Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Gary Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Keith Cloudy, 46 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Cloudy was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 18, 2020, during a traffic stop of Cloudy’s vehicle in Gary, Indiana, law enforcement recovered a semi-automatic pistol. Cloudy’s criminal history revealed that he had two prior federal felony convictions, one in 2000 and another in 2015 for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, and as such he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Kevin F. Wolff and Michael J. Toth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
East Chicago Man Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Dante Jones, 26 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Jones was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on June 20, 2021, law enforcement responded to a 911 call at a residence in East Chicago. When law enforcement arrived and knocked on the door, Jones answered the door with a loaded firearm in his hands. Jones’ criminal history revealed he has a prior 2016 felony conviction for aggravated vehicular hijacking from Illinois which prohibits him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the East Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Chicago, Illinois Man Sentenced to 37 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Eric Isom, 24 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Isom was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on January 10, 2021, Isom, was a passenger in vehicle law enforcement attempted to stop in Dyer, Indiana. The vehicle fled, leading officers on a pursuit that crossed into Munster before the vehicle crashed. After the crash, law enforcement recovered a firearm from the vehicle which had Isom’s DNA on it, along with drugs and extended magazines. Isom’s previous criminal history revealed he has prior Illinois felony convictions for Armed Robbery and Aggravated Use of a Weapon, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the Dyer Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Matteson, Illinois Man Sentenced to 77 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Javell Thompson, 34 years old, of Matteson, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Thompson was sentenced to 77 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on October 24, 2020, law enforcement in Gary, Indiana stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation which Thompson was driving. During a search of the vehicle, a pistol with an extended magazine was recovered. Thompson admitted to possessing the firearm. His criminal history revealed that he has two prior felony convictions, an aggravated fleeing conviction from 2013 and a burglary conviction from 2015, as such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 68 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jonnie Jones-Gunn, 31 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Jones-Gunn was sentenced to 68 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in March of 2021, police officers tried to pull over Jones-Gunn while he was driving more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. Jones-Gunn led officers on a short pursuit before stopping his car. Officers recovered a stolen gun with a 30-round capacity magazine from his vehicle. Jones-Gunn’s prior multiple felony convictions, any one of which prohibits him from possessing a firearm, include attempted robbery, burglary, and being a felon carrying a handgun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome McKeever.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 200 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Alfred Gomez a.k.a. “Vulture”, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Gomez was sentenced to a total of 200 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, from August of 2018 through January of 2019, Gomez sold methamphetamine along with a number of firearms to another individual, often while armed with a handgun. Among the firearms sold by Gomez were an AR-15 and a handgun. Gomez’s criminal history revealed that he was previously convicted of the felony offense of possession of cocaine in Allen County Superior Court, and as such was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results
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Fort Wayne Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Madison McCoy,19 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced, on August 3, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on her plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McCoy was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on June 16, 2021, McCoy was stopped for traffic violations while traveling northbound on I-69 in Allen County, Indiana. When approached by police, McCoy admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the car. A search of the car yielded two packages wrapped in dark plastic under a sweatshirt on the rear driver’s floorboard. Inside the packages were multiple vacuum sealed bags containing small blue pills stamped with “M30.” There were approximately 20,000 pills weighing slightly over two kilograms. The pills later tested positive for the presence of Fentanyl and had a street value of approximately $500,000.00.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 300 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Eddie M. Knox, 56 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Knox was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between May 6, 2019, and August 26, 2020, Knox was involved in a conspiracy with his co-defendants to distribute significant amounts of controlled substances. During the conspiracy, Knox personally distributed approximately 393 grams of methamphetamine and 98 grams of fentanyl in five controlled buys with law enforcement. Knox also provided a firearm to a felon during one of the controlled buys. In addition, Knox maintained a residence where controlled substances were sold and stored during the conspiracy, and where additional narcotics and two firearms were recovered.
Knox was the final defendant to be sentenced in this case. The other 5 co-defendants who were previously sentenced included:
Fredrick Morgan II, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, who received 360 months in prison,
Larry Lamb, 41 years of age, of Fort Wayne, who received 295 months in prison,
Frederick Morgan, 65 years old, of Fort Wayne, who received 90 months in prison,
James Russell, Jr., 56 year old, of Fort Wayne, who received 84 months in prison, and
Sarah Waltz, 41 years old, of Fort Wayne, who received 37 months in prison.
