Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Columbia Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
On September 16, 2013, Devereaux L. Davis, a thirty-six year old Columbia, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, for failure to register as a sex offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Davis is scheduled for sentencing on January 22, 2014, at which time he faces a prison term of up to ten (10) years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, a term of supervised release of five (5) years after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
The violation occurred in 2009, when Davis failed to register within three days of his move from Illinois to Missouri, as required under both Illinois law and the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Davis had been previously convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse on September 15, 2005, in Monroe County, Illinois. He acknowledged that he understood the conditions of maintaining his sex offender registration requirements by signing an Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act Notification Form on August 14, 2008.
Davis first registered as a sex offender in the State of Missouri on June 25, 2009, only after his arrest on July 17, 2009, in Granite City, Illinois, for failure to register. Davis fled the bi-state area between 2010 and March, 2013. He returned to Missouri and was arrested in St. Louis in April, 2013, on a felony warrant out of Granite City, Illinois. In an interview conducted by the United States Marshal Service for non-compliance, Davis admitted to having lived in Missouri for approximately one year, after signing the Illinois registration notification form and moving out of the state when the violation occurred. Davis had not registered as a sex offender in Missouri, nor had he updated his sex offender registration form in Illinois.
Due to his failure to register in Missouri and his failure to update his registration in Illinois, the defendant was charged federally with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.
Cahokia Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on October 16, 2013, Karashia A. Tabbs, 45, of Cahokia, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Sentencing has been set for January 23, 2014, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. Tabbs will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During her plea hearing, Tabbs admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her alleged performance of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Tabbs admitted to falsely billing the program between June and November of 2012, when the person for whom she was supposed to be caring for was actually residing in the state of Texas.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police’s Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General or you may call 800.447.8477.
Bridgeport, Illinois Mayor Sentenced on Charges of Mail Fraud and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that on October 17, 2013, Max R. Schauf, 56, of Bridgeport, Illinois, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to three counts of mail fraud and one count of obstruction of justice in United States District Court in Benton, Illinois. The court also ordered Schauf to pay $54,288.74 in restitution to the City of Bridgeport.
On November 6, 2012, Schauf, the then Mayor of the City of Bridgeport, in Lawrence County, Illinois, was indicted along with Paul R. Kramer, of Vincennes, Indiana. At his plea, Schauf admitted that from July of 2008 until March of 2011, he had engaged in a scheme to defraud the City of Bridgeport, as well as its residents by submitting false and fraudulent invoices, contracts and bills for services and equipment. Schauf also admitted that on November 10, 2011, he had obstructed justice by telling another person to give false and misleading information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the investigation into his (Schauf’s) fraudulent activities.
Schauf’s co-defendant, Paul R. Kramer, pled guilty on March 20, 2013, to two counts of Making False Statements to the FBI and is scheduled to be sentenced in United States District Court on October 31, 2013. He faces up to 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to years of supervised release on each count.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
Glen Carbon Man Sentenced for Receipt and Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Arlynn Gene Georgeson, 54, of Glen Carbon, Il, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to an Information on June 17, 2013, charging, in Count 1, Receipt of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct; and, in Count 2, Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct; the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Georgeson was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment on both counts, to run concurrently; 5 years’ supervised release on each count, also to run concurrently; and ordered to pay a special assessment of $200. The Court waived the fine. Georgeson was also ordered to pay, by consent of the parties, $1,000 in restitution to one of the victims portrayed in the images of child pornography in his possession. The Court also ordered that the computer used to commit the charged offenses be forfeited. Finally, upon his release from prison, Georgeson must register as a sex offender as a condition of his supervised release.
Evidence presented at sentencing was that, on September 27, 2011, during an undercover operation, two FBI agents in separate states were both able to download images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct from a computer that was later linked to the defendant. Both offices forwarded this information to the FBI’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force located in its Fairview Heights Office. Members of the task force subsequently obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s residence in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
One of the items seized during the execution of the search warrant was a Dell Studio Laptop Computer, Model 1555. A forensic examination of the Dell laptop revealed approximately 16,282 images and 512 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The majority of the images and/or videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that the defendant possessed were of minors between the age of 2 and 12. There were also images on the laptop of toddlers between the age of 2 and 5 being orally, vaginally, or anally penetrated, as well as images of bondage involving minors. Georgeson later admitted to law enforcement officers that he was the primary user of the laptop, and that he put the images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on the computer (Count 2). The examination also revealed that several of the images of the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct had been downloaded by the defendant, using a file sharing program, on December 28, 2011 (Count 1).
During the search of his residence, Georgeson agreed to provide a voluntary statement to law enforcement officers. Georgeson stated that he was the sole user of the file sharing program found on the Dell Studio laptop, and that he initially used the program to download music. Georgeson stated that he began to see images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in some of the downloads, and subsequently started searching for such image and/or video files. Georgeson said that he viewed the “younger” images and that gender was not an issue for him. He described “younger” as being a prepubescent with no hip or breast development. He also admitted having some images involving infants saved to his laptop computer. Finally, Georgeson admitted saving the images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct to the laptop computer, stating that he used the images for personal gratification and “research,” and that he downloaded the images and/or videos while his wife was at work.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Office and the FBI’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Foreign National Sentenced on Firearm, Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
Antonio Rea-Fabela, age 36, a citizen of Mexico who most recently resided in St. Louis, MO, was sentenced on October 11, 2013, to ten months in federal prison, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Rea-Fabela had entered pleas of guilty on May 28, 2013, to Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien; and Entry into the United States Without Inspection. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the Court ordered the forfeiture to the United States of the firearm possessed by the defendant. The Court also entered a Judicial Order of Removal, which requires that Rea-Fabela be deported from the United States following his term of imprisonment.
Evidence in support of the indictment in this case was obtained in an investigation which was the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. This case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.
Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Jesus Orlando Mendez-Velasquez, 33, a citizen of Mexico who most recently resided in Salt Lake City, Utah, entered a plea of guilty on April 11, 2013, to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With the Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Mendez-Velasquez had been charged on August 22, 2012, in an eleven count indictment charging a total of ten individuals with being members of a large drug trafficking organization. Mendez-Velasquez is currently scheduled to be sentenced at 9:00 a.m., on January 13, 2014, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment up to a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of not less than ten years, a $10,000,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. Although he entered a guilty plea as to Count 1 of the Indictment, he persisted in his “not guilty” pleas as to Count 2 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine) and Count 11 (Interstate Travel in Support of Racketeering) and is currently scheduled for trial on those counts on November 4, 2013. The Defendant is presumed innocent of those two counts because an indictment is only a formal charge against him. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the Government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The Defendant was given notice prior to his plea, that the United States intended to seek a Judicial Order of Removal, which would require his deportation following the service of any term of imprisonment.
According to the Stipulation of Facts which was filed with the Court at the time of the plea, Mendez-Velasquez was the leader of the organization charged in the Indictment, which was responsible for importing cocaine from Mexico into the United States, where it was eventually taken to Salt Lake City, Utah. From Salt Lake City, the cocaine was transported by members of the conspiracy to the St. Louis Metropolitan area where it was distributed by various members of the organization, including some who operated within the Southern District of Illinois. Proceeds for the sales of the cocaine were then transported back to the leaders of the conspiracy in Salt Lake City.
Of the nine individuals named in the indictment with Mendez-Velasquez, seven others have entered pleas of guilty; one other has been arrested and is awaiting trial; one is a fugitive. Those not yet convicted are presumed innocent for the reason set forth in the first paragraph, above.
Evidence in support of the indictment in this case was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), U.S. Marshal Service, the Granite City Police Department, Fairview Heights Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County (Missouri) Police Department, the St. Charles County (Missouri) Sheriff's Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.
Belleville ‘Sovereign Citizen’ Convicted of Making False Claims for Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
Destry Marcotte, 47, of Belleville, Illinois, was convicted of four counts of filing false claims for federal tax refunds following a two-day jury trial held in federal district court, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Following the jury’s verdict, Marcotte was taken into custody, to be held without bond, until his sentencing. Marcotte faces up to a total of twenty years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2014. He has been detained awaiting sentencing.
Evidence at trial revealed that Marcotte had submitted to the IRS false claims for refunds of federal taxes over a period of years. These false refunds claimed a total amount that exceeded $600,000. Evidence showed that Marcotte claimed to be a sovereign citizen, thus he claimed to be not subject to the tax laws of the United States. In addition to filing false claims for federal income tax refunds, Marcotte did not pay federal income taxes due. At trial, proof showed that Marcotte was advised, prior to committing the charged conduct, that his claims and arguments were frivolous and could subject him to criminal prosecution.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Norman Smith.
Foreign National Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Maria Elena Rico-Lopez, 33, a citizen of Mexico who most recently resided in St. Louis, MO, was sentenced on October 4, 2013, following her conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Entry Into the United States Without Inspection, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Rico-Lopez had been charged on August 22, 2012, in an eleven count indictment charging a total of ten individuals with being members of a large drug trafficking organization. Rico-Lopez was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Rico-Lopez was also ordered to pay a $110 special assessment and to forfeit $23,560.00 to the United States. The Court also entered a Judicial Order of Removal, which requires her to be deported following the service of his sentence.
According to the Stipulation of Facts which was filed with the Court at the time of the plea, the organization charged in the Indictment was responsible for importing cocaine from Mexico into the United States, where it was taken to Salt Lake City, Utah. From Salt Lake City, the cocaine was transported by members of the conspiracy to the St. Louis Metropolitan area where it was distributed by various members of the organization, including some who operated within the Southern District of Illinois. Proceeds for the sales of the cocaine were then transported back to the leaders of the conspiracy in Salt Lake City.
Of the nine individuals named in the indictment with Rico-Lopez, six have entered pleas of guilty; two have been arrested and are awaiting trial; one is a fugitive. Those not yet convicted are presumed innocent because an indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the Government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Evidence in support of the indictment in this case was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), U.S. Marshal Service, the Granite City Police Department, Fairview Heights Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County (Missouri) Police Department, the St. Charles County (Missouri) Sheriff's Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
An East St. Louis, Illinois, man was sentenced in federal district court to a lengthy term in federal prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon on October 7, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Danyahle L. Mosley, 32, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison, to be followed by 5 years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $100. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Mosley had plead guilty on April 15, 2013, to an Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The charge relates to an incident that occurred on October 5, 2011, in East St. Louis, Illinois, when law enforcement officers conducted a parole compliance check of Mosley’s home and discovered a 20-gauge shotgun, a magazine for the gun, and two boxes of ammunition in Mosley’s home. Mosley admitted that those items were his. At the time, Mosley was on parole for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, for which he had been paroled on January 26, 2011.
United States Attorney Wigginton noted, “Mosley was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which requires a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison if a defendant, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, has at least three prior convictions for violent felonies and/or serious drug felonies. A sentence like this should serve as a warning to those who would repeatedly violate the law – federal prison sentences are severe. You will face drastic consequences for your actions.” Documents filed with the court indicate that Mosley had been convicted in 2001 and 2004 for separate residential burglaries, and had been convicted in 2008 for Robbery; all three of these crimes constituted crimes of violence for purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act.
The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm, magazine, and ammunition.
The case was investigated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
Murphysboro Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin in Saline CountyRead the Press Release
Brian L. Cayce, 45, of Murphysboro, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to 156 months in prison for distributing heroin, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Cayce was charged by a Federal Grand Jury in November 2012 with distributing heroin on September 18, 2012, to an agent of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force who was working undercover at the time. He pled guilty to that offense on May 22nd.
In addition to the 13 year term of imprisonment, Cayce was ordered to pay fines and special assessments to the United States totaling $200, and was placed on a 3 year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration. Under federal law, parole has been abolished meaning that Cayce will be required to serve a minimum of 85% of his prison sentence.
