Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND- Marwan Kawar, 60, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon upon his plea of guilty to mail fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Kawar was sentenced to 60 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense in the amount of $397,223.29. 

According to documents in the case, from September 2012 until February 2019, Kawar devised a scheme to defraud his employer by creating, approving, and submitting payment for fraudulent purchase orders, invoices and shipping receipts in the name of a sham company that he created and controlled.  These invoices caused his employer to mail checks to his sham company for goods and services they never received. 

Kawar attempted to flee the country before his sentencing, but federal agents apprehended him at the O’Hare Airport before he could board the flight.  The cash he had in his possession at that time will go towards his restitution owed to the victim. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Kelley and Diane Berkowitz.  

HAMMOND- Sergio Gutierrez, age 49, of Hobart, Indiana, has been charged by way of an Indictment with mail fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents in this case, it is alleged that Sergio Gutierrez devised a scheme that began around or about May 2015 and continued through December 2019 to defraud the Lake County Auditor’s Office by using other individuals to purchase properties through the Lake County Commissioners’ tax sales when Gutierrez, himself, was prohibited from doing so. The scheme enabled Gutierrez to obtain property without paying delinquent property taxes. As part of that scheme, Gutierrez caused notice to be deposited in the United States Mail, in violation of the federal mail fraud statute.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.   

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HAMMOND-Salvador Alvin, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Alvin was sentenced to 117 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.  

According to documents filed in the case, between May and December 2019 in Hammond, Indiana, Alvin sold multiple ounces of cocaine and three firearms to a confidential informant.  Law enforcement then executed a search warrant on Alvin’s Hammond residence in December 2019 and recovered approximately five ounces of cocaine which Alvin intended to distribute and a firearm that Alvin possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.  Alvin has a prior felony conviction for criminal recklessness.          

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of 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.    

SOUTH BEND – Corey Harris, age 26, of Danville, Illinois was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute over one kilogram of heroin, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

Harris was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Corey Harris conspired with multiple individuals to sell heroin in the South Bend and Mishawaka area.  During the investigation, purchases of heroin were made from members of the conspiracy on numerous occasions.  The conspirators used shared cellphones that customers called to arrange to purchase heroin, which involved over 80,000 contacts during the time of the conspiracy. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police, South Bend Police Department, and Elkhart Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly E. Donnelly.

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FORT WAYNE – Lance Lombrana, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been charged by way of a criminal complaint with armed credit union robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

According to documents in this case, it is alleged that, on August 30, 2021, Lombrana entered the Three Rivers Federal Credit Union in Kendallville, approached a teller, and asked to speak with a manager. Once the manager arrived, Lombrana removed what appeared to be explosives with a timing device from a red and black bag. Credit union employees later advised law enforcement that they believed the device to be a bomb.  The suspect demanded cash which the manager obtained and provided to him.  Lombrana then left the credit union.  He was apprehended in Garrett, Indiana, a short time later by an Indiana State Police trooper and was taken into custody without incident.  

Noble County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Mowery added the following comments, “After consultation with the Kendallville Police Chief Waters and lead Detective Handshoe, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fort Wayne, the decision has been made that the case against Lance Lombrana will be filed in U.S. federal court.”  According to Prosecutor Mowery, “The decision was not easy; when criminals victimize the citizens and communities in Noble County, I want to prosecute those criminals,” but, Mowery went on to say, “We have been provided information that has led me to the conclusion that the federal court is the more appropriate venue for this case.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a complaint is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, and the Kendallville Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.  

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HAMMOND-Roger Casillas, 29, of Lowell, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 92 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents filed in the case, in March and April of 2016, in Hammond, Indiana, Roger Casillas sold three firearms, a laser sight, and multiple firearm magazines including a twenty-round magazine to a confidential informant and undercover law enforcement officer.  One of the firearms had an obliterated serial number.  At the time of the offense, Casillas had three prior felony convictions for theft, and he was on pretrial release for a felony intimidation charge for which he was subsequently convicted.        

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of 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.    

HAMMOND-Mary Cossey, age 54, of Munster, Indiana, entered a plea of guilty to one count of wire fraud before United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents in this case, Cossey engaged in a scheme to defraud the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee and her creditors in order to take advantage of the benefits of bankruptcy—including the imposition of a stay on collection and elimination of debts—without making the financial sacrifices required under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. Cossey did not disclose on her bankruptcy petition a personal debt relationship with her personal friend and creditor, identified in the Indictment as Individual A. Even though she was prohibited from incurring new debts during her bankruptcy case, Cossey charged over $240,000 on Individual A’s credit card during the course of her bankruptcy for personal expenses including multiple vacations, luxury clothing and accessories, and jewelry. Cossey incurred other post-petition debts without the permission of the Trustee and failed to disclose changes in her employment and income during her case. Cossey repaid most of her debt Individual A, while unsecured creditors received only 27% repayment for debts that were discharged in bankruptcy.  Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cossey will be required to pay $81,159.97 in restitution to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Region 10 Office of the U.S. Trustee, Nancy J. Gargula. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Thomas McGrath. 

FORT WAYNE – United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty sentenced three individuals,  members of  “2500,” a Fort Wayne street gang who engaged in drug and firearms trafficking with “Grit Gang,” a street gang based in Bloomington, Indiana, for committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.  

William D. Beamon, aka “Lil’ Will,” 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to a total of 360 months (30 years) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.

Kyombe D. Bolden, “aka Pudge,” 30, of Bloomington, Indiana, was sentenced to a total of 324 months (27 years) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.

Ronnie D. Burrus, “aka Ronnie Robinson, Ronnie Burris and Yung Ron,” 28, of Fort Wayne and Bloomington, Indiana, was sentenced to a total of 360 months (30 years) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.

In 2020, all three of these defendants entered pleas of guilty to two counts of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering; one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering; and three counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  A fourth defendant, Demetri D. Beachem, has also pled guilty and is currently scheduled for sentencing on November 12, 2021. 

“We will use all the tools we have as federal prosecutors to hold those involved in criminal activity accountable for their actions, including racketeering statutes.  Our goal, along with our federal, state and local partners, is to protect our communities from violent activity perpetuated by groups of individuals, especially those involved in closely associated street gangs or other criminal organizations. We wish to thank our law enforcement partners for their investigative efforts to bring to justice those individuals involved in criminal acts of violence in our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.  

“This case was the first use of the federal racketeering statutes against street gangs in the Fort Wayne area and it will not be the last. Today’s sentences should send a strong message that criminal organizations such as the one the defendants were members of will not be tolerated in our communities, and the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue our efforts to remove those who participate in this violent activity from our streets,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan.

According to documents in this case, gang members of 2500 and Grit Gang were engaged in drug and firearms trafficking and were responsible for violent criminal gang activity.  On October 4, 2014, the defendants received an insulting social media video from rival gang members, and they reacted by hunting down these rival gang members, locating them at a residence at the intersection of Caroline and Suttenfield Streets in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Upon seeing the rivals exit the house, the defendants began shooting, striking the house and a neighboring house with gunfire.  These individuals fired approximately 50 shots, exposing people in both houses to significant danger.  One victim suffered only a minor wound, but the dangerous actions of the defendants risked the lives of many innocent bystanders and children in both houses. 