This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Huntington Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Brent A. Ecenbarger.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Man Sentenced to 97 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jaime Renteria-Lopez, 28 years old, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to distributing a controlled substance and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Renteria-Lopez was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Renteria-Lopez was carrying a firearm on October 28, 2019, which he carried during and in relation to his drug dealing activities. Later, on January 7, 2020, Renteria-Lopez distributed about two ounces of heroin to law enforcement.
This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department in coordination with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Brent A. Ecenbarger.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Latin Count Gang Member Convicted of Gang Related Activity Resulting in the Murders of a 16-Year Old and 33 Year-OldRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Eduardo Luciano, 34, of Hammond, Indiana, a member of the Hammond faction of the Latin Counts, a criminal street gang which originated in Chicago, was found guilty following a 7-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
The jury found Luciano guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana, and two counts of using a firearm to commit the murders of Lauren Calvillo (age 16) and Christopher White (age 33). The jury found that, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, Luciano was responsible for the murders of Lauren Calvillo and Christopher White and as part of the drug conspiracy, Luciano conspired to distribute or possess with intent distribute cocaine and marijuana.
The evidence at trial revealed that on June 29, 2015, Luciano and other gang members formulated a plan to shoot and kill members of the Latin Kings, a rival criminal street gang, who were attending a vigil on the 5500 block of Beal Street in Hammond, Indiana. After planning the shooting, gang members drove to the vicinity of the vigil where multiple shots were fired into the crowd. At the time of shooting, Christopher White (33), who was visiting family on Beal Street, was shot in front of the family member’s home, and later died. Lauren Calvillo (16) was shot and killed while on the front porch of her family’s Beal Street home.
Previously, co-defendant Latin Count member Ivan Reyes pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Co-defendant Jeron Williams pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted his involvement in and responsibility for the Calvillo and White murders. Co-defendant Latin Count member Robert Loya pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy. All three are awaiting sentencing.
Luciano’s sentencing will be scheduled by separate order of the Court. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Hammond, Indiana Police Department, and this investigation has received substantial assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Gang Response Investigative Team Task Force, the Gary Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick, Caitlin M. Padula, and Kimberly L. Schultz.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Bryant D. Aron, age 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Aron was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on May 24, 2019, Aron was the driver of a vehicle involved in a high-speed chase with the Fort Wayne Police Department. During the pursuit, Aron crashed his vehicle, then exited it, and led police on a short foot pursuit. At the time of his apprehension, a loaded magazine was found in his pocket. A loaded firearm was also found inside the vehicle. Aron’s prior criminal history revealed that he had multiple felony convictions out of Allen County Superior Court which prohibited his possession of a firearm or ammunition. Aaron was convicted of the illegal possession of the firearm and ammunition at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Timothy Humphries, 40 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Humphries was sentenced to 108 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $6000 assessment.
According to documents in the case, in 2019, Humphries created fake social media profiles where he posed as a young teenage girl. He used those profiles to chat with female minors. Between September and October, he convinced a female minor to send him images of herself that constituted child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Muskegon County, Michigan Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .
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Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Terrell Howard, 32 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Howard was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in December 2020, Howard fired a handgun in the air 18 times in a residential neighborhood in South Bend. Howard’s criminal history revealed he had prior felony convictions which prohibit him from possessing a firearm, to include armed robbery with a handgun and criminal recklessness.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and former Assistant United States Attorney Geovanny E. Martinez.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Portage Man Sentenced to 240 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Romio Xavier Hawkins, 24 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to production of material depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hawkins was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on multiple occasions between January and February 2021, Hawkins instructed Jane Doe 1, a 16-year-old minor, to produce images and live videos depicting Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, a four-year-old minor, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, Hawkins admitted to law enforcement that he possessed over 1,000 images and 300 videos containing child pornography, including materials featuring toddlers and infants.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .
Chicago Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Daniel Smith, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to using and carrying a firearm during a robbery and for brandishing a firearm during a second robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Smith was sentenced to 168 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $14,402.84 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, on January 24, 2020, Smith robbed a cellular store located in Hammond, Indiana, while armed with a firearm. During the robbery, Smith held employees at gunpoint, and ordered them to fill up a duffel bag with cellular phones which he took. Seven days later, on January 31, 2020, Smith robbed another cellular store, this one located in Merrillville, Indiana, while armed with a firearm. During this robbery, Smith brandished a firearm and demanded cash and cellular phones from the employees before exiting the store.