Cayce has been held without bond in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on the federal charges. He was returned to the Marshal’s custody to await designation to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force with the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Desoto Man Faces Federal Prison for ‘Meth’ CaseRead the Press Release
On October 3, 2013, Leslie Blaine Clover, 48, of Desoto, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Clover, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 168 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Clover was also fined $200. The offense occurred between June 2012 and January 28, 2013, in Jackson and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established, during the conspiracy, Clover provided others with pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Clover also sometimes acted as a look-out, while others were stealing methamphetamine-related items. Clover received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Venice Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Justin J. Harper, 24, of Venice, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on September 30, 2013, to 100 months in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $400 fine, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Court proceedings revealed that on October 5, 2011, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of a rear bedroom at a home in Venice, Illinois. Upon entering the residence, officers observed Harper exiting the bedroom. A search of the bedroom recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol from underneath the bed.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Richland County Woman Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Richland County woman was sentenced on September 24, 2013, to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Patricia Ann Utley, 53, of Olney, was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by four years supervised release, and fined $200. Utley had previously pleaded guilty to a federal indictment which charged that from February 2011, until on or about October 2012, in Richland County and Edwards County, Utley conspired with others known and unknown to the grand jury to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Fairview Heights Man Sentenced for Heroin Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Joseph L. Robinson, 30, of Fairview Heights, IL, was sentenced in United States District Court in East St. Louis on Monday, September 30, 2013, to 20 years (240 months) in federal prison.
On May 29, 2013, Robinson pled guilty to a federal indictment which charged him with Distribution of Heroin Resulting in Death. At his change of plea hearing in May, Robinson admitted that he had sold “two buttons of heroin” (2/10 of a gram) to Donnie T. Baumann for $30 on the night Baumann died. Baumann, 22, was found dead at his Fairview Heights residence on December 21, 2010.
Several members of Baumann’s family addressed the Court at Robinson’s sentence hearing. They described Baumann as a loving son and brother.
Robinson has been confined since his arrest on November 10, 2011.
United States Attorney Stephen Wigginton commented that, “This severe federal prison sentence should put drug dealers on notice that they peddle heroin at their own risk, and those risks are considerable. My office will continue its initiative to stop the heroin overdose epidemic among our young citizens. The prosecution and sentencing of Robinson is part of our ongoing anti-heroin initiative.”
The investigation which resulted in the successful prosecution of Robinson was conducted by the Fairview Heights Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton Announces Hiring Grants for Law Enforcement and School Safety OfficersRead the Press Release
Funds Will Hire School Resource Officers and Critical Law Enforcement Positions
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), today announced funding awards for the Southern District of Illinois.
The grantee in this area was the Village of Cahokia in the amount of $125,000.00, to allow for the hiring of an additional police officer.
“In the wake of past tragedies, it's clear that we need to be willing to take all possible steps to ensure that our kids are safe when they go to school,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “These critical investments represent the Justice Department's latest effort to strengthen key law enforcement capabilities, and to provide communities with the resources they need to protect our young people. Especially in a time of increased challenges and limited budgets, our top priority must always be the safety and well-being of our children.”
Overall the COPS Office funded awards to 263 cities and counties, aimed at creating 937 law enforcement positions. More than $125 million will be awarded nationally, including nearly $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions.
“Keeping our children safe when they go to school is of critical importance and I am pleased to join the Attorney General and the COPS Office in announcing these grants which will help provide our communities with the resources needed to accomplish this vital mission,” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country address their most critical public safety issues,” said Joshua Ederheimer, Acting Director of the COPS Office. “Funding from this year’s program will allow many cities and counties to apply new sworn personnel to issues related to violent crime, property crime, and school safety.”
The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides the salary and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
Grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans. There was an additional focus this year on agencies requesting assistance in developing school safety programs that would include the hiring of a school resource officer. School resource officer positions funded by the COPS Office are sworn law enforcement positions that work within a school district or facility, interacting directly with school administrators and students.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.gov.
Randolph County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On September 26, 2013, Joshua D. Kennedy, 22, of Chester, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count second superseding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Kennedy, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and fined $300. The offense occurred between January 2011, and January 2013, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Kennedy was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Kennedy obtained over 95 grams of pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Others also provided Kennedy with pseudoephedrine pills to use to cook methamphetamine. Eight co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Five co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Murphysboro Police Department, Sparta Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Oakland, California, Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Alfonso Hayden, 44, of Oakland, California, pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and attempted money laundering, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Hayden is scheduled for sentencing on January 15, 2014. He faces a potential sentence of 5 years in prison for marijuana conspiracy and a fine of up to $250,000, not more than 2 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. He also faces a potential sentence of 20 years in prison for attempted money laundering, a fine of up to $500,000, not more than 3 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory assessment of $100.
Court proceedings revealed in April 2010, DEA agents began investigating Hayden as the supply source of marijuana and cocaine between December 2009 and June 2010 for a drug distribution business in operation since the early 2000s, in Eagle Park, in Madison County, Illinois. To date, twenty-eight other members of the organization have been convicted and sentenced.
Evidence in support of the indictment was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal Service, the Granite City Police Department, Fairmount City Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, Pontoon Beach Police Department, Park Hills (Missouri) Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Jackson County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On September 27, 2013, Anthony R. Renth, 46, of Murphysboro, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Renth, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 204 months in prison, to be followed by 6 years of supervised release, and fined $300. The offense occurred between June 2012, and November 1, 2012, in Jackson and Union Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Renth provided approximately 144 grams of pseudoephedrine to others to use during the manufacture of methamphetamine. Renth received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Inmate Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Marion Prison Camp 13 Years AgoRead the Press Release
Donald E. Bruce, 75, of Elberfeld, Indiana, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging him with escaping from the Federal Prison Camp at Marion, Illinois, 13 years ago, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on July 9th, alleged that the offense occurred on October 6, 2000. At that time, a Criminal Complaint was filed and an arrest warrant issued for Bruce. He was arrested on that warrant on June 28, 2013, in Indiana by an officer of the Oakland City, Indiana, Police Department after a warrant check revealed the existence of the federal arrest warrant.
