Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Latin King Gang Member Sentenced to 87 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Mark Toney, 41, of Schererville, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings street gang, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 87 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Toney was a member of the Latin Kings street gang for most of his adult life, including being a local leader of Hammond Latin Kings for a period of time. He possessed firearms, ordered other members to shoot at rivals, and sold cocaine and marijuana as a member of the gang. Factors affecting Toney’s sentence were his leadership role and his involvement in the distribution of between 3.5 and 5 kilograms of cocaine by the Latin Kings.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents. The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, also provided assistance. The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Nicholas J. Padilla.
Settlement with Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. for Submitting False Claims for Its WorkRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today a pre-suit settlement under the False Claims Act for false claims payable under a U.S. Department of Defense Contract for the Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs Program.
During 2010, the increased demand for military working dog teams in support of the U.S. Army’s mission in Afghanistan prompted the need for Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs (TEDDs) with the capability of off-leash explosive detection functions. Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. of Denver, Indiana provides training for handlers and canines to perform specialized tasks, such as explosive detection. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have contracted with Vohne Liche Kennels for their training needs. Vohne Liche Kennels was sub-contracted in 2011 to provide personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and non‑personal services for the creation and operation of a training program for both military handlers and dogs for the TEDD program. Vohne Liche Kennels was further contracted to provide Field Service Representatives (FSRs) who co-located with military units in Afghanistan. The FSRs monitored the activities of the newly-trained TEDD handlers and dogs to reinforce and improve their techniques.
Vohne Liche Kennels has agreed to pay $1,350,000 to resolve the United States’ claims under the False Claims Act for fraudulently submitting claims for labor hours for trainers and FSRs involved in the TEDD program. Specifically, Vohne Liche Kennels inflated the number of labor hours billed for training sessions held at Vohne Liche Kennels’ Denver Indiana facility and at the U.S. Army’s proving grounds in Yuma Arizona. It also inflated the number of labor hours performed in Afghanistan by the FSRs. Under the settlement, Vohne Liche Kennels agrees to repay the $900,000 of federal funds that Vohne Liche Kennels received for the fraudulently billed claims, and also agrees to pay a civil penalty of $450,000.
“We will not tolerate dishonest contractors who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of federal taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “My Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit will continue to require contractors who submit fraudulent claims for federal government funds to reimburse the government for their ill-gotten gains and also pay civil penalties under the False Claims Act.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service will continue to aggressively pursue companies such as Vohne Liche Kennels that increase profits by exploiting DoD contracts through false claims,” said Cynthia Bruce, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS Southeast Field Office.
“This settlement is another example of the exceptional efforts of our dedicated special agents,” said Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU). “The MPFU looks forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to address fraud, no matter how large or small.”
This settlement was reached as a result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Indianapolis Resident Agency, and the United States Army CID, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Indianapolis Fraud Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne T. Ault handled the settlement negotiations.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jamar Sims, age 27, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Mr. Sims was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in November 2018, Mr. Sims sold methamphetamine to a person working for the police. In March of 2019, he sold methamphetamine to the same cooperating person. On both occasions, investigators watched Sims travel from a residence on Bowman Street in South Bend to conduct the transactions. Sims also indicated to the cooperator that he had a variety of drugs to sell.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Allen Hanuscak, 65, who has resided in Elkhart Indiana and Ohio, was charged by way of an Indictment with bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
On July 14, 2020, Magistrate Judge Joshua P. Kolar approved a criminal complaint against Hanuscak for the bank robbery that is the subject of the indictment. According to the affidavit, on July 13, 2020, the Old National Bank located at 320 North Main Street, Elkhart, Indiana, was robbed by a white male at about 10:30 am. The male entered the bank and slid a demand note to the teller. The man had his hand in his pocket leading the teller to believe he was concealing a firearm, and the teller then gave the man about $7000. The teller described the robber as an elderly, white male wearing glasses, a mask, jeans and a black backpack. Officers responding to the crime saw a white elderly man walking near the bank who was wearing a mask, glasses, jeans and carrying a backpack. Officers stopped him and he identified himself as Allen Hanuscak. He was searched and police found $6995 in his pants. Old National Bank’s money bands were still wrapped around the money. Mr. Hanuscak was on supervised release from federal courts in Ohio when this robbery occurred.
