Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 84 Months of ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
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.
Albion Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Kendallville Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Gary Man ChargedRead the Press Release
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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Two Men from Illinois Were Sentenced to over 19 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Miami, Florida Man Charged with Gary Bank Robbery and MurderRead the Press Release
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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California Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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.
United States Attorney’s Office Announces Tina L. Nommay as Acting United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
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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Elkhart, Indiana Man Convicted After Four-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
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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Hobart Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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The U.S. Attorneys Office Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
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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Latin Dragons Nation Member Sentenced to 240 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
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.
Chicago Woman Sentenced to One Year and One Day of ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
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.
Gary Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
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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Kokomo Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sextortion SchemeRead the Press Release
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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Elkhart, Indiana Man Sentenced to 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Greenwood, Indiana, Man Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced to 141 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
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.
Gary Man Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Gary Man Sentenced to 228 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
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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Goshen, Indiana Woman Entered Plea of GuiltyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Ronya Phillips, age 47, of Goshen, Indiana, entered a guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty for two counts of subornation of perjury, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
According to documents in this case, Ms. Phillips was formerly a bankruptcy petition preparer in the Northern District of Indiana. In that capacity she prepared bankruptcy petitions and other documents for debtors who filed cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
As part of her guilty plea, Ms. Phillips admitted that she willfully suborned and procured two individuals to commit perjury by submitting material false declarations in federal bankruptcy proceedings. Both incidents were related to Ms. Phillips inducing the individuals to falsely state in forms related to their bankruptcy petitions that they had paid Ms. Phillips half of the amount that they had actually paid her for her services.
The charges resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee for Indiana and Central and Southern Illinois (Region 10) to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer W. Prokop from the U.S. Trustee’s Office.
“Together with Acting U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue fraud and abuse in bankruptcy cases,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Region 10. The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Ind., and Peoria, Ill.
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Merrillville Man Sentenced to 71 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Darrell Loving, 32, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge James T. Moody to 71 months in prison following his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
According to documents in the case, on December 11, 2019, at approximately midnight, Loving fled from an attempted traffic stop conducted by Indiana State Police on U.S. Highway 30 in Hobart, Indiana. Loving dragged an Indiana State Trooper approximately ten feet with his vehicle, resulting in the trooper suffering abrasions. Loving then fled westbound on U.S. Highway 30 in Merrillville past Interstate 65, speeding at 100 miles per hour and coming within inches or feet of hitting occupied police vehicles stopped at an unrelated accident scene. Loving sped through multiple red lights before pulling into a parking lot and fleeing on foot while tossing a bag containing cocaine and heroin. Loving has prior felony convictions for distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During the sentencing hearing, the government asked for an enhanced sentence due to Loving’s conduct which posed a substantial risk of death or bodily injury to more than one person.
This case was the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team, Indiana State Police, and Hobart and Merrillville Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.
Gregory Smith Sentenced to 314 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Gregory Smith, 28 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody upon entry of a guilty plea, announced Acting United States Attorney Gary T. Bell. Smith pled guilty to seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Smith received a sentence of 314 months in prison, 2 years supervised release and was ordered to pay $734,975.51 in restitution.
According to documents filed in the case, between November 13 and 19, 2015, Smith, with the assistance of two accomplices, robbed seven businesses at gunpoint in Hammond, Indiana. During one of the robberies, Smith shot and permanently injured a liquor store clerk. Smith was on probation at the time of the robbery spree. He had prior felony convictions for burglary and theft and also has a pending attempted residential entry charge.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Hammond Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Former Bearcreek Township Trustee Entered A Plea of GuiltyRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – On January 21, 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Katina Miller, the former Trustee of the Bearcreek Township Trustee’s Office located in Bryant, Indiana, with two counts of wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.
On February 2, 2021, Miller pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and admitted devising a scheme to divert money for her benefit. On February 19, 2021 United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady accepted the guilty plea. According to documents filed in the case, from January 2015 through on December 31, 2018, Miller embezzled $86,755.39 by using township bank accounts to pay personal expenses through debit cards, ATM withdrawals or checks made payable to herself.
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. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.
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Arch Family Dentistry Office Managers ChargedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Justyn Arch, age 34, and Trystan Arch, age 31 both of Valparaiso, Indiana were charged with healthcare fraud by way of a single count Grand Jury Indictment which was unsealed today, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.
