edwardsville Best BuyRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Missouri woman is facing federal charges for her involvement in a robbery at the Best Buy in Edwardsville.
A federal grand jury charged Jakiaya T. McCoy, 21, of Florissant, Missouri, with two counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun.
“To help protect store employees and instill a better sense of safety for businesses, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Metro East and southern Illinois by holding offenders accountable for their criminal acts,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, McCoy’s allegations stem from her involvement in a robbery of Best Buy in Edwardsville on Dec. 14, 2023. She is accused of unlawfully taking Apple iPads, a hoverboard and other property by force.
As alleged in the indictment, McCoy is also accused of possessing a Glock pistol with a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a switch.
"No person or business should feel threatened by individuals who create chaos, spread fear, and have no regard for people or property," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermaine Deans. "The FBI Metro East Safe Streets Task Force is committed to ensuring the safety of the people who live in our communities and the businesses that operate there."
In addition, McCoy is accused of knowingly transporting two stolen vehicles in Madison County in November 2023, namely a 2013 Kia Optima and a 2018 Chrysler 300.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, a charge for interference with commerce by robbery is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, transportation of a stolen vehicle can face a term of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and possession of a machinegun may result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
McCoy is scheduled for arraignment at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8.
The FBI Springfield Field Office, the Glen Carbon Police Department, the Sunset Hills, Missouri, Police Department and the Wood River Police Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe joined local, state and federal leaders Friday in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day slated for June 15.
“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we recognize the importance of protecting our seniors from fraudsters and others who attempt to prey upon them,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “In the southern Illinois, we fully support the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, both by prioritizing the prosecution of criminals who victimize senior citizens and by providing training to seniors to help them avoid being victimized by the multitude of schemes aimed at defrauding them.”
As part of the Elder Justice Initiative, a federal grand jury in southern Illinois returned an indictment earlier this month charging Ligneshkumar H. Patel, 37, of Des Plaines, Illinois, with serving as a money mule for a criminal conspiracy that swindled more than $148,000 from an elderly Edwardsville woman.
According to court documents, unidentified members of the conspiracy falsely posed as law enforcement officials and convinced the victim that her identity had been stolen. Then, telling the woman that she was in jeopardy of losing all of her money, the fraudsters convinced her to purchase gold and hand over to a “federal agent” to be kept safe. According to the indictment, Patel was the “federal agent” who showed up at the victim’s Edwardsville home and took the gold from her.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen several cases where seniors in southern Illinois have been victimized in these imposter scams,” said U.S. Attorney Crowe. “These scams are particularly vicious, because the perpetrators attempt to take the senior’s entire life savings. If you have loved ones who are elderly, please warn them about these scams, so that they don’t end up becoming victims.”
The Department’s Money Mule Initiative helps to identify schemes involving money couriers to disrupt criminal organizations. By exploiting the vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people to move money in furtherance of the fraud scheme.
“HSI special agents are proud to work closely with our law enforcement partners to target and arrest individuals who prey on the elderly,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “While the charges cannot undo the pain and financial loss inflicted upon the victim, it is my hope that the perpetrator being held accountable for this horrific crime will aid in the journey of processing what has transpired.”
Elder abuse is specifically defined as an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trusted position.
In another recent elder abuse case filed in the Southern District of Illinois, a federal grand jury charged former certified nursing assistant Markeisha A. Hill, 35, of Granite City, with allegedly using her elderly patients’ credit card and bank account information to make personal purchases without their consent. The indictment alleges that Hill committed these crimes while working at nursing homes located in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.
An indictment is merely 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.
As part of the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, earlier this week the chief federal prosecutor of the Fraud and Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois presented a program entitled “Protect Yourself Against Fraud” at a senior community center in Edwardsville. The program is designed to educate seniors about the types of fraud scams that target them and how they can avoid becoming victims. An upcoming presentation is scheduled for June 21 at Senior Services Plus in Alton. To schedule a presentation, contact Lauren Barry by emailing [email protected].
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline by calling 1-833-372-8311 or filing a cyber crime complaint via the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Highlights Efforts Aimed at Curbing Summer ViolenceRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – To combat the uptick in violent crime expected during the summer months, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working to engage with students, expand community outreach and strengthen relationships with law enforcement in southern Illinois.
“Typically, as temperatures rise, so do the violent crime rates,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “In a proactive effort, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working to connect with southern Illinois communities and law enforcement to help combat the expected surge.”
This week, U.S. Attorney’s Office employees traveled to various communities around the district to connect with police and civic leaders working to improve public safety.
To discuss violence reduction initiatives, employees visited members of the Public Safety Enforcement Group in East St. Louis on Monday to engage with law enforcement and community leaders. In partnership with the Illinois State Police, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office joined attendees at the Team Illinois Youth Police Camp Wednesday and participated in the outdoor programming in Jackson County.
"Good relationships between law enforcement and the community are critical when it comes to solving and stopping crime, and keeping communities safe," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "Our Public Safety Enforcement Group interacts daily with members of the East St. Louis community to strengthen their trust in law enforcement and show we are there to help them. We also host Team Illinois Youth Police Camps each year to build positive interactions with law enforcement from a young age, as well as teach youth about leadership development, substance abuse resistance, team building principles, and other life enhancing skills - all designed to steer kids away from crime."
On Wednesday, employees took a ride along with a police officer with the Centralia Police Department and met officials with the Marion County Housing Authority to discuss their crime prevention partnership program.
An Assistant U.S. Attorney also visited the Carbondale Police Department this week to brief investigators on federal prosecutorial tools for illegal gun possession and straw purchase cases.
Crime reduction and community outreach efforts will continue throughout the summer. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois serves the state’s lower 38 counties.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Attempting to Engage in Sexual Activity with a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A federal judge in southern Illinois sentenced an Indiana man to 20 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to traveling across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
Diego A. Montes-Roldan, 27, of Indianapolis, pleaded guilty in February to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Following imprisonment, he will serve a lifetime term of supervised release.
“Predators are actively scouting for victims online, but quick detection by parents and strong action by law enforcement can help to safeguard children,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to work with our partners to help keep children safe.”
According to court documents, Montes-Roldan’s charges stem from conversations he had via text message with two 14-year-old victims he met through social media. In separate conversations, Montes-Roldan discussed having sexual intercourse with both victims.
“The FBI prioritizes protecting our most vulnerable and, in this case, combined law enforcement efforts saved young victims from irreparable harm,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “This sentence puts Montes-Roldan behind bars for a significant amount of time and prevents further exploitation of innocent children.”
In October 2021, police received reports of Montes-Roldan’s conversations with one of the minors. Following an FBI investigation, he was arrested by law enforcement.
“Preying on youth is a diabolical crime and ISP is relentless when it comes to investigating predators,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels to identify child predators and successfully bring them to justice."
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation and the Porter County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Bloodworth prosecuted the case.
Aldi Executive and Southern Illinois Contractor Plead Guilty to Rigging Construction Project BidsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former Aldi executive and a general contractor from Breese, Illinois, admitted guilt to federal fraud offenses which involved rigging the bid system for construction projects of grocery stores throughout southern Illinois and Missouri.
Louis R. Ross, Sr., 64, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Donald E. Schniers, 73, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud.
“By colluding in the bid process, the co-defendants enriched themselves by defrauding Aldi out of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, Ross was the Director of Real Estate for Aldi’s O’Fallon, Missouri, Division, and Schniers owned C. Juengel Company out of Breese, Illinois. Schniers, through C. Juengel, provided general contracting services including construction and renovation to Aldi stores within Ross’s division.
From at least February 2014 through March 2018, Ross and Schniers conspired to create a faux competitive bidding environment for construction projects. Schniers admitted to completing false bid forms under the guise of other construction companies without their knowledge or consent.
“In his attempt for personal gain, Louis Ross’s actions undermined competitive contracting practices, which in turn affect the price consumers pay for goods and services,” said FBI Springfield Field office Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, prioritizes efforts to expose corruption and investigate illegal practices.”
The fictitious bids always included higher amounts than C. Juengel’s, which led to C. Juengel being awarded the projects. Using the rigged bidding system, C. Juengel was awarded 12 contracts for general contractor services valued at approximately $20 million.
Ross and Schniers also manipulated the bidding process by altering legitimate bids submitted by another construction company. Due to the stifled competition, Aldi overpaid for the projects and suffered an approximate loss greater than $2.8 million.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others in order to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including the multiple individual consumer and business victims in this investigation,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.