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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Juan M. Hernandez, age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Hernandez was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“Mr. Hernandez will serve a long prison term for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Distribution of highly addictive and destructive drugs like methamphetamine is criminal activity that law enforcement will aggressively pursue. The DEA works with all Fort Wayne law enforcement agencies as a well-coordinated team to investigate illegal drug distribution and my office, as this case shows, will support those investigations with federal court prosecution.”
According to documents in this case, in the summer of 2019, there were multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine made from Hernandez that ultimately led to his arrest and federal charges. In an interview, Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he would regularly obtain ¼ to ½ pound of crystal methamphetamine over several months, which methamphetamine he then distributed. He also admitted to the federal agents that the most methamphetamine he possessed at one time was 6-7 pounds.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The sentencing of Mr. Hernandez to 21 years in federal prison was necessary and just for the fine citizens of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area. Mr. Hernandez peddled methamphetamine that had a purity level of 100 %. Anytime DEA and there partners can take methamphetamine off the streets it is a big win! Especially methamphetamine that is 100 % pure. DEA is committed to working with our state, local and federal partners and making our communities safe.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jimmy L. Faulkner, Jr., age 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Faulkner was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents presented in this case, in the early hours on September 12, 2018 officers responded to a distress call in Fort Wayne. The officers observed a man, later determined to be Faulkner, waving a firearm in the air. Officers heard a gunshot and took Faulkner into custody. Faulkner admitted possessing and firing a .38/.357 caliber revolver. Faulkner has numerous previous felony convictions in state court (dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug, and possession of cocaine) and federal court (possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime).
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 150 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Charles R. Byers, age 45, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty following his plea of guilty to possession of 5 or more grams of methamphetamine along with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Byers was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents presented in this case, in November of 2018, Byers, who had been convicted of multiple crimes since 1995, including various felony convictions, was charged in this case after being found to be in possession of a firearm and multiple grams of methamphetamine in the high crime area of Coliseum Boulevard and Interstate 69. The methamphetamine was packaged and intended for distribution.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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South Bend, Indiana Man Sentenced to 16 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Christopher Kinds, 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his plea of guilty to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Kinds was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
“Mr. Kinds, a felon with multiple prior convictions, will serve 16 years in prison for his guilty plea to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Possession of a firearm by a felon or during the commission of other crimes is dangerous and intolerable. My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus on these type of offenses as part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy in South Bend.”
According to documents filed in this case, on September 5, 2019, investigators searched Mr. Kinds’ home and storage units at a rental facility, all in South Bend. Investigators arrested Mr. Kinds the same day. Investigators recovered over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 80 grams of heroin, nearly $17,500.00 in cash, and over 35 firearms from his person, his home, and his storage units. Mr. Kinds has multiple prior felony convictions, including drug-related offenses and a firearms offense.
“The collaborative investigation and prosecution of this habitual offender is a prime example of the partnerships in which ATF takes great pride,” remarked the ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen de Tineo. “ATF will continue to investigate those who illegally possess firearms and we thank our partners for their significant role in this particular investigation.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, and St. Joseph County SWAT Team. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Donnelly and Kim Schultz.
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Fort Wayne Men ChargedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Nathan Kaiser, age 48 and Leary Kaiser, age 20, both of Butler, Indiana were charged in separate indictments with multiple firearm related offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, Nathan Kaiser, the owner of Darkside Armory, a Federal Firearms Licensee, was charged in a 17 count indictment with possession of an unregistered machine gun, unregistered silencers and a bump stock device in violation of the National Firearm Act. Leary Kaiser, an employee of Darkside Armory, was charged in a 4 count indictment with falsifying ATF form 4473 to indicate more firearms were purchased than what actually occurred during the transaction and also for lying to agents about these falsifications.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “The alleged charges here should send a strong message that illegal weapon possession and falsification of firearm related purchase documents will not be tolerated. I wish to commend ATF for their hard work on this case and their commitment to public safety that flows from compliance with the National Firearms Act requirements.”
