Southern District of Illinois
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Company Selling Migraine Treatment Device Agrees to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Utah-based Dolor Technologies, LLC (“Dolor) has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve Dolor’s civil liability relating to a device it sold and marketed to treat migraines, the Department of Justice announced Monday. This resolution requires Dolor to make monetary payments to the U.S. based upon its ability to pay.
The government alleges that, between July 2013 through July 2017, Dolor violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by causing medical providers to submit false claims to the Medicare Program for procedures using a device called the SphenoCath.
The SphenoCath was intended to treat migraine headaches by administering nerve blocks to the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a collection of nerves located deep in the midface of the skull. The government alleged the SphenoCath was not approved or authorized by the FDA for use in SPG nerve blocks for the treatment of headaches.
The government also alleged Dolor instructed, coached, and encouraged medical providers to submit improper billing codes to Medicare for reimbursement of services using the SphenoCath device.
“Device companies that evade the FDA approval process and improperly promote their products undermine the health of patients and the financial integrity of federal health care programs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe for the Southern District of Illinois. “This settlement demonstrates the commitment of our office and investigative partners to combat health care fraud against the Medicare Program.”
In a related criminal matter, Dolor’s former chief executive officer, Mark Wright, pleaded guilty on Oct. 11, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah to misdemeanor charges of causing the introduction of misbranded and adulterated devices into interstate commerce. As part of his guilty plea, Wright admitted that Dolor did not seek approval or clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to distribute the SphenoCath for the intended use of treating headaches.
“U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective. Device manufacturers who disregard FDA’s oversight and misdirect the use of medical devices put consumers at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge George A. Scavdis, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice companies that jeopardize the public health.”
Wright also admitted that, while FDA had recommended in April 2014 that Dolor proceed with investigational studies regarding the SphenoCath’s safety and effectiveness, Dolor never conducted any such study. Instead, Wright and Dolor continued to market the SphenoCath with the intention that it be used to treat migraine headaches by administering SPG nerve blocks.
“The submission of false claims to Medicare undermines the solvency of our federal health care programs and wastes valuable taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our agency, working with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable those who seek to defraud federally funded health care programs.”
The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA by Ronald Michael, M.D. The act permits private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ronald Michael, M.D. v. Dolor Technologies, LLC, et al., No. 15-cv-1004 (S.D. Ill.), which also resulted in a civil settlement with device companies Jet Medical, LLC and Medical Components, Inc. Dr. Michael will receive a share of the proceeds from the FCA settlements.
The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. The FCA is one of the most powerful tools in this effort. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 900-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The government is represented in the civil case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Barke of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation was conducted by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The claims settled by the civil agreement are allegations only and there has been no determination of civil liability.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Threatening to Endanger a ChildRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to 5 years in federal prison after he admitted to threatening the mother of a 10-year-old child, who he forcibly took from home in Illinois and drove to St. Louis.
Marcus L. Weekfall, also known as “Conehead”, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate extortion with a threat to injure.
“The defendant targeted a child to mentally and emotionally abuse both the victim and the victim’s mother,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “His actions were calculated and dangerous, thus warranted this prison sentence.”
According to court documents, the minor victim was asleep in bed when Weekfall broke into the victim’s mother’s house around 4:20 a.m. on May 28, 2022. Weekfall demanded the child to leave with him, and he took him to St. Louis. Weekfall and the victim’s mother were previously in a romantic relationship.
“Illinois State Police Officers assigned to the Public Safety Enforcement Group work tirelessly to protect the residents in the Metro East and we will continue to coordinate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to make sure people like Weekfall are held accountable for their crimes,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
The mother contacted police after seeing Weekfall on a surveillance camera inside the residence. Officers with the East St. Louis Police Department contacted Weekfall by phone and requested the child be returned safely, but Weekfall refused.
While in possession of the victim, Weekfall called the mother several times and threatened to harm the child if the mother declined to meet with him. After five hours, Weekfall had another individual return the child to the mother.
“Protecting those who cannot protect themselves is of paramount importance to the FBI and all of law enforcement,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Due to swift action and coordination with our law enforcement partners, the child was returned safely and Weekfall will spend five years behind bars—giving him ample time to consider the gravity of his actions.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Weekfall will serve three years of supervised release.
FBI Springfield Field Office, the Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) of the Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis Police Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
Marshall Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Making Bomb Threat to Edgar County BusinessRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a man from Marshall, Illinois, to spend more than three years in federal prison after he called in a bomb threat to a company in Paris, Illinois.
Justin L. Switzer, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of willfully threatening the use of explosives.
According to court documents, Switzer called in a bomb threat to North American Lighting Company, Inc. in Paris, Illinois on Nov. 2, 2022. He admitted to calling the business and stating “two minutes to detonation”.
In response to the bomb threat, North American Lighting evacuated personnel, which caused the company to lose approximately $456,000 in gross revenue. In addition to his prison sentence, Switzer was ordered to pay $456,000 in restitution.
FBI Springfield Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Burke and Liam Coonan prosecuted the case.
Federal Charges Filed Against Nashville Woman for Making Violent Threats OnlineRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Alexia N. Willie, also known as Jason L. Willie, 47, of Nashville, Illinois, is facing 14 felony counts of interstate communication of a threat to injure. The crime is punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment per count.
“Law enforcement agencies take threats against children seriously and will extensively investigate adults who threaten to endanger them,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, Willie allegedly made threatening statements while on video in online chatrooms with victims across the country. The indictment highlights 14 alleged instances in which the defendant threatened to walk into schools or public restrooms to shoot or sexually abuse children.
“This indictment is a result of the public’s vigilance in reporting threats to law enforcement. The FBI will diligently investigate reports of threats, especially when directed at our most vulnerable,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “As always, we continue to ask the public to report immediately any online activity or behavior that appears suspicious.”
A district judge ordered Willie to be detained pending trial, which is currently scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke is prosecuting the case.
Four Indicted on Federal Charges for Fraudulent Vehicle Sale SchemeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Four St. Louis men are facing multiple federal charges for their alleged actions in a scheme to use fake cashier’s checks to buy vehicles from private sellers online, to then resell for profit.
The 11-count indictment charges Alen Saric, 35, Valentino Colic, 32, Emad Hasanbegovic, 33, and Almir Palic, 24, with multiple felonies including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
“Many people use the internet to sell personal property, but unfortunately, scammers also use the internet as a tool to defraud and steal,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
According to court documents, the codefendants participated in a scheme to defraud vehicle sellers on Facebook and Craigslist with fake cashier’s checks from 2018 until August 2023. Once the fraudsters possessed a vehicle, they would then resell the vehicle to another individual for cash before the original victim could try to cash the check and realize it was worthless.
“The conspiracy as outlined in the indictment is yet another example of criminals using fake checks to defraud victims,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The FBI advises the public to not assume checks are genuine when received from individuals not previously known. Such caution should be exercised whether the check appears to be cashier’s, official, or certified. Criminals are skilled at creating fake checks that look real, so protect yourself by either going to the bank that issued the check to confirm its authenticity or waiting until the check clears your bank before turning over property or otherwise transferring funds.”
To keep their names out of the chain of title, the indictment alleges the codefendants used the names of prior victims to buy and sell the vehicles and to complete documents such as titles and bills of sale. When posing as the victims, they often used victims’ photo IDs.
The fraudsters bought vehicles from victims in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties within the Southern District of Illinois. The indictment alleges the co-conspirators issued more than $1 million in fake cashier’s checks.
For allegedly transferring the vehicles from Illinois to Missouri, Colic and Saric are also charged with interstate transportation of stolen goods.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, and interstate transportation of stolen goods is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
FBI Springfield Field Office, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State Police, Jefferson County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Department and several local police departments contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is prosecuting the case.
Fugitive Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Apprehended after a four-year man hunt by federal law enforcement officials, a U.S. District judge sentenced a fentanyl and heroin trafficker to 13 years in federal prison.
Mario L. Delgado-Lopez, 42, originally from Puerto Rico, appeared in court for his sentencing hearing on Nov. 9 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in 2018.
“The defendant was responsible for trafficking large amounts of illicit narcotics into southern Illinois and then fled the country,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle A. Crowe. “As a fugitive of justice for several years, this federal prison sentence is appropriate for his conduct.”
According to court documents, Delgado-Lopez admitted to federal charges for conspiring with co-defendants to distribute more than 850 grams of fentanyl and more than 550 grams of heroin in Madison and St. Clair counties. Collinsville police arrested Delgado-Lopez following a traffic stop in August 2015 when officers discovered drugs in the vehicle.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration and its law enforcement partners, to include the U.S. Marshals and the Collinsville Police Department, will stop at nothing to hold those who peddle poison in our communities accountable for their crimes,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of DEA investigations in southern Illinois. “We will ensure these criminals spend time behind bars and no longer endanger the lives of our family, friends and community.”
Delgado-Lopez’s sentencing hearing was previously scheduled for May 8, 2019, but he failed to appear in court. Mexican authorities arrested him in June on a federal warrant and transferred him to U.S. border officials.
The judge upheld a sentencing enhancement for his obstructing justice due to absconding and being a fugitive. Following imprisonment, Delgado-Lopez will serve five years of supervised release.
DEA led the investigation with support from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Collinsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Collinsville Woman Charged for Dealing Fatal Dose of FentanylRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Collinsville woman for dealing a lethal dose of fentanyl, leading a man to overdose and die.
Tessa R. Webber, 25, is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance: fentanyl resulting in death.
“Too many lives are lost due to drug-induced homicides,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Law enforcement agencies are working to secure justice for families of overdose victims.”
According to court documents, the Fairview Heights Police Department began investigating a suspected fatal drug overdose on June 11. Discovered by a roommate, a man was found deceased near drug paraphernalia, and the victim’s family confirmed he had a history of substance abuse.
“Collaboration between the Fairview Heights Police Department, DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office enabled law enforcement to bring just a little bit of justice to the victim’s family,” said Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson.
