Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hammond Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Charles Devon Byron Cook, 32 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Cook was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on July 15, 2020, law enforcement was dispatched to a disturbance and upon arrival, observed Cook toss a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol into a vehicle. Law enforcement recovered a loaded extended firearm magazine from Cook’s pocket. Cook’s criminal history indicates that he had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including failing to register as a sex or violent offender, auto theft, carrying a handgun without a license, and felon in possession of a firearm. These convictions prohibited him for possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive/Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force with assistance of the East Chicago 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.
Gary Woman Ordered to Pay $192,659 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Elizabeth Harris, 40, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody on her plea of guilty to mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Harris was sentenced to 36 months’ probation with 12 months’ home detention and ordered to pay $192,659 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
According to documents filed in the case, in March 2009, Elizabeth Harris became a Representative Payee for her father, who received benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, and later the Retirement Insurance Benefits Program. As a representative Payee, Harris was responsible for using the money for the benefit of her father and was required to report any change in circumstances to the SSA. Harris’ father died in September 2010, but she never reported his death to the SSA. She continued to fraudulently collect benefit to which her deceased father was not entitled, in the total sum of $192,659.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang and former Assistant United States Attorney Molly Kelley.
Gary Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Michael Thedford, 29 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to possessing an unregistered machinegun, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Thedford was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release
According to documents in the case, on March 21, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thedford’s residence and recovered narcotics, five loaded firearms with high capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Also recovered was a Glock firearm that contained a conversion device also known as a “Glock Switch” that converted the semi-automatic firearm to a fully automatic weapon. This weapon was required to be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records in accordance with the National Firearms Act but was not.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and Kevin Wolff.
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.
East Chicago Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Morris Burdette, 30 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court 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.
Burdette was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on September 10, 2020, Officers responded to a shots fired call in East Chicago and encountered Burdette at the scene. While possessing a firearm, Burdette fled from law enforcement, and was arrested as he attempted to throw the firearm over a fence. According to his criminal history, Burdette had a prior felony conviction for robbery, making his possession of a firearm or ammunition illegal.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking 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.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Mandell D. Strawter, age 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced, April 25, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to distributing a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Strawter was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in February 2019, Strawter distributed heroin. Strawter was determined to be a career offender based on his prior felony convictions for armed robbery and dealing cocaine.
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 U.S. Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
Wheatfield Man Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Kevin Chevrette, 40 years old, of Wheatfield, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Chevrette was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 10, 2021, while responding to a drug overdose call, officers encountered Chevrette. During their response to this call, officers also recovered a 5.56 caliber rifle. Chevrette admitted he had obtained that particular firearm two months ago, despite knowing he could not possess a firearm. His criminal history revealed he had previously been convicted of multiple prior felony offenses.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Newton County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.
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 33 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Edward Timothy Rzasa, 49 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James Moody on his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Rzasa was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 2, 2021, Officers with the Griffith Police Department arrested Rzasa based on an outstanding arrest warrant. During a search incident to his arrest, Officers recovered a loaded .380 caliber pistol which they learned had previously been reported as stolen. According to his criminal history, Rzasa had multiple prior felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Griffith Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
Portage Man Sentenced to 27 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Luis Carlos Marin, Jr., 31 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Marin was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between March 26, 2020, and July 13, 2020, Marin purchased a total of 24 firearms from federally licensed firearm dealers. While purchasing the firearms, Marin made false statements on the ATF Form 4473 in violation of federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
Michigan City Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Colton Crawford, 33 years old, of Michigan City, 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.
Crawford was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in August 2020, Crawford was stopped by police. During the stop, police discovered a handgun, magazines, and a holster, which DNA verified he possessed. Crawford has a June 2015 felony conviction in LaPorte County Superior Court which prohibits him from possessing any firearm and/or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geovanny Martinez and Kimberly Schultz.