For his role in the conspiracy, Schniers paid Ross monthly kickbacks totaling $554,000 from C. Juengel’s bank account.
Under the sentencing guidelines, each of the counts carry a maximum term of 20 years’ imprisonment. Ross’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 and Schniers’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 17, both at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The FBI Springfield and St. Louis Field Offices and the St. Louis Field Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are contributing to the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross with the Southern District of Illinois and Trial Attorney Andrew Rosa with the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Chicago Office are prosecuting the case.
Nursing Home CNA Facing Federal Charges for Defrauding Elderly PatientsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A certified nursing assistant formerly employed in the Metro East is accused of using her elderly patients’ credit card and bank account information to make personal purchases without their consent.
Markeisha A. Hill, 35, of Granite City, was charged via a federal grand jury with two counts of access device fraud, six counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of possession of five or more identification documents.
“Financial crimes against the elderly are prevalent, but it’s especially disturbing when nursing home patients are targeted and victimized by the medical professionals who are entrusted with their care,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
Hill worked as a CNA at University Nursing and Rehabilitation in Edwardsville from October 2022 through June 2023 and Meridian Village in Glen Carbon from August through November 2023. According to the indictment, Hill is accused of stealing her patients’ identification to fraudulently use their debit and credit cards without their consent to make personal purchases greater than $1,000.
“Nursing home caregivers are called to the noble profession of watching over the loved ones of many families who expect their elderly family members to be treated with care. That trust should never be violated,” said David Bolin, Acting Supervisor for the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “I’m proud that our local and federal partners have stood up for the alleged victims in this case and we will maintain our vigilance in the future.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, access device fraud is punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, aggravated identity theft is a mandatory 2-year prison sentence and possession of five or more IDs can equate to five years’ imprisonment.
Law enforcement officials with the U.S. Secret Service, Edwardsville Police Department, Glen Carbon Police Department and Granite City Police Department are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zoe Gross and David Dean are prosecuting the case.
Meth Trafficking Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 17+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal district judge imposed a 210-month term of imprisonment to an individual who admitted to driving a car intended to distract law enforcement from another car trafficking 40 pounds of meth.
At a joint plea and sentencing hearing Wednesday, Jose V. Sanchez, 28, of Lindsay, California, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance: methamphetamine.
“As traffickers try to get creative in concealing drugs by creating diversions for traffic stops, law enforcement sees through the ploys and will continue to work to remove dangerous narcotics such as meth from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
Co-defendant Christopher Palmer, 40, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to federal charges for driving the car containing 40 pounds of meth through southern Illinois and was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment in February.
According to court documents, two DEA highway interdiction officers signaled to pull Palmer’s car over on Illinois Route 143 exit ramp off Interstate 70 near Marine in May 2022. Sanchez was driving a different car and sped in front in an attempt to divert law enforcement, but officers stayed on Palmer’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
“Southern Illinois is a transportation hub for couriers moving illicit drugs from the south to north and northeast,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “Investigations like this one demonstrate that DEA, working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will continue to be laser-focused on the nation’s highways and byways for the illegal drugs that are transported to and poison our communities. Let this serve as a warning to the occupants of these vehicles: we will find you, we will arrest, and you will be prosecuted, and ultimately you will go to prison.”
Following a positive indication of narcotic odor from a canine, officers searched Palmer’s vehicle and located a semi-automatic pistol in the center console and a duffel bag in the trunk stuffed with 40 bags holding approximately one pound each of crystal meth, totaling more than 17 kilograms of actual meth.
After finding the meth, officers located Sanchez in his car in a store parking lot. A store employee told police Sanchez had thrown something away in the storm drain and a nearby trashcan, and officers located a disassembled handgun and a round of 9-millimeter ammunition.
DEA led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.
Convicted Child Predator Sentenced to 40+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a registered sex offender to spend 485 months in prison after a jury convicted him of sexually exploiting another minor.
In addition to imprisonment, the judge also ordered Dan R. Waeckerle, Jr., 45, of Swansea, to serve a lifetime of supervised release and pay a $1,000 fine. In January, a jury found Waeckerle guilty of soliciting an obscene visual depiction of a minor, transferring obscene matter to a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and offense by a registered sex offender.
“Child predators like Waeckerle leave their victims with lasting trauma, and this significant prison sentence sends a strong message to abusers,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect children from offenders. I commend the O’Fallon Police Department for their investigation which ultimately placed Waeckerle behind bars.”
According to court documents, Waeckerle had sexually explicit conversations with a 15-year-old minor via text message in July 2021. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Waeckerle sent the minor a genital image, requested sexually explicit images and videos from the minor, and discussed meeting the minor for sex.
“We are proud to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to help keep children safe from predators,” said David Bolin, Acting Supervisor for the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “We will continue working with our partners to protect children and deter other predators from harming them in the future.”
Waeckerle was previously convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse against a minor in Hamilton County, Illinois, in 2010.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service Central and Southern Illinois Financial and Cyber Crimes Task Force, with members from the O’Fallon Police Department leading the investigation. Additional support was provided by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Swansea Police Department, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Three Facing Federal Charges for Metro East Mail Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment charging three individuals with various crimes for their alleged involvement in a mail theft scheme from collection boxes in Fairview Heights.
Tylann J. Starks, 29, of Swansea, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of bank fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to steal U.S. mail.
Tiara D. Johnson, 32, of Cahokia Heights, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of conspiracy to steal U.S. mail.
Jamil Jackson, 51, is facing one count of conspiracy to steal U.S. mail, one count of theft of a specialized key to access US Postal receptacles, and one count of making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer.
“Thieves are targeting mail collection boxes as a site to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Law enforcement is committed to investigating individuals who steal checks from the mail and manipulate the payee and amount sections to personally enrich themselves.”
The U.S. Postal Service uses specialized keys, commonly referred to as arrow keys, to service and open mail collection boxes. Arrow keys are labeled with serial numbers so they can be tracked.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system. With the collaborative investigative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, Postal Inspectors investigate and pursue those individuals who defraud unwitting victims by stealing their identities and attacking their personal well-being, such as those involved in this investigation” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.
According to court documents, Starks purchased an arrow key from former postal employee Jackson to gain access to mail collection boxes throughout the Metro East. Agents conducted an undercover purchase of a second arrow key from Jamil Jackson for $1,000.
Starks and Johnson would search collection boxes for checks in order to exploit bank account and personal identifying information from victims from February 2020 through February 2023. Jackson would steal checks out of mail from his route that he provided to Starks. The conspirators also used the stolen account information to generate counterfeit checks.
“This indictment represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents and U.S. Postal Inspectors working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination. The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
Starks and Johnson would then cash, deposit or otherwise negotiate the stolen and counterfeit checks at area businesses, banks and ATM machines in Belleville, East St. Louis and O’Fallon.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud charges are punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment; aggravated identity theft and stealing post office keys can carry sentences of up to 10 years’ imprisonment; conspiracy to steal U.S. mail and false statement convictions can garner up to five years in federal prison.
Agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Harrisburg Man Accused of Unlawful Gun Possession and ManufacturingRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Harrisburg man is facing federal charges for allegedly possessing, manufacturing and importing unregistered firearms.
A federal grand jury charged Yaroslav Vishnevski, 31, with three counts of receipt or possession of unregistered firearm, one count of manufacturing NFA weapon without paying special occupancy tax, one count of illegal importation of a firearm and one count of possession of firearm with obliterated serial number.
“Individuals who produce privately-made firearms (PMF) must adhere to state and federal laws to register the devices to help ensure responsible ownership,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our state and federal partners to combat unlawful gun trafficking.”
The charges stem from an alleged incident on April 22 in which federal officials intercepted a parcel in route and addressed to Vishnevski from China containing two firearm silencers.
“Importing and the manufacturing of unregistered NFA devices is illegal. Possession of unregistered NFA devices is illegal. Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number is illegal,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen. “A case like this demonstrates the immense value of collaborative law enforcement efforts in curbing gun violence in our communities. I am thankful for our partnership with Homeland Security and their relentless efforts to intercept the illegal importation of firearms and our strong partnership with the Illinois State Police which is a key in our fight against those who illegally put firearms on our streets.”
On May 2, the Illinois State Police with assistance from ATF and Homeland Security Investigations conducted a controlled delivery of the silencers to Vishnevski’s address and executed a search warrant of his residence.