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 Indictment alleges that Justyn and Trystan Arch executed a scheme to defraud Indiana Medicaid by causing false and fictitious entries in patient files. The false entries showed 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.
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, Indiana Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the assistance of the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.
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Lake Station Man Sentenced to 36 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Lajuan Fitzpatrick, 29, of Lake Station, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 36 years in prison following his conviction at trial in November 2019 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and discharging a firearm causing death during this drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.
The evidence at trial showed that on December 2, 2013, in Gary, Indiana, Fitzpatrick and his co-conspirators attempted to rob individuals they believed were marijuana dealers. The co-conspirators intended to resell the marijuana. Fitzpatrick fired his gun as gunfire broke out during the course of the attempted robbery. Ronaldo Correa, Jr., 22, who was coming to the aid of his victim neighbors, was shot to death.
“This investigation is an excellent example of the importance of partnership among law enforcement in holding dangerous criminals accountable,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “ATF is committed to working alongside our partners to keep our communities safe.”
“Dealing drugs and violence go hand-in-hand and this sentence means this individual will no longer be able to bring more harm to our Hoosier communities,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “Working in collaboration with our partners we will continue to work to identify the worst of the worst and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”
This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, East Chicago Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gary Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Caitlin M. Padula.
Walton, Indiana Woman SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Arielle Griffis, age 31, of Walton, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon her plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Griffis was sentenced to 100 months of in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in January of 2020, Griffis was wanted on a warrant when she led law enforcement on a high-speed car chase. During the chase, she threw a firearm and methamphetamine out of the car. Griffis has several prior serious drug convictions.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Nebraska Man Sentenced to 235 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE—Tracy Lloyd, 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to two counts of Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce and one count of Armed Bank Robbery, announced Acting United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.
Mr. Lloyd was sentenced to 235 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,087.00.
According to documents filed in the case, Mr. Lloyd robbed Family Dollar on January 11, 2017; First Source bank on June 13, 2017; and a Hampton Inn hotel on June 17, 2017. Mr. Lloyd has agreed to pay restitution for these robberies and four other robberies committed by him.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Police Department, New Haven Police Department, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
pThis case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
Hobart Man Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Antonio M. Blunt, 41, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to a production of child pornography charge, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Blunt was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison followed by a 12-year term of supervised release. He was ordered not to have future contact – direct or indirect – with the 4 year-old victim of his crime, and to pay restitution totaling $46,682 to cover estimated future therapy expenses. Following his release from prison, Mr. Blunt will be required to register as a sex offender in any state where he lives, works or attends school.
Pursuant to his plea agreement with the government, Mr. Blunt admitted that, while the child was in his care, he produced sexually explicit photographs of her. He knew the child was especially vulnerable, because she suffered from various physical ailments. Mr. Blunt uploaded the pictures to a cloud storage service and accessed them repeatedly.
“Those who sexually exploit children by producing child pornography cause great harm to their young victims and their deplorable actions will not be tolerated,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “This sentence should serve as a warning that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will always make it a priority to identify and hold accountable those who choose to take advantage of vulnerable children.”
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hobart, Indiana Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Koster and Molly Kelley.
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Goshen Lawn Care and Snow Removal Business Owners Ordered to Pay over $1 MillionRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Michael Closson, age 52, and Laquita Closson, age 49, of Goshen, Indiana, were sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
According to documents in this case, Mr. and Mrs. Closson are married and own a lawn care and snow removal business in Goshen, Indiana. They were sentenced after each pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. Mr. Closson also pleaded guilty to an additional count of tax evasion.
The Clossons were ordered to pay in restitution $662,027.00 to the IRS; $298,300.75 to the Indiana Department of Revenue; and $64,732.39 to Medicaid. In addition to the restitution, Mr. Closson was sentenced to prison and Mrs. Closson was sentenced to home detention.
During tax years 2012 through 2016, the Clossons intentionally concealed their income from the IRS by filing false joint income tax returns that underreported their actual income. The Clossons failed to report more than $2 million dollars in gross receipts, which resulted in them evading more than $600,000 in federal income taxes and almost $300,000 in state income taxes. The Clossons also submitted false Medicaid application forms that allowed them to unlawfully receive nearly $65,000 worth of Medicaid benefits. The Clossons own two homes, a timeshare, over $10,000 worth of luxury handbags, and four vehicles, including a Lamborghini and a Cadillac Escalade.