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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Marion, Indiana Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay $338,278.17 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Christina M. Morris, 50 years old, of Marion, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on her plea of guilty to mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Morris was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release and was also ordered to pay $338,278.17 in restitution to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
According to documents in this case, beginning in 2007, Morris worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the VA Medical Center in Marion, Indiana. In February 2008, Morris suffered a fall while working. She then filed a worker’s compensation claim and began receiving benefits, including payment for medical care related to her injury and expenses. As late as 2018 and 2019, Morris was regularly submitting claims through the U.S. Mail for reimbursement alleging that she traveled roughly 200 miles roundtrip to a clinic for treatment six days per week and had incurred out of pocket expenses. Agents spoke with employees at the clinic who revealed that Morris had not received treatment at the clinic for years and that her claims and the receipts submitted to support them were fraudulent. The fraudulent claims began in January 2014 and continued until July 2019, when Morris was confronted by investigators and admitted that she had filed false claims for reimbursement for treatment, mileage and expenses. The investigation revealed that Morris had filed 670 fraudulent claims for a total of $338,278.17.
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- James J. Goheen, III, age 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, on his plea of guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Goheen was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between September and November 2020, Goheen maintained a residence in Fort Wayne for the purpose of distributing and manufacturing a controlled substance. When Fort Wayne Police attempted to stop Goheen prior to executing a search warrant of his residence, he led police on a high-speed chase. He was apprehended after stop sticks were utilized to disable his vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
East Chicago Man Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Marcus Wise, 26 years old, of East Chicago, 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.
Wise was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 8, 2020, Wise was stopped by law enforcement in East Chicago, Indiana. At the time, Wise possessed a loaded .380 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, and had a prior felony conviction for burglary.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the East Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Saul Leal, 25 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced, on April 8, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty on his plea of guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Leal was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Leal conspired to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Leal and his co-defendants had taken trips to California to obtain drugs for distribution. During the final trip in December 2017, Leal and two other individuals flew to California, obtained 11 kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine which were loaded into a vehicle headed for the Midwest. The drugs were discovered when the vehicle was stopped by police.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Oklahoma State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 420 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Torrence Larry, 44, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced, on April 8, 2022, by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, after being convicted of federal gun and drug charges following a three-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Larry was sentenced to 420 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, while under investigation, Larry sold cocaine and heroin from his residence in May and June of 2017. Law enforcement recovered quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine when a search warrant was executed at his residence. Officers also found additional evidence of drug distribution as well as a firearm he possessed to facilitate and protect his drug trafficking activities. At this time, Larry had previously been convicted of a felony based on an armed bank robbery conviction in federal court and a state court drug dealing conviction.
At his December 2021 trial, Larry was convicted on all three distribution counts, as well as a single count of possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. Larry was also convicted of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and for possessing a firearm during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
South Holland Woman Sentenced to 28 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Yvonna Lee, 36, of South Holland, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on her plea of guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Lee was sentenced to 28 months in prison, 1 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $405, 867 in restitution to the IRS.
According to documents filed in the case, Lee engaged in a scheme between 2014 and 2017, whereby she and others filed fraudulent federal tax returns that generated improper refunds for clients who then paid them a cut of the refunds. As part of the scheme, Lee assisted in the preparation of 146 tax fraudulent tax returns resulting in a total loss of more than $400,000 to the IRS.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang with assistance from former Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Lerner, Jill Koster, and Diane Berkowitz.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 106 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Joseph Blair, Jr., 30 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to armed drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Blair was sentenced to 106 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in December of 2020, law enforcement searched Blair’s home and recovered over 150 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun. A search of his car resulted in the recovery of over 200 grams of methamphetamine, two rifles, and a magazine for a high capacity rifle.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Donte White, 26, of Indianapolis, 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.
White was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on February 2, 2021, White was found by law enforcement to be in possession of a firearm and marijuana in Hammond, Indiana. At that time, White had a prior felony conviction for robbery.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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.
De Motte Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Ricky Shultz, 51, of De Motte, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Shultz was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on September 5, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shultz’s residence in De Motte, Indiana. During the search, law enforcement recovered over 200 grams of methamphetamine and 48 firearms, two of which were fully automatic. At the time of the search, Shultz had a prior felony conviction.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the Jasper County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Indiana State Police, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and the Newton County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.
