Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Herrin Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on July 23, 2013, Steven J. Perry, 38, of Herrin, Illinois, was sentenced for accessing child pornography images online. Perry had earlier pled guilty to accessing the child pornography on his computer. The District Court in Benton sentenced Perry to 24 months in prison, a $500 fine, and 10 years supervised release.
“As I have often said, people who access this filth are not simply perverts looking at dirty pictures. They are, in fact, people who aid and abet the ongoing abuse and exploitation of innocent children. Prison terms are well deserved by these people.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
The evidence at sentencing established that Perry had accessed child pornography videos of children under the age of 10. Some of the child pornography videos Perry accessed also included a minor being subjected to sadistic conduct by their abuser.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Secret Service Southern Illinois Cyber Crimes Task Force, and a number of state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas E. Leggans.
Hamilton County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Sonny D. Southall, 28, of McLeansboro, Illinois, was arraigned today in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on July 9th, alleged that Southall possessed a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol in White County on June 2, 2013. Prior to that date, Southall had been convicted of two felony offenses, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition.
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, Southall faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration. The firearm he illegally possessed is also subject to forfeiture to the United States.
Southall was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await a detention hearing at which time it will be determined whether bond will be set or if he will be ordered held without bond. That hearing was scheduled for Friday, July 26th at 10:00 a.m. in Benton.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the White County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the Illinois State Police, the Enfield Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Doctor Sentenced in Health Care Fraud Obstruction CaseRead the Press Release
Dr. Mahmoud Yassin, 61, of Robinson, IL, was sentenced in federal district court in Benton for Obstructing a Criminal Health Care Fraud Investigator, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Dr. Yassin was sentenced to serve 3 years of probation, a fine of $10,000, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution to BCBS of Illinois in the amount of $19,615.17. As a condition of probation, Dr. Yassin must also serve 30 days in prison.
The felony obstruction occurred on March 2, 2012, when a FBI agent, having served a subpoena for patient records on Dr. Yassin, was given a patient progress note that had been altered by the doctor to show an in-office examination previously claimed to an insurance carrier, but which had not taken place.
In a civil settlement with the United States Attorney’s Office regarding false claims to Medicare, Dr. Yassin paid double damages in the amount of $87,348.64. The restitution and civil false claims settlement were based on claims for in person office visits in which the patient either failed to show up for an appointment or only was spoken to by telephone.
The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Quinley.
Collinsville Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Collinsville man pled guilty on July 22, 2013, to Production of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Martin L. Evanick, a/k/a "Vlad," 31, Collinsville, IL, faces a term of imprisonment of not less than fifteen (15) years but not more than thirty (30) years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years to life. Sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2013, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Evanick has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arraignment on October 19, 2012.
The investigation began on April 21, 2012, when the victim’s mother contacted the Collinsville Police Department regarding a possible sexual assault on her 16 year old minor daughter by a 30 year old man, later identified as Defendant Martin L. Evanick. During interviews with authorities, the victim revealed that she had a sexual relationship with Evanick, and that Evanick had also taken nude pictures of her using his cellular telephone. During the investigation, Evanick’s cellular telephone was found to contain four photographs of the victim, taken when she was 17 years old, that constituted child pornography. In an interview with agents, Evanick admitted taking the sexually explicit photos of the victim.
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 Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources".
The case was investigated by the Collinsville, Illinois, Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Metro East Cyber Crimes and Analysis Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A St. Louis man who pled guilty on April 11, 2013, in federal court, to being a member of a large cocaine distribution organization, was sentenced on July 19, 2013, the United States for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Mario Orduna, 46, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Orduna was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and a $100 special assessment. The Court entered an Order directing that Orduna forfeit $18,500 (which represented drug proceeds) to the United States.
To date, twenty-nine other members of the organization, which was responsible for trafficking in more than 150 kilograms of cocaine, have been convicted and sentenced to prison for terms ranging from 21 months to 521 months.
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, Fairmont City Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, Fairview Heights Police Department, Caseyville 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 was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.
Two Area Women Sentenced for Filing False Federal Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Gemarian Douglas, 38, of Alorton, Illinois, and Anaya Bluiett, 26, of St. Louis, Missouri, were each sentenced for the offense of Filing False Federal Income Tax Returns, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Gemarian Douglas was sentenced to serve 2 months in prison, 1 year supervised release, pay a $5,000 fine and $4,911 in restitution. Anaya Bluiett was sentenced to serve 6 months home detention and pay a $1,000 fine as a condition of 5 years of probation and to pay restitution totaling $10,405.
Anaya Bluiett had false and fraudulent 2008, 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns prepared by Prime Time Tax Services. Gemarian Douglas had filed a false and fraudulent 2009 federal income tax return. Additionally she had filed a false 2001 and 2002 federal tax return. Delaun Leflore and Carey Herron owned and operated Prime Time Tax Services (PTTS) located in Shiloh, Illinois. During the 2008-2011 filing seasons, Leflore and Herron used electronic software to prepare and file tax returns and they typically applied for refund anticipation loans. Leflore and Herron conspired together and with their clients to prepare false tax returns and claim fraudulent tax refunds. To accomplish this scheme, Leflore and Herron created false and fraudulent Schedule C income and expenses. The purpose of creating the false income was to maximize the earned income credit and other credits which generated large tax refunds. While meeting with their clients, Leflore and Herron discussed how to receive more money back by creating self-employment income. The clients agreed to participate in the scheme in order to receive a larger tax refund. Typically, the clients were referred to Leflore and Herron and visited the tax preparation business knowing they would file fraudulent tax returns. As part of the scheme, the clients were required to pay an extra cash fee to Leflore or Herron from the tax refund received. This amount was generally $500 in cash. This amount was in addition to the tax preparation fee which was automatically deducted from the tax refund by the bank processing the refund anticipation loan (RAL). Following the receipt of the RAL check, Leflore, Herron, or another representative of PTTS escorted the clients to a local check-cashing business named Belleville Quick Stop located in Belleville, Illinois. After the client cashed the RAL check, the client immediately gave the $500 in cash to Leflore, Herron, or another representative of Prime Time. Leflore and Herrron have already been prosecuted and are serving their prison sentences.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations, and 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.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Andrew C. Henley, a 25-year old, Illinois, man was sentenced on July 15, 2013, in federal district court in East St. Louis, Illinois, on one count of failure to register as a sex offender, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Henley was sentenced to 34 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
The violation occurred between 2011 and 2012, when after registering as a Sex Offender in the State of Illinois on July 11, 2011, Henley traveled to the State of Michigan. Henley knew that he was required to either update his sex offender registration in Illinois to reflect this change of address, or register as a sex offender in Michigan. Henley failed to comply with either requirement, thus violating the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Henley was apprehended on August 23, 2011, in Kalamazoo, Michigan for a domestic assault, following an altercation with his girlfriend. Officers learned that Henley had not registered as a sex offender in Illinois, nor had he updated his sex offender registration in Missouri.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Belleville Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Joseph Millard, 50, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced in the United States District Court to 121 months in prison for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Millard was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims of his offenses and a fine in the amount of $10,000. Following his prison sentence, Millard will be on federal supervised release for 10 years and will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Court documents establish that in January 2012, during an undercover Internet investigation, agents from the Illinois Attorney General High Tech Crimes Bureau determined that Millard was offering for download child pornography files using a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant for Millard’s residence, during which Millard was interviewed and admitted that he had been downloading child pornography from the Internet for approximately 10 years. During a forensic examination of Millard’s computers, agents recovered numerous video and image files containing child pornography that Millard had downloaded from the Internet.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The investigation was conducted by the Illinois Attorney General High Tech Crimes Bureau. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers.