“Special agents of the Illinois State Police are continuously getting stronger and better at pursuing gun trafficking of any type, whether on a large or small scale, and we will sustain this effort with our federal partners to identify, investigate, and stop those who flood our communities with illegal guns,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
As alleged in the complaint, law enforcement recovered the two silencers, a rifle with another unregistered silencer attached, three 3D printers, suspected 3D-printed silencers, 3D-printed firearm frames and receivers in different stages of manufacturing and two privately-made, unregistered short-barreled rifles.
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our communities, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that the people who possess weapons have acquired them in compliance with all laws and regulations,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “The indictment of Vishnevski shows just how far HSI and our law enforcement partners will go when investigating the unlawful manufacturing and importing of firearms.”
During the search, law enforcement also observed a CNC machine, commonly known as a Ghost Gunner. Ghost Gunner machines are typically used to manufacture firearm receivers to complete production.
As outlined in the indictment, the Government is also seeking forfeiture of Vishnevski’s 9-millimeter Glock, a PMF AR-9 style rifle, a PMF AR-15 style rifle and a 12-gauge short-barreled shotgun.
An indictment is merely 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.
ISP, ATF and HSI are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Bloodworth is prosecuting the case.
Belleville Man Gets 20-Year Federal Prison Sentence for Committing Armed Robberies at Metro East Gas StationsRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Belleville man to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a string of armed robberies at gas stations in Belleville and Shiloh.
Treveon J. Ramsey, 21, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“In order to protect business patrons and employees simply trying to do their jobs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who instill fear in gas station clerks by using firearms to demand money from cash registers,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud this multijurisdictional investigation by local police and federal law enforcement officers to arrest the trio of dangerous criminals and help to improve public safety throughout the region.”
According to court documents, Ramsey and two co-conspirators planned and committed three armed robberies at businesses around the Metro East from October through December 2021.
“This 20-year sentence sends a clear message to anyone that brandishes a firearm in order to instill fear of violence with the threat of causing harm, you will be removed from our communities,” said ATF Kansas City Field Division Special Agent in Charge, Bernard G. Hansen. “ATF will always aggressively investigate violent offenders to remove them from our streets. This is a big win for public safety, our community is safer with this individual behind bars.”
Accompanied by Javeon Dowell, Ramsey brandished a firearm and demanded money from the clerk at a Circle K gas station in Belleville on Oct. 29, 2021.
On Nov. 30, 2021, Ramsey was with Dylan Harrington when he brandished a firearm and demanded money and a box of cigars from the clerk at a Circle K gas station in Shiloh.
In addition, the trio targeted a Circle K gas station in Belleville on Dec. 1, 2021, in which Ramsey and Dowell brandished firearms and took money from the clerk.
“The Fairview Heights Police Department is committed to working with our local and federal law enforcement partners to combat crime in our community, this sentence is a direct result of the cooperation. We will relentlessly pursue those that would commit violent acts in our community to ensure that Fairview Heights remains a safe and vibrant community,” said Chief Steve Johnson.
Dylan Harrington, 21, of Fairview Heights, was sentenced to 127 months in federal prison in July 2023 after accepting charges of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Javeon Dowell, 21, of Fairview Heights, pleaded guilty to his charges and is scheduled to be sentenced at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis on June 5.
ATF, Fairview Heights Police Department, Shiloh Police Department and Belleville Police Department officials contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura V. Reppert prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In observance of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois recognize the service and sacrifice of local, state and federal law enforcement partners and pay tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. National Police Week is observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May, 17.
“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”
“In honor of National Police Week, we pay homage to the brave law enforcement officers who courageously lost their lives in sacrifice of their service to support the common good of our communities. Our fallen officers will forever be remembered for their valor, dedication and selflessness when placing themselves directly in harm’s way,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This week and every week, we also recognize our partnership with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who continue to respond to the call of duty and improve public safety throughout our region.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Wire Fraud Charges for Swindling More Than $300,000 from Her GrandmotherRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Florida woman admitted to federal charges Wednesday for scamming her grandmother living in Cahokia Heights out of more than $300,000.
Tanya M. Aboseada, 38, of Pompano Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud.
“The Department’s Elder Justice Initiative dedicates federal resources to combat abuse and financial crimes targeted at senior citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I’m thankful for our partnership with the FBI to hold offenders accountable, and in this case, a criminal who stole from and victimized her elderly family member.”
According to court documents, Aboseada convinced her grandmother to wire money into her bank account under false pretenses on at least 12 occasions between November 2021 and August 2022. Aboseada lied to her grandmother about needing money to transfer a truck title into her name, owing money to the IRS, paying attorney fees and fines for a vehicular accident she was in, and paying the family of an alleged child she killed in a vehicular accident to avoid going to jail.
“Older Americans are too often the target of scammers who hide behind computer screens while stealing money. But criminals who steal the hard-earned life savings of their own family members demonstrate an even greater disregard for this vulnerable population,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The FBI is committed to investigating and holding to account those intent on harming seniors.”
In total, Aboseada admitted to stealing $317,049 from her grandmother.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment per count. Aboseada’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative.
The FBI Springfield Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Kathleen Howard are prosecuting the case.
Former VA Psychologist Sentenced to Prison for Submitting False Medical Documents, Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Herrin woman, formerly employed in southern Illinois as a psychologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to 10 months imprisonment after she admitted to submitting false medical documents, obstructing justice and committing Medicare fraud.
Theresa A. Kelly, 57, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of concealing a material fact by trick, scheme or device; three counts of making or using a false writing or document; one count of obstruction of justice and one count of health care fraud. Kelly’s conduct involved a multi-faceted scheme that impacted her employment at the VA, fraudulent billing to Medicare, and the obstruction of a federal civil lawsuit in the Southern District of Illinois.
“As a psychologist for the VA, the defendant was employed to provide important services to veterans, but instead she used her position to submit fraudulent medical documents with the intention of earning otherwise unauthorized leave and reasonable accommodations,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Government employees acting to defraud their agencies will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I commend the agencies for their work in bringing this offender to justice.”
Kelly, a licensed clinical psychologist, was employed by the Marion VA Medical Center. According to court documents, between November 2016 and August 2020, Kelly submitted fraudulent medical documentation in the name of real and fake medical providers as part of the approval process for reasonable accommodations and medical leave, including FMLA leave. Kelly admitted to submitting false medical documents with forged signatures of two legitimate medical providers, one of whom is local to the southern Illinois area.
“This sentence sends a clear message that VA employees will be held accountable if involved in fraudulent activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this joint investigation.”
In addition to her submission of fraudulent medical documents, Kelly engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare and obtain payment for psychiatric services that she did not provide to residents of a Southern Illinois nursing home between May 2016 and January 2018. In addition to her full-time job at the VA, Kelly owned a company by the name of TS Onsite Mental Health through which she claimed to provide psychotherapy sessions to patients at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin, Illinois. Kelly billed Medicare for more than 400 claims—worth more than $54,000—for services that she did not provide. Kelly billed for at least some of the services on days she was on approved medical leave from the VA. In addition her term of imprisonment, Kelly was ordered to repay $35,795.94 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as repayment for her fraudulent claims.
“HHS-OIG is committed to ensuring that citizens’ tax dollars are protected from fraud and abuse by investigating providers who undermine our federal health care programs and the well-being of patients by submitting fraudulent claims,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate conduct that compromises the integrity of federal health care programs.”
Kelly also admitted to obstructing justice in a civil proceeding in federal court by submitting fraudulent medical documentation to her attorney—the contents of which were used to seek a continuance of the judicial proceeding. In April 2020, Kelly filed a discrimination complaint in U.S. District Court against the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Rather than proceeding with the case, Kelly submitted a letter impersonating a real physician who had practiced in Anna, IL but had never treated Kelly. Kelly’s lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by the judge.
The investigation was conducted by investigators with the VA-OIG and HHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe J. Gross prosecuted the case.
Former Grade School Teacher Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Asking Minors for Explicit Images on SnapchatRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a former elementary school teacher to 10 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to soliciting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from minors.
Jonathan C. Villmer, Jr., 26, of New Baden, Illinois, was charged by criminal complaint in August of 2023. Villmer will be required to register as a sex offender and serve an additional 7 years on supervised release upon his release from prison. Prior to his indictment, Villmer taught first grade at New Baden Elementary School and coached both girls and boys’ junior high sports teams.