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 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Te’Ron Reid, 41 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 over 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Reid was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in September 2020, Reid was on home detention for a different sentence when law enforcement searched his residence. In Reid’s home, officers found over 100 grams of methamphetamine, a drug ledger, and a loaded firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and St. Joseph County Community Corrections. 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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Gary Man Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- William Hawkins, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to selling a firearm to a felon and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hawkins was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on January 24, 2020, Hawkins sold a .380 caliber pistol to another individual whom Hawkins knew to be a felon. At that time, Hawkins himself had a prior felony conviction for dealing marijuana making his possession of the firearm illegal.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team (GRIT) and the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra McTague.
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 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Fredrick Jenkins, 39, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Jenkins was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on June 23, 2021, Jenkins sold cocaine to an undercover officer. After the transaction, Jenkins was arrested, and from his person, law enforcement recovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. During an interview, Jenkins admitted to possessing the firearm for protection during the sale of cocaine. Jenkins’ criminal history revealed he had prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Padilla, with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas R. 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.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 71 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Brandyn Blacharski, 29 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Blacharski was sentenced to 71 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in August of 2020, Blacharski was involved in a shooting in Mishawaka. He left the scene of the shooting in order to dispose of the firearm and was eventually arrested with the firearm in his possession. Blacharski had at least four prior felony convictions and was out on bond for a burglary case at the time of this offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Saint Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit, South Bend Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, Berrien County Michigan Sheriff’s Department, and Cass County Michigan Sheriff’s 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.
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Latin Dragon Nation Member Sentenced to 420 Months in Prison on Conviction for Racketeering Conspiracy Including MurderRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Justin Anaya, 21, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragon Nation street gang, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Anaya was sentenced to 420 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Anaya had been a member of the Latin Dragon Nation (LDN) since 2017. As a member of the gang, Anaya conspired to conduct and participated in the affairs of the LDN street gang. As part of his involvement in the gang, he participated with other LDN members in the shootings of suspected rival gang members and associates. Specifically, in July of 2017, Anaya, along with another Latin Dragon member, stole a car in Hammond, Indiana. The next day, Anaya, accompanied by another Latin Dragon member, drove the stolen car through a rival gang neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The other Latin Dragon member shot at a vehicle occupied by suspected rival gang members resulting in the death of a minor child who was in the vehicle. In November of 2017, in Chicago, Illinois, Anaya was in a vehicle with other Latin Dragon members chasing another vehicle. Anaya fired several shots at the occupants of the other vehicle and fatally shot a man who was in that vehicle. In addition to participating in criminal assaults, Anaya’s also participated in the LDN’s illegal drug and firearms trafficking activities.
“As this case demonstrates, this Office will vigorously prosecute persons who conduct illegal activities on behalf of criminal street gangs,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “I thank all of our federal and state law enforcement partners who worked with this office on this case as, in my view, this joint effort has increased public safety for Northern District of Indiana citizens.”
“As a member of a violent street gang, the defendant terrorized the streets of Northwest Indiana and participated in senseless murders,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton. “The 35-year sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes and sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will disrupt and dismantle these gangs and hold these criminals accountable for their violent acts.”
“Working closely with our local, state and federal partners is the most effective way to investigate and prosecute violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo. “I commend the diligence and commitment of each officer, agent and prosecutor who worked on this important case.”
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Chicago Police Department Criminal Enterprise Unit; the Cook County Sheriff’s Office; the Bartlett Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Merrillville Police Department; the Hobart Police Department; the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; and the Calumet City Police Department, with assistance from the Lake County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office, the Cook County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, the Indiana Department of Corrections, and the Illinois Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from former Hammond Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.