Smith’ criminal history revealed that he has prior felony convictions for aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon, armed robbery, and auto theft.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Team and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Merrillville, Indiana and Hazel Crest, Illinois Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Michigan City Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Sergio Gamez, 30 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Gamez was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 7, 2019, as a result of a 911 call about a possible kidnapping, law enforcement responded to a local gas station. At the gas station, Officers located Gamez who was in the vehicle in possession of a rifle. Officers learned that Gamez had demanded the victim drive him around while he threatened her with the rifle. According to his criminal history, Gamez has prior felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Robbery, and Arson which prohibit him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 195 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jamic C. Johnson, 47 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Johnson was sentenced to 195 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on October 28, 2020, a state search warrant was served on Johnson’s residence. During the search, officers seized a distribution amount of methamphetamine, cocaine, a loaded handgun, a drug ledger, a loaded shotgun, additional ammunition, magazines, pills, and a scale. Johnson’s criminal history revealed he was convicted of multiple felony offenses. One of the felonies was for carrying a handgun without a license and the other two were for dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug. Any of these felony convictions federally prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Allen County Drug Task Force and Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
DeMotte Man Sentenced to 130 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Gregory Marshall, 55 years old, of DeMotte, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Marshall was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, during the course of the investigation Marshall sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions throughout August and September 2021. The deals took place at his residence, which was eventually searched, resulting in the recovery of additional methamphetamine and marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Schererville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 188 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Daniel Witt, 26 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to production of material depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Witt was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on or about June 5, 2020, Daniel Witt did employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a minor to produce sexually explicit images, knowing and having reason to know that such visual depiction would be transported using any means and facility of interstate commerce.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Allen County Sherriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 27 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- James Winbush IV, 26 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Winbush was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 9, 2021, law enforcement in Merrillville, Indiana stopped a vehicle for speeding. During a search of the vehicle, an officer recovered a .40 caliber pistol loaded with an extended magazine, which Winbush admitted to possessing. Winbush’s criminal history revealed he has a prior felony conviction in Lake County, Indiana for burglary, and as such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/ Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force with the assistance of the Merrillville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Fort Wayne Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Steven J. Hecke, age 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was found guilty following a five-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
The jury found Hecke guilty of two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Hecke’s sentencing will be scheduled by separate order of the Court. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Allen County Drug Task Force; the Allen County Sheriff’s Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Indiana State Police; and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Lamonte Powell, 52 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Powell was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, law enforcement bought narcotics from Powell on two occasions. Thereafter, in May of 2021, law enforcement recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine, along with a firearm, and cash from a search of Powell’s residence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 144 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Arsenio Harrison, 30 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Harrison was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in June of 2021, Harrison robbed a cell phone store in South Bend and attempted to rob a convenience store in Mishawaka. During the South Bend robbery, the store clerk was restrained with zip ties, and Harrison stole cell phones and cash. During the Mishawaka attempted robbery, one of the clerks sustained serious injuries. Harrison brandished a firearm at the clerks during each incident.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Elkhart Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Shea Pletcher, 42 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Pletcher was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in September of 2021, police in Elkhart responded to the scene of a possible break in. Once they arrived at the home, officers found Pletcher with a 20-gauge shotgun. Pletcher has an extensive criminal history, including at least 8 prior convictions, and any of his convictions for a felony offense prohibits him for possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Elkhart Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jarron Price, 29 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Price was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on May 7, 2020, law enforcement stopped a vehicle for driving recklessly and erratically through the streets of Hammond, Indiana. Price, who was a passenger in the vehicle possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Price’s criminal history revealed he had previous felony convictions in Illinois for aggravated battery and armed violence, and as such, was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 228 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE--Michael Teems, age 60, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced June 16, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Teems was sentenced to a total of 228 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in January of 2020, Teems was stopped by law enforcement and arrested based on an outstanding Ohio warrant. From his residence, various drugs were seized to include methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl pills, along with ammunition and magazines, a scale, and body armor. Teems admitted he had obtained large quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs periodically since November of 2019, and also admitted to carrying his firearm for protection of his drug trafficking activities. Based on his criminal history, he was determined to be a Career Offender and received a sentence based on this Sentencing Guideline enhancement.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Former President of Environmental Services Business Sentenced for Falsifying Document and Illegally Storing Hazardous WasteRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michelle M. Rousseff-Kemp, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Fort Wayne after previously pleading guilty to falsifying a document and illegally storing hazardous waste. U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady sentenced Rousseff-Kemp to 24 months’ of probation and ordered her to pay a $5,500 fine.