"Honest and law abiding taxpayers are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money as well as skirt their tax obligations," said Tamera Cantu, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office. "Today’s sentencing is a direct result of IRS Criminal Investigation working together with the Northern District of Indiana U.S. Attorney’s office to protect America’s honest, hard-working taxpayers," said Cantu.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Jeremiah Ellis, 34, of Blue Island, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to Counts 1 through 5 of the Superseding Indictment, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Mr. Ellis was sentenced to 261 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release
Ellis entered a guilty plea to bank robbery, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to documents in the case, on March 29, 2014, Ellis and co-defendant Ashley Patterson robbed First Merchant’s Bank in East Chicago, Indiana. Ellis and Patterson ran into the bank with their guns drawn, held bank employees and customers at gunpoint, and got away with approximately $10,000. Ellis fired shots at officers as Patterson drove them away from the bank after the robbery.
Ellis committed two other armed robberies in Hammond before police caught him. He robbed a Marathon gas station of $1,800 on March 19, 2014, and a Mobil gas station of approximately $1,000 on January 26, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force with the assistance of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Molly Kelley.
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Former Marion High School Guidance Counselor IndictedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Ryan Christian Vermilion, age 46, of Marion, Indiana was charged with production of child pornography by way of a single count Grand Jury Indictment, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.
According to documents in this case, from on or about January 26, 2020 through February 18, 2020, Mr. Vermilion allegedly enticed a minor to send him sexually explicit pictures. Also alleged is that the victim met the defendant through cross-platform social media sites, engaging in chat and photo sharing while believing the defendant was an ill teenage boy.
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 Indiana State Police and Wells County Sheriff’s Department This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
Parents are strongly encouraged to speak with their children about similar conversations and contact the FBI at 317-595-4000 if anything similar is found on any of their devices.
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Former Wheeler H.S. Teacher Sentenced to 144 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Brian Kunze, 32, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his guilty plea to receiving child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Mr. Kunze was sentenced to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $30,000 ($10,000 each) in restitution to the identified victims of this case.
According to documents in the case, Mr. Kunze, a former Wheeler High School teacher, used his position of authority at the school to cause one of his minor students to take and send him sexually explicit photos. A digital forensic examination of devices seized by federal law enforcement agents from Mr. Kunze’s home also revealed that he knowingly obtained sexually explicit photos of other minors whom he knew to be under the age of 18 because they attended the school where he taught. In total, Mr. Kunze admitting to knowingly receiving and possessing over 150 images depicting minors being caused to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Porter County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Koster.
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Claypool Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kenneth Hyatt, age 53, of Claypool, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his guilty plea to receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Mr. Hyatt was sentenced to 293 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $14,930.00 restitution.
According to documents filed in this case, Hyatt uploaded 65 images of child pornography to his Dropbox account. These images along with others depicted children under the age of 12 participating in bondage or sadistic conduct. In addition, Hyatt possessed at least 143 total images of child pornography. Six months before committing the instant offense, Hyatt was released from prison for a state conviction of possession of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
On August 30, 2022, Hyatt was re-sentenced to 234 months in prison.
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Hobart Man Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Jerry James, age 65, of Hobart, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann upon his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Bell.
James was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment, 15 years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to his known victims.
According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement agents obtained a search warrant and searched James' home in Hobart, Indiana and discovered videos depicting child pornography on various electronic devices seized at the house. In his plea agreement, James admitted that between 2012 and January 2013, he produced videos that contained child pornography of minor victims, including some who had not yet attained the age of 12, engaged in sexual acts. The videos also involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence involving minor victims. James paid for minors under the age of 12 to perform sexual acts while he recorded them or streamed live images. The case originated through a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department and Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
Latin Dragons Nation Associate Sentenced to 60 Months Imprisonment Following Conviction for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Tiffany Barragan, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment following her guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as an associate of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.
According to documents in the case, the Latin Dragons Nation is a criminal street gang that originated in Chicago and spread to other areas, including the Northern District of Indiana. Members and associates of the Latin Dragons Nation allegedly engage in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, witness tampering, and assault, to protect the gang’s territory. The Latin Dragons Nation members have been charged with crimes involving in excess of 50 victims, including 15 murder victims.