This multi-agency investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force in Fort Wayne, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allen County Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. Also assisting with this investigation were the Bloomington Police Department, the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division, and the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Gang and Violent Crimes Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND- Ricky Blaylock, age 60, of Riverside, IL and Jacqueline Blaylock Wisnewski, age 57, of Indianapolis, Indiana, were charged with bank fraud related to their theft of insurance proceeds held in trust accounts designated for the benefit of their eight-year-old grandchild.

According to the indictment, the insurance proceeds were derived from a life insurance policy held by the defendant’s son Jacob, an active-duty soldier, who passed away in late 2007.  Jacob’s will named his eight-year-old daughter as his sole heir.   Under the terms of his will, the assets of the estate were to be held in trust for his daughter until she was 21 years old.  The will designated Jacob’s parents, Ricky Blaylock as executor of the estate and Jacqueline Blaylock as the trustee. The only asset in Jacob’s estate was the $400,000 life insurance policy. The indictment alleges that defendants funneled part of the insurance proceeds into trust accounts designated for the benefit of their grandchild but then proceeded to deplete the accounts from March 2008 through 2011, without ever making a distribution to or for the benefit of the child.   

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.   

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HAMMOND- Natasha Weeks, age 29, of East Chicago, Indiana, has been charged by way of an Indictment with wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents in this case, it is alleged that Ms. Weeks fraudulently obtained disaster-related benefits in the form of a Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (SBI-EIDL) by falsely claiming to be an Illinois business owner of a hair salon allegedly located in Chicago Heights, Illinois.  It is alleged the business was called Weeks Hair Braiding/Weeks Hair Shop while no such business was found to have existed at the address identified on her application.  The loan was applied for from an IP address in East Chicago, Indiana.  It is alleged the application contained false statements and misrepresentations that the hair salon existed since 2017 and that Ms. Weeks owned the business since May 2020, employed 20 people and that her cost of goods sold was $150,000.  On July 7, 2020, Ms. Weeks received a $10,000 SBA EIDL loan because of her application.  Ms. Weeks is also charged with fraudulently seeking Arizona unemployment benefits despite never having lived or worked in that State.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.   

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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HAMMOND- Justyn Arch, age 34, and Trystan Arch, age 31, both of Valparaiso, Indiana were both charged in a Superseding Indictment unsealed today.  The Superseding Indictment contains 29 counts alleging various violations of federal law against these two individuals announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents in this case, Arch Complete Family Dentistry, with offices located in Chesterton, Crown Point, and briefly in Knox, Indiana, was an authorized Indiana Medicaid provider of dental procedures.  In October 2017, Justyn Arch, Vice President of Arch Complete Family Dentistry, also managed the Crown Point office. Trystan Arch managed the Chesterton office.

The Superseding Indictment alleged that Justyn and Trystan Arch executed a scheme to defraud Indiana Medicaid by causing false and fictitious entries in patient files, and using the names and information related to these patients, to reflect that Arch dentists performed dental surgery when in fact no surgery had been performed.  The claims totaled more than $350,000 in false and fictitious claims to Indiana Medicaid.

Additionally, the Superseding indictment alleges that Justyn Arch committed tax evasion and money laundering related to the funds obtained from this fraud and that Trystan Arch committed false tax filings, bankruptcy fraud and bankruptcy obstruction, related to the funds obtained from this fraud. Both are also charged with multiple instances of aggravated identity theft.  

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Superseding Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Porter County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Northern Indiana Region 10 Office of the U.S. Trustee, Nancy J. Gargula. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.   

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) have agreed to amend a 2012 Clean Water Act consent decree with the City of South Bend, Indiana.

The amendment requires implementation of a revised long-term plan to reduce and treat sewage and wastewater discharges to meet Indiana’s water quality standard for E. coli. The revised plan will improve public health, better protect the St. Joseph River, a tributary of Lake Michigan, and lower the cost of compliance.

“This amendment provides South Bend time to revise its long-term plan to further reduce and treat sewage and wastewater discharges to meet Indiana’s water quality standard,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The revised plan and additional time should improve public health and better protect the St. Joseph River, while also lowering costs for ratepayers.”

“This settlement results in a significant reduction in pollutant discharges to the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan, and also reduces costs for South Bend’s rate payers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tina Nommay for the Northern District of Indiana. “We thank the federal, state and local authorities who partnered with us to achieve this excellent result.”

“Through the cooperative work of federal, state and local officials, this amended agreement will reduce harmful wastewater discharges to the St. Joseph River and significantly lower cost for lower costs for the citizens of South Bend,” said Acting Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

“This revised Long-Term Control Plan results in a reduction of sewage and wastewater to the St. Joseph River which improves human health and the environment,” said IDEM Commissioner Bruno Pigott. “The revised plan is a great example of the success we can achieve when federal, state and local partners work together to ensure Indiana’s environment is safe for all Hoosiers.”

Prior to 2012, the City of South Bend discharged more than 2 billion gallons of untreated human and industrial sewage and stormwater a year, containing highly concentrated levels of E. coli bacteria through combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, into the St. Joseph River. The 2012 consent decree required South Bend to reduce discharges to 46.9 million gallons per year and reduce E. coli to 15,000 counts per 100 milliliters. While a significant improvement, the E. coli discharge concentrations under the original plan still would have exceeded Indiana’s E. coli water quality standard of 235 counts per 100 milliliters. Under the revised plan that will be fully implemented by 2038, South Bend will treat virtually all of its annual discharge volumes to concentrations below Indiana's water quality standard for E. coli and save hundreds of millions of dollars in compliance costs.

The revised plan includes the following:

• Expansion of South Bend’s current sewage treatment plant
• Construction of three retention treatment facilities
• Replacement or modification of various sewers

South Bend estimates that the revised plan will cost approximately $276 million in 2019 dollars, significantly less than the $700 million or more that South Bend estimates would be the cost to implement the remaining measures required under the 2012 consent decree. South Bend was able to develop the revised plan in large part because it installed more than 150 “smart” sensors at more than a hundred locations in its sewer system to allow it to better monitor and manage its flows. This “smart sewer system” enables South Bend to construct fewer and smaller-sized gray infrastructure measures and, at the same time, achieve a greater level of pollution control.

The proposed amended consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval after it is published in the Federal Register. To view the proposed amended consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the Department of Justice website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

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FORT WAYNE – Kenneth Apt, 53, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

Apt was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Apt was traveling northbound near downtown Fort Wayne on September 27, 2019 when his Ford pickup truck left the roadway, struck, and then knocked over two city light poles. When Fort Wayne Police Department officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they observed the Ford pickup truck on the side of the road and an unconscious male in the driver’s seat. The driver was Apt.