Law enforcement searched the victim’s phone and discovered messages between the victim and Webber from May and June. Messages between the victim and Webber indicated a buyer and seller relationship for dealing drugs.
“Fentanyl is killing Americans at an unprecedented rate,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon, head of Drug Enforcement Administration investigations in southern Illinois. “Drug traffickers are driving addiction and increasing their profits by mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs. By arresting and prosecuting the individuals behind the deaths, we send a clear message: if your drug dealing kills someone, you will pay.”
The victim’s toxicology report listed his cause of death as drug/poisoning overdose and traces of amphetamine, meth and fentanyl were present in his body. Court documents allege Webber sold the victim two fentanyl pills on June 9.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Webber could face up to life imprisonment. Distribution of a controlled substance: fentanyl resulting in death is punishable by no less than 20 years in federal prison.
DEA and the Fairview Heights Police Department are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway is prosecuting the case.
Correctional Center Lieutenant Admits to Federal Charge for Depriving Inmate of Civil RightsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Pinckneyville Correctional Center acting lieutenant appeared in federal court Wednesday to admit he failed to intervene while his subordinates beat a restrained inmate.
Mark C. Maxwell, 52, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law. He was charged for standing by while two other correctional officers punched and kicked an inmate who was handcuffed and shackled in leg irons. The victim suffered a fractured orbital socket, a partially collapsed lung, and needed 25 stitches to close lacerations to his face.
Under federal law, officers have a duty to intervene if a fellow officer uses excessive force.
Cord A. Williams, 35, of Vergennes, Illinois, and Christian L. Pyles, 25, of Christopher, Illinois, were also charged in the same indictment as Maxwell and have each pleaded guilty to violation of civil rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice.
The charges arose from an incident in which an inmate was beaten while fully restrained in handcuffs and leg irons on April 24, 2022. According to court documents, the beating occurred to punish the inmate, because the inmate had previously punched a different correctional officer.
Maxwell’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2023.
The Illinois State Police is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Office to Present Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar in CarmiRead the Press Release
CARMI, Ill. – To educate seniors on the latest scams targeting them online and over the phone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with the Carmi Public Library to host a fraud prevention seminar.
“Elder fraud is a major concern nationwide, as criminals target seniors who may be more susceptible to manipulation,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “To educate seniors on current fraud schemes, a prosecutor with experience charging these scammers will be at the Carmi Public Library to give an interactive and informational presentation on ways to avoid becoming a victim.”
The presentation highlights information on online scams, fraud schemes targeting seniors and details on cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Illinois. The event will start at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Carmi Public Library, located at 103 Slocumb St. in Carmi.
The event is free and open to the public.
Jury Convicts East St. Louis Man on Federal Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict for an East St. Louis man accused of distributing ounce quantities of meth in St. Clair County.
Aaron Wallace, 42, was charged with one count of meth distribution in November 2021.
“DEA works aggressively to remove meth dealers from southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thanks to their diligent efforts, we’re working to eradicate drug trafficking from our communities.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, Drug Enforcement Administration agents opened an investigation into Wallace in September 2020, after learning he was dealing large quantities of crystal meth in St. Clair County.
During DEA’s investigation, a confidential source purchased four ounces of crystal meth from Wallace in East St. Louis.
Wallace’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2024, at the U.S. District courthouse in East St. Louis.
DEA led the investigation with support from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Kapsak and Daniel Carraway are prosecuting the case.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 25-Months Imprisonment on Federal Identity Theft, Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a man from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to 25 months imprisonment after he admitted to participating in an identity theft and fraudulent check scheme.
Jamaine D. Brooks, 46, pled guilty to possession of five or more identification documents, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft in a U.S. District courtroom in July. Following imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release.
“Financial exploitation and identity theft crimes are serious offenses with lasting effects on victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thankfully, our law enforcement partners worked swiftly to apprehend this offender, and I commend this collaborative effort to pursue justice.”
According to court documents, Brooks stole identities to commit financial fraud and buy merchandise using his victims’ means from various Walmart locations and other retail stores.
He was arrested by police after he traveled to southern Illinois with 23 Indiana identification cards and driver’s licenses, 39 stolen credit and debit cards, nine Social Security cards, four checkbooks in one individual’s name and equipment to alter checks in March 2021.
“The U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, investigating, and pursuing those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means,” said Stephen Webster, the Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service. “We are proud of our partnerships with the federal, state, and local agencies who work collectively to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.”
At the time of his arrest, Brooks had already used his victim’s identity and financial means to purchase more than $5,000 in retail goods, most recently at a Walmart in Collinsville, Illinois. In addition to the federal prison sentence, Brooks was ordered to pay $5,154.75 in restitution back to this specific victim.
The identification cards, credit and debit cards, and social security cards belonged to at least 40 separate victims.
“We are very proud of the great work done by our officers that led to this arrest,” said Chief Steve Evans of the Collinsville Police Department. “More importantly, these kind of results are only possible due to the strong relationship and collaboration between local law enforcement and federal law enforcement.”
Chelci Johnson, 33, also of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was a named co-defendant also charged in the indictment. An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The Collinsville Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed prosecuted the case.
BOP Inmate Admits to Sending Death Threats to Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An inmate already serving a federal sentence pled guilty to new charges Thursday, admitting he threatened to murder a federal judge and former federal probation officer and blow up a U.S. District courthouse.
Richard L. Russell, 57, pled guilty to two counts of retaliating against a federal official, two counts of mailing threatening communications and one count of threatening to destroy a building by fire or explosion, namely the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse in St. Louis.
“Threats against the lives of federal judges and probation officers will be met with equally severe punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The defendant intended to disrupt operations and endanger workers at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, and I commend the U.S. Marshals Service for their work investigating and thwarting the threats.”
According to court documents, Russell was serving a 112-month sentence in the Bureau of Prisons after being charged by the Eastern District of Missouri in January 2014 for mailing threatening communications and threatening to murder a U.S. magistrate judge.
On June 1, 2022, officials at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse received two similarly handwritten letters containing death threats addressed to a sitting federal judge and retired probation officer that were each signed by Russell. A deputy U.S. marshal recovered the letters and envelopes.
Russell sent the letters to retaliate against the individuals who has previously worked on his court cases. He threatened the judge who sentenced him to 112 months’ imprisonment and the former probation officer who supervised him. Russell mailed the letters from the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority, a BOP transfer facility located in Chickasaw, Oklahoma.
Russell’s charges are each punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 per count.
Federal judges, probation officers and prosecutors with the Eastern District of Missouri are recused from this case. The U.S. Marshals Service led the investigation, and Steve Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois is serving as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and prosecuting the case.
New Jersey Man Admits to Conspiring with India-Based Company to Mail Illicit Pharmaceutical Meds to U.S. CustomersRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A New Jersey man admitted guilt in a U.S. District courtroom in southern Illinois Tuesday to acting as a middleman between an India-based pharmaceutical distribution company and customers in the United States.
Moises A. Sanabria, 32, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
“To help ensure safe consumption, pharmaceutical drugs must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This illicit narcotic operation was a threat to consumers, and I commend the investigators for interrupting this destructive chain.”
Indian nationals Aashish K. Jain, 37, and M. Eshwar Rao, 40 are named co-defendants also charged in the conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and launder drug proceeds. In addition, Jain is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
According to court documents, Sanabria received pills containing furanyl fentanyl and tapentadol to New Jersey from the pharmaceutical drug distribution center in India and then shipped orders directly to U.S. customers between January 2018 and March 2021.
On multiple occasions, Sanabria shipped orders to undercover agents for the Drug Enforcement Administration working in the Southern District of Illinois. Regulated federally under the Controlled Substances Act, furanyl fentanyl is on Schedule I and tapentadol is on Schedule II.
“DEA often speaks of the international scope of the world of illicit drug trafficking," said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Rehg, head of Drug Enforcement Administration enforcement operations in southern Illinois. "This man fooling people into thinking that pharmaceutical medications can be purchased without a prescription and mailed from India is not someone to buy anything from. Laundering his illegal proceeds back to India is just another example of how these international criminal organizations illegally profit off Americans.”
To exchange currency between the U.S. and India for drug proceeds, Sanabria established a limited liability company based in New York to transfer money. The LLC held and concealed $114,334 in drug proceeds from January to October 2021.
“Since making money is the primary goal of a drug trafficking organization, the act of money laundering is as important to them as the drug distribution itself,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, St. Louis Field Office. “That’s one reason CI is proud to lend the expertise of our special agents to help bring those involved to justice.”
Money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of a controlled substance are all punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
Agents with DEA and IRS CI contributed to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Kapsak is prosecuting the case.
Former Bank VP Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison on Bank Fraud, Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A former vice president and loan officer for Community First Bank of the Heartland in Mount Vernon who committed bank fraud and multiple arsons was sentenced in federal court in Benton on Thursday to 12 years in prison.
Richard Pigg, 53, previously pleaded guilty in April to six counts of bank fraud and three counts of arson. The defendant currently resides in Texas, but he lived in Mount Vernon, Illinois, at the time of the charged conduct from May 2011 to December 2016.
During his hearing, the sentencing judge described Pigg as a “Jekyll and Hyde” who destroyed people’s lives with his horrific fraud. Pigg had relied on letters of support citing his good works, but the judge told Pigg that this was like a man who robs a bank, gives some of money to a homeless shelter, then burns the homeless shelter down and wants credit for donating to the homeless shelter.
"For more than half a decade, Richard Pigg abused his position of trust to defraud his bank, take advantage of his customers and skim money off of inflated loans,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “When his financial schemes unraveled, he burned the houses to use insurance money in an attempt to cover the loans. For this pattern of fraud and fire that financially ruined his victims, put innocent lives at risk and injured a first responder, Richard Pigg is fully deserving of 12 years in federal prison."
The defendant used his position as vice president and a loan officer to defraud more than $600,000 from CFBH to purchase investment properties and to pay personal expenses.
According to court documents, Pigg convinced bank customers to buy rental properties in Centralia, Mount Vernon, Murphysboro and West Frankfort on his behalf through mortgage loans financed at CFBH. Pigg concealed his personal financial interest from CFBH while facilitating the loans.