As part of her involvement in the Latin Dragons Nation, Barragan participated with gang members and associates in acts of violence and other criminal activity. In June 2017, at the direction of a Latin Dragons Nation member, Barragan and another Latin Dragons associate provided a firearm previously used to commit a murder to another Latin Dragons Nation member, with the intention that he would dispose of the murder weapon. In November 2017, Barragan accompanied Latin Dragons Nation members when they shot at a rival gang member’s residence, after which Barragan concealed drugs from the police during a traffic stop. 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 8 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 and Maria N. Lerner, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from former Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.
Elkhart, Indiana Man Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Joshua Ray, 29, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced, late last week, by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to possession of machineguns, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Ray was sentenced to 41 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Mr. Ray pleaded guilty to possessing machineguns, specifically auto switch (sear) devices that could convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon. In May of 2019, law enforcement intercepted a package bound for Mr. Ray that contained 40 auto switch devices. Later that month, law enforcement found four auto switch devices at his home along with three rifles, a shotgun, and two handguns.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Schultz.
Gary Man Sentenced to 60 Months Imprisonment for Possessing Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Varnell Dixon, 24, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge James T. Moody to 60 months imprisonment following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
According to documents in the case, on December 28, 2019, Dixon was driving a rented vehicle speeding eastbound on Interstate 80/94. At the time, he possessed a fully loaded Glock nine millimeter firearm, four bags of marijuana, some of which he intended to distribute, and $323.00 in small bills. Upon being pursued by the Indiana State Police, Dixon attempted to elude the police at a high rate of speed and ultimately exited onto the Cline Avenue ramp. Dixon lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and roll over several times. Dixon was thrown from the vehicle and arrested by police.
This case was the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Gang Response Investigative Team and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria N. Lerner and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley.
Berne Man Fined for Killing A Bald EagleRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Samuel G. Graber, age 24, of Berne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Susan Collins following his plea of guilty to unlawfully killing a migratory bird, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Graber’s sentence was suspended, he was ordered to complete 6 months probation, and to pay a fine of $5,000 for the incident.
According to documents presented in this case, on or about November 2, 2019, Graber unlawfully killed a bald eagle, a migratory bird as defined by 50 CFR10.13, in violation of Title 16 U.S.C. §703. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the $5,000 fine will be paid to the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R Speith.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Daniel Cooke, 32, of Mendota, Illinois was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 240 months (20 years) in prison followed by a 15-year term of supervised release following his guilty plea to charges that he received and distributed child pornography featuring one minor and attempted to entice another minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.
From December 2018 to February 2019, Mr. Cooke caused a 16-year-old minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, including sadistic and masochistic conduct, for the purpose of producing and receiving visual depictions of that conduct. Then, from July to October 2019, Mr. Cooke attempted to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a person he believed to be a 14-year-old minor, but who was an undercover law enforcement officer, into likewise sending him sexually explicit depictions. On September 3, 2019, Mr. Cooke sent the undercover officer a sexually explicit video of his 16-year-old victim.
As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Cooke agreed to pay the 16-year-old victim restitution of $10,000 to compensate her for her reasonably projected psychotherapy costs, lost income while attending therapy, and her transportation (mileage) expenses associated therewith.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill R. Koster and Molly A. Kelley.
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Elkhart, Indiana Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Darnell Verner, 31, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Bell.
Verner was sentenced to 70 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, during a two-month period from November 2019 to January 2020, Mr. Verner visited gun stores on eight occasions and obtained a firearm each time despite having been convicted of multiple prior felony offenses. Of the eight firearms Mr. Verner obtained, one semi-automatic rifle was recovered when he tried to sell it back to a gun store. The whereabouts of the seven other firearms remain unknown. Mr. Verner’s prior convictions include aggravated unlawful use of a weapon as well as delivery of crack cocaine and heroin.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II Announces Departure from OfficeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND, INDIANA– United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today that he has resigned from the Department of Justice, effective December 18, 2020, at which time he assumed the duties of a United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit.
Mr. Kirsch was appointed to the position of United States Attorney by President Trump on October 6, 2017.