In Apt’s pants pocket, Officers found a yellow jar with a pink lid that contained a substance that field tested positive for cocaine. Apt was then taken to a nearby hospital where tests showed he had cocaine in his system.  As Apt was being transferred from the EMS cot to an emergency room cot, a FWPD officer observed a plastic clip on Apt’s right hip. When Apt was subsequently moved, the officer located a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun in a black holster.

Apt’s prior criminal history over a 30-year period included 11 felony convictions.  As a result of his criminal history, Apt was determined to be a Career Offender for which he faced a 15 year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment.    

This 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 Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

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WASHINGTON – A federal jury convicted an Indiana man yesterday for conspiring with multiple women to send him sexually explicit pictures of infants and young children.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lorenzo Johnson, 33, of Hammond, used a fake Facebook account to identify women with access to children who were experiencing financial difficulties. Johnson, a registered sex offender, offered those women money to take sexually explicit photos of minor children. Johnson succeeded in persuading three co-conspirators to send him photos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and young children whom the co-conspirators knew. Johnson gave an interview to FBI agents stating that he had solicited the production of child pornography from other Facebook users as a means of blackmail. Johnson’s co-conspirators have been indicted for conspiring to produce child pornography. Johnson was previously convicted in 2009 in Illinois for aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor.

“This verdict sends a strong message that people who sexually abuse young and helpless children — and those who memorialize and disseminate that abuse — will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to utilizing its resources to track down these offenders and rescue victims of pernicious sexual exploitation.”

“My office will not tolerate crimes against children, and we will continue to partner with federal, state and local agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals whose criminal conduct harms and exploits such vulnerable victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay for the Northern District of Indiana. “I wish to thank the attorneys with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice for their invaluable assistance in this case.”   

“Child sexual abuse and exploitation is one of the FBI’s top investigative priorities and this conviction demonstrates our commitment to stopping these unthinkable offenses,” said Assistant Director Calvin Shivers of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will use every resource in its power to fully investigate and bring to justice those that prey on the most vulnerable of victims. As a result of the tireless work and close coordination with our state and local law enforcement partners, Johnson will be held accountable for his actions and will no longer be a threat to our community.” 

“Sexual predators who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society and believe they can elude federal law enforcement will be investigated, identified and will find themselves in prison,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “This verdict demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating cases such as this with a sense of urgency to ensure there is one less predator victimizing our children.”

Johnson was convicted of three counts of conspiracy to produce child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17, 2021 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum penalty of 180 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Kelley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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A federal jury convicted an Indiana man yesterday for conspiring with multiple women to send him sexually explicit pictures of infants and young children.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lorenzo Johnson, 33, of Hammond, used a fake Facebook account to identify women with access to children who were experiencing financial difficulties. Johnson, a registered sex offender, offered those women money to take sexually explicit photos of minor children. Johnson succeeded in persuading three co-conspirators to send him photos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and young children whom the co-conspirators knew. Johnson gave an interview to FBI agents stating that he had solicited the production of child pornography from other Facebook users as a means of blackmail. Johnson’s co-conspirators have been indicted for conspiring to produce child pornography. Johnson was previously convicted in 2009 in Illinois for aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor.

“This verdict sends a strong message that people who sexually abuse young and helpless children — and those who memorialize and disseminate that abuse — will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to utilizing its resources to track down these offenders and rescue victims of pernicious sexual exploitation.”

“My office will not tolerate crimes against children, and we will continue to partner with federal, state and local agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals whose criminal conduct harms and exploits such vulnerable victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay for the Northern District of Indiana. “I wish to thank the attorneys with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice for their invaluable assistance in this case.”   

“Child sexual abuse and exploitation is one of the FBI’s top investigative priorities and this conviction demonstrates our commitment to stopping these unthinkable offenses,” said Assistant Director Calvin Shivers of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will use every resource in its power to fully investigate and bring to justice those that prey on the most vulnerable of victims. As a result of the tireless work and close coordination with our state and local law enforcement partners, Johnson will be held accountable for his actions and will no longer be a threat to our community.” 

“Sexual predators who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society and believe they can elude federal law enforcement will be investigated, identified and will find themselves in prison,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “This verdict demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating cases such as this with a sense of urgency to ensure there is one less predator victimizing our children.”

Johnson was convicted of three counts of conspiracy to produce child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum penalty of 180 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Kelley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

HAMMOND-Mohammed Shahbaz Khan, age 46, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to making false claims related to mortgage assistance from the Hardest Hit Fund, a federal mortgage assistance initiative offered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Khan was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and ordered to pay $29,926.46 in restitution to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority; $25,753 to the Indiana Department of Employment Security and $26,880.18 to the United States Department of Agriculture.

According to documents in this case, the purpose of the Hardest Hit Fund was to help stabilize communities in States that were “hardest hit” by the 2008 economic and housing market downturn.  In Indiana, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority administers the fund. Only Indiana homeowners with one home in which they lived could receive Hardest Hit funds.    

Khan knowingly submitted false residency statements to obtain mortgage assistance on an Indiana property while living elsewhere.  Khan received mortgage assistance for 17 months, to which he was not entitled. 

“Today the defendant was sentenced after conviction as one of 462 defendants prosecuted for crimes that the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief (SIGTARP) investigated,” said Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero. “Mohammad Khan repeatedly lied to government agencies to defraud the Hardest Hit Fund out of federal funding intended to help unemployed homeowners stay in their home. We commend the U.S. Attorney’s office for standing united with SIGTARP to protect this program from crime.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP).  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Molly Kelley and Toi Houston. 

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HAMMOND- Lavelle Hatley, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 180 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents in the case, on January 9, 2020, Hatley was driving in Gary, Indiana, when police performed a traffic stop.  Hatley exited his vehicle, fled on foot, and was apprehended a short time later while possessing a firearm.  Hatley has an extensive criminal history which includes ten prior felony convictions; eight prior convictions for robbery affecting commerce, one prior conviction for battery, and one prior conviction for attempted escape.   

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and David E. Hollar.    

SOUTH BEND – Angela Jasinski, 31, of Granger, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon her plea of guilty to wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Ms. Jansinski was sentenced to 18 months on Probation with the first 8 months to be served on home detention and 80 hours of community service and ordered to pay $68,930 in restitution.

According to documents in this case, Jasinski worked as a receptionist and administrative assistant at a Fort Wayne dental practice from September 2010 until March 2016.  Her brother, Brian Nordan, one of the co-defendants in this case, was the chief marketing officer and general manager of the dental practice. During Jasinski’s period of employment at the dental practice, she earned an hourly wage. In March 2016, she left her job and moved to Granger, Indiana. As she no longer worked at the dental practice, she was not entitled to any further wages or employee benefits from the practice. Due to her brother’s intervention, Jasinski was left on the payroll and continued to receive wages and benefits from March 2016 through September 2017 in a “ghost employment” scheme. 

Last month Jasinski’s co-defendants, Brian Nordan and Dustin Coleman, were sentenced for their roles in this fraud scheme. Between the three defendants in this case, the owner dentist was defrauded of over 3 million dollars.