At the time of his escape, Bruce was serving a 135 month sentence for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and had over 9 years of that sentence left to serve. Bruce now faces an additional 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Bruce was again remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing which was set for November 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Benton.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Former Centreville Assistant Police Chief SentencedRead the Press Release
The former Centreville, Illinois, assistant chief of police was sentenced in Federal District Court on September 27, 2013, for making false statements to federal investigators, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Corey Allen, 32, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, a $100 special assessment, a $250 fine, and one year of supervised release following his prison sentence. Allen pled guilty on April 25, 2012.
Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that on May 3, 2012, that Corey Allen sold a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, along with two magazines, for $100 to Individual #1 - a registered sex offender who had previously been convicted of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.
“Corey Allen is a bright young man who has a lot going for him. It is a shame that his greed overcame his good sense when he supplied a weapon to a felon. As I have noted, I will not tolerate police misconduct in any form. While 99% of our officers are hard-working men and women who stand ready to protect us, those who abuse their oaths will be found and prosecuted.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
On October 11, 2012, federal investigators and Allen (who was then an officer) responded to the scene of a chase where Individual #1 had reportedly fled from the police. The federal agents advised Allen that they suspected that Individual #1 had thrown a gun while he was running and asked Allen to interview Individual #1 while the federal agents continued to search for the item that was believed to have been thrown. Unbeknownst to Allen, agents utilized recording devices to capture the conversation. Allen was recorded discussing the gun and concocting a false explanation for Individual #1 to explain why he fled. After speaking to Individual #1, Allen rejoined federal agents and lied about his conversation with Individual #1.
Allen was formally interviewed on November 30, 2012. He was told that Individual #1 said that he had obtained the gun from Allen prior to his arrest on October 11, 2012. The federal agents asked Allen whether he had provided Individual #1 with the firearm. Allen falsely stated that he did not supply the gun to Individual #1, claiming that he had no idea where Individual #1 had gotten the gun. Allen further stated that prior to October 11, 2012, he had never seen the gun before, when in truth and in fact, Allen had previously possessed the firearm and had sold the firearm to Individual #1 for $100 on May 3, 2012.
Allen was convicted of a felony offense for making false statements. However, his sentence was determined under the more serious law applicable for selling a firearm to a felon.
The investigation was conducted through the Metro East Public Corruption Task Force by agents from the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
East St. Louis Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 26, 2013, Sherri Goree, 36, of East St. Louis, IL, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. At her sentencing, Goree will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing has been set for January 31, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
During her plea hearing, Goree admitted that she had submitted, and caused to be submitted, false and fraudulent bills in regard to the providing of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Goree admitted that she falsely billed the program for services that were supposed to have been provided for her by a family member; however, the family member was residing in Texas during times that the services were supposed to have been provided for Goree.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Illinois State Police; and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General or call 1-800-447-8477.
Dupo Woman Sentenced on 'Meth' CaseRead the Press Release
On September 24, 2013, Crystal D. Kellems, 38, of Dupo, Ill., was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Kellems, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, was sentenced to 130 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and fined $200. The offense occurred between June 2012 and January 28, 2013, in Jackson and Randolph Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Kellems was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Kellems obtained over 70 grams of pseudoephedrine for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, and Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Collinsville Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug and Health Care OffensesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 26, 2013, Julia Clymer, 48, of Collinsville, IL, pled guilty to a two-count information charging in count one that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud and in count two that she had obtained controlled substances, including hydrocodone, through fraud and misrepresentation. At her sentencing Clymer will face up to 14 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing has been set for January 31, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
During her plea hearing, Clymer admitted that she had obtained Hydrocodone by fraud by creating false and fraudulent prescriptions and then using those prescriptions at various pharmacies to obtain the controlled substances. Clymer also admitted that from September of 2012 through December of 2012, she had executed a scheme to commit healthcare fraud and obtain controlled substances by fraud when she caused Medicaid to be billed for the fraudulent prescriptions that she had used to obtain some of the controlled substances she diverted.
The investigation was conducted by the St. Louis Diversion Group of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Fairview Heights, Swansea and Belleville Illinois Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Waterloo Man Arraigned on Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
On September 25, 2013, Shawn Buckley, 31, from Waterloo, IL, was arraigned in East St. Louis, Illinois, on a federal indictment charging him with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine and one count of Distribution of 5 grams or more of Methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. A detention hearing is set for September 27, 2013. A jury trial is set for November 25, 2013. If convicted, Buckley faces 10 years to life in prison on the conspiracy charge and 5 to 40 years on the distribution charge. Buckley also faces fines of up to $10,000,000.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Evidence in support of the indictment in this case was obtained in an investigation which was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF initiative is designed to bring federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and resources together to identify, target and dismantle large national and international drug trafficking organizations. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce for prosecution.
Two Charged in Federal Court with Armed Robbery of Belleville Liquor StoreRead the Press Release
On September 17, 2013, a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis indicted Roderick L. Taylor, 22, and Charmonequette Reynolds, 21, with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, which is a violation of the Hobbs Act, as well as with a charge of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in connection with the armed robbery of Arena Liquor that occurred in Belleville on July 12, 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced today. Following a hearing held today, both defendants were ordered detained pending trial, that is, held without bond. Trial is scheduled for November 25, 2013.
If convicted of a violation of the Hobbs Act, the defendants each face a term in prison of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. If convicted of the offense of Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, both defendants face a minimum term in prison of 7 years up to a maximum term of Life, consecutive to, meaning in addition to, any term of imprisonment imposed on the Hobbs Act violation, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
This case is being investigated by the Belleville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative recently announced by United States Attorney Wigginton. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers for prosecution.