“As the sentence imposed in this case clearly indicates, the investigation and prosecution of crimes of arson remains a priority for ATF and the United States Attorney. The criminal use of fire, whether to conceal crime, intimidate, or defraud others, places lives and property at great risk and endangers those who selflessly respond, day or night or extinguish the flames,” said Bernard Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division.
As part of the scheme, Pigg assured his victims that he would secure the tenants, collect the rent and maintain the properties.
In addition, without the victims’ consent, the defendant at times increased the amount financed in the mortgage loan by thousands of dollars above the purchase price and redirected the excess loan proceeds to his own accounts and to pay his own debts.
In an attempt to use insurance benefits to pay off bank loans, Pigg burned multiple properties. Some properties Pigg burned more than once, such as a Centralia property that was partially damaged in January 2016 and then destroyed by fire in February 2016.
Pigg also burned a four-unit rental apartment complex in West Frankfort in January 2016 soon after renewing one insurance policy and less than two weeks after taking out a second insurance policy on the property.
Under Truth in Sentencing, Pigg must serve at least 85% of his sentence. Following imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release.
Agents with ATF and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Kevin F. Burke prosecuted the case.
United States Files Civil Lawsuit Against Waterloo Woman for Alleged Wire FraudRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The United States has filed a civil lawsuit against a Waterloo woman after she allegedly continued to move money for scammers following warnings to stop from federal law enforcement officers.
Janice M. Augustine, 74, is facing a civil lawsuit for her alleged involvement as a money mule. She was recruited to participate in the scheme by an individual claiming to be an American working abroad who was in search of a romantic relationship.
“Criminals scour online dating and social media websites looking for lonely or vulnerable people to exploit. Oftentimes, criminals exploit elderly or vulnerable victims by tricking them into believing they are interested in a romantic relationship. But other times, the criminals persuade elderly or vulnerable people into helping them launder the money they receive by defrauding others,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Southern Illinois is not immune to these scams. Residents should be wary of anyone who asks them to receive and transfer money for them.”
The civil complaint alleges Augustine knowingly accepted money obtained via fraud schemes. The money was sent via wire transfers and electronic deposits into her personal bank accounts. Augustine then transferred the funds to the perpetrators who had committed the fraud.
“Acting as a money mule is illegal and punishable even if you aren’t aware you’re committing a crime,” said FBI Springfield Acting Special Agent in Charge Shannon Fontenot. “According to the FBI’s 2022 Internet Crime Report, Illinois residents lost $17.8 million to romance scams. Romance scams manifest in a variety of forms, all for the purpose of manipulating victims to do their bidding. And fraudsters won’t stop pursuing a victim until the victim breaks off communication or contacts law enforcement.”
The federal complaint alleges that a perpetrator convinced Augustine he was involved in a romantic relationship with her in summer 2022. He then persuaded her to transmit fraud proceeds. In January 2023, an FBI agent interviewed Augustine about her suspicious bank activity. FBI warned Augustine of this reality and encouraged her to end the relationship.
Undeterred, Augustine registered a limited liability company with the Illinois Secretary of State and opened a new bank account in April 2023 in the LLC’s name.
In May 2023, special agents with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) visited Augustine at her Waterloo residence to discuss her unusual financial activity and again explained how her actions were illegal.
“Developing romantic attachments to bad characters can lead to financial ruin, or as in this case, involvement in money laundering schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). “Sadly, some seniors continue to fall for the tricks of criminals. CI is proud to partner with other law enforcement agencies to help raise awareness in the senior community to protect them from even greater consequences.”
According to court documents, the defendant is accused of moving nearly $400,000 in fraud proceeds even after receiving multiple warnings by federal law enforcement officers.
She has continued to execute fraudulent financial transactions, thus acting as a money mule for a criminal organization. The term “money mule” refers to individuals who receive funds and send the money on to the criminals who conduct the schemes.
The United States is seeking a permanent injunction against Augustine which would prohibit her from participating in money transmitting activities in the future.
FBI and IRS CI agents handled the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hanna is prosecuting the case with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman.
If you believe you are participating in a money mule scheme, contact FBI Springfield immediately.
As part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, federal prosecutors visit senior communities throughout the Southern District of Illinois to give presentations on scams targeting older residents. To schedule a visit or learn more information, email Lauren Barry at [email protected].
Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former correctional officer at Pinckneyville Correctional Center pled guilty to federal charges for beating a restrained inmate.
Christian L. Pyles, 25, of Christopher, Illinois, pled guilty in a U.S. District courtroom to violating the inmate’s civil rights by using excessive force under color of law and conspiracy to obstruct justice by falsifying incident reports.
Former officer Cord A. Williams, 35, of Vergennes, Illinois, was also charged in the indictment and pled guilty on July 18. The charges arose from an incident in which an inmate was beaten while fully restrained in handcuffs and leg irons on April 24, 2022.
According to court documents, the beating occurred to punish the inmate, because the inmate had previously punched a different correctional officer. The act of retaliation caused the inmate to suffer severe injuries including facial fractures, multiple lacerations requiring 25 stitches, a chipped tooth and lung damage.
As part of their official duties, correctional officers are required to write incident reports to accurately document any unusual incidents they observe or are reported to them, including disturbances or the use of force. The conspiracy count states Williams, Pyles and others colluded to file false reports about the incident and undermine the amount of force used.
Pyles is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024, and the sentence hearing for Williams is set for Nov. 6, 2023. The deprivation of civil rights charge is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison while the conspiracy to obstruct justice charge can result in up to five years imprisonment.
The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Awards More Than $1.4 Million to Public Safety Operations in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announced five Metro East entities as recipients for a combined $1.4 million in federal funding to support local public safety and community justice efforts.
“In addition to prosecuting violators of federal law, the Justice Department and the funding awarded by OJP will help law enforcement officials in southern Illinois to have more resources to curb violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend this investment in public safety.”
Awards granted in the Southern District of Illinois totaled $1,417,432.
The City of Alton was awarded $800,000 from the Smart Policing Initiative Grant Program to expand License Plate Readers (LPRs) and other camera technology to help reduce violent crime and vehicle thefts.
The City of Collinsville received a $299,719 grant from the Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program to help police develop stronger investigative capacities. The project aims to add surveillance and forensic technology with LPRs.
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services in Fairview Heights received a total of $226,153 from the Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program. Hoyleton officials will serve as the lead social service provider and fiscal agent over the funds to assist law enforcement operations through the Illinois State Police’s Public Safety Enforcement Group in East St. Louis.
Officials awarded a combined $91,560 to the City of Alton, Madison County and St. Clair County through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to offer funds for police equipment purchases and help support community safety.
In total, the Justice Department awarded more than $4.4 billion nationwide to support community safety efforts. Visit the OJP website for the complete list of grantees as well as more information on the programs.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 405 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Crimes Against a MinorRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a St. Louis man to spend nearly 34 years in federal prison following his conviction by a jury for several attempted sex offenses involving a purported minor.
In March 2023, a jury convicted Vallie F. Zeller, 46, of Attempted Enticement of a Minor, Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a Minor and Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor after evidence presented at trial showed he was conversing online with an alleged 15-year-old girl with the intention of having sex with the minor, and then traveled to Illinois to meet her. Following the federal prison sentence, Zeller will serve the rest of his life on supervised release.
“The defendant is a child predator, and our communities are better off with him spending time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “This operation was a strong, coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement, and I appreciate their efforts to protect children in southern Illinois.”
“This significant sentence delivers a message to anyone intent on harming children. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting children from the clutches of offenders like Zeller,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Every time a child predator is brought to justice, potential victims are spared immeasurable harm.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, Zeller began conversing online with a profile created by an undercover FBI agent in June of 2020. The agent was posing as a 15-year-old girl, and Zeller started sexually explicit conversations with the account, requested sexually explicit images of the minor, and made plans to meet the minor for illegal sexual activity.
Zeller was also convicted of driving across the Missouri-Illinois border to engage in criminal sexual activity with the minor when the agent provided an address for a residence in Collinsville, where Zeller was arrested. Zeller’s conversation with the purported minor lasted four days, during which Zeller asked the minor for nude photographs and other sexually explicit content. Evidence at sentencing established that Zeller had previously been accused of having sexual contact with two minors in Florida. Agents also uncovered additional sexual communications with another purported minor on Zeller’s phone.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.
Zeller was one of 14 defendants charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois in June 2020 as the result of an operation involving multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that targeted online predators attempting to meet minors for sex.
The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation with assistance by the FBI St. Louis Field Office, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Belleville Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police, the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Swansea Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alton Jail, the Monroe County Jail, and the St. Clair County Jail.
Chinese National Admits to Trafficking Counterfeit Gift Cards to BellevilleRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A woman originally from China admitted involvement in counterfeit gift card scheme directed at Target shoppers across the Midwest, after she pled guilty to the federal crime in a U.S. District courtroom in East St. Louis on Thursday.
Hongying Wang, 53, originally of Hunan Province, China, admitted guilt to using and trafficking in a counterfeit access device. For the charge, Wang faces a statutory maximum of ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
“Protecting consumers from fraud is a familiar battle, but individuals deliberately placing fake gift cards onto sales racks with the intention of stealing the funds from patrons is a new low, and I applaud the law enforcement officials who are investigating this case,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“Fraud is often mistaken for a victimless crime but when individuals like Wang commit these types of crimes, they are most certainly victimizing consumers and businesses,” said Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Chicago Area of Operations Sean Fitzgerald. “HSI works daily to protect our community from these individuals by partnering with our local and federal partners to not only keep these counterfeit products out of the hands of unsuspecting consumers, but to also hold accountable those who attempt to profit from scamming the public.”
"The Illinois State Police is committed to stopping trafficking, whether it is trafficking in guns, drugs, or in this case - counterfeit goods," said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.
According to court documents, the scheme involved individuals placing altered gift cards on the sales racks at Target while retaining the access numbers. Once a gift card was loaded with money by an unsuspecting patron, the fraudsters would have the codes needed to steal the funds.