Brian Nordan was sentenced to 42 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,981,357.05 in restitution.  Dustin Coleman was sentenced to 6 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release and ordered to pay $149,756.00 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Indiana Financial Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Organized Crime and Corruption Unit of the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay and Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah E. Nokes and Luke N. Reilander.

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FORT WAYNE – Virgil S. Smith, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

Smith was sentenced to 300 months (or 25 years) of imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release after he serves this term of imprisonment.  Smith was also sentenced to an additional and consecutive term of 30 months of imprisonment because he committed the drug offense while he was on supervised release for a prior conviction of armed bank robbery.   

According to documents in this case, Smith was distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine.  After he was arrested, agents searched his apartment and located additional methamphetamine and a loaded revolver.  

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Fort Wayne 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. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND-Robert Bruns, Jr, 43, of Clarksville, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon upon his plea of guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Bruns was sentenced to 54 months in prison, ordered to pay $316,450.41 in restitution and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Robert Bruns, owner of Accelerated Billing and Reimbursement Services (ABRS), a medical billing business specializing in ambulance service providers, engaged in a fraud scheme that bilked his customers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars from October 2017 through February 2020.  Bruns diverted his clients’ insurance reimbursement checks to a Post Office box that he controlled.  He collected the checks, cashed the checks and used the money for his personal benefit.  To keep the scheme going Bruns created phony documentation that made it appear he had purchased one of the client businesses resulting in payments owed to the client being diverted to Bruns’ Post Office box.  Bruns embezzled a total of $316,450.41 from two clients, Prompt and InHealth.  Bruns has prior convictions for Forgery (2000; 2004; 2006); Theft (2004; 2012); Criminal Simulation (2006); and Identity Theft (2006).

This case was the result of investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Molly Kelley.

HAMMOND-Christopher F. Zinanni, 34, of Valparaiso was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Phillip Simon upon his plea of guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Zinanni was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Zinanni drew the attention of law enforcement personnel when he distributed child pornography to an undercover agent on the Whisper social media platform. An investigation revealed Zinnani distributed disturbing images of child pornography, including a graphic image of prepubescent females, to other individuals over the internet in an effort to trade them for additional images of child pornography.

This case was the result of Investigation by Department of Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Molly Kelley

FORT WAYNE – Brian Nordan, 44, and Dustin Coleman, 43, both of Cassopolis, Michigan, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon their pleas of guilty to wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Brian Nordan was sentenced to 42 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,981,357.05 in restitution.

Dustin Coleman was sentenced to 6 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release and ordered to pay 149,756.00 in restitution.

In March 2006, a dentist and owner of a local dental practice hired Brian Nordan to work as the chief marketing officer and general manager of the dental practice. Eventually, Nordan was trusted to take on even more responsibility for the day-to-day management of the dental practice. In this role, Nordan was eventually paid an annual salary of $250,000.00 per year. As general manager, Nordan was trusted to make decisions in the best interests of the dental practice and its over 100 employees.

In the spring of 2018, the owner of the dental practice became aware that Nordan had been fraudulently misappropriating funds from the dental practice for years through multiple schemes. Forensic accountants discovered that, among other mechanisms of fraud, Nordan had made use of company funds (through company credit cards and reimbursement checks) to pay for unauthorized personal expenses, used company funds to pay his personal credit cards, paid wages and benefits to his husband and sister when they were not actually working for the company, and had made unauthorized investments with his employer's money into a toothpaste company of which he was one of the owners, which sold toothpaste back to the dental practice at greatly marked-up rates. A forensic accounting determined the total fraud loss from Nordan’s fraudulent schemes, self-dealing, and unauthorized enrichment of family members to be $3,038,857.05.

Coleman was Nordan’s domestic partner and eventual spouse who was hired by Nordan in 2012 to work on marketing for the business.  Although it was found he did some work for the business, the dentist-owner of the practice did not know nor approve of Coleman’s employment.  From 2016-2018, Coleman received $149,756.00 in wages and benefits to which he was not entitled as a result of this “ghost employment” scheme. 

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Indiana Financial Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Organized Crime and Corruption Unit of the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay and Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah E. Nokes and Luke N. Reilander.

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SOUTH BEND – Crystal Egan, age 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Jon DeGuilio upon her pleas of guilty to Hobbs act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

Egan was sentenced to 102 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Crystal Egan participated in 2 armed robberies, one being a bank and the other a tobacco store.  Egan aided in planning the robberies and was the driver for each.  At the tobacco store robbery in Mishawaka on November 18, 2019, co-defendants Armand White and Joshua Gant entered the business wearing masks and armed with handguns while she stayed behind in the car. They brandished their firearms and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk complied with their demands for money by giving them cash. Upon exiting the business, Egan and co-defendants drove to a house where the three split the proceeds.

On November 20, 2019, Egan again planned and drove co-defendants Armand White and Daniel Scott to a Federal Credit Union in South Bend to conduct a robbery.  When arriving at the Credit Union, White and Scott entered with faces covered and firearms while demanding money.  After obtaining the money, they fled in the vehicle driven by Egan.

On July 8, 2021 Joshua Gant was sentenced to 90 months in prison for his role in this crime. Armand White is awaiting sentencing currently scheduled for October of 2021.  Daniel Scott is awaiting sentencing currently scheduled in September 2021.

The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Mishawaka and South Bend Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Schultz.

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The U.S. Department of Justice today launched five cross-jurisdictional strike forces to help reduce gun violence by disrupting illegal firearms trafficking in key regions across the country.  Leveraging existing  resources, the regional strike forces will better ensure sustained and focused coordination across jurisdictions and help stem the supply of illegally trafficked firearms from source cities, through other communities, and into five key market regions:  New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento Region and Washington, D.C.

Each strike force region will be led by designated United States Attorneys, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and with state and local law enforcement partners within their own jurisdiction (where firearms are used in crimes) as well as law enforcement partners in areas where illegally trafficked guns originate. These officials will use the latest data, evidence, and intelligence from crime scenes to identify patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.

“All too often, guns found at crime scenes come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We are redoubling our efforts as ATF works with law enforcement to track the movement of illegal firearms used in violent crimes.  These strike forces enable sustained coordination across multiple jurisdictions to help disrupt the worst gun trafficking corridors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department of Justice will use all of its tools – enforcement, prevention, intervention, and investment – to help ensure the safety of our communities – the department’s highest priority.”

According to gun trace data, a significant number of firearms recovered in Chicago originate from outside the city of Chicago, and many originate from Indiana, among other locations. The new strike force will help ensure sustained and focused coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors in Chicago with their counterparts in those other locations.

The strike forces represent one important, concrete step in implementing the Department’s Comprehensive Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, which was announced on May 26, 2021. The comprehensive strategy supports local communities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting gun violence and other violent crime—and requires U.S. Attorneys’ offices to work with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, as well as the communities they serve, to address the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. In guidance to federal agents and prosecutors as part of that comprehensive strategy, the Deputy Attorney General made clear that firearms traffickers providing weapons to violent offenders are an enforcement priority across the country. 