Former Metro East Public Official Convicted ... AgainRead the Press Release
A former police officer in Alorton and Fairmont City, who also served as a trustee of the Commonfields of Cahokia Public Water District, and as the Alorton Director of Public Safety, pleaded guilty in federal district court to wire fraud and tax evasion on September 25, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Harry A. Halter, Jr., also known as “Dink,” 53, of Cahokia, Illinois, waived his right to face a grand jury indictment and pled guilty to charges brought directly by the US Attorney’s Office.
Halter was convicted for financial crimes related to a towing business Halter owns. Documents filed in US District Court established that Halter owned and operated Town & Country Towing, located in Alorton, Illinois. In 2009, Halter received a grant of $24,990 in tax increment financing (TIF) towards the construction of a new fence to surround the perimeter of his tow yard. However, Halter’s wire fraud conviction came after he misapplied $19,057.62 of those funds to pay personal expenses – such as credit cards and expenses at Kinkaid Village Marina for personal recreational boating expenses.
Halter was convicted of tax evasion for using his business to pay personal expenses, conducting personal and business transactions through the extensive use of cash, paying employees in cash and not reporting their wages to the IRS, by not keeping accurate records of business transactions, and other acts of concealing his true income from the IRS for the purpose of limiting his tax liability. This criminal conduct allowed Halter to avoid paying at least $128,719 in federal income taxes that he otherwise would have been required to pay. Halter agreed to make full restitution to the IRS and the village of Alorton as a condition of his guilty plea.
Both the St. Clair County State’s Attorney and the United States Attorney have investigated and prosecuted Halter for separate crimes. Halter was convicted of official misconduct in state court on April 4, 2013, after compelling a female motorist to perform oral sex to avoid arrest in 2008. Evidence at that hearing showed that Halter made that traffic stop in the early morning hours outside of his jurisdiction after he had been drinking.
Wire fraud is punishable by not more than 20 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, or both, and not more than three years of supervised release following any term in prison. Tax evasion is punishable by not more than 5 years in prison, and/or a $100,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any prison term. However, the United States Sentencing Guidelines must be applied to the case and considered by the Court during sentencing. Halter is scheduled to be sentenced in US District Court on January 9, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Internal Revenue Service / Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Another Telemarketer Sent to Prison for Timeshare Resale FraudRead the Press Release
Hank Quimby, 35, of Rockford, IL, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for knowingly participating in a fraudulent telemarketing scam that victimized timeshare owners nationwide, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Quimby previously worked as a telemarketer for Universal Marketing Solutions and Creative Vacation Solutions – scam companies that operated out of Palm Beach County, Florida, from October 2007 to January 2010. All told, the companies defrauded 22,000 consumers to the tune of $30 million dollars. Victims were found in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, all 10 Canadian provinces and the Northwest Territory of Canada. There were at least 54 victims in the Southern District of Illinois, representing 28 of the district’s 38 counties.
In May, Quimby pled guilty to a one-count felony Information charging conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with the conduct of telemarketing. As part of his plea, Quimby admitted that he and other telemarketers lied to consumers over the phone, falsely representing that their company had actual buyers for the consumers’ timeshare properties. In exchange for this false hope, Quimby and others solicited advanced fees of up to several thousand dollars from each victim in purported closing costs – fees they promised would be refunded to the timeshare owner once the closing on the property occurred. Many timeshare owners were told that their closings would take place within 60 to 90 days. Quimby and his co-conspirators, however, simply pocketed the fees. No closings ever took place, and despite collecting fees from 22,000 victims, not a single timeshare unit was ever sold.
Approximately 30 other people have been charged in connection with this scam. The former chief executive of Creative Vacation Solutions, Jennifer Kirk, pled guilty on June 30, 2011. She was sentenced on January 9, 2012, to over 16 years in prison and five years’ supervised release. Over 20 others have also been sentenced, receiving prison terms that range from 8 months to 14 years.
The prosecutions follow an investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, working in concert with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Boynton Beach Florida Police Department. The case against Quimby was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan D. Stump and Bruce E. Reppert.
As part of his sentence, Quimby was ordered to pay a $300 fine and a $100 special assessment. He will also spend three years on supervised release after his prison term.
Alton Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Brian L. Edelen, 25, of Alton, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal district court, in East St. Louis, Illinois, on an unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon charge, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Edelen was sentenced to fifty-seven months in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $300 fine. Facts presented in court revealed that on April 26, 2012, law enforcement officers conducted a parole compliance check at Edelen’s residence in Alton, Illinois. During the check, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was discovered hidden in the bottom of a trash can in his bedroom. Edelen previously served a prison term of more than one year for felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Dartavious Thomas, 30, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court on September 23, 2013, to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $200, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The charges relate to an incident that occurred on February 5, 2013, in East St. Louis, Illinois, when law enforcement agents, performing a parole compliance check at Thomas’s home, found a firearm, which Thomas was forbidden from possessing as a previously-convicted felon. Thomas was previously convicted of Criminal Trespass to a Residence, in violation of Illinois law, in St. Clair County, Illinois, Case No. 12-CF-156, on or about July 18, 2012. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm and twelve rounds of ammunition contained therein.
The case was investigated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Clark.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense and Intent to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
On September 18, 2013, Corvin N. Howard, a 29-year old St. Louis, Missouri, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Howard is scheduled for sentencing on January 24, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years’ in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm offense and 20 years’ in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for intent to distribute a controlled substance, not more than 3 years’ of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Howard agreed to forfeit the firearm.
Facts presented in court revealed that on June 8, 2013, police officers in Brooklyn, Illinois, pulled Howard over for a road hazard object observed hanging from underneath his vehicle. While directing Howard to remove the item during the traffic stop, an officer noticed a gun in plain view wedged between the console and the driver’s seat. Howard was arrested and a search of the vehicle recovered a fully loaded 10mm caliber pistol, as well as two bags containing 5.6 grams of heroin. Prior to this incident, Howard had been convicted of a drug distribution felony that was punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than one year.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brooklyn Police Department. This case is assigned to Special Assistant United States Attorney Neal C. Hong for prosecution.