In January 2023, a Target security officer observed Wang and a co-defendant placing gift cards onto the racks in the Belleville store for customers to purchase. Upon further review, the gift cards were altered with the codes scratched off and covered by stickers to appear untouched.
In addition to Belleville, the following Target locations across the Midwest were knowingly affected by the scheme: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Norman, Oklahoma; Edmond, Oklahoma; Liberty, Missouri; Independence, Missouri; St. Peters, Missouri; Town and Country, Missouri; and Brentwood, Missouri.
If you believe you are a victim, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by emailing: [email protected]. Please provide your full name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
Wang admitted to possessing 6,100 fake gift cards with intent to place on the shelves.
Guangwei Gao, also of China, was named and charged in the indictment with one count of using and trafficking in a counterfeit access device.
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.
Wang’s sentencing is set for 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2024, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Illinois State Police (ISP) are leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is prosecuting the case.
Drug Conspiracy Leader Gets 262-Months Imprisonment for Distributing Methamphetamine in Southern IllinoisRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a California man to 262-months imprisonment after he admitted to leading a drug conspiracy ring targeting communities in southern Illinois.
Thomas Hines, 33, of Los Angeles, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering conspiracy. In addition to the prison sentence, Hines will serve five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.
“The defendant led an operation responsible for distributing a significant amount of methamphetamine in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Pushing pound quantities of drugs exhibits a lack of respect for the law and safety of the community, and the defendant will have years to reconsider his actions in federal prison.”
"Taking out this methamphetamine trafficking organization is a prime example of DEA's key mission," said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Rehg, head of Drug Enforcement Administration enforcement operations in southern Illinois. "We investigate the criminal networks causing the most damage to our communities, and meth is particularly prominent in the Midwest, damaging lives in every community. Significant time behind bars for defendants like Thomas Hines is a fine reward to our investigators for their diligent work."
According to court documents, the conspiracy operated from at least January 2020 until January 2021 and trafficked more than an estimated 20 pounds of methamphetamine to southern Illinois.
Hines was the source of supply of methamphetamine for the drug trafficking organization. Seven additional individuals were charged in the indictment and pleaded guilty for their involvement in the conspiracy:
- Nyeshia Anderson, 32, of North Las Vegas, Nevada;
- Corey Hendriex, 39, of Granite City, Illinois;
- Amy Lynch, 42, of Granite City, Illinois;
- Tamara Peoples, 66, of Granite City, Illinois;
- Richard Stark, 53, of Hazelwood, Missouri;
- Terrence Thompson, 36, of St. Louis, Missouri; and
- Terrell Winston, 37, of Florissant, Missouri.
In one instance, Hines and Anderson delivered a suitcase holding nearly 11 kilograms of methamphetamine to Thompson in November 2020. Law enforcement recovered the suitcase while executing a search warrant on Thompson’s residence.
To finance the illegal narcotic operation, conspirators utilized CashApp, cashier’s checks, bank transfers and postal money orders—thus resulting in money laundering.
Sentencing hearings for Lynch and Winston are scheduled for November 2023. The remaining conspirators have received federal prison sentences.
DEA led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karelia Rajagopal prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Former Postal Employee Admits to Collecting Federal Worker’s Compensation Benefits While Also Working on Electric Scooters in Downtown St. LouisRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – In a U.S. District courtroom Thursday, a former U.S. Postal Service carrier technician admitted to federal charges of making false statements to continue receiving worker’s compensation benefits while he was also working to service electric scooters in downtown St. Louis.
Torre C. Dilworth, 52, of Belleville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to obtain federal employees’ compensation. For the charges, the maximum penalties are up to five years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine per count.
“The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act helps families keep up with their financial obligations when an employee is injured beyond their ability to stay on the job at full capacity,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Individuals who choose to make false statements in order to continue to receive benefits will be held in full account of the law.”
“The U.S. Postal Service paid $1.31 billion in workers’ compensation costs in fiscal year 2022. The majority of postal employees who collect compensation benefits have legitimate claims due to on-the-job injuries and are truly unable to perform any postal jobs. However, a small percent abuse the system and cost the Postal Service millions of dollars in fraudulent claims and enforcement costs,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Scott Pierce, Central Area Field Office, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “This guilty plea sends a clear message that workers’ compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences. The USPS OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the workers’ compensation program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
According to court documents, Dilworth was injured on the job while working as a carrier technician for the U.S. Postal Service in November 2014. As a result of his injury, he received worker’s compensation benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, which is administered by the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.
To manage the FECA program, OWCP requires recipients to submit forms to disclose other employment or business ventures. OWCP uses the forms to periodically determine whether the recipient’s benefits should be reduced based upon increased wage-earning capacity.
From at least July 2019 until at least February 2023, Dilworth performed work for Bird Rides, a company that provides electric scooters for rent in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. During this same time period, Dilworth created a business enterprise known as “Electric Eagle” through which he serviced Bird Ride’s scooters. Through the work he performed for Bird Rides, Dilworth earned more than $220,000. On the forms that he submitted to the OWCP, Dilworth falsely stated that he had not performed any work, nor was he involved in any business enterprises, within the past 15 months.
Dilworth’s sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2023. The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General is conducting the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
Glen Carbon Business Owner Admits to Selling Misbranded Male Enhancement SupplementsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Glen Carbon man who operated an online business admitted guilt in federal court of misbranding the ingredient list on a male sexual enhancement supplement product, thus deceiving his customers.
William Goldsmith, 48, pleaded guilty to a felony information Thursday charging one count of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
“Protecting consumers is critical to a healthy business environment, and entrepreneurs who use deceitful tactics to sell misbranded products place profits above people,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“Misbranded prescription drugs that are smuggled from overseas can present a serious health risk to those who buy and use them. The drugs can contain unknown ingredients and can be made under unknown conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne G. Malham, Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who traffic in misbranded prescription drugs.”
According to court documents, Goldsmith owned and operated an online store called Malosi Herbs from his home in Glen Carbon from 2016 through July 31, 2019.
To create inventory, he imported sildenafil citrate from China and India, personally placed a mixture of it into pill capsules, left sildenafil citrate off the bottle’s ingredient label and distributed the misbranded male sexual enhancement product to hundreds of customers across the U.S. The business was estimated to have generated more than $250,000 in gross proceeds.
Goldsmith labeled the product: “Ma’Kava,” “Ma’Kava Private Stock,” and “Night Cap X.” The product’s ingredient list claimed to only include “natural” herbal ingredients, such as horny goat weed, black maca, kavalactone, tongkat ali, panax ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and sea cucumber extract. Goldsmith was charged because his products contained sildenafil citrate, and it was not properly listed on the ingredients’ label or any branding of the Ma’Kava products.
Sildenafil citrate was an active ingredient in prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction due to its effect on the human body to open capillaries, increase blood flow and speed up a heart rate, according to the criminal complaint.
However, the FDA most recently warned consumers of a possible adverse reaction of taking sildenafil citrate for patients using heart or blood-thinning medications—as individuals could have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Goldsmith’s sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2023.
The FDA and the St. Louis Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross is prosecuting the case.
Individuals who purchased products from Malosi Herbs or Goldsmith between 2016 and July 2019 may be a victim in this case. If you believe you are a victim, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by emailing: [email protected]. Please provide your full name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 8+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced an Arizona man to 100 months imprisonment after he admitted to trafficking more than 1,300 grams combined of fentanyl and heroin into southern Illinois.
Jimmy Carrasco, 28, of Glendale, Arizona, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Following his prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release.
“May this sentence serve as a warning for drug traffickers planning trips through Illinois—law enforcement is waiting for you,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“Trafficking in fentanyl and heroin is trafficking in death and ISP will root out and pursue drug traffickers with everything we’ve got,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.
According to court documents, officers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on Carrasco’s vehicle on Interstate 70 in Madison County on Oct. 5, 2021. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered pills containing 771 grams of fentanyl and 616 grams of heroin.
Co-defendant Luciano Gomezllanos-Martinez, 45, originally from Mexico, was a passenger in Carrasco’s vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. Gomezllanos-Martinez pleaded guilty to federal drug possession and illegal reentry charges and was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment on Jan. 18, 2023.
DEA led the investigation with assistance from the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Kapsak prosecuted the case.
Arkansas Man Gets 70 Months in BOP for Trafficking Methamphetamine to IllinoisRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man from Arkansas was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison Wednesday after he admitted to transporting 11 pounds of crystal methamphetamine to Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Leonardo A. Hernandez, 50, of Bentonville, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. In addition to the prison sentence, he will serve two years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Luis A. Aguilar-Caldera, 31, of Chula Vista, California, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment on April 12, 2023. After serving his sentence, he will be placed on supervised release for two years.
“Out-of-state drug dealers frequent southern Illinois roadways to execute plans for distribution across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “DEA plays a critical role to help disband criminal drug rings, and I thank the agents who worked this case.”
According to court documents, a confidential informant working with the DEA set up a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from a Mexico-based supplier in May 2021. The individual met two men in a Ford F-150 at the Flying J truck stop in Alorton, Illinois.
Hernandez was driving and Aguilar-Caldera was the passenger in the truck that was pulling a lawn mower on a trailer. The men told the confidential source there were 11 pounds of methamphetamine located in the tires of the lawn mower.
As the Ford F-150 and the confidential source were driving to a mechanic shop to remove the tires and retrieve the drugs, DEA agents conducted a traffic stop in Fairview Heights and arrested the men in the truck.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Carraway prosecuted the case.
Four Individuals Charged in Major Mail Theft and Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Four men are facing multiple federal charges for mail theft, bank fraud, identity theft and money laundering stemming from an apparent scheme involving postal collection boxes in Carbondale.