Valmeyer Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Valmeyer man was sentenced in federal district court on July 15, 2013, for Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 1) and Possession of Child Pornography (Count 2), the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Alan L. Mitchell, 52, of Valmeyer, Illinois, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five year term of supervised release. Mitchell was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to one of the victims depicted in his collection of child pornography, and the forfeiture of the computers used to commit the charged offenses was ordered.
Mitchell pled guilty to the charges on March 28, 2013.
As is indicated in a graphic factual stipulation filed at the time of defendant’s guilty plea, on September 6, 2012, an undercover agent assigned to the United States Secret Service Southern Illinois Cybercrime Unit searched a peer-to-peer file sharing network and was able to download child pornography movies from Mitchell’s computer. Officers next obtained a federal search warrant for Mitchell’s Valmeyer home and executed it on October 23, 2012. Mitchell, who resided in the basement of the home, made a voluntary statement to investigating agents. He indicated that he had been knowingly and intentionally downloading child pornography for the last year or two from a peer to peer network, and that he realized he was also sharing child pornography with other users.
Forensic review of a Seagate 320 GB hard disk drive revealed approximately 162 video files and 18 still images which contained child pornography. Forensic review of a Western Digital 160 Gigabyte laptop revealed approximately 205 video files and 50 still images which contained child pornography. Forensic review of a Fujitsu laptop revealed approximately four images of child pornography. A Toshiba 60 GB hard drive revealed two video files and three still images of child pornography. Mitchell’s collection included files which depicted penetration of minors who appeared to be under the age of five. There were also images that depicted bondage.
“The movies possessed by Mitchell are, in essence, crime scene photos depicting the rape and sexual assault of child victims,” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “I commend the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement officers who must regularly subject themselves to this depraved material as they search computers with immense storage capacity for evidence.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service Southern Illinois Cybercrime Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.
Licensed Gun Dealer in Jersey County Sentenced for Knowingly Selling Guns to A Drug UserRead the Press Release
Jerseyville resident John L. (“Jay”) Jones, II, 33, was sentenced in federal district for selling firearms to someone he knew to be a regular user of cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced. Jones was ordered to serve a combined sentence of 6 months home confinement followed by 12 months of incarceration and 2 years supervised following incarceration. Jones was also fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee.
In March 2013, Jones pled guilty to a one-count Information charging that in May of 2010, Jones sold five firearms to another person, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the purchaser was an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Jones was formerly the operator of Discount House, Inc. – a federal firearms licensee (FFL) in Jersey County, Illinois – and was working in that capacity when he illegally sold the firearms.
This case was investigated by agents of the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, working in concert with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, officers of the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan D. Stump prosecuted the case.
Two Southern Illinois Residents Sentenced on Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On July 11, 2013, Jeremy R. Rettig, a/k/a “Jeremo,” 32, of Cutler, IL, and Kathy L. Griffin, 36, of Murphysboro, IL, were sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Rettig and Griffin had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine offense, which occurred between January 2011, and January 2013, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Rettig was sentenced to 87 months in prison and 3 years supervised release. Griffin was sentenced to 108 months in prison and 4 years supervised release. Each was fined $300. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Rettig and Griffin were involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Griffin obtained over 100 grams of pseudoephedrine, which she supplied to Rettig and others for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. In addition to obtaining pseudoephedrine, Rettig also participated in methamphetamine cooks with numerous individuals. Nine other co-defendants have pled guilty to their role in the methamphetamine conspiracy 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 United States Marshals Service has also assisted during the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Three Southern Illinois Residents Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three southern Illinois residents were indicted on July 9, 2013, in an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Michael J. Lasky, 55, and Daniel M. Caraker, 51, both of DuQuoin, and Lori A. Helmer, 49, Elkville, are charged in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and June 2013, in Perry, Jackson and Randolph Counties. The three co-defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances in United States District Court in Benton on July 19, 2013.
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, Lasky, Caraker, and Helmer 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, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Murphysboro Police Department, DuQuoin Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Perry County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Perry County Man Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A DuQuoin, IL, resident was indicted on July 9, 2013, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
On July 11, 2013, Ty W. Dusch, 49, was arraigned in United States District Court in Benton on the charge. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2011 and June 2013 in Jackson and Perry Counties. Dusch is currently being held without bond pending a July 16, 2013, detention hearing.
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, Dusch faces 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, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Jackson County Man Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Murphysboro, IL, resident was indicted on July 9, 2013, in an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Larry J. Dowdy, Jr., 35, is charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between 2012 and March 2013 in Jackson County. Dowdy is scheduled to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in Benton on July 19, 2013.
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, Dowdy faces 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, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Carbondale Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Jackson County Man Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Murphysboro, IL, resident was indicted on July 9, 2013, in an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
On July 11, 2013, Michael R. Jines, a/k/a “Mikey” and “Pill Mike,” 32, was arraigned in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between January 2013 and June 2013 in Jackson County. Jines is currently being held without bond pending a July 16, 2013, detention hearing.