“As a teacher and coach, the defendant was entrusted to educate and mentor youth, yet instead he preyed on and exploited his young victims’ vulnerabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “His predatory behaviors expressed a complete disregard for protecting children but rather abusing them. I’m thankful to the law enforcement agencies who worked to put this dangerous offender in federal prison.”
The case was initiated by an otherwise unrelated investigation by the Carmi Police Department regarding the distribution of CSAM. The investigation led law enforcement officers to a Snapchat account soliciting sexually explicit images and videos from minors that was connected to Villmer.
According to court documents, after obtaining a search warrant for Villmer’s Snapchat account, police discovered explicit conversations with a 13-year-old minor. Villmer asked the minor for the “sexiest images,” discussed having sex and taking the minor’s virginity, offered the minor marijuana, and requested photographs of her genitals.
Law enforcement identified other occurrences of sexually explicit conversations and requests for images with other minors within Villmer’s Snapchat account. His victims were generally 13-14 year old females.
“This sentence sends an important message to all predators: HSI will not allow crimes against children to go unpunished. We will continue to identify and investigate those who pose a threat to our communities,” said Sean Fitzgerald, special agent in charge for HSI Chicago. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our commitment to aggressively protect children from offenders like Villmer will remain steadfast.”
Based upon IP address records associated with the Snapchat account, law enforcement connected the account to Villmer. On August 18, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Villmer’s New Baden residence and seized two cell phones and other electronic devices. Villmer was arrested on scene.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with support from the New Baden and Carmi Police Departments, and the Jefferson County and Clinton County Sheriffs’ Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Jury Convicts FCI-Greenville Inmate of Possessing a Weapon in PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man who was serving a prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville was found guilty by a jury of possessing a weapon.
Tavian C. Steward, 22, was convicted Tuesday on one count of possession of contraband in prison.
“Inmates in possession of weapons pose a significant threat to correctional officers, prison staff and other inmates, and thanks to quick and efficient efforts by FCI-Greenville personnel, a dangerous situation was avoided,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, a correctional officer at FCI-Greenville received a tip Steward was in possession of a homemade weapon on Oct. 27, 2022. Following a pat-down search, correctional officers located a handmade weapon in the pocket of Steward’s jacket.
"Thanks to the watchful eyes and proactive efforts of FCI-Greenville correctional officers, a potentially dangerous situation was averted,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “FBI Springfield is committed to working closely with FCI-Greenville to help maintain the safety of their staff and inmates.”
The weapon was a piece of metal sharpened to a point with brown fabric wrapped around the base as a handle. The weapon was approximately 5.25 inches in length.
Possession of contraband in prison is punishable by up to 5 additional years’ imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to an inmate’s initial sentence. Steward’s sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on July 25 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation with support from FCI-Greenville officials. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Dean and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.
Dupo School District Employee Accused of EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Waterloo woman is facing multiple federal charges after being accused of embezzling money from 2020-2022 as an employee at Dupo Community Unit School District #196.
A grand jury charged Linda J. Johnson, 57, with three counts of theft from federally funded programs. If convicted, Johnson could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or $250,000 in fines per count.
“When individuals steal funds from school districts, they selfishly place themselves above the students, faculty and community as a whole,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, Johnson worked an administrative role in the superintendent’s office for Dupo Community Unit School District #196. In this role, Johnson oversaw the district’s activities account with funds for student athletics, clubs, and extracurriculars.
The indictment charges that Johnson received control over cash and checks intended to be deposited into the district’s activities account. She would prepare bank deposit slips reflecting the correct amount of cash and checks received, but later she prepared a second set of fraudulent deposit slips that only accounted for the checks, while she kept the cash. The loss to the school district is estimated to be more than $100,000.
“The FBI has a solemn responsibility to investigate allegations of public corruption and the abuse of power by any public servant,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “We would like to thank the Dupo Police Department for their assistance and proactive efforts in this investigation.”
An indictment is merely 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 FBI Springfield Field Office and the Dupo Police Department are leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Former East St. Louis, Illinois, Police Officers Plead Guilty to Civil Rights Offenses Related to Excessive Force IncidentRead the Press Release
Two former East St. Louis, Illinois, Police Department (ESLPD) officers, Vincent Anderson, 61, and Jason Boyd, 51, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to civil rights offenses related to Boyd’s use of unreasonable force against two juvenile detainees.
According to court documents, on Oct. 3, 2019, two juveniles, who had been detained by the ESLPD, were sleeping in separate, locked holding cells in the East St. Louis jail. At that time, ESLPD Officer Jason Boyd banged on the glass of the juveniles’ holding cells, but the juveniles did not wake up. Boyd took pepper spray out of his holster in view of the other officers — including an ESLPD supervisor, Captain Vincent Anderson, stepped into one of the locked holding cells and pepper sprayed one of the sleeping juveniles. The other officers — including Anderson — watched Boyd spray the juvenile and did nothing to stop him despite their duty to intervene in an unreasonable use of force.
Boyd and one of the other officers agreed that the second juvenile should also be sprayed. They walked to the holding cells, where Anderson and another officer had remained. Boyd then pepper sprayed the second sleeping juvenile. Again, none of the other officers acted to stop Boyd. Further, none of the officers acted to obtain care for the juveniles, despite the officers’ duty to obtain necessary medical care for detainees.
Boyd pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor civil rights violations for his use of unreasonable force against the juveniles and Anderson pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor civil rights violations for his failure to intervene in Boyd’s use of unreasonable force.
Sentencing hearings are scheduled for July 23. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe for the Southern District of Illinois and Special Agent in Charge David G. Nanz of the FBI Springfield Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section is prosecuting the case with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.
St. Clair County Tax Preparer Accused of Fraud and False Statements on Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A woman who currently operates a business in southern Illinois preparing tax returns is facing federal charges for allegedly making intentional false statements on her personal income tax returns.
A federal grand jury charged Dormeshia A. Haire, 36, of St. Charles, Missouri, with three counts of making false statements on her personal income tax returns.
“Tax preparers must work ethically and abide by federal law, or face consequences from the IRS for intentionally making false statements, committing fraud and ultimately causing the Government to lose significant tax dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
For employment, Haire collected fees from her clients for filing tax returns and selling identity theft monitoring services at her business in St. Clair County.
According to court documents, Haire’s accusations stem from her personal 2019 tax return statement, in which she did not report any gross receipts associated with her employment. The Government estimated her actual gross receipts to be more than $43,000 in 2019.
“IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) continues to make it a top priority to track down return preparers who have demonstrated they cannot be trusted,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office. “We take violations of U.S. tax laws very seriously as evidenced by this indictment.”
In her personal 2020 tax return statement, Haire is accused in count two of the indictment of underreporting her gross receipts. Haire reported $23,834, but the Government alleged her gross receipts to be an estimated $192,200.
Count three of the indictment alleges fraud on Haire’s 2021 tax return statement. She reported gross receipts of $50,323, but the Government estimated her gross receipts to be $323,396.
An indictment is merely 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.
False statement convictions are punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and fines up to $100,000 per count.
IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
Franklin County Doctor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge in southern Illinois sentenced a Franklin County doctor to federal prison after he admitted to billing fraudulent insurance claims for profit.
Dr. Lee Peter Bee, 50, formerly of Sesser, Illinois, but now of Fenton, Missouri, was sentenced to five months imprisonment and five months home confinement after he pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud. Dr. Bee was also ordered to pay $195,170 in restitution.
“By filing bogus insurance claims, Dr. Bee abused public trust and committed fraud for personal profit,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “His crimes earned him time in federal prison and may serve as a warning for other medical professionals considering the same.”
According to court documents, Dr. Bee practiced osteopathic medicine and operated a private clinic in Sesser, Illinois. Between January 2015 and January 2020, Dr. Bee billed Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies for medical services he did not perform. As a result, Dr. Bee fraudulently received payments from insurers totaling at least $195,170.
"Physicians and other medical professionals who submit materially false claims to Medicare and other health insurance programs for financial gain do so with a disregard for their patients and the oath they swore to uphold," said Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. "Our agency, collaborating closely with law enforcement partners, will continue to work diligently to ensure that those who defraud our federal health care programs are held accountable."
Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General led the investigation with assistance from the Illinois Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Illinois State Police, the FBI, the Department of Labor, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Defense and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe J. Gross prosecuted the case.
Peoria Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a man from Peoria, Illinois, to spend 10 years in prison after he traveled to southern Illinois to engage in sexual activity with a purported minor.