According to court documents filed in this case, Rousseff-Kemp was the president and owner of a Fort Wayne, Indiana, business which held itself out as an environmental services company providing comprehensive waste management services. Among other things, the business functioned as a hazardous waste transporter and broker. Neither Rousseff-Kemp nor her company possessed a permit to store hazardous waste.
By law, a properly prepared hazardous waste manifest must accompany hazardous waste from the waste generator to the transporter, and then to the hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facility, where the waste is finally delivered. Ultimately, a copy of the manifest bearing signatures of the transporter and the TSD facility must be sent to the hazardous waste generator.
According to court documents, in June 2018, Rousseff-Kemp’s company picked up hazardous waste from another company that generated the waste. In November 2018, the waste generator emailed Rousseff-Kemp requesting copies of manifests for recent hazardous waste shipments. At some point, Rousseff-Kemp asked an employee of her company to sign the name of a representative of the TSD facility on the manifest for the waste picked up in June. After the employee refused, Rousseff-Kemp forged the signature of the TSD facility representative on the manifest. Rousseff-Kemp then sent a copy of the falsified manifest to the waste generator. The manifest copy contained false information purporting to show that the hazardous waste had been delivered to the TSD facility on July 15, 2018, and signed for by a representative of the TSD facility on that date. In truth, and as known by Rousseff-Kemp, the waste had not been sent to the TSD facility and remained stored by Rousseff-Kemp’s company.
“Honesty and integrity of those involved in storing and transporting hazardous waste are vital to protecting the public’s health and the environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will prosecute those who falsify records and illegally store hazardous waste.”
“Protecting public health and safety by enforcing federal criminal laws governing the proper storage of hazardous waste is paramount,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “My Office has strong law enforcement partnerships through which we will investigate and prosecute those who jeopardize public health by criminal violations of these laws.”
“The defendant falsified documents and knowingly violated legal requirements for the proper storage of hazardous waste,” said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This case demonstrates that individuals who knowingly violate environmental laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”
“This sentencing underscores our commitment to protecting the safety and integrity of the Nation’s transportation systems” said Special Agent in Charge Andrea Kropf of the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General Midwestern Region. “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to pursue those who disregard the laws and regulations designed to keep the public safe from hazardous materials.”
Additionally, according to court documents, Rousseff-Kemp arranged for another transportation company to pick up hazardous waste from a waste generator in March 2019. Thereafter, the hazardous waste was stored, at Rousseff-Kemp’s direction, at her company’s facility and elsewhere until June 2019. During this time, in May of 2019, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management made arrangements with Rousseff-Kemp to conduct an inspection at her company’s facility. Prior to the scheduled inspection, Rousseff-Kemp directed an individual to transport three trailers containing drums of waste that were being stored at Rousseff-Kemp’s company’s facility to an off-site location. Among the drums of waste in the trailers were the drums of hazardous waste picked up in March. Two days later, during the IDEM inspection, Rousseff-Kemp told inspectors that the only trailers that were previously on-site that week, but were not present during the inspection, were empty.
The case was initiated through the Environmental Crimes Task Force of the Northern District of Indiana and jointly investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Office of Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Stephen J. Foster and Kris Dighe of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Nokes, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Mucha.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Andrew Thompson, age 49, of Fort Wayne, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to the sale of firearms to a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Thompson was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in late 2018 through early 2019, two individuals working with law enforcement, each of whom had previously been convicted of a felony offense, purchased a total of five firearms from Thompson. Thompson admitted he sold or traded the firearms for drugs. At least twenty other firearms originally purchased by Thompson have been recovered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois and other locations from prohibited persons, traffic stops and search warrant executions.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
2022 World Elder Abuse Awareness (WEAAD) DayRead the Press Release
2022 World Elder Abuse Awareness (WEAAD) Day
HAMMOND- Northern District of Indiana United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson is committed to protecting older Americans by raising awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, especially on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which is commemorated each year on June 15th since 2006. The motto is “Don’t stand by, stand up against elder abuse!”