Department of Justice Efforts to Address Violent Crime

Since April 2021, the Department has taken the following steps to reduce and prevent violent crime, especially the gun crime that is often at the core of the problem:

• April 8, 2021 – Attorney General Garland, alongside President Biden, announced four concrete steps for addressing gun violence:  ATF would propose a new rule  within 30 days to help curb the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, ATF would propose a new rule within 60 days on stabilizing braces used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles, the Department would publish model state extreme risk protection order legislation within 60 days; and ATF would begin preparing a thorough and detailed new public study of firearms trafficking for the first time in 20 years.
• In April 2021, the Office of Justice Programs also made clear when existing grant funds could be used to support Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs.
• On May 7, 2021, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update outdated firearms definitions and to help address the proliferation of ghost guns.
• May 26, 2021, the Attorney General announced the Department’s comprehensive strategy to reduce violent crime, including an overall Department Violent Crime Reduction Strategy, the strengthening of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), and a directive to the U.S. Attorneys to work with their local partners in addressing the increase in violence that typically occurs over the summer (with specific support from DOJ law enforcement agencies)
• On June 7, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, ATF issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify that the restrictions imposed by the National Firearms Act apply when stabilizing braces are used to convert pistols into short-barreled rifles.
• On June 8, meeting the Attorney General’s announced timeline, the Department published model state extreme risk protection order legislation.
• On June 22, 2021, the Attorney General announced that the Department would be forming five Firearms Trafficking Strike Forces within 30 days.
• On, June 23, 2021, the Attorney General, alongside President Biden, announced steps that ATF would take to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for their actions. They include applying a “no tolerance” policy for federal firearms licensers (FFLs) that willfully commit violations that endanger public safety; designating  points of contact for state and local government officials to report concerns about rogue FFLs; formalizing the use of public safety factors for inspection prioritization; sharing inspection information with states that regulate firearms dealers themselves; resuming the practice of notifying revoked dealers on how to dispose of their inventory and the potential criminal consequences of continuing to engage in the business; increasing ATF’s resources for inspections (see, FY 2022 Budget request); and publicly posting disaggregated inspection information to ATF’s website.

FORT WAYNE- Markus W. DeGraw, 40, of Fremont, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

DeGraw was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on the evening of August 27, 2019, DeGraw, a convicted felon and resident of Fremont, Indiana, sent text messages to his estranged wife who was living in Michigan. DeGraw was upset because he believed that his wife had taken his firearms. When his wife denied taking his firearms, DeGraw sent his wife multiple text messages in which he threatened to shoot and kill her.  DeGraw also sent his wife a threatening message with a photograph of a handgun. 

On the morning of August 28, 2019, DeGraw went to his wife’s residence in Michigan where he pointed a firearm at his wife and told her he was going to kill her.  DeGraw left before police arrived. Officers obtained a search warrant for DeGraw’s home. Inside his garage, law enforcement officers located a loaded .40 caliber handgun along with ammunition of various calibers.

After his arrest, DeGraw admitted that he had possessed the .40 caliber handgun for a couple of years, and that he had obtained it about six months after his release from prison on state convictions in 2016. DeGraw admitted to sending the threatening text messages to his wife the night before in order to scare her.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fremont Police Department and the Branch County, Michigan Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Michigan State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.

SOUTH BEND – Five individuals have been charged by way of an 11-count indictment, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

The following individuals were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud; 6 counts of bank fraud; and 2 counts of wire fraud: Tonya Robinson, 58; Albert Smith, 44; Tyreisha Robinson, 30; Archie Robinson III, 60; and Ronald Taylor, Jr, 42; all of South Bend. Tonya Robinson, Albert Smith, and Tyreisha Robinson were also charged with one count of federal program theft. Tyreisha Robinson was also charged with theft of government money.

According to documents in this case, Tonya Robinson was the former Executive Director of the South Bend Housing Authority (HASB) from approximately 2014 to 2019. Albert Smith and Tyreisha Robinson are former employees at the HASB. Archie Robinson and Ronald Taylor are owners of contracting businesses hired by the HASB to do contracting work. 

The HASB provides housing opportunities and services to the South Bend community, managing more than 800 public housing residential units. The HASB had an annual contract with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from which it receives several hundred thousand dollars annually in assistance from the federal government. As Executive Director, Tonya Robinson was the primary person responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the HASB.

It is alleged that all five defendants conspired to defraud and obtain money belonging to the HASB by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises for their personal use and benefit. The scheme is alleged to involve the creation of fraudulent HASB payment checks for contracting work that had not actually occurred; the contractors cashing and depositing the HASB payment checks while knowing that the work had not actually occurred; and the contractors kicking back a portion of the money from the HASB payment checks to employees at the HASB, including Tonya Robinson and Albert Smith. 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an allegation, and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.   

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FORT WAYNE – Larry Lamb, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm,  distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Lamb was sentenced to 295 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, between May 6, 2019, and August 26, 2020, Lamb and other individuals were involved in a conspiracy to distribute significant amounts of controlled substances.  Throughout the conspiracy, Lamb delivered in excess of 118 grams methamphetamine to another person.  On two occasions, he sold a firearm to a person he knew to be prohibited due to a previous felony conviction.  During the execution of a search warrant in December of 2019, police found 10 firearms, drugs (including methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl) and other evidence of drug distribution.  During a traffic stop in April 2020, Lamb was found to have possessed 5 firearms, high capacity magazines, ammunition, and drugs.  Lamb has multiple felony convictions.   

This case is a result of a joint investigation conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the US Marshals Service and 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.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Brent A. Ecenbarger.   

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FORT WAYNE- Luis Rodriguez-Solorio, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and reentry of deported alien, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Rodriguez-Solorio was sentenced to 9 years in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. It is anticipated that Rodriguez-Solorio will be deported upon his release from incarceration. 

According to documents in this case, on May 28, 2020 police viewed a social media post on an account belonging to Luis Rodriguez-Solorio. The social media post contained a video showing a man firing a fully automatic pistol which qualifies as a machine gun under federal law. The caption on the video offered the fully automatic pistol for sale. On that evening, officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Rodriguez-Solorio. Rodriguez-Solorio led police on a high-speed pursuit before eventually crashing and being apprehended.  He later admitted to police that he possessed the fully automatic Glock pistol with multiple extended magazines. Police recovered the machine gun, magazines and a small amount of marijuana from a home in Fort Wayne.  Rodriguez-Solorio is not a citizen of the United States and had previously been deported to Mexico after he was convicted of felony burglary of a dwelling in 2017.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Auburn Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.

HAMMOND- Richard E. Gearhart, age 71, of St. John, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon upon his plea of guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, announced United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Gearhart was sentenced to 60 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $5.3 million dollars in restitution that is owed to the victims of his securities fraud scheme.