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, Jines faces 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, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Filing A False Federal Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Demetrius L. Combs, 22, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to five years of probation, six months home detention and ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $2662 for the offense of Filing a False Federal Income Tax Return, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Combs had a false and fraudulent 2010 federal income tax return prepared by Prime Time Tax Services. Delaun Leflore and Carey Herron owned and operated Prime Time Tax Services (PTTS) located in Shiloh, Illinois. During the 2008-2011 filing seasons, Leflore and Herron used electronic software to prepare and file tax returns and they typically applied for refund anticipation loans. Leflore and Herron conspired together and with their clients to prepare false tax returns and claim fraudulent tax refunds. To accomplish this scheme, Leflore and Herron created false and fraudulent Schedule C income and expenses. The purpose of creating the false income was to maximize the earned income credit and other credits which generated large tax refunds. While meeting with their clients, Leflore and Herron discussed how to receive more money back by creating self-employment income. The clients agreed to participate in the scheme in order to receive a larger tax refund. Typically, the clients were referred to Leflore and Herron and visited the tax preparation business knowing they would file fraudulent tax returns. As part of the scheme, the clients were required to pay an extra cash fee to Leflore or Herron from the tax refund received. This amount was generally $500 in cash. This amount was in addition to the tax preparation fee which was automatically deducted from the tax refund by the bank processing the refund anticipation loan (RAL). Following the receipt of the RAL check, Leflore, Herron, or another representative of PTTS escorted the clients to a local check-cashing business named Belleville Quick Stop located in Belleville, Illinois. After the client cashed the RAL check, the client immediately gave the $500 in cash to Leflore, Herron, or another representative of Prime Time. Leflore and Herron have already been prosecuted and are serving their prison sentences.
The successful prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.
Richland County Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Mark W. Keller, 51, of Olney, IL, was sentenced on July 10, 2013, to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Keller was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 4 years supervised release, and was fined $20,000. Keller had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2011, until on or about February 8, 2012, in Richland County, Keller conspired to knowingly and intentionally manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that on February 8, 2012, in Richland County, Keller possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Program Fraud Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, and Gerald Roy, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations for Region 7 (Kansas City office), announced today a second wave of indictments arising out of the abuse of a Medicaid program in Illinois that pays personal assistants to assist Medicaid recipients with general household activities and personal care. The program is intended for recipients under 60 years of age and is ostensibly designed to reduce Medicaid expenditures by avoiding more expensive institutional care, including nursing home care.
In this second wave, fifteen individuals, who reside throughout southern Illinois, have been charged in twelve separate indictments by a Federal Grand Jury in Benton, Illinois with the offense of Health Care Program Fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
Due to numerous complaints concerning the Home Services Program, law enforcement agencies in southern Illinois initiated a project to investigate and hold accountable individuals perpetrating fraud against the Home Services Program. These indictments allege that the charged individuals exploited the Home Services Program and received Medicaid funds to which they were not entitled. Several investigations uncovered services being billed, but not performed, due to the personal assistant being in jail or out of town. Other investigations revealed the beneficiary residing in a hospital, a nursing home, or out of town at the time the services were supposedly rendered at the beneficiary’s home. It was also learned that some personal assistants and beneficiaries were receiving the Medicaid payments for services not rendered and simply splitting the paychecks. One of the worst examples of fraud on the program, as alleged in the charging documents, was a beneficiary who got out of jail for a one day furlough to meet with his case worker at home so he could continue receiving the Home Services Program benefits. Allegedly, that beneficiary got approved for the services and then returned to jail. It is further alleged that Medicaid paid for personal assistant services not knowing the beneficiary was in jail for several months.
The persons charged in this wave, their ages, and their last known city of residence are:
Sherri R. Goree, age 36, East St. Louis, Illinois
Lisa C. Luckett, age 49, Cahokia, Illinois
Henry J. Billups, III, age 48, Cahokia, Illinois
Karashia A. Tabbs, age 45, Cahokia, Illinois
Valeria W. Johnson, age 56, Centerville, Illinois
Roslyn R. James, age 47, Alton, Illinois
Irma Jones, age 67, Centerville, Illinois
Rosalyn Ross, age 46, Swansea, Illinois
Betty Jean Mays, age 43, Centralia, Illinois
Michael E. Mays, age 53, Centralia, Illinois
Brian D. Adams, age 31, Mount Vernon, Illinois
Tisa V. Vaughn, age 49, Florissant, Missouri
Donald Ray Keip, age 39, Mount Vernon, Illinois
William Dale Sidener, age 30, Ramsey, Illinois
Darron A. Suggs, age 39, East St. Louis, IllinoisAn 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.
This round of indictments brings to twenty-nine (29) the number of defendants who have been indicted for abusing the program. Defendants include both Medicaid beneficiaries (eleven) and personal assistants (eighteen). The first wave of indictments began on May 24, 2012. Most of the indicted cases involved alleged collusion between the beneficiaries and the purported personal assistants.
While the stated purpose of the program is to keep Medicaid recipients in their home and out of more costly institutional settings, prosecutions to date have shown an essential failure to achieve these stated objectives. Cases we have prosecuted include the following:
• Personal assistant boyfriend claimed to be providing personal care to his girlfriend, a Medicaid recipient, while she was in jail. The case came to light when the girlfriend got mad and turned her boyfriend in when her boyfriend would not use the fraud proceeds to bail her out of jail.
• Medicaid recipient who agreed to split the proceeds with a friend for being a no show was later jailed on other charges and continued to receive and split the fraud proceeds with her no show friend. The recipient was caught when she was turned in because she stopped certifying payment for the no show because she selected another friend to receive the no show money.
• Stepmother claimed jailed stepson as her personal assistant for over seven months while he was in jail.
• Medicaid recipient who was jailed for six months was able to get a furlough so that he could meet with his caseworker at his home to continue his purported eligibility. The recipient's friend was his alleged personal assistant and received payments from the State of Illinois for home care while her friend was in jail.
• Personal assistant was claimed to be providing in home personal care services to Illinois Medicaid recipient despite the fact that she was a full time resident of Texas.
• Personal assistant in Illinois claimed to be continuing to render home care services despite the fact that the Medicaid recipient had moved to the State of Texas.
• Medicaid recipient signed up for the program as a means of generating money to pay for an apartment for her daughter once the daughter got out of prison. Her daughter provided no services. Recipient did not need the services as she had been living with her boyfriend and taking care of him for years.
• Blind recipient whose son was paid for providing health care services had to care for herself. When she told her son that the money he was receiving from the State was intended to pay him for care he provided to his mother, his response was that the State wasn't paying him enough to provide her that care.