Ridgeway Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing 14 FirearmsRead the Press Release
Frederick J. Zirkelbach, 49, of Ridgeway, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to a term of 63 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of firearms, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Zirkelbach was charged with illegally possessing 14 firearms in an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury on April 2nd. Those firearms were found during the execution of a search warrant at Zirkelbach’s residence by the Illinois State Police on March 9th. Also found were marijuana, methamphetamine, and items for use in growing and manufacturing those illegal drugs. Zirkelbach, who had previously been convicted of two felony offenses which made it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition, pled guilty to the indictment on May 22nd.
In addition to the 63 month term of imprisonment, Zirkelbach was ordered to pay fines and special assessments totaling $400, placed on a 3 year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration, and ordered to forfeit the 14 firearms to the United States.
Zirkelbach has been held without bond since his arrest on the federal charges and was again remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await designation to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The case was investigated by the District 19 office of the Illinois State Police and the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force with the assistance of the Ridgeway Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Former City of Marion Water Department Manager SentencedRead the Press Release
Had Embezzled Funds from the City of Marion
Linda Heyde, 59, of Marion, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal court to twenty-four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $524,100.67 and a $300 special assessment, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. Heyde pled guilty to three counts of theft and embezzlement from a local government that receives federal funds.
“The public should be able to rely upon employees of government just as they rely upon officials. This sentence should serve a reminder that public employment is a public trust. The citizens of Southern Illinois deserve no less.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
Heyde was employed as the manager of the City of Marion Water Department from 1996 through May of 2012. After her theft of funds came to light, an audit was conducted that determined that there was over $500,000 in missing funds for a three year period of May 2009 through April 2012. Linda Heyde admitted as part of the plea to embezzling funds from the City of Marion's Water Department in each of those fiscal years but contested the total loss amount.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the City of Marion Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Foreign National Sentenced for Narcotics and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
Juan Gamino-Salinas, 25, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on September 20, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Gamino-Salinas was sentenced in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis.
On June 19, 2013, Gamino-Salinas pled guilty to five felony charges: 1) Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; 2) Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine; 3) Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation; 4) Possession of a Counterfeit Permanent Resident Card; and 5) Misuse of a Social Security Number.
On February 2, 2013, Illinois State Police stopped Gamino-Salinas’ car on Interstate 70 near Marine, IL, for speeding. Gamino-Salinas consented to the search of his vehicle. Inside Gamino-Salinas’ car, police found an ounce of cocaine and just under two ounces of methamphetamine. Police also found and seized drug ledgers; $2,250 in cash; and drug paraphernalia, including two scales and dozens of clear plastic baggies.
Subsequent to Gamino-Salinas’ arrest, Immigration and Customs and Enforcement agents determined that he had been previously deported to Mexico twice in 2009, and that he possessed false U.S. identification documents, bearing a fictitious name.
Gamino-Salinas has been detained since his arrest in February.
The investigation which resulted in Gamino-Salinas’ arrest and conviction was conducted by the Illinois State Police; the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Centreville Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 20, 2013, Valerie W. Johnson, 56, of Centreville, Illinois, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. Sentencing has been set for January 9, 2014, in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois. Johnson will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
During her plea hearing, Johnson admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to her receipt of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. Johnson admitted to falsely billing the program for $7,842.46 for services that were supposed to be performed by her son. During the days Johnson claimed her son provided services, her son was residing, working and attending school approximately 225 miles away in Springfield, Missouri.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Illinois State Police’s Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General or call 1-800-447-8477.
Troy Resident Indicted on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Tyler Andrew Bergland, 28, of Troy, Illinois, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for knowingly receiving and possessing child pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Count 1 of the indictment charges that from January to July of this year, Bergland used a desktop computer connected to the internet knowingly to download child pornography images and videos. Knowingly receiving child pornography carries a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence and is punishable by as much as 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release for life. Bergland also faces up to 10 years in prison on Count 2 of the indictment, which charges that on July 23, 2013, he knowingly possessed additional child pornography on a CD.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case is being investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Computer Crimes Division, and the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force. The prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Nathan D. Stump.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation, and that all criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Man Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Tax Fraud Conspiracy, Aggravated Identity Theft and Attempting to Obstruct A Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
Christopher Gilmer, 44, formerly of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court today for Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service By Submitting False Federal Tax Returns to Make False Claims for Tax Refunds, Aggravated Identity Theft in Using a Social Security Number of Another during and in Relation to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud in Submitting False Tax Returns, and attempted Obstruction of Grand Jury Investigation into the Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service by Submitting False Federal Tax Returns to Make False Claims for Tax Refunds, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. Gilmer was sentenced to a total of 104 months in prison, three years of supervised release to follow, an order of restitution in the amount of $56,101,556, and a special assessment fee of $300.
The prosecution is the result of information from an ongoing federal investigation of a conspiracy to obtain the payment of false and fraudulent federal income tax refunds utilizing stolen identities. The IRS utilizes databases to research possible tax refund fraud schemes. The IRS linked tax returns based on wage amounts, federal tax withholding amounts, bank accounts, employers, email addresses and other factors which revealed a tax refund scheme. The scheme involved the preparation of fraudulent federal tax returns for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, which were filed during the 2011, 2012, and 2013 tax filing seasons.
“This nationwide tax refund fraud scheme consists of thousands of falsified tax returns, which claimed millions in fraudulent tax refunds. The total amount of the fraudulent federal tax refunds sought exceeds $150 million dollars.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton. “These fraudsters are stealing from every lawful citizen in the United States. Stiff prison terms will help to end these thefts.”
Some of the refunds were stopped by the I.R.S. All of the tax returns were electronically filed. The first tax return filed in this tax refund fraud scheme was filed on or about March 23, 2011 and the last tax return filed was on or about March 16, 2013. The fraudulent refunds were credited to prepaid debit cards created using stolen identities. People in the United States, including Christopher Gilmer, received the prepaid debit cards and withdrew a portion of the funds utilizing Western Union to electronically wire the funds to other co-conspirators in Nigeria. Following the execution of a federal search warrant at a hotel room in Belleville, Illinois, where Christopher Gilmer was staying, Christopher Gilmer notified a co-conspirator in Nigeria and advised him of the federal investigation.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Belleville Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
To report criminal tax fraud, call I.R.S. Criminal Investigations at (618) 622-2160, or send the information to the Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.