Mitch M. Titus, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor on Dec. 14, 2023.
“This federal prison sentence reflects the serious threat the defendant could have had on an actual minor, who luckily in this case was purported,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Illinois State Police are working in lockstep to prosecute minor enticement cases and apprehend those intent on victimizing children.”
According to documents and evidence presented during court hearings, Titus responded to a forum on social media posted by an undercover detective with the Illinois State Police posing as an inexperienced minor. Titus had sexually explicit conversations with who he believed to be a 14-year-old minor from September 27 through October 4, 2022.
“Preying on youth is a diabolical crime and ISP is relentless when it comes to investigating predators,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Through our partnerships with our prosecutorial partners at all levels, and training with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, we will continue to identify child predators and successfully bring them to justice."
As the conversation progressed, Titus arranged to meet the purported minor in Carbondale, where instead law enforcement was waiting and detained him.
The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Bloodworth prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe Appointed to Serve on the AG Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland appointed U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC).
“I’m deeply honored to be selected by Attorney General Garland to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the opportunity to learn from and serve alongside my fellow AGAC members as we work to advise the Attorney General and the Department of Justice’s leadership.”
The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Justice Department policies. With U.S. Attorney Crowe’s appointment, the Southern District of Illinois is represented on the AGAC for the first time since the committee’s conception.
Crowe was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois on June 21, 2022. As U.S. Attorney, Crowe is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Southern District of Illinois.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois district judge sentenced a man from Arizona to spend 20 years in federal prison after he admitted to distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Benjamin D. Rumbo, 46, of Benson, Arizona, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.
“We know child predators use the internet to exchange CSAM, which is why it’s critical for law enforcement officials to work in undercover capacities to detect and identify individuals scheming to abuse minors,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I’m grateful for our partnership with the FBI to apprehend and prosecute these criminals to improve public safety.”
According to court documents, an undercover agent working for the FBI created a social media account purporting to be the parent of a sexually active 10-year-old child. Rumbo had sexually explicit conversations with the undercover agent from January through April 2021 and sent several videos of CSAM.
Once law enforcement identified Rumbo as the account holder, agents obtained a search warrant on the contents of his account and uncovered 17 images and videos of child pornography.
“Protecting children is a priority for the FBI," said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. "This substantial sentence not only holds the subject accountable, but also serves as a deterrent to others."
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Bloodworth and David Sanders prosecuted the case.
Edwardsville Doctor Pleads Guilty to Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A doctor from Edwardsville admitted guilt to a federal healthcare fraud charge for falsely documenting services provided to nursing home patients for reimbursement from Medicare.
Phillip J. Greene, 59, pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud.
“We entrust medical professionals to provide ethical care, but some choose to act in bad faith,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I’m thankful to the investigators who uncovered Greene’s fraud and partnered with our office to hold him accountable.”
According to court documents, Greene was a practicing licensed physician employed by General Medicine and working at various nursing home locations throughout the Southern District of Illinois. He was an enrolled provider in the federal Medicare program.
To conduct the fraud, Greene documented misrepresentations in his medical and progress notes for nursing home patients for services he did not perform, including claims related to patients who were already deceased at the time of the billed services.
By way of General Medicine, Greene submitted false claims to Medicare totaling more than $20,000 for health services he did not provide from October 2016 through September 2018.
“Physicians who submit fraudulent claims in our federal health care programs not only unjustly enrich themselves, but also undermine the trust and confidence of their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who defraud these valuable programs.”
Medicare reimbursed Greene and General Medicine more than $15,000 for the false claims.
Greene’s sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 5. Healthcare Fraud is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years’ supervised release. Greene must also pay restitution for government losses.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern District of Illinois Health Care Fraud Task Force: the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General, the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Trial attorneys Victor Yanz and Andres Almendarez with the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke are prosecuting the case.
Swansea Man Sentenced to 5 Years’ Imprisonment for Taking $1.2 Million in SNAP BenefitsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge ordered a Swansea man to repay the Government over $1.2 million after he admitted to using an East St. Louis market in a fraud scheme to obtain SNAP benefits.
Almahde H. Nijmeh, 65, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful acquisition of SNAP benefits in August 2023. In addition to repaying the Government, Nijmeh was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment and 2 years’ supervised release.
“Millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits to provide nutritious food for their families, but individuals who misuse the program to commit fraud and enrich themselves are breaking federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
The federal government funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide food benefits to low-income families.
According to court documents, Nijmeh had been disqualified from the program in the past, but re-gained admittance into the program by re-applying using the names of various family members. In his latest venture, Nijmeh used East Side Meat Market in East St. Louis to accept SNAP cards loaded with benefits in exchange for cash and other ineligible items from at least August 2017 through November 2021.
“Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to investigating individuals who commit financial fraud and attempt to profit from government programs like SNAP,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Kansas City. “This sentencing confirms HSI’s commitment to bringing these individuals to justice.”
According to the market’s licensing by the state, Nijmeh had put the property and the SNAP license in the names of other family members. Court documents, however, state Nijmeh was the de facto owner and operator of the business.
“This sentence serves as just punishment and notice to others who seek to defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General is committed to protecting the integrity of USDA’s programs. The USDA-OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the case, Homeland Security Investigations and the Illinois Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigation Division for their assistance with the investigation and helping bring Nijmeh to justice.”
Nijmeh and employees under his direction routinely purchased SNAP cards from customers in exchange for cash equal to 50% or less of the benefits. They also accepted SNAP benefits for ineligible items like alcohol and tobacco products, at times up-charging customers for the illegal transactions. In total, the scheme unlawfully acquired $1,239,546.79.
USDA-OIG, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Illinois Department of Revenue contributed to this criminal case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed prosecuted the case.
Drug Trafficker Caught with 40 Pounds of Meth Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A southern Illinois district judge sentenced an Arkansas man to 360 months’ imprisonment for trafficking about 40 pounds of methamphetamine through the Metro East.
Christopher Palmer, 40, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute meth, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of felon in possession of a firearm on June 29, 2023. Palmer was sentenced to 300 months for count one, a 60-month mandatory consecutive sentence for count two and an 120-month sentence to run concurrent to count one.
“As a repeat criminal offender, the defendant chose to transport drugs in bulk for distribution and unlawfully possess a firearm knowing the consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate our partnership with the DEA to apprehend offenders guilty of violent and drug-related crimes.”
According to court documents, two DEA highway interdiction officers pulled Palmer over as he was driving a rental car on the Illinois State Route 143 exit ramp off Interstate 70 near Marine in May 2022. Agents asked Palmer to exit the vehicle, and he complied. Once outside the vehicle, he then tried to re-enter the car and move the gearshift into drive in an attempt to evade the police.
Following Palmer’s attempt to flee the traffic stop, the officers detained him and conducted an open-air canine sniff of the vehicle. The canine indicated to the presence of a narcotic odor thus initiating a probable cause search.
In the trunk of Palmer’s rental vehicle, officers located a duffel bag stuffed with 40 bags holding approximately one pound each of crystal meth, totaling more than 17 kilograms of actual meth.
“The scourge of illicit drugs entering our communities, to include methamphetamine, is alarming and tragic,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of DEA enforcement operations in southern Illinois. “This individual’s reckless actions and reliance on weapons to support his drug activities was equally damaging to our citizens. This violence deprived communities of a fundamental sense of security in their own homes and neighborhoods. DEA is committed to ensuring the most violent drug offenders are removed from our streets.”
In the car’s center console, DEA officers located a loaded Glock 43 semi-automatic pistol. Palmer is unable to legally possess firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Palmer qualified as a “career offender” for previous drug trafficking convictions. Career offenders are eligible for longer terms of federal imprisonment. Following imprisonment, Palmer will serve five years of supervised release.
DEA led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.
Altamont Man Accused of Unlawful Gun Possession and ManufacturingRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An Effingham County man is facing criminal charges in southern Illinois for illegally possessing firearms even though he’s prohibited under federal law.
James R. Kraus, II, 42, is facing one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of illegal importation of a firearm.
"Individuals with domestic violence and other abusive convictions cannot lawfully possess firearms due to the increased safety risks to our communities, and offenders will be held accountable," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to the charging document, Kraus is accused of possessing the firearms in November 2023. Due to a prior domestic violence conviction, Kraus is unable to legally possess firearms. The Government alleges that Kraus illegally possessed dozens of firearms including an automatic weapon, multiple short-barreled rifles and silencers.