“While some crime happens randomly, other crimes – especially those with an economic motive—are frequently targeted. This unfortunately means that there is a criminal element that is daily targeting senior citizens, using various scams, for information and money that these fraudsters will use for their own criminal purposes” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “My Office will work in unison with our law enforcement partners, like the FBI, to prosecute and bring to justice those who target vulnerable citizens, including senior citizens.”
According to the National Center of Elder Abuse, elder abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures and races and can occur anywhere when they are disconnected from social supports, whether they be in their own home, in a facility or hospital. The abuse can take many forms and can result in tangible losses to include their home and life savings as well as intangible losses which include dignity and independence.
Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
A few of the most common scams targeting older Americans include:
- Vaccine related schemes – phishing emails and text messages requesting payment, asking for social security number to secure appointments, offering fake vaccines and unapproved treatment
- Robocalls asking for identifying information to include social security numbers and bank account information or to request money
- Grandparent scams – individual impersonates a family member in an emergency who need money, via cash, bank wire, prepaid gift cards
- Romance scams – online scammers create fake profiles to build online relationships before convincing victims to send money
- Government Imposter Frauds – fraudsters claim to be with a government agency seeking social security numbers , bank account information or requesting immediate payment of funds
- Lottery Frauds – calls or mailing informing the victim they have won a lottery but have to pay fees or taxes before claiming their prizes
- Refund Schemes – fraudsters claim they refunded too much money to the victim’s bank account and induce victims to send payment such as gift cards for the over-refund
- Tech Support Fraud – unsolicited telephone call or internet pop up message claiming to assist remotely with computer issues/technology
- Variety of Phishing Scams text messages or emails are sent to lure victims into divulging personal identifying information or contain a link that contains malware
Here are some ways to help guard against the scammers:
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and texts
- Hang up on Robocallers
- Do not open or click on links or attachments from sources you don’t know, were not expecting or do not recognize
- Ignore offers for miracle treatments or cures
- Don’t be rushed, call a family member, friend or conduct your own research before parting with your money
- Never provide personal identifying information
- Never wire money, provide cash or gift cards to persons or businesses you have met online unless you can verify their identity
Our office and federal partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting elder abuse cases in the Northern District of Indiana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Nokes is the district’s Elder Justice Coordinator. She is responsible for overseeing the prosecution of elder abuse cases, conducting public outreach and awareness activities related to elder abuse, in addition to collecting data required by the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. To learn more about the ways you can assist in our efforts to prevent fraud, neglect, and abuse of elders visit www.elderjustice.gov.
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact the FBI Indianapolis Field Office at 317-595-4000.
You can also contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 or file a complaint FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.ic3.gov.
Kouts Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Kody Yednak, 21 years old, of Kouts, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Yednak received a sentence of 180 months imprisonment followed by a term of 2 years supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in January 2021, Yednak persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Later. in March 2021, Yednak persuaded a different minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. The investigation revealed the minors were approximately 10 and 11 years old.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 210 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jaron Johnson, 23, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to kidnapping, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Johnson was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on the night of April 14, 2019, Johnson participated in the kidnapping of a woman hoping to elicit information as to the whereabouts of a witness in his brother’s upcoming criminal case. Johnson participated in forcing the victim into a car at gunpoint, blindfolding and duct-taping her, and driving her around. The victim was beaten and threatened when she would not provide the information. At one point, the vehicle stopped, and another individual entered the back seat and continued beating the victim. A short time later the victim was dragged from the car to an area behind a house where one of the perpetrators shot her in the face and arm, and left her for dead, but she survived the attack.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary Police Department, Indiana State Police, and Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Toth and former Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Mahoney.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 156 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Austin L. Williams, age 33, of Fort Wayne, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Williams was sentenced to 156 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in July 2021, following a tip, Williams was observed by law enforcement along with multiple individuals coming and going from his apartment. In that same time period, a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Williams took place, and a handgun was observed in his proximity. In August 2021, Williams reportedly pulled a handgun during an altercation. When police arrived, they stopped Williams who had a loaded 9mm handgun under the passenger seat of his car and over 6 grams of methamphetamine on his person. Williams criminal history revealed he had a prior felony conviction for burglary. This conviction prohibited him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of Fort Wayne police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Ecenbarger.