Former Moro Township Official Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
Donald R. Flack, 77, of Moro, Illinois, who served as the Moro Township Supervisor, pled guilty to wire fraud and structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements today in federal court, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. Flack faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and up to 5 years in prison on the structuring charge. Both charges hold the possibility of a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release after prison term. Sentencing is set for January 3, 2014.
Evidence revealed in Court showed that Flack was an elected official and employed as Moro Township Supervisor since 2001. Moro Township is a governmental unit in Madison County, Illinois. As Moro Township Supervisor, Flack was required to accurately report the finances of the township to the township board, to the township citizenry, and also to the Illinois Comptroller’s Office.
In approximately 2006, Flack began unlawfully taking money in excess of his authorized salary from the Moro Township account believing that he could repay the money. Flack claims he borrowed the money to make a personal investment with a large return promised. Flack was planning to repay the township. Flack wrote checks to himself out of the township account disguised as “office expenses.” The amount of funds misappropriated is approximately $700,000.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Former Edwardsville Police Chief Sentenced for Theft and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
James S. Bedell, 57, the former Chief of Police of Edwardsville, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal court to eighteen months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, an order of restitution in the amount of $136,800, and a special assessment fee of $400.00, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. On April 17, 2103, Bedell pled guilty to four counts of Embezzlement and Theft from the City of Edwardsville.
“I am always saddened when a member of law enforcement is found to be engaged in illegal acts. I urge the public to remember that the vast majority of our men and women in blue are extremely honest, bright and capable, and that they put on their uniforms each day to serve the citizens, not knowing if they will come home at the end of their shift. It is for them and for all of us that I will not cease my efforts to expose and help punish police misconduct when it is found.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
James S. Bedell was employed as the Director of Police and was also referred to as the Chief of Police of the City of Edwardsville from approximately 2007 through October 5, 2012. As part of the plea, Bedell admitted that from July of 2009 through September of 2012, while Chief for the City of Edwardsville, he unlawfully removed cash and money orders from a lockbox in the police department that contained vehicle impound fees. The City of Edwardsville charges a $300 fee for vehicles towed as a result of certain enumerated violations. The $300 administrative fee must be paid by cash or money order and the paid administrative fee is revenue to the City which must be properly accounted for and therefore the funds received are not for the personal use of an employee of the City of Edwardsville. Bedell admitted as part of the plea that he converted some of the funds to his personal use, generally to support a gambling habit.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Illinois State Police, with the assistance of the City of Edwardsville. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Swansea Man Indicted for Stealing Funds from Railroad Retirement BoardRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Mark A. Lewis, 29, of Swansea, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis on charges that he stole unemployment benefits from the United States Railroad Retirement Board.
The indictment alleges that from January 2013 through May 2013, Fisher fraudulently obtained monies belonging to the Railroad Retirement Board, an agency of the United States, by concealing his employment status in order to receive unemployment benefits. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the Government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by agents of the Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is committing fraud against any U.S. Railroad Retirement Board program, you may report this to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board’s Office of Inspector General by calling 800.772.4258 or by e-mailing a complaint or information to: [email protected]
Former Air Force Official Pleads Guilty to Receiving GratuitiesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Dennis Charles Toenjes, Sr., 66, has been charged and pled guilty to receiving gratuities in connection with his former role as a contracting official with the United States Air Force. Earlier today, Toenjes pled guilty to the charge in the United States District Court.
Evidence revealed in Court showed that on or about February 3, 2009, Toenjes received and accepted gratuities from Stephen Keith Sweet, an owner of an asbestos abatement company which performed work on Scott Air Force Base. Sweet would not have given such gratuities to Toenjes but for his position as a contracting official with the United States Air Force. Gratuities included Sweet paying for Toenjes’ car repairs and for his home heating and cooling repairs. All payments made by Sweet to Toenjes totaled $9,382.01.
The charge carries maximum penalties of 2 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 1 year of supervised release. Sentencing has been set for January 24, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division and the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
Cahokia Woman Indicted for Stealing Funds from Department of Veterans AffairsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Mary Lee Owens, 53, of Cahokia, was indicted by the federal grand jury at the East St. Louis federal courthouse on charges that she stole pension benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
The indictment alleges that from November 2004 through April 2013, Owens fraudulently obtained monies which were in excess of $1,000.00, belonging to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency of the United States, by concealing her employment status in order to receive unemployment benefits. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the Government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Coonan.
South Holland Man Charged in Southern Illinois Crack Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A South Holland, IL, resident was indicted on September 4, 2013, and charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
The indictment alleges that Albert Wesley, a/k/a “Boog,” “Boogie,” 29, committed the conspiracy offense between 2012, and April 2013, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Wesley made his initial appearance in federal court on September 16, 2013, and was ordered held without bond pending his September 19, 2013, detention hearing. Co-defendant Eric Scott Russell, 47, previously appeared in federal court and was ordered held without bond pending a November 18, 2013, jury trial.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Wesley and Russell each face a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a $1,000,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
East St. Louis Trucking Company Owner ConvictedRead the Press Release
Jury Finds that He Made False Statements on Payroll Certifications
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that after four days of trial in East St. Louis, Illinois, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on each of ten felony counts charging the making of a false statement against William Patrick “Pat” Clark, 40, of Worden, IL. Clark is the owner, operator, and president of Clark Trucking and Excavation, LLC, which was located at 912 Market Street in East St. Louis, Illinois. Clark faces up to five years in prison on each of the ten false statement counts, a fine of up to $250,000 on each, and a total of 3 years of supervised release after imprisonment. Clark will be sentenced on January 24, 2014.