“I commend Tom Kirsch for his many years of service as United States Attorney and as a member of my Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys. Tom has faithfully led his office in Northern Indiana with integrity and an unrelenting commitment to the rule of law. Under Tom’s leadership, his Office has successfully and aggressively focused on prosecuting violent crimes, especially illegal gang activity in Northwest Indiana, and public corruption. Tom has also been a valuable member of my Advisory Committee of United States Attorney’s since 2019, advising me and the Department of Justice on policy and law enforcement matters. The Department looks forward to Tom’s service to our country as a 7th Circuit Judge,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.
“Thomas Kirsch is a lifelong Hoosier, who has worked to take on public corruption in Indiana, and has led a diverse and exemplary career. I am proud the U.S. Senate has confirmed Mr. Kirsch for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit,” said Senator Mike Braun
“Thomas Kirsch’s qualifications, experience, and temperament will make him the kind of judge that every Hoosier can be proud of. Throughout this process, Kirsch has made it clear that he believes in the rule of law and he understands the role of a judge is to apply the law and Constitution as written. Today, the Senate agreed Thomas Kirsch is the right judge to fill the current vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and I trust he will serve with distinction for years to come,” said Senator Young.
“Serving the citizens of Northern Indiana as United States Attorney has been the privilege and honor of a lifetime,” said Mr. Kirsch. “I believe that my Office and the talented and dedicated career civil servants that served along with me are among the best in the country. I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the past several years. I am also very grateful for the professional and hardworking federal, state, and local law enforcement officers serving Northern Indiana. Their impressive work is necessary to the continuing fight to reduce crime. I am looking forward to continuing to serve my country in a new role. I am very thankful for the support and confidence of Senator Young and Senator Braun, and I am thankful to the President for my appointment as United States Attorney and now as a Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit.”
“Thomas Kirsch has served Indiana with distinction and integrity the last three years as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, and proved time and time again his commitment to serving Hoosiers,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “I would like to thank him for his dedicated service and wish him the best in this next chapter of his career.”
“While serving as the U.S. Attorney in the in the Northern District of Indiana, Judge Kirsch’s leadership was highly respected among local, state and federal law enforcement,” commented Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “On behalf of the men and women of ATF, we wish him continued success as he serves on the 7th Circuit Appellate Court.”
“Tom Kirsch has admirably served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, relentlessly working to protect citizens from the effects of drug trafficking and drug-related violence. Although Tom has vigorously prosecuted violent drug trafficking crimes and illegal gang activity, he is compassionate and fair-minded, considering the humanity in all circumstances and ensuring equity in all matters. I am glad that Tom has chosen to remain in public service as a 7th Circuit Judge. The country will continue to benefit from his service,” said Robert J. Bell, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Chicago Division.
United States Marshal Todd Nukes said, “As the U.S. Attorney, Tom Kirsch has been the ultimate professional and a man of high integrity. He remained focused and committed to fighting violent crime, drugs, and other offenses for the safety of the people in Northern Indiana.”
During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kirsch served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Northern District of Indiana, which includes 32 of the State’s 92 counties, with offices in Hammond, South Bend, and Forth Wayne. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kirsch oversaw the investigation and prosecution of all federal criminal violations in the Northern District of Indiana and represented the United States in all civil litigation occurring in the District. The U.S. Attorney’s Office focuses on prosecuting violent crime, drug related crime, and white collar offenses, in addition to civil and appellate litigation in federal courts.
Some of the more notable cases and accomplishments during Mr. Kirsch’s tenue are the prosecution of United States v. Samantha Elhassani, who received 78 months imprisonment for financing the ISIS terrorist group; the public corruption prosecution and guilty plea in United States v. Joseph Stahura, who was the former mayor of Whiting, Indiana; the prosecution of United States v. Jerimiah Farmer, a Latin King who was sentenced to life imprisonment for a double homicide committed in furtherance of gang activity; the gang prosecution of United States v. Ivan Reyes and Jeron Williams, Latin Count gang members who pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted their involvement in the homicides of Lauren Calvillo and Christopher White; the prosecution of United States v. Eric Weiler, who was sentenced to 60 years in prison for production of child pornography and explosives; the prosecution of United States v. Jay Joshi for illegally prescribing opioids; the prosecution of United States v. Allen Bates and many others, a multi-defendant drug and organized crime case involving the seizure of more than 120 kilograms of cocaine, several kilograms of heroin, numerous vehicles, and approximately $6.3 million in cash; and the prosecution of United States v Eric Krieg, who was sentenced to 29 years in prison for his role in an explosion that occurred at the Post Office in East Chicago, Indiana.