Gary Man Sentenced to 50 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Courtney Lewis, 41 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Lewis was sentenced to 50 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 28, 2020, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Lewis. An officer observed a firearm between Lewis’ leg and tried to remove it but Lewis resisted, pulled the gun from the officer and sped away. While fleeing, Lewis threw the gun from the vehicle. Lewis’ criminal history revealed he had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including robbery, cheating at a gambling game, and possessing a firearm as a felon, and as such, was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force with the assistance of the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kelvin Franklin, 39 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Franklin was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in May of 2019, Franklin agreed with others to obtain methamphetamine from California. Franklin flew out to California with cash and was present when 15 kilograms of methamphetamine were delivered. The methamphetamine was subsequently loaded into a car that was stopped by law enforcement while it was enroute to the Midwest.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department, St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, Indiana State Police, and Missouri State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Taequan Richardson, 23 years old, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Richardson was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on July 10, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the Indiana Toll Road on a vehicle. During the search of the car, law enforcement recovered a firearm underneath the front passenger’s seat at Richardson’s feet. Richardson’s criminal history revealed he has a prior Michigan conviction for manufacturing/delivering controlled substances, and as such, was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Hobart Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hammond Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Matthew Burton, 20 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Burton was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on May 17, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Burton and recovered a firearm from under the front passenger seat which he possessed. Burton’s criminal history revealed he had a prior felony conviction for robbery, and as such, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/ Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force with the assistance of the East Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Gary Man Sentenced to 235 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Omarr Williams, 43, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Williams was sentenced to 235 in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on October 8, 2019, Williams robbed a bank in Hammond, Indiana. Upon entering the bank, Williams pointed a firearm at a bank teller and demanded money. At the time of his arrest. Williams was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and $1,597.
At the time he committed the bank robbery, Williams was on probation for a prior armed robbery conviction. Based on his criminal history, Williams was determined to be a career offender which resulted in an increase to his sentence.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and Jennifer S. Chang.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay $1,938,193.15 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Sven Eric Marshall, Jr., 64 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to mail fraud, securities fraud, and bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Marshall was sentenced to 121 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,938,193.15 in restitution to the various victims of his offenses.
According to documents in this case, Marshall practiced law as an attorney in South Bend in the area of wills, trusts, estates, and other elder law matters. He also provided financial accounting services and sold investment securities. From approximately 2003 until its collapse in December 2017, Marshall’s investment business, Trust & Investment Advisory Services of Indiana, Inc., defrauded investors by paying their supposed investment returns with other investors’ money. He also used investors’ money for his personal expenses. Marshall stole more than $730,000 from 16 different investors over the course of his scheme. Many of Marshall’s victims invested their entire life savings and suffered substantial financial hardship after they lost their money.
In addition to defrauding investors, Marshall also embezzled more than $1.3 million from seven clients who had hired Marshall to prepare their wills and estates. Marshall did not distribute the victims’ money according to their directives, but instead, used the estates’ money for his own personal and business expenses. The beneficiaries of these wills never received the money the victims wanted to leave them. These beneficiaries included numerous local churches, schools, religious communities, and charitable organizations.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and John M. Maciejczyk.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 36 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Raheri Boyd, 45 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Boyd was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on June 8, 2021, a vehicle operated by Boyd was involved in a hit and run accident. When officers arrived, Boyd was found to be asleep in the driver’s seat. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the center console. Boyd’s criminal history indicates that he has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a firearm by a felon, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. These convictions prohibit him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Lake Station Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Carmel, Indiana Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- George McKown, age 71, of Carmel, Indiana was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his conviction for Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McKown was sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay over $5,212,159.45 dollars in restitution to the victims of his securities fraud and wire fraud schemes.
According to documents filed in this case, between 2008 and 2013, McKown partnered with Richard Gearhart to operate Asset Preservation Specialists (APS) a company they claimed would make profitable market investments for its clients. McKown and Gearhart recruited over 40 individuals to invest their savings, pensions, death benefits, and IRAs with APS, ultimately collecting millions of dollars. McKown, representing himself as the President of APS, promised his investors there was no risk to their initial deposit, they would receive a return of 6% to 8% on their investments and, upon request, their initial investment would be returned within thirty days.
After receiving the investors’ money, McKown and Gearhart abandoned the plan to invest money in the market and began using their clients’ investments to fund their own personal business projects and projects of their associates. By 2013, McKown and Gearhart had squandered over $5,000,000 of their investors’ money.