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 –George W. Fowler, Jr., 33 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Fowler was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in August 2020, law enforcement searched Fowler’s home and discovered a kilogram of methamphetamine, over 350 grams of heroin, and nearly 150 grams of fentanyl along with four handguns and $57,000 cash. Fowler was involved in distributing drugs with his brother, Rashawn Fowler, who was sentenced on January 19, 2020, by Chief Judge DeGuilio to 121 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 222 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Miles Wilbourn, 29 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to three counts of carjacking, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Wilbourn was sentenced to 222 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in August and September of 2019, Wilbourn and accomplices lured victims to South Bend apartment complexes on several different dates under false pretenses. When the victims arrived, Wilbourn and his accomplices attacked and robbed them, stealing their cars, and wallets. One of the victims was so severely beaten they had to be hospitalized.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend 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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Logansport Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Sean Beebout, 27 years old, of Logansport, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing an unregistered sawed-off shotgun, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Beebout was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, the Law Enforcement Division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources learned that Beebout was hunting deer without a license. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence, investigators found five firearms, including two sawed-off shotguns, as well as crossbows, a firearm suppressor, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Turns out Beebout had three prior felony convictions and committed this federal offense while on bond for another felony offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly L. Schultz and Jerome W. McKeever.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Latrell McGee, 28, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McGee was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on March 2, 2020, McGee possessed a firearm and purchased ammunition at a Merrillville, Indiana gun range. A traffic stop on March 27, 2020, resulted in law enforcement seizing from McGee the firearm he possessed on March 2nd. McGee’s criminal history reveals he has a prior felony conviction for battery which precludes him from possessing any firearm and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the East Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
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 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Kenneth A. Hale, 30 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hale was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Hale encountered police on two separate incidents. In April 2021, a 911 call was placed regarding a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, Hale ran and resisted law enforcement when a firearm fell from his waist. Hale was arrested and charged in State Court, posted bond and was released. Thereafter, in July 2021, Hale was observed chasing a SUV and shooting at it. At the time of his state arrest on this second incident, a firearm and methamphetamine were recovered from his vehicle. Hale was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2014 felony conviction for Domestic Battery and a 2011 felony Aiding Attempted Burglary conviction.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. The 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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Michigan City Woman Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Latavia Fleming, 43 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced on February 24, 2022, by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Fleming was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, over the course of several months in 2020, Fleming bought multiple firearms at gun stores. During the purchases, Fleming falsely represented she was the actual buyer of the firearms when she was not. In fact, she bought one firearm for an individual who could not legally purchase firearms. She provided one firearm to a convicted felon who then sold it to someone else. She also sold or traded firearms to several other individuals.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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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Ohio Man Sentenced to 136 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Joshua Pennington, 29 years old, of Reading, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Pennington was sentenced to 136 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. When released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to documents in the case, beginning in September of 2018, Pennington began contacting a minor through social media. The minor eventually agreed to meet Pennington, who traveled from Ohio to Indiana in January of 2019. Pennington picked up the minor and drove to a church parking lot, where they engaged in sexual activity. When a police officer approached his car, Pennington directed the minor to tell the officer he/she was over the age of 18.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lafayette Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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Fort Wayne, Indiana, Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Guadalupe Pineda, Jr., 30 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Pineda was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in the fall of 2020, Pineda sold multiple ounces of fentanyl and heroin to law enforcement on four different occasions.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, comprised of 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 Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Fort Wayne Man Convicted of Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Bryant D. Aron, age 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on February 23, 2022, following a two-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
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, exited it, and led police on a short foot pursuit. He was subsequently searched, and a loaded firearm magazine was found in his pocket. A loaded firearm was found inside the vehicle. Aron’s prior criminal history revealed he had multiple felony convictions out of Allen County Superior Court.
Aron’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. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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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Portage Man Sentenced to 300 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Troy Kidwell, 39, Portage, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon upon his plea of guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor; Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; and Distribution of Child Pornography announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Kidwell was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $49,000 in restitution.
According to documents in this case, Kidwell was apprehended while travelling to the home of a 10-year-old child. Text messages on his phone showed that he intended to have sex with the 10-year-old, and officers found a sexual lubricant in his possession. A subsequent investigation revealed that Kidwell possessed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography, including images he received from a child he had been communicating with in Tennessee. Kidwell had also distributed videos of child pornography to an undercover officer in Florida, while trying to arrange to pay to have sex with children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Porter County Sherriff’s Office, and the Okaloosa County, Florida Sherriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly Kelley and Jill Koster, formerly an Assistant United States in the Northern District of Indiana Attorney (now an AUSA in the District of the Virgin Islands).