Isaiah C. Jordan, 29, of Urbana, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of theft of a postal key, eight counts of mail theft, thirteen counts of bank fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Demarius L. Flakes, 29, of Blue Island, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of mail theft, six counts of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Arraigned in federal court on Monday, Brian R. Nevils, 24, of South Holland, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of mail theft, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Quentin S. Abrams, 24, of Charleston, Illinois, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of mail theft, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
“Communities rely on the U.S. Postal Service to communicate with loved ones, pay bills and conduct official business,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “To protect the integrity of USPS, criminals who target mail collection boxes to steal checks and commit fraud will face serious consequences.”
“This indictment is a statement that mail theft will not be tolerated,” said Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.”
"This announcement of indictments in our community's mail fraud investigation is a testament to the tireless efforts of our police officers and the close collaboration with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Carbondale Police Chief Stan Reno. “The alleged actions that have surfaced through this investigation are deeply concerning, as they undermine the trust and safety of our community. I want to assure the public that we will continue to work diligently to protect and serve our community, holding those responsible for these crimes accountable. Together, we will not tolerate criminal activity that threatens the well-being of our citizens."
According to the indictment, the alleged fraud scheme operated from approximately March 26 through at least July 1, 2020. The defendants are accused of stealing and altering more than 100 checks mailed by more than 50 postal customers. The total estimated loss exceeds $400,000.
Jordan, Flakes, Nevils and Abrams are all charged for their alleged involvement in the scheme. According to court documents, the defendants used a stolen master key to gain access to mail collection boxes throughout Carbondale. The conspiracy involved altering the payees and amounts of the stolen checks, depositing the checks into bank accounts of co-conspirators and then transferring the funds into their own accounts or of their associates.
The scheme involved the Bank of Carbondale, First Mid Bank & Trust, Firth Southern Bank, Legence Bank, Regions Bank and Wells Fargo Bank—all of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
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.
Jordan, Nevils and Abrams were taken into federal custody, but Flakes is a fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Anyone with information about his whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Marshals in southern Illinois.
The Carbondale Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service are jointly investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
Effingham County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A U.S District judge sentenced an Effingham County man to 188 months in prison after he admitted guilt to two federal drug charges.
Tyler R. Schumacher, 37, of Altamont, Illinois, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine.
“This hefty prison sentence is a nod to the efforts of law enforcement officers working to disband drug distribution rings in southeastern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud the collaboration between departments to apprehend this criminal.”
According to court documents, Schumacher conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Effingham County from 2019 until June 2022. On Feb. 22, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Schumacher’s Effingham County residence and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, money bands, an assortment of plastic bags and more than $5,000 in cash.
Following his prison sentence, Schumacher will serve five years of supervised release. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $500 fine and $200 in special assessments.
The investigation was conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, the Effingham City Police Department, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force. Assistance was also provided by the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office.
First Grade Teacher Charged with Solicitation of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man who taught first grade at New Baden Elementary School and coached girls’ sports teams for Wesclin Community Unit School District 3 is facing a federal charge accusing him of soliciting child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Jonathan C. Villmer, Jr., 25, of New Baden, Illinois, was charged via criminal complaint and is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Illinois.
“Adults who prey on children and their vulnerabilities are menaces to society,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Individuals who work in schools and also exploit minors emulate another level of outwardly dangerous behavior.”
The case was initiated by an otherwise unrelated investigation by the Carmi Police Department regarding the distribution of CSAM. That investigation led to an account soliciting CSAM on Snapchat that law enforcement connected to Villmer.
According to court documents, after obtaining a search warrant for Villmer’s Snapchat account, police discovered explicit conversations with a 13-year-old minor. Villmer asked the minor for the “sexiest images,” discussed having sex and taking the minor’s virginity, and requested photographs of her genitals. Sexually explicit conversations and requests for images with other purported minors were also identified within Villmer’s Snapchat account.
Based upon IP address records associated with the Snapchat account, law enforcement connected the account to Villmer. On Aug. 18, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Villmer’s New Baden residence and seized two cell phones and other electronic devices. Villmer was arrested on scene.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted, Villmer could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment. His first court appearance is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2023, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations is conducting the investigation with support from the New Baden and Carmi Police Departments, and the Jefferson County and Clinton County Sheriffs’ Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns is prosecuting the case.
Anyone who believes they have information related to this case may contact Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer Bobby Wallace at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office by calling 618-244-8004.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Madison County Man Receives 7-Year Federal Sentence for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a Worden man to serve seven years in federal prison after he admitted to possessing more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Joseph Vieth, 36, was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, $5,000 in special assessments and $6,000 in restitution to the victims. Following his prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release.
“Law enforcement recovered hundreds of images of CSAM from the defendant’s phone—photos and videos taken of real children being abused in sexually-explicit situations,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Vieth furthered the exploitation of the victims depicted by viewing and distributing the material, and his substantial prison sentence is warranted.”
According to court documents, Vieth was active in an online group identified as a messaging outlet for distributing child pornography from March 28 through Oct. 18, 2021. On four occasions between May 7 and June 21, 2021, he communicated with undercover law enforcement officers and distributed five different videos containing CSAM. Vieth also communicated with undercover law enforcement about meeting to sexually abuse a minor.
“The FBI prioritizes targeting those who put the safety of our children in jeopardy,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Our proactive efforts are designed to put those intent on harming children behind bars. This case and the resulting sentence represent the effectiveness of our efforts.”
On Oct. 5, 2021, Agents executed a search warrant on the defendant’s house and seized multiple electronic devices. While searching his cell phone, agents uncovered more than 600 images of CSAM.
The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Habitual Drug Dealer in Alton Gets 262-Month Federal Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A long-time, convicted methamphetamine dealer in Alton was sentenced to spend more than 21 years in federal prison after he admitted guilt to multiple drug and firearm charges.
Dane Tannler, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Following his prison sentence, he will serve four years of supervised release. In addition, Tannler was ordered to pay a $400 fine and $400 in special assessments.
“Career offenders like Tannler who repeatedly distribute large quantities of drugs tear at the fabric of the community and endanger the families who live there,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thanks to the courageous efforts by the Alton Police Department, a well-known criminal will serve more time in prison and give his neighbors a much-needed break from his string of crimes.”
According to court documents, a confidential source working with the Alton Police Department purchased methamphetamine from Tannler at his residence in February 2021.
On Feb. 25, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tannler’s house in Alton and seized a pound of crystal methamphetamine, $10,000 in cash, a luxury SUV, a loaded, stolen firearm and drug distribution paraphernalia.
Tannler was on parole for methamphetamine dealing charges at the time of his arrest in this case and has several other convictions for drug dealing crimes. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he qualified as a “career offender.” Career offenders are eligible for longer terms of federal imprisonment, which applied in this case.
The Alton Police Department led the investigation, and the ILEAS Regional Special Response Team (SRT) executed the search warrant. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.
Gang Leaders Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy and MurderRead the Press Release
Five leaders of the Gangster Disciples, a gang with a long history of lawlessness and violence, were sentenced in the Southern District of Illinois for their participation in a years-long interstate racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, witness tampering, and multiple murders.
The following are the defendants and their sentences:
- Frank Smith, aka Little Frank, aka Red Beard, 50, of Naperville, Illinois, was sentenced today to life in prison.
- Warren Griffin, aka GG, aka Big Head, 54, of Glenwood, Illinois, was sentenced on July 18 to life in prison.
- Sean Clemon, aka Pops, 53, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was sentenced on July 19 to life in prison.
- Dominique Maxwell, aka D-Mac, aka Monster, 31, also of Cape Girardeau, was sentenced on July 20 to life in prison.
- Anthony Dobbins, aka Crazy, aka Tony Rome, 55, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced on July 21 to 32 years in prison.
Smith, Griffin, Clemon, and Maxwell were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses after a six-week jury trial. Dobbins pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses.
“With life sentences imposed on four defendants and a 32-year sentence for a fifth defendant, law enforcement has delivered a devastating blow to the Gangster Disciples criminal enterprise,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Dismantling violent, criminal organizations is a priority for the Justice Department, and a goal we share with our law enforcement and prosecution partners across the country.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to dismantling criminal organizations, holding gang members accountable, and pursuing justice for victims,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe for the Southern District of Illinois. “By prosecuting the leaders of criminal enterprises, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners are working to uphold the rule of law and punish violent offenders who terrorize our communities.”
According to court documents, the five defendants were national and regional leaders of the Gangster Disciples, a criminal organization with a presence throughout the United States, including in federal and state prisons. The gang employs a structured hierarchy, with leadership positions such as national “Board Members” and state “Governors.” As part of their efforts to maintain control of the gang, the defendants murdered two other Gangster Disciple leaders who opposed their regime.
“The FBI and our partners are firmly committed to ensuring that our communities are protected from the extreme violence and lawlessness displayed by those sentenced today,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Through close collaboration and coordination, five leaders of the Gangster Disciples faced justice, and we will not rest as we continue to put a stop to interstate racketeering."
“The sentences in this case send a clear message to the members of violent criminal organizations across this country; you will be investigated and you will be held accountable for your crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kansas City Field Division. “As this investigation shows, ATF has no higher priority than leveraging crime gun intelligence and working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to disrupt the violence perpetrated by these groups.”
On April 28, 2018, Clemon and Maxwell, on orders from Smith, fatally shot a Gangster Disciples leader and injured two other men in a public park in Bridgeton, Missouri. The shooting was part of a leadership dispute in which Board Members Smith and Griffin sought to remove another Gangster Disciple member from his position as Governor of Missouri. Smith texted “Mike Tyson Punch Out” to Maxwell prior to the shooting, which was an order to commit “extreme violence,” including murder. The gang members fired more than 70 shots during the attack. Both Clemon and Maxwell were promoted to leadership positions within the gang after committing this murder.
Then, on May 18, 2018, Board Members Griffin and Dobbins drove to the south side of Chicago to murder a former powerful Board Member because he opposed their status as leaders in the gang. Griffin lured the victim into the street, and Dobbins came up behind the victim and shot him three times in the back and once in the face.
The defendants’ other acts of violence included a nightclub stabbing in East St. Louis and another shooting in Cape Girardeau. Gangster Disciples members also engaged in various acts of drug trafficking, including a scheme to smuggle the synthetic drug “K2” into Missouri state prisons.