During Mr. Kirsch’s tenure as United States Attorney, his Office indicted over 640 firearms cases and prosecuted over 50 gang members on racketeering-related charges, including members of the Latin Kings, Latin Counts, Latin Dragons, Imperial Gangers, and Two Six Nation street gangs, obtaining convictions in numerous cases involving cold case gang homicides committed in Northern Indiana and neighboring jurisdictions. Also during his tenure, his Office’s Civil Division collected approximately $8.8 million in criminal restitution, $622,000 in criminal fines, and $17.4 million in civil actions, totaling more than $26 million collected on behalf of the government. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kirsch oversaw the expansion of both the Criminal and Civil Divisions, adding more prosecutors and staff to work cases in the District.
Prior to becoming United States Attorney, Mr. Kirsch was a partner at the international law firm, Winston & Strawn LLP. Before joining Winston & Strawn, Mr. Kirsch served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Indiana from 2001-2008. In 2006 and 2007, while on detail from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Kirsch served as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Policy in Washington, DC. Prior to serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kirsch served as a law clerk to the Honorable John D. Tinder in the Southern District of Indiana.
Mr. Kirsch has received numerous local and national awards, including the Department of Justice Director’s Award for Superior Performance and awards from The American Lawyer, The National Law Journal, Law360, and Benchmark Litigation. Mr. Kirsch is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Kirsch received a B.A. in Economics and Political Science in 1996 from Indiana University and a J.D. in 1999 from Harvard Law School.
US Attorney’s Office, Northern Indiana Operating StatusRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Gary T. Bell 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, Gary T. Bell is now the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.
Mr. Bell has held the FAUSA position since earlier this year and has been in a Supervisory Attorney position since 2014. Mr. Bell joined the U.S. Attorney’s office in June of 1999 as an Assistant United States Attorney. At that time, Mr. Bell focused on violent and drug related crimes and worked mostly with the GRIT task force. He later shifted positions and focused on public corruption and white-collar crime cases before becoming a supervisor. Prior to his 20 plus year career with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Bell was a Lake County Deputy Prosecutor. He also worked in private practice at the Merrillville law firm of Spangler, Jennings and Dougherty.
He earned a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Michigan in May 1987 and his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Indiana University (Bloomington) in May 1990.
Under Mr. Bell’s leadership, the office looks forward to continued cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in our joint effort to promote public safety throughout the Northern District of Indiana.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE—Dan I. Wilson, 47, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Holly Brady upon his plea of guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Wilson received a sentence of 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, from on or about January 2013 and continuing to March 2015, Mr. Wilson conspired with others to acquire cocaine and heroin from a drug organization operating primarily in the Northern District of Indiana for further distribution in Ohio.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The Akron, Ohio, Police Department also assisted with this investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
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Munster Woman Charged with Wire Fraud Relating to Chapter 13 BankruptcyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Mary Cossey, age 54, of Munster, Indiana, was indicted for three counts of wire fraud relating to her petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy relief, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to the indictment, Cossey defrauded the bankruptcy trustee and her creditors by providing false information in her bankruptcy petition, and concealed prohibited post-petition and preferential payments to a personal friend and creditor, identified in the Indictment as Individual A. The purpose of Cossey’s scheme was to avail herself of the benefits of bankruptcy—including preventing foreclosure on her home, reducing the majority of her debt on a rental property in Gary, Indiana, and eliminating her unsecured debt for pennies on the dollar—without making any of the financial sacrifices required by Chapter 13 debtors.
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 was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Ind., and Peoria, Ill.
Kokomo Man Convicted After Five Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE--Bradley M. Cox, 30, of Kokomo, Indiana, was convicted, late yesterday, 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 United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 18, 2021.
According to evidence presented at trial, Cox, while pretending to be a woman, began communicating on social media with a Rochester, Indiana, man. With nude pictures he had gotten of females, Cox and the Rochester man began to exchange nude pictures. 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. Once inside the Rochester man’s account, Cox found the nude pictures of several thousand women and girls. Using another account hacked by Cox and belonging to a high school boy, Cox then sent multiple females nude pictures of themselves, threatening to publicize these pictures online if they did not send more sexually explicit pictures and videos. At least two of these were high school girls at the time.