Lafayette Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Juan O. Barradas-De La Paz, 26, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Barradas-De La Paz was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release
According to documents in the case, in January 2021, law enforcement purchased a pound of methamphetamine from Barradas-De La Paz. He was stopped in Lafayette on the way to another deal in January when he was arrested and found to be in possession of 3 pounds of methamphetamine and ½ kilogram of cocaine. A subsequent search warrant at his residence resulted in the recovery of additional controlled substances and firearms, which included 5 kilograms of cocaine and 2 pounds of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tippecanoe County Drug Taskforce, and the Lafayette Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
Arkansas Man Sentenced to 24 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Eddie Tramel McCloud-Hughes, 31 years old, of Conway, Arkansas, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
McCloud-Hughes was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in August 2017, McCloud-Hughes sold a 9-millimeter firearm to law enforcement. At the time of the sale, McCloud-Hughes had a prior felony conviction for Robbery in Lake County Superior Court, making him ineligible to possess a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana HIDTA Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas 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.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Samuel Strickland, 37, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Strickland was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 7, 2019, officers responded to a shots fired call in Hammond and recovered a loaded 9mm firearm from Strickland. His criminal history revealed he had been previously convicted of aggravated battery with great bodily harm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.
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.
Cleveland-Cliffs Agrees to Improve Environmental Compliance at Indiana Facility and Pay $3 Million Civil Penalty for Ammonia and Cyanide ViolationsRead the Press Release
Cliffs Burns Harbor (Cleveland-Cliffs) has agreed to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and other laws, for an August 2019 discharge of ammonia and cyanide-laden wastewater into the East Branch of the Little Calumet River. The discharge, which led to fish kills in the river, also caused beach closures along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Cleveland-Cliffs is undertaking substantial measures to improve its wastewater system at its steel manufacturing and finishing facility in Burns Harbor, Indiana.
The complaint filed with the settlement alleges that Cleveland-Cliffs exceeded discharge pollution limits for cyanide and ammonia; failed to properly report those cyanide and ammonia releases under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); and violated other Clean Water Act and permit terms.
“Today’s settlement with Cleveland-Cliffs appropriately penalizes the company for its significant violations and requires extensive actions by the company to prevent future pollution,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The cyanide and ammonia reductions will result in a cleaner Lake Michigan, and the public will be kept informed of potential future spills.”
“EPA and its partners worked together to develop a comprehensive solution that will not only support the continued enjoyment of Lake Michigan and Indiana waterways, but also implement necessary measures at the facility to prevent future spills like this again,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s settlement demonstrates that EPA is committed to protecting our natural resources from harmful pollution.”
“Hoosiers support a legal climate in Indiana that both promotes thriving businesses and protects our natural environment,” said Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. “I’m pleased to see a resolution in this particular case that upholds the rule of law and establishes commitments to make physical upgrades that will benefit everyone involved.”
“I am grateful to our federal and community partners who helped reach this settlement,” said Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Commissioner Brian Rockensuess. “The consent decree will result in additional protections for the local community and Lake Michigan and go a long way in improving both health and the environment in Northwest Indiana.”
The settlement agreement, which is memorialized in a consent decree lodged today in federal district court in the Northern District of Indiana, requires Cleveland-Cliffs to pay $3 million as a civil penalty and to reimburse the EPA and the State of Indiana for response costs incurred as a result of an August 2019 discharge of wastewater containing ammonia and cyanide into a river that flows into Lake Michigan. A new ammonia treatment system and cyanide treatment requirements will greatly reduce the facility’s water pollution levels.
Cleveland-Cliffs will also resolve allegations under EPCRA and CERCLA by implementing a protocol to notify relevant state and local groups about any future spills of cyanide from its Burns Harbor facility.