“Drug trafficking organizations like this one employ violence and intimidation to further their criminal enterprise,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis, head of the division that leads Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations in Missouri, Kansas, and southern Illinois. “Unfortunately, we are well aware that violence is too often an element of drug trafficking. These men are an extreme example of that terrible combination. Our communities are well-served with this group off our streets.”
The ATF, Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), FBI, DEA, Missouri Department of Corrections, Illinois State Police, Chicago Police Department, Bridgeton Police Department, Cape Girardeau Police Department, Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, and O’Fallon (Illinois) Police Department investigated the case. BOP employees from the National Gang Unit worked in conjunction with outside law enforcement to provide relevant documentation and testimony in support of the investigation and trial leading to the convictions.
Trial Attorneys Jeremy Franker, Alexander Gottfried, Christopher Usher, and Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Summers for the Southern District of Illinois provided substantial assistance.
Convicted Felon Sentenced on Federal Gun Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to five years in federal prison after he admitted to possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
Devonte T. Franklin, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to the prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 fine and $100 in special assessments.
“This case serves as proof of police officers working courageously to deter the prevalence of gun violence and remove those offenders from St. Clair County,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group continues to get illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals who repeatedly break the law,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The collaborative effort between ISP, local law enforcement agencies, the public, and the justice system is helping create safer communities.”
According to court documents, during the early hours of June 8, 2022, Franklin was riding in a car wanted in relation to a robbery when it was stopped by officers with the Washington Park Police Department. When asked to exit the vehicle, Franklin grabbed the waistband of his pants and pulled away from law enforcement. After a brief struggle, Franklin was taken into custody for resisting arrest, and officers located two loaded firearms in his waistband. One of Franklin’s guns had a handle wrapped in electrical tape. A third gun was also located inside the vehicle.
Franklin was charged for possessing a loaded .38 revolver and a loaded .380 semi-automatic firearm. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on parole for a firearm and had spent time in both state and federal prison for convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm.
The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) and the Washington Park Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
East St. Louis Brothers Sentenced on Federal Kidnapping ChargesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced two brothers from East St. Louis each to more than 30 years imprisonment after the pair was found guilty of kidnapping a man who has never been found.
Convicted by a jury on Nov. 10, 2022, Kendrick Frazier, 36, received a 396-month sentence and Kenwyn Frazier, 39, received a 365-month sentence for kidnapping Kein Eastman, also of East St. Louis, in August 2020. Since his abduction, Eastman has not been seen or heard from according to law enforcement and his family members.
“The lengthy sentences represent the severity of the defendants’ crimes and their blatant disrespect for human life and the law,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“This sentencing simply does not happen without ISP’s commitment to bringing criminals to justice,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents will continue to work with local law enforcement, the community, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce and prevent violence, while holding those who break the law accountable.”
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Kenwyn forced Eastman out of his grandmother’s house at gunpoint on Aug. 13, 2020, because he believed Eastman had stolen his jeweled mouthpiece, commonly known as a “grillz.” He drove Eastman in a Dodge Durango to an apartment on Kansas Avenue in East St. Louis and made him look for the grillz.
When Eastman couldn’t find it, Kenwyn called his brother, Kendrick, to the apartment. Shortly after Kendrick arrived, the Frazier brothers pulled Eastman out of the apartment at gunpoint threatening to shoot him if he did not take them to the grillz. Recorded by a Ring doorbell camera outside the house, the brothers forced Eastman to the ground, repeatedly threatening and assaulting him.
Eastman insisted he hadn’t taken it and pleaded with them not to shoot. Despite his pleas, Kendrick fired one shot at Eastman while he laid on the ground. After the shooting, witnesses testified they saw Eastman bleeding from his face as he ran from the apartment complex. Kendrick and Kenwyn followed immediately after him in the Dodge Durango.
Hours later, the Dodge Durango was found on fire and burned to the frame by the East St. Louis Fire Department.
Jasmine M. Crawford, 25, of East St. Louis, was also charged in the indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice after she admitted to tampering with a Ring doorbell camera as it recorded portions of the crime. She was sentenced to 4 years of probation on Dec. 7, 2022.
Agents with the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group led the investigation with support from the East St. Louis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Summers and Zoe Gross prosecuted the case.
Former Labor Union President Gets 18 Months in Federal Prison for Embezzling More Than $200,000Read the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a former president of the Alton chapter of the AFSCME labor union to 18 months imprisonment after he admitted to embezzling more than $200,000 from the organization and using the funds for personal expenses.
Byron Clemons, Sr., 36, of Alton, pleaded guilty to one count of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Money. In addition to the prison sentence, he will serve two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $202,100 in restitution.
In rejecting the defendant’s request for probation, the sentencing judge stated that she hopes a message is sent that individuals who steal from non-profits will be held accountable.
“Clemons abused his position as the labor union’s president to embezzle funds, enrich himself and get cash to gamble at casinos,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Cutchin. “I commend our partners at the U.S. Department of Labor for their diligent work in investigating this case and ensuring that Clemons be brought to justice.”
“Former AFSCME Local 124 President Byron Clemons embezzled more than $200,000 from the dues-paying members he had a duty to serve. This sentencing is an affirmation of our efforts with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards to protect the integrity of labor organizations,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Clemons was the president of AFSCME’s Local 124 in Alton from June 2017 through January 2022. According to court documents, Clemons withdrew a total of $202,100 from the Local 124’s U.S. Bank account from February 2021 to January 2022. The defendant used the funds to gamble at casinos and pay personal expenses.
Agents with the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General and the Office of Labor – Management Standards contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman prosecuted the case.
Federal Judge Sentences Belleville Man to 21+ Years in Prison for Producing, Distributing Explicit Images of MinorsRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – In a U.S. District courtroom Thursday, a federal judge sentenced a Belleville man to 262 months imprisonment after he admitted to producing and distributing sexually explicit images of minors.
Brandon Lepper, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. The judge sentenced him to 262 months imprisonment for count one and 240 months for count two to run concurrently. In addition to the prison sentence, Lepper will serve 15 years of supervised release and is ordered to pay $27,500 in restitution.
“The defendant hid his cell phone and set it up to record in a bathroom he knew a minor would be using to undress in for his own sick pleasure, but then also proceeded to violate and humiliate his victim further by sending their images out into the hands of other pedophiles,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thankfully, Lepper’s prison sentence reflects his vicious and unforgivable actions. I commend the FBI for leading the investigation.”
“The actions of the defendant are deserving of this significant sentence as it reflects the serious nature of the crime,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “Offenders, like Lepper, believe they are invisible to law enforcement from behind their computer screens, but the FBI will use every legal authority to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those intent on harming children.”
According to court documents, FBI agents interviewed Lepper while investigating him for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a social media site in April 2021. While searching his cell phone, agents uncovered CSAM in Lepper’s camera roll, an online folder drive, and in chats sent from his device.
Upon further review, agents discovered Lepper produced and distributed explicit images of an unsuspecting minor he knew personally while the child was undressing. In total, Lepper’s collection of CSAM included nearly 3,000 images.
FBI – Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Woman Facing Federal Charges for Swindling More Than $300,000 from Her GrandmotherRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Florida woman was arraigned on an indictment in federal court on Wednesday charging her for allegedly scamming her grandmother living in Cahokia Heights out of more than $300,000.
Tanya M. Aboseada, 38, of Pompano Beach, Florida, is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud.
“Financial crimes against the elderly for personal gain are intolerable, and offenders will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz said, “The FBI remains committed to protecting the elderly in our communities from financial fraud and holding accountable those who exploit them.”
The indictment alleges Aboseada convinced her grandmother to wire money into her bank account under false pretenses on at least 12 occasions between November 2021 and August 2022. Aboseada lied about needing money in order to transfer a truck title into her name, pay money she owed to the IRS, pay attorney fees and fines for a vehicular accident she was in, and to pay the family of a child she killed in a vehicular accident to avoid going to jail.
In total, the fraudulent transactions exceeded $300,000.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Verseman is prosecuting the case.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Mailing Methamphetamine to the Metro EastRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a California man to spend 100 months in federal prison after he admitted to distributing methamphetamine to southern Illinois.
Jewelion Yarbrough, 34, of, Long Beach, California, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. In addition to the prison sentence, Yarbrough will serve three years of supervised release.
“The defendant tried to elude detection by mailing methamphetamine inside of children’s toys and a small appliance box, which could have easily landed in the wrong hands if mistakenly delivered to an incorrect address,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I’m grateful to the agents who worked this case and apprehended this criminal.”
“Drug trafficking continues to fuel much of the violent crime that ATF investigates. There is no question that the cooperative efforts of the DEA, Postal Inspection Service and ATF to disrupt this distribution of methamphetamine and bring Mr. Yarbrough to justice, saved lives and likely prevented future drug related violence,” said Bernard Hanse, Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, confidential sources working with ATF identified Yarbrough as a methamphetamine distributor in July 2019. Agents conducted three controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the defendant after communicating with him on social media, in which he mailed three separate packages containing narcotics from California to the Metro East. In total, the packages exceeded 100 grams of methamphetamine.
In the first two packages, Yarbrough disguised the methamphetamine in toys intended for children. In the third package, he disguised the narcotics in a kitchen appliance box. Law enforcement located Yarbrough’s fingerprints on both the drugs and the packaging.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.
Prison Guard Admits to Using Excessive Force, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former correctional officer at Pinckneyville Correctional Center pleaded guilty to federal charges Tuesday stemming from an incident in which a restrained inmate was beaten.
Cord A. Williams, 35, of Vergennes, Illinois, pleaded guilty to violating the inmate’s civil rights by using excessive force under color of law and of conspiracy to obstruct justice by falsifying incident reports.
Correctional officers Christian L. Pyles, 25, of Christopher, Illinois, and Mark C. Maxwell, 52, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, are also charged in the indictment.