• Personal assistant continued to receive payments from the State for home health care despite the fact that the recipient was in a hospital and then in a nursing home.“We have seen dozens of instances in which the State of Illinois paid for ghost employees and fictitious services. Except for one case, payments from the State of Illinois did not keep anyone out of an institutional setting.” said Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
“In one case in which payments by the State of Illinois kept a Medicaid recipient out of a nursing home, the consequences for the Medicaid recipient were catastrophic. A family friend who herself was on disability became the personal assistant for the Medicaid recipient. This friend even invited the Medicaid recipient into her own home. However, she misappropriated her daughter's name and used a neighbor's name for purposes of obtaining and receiving personal assistant payments from the State of Illinois to care for this Medicaid recipient because she did not want to lose her own benefits. This personal assistant ignored serious and ongoing medical issues suffered by the recipient which should have led to hospitalization, but instead the personal assistant kept the recipient in the home and continued to receive personal assistant payments from the State. That recipient died in the personal assistant’s home as a result of malnutrition and sepsis due to neglect of medical, nutritional and hygienic care.” noted United States Attorney Wigginton.
Nationwide, one of the biggest fraud problems in the Medicaid program has been these personal assistant programs which represent the number one fraud complaint to state Medicaid fraud units. Especially vulnerable to fraud are programs, such as the one implemented in Illinois, that allows the Medicaid recipient to control the selection and payment of personal care attendants. In most cases, the personal care assistant is a relative or family friend, who often is a ghost employee. In a typical fraud scenario, the scam payments made by the State of Illinois are split between the Medicaid recipient and the ghost employee.
According to an Office of Inspector General report released in December, 2012, Medicaid costs for personal care services in 2011 totaled $12.7 billion, a thirty five percent increase since 2005. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the employment of personal assistants and home health care workers will grow by 46 percent by 2018. U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General: Personal Care Services, Trends, Vulnerabilities, and Recommendations for Improvement, OIG-12-12-01 (November 2012). Home personal care is one of the fastest growing job categories in the country. However, the OIG’s report points to numerous problems in Medicaid personal care services that leave it vulnerable to improper payments, abuse, and fraud, including lack of training standards, uneven oversight of services provided, and failure to implement prepayment controls to prevent improper or fraudulent payments.
A number of these problems can be seen in Illinois’ Home Services program. Unlike the majority of states, Illinois has no mandatory training requirements for its personal assistants. The State of Illinois sets wages and pays the personal assistants directly, yet does not require them to receive any instruction or education concerning their obligations as caregivers or as paid providers of Medicaid services. Also unlike most other states, Illinois also has no formal mechanism to supervise the work of the personal assistants it pays and ensure that the services it pays for are actually being rendered. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General: States' Requirements for Medicaid-Funded Personal Care Service Attendants, OEI-07-05-000250 (December 2006).
Like only a handful of States, the State of Illinois has a collective bargaining agreement with the personal assistants selected by its Medicaid recipients. The Service Employees International Union is the exclusive representative of the personal assistants. Illinois withholds union dues from the payments it makes to the personal assistants.
Under recent collective bargaining agreements with the Service Employees International Union, the Union has been paid $2 million annually by the State to conduct a voluntary training program for Personal Assistants. While the Union developed and offers training, the investigation has shown that it is attended by almost no one in the Southern District of Illinois and has been of no practical benefit in deterring fraud or insuring that services are performed properly.
While the stated purpose of the program is to keep Medicaid recipients in their home and out of more costly institutional settings, prosecutions to date have shown an essential failure to achieve these stated objectives. Rather than assisting beneficiaries in legitimate need of care, the Medicaid agency in numerous instances is allowing the Home Services program to be exploited by unscrupulous individuals who believe that personal care services are an easy target for fraud.
Prison Camp Inmate Pleads Guilty to Escaping While on Transfer Between FacilitiesRead the Press Release
David J. Pederson, 55, an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp at Marion, Illinois, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging him with escaping from custody while on an unescorted transfer between that facility and one in Council Bluffs, Iowa, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on May 9th, alleged that the escape offense occurred on March 26, 2013.
After escaping, Pederson obtained a realistic looking air pistol and car-jacked two separate vehicles in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He took a total of four individuals hostage during the car-jackings, including two women and two children. He was arrested with three of the hostages in Nashville, Illinois. On May 7, 2013, Pederson pled guilty in Jefferson County Circuit Court to charges relating to the car-jackings and was sentenced to a 20 year term of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Sentencing on the escape offense was set for November 1, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Pederson faces an additional 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Pederson was returned to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections to await his federal sentencing.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and the Mt. Vernon Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
O’Fallon Man Indicted on Drug, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Matthew G. Patterson, 23, of O’Fallon, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis on June 18, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The Grand Jury charged Patterson with Unlawful Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Count 1) and Possession of a Firearm In Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense (Count 2). The indictment, which was originally suppressed, but has since been unsealed, also seeks the forfeiture of two firearms along with “all property constituting, or derived from any proceeds” obtained as a result of the offense charged in Count 1. Upon conviction, Count 1 carries a possible penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, at least two (2) years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment; Count 2 carries a possible penalty of a minimum of five (5) years imprisonment, consecutive to any sentence imposed on Count 1, a $250,000 fine, not more than five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Trial is this matter is currently scheduled for September 16, in United States District Court in East St. Louis.
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 for this indictment was gathered during an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI).
This case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.
Inmate Charged with Escaping from Marion Prison Camp 13 Years AgoRead the Press Release
Donald E. Bruce, 74, of Elberfeld, Indiana, was arraigned 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 the United States Marshal’s Service after its fugitive investigation led them to him.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
At the time of his escape, Bruce was serving a 135 month sentence for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and had approximately 9 years of that sentence left to serve. If convicted of the escape offense, Bruce faces an additional 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration.
Bruce was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await further proceedings.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Crack Cocaine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Remus Octavris Henning, 35, of Harrisburg, Illinois, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Benton to a total term of 211 months in prison for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it and carrying a loaded .45 caliber firearm during and in relation to that crime, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The offenses occurred on July 20, 2012, in Harrisburg. On that date, while being taken into custody on an outstanding warrant by the Harrisburg Police Department, officers found approximately 16 grams of crack cocaine in numerous individually wrapped packages in his pocket and a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol in his waistband.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Henning was ordered to pay the United States fines and special assessments totaling $400, was placed on a 5 year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration, and the firearm and ammunition he possessed was forfeited to the United States. Henning was returned to the custody of the United States Marshal to await designation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to one of its facilities.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Bluford Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Craig L. Fenton, 47, of Bluford, Illinois, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on May 9th, alleged that Fenton was found to be in possession of a loaded Colt .38 special caliber revolver on April 2, 2013. The firearm was located by a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff during the course of a traffic stop. Prior to that date Fenton had been convicted of two felony offenses which made it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing was set for November 1, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Fenton faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow his incarceration. The firearms and ammunition he illegally possessed will also be forfeited to the United States.