“Individuals convicted of Domestic violence cannot possess firearms and will face serious consequences for manufacturing, possessing, or importing these firearms. Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) are commonly referred to as ghost guns and can be difficult to trace. Manufacturing devices to convert firearms to automatic weapons is a tremendous threat to our communities,” stated Kansas City Field Division, Special Agent in Charge, Bernard Hansen. “Identifying and prosecuting persons unlawfully converting and possessing machine guns, as well as unregistered silencers, is a focus of the ATF and persons will face serious consequences for possessing them.”
As outlined in the indictment, the Government is seeking forfeiture of Kraus’ nine commercially manufactured firearms, seven silencers and thousands of rounds of ammunition. In addition, Kraus is accused of manufacturing unregistered ghost guns with a 3D-printer and if convicted must forfeit 11 privately made firearms including four pistols and seven rifles.
“ISP is committed to ensuring those who are prohibited from possessing a firearm don't have guns illegally and we will continue to work with our federal partners to protect the public and combat gun trafficking,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
The Government is also seeking forfeiture of Kraus’ computer, 3D-printer and other firearm manufacturing tools.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Kraus could face up to 15 years’ imprisonment and/or fines up to $250,000.
ATF is leading the investigation with assistance from ISP, HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi is prosecuting the case.
Effingham Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Crimes Against a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced an Effingham man to spend 10 years in federal prison after he admitted to soliciting sex online from a purported minor in exchange for money.
John S. Harmon, 65, pleaded guilty to attempted commercial sex trafficking of a minor and solicitation of child pornography.
“Thanks to the FBI’s proactive efforts in an undercover online investigation, another child predator was sentenced to spend a decade behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “We will continue to work together to apprehend these manipulative and dangerous offenders.”
The charges stemmed from an undercover investigation by an FBI agent who claimed to be a 15-year-old minor in an online discussion forum. According to court documents, Harmon began speaking to the undercover agent posing as a purported minor from May through June 2021. During conversations, he solicited the 15-year-old purported minor and an 11-year-old purported minor for sex in exchange for money. In addition, Harmon solicited nude images of both the purported minors.
“Our proactive efforts to protect children resulted in another offender being stripped of his ability to harm a member of our most vulnerable population,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “This sentence underscores the FBI’s unwavering dedication to investigate and arrest those who seek to harm our children.”
FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Bloodworth and David Sanders prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Jury Convicts Telemarketing Company Owner/CEO and Another Executive of Federal Fraud Charges for Health Insurance Policy SchemeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Following a two-week trial, members of a jury in southern Illinois returned guilty verdicts on multiple federal fraud charges against the owner/CEO and a former executive of a health insurance telemarketing company based in south Florida.
The jury convicted Steven Dorfman, 39, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and John A. Sand, 49, also of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud and eight counts of wire fraud.
“The defendants used a south Florida business known as Simple Health to fraudulently sell relatively worthless policies to unsuspecting victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Using a deceptive sales script, Dorfman and Sand caused Simple Health’s salespersons to deceive thousands of people, convincing them that the policies they were purchasing would function like major medical insurance. This brazen fraud had disastrous effects for many of the victims, leaving them with tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical bills that were not covered by the policies they purchased. I applaud the St. Louis Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Peter Reed for their work to expose this illegitimate operation and secure justice for the victims.”
Dorfman was the owner and CEO of Simple Health, which was previously known as Health Benefits One. Sand served as the company’s vice president of sales.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Simple Health employees were trained to use deceptive sales tactics to scam people into purchasing limited indemnity insurance plans. These plans provide relatively low amounts of coverage for medical expenses. When the policies’ low caps were reached, the consumers were then responsible for paying 100% of their medical expenses above those caps.
“Simple Health’s sale of bogus policies created financial devastation for consumers who were already suffering physically from major medical issues,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office. “The guilty verdicts in this case put an end to a $190 million business model based on fraud.”
The scripts designed and implemented by Dorfman and Sand caused Simple Health’s salespersons to mislead consumers about the amount of coverage provided by the policies. For example, the scripts stated that “the whole idea of this plan is to make your out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible” and “when all is said and done, you’ll end up owing pennies on the dollar.” Evidence at trial also established that Simple Health’s commissioned salespersons frequently told additional, off-script lies to the consumers to get them to buy them to buy the policies, with little or no effort by Dorfman and Sand to stop this conduct.
Using the deceptive scripts and the blatant lies of their salespersons, Simple Health sold these limited indemnity policies to more than 400,000 unsuspecting victims across the country from May 2012 through November 2018. This fraudulent conduct generated more than $190 million in revenue for Simple Health. The company sold more than 1,400 of these limited indemnity policies to individuals from all 38 counties in the Southern District of Illinois.
Because the scheme was conducted via telemarketing and victimized ten or more individuals over the age of 55, the maximum penalty for the conspiracy count is 30 years, pursuant to the SCAMS Act. Each mail and wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. In addition, the defendants can be ordered to pay full restitution to the victims.
Dorfman’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on May 21, 2024. Sand will be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. on May 22, 2024.
Candida L. Girouard, 47, of Valrico, Florida, was also named in the indictment. She served as chief compliance officer for Simple Health and pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on Nov. 30, 2023. Girouard’s sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2024. All three of the sentencings will take place at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The St. Louis Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Verseman and Peter Reed are handling the prosecution.
The investigation began with a referral from the Federal Trade Commission’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. The FTC filed a complaint for civil injunctive relief in October 2018. The FTC’s action put an end to the fraud and a court-appointed receiver was appointed to take over Simple Health’s business operations.
Chinese Nationals Sentenced for Trafficking Counterfeit Gift Cards to BellevilleRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced two Chinese nationals to more than 12 months imprisonment for their involvement in a gift card scheme directed at Target shoppers across the Midwest.
Hongying Wang, 53, and Guangwei Gao, 38, pleaded guilty to one felony count of using and trafficking in a counterfeit access device. The pair have been incarcerated since Jan. 21, 2023, and so have served their full prison time.
“The defendants placed fake gift cards onto sales racks with the intention of stealing the loaded funds once purchased by patrons,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The investigation took a coordinated effort, and I commend the law enforcement officials contributed to this case.”
According to court documents, Wang, Gao, or others working with them retained the access numbers to 6,100 gift cards with intent to place the altered gift cards on the sales racks at Target. Once a gift card was loaded with funds by an unsuspecting patron, the fraudsters would have the codes needed to steal the funds.
In January 2023, a Target security officer observed Wang and Gao placing gift cards onto the racks in the Belleville store for customers to purchase. Upon further review, the gift cards were altered with the codes scratched off and covered by stickers to appear untouched.
“The gift card scheme concocted by these two defendants had the potential to steal money from anyone,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP special agents will thoroughly investigate cases to hold people accountable and protect the public.”
In addition to Belleville, the following Target locations were knowingly affected by the scheme: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Norman, Oklahoma; Edmond, Oklahoma; Liberty, Missouri; Independence, Missouri; St. Peters, Missouri; Town and Country, Missouri; and Brentwood, Missouri.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Illinois State Police contributed to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Welcomes Three New Federal ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has sworn in three new federal prosecutors to serve the Southern District of Illinois.
“It’s an honor to welcome new federal prosecutors to our office,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Each attorney has a deep knowledge of and respect for the law, and I look forward to supporting them in their new roles.”
Amanda McQuaid, Madalyn Campbell and Kathleen Howard joined the office in various Assistant U.S. Attorney positions. McQuaid will focus on e-Litigation, Campbell fills a position to prosecute domestic terrorism and other violent crime cases and Howard joins the office’s Fraud and Corruption unit.
Before becoming AUSAs, McQuaid served as a law clerk to the Honorable District Judge David W. Dugan of the Southern District of Illinois, Campbell was an Assistant Attorney General for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and Howard was in private practice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois serves the lower 38 counties of the state. The main office is in Fairview Heights with branch offices in Benton and East St. Louis.
East St. Louis Convenience Store Armed Robbery Suspect IndictedRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man is facing federal charges in southern Illinois for allegedly using a firearm to rob an East St. Louis convenience store.
Vernelle E. Hines, 30, arrested in Houston, Texas, is facing one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
“Store employees should be able to show up for work and not fear for their lives due to weapons and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Our partners in the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group work tirelessly to bring justice to victims of crime and to protect businesses in the community.”