In August 2019, the facility’s blast furnace closed loop air scrubber water recycle system failed, requiring Cleveland-Cliffs to draw in large volumes of Lake Michigan water and discharge it through the facility outfalls, without being able to recycle the water. Cleveland-Cliffs’ wastewater treatment system is not designed for the treatment and discharge of this volume of water, so the incident resulted in discharges containing high levels of untreated cyanide and ammonia-nitrogen. Following the discharge of untreated water, there was a fish kill in the East Branch of the Little Calumet River.
Cleveland-Cliffs failed to provide timely notification and emergency reports to the local emergency response authorities after the release, as required under CERCLA/EPCRA.
EPA and IDEM conducted response actions in and around the areas of the discharges. The incident closed several local beaches along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Inspections and further investigation of the facility by EPA and Indiana Department of Environmental Management revealed additional violations of the facility’s NPDES permits.
In December 2019, the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) and Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) filed a citizen suit against Cleveland-Cliffs for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. ELPC and HEC are also signatories to the consent decree, which will resolve their ongoing citizen suit.
Under the consent decree, Cleveland-Cliffs will construct and operate a new ammonia treatment system at the blast furnaces, implement a new procedure for managing and treating once-through water during emergency situations, and follow enhanced preventive maintenance, operation and sampling requirements for the facility. These measures are designed to fix conditions at the facility that gave rise to the August 2019 spill, furthering compliance with the CWA and analogous state laws.
To resolve the citizen suit claims, Cleveland-Cliffs has also agreed to two state-administered Environmentally Beneficial Projects (EBPs): (1) a transfer of 127 acres of land property adjacent to the Indiana National Lakeshore to a land trust for conservation; and (2) background sampling on the East Branch of the Little Calumet River and Lake Michigan.
As part of the agreement, Cleveland-Cliffs will reimburse EPA’s total cleanup response costs of $10,025.37 and Indiana’s response costs of $37,650.
Today’s settlement, lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, is subject to a 30-day public comment period following notification in the Federal Register, and final approval by the court. To view the consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the department’s website at: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 154 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – William Washington, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to charges associated with his role in a series of armed robberies, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Washington was sentenced to 154 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $528.00 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, Washington plead guilty to Hobbs Act Robberies (Counts 3 & 7) and using a firearm during a crime of violence (Count 8). The criminal activity took place between the evening hours of January 21, and the early hours of January 22, 2018. Washington and his accomplice, co-defendant Brendan Collicott, robbed several Fort Wayne gas stations. Washington waited outside, while an armed Collicott robbed the gas stations, after which the two fled together. At one of the robberies, Washington was seen interacting with the store clerk immediately before Collicott robbed the clerk. No more than a few hundred dollars was taken during any of the robberies.
On January 11, 2022, co-defendant Collicott was sentenced to 252 months imprisonment for his role in these crimes.
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 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.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Ronnie L. Rutherford, Jr., 45 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 fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Rutherford was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between June and July 2021, four controlled buys of cocaine and fentanyl were made from Rutherford. Based on the buys, a search warrant was obtained and executed on July 15, 2021. During the search, officers located 240 grams of marijuana, over 90 grams of fentanyl, over 60 grams of cocaine, along with other evidence of drug distribution and almost $4,000 cash. Rutherford had a previous federal conviction for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Benjamin Durnell, 39 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Durnell was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in May 2019, an FBI undercover employee, using a social media mobile messaging service, began texting with an individual who expressed a sexual interest in juvenile males. During the course of their conversations, the male, later identified as Durnell, sent the undercover two still images and six videos of males engaged in intercourse with juvenile males. Durnell also expressed an interest in engaging in the same conduct with juvenile males.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – David Miller, 48 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Miller was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in September 2018, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip that suspected images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct had been uploaded to a particular site. NCMEC later identified an image and several videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been uploaded to an account belonging to Miller. When he was interviewed in December 2018, Miller admitted to receiving links to images of children, ages 3 to 17, engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and admitted there would be “a lot” of these images which he saved to his account.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Gary Woman SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Briana S. Williams-Heard, 24 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Williams-Heard was sentenced to 1 year probation with 12 months home detention.