The indictment alleges both Williams and Pyles beat an inmate who was fully restrained in handcuffs and leg irons on April 24, 2022. Maxwell was charged with a separate civil rights violation that alleges he was the acting lieutenant when he failed to intervene and allowed the inmate to be beaten in his presence.
As part of Williams’ plea, he admitted that the beating occurred to punish the inmate, because he had previously punched a different correctional officer. Court records showed the beating caused significant injuries to the inmate, including facial fractures, multiple lacerations, a chipped tooth, and lung damage.
As part of their official duties, correctional officers are required to write incident reports to accurately document any unusual incidents that they observe or are reported to them, including disturbances or the use of force. The conspiracy count alleges that both Williams, Pyles, and others colluded to file false reports about the incident.
The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft is prosecuting the case.
Five Sentenced to Prison on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced the final defendant of five total co-conspirators for his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine operation in southern Illinois.
Robert Smith, 42, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison. Smith pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
The case involved more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine distributed in the Southern District of Illinois.
Co-conspirator William Moore, 39, of East St. Louis, pled guilty to five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to launder money. He received a 30-year federal prison sentence on April 20, 2022, and he will serve five years of supervised release.
Michael Huffman, 37, of Salem, Illinois, pled guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He received an 8-year federal prison sentence on Oct. 27, 2022, and he will serve three years of supervised release.
Stacey Barkley, 36 of Caseyville, Illinois, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on Sept. 15, 2021, and she will serve three years of supervised release.
Michael Greene, 54, of St. Louis, pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He received a 25-month federal prison sentence on Feb. 9, 2023, and he will serve four years of supervised release.
“Trafficking dangerous and addictive drugs into and around southern Illinois will earn conspirators time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Thanks to this collaborative effort by law enforcement, more criminals are behind bars.”
"Despite the attention given to fentanyl, methamphetamine remains the top drug seized by quantity in Southern Illinois and is still responsible for destroying many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration division that leads DEA investigations in Southern Illinois, as well as Missouri and Kansas. "DEA and our federal, state and local partners are dedicated to stopping drug distribution and money laundering operations like this one to protect our citizen's lives and health from the menace of illicit drugs."
“Whenever someone involved in drug trafficking is sentenced to prison, it’s a victory for local communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “Drug traffickers are in business to make money and they don’t care who they hurt to achieve that objective. The special agents of IRS-CI are proud to use their financial expertise to help find and disrupt drug trafficking networks and put a stop to the harm they do to communities.”
According to court documents, DEA agents investigated the defendants for distributing methamphetamine in St. Clair County from February to October 2019. In recorded buys, confidential sources purchased more than 750 grams of methamphetamine from Moore on five occasions at a restaurant in East St. Louis.
On July 9, 2019, Greene received more than 58 grams of methamphetamine from Moore with intent to distribute. On July 10, 2019, agents seized a package of 6,310 grams of methamphetamine before Huffman could retrieve at Moore’s request. On Aug. 19, 2019, agents arrested Barkley in possession of more than 100 grams of methamphetamine from Moore.
In court proceedings, Smith was held responsible for supplying more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine from California in the drug operation led by Moore. In furtherance of the financial crime conspiracy, Moore laundered drug proceeds for Smith to facilitate the trafficking operation.
DEA led the investigation with support from the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Fischer prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
East St. Louis Drug Dealer Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to spend 16 years in federal prison on drug distribution and firearm charges.
Mosezell Jones, 43, pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“Illicit drugs and firearms result in fear and destruction to a neighborhood, and families in East St. Louis are better off with one less criminal infecting the community,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I applaud the officers for apprehending this defendant.”
“Illinois State Police special agents are committed to seeking out and holding accountable those individuals pushing life-destroying meth into our communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
According to court documents, undercover agents with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois of ISP conducted several controlled buys of a total of approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine from Jones at his home in East St. Louis in June 2021. Following the operation, officers executed a search warrant on Jones’s home and detained him.
From the search, officers recovered approximately 140 grams of methamphetamine, an AK-47-style rifle, 12-guage shotgun, a revolver, ammunition and drug paraphernalia. Due to prior felony convictions, Jones is unable to legally possess firearms.
During the investigation, officers discovered Jones was using a pill press machine to disguise methamphetamine, an addictive and deadly stimulant, as multi-colored tablets that appeared similar to candy or vitamins.
ISP led the investigation with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).U.S. Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, Community Partners to Host National Night Out Event in East St. LouisRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – To encourage stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois, event organizers and officials are inviting the East St. Louis community to a free event with activities for attendees of all ages to celebrate National Night Out.
The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Lincoln Park in East St. Louis, located at 606 S. 15th St.
Community partners will give out school supplies to students and will offer an array of activities like competitive games and more.
Ameren Illinois, the City of East St. Louis, Community Development Sustainable Solutions (CDSS), Community Life Line, the East St. Louis Police & Fire Departments, Illinois State Police, Family & Community Engagement Center, Fathers & Families Support Center, Indivisible Metro East, Kaskaskia Group of the Illinois Sierra Club, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are partnering to host the event.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office Work to Combat Summer ViolenceRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Following a 12-week effort, federal authorities announced Wednesday the results of the latest multi-agency law enforcement operation in the Southern District of Illinois.
Conducted over the last three months, “Operation Triple Beam Piasa” aimed to combat violence during the summer through the disruption of organized gangs and impact violent crime by apprehending fugitives and gang members as well as the seizure of illegal firearms, narcotics, and proceeds.
In southern Illinois, enforcement operations were focused in Madison and St. Clair counties, in addition to the Centralia region. Officers made 407 felony arrests, with 128 of the arrests being confirmed or associated gang members. During the operation, law enforcement officers also arrested 29 individuals wanted for homicide, 72 individuals for aggravated assault, 16 individuals for armed robbery, and 130 individuals for weapons offenses.
“By targeting, investigating and arresting fugitives throughout southern Illinois, the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners worked to foster safer communities in the downstate region and improve public safety for the summer when families want to enjoy more time outdoors,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Officers in this latest operation knew the dangers of interacting with and arresting criminals with violent histories—and yet, they persisted. I sincerely commend all who participated and contributed to this operation’s success.”
“Throughout this operation, the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force Officers concentrated on arresting the most egregious defendants who were wanted for homicide, drug offenses, weapons offenses and other violent crimes. Obviously, we wouldn’t have been as successful without all our task force partners who participated in this operation and we are grateful for their ongoing support. It is essential that U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Forces continue to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and assist in high profile investigations. During this operation, the Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers continued to exceed expectations while performing this inherently dangerous job” said U.S. Marshal David C. Davis.
During the operation, agents also seized a total of 117 firearms, $47,023, 13 vehicles, and 149.68 kilograms of illicit narcotics.
“Operation Triple Beam Piasa” was a collaborative effort led by the Southern District of Illinois and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Participating agencies included the Illinois State Police, Belleville Police Department, Granite City Police Department, Alton Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois Department of Corrections – Parole, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Effingham County Sheriff’s Department and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois.
Co-Defendants Admit to Violent Carjackings, Get Federal Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced two co-defendants to federal prison after the pair admitted to participating in a string of violent carjackings in the Metro East. Both men each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of carjacking, and one count of use of a dangerous weapon to commit a crime of violence.
Jamariante N. Burgess, 21, of East St. Louis, Illinois, received a 192-month sentence, and Armon R. Simpson, 19, of St. Louis, Missouri, received a 208-month sentence. At the time of the crimes, Simpson was 17. He was certified by the Court to be treated as an adult in the case.
“In a one-month span, the co-defendants wreaked serious havoc on numerous victims in the Metro East area,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The pair has proven they have no respect for the law, and their federal prison sentences reflect the severity of the violence and terror they caused.”
“The co-defendants showed a total disregard for other people – their safety and welfare – as they terrorized their community on numerous occasions,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP refuses to let people get away with this behavior and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois to bring violent criminals to justice.”
According to court documents and official proceedings, the co-defendants engaged in a string of violent carjackings around the East St. Louis and St. Louis area during the summer of 2021. Beginning in July, the co-defendants pointed firearms at and carjacked a victim at the Roosevelt Homes public housing complex in East St. Louis.
On Aug. 5, 2021, Burgess and Simpson displayed firearms and carjacked a man in the St. Louis Soulard neighborhood. After being unable to drive the car, Burgess and Simpson exchanged gunfire with a citizen who tried to stop the carjacking. Undeterred, the pair then went to downtown St. Louis, robbed three victims of their belongings at gunpoint, and forcibly took their vehicle.
Burgess and Simpson fled with the stolen vehicle to the John DeShields Apartments in East St. Louis. Simpson erroneously identified an innocent pedestrian as a member of an opposing gang and both Simpson and Burgess shot at the victim, who sustained injuries. Police in both Illinois and Missouri worked quickly to identify the suspects and arrested Burgess and Simpson later that morning. Officers recovered three firearms and some of the robbery victims’ belongings.
Law enforcement officers with the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandria Burns prosecuted the case.
Belleville Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Exploiting Minors to Produce Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a Belleville man to spend 15 years in federal prison after he pled guilty to four counts of production, distribution, and transportation of child sexual abuse material.
Zachary R. Dennert, 21, will serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
“The defendant targeted young boys on social media, gained their trust by pretending to be a young girl and exploited his victims for sexual images,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “His sentence reflects the severity of his manipulative behavior, and I applaud the investigative agencies for their work in bringing this offender to justice.”
According to court documents, Dennert created social media profiles on several platforms purporting to be a teenage female in 2020. Using the profiles, he contacted numerous male minors and requested explicit images. Dennert received images from victims ranging in age from 11 to 15-years-old. Investigators recovered more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material from Dennert’s account.
Task force members with the U.S. Secret Service and the O’Fallon Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from Saint Clair County State’s Attorney Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandria Burns prosecuted the case.
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, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Methamphetamine Distributor Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Jeremy P. Devaisher, 42, of Brighton, IL, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for methamphetamine-related charges on Thursday, July 6, 2023. He was fined $200 and must also pay $100 in special assessments. Following his release from federal prison, Devaisher must complete five years of supervised release.