According to documents in this case, between 2008 and 2013, Gearhart was a licensed insurance agent doing business as Gearhart & Associates in Schererville.  He represented himself as experienced in investments and financial services. He was also CEO of Asset Preservation Specialists, Inc. Gearhart and others devised a scheme where they promoted and sold unregistered securities to Gearhart’s insurance clients. He promised them no risk to their initial deposit and a return of 6% to 8% on their investment. He also told them that upon request, their initial investment would be returned within thirty days. Neither Gearhart nor his co-conspirators were licensed to promote or sell the securities.

The victims of Gearhart’s scheme were between 50 and 90 years old when they trusted him with their savings. Instead of investing the money, they used it to repay other investors and for their own personal use.  The money was wired from Gearhart’s bank accounts to other investors and to businesses in which Gearhart and co-conspirators held an interest.

To keep the scheme afloat, Gearhart directly or indirectly sent fraudulent financial statements to investors showing gains when none existed. The victims learned that they had lost their savings when Gearhart filed for bankruptcy listing them as creditors rather than investors. 

The case was the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Indiana Secretary of State Securities Division in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Region 10 Office of the United States Trustee, Nancy J. Gargula. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Toi Denise Houston and Thomas McGrath.

HAMMOND-Altonio Dequan Benson, 30, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief  Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 84 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $422,552.99 in restitution following his guilty plea to robbery affecting interstate commerce, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to documents filed in the case, on January 25, 2019, Altonio Dequan Benson, Darren Bell, and an unidentified third individual robbed Jared the Galleria of Jewelry in Hobart, Indiana.  With employees and customers watching, Benson and the third individual smashed the jewelry store’s display cases, after which Benson, Bell, and the third individual took over $1,000,000 worth of jewelry and fled.  Bell and Benson were arrested while attempting to flee on foot, and approximately $580,000 of the jewelry was recovered.  The third unidentified individual fled in a vehicle.  Benson has seven prior felony convictions, including convictions for fleeing law enforcement, felon in possession of a firearm, and attempted delivery of a controlled substance, and he was on felony probation at the time he committed the robbery.  On December 15, 2020, codefendant Darren Bell was sentenced to 39 months in prison and was ordered to pay $422,552.99 in restitution for his role in the offense.      

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team and the Hobart Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.    

FORT WAYNE-Chad Fulk, 40, of Albion, Indiana was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Fulk was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in the case and information presented at sentencing, on September 23, 2017, Mr. Fulk possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine.  Mr. Fulk led Fort Wayne Police Department officers on a high-speed chase in Fort Wayne, and he was apprehended after a traffic accident.  As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Fulk was ordered to pay restitution for damage caused by the accident.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department, and the LaGrange Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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FORT WAYNE-Jason Wallen, 41, of Kendallville, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Wallen was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in the case, on or about May 23, 2019, Wallen possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Because he had been convicted of several prior drug trafficking felonies, Wallen qualified as a career offender pursuant to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Garrett Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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HAMMOND- Hailey Gist-Holden, age 26, of Gary, Indiana, has been charged by way of a criminal complaint with armed bank robbery, using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during the armed bank robbery, and causing death, that being a murder of the bank security guard, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to the complaint filed today, and charges filed in Cause No. 2:21-CR-71, on June 11, 2021, Gist-Holden and James Anthony King Jr. allegedly participated in the armed robbery of First Midwest Bank on Ridge Road in Gary, Indiana, where the use of a firearm resulted in the death of Richard Castellana.  On June 17, 2021, co-defendant James Anthony King, Jr., age 24, of Miami, Florida, was indicted for armed bank robbery and for using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during that robbery causing the death of the security guard, such killing being a murder.  Gist-Holden was arrested in Georgia in the early morning hours of June 18, 2021, following a police chase.    

“The murder of Richard Castellana was a senseless act of violence,” said Acting United States Attorney Tina Nommay.  “Our hearts go out to Mr. Castellana’s family and those other victims terrorized by these criminal acts.  Thanks go out to all our law enforcement partners locally and around the country in their determined efforts to apprehend King and Gist-Holden.”

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that both a complaint and indictment are merely allegations, and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office; the Indiana State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Gary Police Department.  Additional investigative assistance was provided by FBI Chicago, FBI Miami, and FBI Atlanta along with the Georgia State Police, the Atlanta Police Department and the Lowndes County (GA) Sheriff’s Department.  In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Georgia, Middle District of Georgia and Middle District of Florida were involved in this cooperative effort.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Padula, David Nozick, and Kevin Wolff.   

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FORT WAYNE-Quran R. Waterford, 36, of Chicago, Illinois and Gary McCaleb, 31, of Harvey, Illinois, were sentenced on June 18, 2021, before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, following their pleas of guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Waterford was sentenced to 239 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

McCaleb was sentenced to 245 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Restitution of $8,630 was imposed against both defendants.

According to documents filed in the case, on December 5, 2018, Quran Waterford and Gary McCaleb entered B&H Firearms in Fort Wayne while armed with a firearm, tied the owner’s hands behind his back and stole over $8,000 worth of firearms.  Eight days later, on December 13, 2018, Waterford, McCaleb, and an unknown individual, entered a T-Mobile cellular telephone store in Fort Wayne while armed with a firearm, restrained two employees and two customers by zip tying their hands behind their backs, before fleeing with numerous cellular telephones. Waterford and McCaleb were apprehended by the Fort Wayne Police Department after a short pursuit.

This 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.

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FORT WAYNE- Derrick Smith Jr., 32, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced on June 18, 2021, before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Smith was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in the case, on December 12, 2020, Smith possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony.  Smith was convicted in 2009 of Burglary in five separate cases in Fort Wayne.  Due to these previous convictions, Smith was determined to be an Armed Career Criminal. 

This 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.

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HAMMOND- James Anthony King, Jr., age 24, of Miami, Florida, has been indicted for armed bank robbery and murder resulting from the use and carrying of a firearm during that robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

According to the indictment, on June 11, 2021, King participated in an armed robbery of First Midwest Bank on Ridge Road in Gary, Indiana, where the use of a firearm resulted in the death of Richard Castellana. 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department; the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office; the Indiana State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Gary Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Padula, David Nozick, and Kevin Wolff.   

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HAMMOND- Renato Salazar-Lopez, age 34, of San Ysidro, California, was sentenced to 135 months in prison before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, following his conviction by a jury of possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. 

According to evidence presented at his November 2, 2020 jury trial, a Hobart police officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Renato Salazar-Lopez on Interstate 90 near the Portage Toll Plaza.  During a search of the vehicle, police recovered approximately 4.8 kilograms of heroin in the trunk.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Hobart Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath. 

HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Tina L. Nommay is now the Acting United States Attorney.   

The Vacancies Reform Act (VRA), 5 U.S.C. § 3345(a)(1), provides that when a presidentially appointed U. S. Attorney resigns, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney (“FAUSA”) of that office automatically becomes Acting U.S. Attorney.  As a result of Thomas L. Kirsch’s resignation in December 2020, Gary T. Bell was the Acting United States Attorney.  Mr. Bell has resigned to take a position as the Clerk of Court for the Northern District of Indiana, therefore, Tina L. Nommay will now be the Acting United States Attorney.  She will hold this position until the Northern District of Indiana receives its politically appointed, senate confirmed United States Attorney. 