Court documents allege Hines brandished and discharged a firearm and took items and U.S. currency by force from the Mega Supermarket in East St. Louis on Oct. 31, 2023.
“This indictment does not happen without ISP’s commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents are dedicated to conducting extensive investigations in order to track down violent criminals and make communities safer."
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Hines could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the robbery charge and a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment for the use of a firearm.
ISP’s Public Safety Enforcement Group led the investigation with assistance in apprehending the suspect from the U.S. Marshals Service in the Southern District of Illinois and Homeland Security Investigations in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns is prosecuting the case.
Former Special Education School Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a former paraprofessional at Tri-County Special Education Center in Murphysboro to spend 10 years in federal prison for attempted sex crimes against a minor.
Jon P. Crawford, 45, of Pinckneyville, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of solicitation of child pornography.
“Convicting school employees of sex crimes against minors furthers our mission to keep vulnerable children protected from harm,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable.”
According to court documents, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations conducted an undercover operation online and created an account for a purported 13-year-old child in April 2023. Law enforcement began speaking with Crawford online, and he asked for photos and videos of sexual acts from the purported 13-year-old child.
“Individuals who prey on children, especially those in positions of public trust, should expect to be held fully accountable for their actions,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “I commend the prosecutors and agents who worked to ensure that this offender is off our streets and away from children in our communities.”
HSI led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Bloodworth prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Semi Driver Caught with 40 Kilograms of Illegal Drugs Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a semitrailer driver to 12 years in federal prison after he admitted to hauling nearly 40 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine through southern Illinois.
Ledaniel Russell, 50, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine.
“Heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine all have a dangerous history of infecting individuals and causing harm in communities due to the war on drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the Illinois State Police for interrupting this drug trafficking operation and having the training to detect semitrailer drivers with illegitimate agendas.”
Troopers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on a semitrailer driven by Russell along Interstate 70 in Madison County on Sept. 15, 2022. Following a search of Russell’s trailer, troopers located two large duffel bags concealing a kilogram of heroin, 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl, almost 32 kilograms of meth and nearly 2 kilograms of cocaine.
"The Illinois State Police is committed to stopping illegal drug traffickers and keeping dangerous drugs from flooding and hurting our communities," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "Whether it's a trooper on the road or a special agent investigating, ISP is targeting drug traffickers and will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office to put them behind bars.”
In an interview with law enforcement, Russell admitted he planned to deliver the drugs to Michigan, after he stopped in Indiana to deliver his truck’s legitimate cargo. In addition to the 12-year prison sentence, Russell will serve five years of supervised release.
“We know our nations’ freeways are the arteries that bring Mexican cartels’ illegal drugs into our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA, working in lockstep with our partners from the Illinois State Police, will continue to be laser-focused on targeting, disrupting and dismantling the pipelines used to transport deadly drugs so they don’t impact the health and safety of our citizens."
The Illinois State Police and DEA led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Registered Sex Offender of Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A federal jury convicted a registered sex offender in St. Clair County of sexually exploiting another minor.
Members of the jury found Dan R. Waeckerle, Jr., 44, of Swansea, guilty of soliciting an obscene visual depiction of a minor, transferring obscene matter to a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and offense by a registered sex offender.
“I’m grateful for the law enforcement agencies who investigated this case and pursued justice for Waeckerle’s victim and prevented other children from his abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, Waeckerle had sexually explicit conversations with a minor via text message in July 2021. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Waeckerle sent the minor a nude image, requested sexually explicit images from the minor, and discussed meeting the minor for sex.
“We are thankful for the training and resources provided by our federal partners which have allowed our detectives to be extremely successful in investigating cases such as these,” said O’Fallon Police Captain Mike Mojzis. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our detectives in striving to seek justice for the victim.”
Waeckerle was previously convicted of aggravated sexual abuse against a minor in Hamilton County in 2010.
“The U.S. Secret Service remains committed to investigating and arresting individuals who sexually exploit children and transmit child sexual abuse material,” said Stephen S. Webster, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to investigate and prosecute crimes against minors. These predators cause significant and long-lasting damage, and we are dedicated to holding them accountable.”
Sexual exploitation of a minor carries a statutory minimum of 25 years’ imprisonment due to Waeckerle’s prior criminal history. Waeckerle’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on May 21, 2024, at the federal courthouse in Benton.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service Central and Southern Illinois Financial and Cyber Crimes Task Force, with members from the O’Fallon Police Department leading the investigation. Additional support was provided by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Swansea Police Department and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Eleven Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging eleven individuals in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, meth and cocaine in southern Illinois and across the country.
The indictment charges: Rogelio Martinez-Becerra, also known as “Rodrigo” or “Chaparro” (Shorty), 35, of St. Louis; Jose Manuel Garcia-Ramirez, also known as “Panzon” (Potbellied), 34, of Bakersfield, California; Ricardo Lopez, also known as “Ricardito”, 35, of St. Louis; Gustavo Torres-Yerena, also known as “Ojos verdes” (Green eyes), 60, of San Bernadino, California; Oscar Daniel Barajas-Lopez, also known as “Danny”, 21, of O’Fallon, Missouri; Jaime Barajas, 40, of O’Fallon, Missouri; Dary Axel Amaya-Gomez, also known as “Colombiano”, 31, of Bridgeton, Missouri; Deangelo Barnes, also known as “Lentes” (Glasses), 37, of Florissant, Missouri; David Howard, also known as “Siete” (Seven), 52, of Florissant, Missouri; Carolina Lopez-Hinojosa, also known as “La Morena”, 39, of Granite City, Illinois; and Monica Chavez, 26, of O’Fallon, Missouri.
“Law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to dismember organized crime rings responsible for distributing drugs and wreaking havoc in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, the drug conspiracy involved an organized effort to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of methamphetamine from at least August 2022 to December 2023 in Madison and St. Clair counties.
Martinez-Becerra, Barajas-Lopez and Chavez are also accused of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Madison County in April 2023.
“Let me be clear: when it comes to protecting our communities against poly-drug trafficking organizations, there are no boundaries, no safe havens and no stones left unturned when you supply deadly drugs,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “DEA and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing and relentlessly pursue those responsible who distribute the powerfully addictive combination of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. With this action, we intend to serve warning to other drug dealers to stay out of our communities or be prosecuted for their actions.”
The indictment also charged Martinez-Becerra, Garcia-Ramirez, Barajas-Lopez, Amaya-Gomez, Barnes and Lopez-Hinojosa with international money laundering conspiracy for allegedly transferring funds from Illinois to Mexico to promote the drug trafficking enterprise.
“Money laundering fuels drug trafficking as it enables criminals to manipulate our financial systems and hide the immense amount of harm their activities cause,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office.
In addition, Martinez-Becerra is facing three counts of international money laundering for allegedly wiring more than $7,000 from Collinsville, Illinois, to various locations in Mexico from May through July 2023. Hinojosa is also accused of conducting international money laundering by sending more than $2,000 from Collinsville, Illinois, to Sinaloa, Mexico, in July 2023.
Nine of the eleven indicted defendants have been arrested and are scheduled to stand trial at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
An indictment is merely 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.
Agents with DEA and IRS Criminal Investigation contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Quinley is prosecuting the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $3.4 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. - The Southern District of Illinois collected $3,414,959.96 in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2023, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced Thursday. Of this amount, $1,951,689.87 was collected in criminal actions and $1,463,270.09 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, Southern District of Illinois employees worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $4,148,633.35 in jointly pursued cases. Of this amount, $9,266.10 was collected in criminal actions and $4,139,367.25 was collected in civil actions.
“Throughout the last fiscal year, federal prosecutors and financial litigation staff worked tirelessly to collect millions of dollars in restitution from individuals charged with fraud and other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “These funds help support victims regain a sense of normalcy and offer assistance to law enforcement officers with their efforts to apprehend criminals.”
In the largest civil settlement for FY 23, the Southern District of Illinois finalized a deal to recover $745,000 to resolve allegations about a migraine headache treatment device from Jet Medical Inc. Jet agreed to pay $200,000 to settle criminal allegations, and Jet and two related companies agreed to pay another $545,000 in a civil settlement.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in southern Illinois, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $4,904,603 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Venice Man Admits to Arson for Hire of St. Louis Apartment, Conspiring to Burn Additional Illinois Properties for Insurance MoneyRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man from Venice, Illinois, admitted guilt in federal court Thursday for his involvement in a scheme to commit arson on residential properties and collect fraudulent insurance benefits.