The individuals, through APS, kept its investors in the dark about the losses by sending fraudulent financial statements and 1099s to investors which falsely showed they were making a consistent profit on their investments. Through APS, the pair further continued to recruit new investors to hide the losses and keep the scheme afloat. Many of the victims first learned that APS had lost their savings when Gearhart filed for bankruptcy in 2013.
Co-defendant, Richard Gearhart pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in December of 2019. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment and ordered to pay over $5 million in restitution in July of 2021. McKown was convicted of his fraud offenses following a jury trial in October 2021.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Indiana Secretary of State Securities Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath and former Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
Tucson Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Eduardo A. Arguelles, Jr., age 20, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin, maintaining a drug-involved premises and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Arguelles was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in September 2021, a series of search warrants were executed on a Fort Wayne address at which Arguelles was staying and a storage locker he was renting. During service of the search warrant in the home, authorities found approximately one pound of fentanyl pills and 100 grams of heroin, along with guns, cash, and an apparent drug ledger. In Arguelles’s storage unit, law enforcement recovered approximately six kilograms of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
Gary Man Convicted of Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Milton L. Harvey, Jr, age 42, of Gary, Indiana, was found guilty of a firearm offense following a 2-day jury trial in front of United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Harvey was found guilty by the jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm in August of 2016.
Harvey’s sentencing will be set for a later date. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nick Padilla and Kevin Wolff.
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Colorado Man Convicted of FraudRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Earl D. Miller, age 43, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was found guilty of 5 counts of wire fraud and 1 count of securities fraud following a 5-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio presided over the trial.
Miller’s sentencing will be scheduled August 25, 2022. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Office of the United States Trustee (Region 10), the Indiana Secretary of State Securities Division, and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Jerome W. McKeever.
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National Police Week 2022Read the Press Release
HAMMOND— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson salutes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“It is my solemn duty to honor all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to protect others. These selfless acts deserve the upmost respect and honor. On behalf of my Office, I want to say to all law enforcement officers, we are grateful for the good work that you perform each day.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Three officers from the Northern District of Indiana will be added this year with nine total throughout the State of Indiana.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender. Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program
Avilla Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay $251,948.59 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Adam N. Bock, age 43 of Avilla, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to removing, obliterating, tampering or altering a vehicle identification number of a motor vehicle, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Bock was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $251,948.59 in restitution to victims of the offense.
According to documents in this case, in 2017 and 2018, Bock and an accomplice stole 25 travel trailers from businesses in Indiana and Michigan. They then replaced the VIN numbers and rebranded the trailers in Bock’s company name. Thereafter, Bock and his accomplice sold many of the rebranded trailers to innocent third-party purchasers.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police with the assistance of the Michigan State Police, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Office and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 144 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Javier Gil, 37 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Gil was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Gil conspired to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Gil and his co-defendants took several trips to California to obtain drugs for distribution. During the final trip in December 2017, Gil and two other individuals flew to California, where they obtained 11 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine that were loaded into a vehicle headed for the Midwest. The drugs were discovered when the vehicle was stopped by police.
Saul Leal, Gil’s co-defendant, was sentenced to 108 months in prison earlier in April.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Oklahoma State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Kimberly L. Schultz.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Nestor Ochoa, 29, of Berwyn, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Ochoa was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in the case, between January 11 and 24, 2019, Ochoa conspired with others to distribute ounce quantities of heroin within the Northern District of Indiana. As part of the conspiracy, Ochoa delivered heroin on three occasions. Ochoa also admitted that he agreed to assist others in the delivery of fentanyl in March of 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Fort Wayne Man Convicted of Firearms and Drugs ChargesRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Timothy Cannon, age 37, of Lima, Ohio, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, transferring a firearm to a felon, and distribution of cocaine following a 3 day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Cannon’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the Auburn Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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East Chicago Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Terrence McCray, 22 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with the acquisition of multiple firearms, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McCray was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in 2019, McCray conspired with three other persons to straw purchase 17 firearms on 14 occasions. In each of the transactions, a buyer falsely certified on the federal forms that he/she was the actual buyer of the firearms. However, the buyer was really making the purchase of the firearms for McCray, who had selected and provided the funds for the purchase of the firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Michael J. Toth.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hobart Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Bruce Leipart, 39 years old, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Leipart was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in October 2018, law enforcement recovered six firearms and multiple extended magazines from Leipart’s residence. Leipart’s criminal history revealed he had a prior felony conviction for a controlled substance offense, and as such, was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.