Fenton 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 sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
United States Attorney Wigginton Announces Press EventRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that there will be a press event held tomorrow, Thursday, July 11, 2013, at 3:00 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 Health Care Fraud Investigation and resultant Charges.
Media are advised to have press credentials and to arrive in sufficient time to allow for security screening prior to the event.
Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Maria Elena Rico-Lopez, 32, a citizen of Mexico who most recently resided in St. Louis, Missouri, entered a plea of guilty on July 10, 2013, to 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 is currently scheduled to be sentenced on November 1, 2013, at which time she faces a potential sentence of 5-40 years in prison, followed by a term of supervised release of not less than four years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a $100 special assessment. Rico-Lopez also admitted the Forfeiture Allegation in the Indictment and agreed to forfeit $34,720.00 to the United States. Rico-Lopez admitted that she is a citizen of Mexico who is in the United States illegally. She agreed to the entry of a Judicial Order of Removal, which will require her to be deported following the service of her 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, five others have entered pleas of guilty and have either been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing; two others have been arrested and are awaiting trial; two are fugitives. 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.
Edwardsville Resident Indicted on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
Christopher P. Hill, 54, of Edwardsville, IL, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for knowingly receiving child pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The one-count indictment charges that from November 2011 to January 2013, Hill used a computer and a peer-to-peer file sharing software application knowingly to download thousands of child pornography images and videos. The crime 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.
Hill made his initial appearance on the charge on Tuesday, July 9. He was arraigned and pled not guilty. Despite the United States seeking that Hill be held without bond pending trial, Hill was ordered released on a $20,000 unsecured bond with conditions that include electronic monitoring, no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18, and no access to the internet. Trial is currently scheduled for September 9, 2013.
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.”
This case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Greenville Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI Cybercrime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan D. Stump is prosecuting the case.
Alton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
On July 10, 2013, Robert L. Jones, a 29-year old Alton, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Jones is scheduled for sentencing on October 11, 2013, at which at which time he faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, not more than 3 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Jones agreed to forfeiture of the firearm.
Facts presented in court revealed that on September 14, 2012, a law enforcement officer in Alton, Illinois, observed individuals sitting in a parked vehicle at an apartment building close to midnight. The officer approached the vehicle, knocking on the driver’s door. As the driver opened his door, the officer spotted a clear plastic baggie containing 5.4 grams crack cocaine on the driver’s lap. A semi-automatic handgun was recovered from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The driver admitted to the firearm belonging to him. Prior to this incident, Jones had been convicted of a crime 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 Alton Police Department. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.
St. Louis Man Indicted on Cocaine OffenseRead the Press Release
Michael J.W. Bryant, 41, of St. Louis, Missouri, was indicted on June 18, 2013, by a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The Grand Jury charged Bryant with Unlawful Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The indictment was originally suppressed, but has since been unsealed. Upon conviction, the charged offense carries a possible penalty of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Bryant was arraigned on July 9, 2013, at which time he was remanded to custody pending a Detention Hearing, which has been scheduled for July12, 2013. Bryant is currently scheduled for jury trial beginning September 9, 2013, in United States District court in East St. Louis.
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 for this indictment was gathered during an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Illinois State Police. This case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.
Granite City Woman Charged in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Shelly A. Stodnick, 41, of Granite City, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis, on June 18, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. The Grand Jury charged Stodnick with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of certain real property and “all property constituting or derived from any proceeds…obtained directly or indirectly” from the offense. The indictment was originally suppressed, but has since been unsealed. Upon conviction, the charged offense carries a possible penalty of ten (10) years to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Stodnick made her first appearance and was arraigned on July 8, 2013. Trial is currently scheduled for September 9, 2013, in United States District Court in East St. Louis.
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, the 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.
Saline County Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Related OffenseRead the Press Release
Ashley Renee Uze, 27, of Harrisburg, Illinois, pled guilty today in United States District Court in Benton to an indictment charging her with possessing pseudoephedrine with the intent that it be used to manufacture methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced. The indictment, returned by a Federal Grand Jury on March 5th, alleged that the offense occurred on November 5, 2012.
Sentencing was set for October 24, 2013, at 11:00 a.m at the United States District Courthouse in Benton. At that time, Uze faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release to follow her incarceration.
Uze was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Carmi office of the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.
Florida Telemarketer Pleads Guilty for His Role in Timeshare ScamRead the Press Release
On July 1, 2013, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Robert Thomas, 36, of Lake Worth, Florida, pled guilty to a one-count information. Sentencing has been set for October 28, 2013. The charge arose out of a telemarketing scam which operated in Palm Beach County, Florida, that bilked over 22,000 victims of $30 million dollars. Consumers were victimized in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, all ten Canadian provinces and the Northwest Territory of Canada. There were at least 54 victims in twenty seven (27) of the thirty eight (38) counties comprising the Southern District of Illinois.
Mr. Thomas was a telemarketer who worked for Creative Vacation Solutions and Universal Marketing Solutions and conducted a telemarketing timeshare resale scheme targeting timeshare owners throughout the United States and Canada. Creative Vacation Solutions and Universal Marketing Solutions falsely represented that they had found buyers for the consumers’ timeshare interests and solicited fees of up to several thousand dollars from each consumer in purported pre-paid closing costs and related expenses. In fact, the purported sales did not occur, closings were not scheduled as was often represented, and Creative Vacation Solutions and Universal Marketing Solutions did not successfully sell any consumer’s timeshare interest. The companies devoted essentially no resources to marketing their clients’ timeshare interests and simply pocketed the fees.