Devaisher was arrested in Alton in January of 2022, while he was still on mandatory supervised release from the Illinois Department of Corrections for Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon. Officers from the Alton Police Department were conducting a traffic stop of a vehicle that Devaisher was a passenger in when the vehicle suddenly pulled into a residential driveway. Devaisher exited the vehicle, refused the officer’s commands to stop and stay with the vehicle, and then attempted to enter the residence, which did not belong to him. Once Devaisher entered the house he was tased, arrested, and discovered to be in possession of a large amount of crystal methamphetamine and packaging materials for drug distribution.
A federal grand jury indicted Devaisher on March 22, 2022, with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and he pled guilty on March 20, 2023.
“Methamphetamine is dangerously addictive, it ruins lives, and it harms communities across southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “We work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that repeat offenders face heightened penalties for choosing crime over peaceful rehabilitation.”
“I am incredibly proud of the Alton Police Officers who helped put a stop to Devaisher’s distribution of methamphetamine,” said Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. “This case truly highlights the excellent working relationship that the Alton Police Department shares with our federal law enforcement partners, including the prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The Alton Police Department conducted the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted forensic chemistry testing, and Assistant United States Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.Former Housing Authority Executive Director Sentenced to Federal Prison for Using Funds for Personal ExpensesRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A U.S. district judge sentenced the former executive director of the Jefferson County Housing Authority to spend 10 months in federal prison after he converted more than $20,000 in authority funds for personal expenses.
In addition to the prison sentence, Thomas J. Upchurch, 53, now of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, was ordered to pay $20,150 in restitution back to the housing authority, and he will serve one year of supervised release.
“To promote respect for the law, the defendant’s sentence sends a clear message to deter other organizational leaders from abusing their power and spending authority,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
“The actions of Thomas Upchurch undermined the ability of the housing authority to provide housing assistance to those who need their services,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “The FBI is particularly vigilant in instances where individuals take advantage of federal program funds.”
According to court documents, Upchurch linked the housing authority’s credit card to his personal Amazon account and made nearly 300 inappropriate charges for personal items. Over a three-year period, the charges totaled more than $20,000. To conceal his fraud, Upchurch blocked the members of JCHA’s Board of Commissioners from reviewing his spending records. The defendant was charged with one count of conversion of federal funds due to the JCHA’s funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The JCHA serves 712 residents over 425 housing units in Mt. Vernon, Dix, Ina, Waltonville and Woodlawn. Members of the Jefferson County Board appoint the JCHA’s Board of Commissioners who then appoint an executive director to oversee its operations.
The FBI Springfield Field Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney, FBI Raise Awareness on Importance of Reporting Hate CrimesRead the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – As part of a Department of Justice initiative, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe and FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz hosted a safety and hate crime educational training for local religious leaders and security personnel at the FBI Fairview Heights resident office on Wednesday.
“By educating the public through the United Against Hate initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working to give individuals the resources to report acts motivated by hate when witnessed, so we have the ability to prosecute offenders of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.
"It is our hope that in informing our faith-based communities about hate crimes, we will empower worshipers to recognize threats and know proper actions to take to protect themselves," said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. "Everyone deserves to practice their religious faith and attend religious services without fear of violence. The FBI is committed to protecting houses of worship from bias-motivated crimes."
To offer education to religious officials on protecting their houses of worship, FBI agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys led training for attendees from Belleville, Cahokia, Shiloh, O’Fallon and surrounding communities on the distinguishing factors between hate crimes versus hate incidents and protected speech under the First Amendment versus speech that advocates violence or encourages people to commit hate crimes. Attendees took away resources on how to report suspected hate crimes to the proper investigative authorities.
FBI also provided active shooter training through its Protect Houses of Worship initiative.
To expand education to students, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is accepting requests to bring the United Against Hate presentation to school districts throughout the Southern District of Illinois. For more information and to request an event, visit www.justice.gov/usao-sdil/united-against-hate.
Jury Convicts Belleville Man of Attempted Sex Crimes Against a MinorRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – In a U.S. District courtroom Tuesday, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts against a Belleville man accused of two attempted sex crimes against a minor, after he tried to meet with an alleged 15-year-old girl in Collinsville.
The jury found Gerald S. Sewell, 59, guilty of one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Sewell’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20, 2023.
“As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, internet safety is critical for healthy development in children of all ages,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Fortunately, the FBI is working aggressively to remove online predators looking for children to abuse, and I’m grateful for their partnership.”
"There is an inherent risk to children anywhere the opportunity exists to communicate online. That’s why the FBI continues to be proactive in our efforts to protect them, casting a wide net over the various online applications and internet platforms where children are vulnerable," said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Shannon Fontenot. "Investigations like these demonstrate the outstanding work achieved in a collaborative environment with our law enforcement partners."
Sewell was one of 14 defendants charged in June 2020 as the result of an FBI-led operation involving multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies that targeted online predators.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Sewell initiated a conversation online with an FBI agent posing as a 15-year-old girl. Using sexually-explicit language, he made plans to meet with the purported girl for sex at a house in Collinsville. Sewell was arrested at the scene once he arrived.
In an interview with law enforcement, Sewell stated he was living at a friend’s house in Missouri and therefore had crossed over state lines to engage in the criminal sexual activity.
The operation was led by the FBI Springfield Field Office with assistance from the FBI St. Louis Field Office, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Belleville Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police, the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Swansea Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service. Additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alton jail, the Monroe County jail, and the St. Clair County jail.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Reppert and Zoe Gross are prosecuting the case.Cahokia Heights Teen Indicted for Trafficking Glock Switches from ChinaRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A teenager from Cahokia Heights was arraigned on a two-count indictment in federal court, and he is now facing charges for engaging in a scheme to transport Machine Gun Conversion Devices, more commonly known as Glock switches, from China to St. Clair County.
Carlos Akins, 19, is facing one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun and one count of transporting prohibited weapons without a license.
“Glock switches have exploded in popularity in recent years, and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to remove the devices from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Our office stands ready to prosecute the individuals responsible for trafficking Glock switches into southern Illinois.”
“The growing popularity of machine gun conversion devices poses a very real threat to public safety and the law enforcement community,” said Bernard Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Field Division. “As this case clearly demonstrates, ATF is committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to investigate the trafficking and use of these devices and remove them from our communities.”
“Conversion devices or switches that allow a handgun to become fully automatic are becoming more common and the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group is committed to stopping the proliferation of these devices,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
According to court documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Chicago intercepted a package of 10 Glock switches from China in route to an address in East St. Louis for Akins in December 2022. CBP notified ISP of the package, and troopers partnered with ATF to conduct a controlled pick-up for the defendant.
After his arrest, Akins gave law enforcement consent to search his bedroom. Officers located a Glock with a purple switch, an extended magazine and an additional cell phone. During an interview, the defendant told police he ordered Glock switches from an app and had sold nine switches to customers for a total of $2,000.
In January 2023, Homeland Security Investigations seized another package of 10 Glock switches addressed to Akins. In total, Akins is accused of ordering 30 Glock switches from China.
Under federal law, auto sears, commonly known as Glock switches, are defined as a machine gun, because the relatively simple and small conversion devices can turn semi-automatic pistols into automatic weapons.
If convicted, the defendant can be sentenced to up to 15 years in federal prison and face fines up to $250,000.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
ATF and ISP are contributing to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Arshi is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Gets 57 Months in Prison for Drug Transportation ChargeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. District judge sentenced a man from Texas to 57 months in federal prison after he admitted to transporting a kilogram of cocaine to Illinois.
In addition to the prison sentence, Henry Garcia-Blanco, 28, of Irving, Texas, will serve three years of supervised release.
“Increased accessibility to illicit drugs creates significant health risks for communities in southern Illinois, and the individuals found responsible for transporting large quantities of dangerous narcotics across our state lines will face time in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the efforts by the DEA to investigate and arrest offenders and help improve public safety.”
In late 2021, DEA agents began an investigation after learning significant quantities of cocaine were being transported from Texas, through Illinois, and on to St. Louis, Missouri. On Dec. 10, 2021, a confidential source informed agents a drug courier was stuck in Effingham, Illinois. The courier was identified as Garcia-Blanco, and the agents arranged a ride to facilitate his travel.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the truck and identified the defendant as a passenger. Upon questioning from law enforcement, a positive alert from a trained narcotics K-9 and a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located a vacuum-sealed brick of what was later confirmed by laboratory testing to be just over a kilogram of cocaine. Garcia-Blanco admitted that he was transporting the cocaine from Texas.
DEA led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Carraway prosecuted the case.
St. Clair County Man Facing Federal Charge for Pipe Bomb PossessionRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – On Monday, Jim F. Lanier, 49, of Marissa, Illinois, was arraigned on an indictment in federal court charging the unlawful possession of a destructive device. Lanier was ordered detained pending trial.
In a previously filed complaint, the Federal Bureau of Investigation alleged that Lanier admitted to making a homemade pipe bomb that he intended to use to blow up his wife’s vehicle, and further admitted to lighting and throwing the device at people who confronted him inside a trailer park in Marissa, Illinois on April 29, 2023. The device did not detonate, according to the complaint. The complaint further alleged that a second suspicious device was found stored among Lanier’s belongings.
The unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
“Destructive devices can be exceptionally dangerous to life and limb. All suspected cases of the unlawful possession of homemade explosive or incendiary devices must be investigated thoroughly and treated as serious threats,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe.“A potentially hazardous situation that could have endangered the lives of innocent people was averted thanks to successful collaboration with our local, state and federal partners,” said Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “FBI Springfield would like to thank the Scott Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad, and the Marissa Police Department. This multi-agency investigation demonstrates the joint commitment of our law enforcement partners to prioritize the safety of our communities.”
Complaints and indictments are merely formal charges 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Marissa Police Department, the Illinois Secretary of State Police Hazardous Devices Unit, and Scott Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Burke and Liam Coonan are prosecuting the case.