Evidence at trial showed that Clark unlawfully profited from a scheme where he submitted false paperwork claiming to have paid required prevailing wages to his employees on the federally-funded I-64 Highway project. Clark cheated his employees by paying only about $15 per hour, rather than the required $35.45 per hour (without approved fringe benefits) for truck drivers on the project. Nine of his drivers testified at trial. Clark also signed a sworn affidavit falsely claiming satisfaction of labor laws pertaining to the payment of wages to workers in connection with the I-64 project. Clark Trucking had collected about $1.6 million for its hauling work.
The charges in this case followed a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General-Office of LaborRacketeering and Fraud Investigation.
Trial in this matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Quinley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Zander.
Alton Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Jared R. Henry, 35, of Alton, IL, was sentenced in federal district court in East St. Louis, IL, on September 13, 2013, to 65 months in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and fined $500, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Facts presented in court revealed that on October 18, 2012, Alton Police officers went to a home in Alton, Illinois, after receiving an anonymous tip about drug activity at the residence. Before arriving at the home, officers were aware of an active warrant for Henry’s arrest. After knocking on the front door, the live-in girlfriend answered, allowing officers to come inside the home. Upon entering, officers observed Henry lying in a bed in a bedroom in direct view of the front door. He was presented the warrant, arrested and removed from the household. Afterwards, consent was given to the officers to search the premises. Five firearms were recovered during the search.
This investigation was conducted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alton Police Department. Daniel T. Kapsak, Assistant United States Attorney, prosecuted the case.
Fairfield Man Charged with Possessing Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Chance W. Young, 29, of Fairfield, Illinois, has been charged in United States District Court in Benton with possessing stolen firearms knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they were stolen, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on September 4th, alleged that Young possessed two stolen firearms from on or about June 30th to July 1st, in Wayne County. Those firearms had allegedly been taken from a rural Wayne County home during a residential burglary occurring that weekend.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Young faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Following his initial appearance today in United States District Court in Benton, Young was ordered held without bond and remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await further proceedings. Young’s next scheduled court appearance is November 5th at 9:30 a.m. for a final pre-trial conference at the Federal Courthouse in Benton.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that an East St. Louis, Illinois, man was sentenced on September 9, 2013, to a prison term in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Leon Johnson, 24, was sentenced in federal court in East St. Louis to 48 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $200, following his plea of guilty, on May 20, 2013, to an Indictment charging him with Possession of a firearm by a Convicted Felon. The charge relates to an incident that occurred on June 5, 2012, in East St. Louis, Illinois, when law enforcement agents conducted a search of a residence pursuant to an arrest warrant. When agents proceeded to the basement of the residence, they observed Johnson lying on the couch. As the agents approached Johnson, they stepped on a fully loaded semiautomatic firearm, underneath some clothing and within one foot of Johnson. Johnson was previously convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon on March 2, 2010 in St. Clair County, Illinois. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm.
The case resulted from the efforts of the WAVE (Working Against Violent Elements) Task Force, which focuses its efforts on combating violent crime in East St. Louis, Washington Park, and surrounding communities. The WAVE Task Force receives financial support through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a nationwide federal program which endeavors to address gun-related violence.
The case was investigated by members of the WAVE Task Force, the United States Marshals Service, the Illinois State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jungmin Lee.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jonathan Spearman, 37, of East St. Louis, IL, was sentenced on September 9, 2013, in federal court in East St. Louis on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Spearman was sentenced to 37 months in prison, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a fine of $200. Spearman had previously pled guilty on April 4, 2013, to an Indictment charging him with Possession of a firearm by a Convicted Felon. The charge relates to an incident that occurred on December 29, 2012, in East St. Louis, Illinois, when an East. St. Louis police officer found a firearm in Spearman’s vehicle. Spearman was previously convicted of unlawful possession with intent to distribute cannabis on June 27, 2012 and of unlawful possession of a controlled substance on July 17, 2002, both in St. Clair County, Illinois. The sentencing judge also ordered forfeiture of the firearm.
The case was investigated by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the East St. Louis Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jungmin Lee.
Alton Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on September 11, 2013, Roslyn James, 46, of Alton, IL, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging that she engaged in a scheme to commit health care fraud. At her sentencing James will face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing has been set for January 10, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. in United States District Court in East St. Louis, Illinois.
During her plea hearing, James admitted that she had submitted false and fraudulent bills in relation to the providing of personal assistant services in the Home Services Program, a Medicaid Waiver Program designed to allow individuals to stay in their homes instead entering a nursing home. James admitted that she falsely billed the program for over $50,000 for services that were supposed to have been provided to her son. In reality, the person who James claimed as having provided the services lived in the State of California.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Illinois State Police; and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and William E. Coonan.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with healthcare laws or public aid programs, you may report this activity to the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General or call 1-800-447-8477.
United States Attorney Wigginton Announces Press EventRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, in conjunction with the State’s Attorneys of Madison and St. Clair Counties, as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, announced today that there will be a press event held Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 1:00 pm, at the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, located at Nine Executive Drive, Fairview Heights, IL, 62208-1344, concerning the announcement of a joint effort and strategy to combat the rise in numbers of armed robberies in the metro-east area.
Members of the Media are advised to have press credentials and to arrive in sufficient time to allow for security screening prior to the event.
Two Jackson County Residents Sentenced on Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On September 10, 2013, Rachel L. Mills, 34, of Campbell Hill, IL, and Joseph R. Green, 48, of Elkville, IL, were sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Mills and Green had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy, which occurred between August 2009 and September 4, 2012, in Jackson County. Mills was sentenced to 70 months in prison and fined $200. Green was sentenced to 48 months in prison and fined $300. Both were also placed on 3 years of supervised release following their prison sentences. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Mills and Green were involved with each other and others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Mills supplied pseudoephedrine pills and other materials to Green and others for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. On September 4, 2012, Mills was arrested in Murphysboro after she attempted to steal lithium batteries for Green to use to manufacture methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff s Office and Murphysboro Police Department. The Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.