Multiple others have been charged in connection with this scam. On June 30, 2011, Jennifer Kirk pled guilty to a criminal information. She was sentenced on January 9, 2012 to over 16 years in prison and five years’ supervised release. On August 17, 2011, a federal grand jury in East St. Louis charged Steve Folan, Ryan Brazel, and Brian Morris in a multi-count indictment for their involvement in the alleged scheme. Folan, Brazel, and Morris pled guilty. Brazel was sentenced on June 29, 2012 to 121 months in prison and three years’ supervised release. Folan was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years’ supervised release. Morris was sentenced to 168 months and five years’ supervised release. Joel Intravaia pled guilty to conspiracy in an information filed on August 19, 2011. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on December 9, 2011. Ralph Johnson entered a guilty plea to conspiracy charges filed in a criminal information on September 8, 2011. He was sentenced on December 16, 2011 to 46 months in prison and two years’ supervised release. On September 21, 2011, Kenneth Foote and Joseph Grizzanti were indicted by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis. On October 7, 2011, each filed a consent to transfer their case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in order to plead guilty to the charges there. On May 11, 2012 in the Southern District of Florida, Foote was sentenced to 60 months in prison and Grizzanti to 72 months, respectively. Jeffrey Tracey Fields was charged with conspiracy in a criminal information on October 25, 2011. He filed a consent to transfer his case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in order to plead guilty to the charges there. Fields was sentenced to 101 months in prison. John Thomas Egan pled guilty to conspiracy charges filed in a criminal information on January 6, 2012. Egan was sentenced to 90 months in prison. On January 20, 2012 David Johnson and Erin Todd were indicted by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis. Johnson pled guilty and received 36 months in prison. Todd’s case was tried before a jury in September 2012. Todd was found guilty and sentenced to 42 months in prison. In March 2012, John Robert Eddy, Cloyd James Holmes, Jr., Gino Christopher Marquez, and Donald Myers were indicted by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. Eddy pled guilty and received 60 months in prison; Holmes pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing; Marquez pled guilty and received 70 months in prison; and Myers pled guilty and received 30 months in prison. In April 2012, Daniel L. Gregg, Joshua G. Schneidau, and Lacey Marie Stone were indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. Gregg pled guilty and received 27 months in prison; Schneidau pled guilty and received 60 months in prison; and Stone pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. In May 2012, Anthony Colon, Troy Dye, Chris Gilkey, Marc Martinangelo, and Robert Santiago were indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. Colon pled guilty and received 70 months in prison; Dye pled guilty and received 41 months in prison; Gilkey pled guilty and received 27 months in prison; Martinangelo pled guilty and received 1 year plus 1 day in prison; and Santiago pled guilty and received 20 months in prison. In July 2012, Daniel James Ferrara and Robert Schmucker were indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. Both Ferrara and Schmucker pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. On May 31, 2013, Hank Quimby pled guilty to a criminal information. He is awaiting sentencing. On June 13, 2013, Harrison Pomerantz pled guilty to a criminal information. He, too, is waiting to be sentenced.
The criminal charges follow an investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Boynton Beach Florida Police Department. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce E. Reppert, Katherine L. Lewis, and Nathan D. Stump, and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton.
Fairmont City Man Sentenced for Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Fairmont City man who pled guilty on March 29, 2013, in federal court to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine for being a member of a large cocaine distribution organization, was sentenced to prison on July 3, 2013, the United States for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Antonio O. Escobar, 27, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Escobar was also ordered to pay a fine of $500 and a special assessment of $200.
To date, twenty-eight other members of the organization have been convicted and sentenced. One individual who was indicted at the same time as Escobar has entered a plea of guilty and is awaiting sentencing, which is currently scheduled for July 19, 2013.
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, Fairmont City Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, Fairview Heights Police Department, Caseyville 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 Randy G. Massey.
Richland County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Lafe A. Willis, 28, of Olney, IL, was indicted on June 18, 2013, on methamphetamine related charges in an Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Willis was charged in a two count indictment. Count 1 charges that from on or about January 2011, to on or about December 2012, in Richland County, Illinois, Willis conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to knowingly and intentionally possess pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that from on or about July 24, 2009, to on or about May 14, 2013, in Richland County, Willis did knowingly and intentionally possess pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
With respect to each count, Willis faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years supervised release to follow incarceration.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Shawneetown Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Ammunition OffensesRead the Press Release
On June 26, 2013, Michael A. Lovell, 37, of Shawneetown, IL, plead guilty in United States District Court in Benton to a three-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine-making materials, and being a felon in possession of ammunition, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced.
The methamphetamine offenses occurred between August 2010 and August 7, 2012, in Saline and Johnson Counties. The ammunition offense occurred on May 16, 2011, in Saline County. Lovell is currently being held without bond pending an October 17, 2013, sentencing hearing. At that time, he faces a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Vienna Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Richland County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Ivan D. Smith, 42, of Olney, IL, was indicted on June 18, 2013, on methamphetamine related charges in an Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis, Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Smith was charged in a two count indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about March 2011, until on or about June 11, 2013, in Richland County, Smith did knowingly combine, conspire, and agree with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to knowingly and intentionally manufacture a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charged that on June 11, 2013, in Richland County, Smith did knowingly and intentionally possess equipment, chemicals, products, or materials which may be used to manufacture methamphetamine, knowing, intending, and having reasonable cause to believe, that those items would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, if convicted, Smith faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years supervised release to follow incarceration.
With respect to Count 2, if convicted, Smith faces up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years supervised release to follow his incarceration.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
Richland County Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Marty Cody Stacy, 46, of Calhoun, IL, was convicted in federal district court of methamphetamine related offenses following a two day jury trial, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Stacy was convicted of all five counts brought against him. Count 1 charged that from August 2010, to on or about May 30, 2012, in Richland County, Stacy conspired with others to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Counts 2-5 charged that Stacy possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine on the dates of May 30, 2012 (Count 2), February 8, 2012 (Count 3), October 25, 2011 (Count 4), and October 11, 2011 (Count 5).
With respect to Count 1, Stacy faces a penalty of 10 years, up to life in prison, up to an $8,000,000 fine, and no less than 8 years supervised release to follow his incarceration. With respect to each of Counts 2-5, Stacy faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years supervised release to follow his incarceration.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys George Norwood.