According to documents in the case, in 2020 Williams-Heard bought three handguns from two federally licensed firearm dealers which she then gave to a convicted felon gang member. Williams-Heard falsely reported to police that one of those guns was stolen, and that gun was subsequently found in the possession of the felon gang member.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank E. Schaffer and 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.
Gary Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Israel Wiggins, 25, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Phillip P. Simon after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm as a Felon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Wiggins was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Wiggins was arrested for an unrelated warrant in Merrillville, Indiana. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a .40 caliber firearm with an extended magazine. Wiggins had a prior conviction in Lake County Superior Court for the felony offense of Auto Theft, making him ineligible to legally possess a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service’s Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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, Indiana, Man Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Derek B. Veazy, Jr., 24 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Veazy was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in July of 2020, Fort Wayne Police Department Officers responded to a call involving Veazy shooting at a home. After Officers arrived, Veazy led them on a short vehicle pursuit and a foot chase before he was apprehended. Officers recovered a revolver that Veazy had thrown from his car, and located a semi-automatic pistol loaded with a high capacity magazine from Veazy’s vehicle. Officers also recovered a bullet inside the victim’s home which the Indiana State Police laboratory determined had been fired from the pistol in Veazy’s car. Veazy’s prior felony conviction was for robbery.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police laboratory. 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.
Fort Wayne, Indiana Man Sentenced to 106 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Benjamin Glass, 41 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Glass was sentenced to 106 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on three occasions in 2019, law enforcement purchased a total of 37 grams of methamphetamine from Glass. Glass also possessed a firearm in order to facilitate his drug trafficking activity during one of the buys. Glass’s possession of the firearm was also prohibited because he had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Auburn Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes.
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.
West Virginia Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Kevin Hartleroad, 64, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after being convicted of attempted production of child pornography announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Hartleroad was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between February 2020 and April 2020, Hartleroad engaged in online conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer purporting to be the stepfather of a 14-year-old girl with whom he was sexually active. During the course of their conversations, Hartleroad expressed interest in having sex with the girl. He also expressed an interest in watching the “stepfather” having sex with the teenage girl, and he sent the undercover officer a text message graphically detailing the sexual acts that he wanted to see performed with the girl. The jury found him guilty of the charge following a two-day jury trial in September, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
Harvey Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Terrance Brown, 33, of Harvey, Illinois was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Phillip P. Simon after being found guilty at trial of Bank Robbery, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Brown was sentenced to 180 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,724.
According to documents in the case, on September 18, 2020, Brown entered and robbed a Bank in Griffith, Indiana of $12,724. Brown was convicted after a three-day trial in September 2021.
Due to his prior convictions for Vehicular Hijacking with a Weapon and Strangulation, Brown was classified as a career offender and received an increased sentence under the law.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police and the Griffith Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula and former Hammond Assistant U.S. 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.
Westville Man Sentenced to 300 Months of ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Josiah Phillips, 34, of Westville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to two counts of production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Phillips was sentenced to 300 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $27,000 in restitution.
According to documents filed in the case, in 2019 and 2020, Phillips produced videos of himself engaging in sexual acts with victims under the age of five.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang.
Gary Man Sentenced to 360 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Stephen Coleman, 30 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to four counts of production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Coleman was sentenced to 360 months in prison, a 15-year term of supervised release and ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, between May of 2017 and July of 2018, Coleman produced sexually explicit images of four minor children between the ages of six and eleven years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath and Jill Koster, formerly an Assistant United States in the Northern District of Indiana Attorney (now an AUSA in the District of the Virgin Islands).
South Bend Man Sentenced to 121 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Rashawn Fowler, 34 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Fowler was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, during the summer of 2020, Fowler sold more than half a pound of methamphetamine during a series of controlled buys. In August of 2020, investigators arrested Fowler and recovered more than half a pound of methamphetamine, heroin, assorted pills, digital scales, a revolver, and a loaded 9-millimeter pistol.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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