Ms. Nommay has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the Fort Wayne Division since 1989, when she started her career in the civil division.  In 1992, Ms. Nommay transitioned to the criminal division, where, as an AUSA, she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases.  In 2012 she was promoted and served as the Fort Wayne Division’s Branch Chief.  In that role, she supervised and mentored AUSAs while personally being involved in a series of complex white collar, gun, drug and violent crime cases.   In October 2020, Ms. Nommay was promoted to Chief of the Criminal Division where she oversees the work of over 30 AUSAs from the Hammond, South Bend and Fort Wayne divisions.  Most recently she was also named FAUSA.  Prior to her employment in this Office, Ms. Nommay was a Judicial Law Clerk in the Hammond Division of the Northern District of Indiana for two years. 

Tina earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Michigan State University in June 1984, and her law degree (Juris Doctor) from Valparaiso University School of Law in May 1987.   Over her career, she earned a number of law enforcement awards and recognition.  She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. 

“I will continue the District’s long tradition of seeking justice and protecting the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana by prosecuting those individuals who violate federal law,” said Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.  “My office will continue to promote public safety throughout Northern Indiana by coordinating our efforts with federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies, local prosecutors, along with civic and community groups.”

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SOUTH BEND – Khalil Jackson, age 25, of Elkhart, Indiana, was convicted following a jury trial in the South Bend District Court announced Acting United States Attorney Bell.

U.S. District Court Judge Damon Leichty presided over this four-day jury trial. The jury found Jackson guilty of various federal charges arising out of conduct involving human trafficking of a minor victim: specifically, Count 1, sex trafficking of a minor, Count 2, production of child pornography, Count 3, transportation of child pornography, Count 4, possession of child pornography, and Count 5, cyberstalking.

Jackson’s sentencing is set for September 20, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department and Elkhart Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Maciejczyk, Kim Schultz and Joel Gabrielse.  

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HAMMOND-Charles Gould, 37, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 168 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release following his conviction at trial for conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.    

According to documents in this case, during 2016 Gould conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to distribute crack cocaine.  As part of the conspiracy, cocaine was cooked into crack cocaine, packaged for sale, and distributed by members of the conspiracy in Gary’s Glen Park neighborhood.  During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at five locations and recovered approximately 300 grams of crack cocaine packaged for sale, packaging materials, money, and a 33-page drug ledger.  Gould has a prior felony conviction for aggravated battery in Lake County, Indiana.      

Eighteen other charged members of the conspiracy were convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary, Hobart, and Lake County Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.

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HAMMOND- In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

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.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.  

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.   

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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HAMMOND- Jonathan Arevalo, 28, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 240 months imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.

According to documents in the case, Arevalo has been associated with the Latin Dragons Nation since approximately 2009, and he engaged in drug trafficking and possessed a firearm as a member of the gang.  In 2012, Arevalo gave another Latin Dragon member access to a firearm, which was used to kill another individual in Chicago.  In 2015, in Chicago, Arevalo was involved in a drive-by shooting incident which resulted in the death of a passenger in his vehicle when the rival gang returned fire. 

In this case, a total of 19 members and associates have been charged with racketeering conspiracy for their participation in Latin Dragons Nation activity. Of those, 15 defendants have pled guilty and 7 are awaiting sentencing.  

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff, Maria N. Lerner and Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.  

HAMMOND- Janette Ingram, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody to twelve months and one day of imprisonment following her guilty plea to conspiracy to corruptly obstruct, influence, and impede an official proceeding, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.

According to documents in the case, in February 2020, multiple defendants were charged in the federal criminal case of United States v. Manuel Diaz, et al, which alleged violations of federal criminal law, including racketeering conspiracy, against members and associates of the Latin Dragon Nation street gang.  On February 17, 2020, at the Hammond City Jail, Janette Ingram visited one of these defendants, where she was shown and photographed names of cooperating defendants in the Diaz case.  Later that day, Ingram caused photographs of the names of the cooperating defendants to be posted on social media with the intent to discourage and intimidate cooperators and potential cooperators from testifying at trial in the Diaz case. 

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff, Maria N. Lerner and Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.  

HAMMOND- Lamont Coleman, age 39, of Gary, Indiana, was convicted after a jury trial in the Hammond District Court of conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possessing a firearm as a felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Bell.

U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio presided over this three-day jury trial.

The evidence at trial showed that from November 2017 and continuing into 2018, Coleman conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to distribute heroin from a property owned by him in the 4100 block of Madison Street in Gary.  On August 28, 2018, law enforcement executed search warrants on multiple properties associated with Coleman and recovered heroin, three firearms including a loaded firearm under the mattress of Coleman’s bed, and approximately $20,000 in cash.

According to documents in the case, Coleman has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance in 2012 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. 

Four other members of the conspiracy have been convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in this case.   

Coleman’s sentencing is set for August 12, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porter County Drug Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Molly Kelley. 

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FORT WAYNE--Bradley M. Cox, 30, of Kokomo, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady on April 21, 2021 after his December 2020 conviction on all counts of a six-count Superseding Indictment charging him with extortion, production and attempted production of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Bell.

Cox was sentenced to 420 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. Cox was ordered to pay restitution to one of his victims in the total amount of $3,000.00.

According to evidence presented at trial, Cox obtained nude photographs of a woman while pretending to be a modeling recruiter. Cox used a social media account in the woman’s name to communicate with a Rochester, Indiana, man. Cox exchanged the photos of the woman with the Rochester man. Eventually, Cox threatened publicly to release the nude pictures of the Rochester man unless the man gave Cox the login to his social media account. Cox was given access to the Rochester man’s account. Once inside the account, Cox found thousands of nude pictures of women and girls. Cox hacked into another social media account, this time of a high school boy. Cox then sent multiple females the nude pictures of themselves he had found in the Rochester man’s social media account and threatened to publicize their nude photos online unless they sent more sexually explicit pictures and videos.  At least two of these were high school girls at the time.

When victims refused Cox’s demands, Cox posted their nude pictures to a pornographic website. Using the hacked social media account, Cox demanded sexually explicit pictures and videos from a pregnant 15-year-old girl, bragging to others online that he had this girl “on the payroll,” which was a reference to her sending him pictures and videos.  Cox divulged his scheme to at least one other woman whom he met online and eventually met in person. Other evidence in the case showed that Cox also attempted to recruit others, including at least one high school student, to help him with his scheme.

According to the evidence presented at trial, the FBI’s forensic analysis of Cox’s work computer, the social media accounts, and Cox’s cellular telephone identified Cox as the person using the relevant social media accounts, despite Cox’s use of sophisticated concealment efforts.  Cox also admitted much of this conduct during later interviews with the FBI.