Four Richland County Men Recently Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Four Richland County, IL, men were recently sentenced to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Zachary H. French, 24, of Claremont, IL, was sentenced on June 24, 2013. Zachary French was sentenced to 108 months in prison, 4 years supervised release, and was fined $200. Zachary French had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, Zachary French and others conspired to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Count 3 charged that July 6, 2009, to on or about July 8, 2012, in Richland County, Zachary French possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Bryan Alan Hanson, 49, of Parkersburg, IL, was sentenced on June 6, 2013. Hanson was sentenced to 180 months in prison, 3 years supervised release, and was fined $200. Hanson previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that on January 26, 2012, in Richland County, Hanson knowingly and intentionally manufactured methamphetamine. Count 3 charged that from April 2010, to on or about January 26, 2012, in Richland County, Hanson possessed pseudoephedrine, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Warren Michael Morris, 33, of West Salem, IL, was sentenced on May 16, 2013. Morris was sentenced to 188 months in prison, 4 years supervised release, and was fined $200. Morris 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, Morris conspired to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Ronald L. French, 55, or Claremont, IL, was sentenced on May 16, 2013. Ronald French was sentenced to 135 months in prison, 4 years supervised release, and was fined $200. Ronald French previously pleaded guilty to two counts charging that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, and elsewhere, French and others conspired to manufacture more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and that from on or about July 2009, until on or about September 2012, in Richland County, Ronald French did knowingly maintain a place, his residence in Claremont, Illinois, for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine.
The investigation on all these cases was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The cases were handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.
East St. Louis Woman Sentenced for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Shannan C. Lynch, 44, of East Saint Louis, IL, was sentenced on June 26, 2013, in federal district court, in East St. Louis, on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Lynch was sentenced to 18 months in prison. When she completes her prison sentence, she will then be placed on supervised release for three years. Lynch, who previously pled guilty on February 27, 2013, to possessing 6 ounces of cocaine in East St. Louis on November 30, 2011. At her change of plea hearing in February, Lynch admitted that she had intended to sell the cocaine which police seized from inside Lynch’s shirt. Police also seized a digital scale from Lynch.
A co-defendant of Lynch, Lucille G. Brim, was sentenced on June 19, 2013, to 57 months in prison for the same offense.
The investigation which resulted in Lynch’s conviction was conducted by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Two Jackson County Men Charged with Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two Elkville, Illinois, residents were indicted on June 20, 2013, in an indictment, charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
On June 24, 2013, Charles L. Scott, a/k/a “Boomer,” 42, was arraigned in United States District Court in Benton on the indictment. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between March 2012 and March 2013 in Jackson and Perry Counties. Scott is currently being held without bond pending a June 27, 2013, detention hearing. Co-defendant Charles E. Witherspoon, a/k/a “Spoon,” 61, is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court on June 25, 2013. The case is set for jury trial on August 26, 2013.
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, Scott and Witherspoon each face a term in prison 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, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, DuQuoin Police Department, and Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson.
Madison Illinois Man Sentenced for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Multi-State Auto Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
A Madison, Illinois, man convicted of Conspiracy to Possess and Pass Counterfeit Securities, Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, was sentenced on June 21, 2013, to 70 months on Counts 1 and 2 with a consecutive 24 months on Count 3 for a total of 94 months, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $87,889.96, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today.
Gordon D. Caldwell, 46, pled guilty to the charges on March 15, 2013. During his plea, Caldwell admitted that from April of 2011 to August of 2012 he had conspired with others to use counterfeit cashier’s checks of financial institutions to defraud individuals in both Illinois and Missouri who had listed their vehicles for sale in various media sources. Caldwell admitted that he would go to the seller’s home or other location where a vehicle was held for sale, and while using false identification, he would give a counterfeit cashier’s check to the seller. Caldwell also admitted that on two occasions, he used the fraudulently obtained vehicle titles to take out vehicle loans.
The investigation was conducted by the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force with the assistance of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; the Granite City, Madison, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Effingham, Decatur and South Roxana Police Departments in Illinois; the Jefferson, and Boone County Sheriff’s Offices; the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Peters, St. Louis County and Arnold Police Departments in Missouri. Assistance was also given by the prosecutors’ offices in Madison, Macon, Effingham and Morgan Counties in Illinois and Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Boone Counties in Missouri. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Belleville Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that Daris A. Quinn, a/k/a “DQ,” 25, Belleville, IL, was arraigned today, June 21, 2013, on a four-count Indictment charging, in Count 1, Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, in Count 2, Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, in Count 3, Using a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Drug Transaction, and, in Count 4, Making a False Statement to a United States Postal Inspector. Quinn’s trial is scheduled for August 26, 2013, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Quinn was ordered detained, that is, held without bond, pending trial.
If convicted of Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Quinn faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years but not more than 20 years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life. If convicted of Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Quinn faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life. If convicted of Using a Communication Facility to Facilitate a Drug Transaction, Quinn faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 4 years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. If convicted of Making a False Statement to a United States Postal Inspector, Quinn faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Collinsville Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield Child Exploitation Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Waterloo Man Charged with Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on June 20, 2013, Nicholas J. Perjak, 32, Waterloo, IL, was arraigned on an Indictment charging him with Accessing, With Intent to View, Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct. Specifically, the Indictment alleges that, between on or about May 17, 2012, and on or about October 4, 2012, Perjak accessed with intent to view visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Perjak’s trial is scheduled for August 26, 2013, in East St. Louis, Illinois. If convicted of this charge, Perjak faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years to life.
An indictment is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Metro-East Cyber Crime Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
East St. Louis Woman Sentenced for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced that Lucille G. Brim, 42, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal district court to 57 months in prison for Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
Brim pled guilty to the federal charge on March 18, 2013. She has been confined in federal custody since her arrest on December 12, 2012.
At her change of plea hearing last March, Brim admitted possessing six ounces of cocaine when her car was stopped by Metropolitan Enforcement Group Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI) officers in East St. Louis on November 29, 2011. Brim also admitted that the cocaine which she possessed had been intended for sale.
Brim’s new sentence will be served concurrently with an unrelated 30 month sentence which Brim received in United States District Court on August 31, 2012. In the earlier federal case, Brim was sentenced for Distribution of Crack Cocaine and for Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises. After Brim completes her federal prison sentences, she will be required to complete a three year term of supervised release.
The investigation that resulted in Brim’s arrest and conviction was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, MEGSI, the Illinois State Police, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Alton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
On June 19, 2013, Brian L. Edelen, a 24-year old Alton, Illinois, man pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Edelen is scheduled for sentencing on September 23, 2013, at which time he faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, not more than 3 years of supervised release after his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Edelen also agreed to forfeit the firearm.
Court proceedings revealed that on April 26, 2012, law enforcement officials conducted a parole compliance check at Edelen’s residence in Alton, Illinois. During the check, a semi-automatic pistol was located hidden in the bottom of a trash can in Edelen’s bedroom. Edelen was placed under arrest and admitted to having a firearm in the home.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Illinois Department of Corrections, Parole Division. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak for prosecution.