Rufis A. Jefferson, 47, pleaded guilty to 14 federal felony charges: one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit arson.
“Under federal law, intentionally igniting residential buildings to file insurance claims for the damages and collect benefits is committing fraud, and law enforcement is working to prosecute offenders of these hazardous crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, Jefferson admitted to being paid off by a family member to burn her St. Louis apartment on December 31, 2022, so that she could collect insurance money. In addition to the New Years Eve fire at Spanish Lake Apartments, Jefferson admitted to conspiring with this relative to burn two additional buildings in Granite City and Venice. An ATF confidential informant recorded many of the planning conversations and these Illinois buildings were not burned. The relative’s insurer is estimated to have paid out more than $30,000 for the St. Louis apartment fire.
Evette B. Osuegbu, 61, of Granite City, is also charged in the indictment and facing accusations for committing the same 14 federal crimes.
An indictment is merely 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.
“Arson is a dangerous act of violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen, Kansas City Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). “Arson poses a great threat to public safety. ATF works diligently to secure public safety. This guilty plea will send a message to anyone who considers conducting these types of violent acts that they will not be tolerated. ATF will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that your community remains a safe place.”
Jefferson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 25, 2024. His charges are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment per count.
ATF led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Burke and Zoe Gross are prosecuting the case.
Former First Grade Teacher Admits to Asking Minors for Explicit Images on SnapchatRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former elementary school teacher appeared in federal court Thursday to plead guilty to soliciting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from minors.
Jonathan C. Villmer, Jr., 25, of New Baden, Illinois, was charged via criminal complaint in August 2023. Prior to his charge, Villmer was a teacher at New Baden Elementary School and coached girls’ sports teams for Wesclin Community Unit School District 3.
“We know child predators lurk in our communities, but it’s especially disturbing when a former first grade teacher and coach admits to asking minors for inappropriate images,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I highly commend the several law enforcement departments who contributed to this investigation and identified an extremely dangerous individual working directly with minors.”
The case was initiated by an otherwise unrelated investigation by the Carmi Police Department regarding the distribution of CSAM. The investigation led law enforcement officers to a Snapchat account soliciting CSAM connected to Villmer.
According to court documents, after obtaining a search warrant for Villmer’s Snapchat account, police discovered explicit conversations with a 13-year-old minor. Villmer asked the minor for the “sexiest images,” discussed having sex and taking the minor’s virginity, and requested photographs of her genitals. Law enforcement identified other occurrences of sexually explicit conversations and requests for images with other purported minors within Villmer’s Snapchat account.
Based upon IP address records associated with the Snapchat account, law enforcement connected the account to Villmer. On Aug. 18, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Villmer’s New Baden residence and seized two cell phones and other electronic devices. Villmer was arrested on scene.
“The importance of this case and guilty plea cannot be overstated. Investigations involving the exploitation of children are horrible, but it is particularly troubling when the accused occupies a position of public trust and seeks to exploit the most vulnerable in our society,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “HSI will continue to work closely with our local, state and federal partners to bring those who would sexually exploit children to justice.”
Villmer’s sentencing is scheduled for April 24, 2024 at 1:30, and his charge carries a minimum of 5 years, and a maximum of up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Homeland Security Investigations is conducting the investigation with support from the New Baden and Carmi Police Departments, and the Jefferson County and Clinton County Sheriffs’ Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns is prosecuting the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 8+ Years on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a felon from East St. Louis to 97 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to conspiring to launder money and distribute drugs in southern Illinois.
Donald B. Perkins, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“This prison sentence reflects the seriousness of breaking the law by distributing illegal drugs, laundering the proceeds and unlawfully having a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, Perkins conspired with a co-defendant to launder money to conceal drug proceeds by using cash exchanges and cashier’s checks. The pair are estimated to have laundered more than $1.2 million.
Byron Robinson, 60, of Florissant, Missouri, was also charged in the indictment with money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced to 3 years of probation in September 2023.
“The act of laundering ill-gotten gains is as important to drug dealers as the distribution of illegal drugs,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Melissa McFadden. “The special agents of CI are proud to partner with other law enforcement agencies to take that profit-making potential away and help protect our communities from illegal drug activity.”
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Perkins’s East St. Louis home in November 2021 and recovered more than 550 kilograms of marijuana. While executing the search warrant, officers also found a pistol belonging to Perkins, although Perkins was convicted on prior felony offenses and therefore unable to legally possess firearms.
IRS Criminal Investigation and DEA agents contributed to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Quinley prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Kentucky Man Gets 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge in southern Illinois sentenced a man from Paducah to serve 15 years in federal prison after he admitted to attempting to entice a purported 11-year-old child.
Michael M. Gott, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. In addition to the 15-year prison sentence, Gott will serve five years of supervised release.
“Those who try to sexually abuse children deserve justice in proportion to the deviance of their behavior, which in this case was a significant federal prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The United States Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively prosecute minor enticement cases and do all we can to protect children.”
In March 2021, an undercover agent with the FBI conducted an investigation on an online dating discussion forum to detect child predators. According to court documents, Gott began conversing with the undercover agent who was posing as the mother of a purported 11-year-old child. During the conversation, Gott made plans with the mother to engage in sexual conduct with the minor child.
“This sentence reflects the serious nature of Gott’s offense and demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to identify, investigate and arrest those intent on harming the most vulnerable members of our society,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The FBI will continue our efforts to thwart attempts to entice children, because every offender that lands in custody represents another step toward a safer community and a safer world for our children.”
Gott was arrested by agents while attempting to meet the purported pair and escort them to a hotel room he had rented in Paducah, Kentucky.
FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Bloodworth and David Sanders prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Former Belleville Attorney Indicted in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned an eleven-count indictment charging a former attorney for multiple instances of wire fraud in which he is alleged to have embezzled more than an estimated $1 million from a Belleville law firm and its client trust account.
Jason R. Caraway, 49, is facing 11 counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Caraway could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and up to $250,000 in fines per count.
“Attorneys have a duty to protect their clients’ interests and must be held to the highest ethical standard,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Those who are overcome by greed and use their professional positions to embezzle from their employers and steal from innocent people will answer to the rule of law.”
Caraway was a partner at Caraway, Fisher & Broombaugh, P.C., a personal injury law firm in Belleville. According to the indictment, Caraway had control of the firm’s bank accounts and misappropriated funds by improperly spending client funds on personal and business expenses, issuing checks to himself, accepting settlements without client notification or payment, failing to pay medical lienholders from legal proceeds, and misapplying retainers without authorization.
“A lawyer, as an officer of the legal system, should demonstrate respect for our laws and protect the interests of the clients he represents,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “When a lawyer chooses to enrich himself by stealing client funds, the FBI will work to hold him accountable.”
The indictment outlines 11 alleged situations in which Caraway embezzled funds. In two instances, Caraway is accused of forging the signature of two St. Clair County judges on phony court documents to further his fraud scheme.
An indictment is merely 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.
FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Two Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced two men to each spend ten years in federal prison after both were charged in a law enforcement sting to detect online child predators.
Timmy Wayne Smith, 59, of McLeansboro, Illinois, and Joseph Randall Edmaiston, 37, of Clinton, Kentucky, each pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor.
“Although both men fully intended to sexually abuse a child, they were apprehended by law enforcement after interacting online with a purported 15-year-old girl who was actually an undercover agent,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This proactive operation successfully detected child predators lurking online, and I appreciate the actions of the officers to put these offenders in federal prison.”
In August 2020, law enforcement agents conducted an undercover investigation to detect child predators where an agent created an online profile of a purported 15-year-old girl. According to court documents, Smith and Edmaiston both interacted with the undercover profile and discussed plans to engage in sexual conduct with the purported child.
“The ease of online interaction increases the likelihood that a predator will engage your child with the intent to harm them,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Shannon Fontenot.” It is imperative that parents and caregivers establish safety guidelines for children and monitor who they talk to online. The FBI’s proactive efforts help to thwart the attempts of those looking to do harm, but prevention can go a long way in avoiding a tragedy all together.”
Smith and Edmaiston were each arrested by police after both men traveled to a home in Marion, Illinois, for the sexual encounter. Following the federal prison sentence, both men will each serve five years of supervised release.
FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Illinois State Police, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the Herrin Police Department, and the Marion Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Bloodworth and David Sanders prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.