When one of the victims refused Cox’s demands, Cox posted her 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 women that he met online and eventually met in person.
Through forensic analysis of Cox’s work computer and cellular telephone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
“Terrorizing young victims through social media and using the anonymity of the internet to hide will never be tolerated by the FBI. This case highlights the perseverance and dedication of our agents and law enforcement partners,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “Make no mistake, if you engage in sextortion, we will continue to investigate until we uncover your identity and hold you accountable for the mental anguish and terror you have imposed on your victims and their families.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Fulton County Police 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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Gary Man Sentenced to 144 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Victor Wiggins, 38, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon to 144 months imprisonment following his guilty plea to one count of Conspiracy to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents filed in this case, from at least May 2018 continuing to September 7, 2018, in Gary, Indiana, Victor Wiggins conspired with others to distribute at least five grams of methamphetamine. Wiggins led the conspiracy and recruited others into it. Wiggins has three prior felony convictions and was on supervised release for one of those convictions when he committed this crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. McGrath and Jill Koster.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Tyrion McNair, age 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady following his plea of guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
McNair was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The Court ordered McNair’s federal sentence to run consecutive to his Indiana state convictions for murder and using a firearm during the commission of an offense in 02D05-1807-MR-12.
According to documents presented in this case, on or about March 12, 2018, McNair sold approximately three ounces of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice,” to an individual working with law enforcement. McNair sold additional amounts of crystal methamphetamine to this individual from January through March of 2018.
"Putting individuals such as Mr McNair - who not only poisoned our communities with the drugs he peddled, but who also committed a heinous murder - behind bars has always been and will continue to be a priority for the FBI,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan. “Through our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships we will continue to work to disrupt criminal enterprises that negatively impact life for so many."
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Also assisting with this investigation were the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crime Unit and Vice and Narcotics Division. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Stacey Speith.
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Former Purdue Professor Sentenced for Scheme to Defraud the National Science FoundationRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Dr. Qingyou Han, 62, of West Lafayette, Indiana, formerly a Purdue University professor and the Director of its Center for Materials Processing Research, was sentenced today to 2 years’ probation by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon. Dr. Han’s wife, Lu Shao, 54, of Lakewood, Ohio, was also sentenced, on behalf of her company Hans Tech, LLC (“Hans Tech”), to 2 years’ probation. Both Dr. Han and Hans Tech previously pled guilty to the criminal felony offense of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Together the defendants were ordered jointly and severally liable to pay $1,651,996 in restitution; $1,351,996 to National Science Foundation and $300,000 to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which had provided Dr. Han and Hans Tech with a matching grant in that amount. Dr. Han was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and pay a $25,000 fine.
"The National Science Foundation's (‘NSF’s’) Small Business Innovation Research (‘SBIR’) program provides small businesses with funding to conduct research and development work that will lead to the commercialization of innovative new products and services. Today’s sentence serves as a reminder that fraud in the SBIR Program will not be tolerated,” stated NSF Inspector General Allison Lerner. “The NSF Office of Inspector General (‘OIG’) remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the SBIR program and will actively pursue oversight of these taxpayer funds. I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its support in this effort.”
The charging documents to which the defendants pled guilty allege that Dr. Han devised a scheme to defraud NSF into giving Hans Tech over $1.3 million in research grants through its SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (“STTR”) programs by making materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises and material omissions. In pleading guilty, Dr. Han, individually, and Ms. Shao on behalf of Hans Tech, acknowledged that the purpose of the scheme was to obtain grant funds allocated for research and to use some or all of those funds for other purposes, including to pay personal expenses or for the enrichment of Dr. Han, Ms. Shao, or their children. Hans Tech also received $300,000 in matching grant funds from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, based upon some of the NSF SBIR/STTR awards. Prior to sentencing, Judge Simon ruled that loss in this case was over $1.6 million, or the total amount of the grants awarded to Hans Tech.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG) with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Michigan City Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster and NSF OIG Investigative Attorney Sonia Khanzode. Ms. Khanzode was designated by U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in this case.
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