Glen Carbon Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Glen Carbon man pled guilty in federal district court on June 17, 2013, to charges of, Count 1, Receipt of Child Pornography, and, Count 2, Possession of Child Pornography, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Arlynn Gene Georgeson, 54, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, faces a term in prison on Count 1 of not less than five years but not more than 20 years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five years to life. Georgeson faces a term in prison on Count 2 of not less than ten years, but not more than twenty years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five years to life. Georgeson also agreed to forfeit the computer used to commit the charged offenses. In addition, upon his release from prison, Georgeson must register as a sex offender as a condition of his supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2013.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing revealed 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 Georgeson. Both offices forwarded this information to the FBI’s Fairview Heights Office which obtained a search warrant for Georgeson’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 examination also revealed that several of the images of the minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct had been downloaded by Georgeson, using a file sharing program, on December 28, 2011.
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 downloaded them 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Metro East Cyber Crimes and Analysis Task Force. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Bond County Man Ordered to Serve Ten Year Federal Sentence for Possession of Child Pornography After He Completes State Court SentenceRead the Press Release
A Bond County man convicted of possession of child pornography was sentenced to ten years in federal prison on June 17, 2013, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today. Daniel Allen Neer, age 38, formerly of Mulberry Grove, Illinois, was ordered to serve the statutory maximum ten year sentence consecutively to an undischarged six year sentence he is serving based upon his 2012 conviction in Bond County, Illinois, for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Victim Between the age of 13 and 16. The federal case is based upon conduct which occurred in May, 2011, and the State of Illinois case was based upon criminal acts that occurred in 2010.
Following release from his federal sentence of imprisonment, Neer will serve a lifetime term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Neer stipulated to the entry of an order requiring him to pay $1,000 in restitution to two of the victims depicted in his collection of child pornography.
The investigation started in May, 2011, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that Neer had a collection of child pornography as it was conducting an investigation of other individuals in the area who were sexually exploiting minors. On May 13, 2011, an individual with actual authority over the desktop computer in defendant’s home gave authorities permission to seize and search it. On May 20, 2011, the FBI contacted defendant at his employer’s place of business in Moline, Illinois, and seized a laptop computer from him. In total, the computers contained thirty-five images of child pornography. Neer pleaded guilty to the charges on March 8, 2013.
“We are pleased that this dangerous child sex offender received a consecutive sentence, rather than the concurrent sentence he requested. We aggressively pursue and bring to justice child sex offenders and those individuals who seek to exploit children,” United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton said.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, which operates a task force dedicated to investigating cybercrimes. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne M. Garrison.
Panamanian National Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography and Possession of A Counterfeit Alien Registration CardRead the Press Release
Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on June 12, 2013, Jean Paul Jimenez-Kuchler, 29, a citizen of Panama, living illegally in the United States in Glen Carbon, IL, was arraigned on a three-count Information charging him, in Count 1, with Receipt of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, in Count 2, with Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, and, in Count 3, Possession of a Counterfeit Alien Registration Card. Jimenez-Kuchler was ordered detained, that is , held without bail, pending further proceedings.
The offenses charged in the Information allege that on June 5, 2013, Jimenez-Kuchler received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct by downloading the images from the internet, and that he was in possession of the visual depictions on June 6, 2013, when he was arrested on the above offenses. In addition, the information alleges that Jimenez-Kuchler was in possession of a counterfeit Alien Registration Card on the date of his arrest.
A trial date had not been set. If convicted of Receipt of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Jimenez-Kuchler faces a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, but not more than 20 years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years, to life. If convicted of Possession of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, the penalties include an enhanced term of imprisonment because some of the visual depictions depicted minors under the age of 12, within a term of ii prison of not more than 20 years, a fine up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not less than five years, to life. If convicted of Possession of a Counterfeit Alien Registration Card, Jimenez-Kuchler faces a prison term of not more than 10 years, a fine up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years.
An information is merely the method by which federal charges are lodged. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Crack Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Joshwa Givens was sentenced to 57 months in prison for offenses relating to the sale of crack cocaine.
Givens, 28, of East St. Louis, had pled guilty in federal district court on February 27, 2013, to three counts of Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and to one count of Possession of Crack Cocaine. Givens has been confined in federal custody since his arraignment on January 14, 2013.
At his change of plea hearing in February, Givens admitted possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute it in St. Clair County on August 7, 2011 and March 16, 2012, and in Madison County on January 2, 2012. Police seized a total of 22 grams of crack cocaine (over 3/4 of an ounce) from Givens, along with $2,579 in cash. Givens admitted that the cash came from the sale of crack cocaine. Givens was on state probation for two separate crack cocaine felony convictions when he was arrested on the federal charges.
The investigation which resulted in Givens’ arrest and conviction was conducted by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Fairview Heights Police Department, the Belleville Police Department, the Caseyville Police Department, and the Collinsville Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
ReSean Ridgel, a 25-year old East St. Louis, Illinois resident, was sentenced in the United States District Court on June 10, 2013, to 46 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced.
According to court documents, Ridgel pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing an unregistered firearm, commonly referred to as a sawed-off shotgun, in February 2011 after having been convicted of retail theft. Having considered these facts and Ridgel’s multiple prior criminal convictions, the Court sentenced Ridgel to 46-months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal prison system. In addition to the prison sentence, Ridgel must serve 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. According to United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton, “My office remains committed to prosecuting criminals who illegally arm themselves. We will continue to protect our communities from unauthorized gun possession. A sentence such as Ridgel’s serves to exemplify that unwavering commitment.”
This case was investigated by the East St. Louis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Monica A. Stump prosecuted the offense.
Williamson County Man Sentenced to Twenty Four Years on Methamphetamine Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
On June 5, 2013, Steven A. Smith, 33, of Johnston City, Illinois, was sentenced in United States District Court in Benton on an indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced.
Smith, who had previously pled guilty to the methamphetamine charge, was sentenced to 288 months’ imprisonment, 10 years’ supervised release, and was fined $300. The offense occurred between 2010 and January 2012, in Williamson, Jackson, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Smith was involved with others in the manufacture of methamphetamine. During the conspiracy, Smith participated in numerous methamphetamine “cooks” and was involved in stealing anhydrous ammonia and obtaining pseudoephedrine pills for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court determined that Smith was responsible for the manufacture of 960 grams of methamphetamine. Smith received an enhanced sentence based on his classification as a Career Offender.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department, Marion Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and Mt. Vernon Police Department.
The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.