“Mr. Cox thought he could hide behind the anonymity of the internet to terrorize his young victims, causing them untold mental anguish, but this sentence is a clear message that those who engage in sextortion will be held accountable for their heinous actions,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “The FBI and our partners are dedicated to rooting out these perpetrators and ensuring they can never impose such terror on their victims and their families ever again.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the Rochester, Indiana Police Department, and the Peru Indiana Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley J. Miller Lowery and Sarah E. Nokes.

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SOUTH BEND – Lafiamma Orona, age 33, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty to possession of stolen mail, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell. 

Orona was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, during the spring of 2020, Orona stole mail from mailboxes near Elkhart, Indiana.  The mail contained, checks, check books, debit and credit cards, and personal information of victims. Orona then forged checks, fraudulently used victims’ debit and credit cards, and opened new credit card accounts using victims’ stolen personal information. In May 2020, a description of the car stealing mail was broadcast to all local police departments.  On May 6, 2020, the car was located in Bristol, Indiana. Orona was driving the car and possessed fake drivers’ licenses with his own photo and victims’ names, stolen checks and check books, other stolen mail items, a handgun holster and a box of ammunition. On the road nearby, police found a loaded handgun that was thrown out of the car. The following day, police searched a house in Michigan where Orona was residing.  Police found more stolen mail items, stolen checks and check books, a printer with more fake drivers’ licenses, tools for forging checks, notebooks with victims’ personal information, handgun ammunition, and narcotics paraphernalia. In total, Orona had stolen items and checks valued at more than $226,000, stolen mail from approximately 46 victims, and the personal information of approximately 253 people.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department; Bristol Police Department; Cass County Sheriff’s Department (Michigan); and Cassopolis Police Department (Michigan).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

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FORT WAYNE—Dewayne Lewis, age 46, of Greenwood and Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Theresa L. Springmann after being found guilty at a bench trial for possessing more than five kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.  This case was prosecuted in the Fort Wayne Division of the Northern District of Indiana, and the defendant was sentenced in Hammond, Indiana.

Lewis was sentenced to 360 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Lewis was distributing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana for a drug trafficking organization operating in northeast Indiana, who obtained their drug supply from a Mexican cartel.  Utilizing tractor trailers, the organization transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and marijuana from the border area in McAllen, Texas, and offloaded the drug shipments in a warehouse in Angola, Indiana.  Lewis and others then distributed the drugs in multi-kilogram amounts to a network of dealers in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.  After a series of drug raids in northeastern Indiana, northwestern Ohio, and southern Texas in January of 2015, Lewis assisted the organization’s leader with this leader’s temporary escape to Mexico, and Lewis took over this leader’s role in collecting substantial drug proceeds and coordinating their ongoing distribution efforts.  This leader was arrested in March of 2015, and he and others were prosecuted in separate cases.   

On February 1, 2015, Lewis obtained approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine and over one million dollars in cash from a hidden area in a stash location in Butler, Indiana.  Lewis continued collecting money from many of the organization’s major drug customers in preparation for sending money shipments back to Mexico.  Law enforcement officers located Lewis at a motel in Greenwood, Indiana, on February 3, 2015, and officers obtained a search warrant for this motel room.  Upon serving the search warrant, officers located Lewis in the room with approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine and a total of approximately $2.089 million in cash.  The fingerprints of Lewis were recovered from some of the money packaging, and Lewis confessed to his involvement in the drug distribution operation.  

“Collaboration between the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and its law enforcement partners - the Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Police Department - was key to removing not only this violent individual from our community, but the destructive poison he was moving with the intent to distribute in our neighborhoods,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “The dedicated work of all involved has ensured our state is a safer place for all to live, work, and visit.”

Great assistance was also provided by the McAllen, Texas, and Toledo, Ohio, offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service in both the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana; along with the Auburn Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, the Kendallville Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana Multi-Agency Group Enforcement (IMAGE) representing law enforcement in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties, and the Northeast Indiana SWAT.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force; the Indiana State Police; the Allen County Sheriff’s Department; the Fort Wayne Police Department; the IMAGE Drug Task Force; the Auburn Police Department; the Kendallville Police Department; the Greenwood, Indiana, Police Department; the Johnson County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department; the United States Marshals Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; and the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey Speith.

FORT WAYNE—Paul Carter, age 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly A. Brady after his plea of guilty to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.

Carter was sentenced to a total of 141 months in prison, followed by a total of 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Paul Carter, wearing an orange traffic vest and mask, and armed with a black handgun, robbed the Three Rivers Federal Credit Union on East State Boulevard in Fort Wayne on the morning of March 13, 2020. After entering the credit union, Carter approached a teller, pointed the handgun at her, and demanded money. After getting money from the teller, Carter fled the credit union and ran down the alley adjacent to the credit union where Roland Ellington was waiting for him in his van. The pair then left the area.

Law enforcement soon located the getaway van being driven by Ellington. Ellington, however, did not stop when he saw police officers behind him with their lights and sirens on. Instead, he and Carter led officers on a chase that ultimately ended in front of Ellington’s mother’s house. After the van came to a stop, Ellington and Carter bailed out of the minivan and ran in opposite directions. Carter was located soon after in the backyard of a nearby residence and taken into custody.  A search produced a plastic bag inside of an outdoor grill that was located next to Carter. Inside the plastic bag was a brown baseball hat, a reflective orange vest, sunglasses, an orange balaclava-style mask, loose U.S. currency, and a teller strap from the credit union.  A Fort Wayne Police Department officer retraced the route that Carter took during the foot pursuit and located a loaded .380 caliber handgun approximately 50 feet from where Carter was apprehended.  Ellington was also apprehended minutes later as he tried to kick in the back door of his mother’s house.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

HAMMOND-Antonio Walton, 44, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 360 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release following his conviction at trial for conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.    

According to documents in this case, from July 2015 through November 2016, Walton conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  As part of the conspiracy, cocaine was cooked into crack cocaine, packaged for sale, and distributed by members of the conspiracy in Gary’s Glen Park neighborhood, with some individuals serving as security for the twenty-four hour a day drug operation.  During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at five separate locations and recovered approximately 300 grams of crack cocaine packaged for sale, packaging materials, money, and a 33-page drug ledger.  Walton provided most of the crack cocaine sold by the members of the conspiracy, and it is estimated that gross drug sales ran into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Walton has prior felony convictions for dealing in cocaine, distribution of marijuana, and possession of ammunition as a felon.    

To date, eighteen other charged members of the conspiracy have been convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary, Hobart, and Lake County Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.

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HAMMOND-Yahtzee Harris, 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 228 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell. 

According to documents in the case, between July of 2015 and November of 2016, Harris participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Glen Park neighborhood of Gary, Indiana.  In furtherance of the conspiracy, Harris cooked cocaine into crack and worked with numerous other individuals to distribute it from multiple residences.  During a search of his Gary residence, law enforcement recovered a firearm and packaged crack intended for distribution.  Harris has prior felony convictions for distribution of crack cocaine, pointing a firearm, and possession of a firearm as felon.             

To date, eighteen other charged members of the conspiracy have been convicted of drug-related offenses in this case.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary, Hobart, and Lake County Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Alexandra McTague.

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