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.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Jesus Lopez, 42 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Lopez received a sentence of 240 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
“Mr. Lopez will serve 20 years in prison for his guilty plea to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Smuggling drugs into our Country is an intolerable offense. We will continue to arrest and prosecute those caught in the Northern District of Indiana. I commend the interdiction efforts of the Hobart Police Department for the apprehension of Mr. Lopez.”
According to documents in this case, in November of 2016, a Hobart police officer stopped Lopez and his co-defendant in a vehicle on I-94. They were in possession of approximately 450 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, which they were planning to sell to another individual. Lopez was also responsible for attempting to smuggle an additional 16 kilograms of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States in November 2016.
“This sentencing of Mr. Lopez to 20 years in federal prison was necessary and just for the fine citizens of Porter County and the surrounding area,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “Mr. Lopez, and others, who show complete disregard for the well-being of Hoosiers by trying to bring methamphetamine into Indiana must be held accountable for their actions. DEA commends the outstanding work that was done in this investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office and our state, local and federal partners.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hobart Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Former Lake County Sheriff Re-Sentenced to 151 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that John Buncich, age 74, of Crown Point, Indiana was re-sentenced before District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody. This re-sentencing flowed from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals June 5, 2019 decision upholding Buncich’s conviction on two wire fraud counts (Counts 4-5) and one bribery count (Count 6).
Buncich was re-sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release, $800 in restitution and a $35,000 fine. Buncich agreed to forfeiture in the amount of $38,000.00 as part of this federal prosecution
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Buncich betrayed the public trust when he took bribes for personal gain. The sentence imposed today should send a strong message of deterrence to others who might consider engaging in the same illegal conduct as Buncich. We will continue to be vigilant and aggressive in our efforts to root out public corruption wherever it exists across the district.”
This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip C. Benson and Maria N. Lerner. This re-sentencing proceeding was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 134 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Gemico Childress, age 45, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Childress was sentenced to 134 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $181,835.77 in restitution to various financial institutions and retailers.
“The sentence that Childress received today reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “Childress left his victims scrambling to clean up their credit and fix their financial reputation. My team of law enforcement officials will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute identity theft schemes. ”
According to documents in this case, this scheme involved the theft of the personal identifying information of victims in more than 10 states and Canada. Childress and co-defendants stole some of the victims’ information from a hospital in Arizona. The stolen records included birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, employment information, insurance carriers, treating physicians, and information about the people the victims listed as emergency contacts. Childress and others opened fraudulent credit cards, bank accounts, and retail credit accounts on-line. In some instances, Childress added himself as an authorized user on “real” accounts held by victims.
The case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Crown Point Man Sentenced to 60 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Leonardo Verduzco, 26, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 60 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, during the summer of 2019, law enforcement made purchases of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a firearm from Verduzco. During a subsequent search of Verduzco’s residence, law enforcement recovered drug packaging materials, empty gun cases, gun magazines, ammunition, and $11,240 in cash. In his plea agreement, Verduzco consented to forfeiture of the cash because it was connected or traceable to his drug crime, admitted responsibility for 28 grams of crack and 171 grams of methamphetamine as drug-involved conduct, and admitted that he had assisted another individual in illegally purchasing a firearm for him. Verduzco, who has prior misdemeanor convictions for battery, theft, and marijuana possession, was on probation at the time of this federal offense.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Schererville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
Gary Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Kristopher Meacham, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann following his plea of guilty to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Meacham was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim of his offense.
According to documents in the case, Mr. Meacham met a 14 year-old girl from Chicago in January 2018 in Gary, Indiana. The two communicated over social media, and during the communications Meacham told the girl he was 19 years old and arranged to meet her. In March of 2018, he drove to Chicago, picked up the 14 year-old and drove her to his home in Gary where he engaged in sexual acts with the child until she escaped the following day and was recovered by police.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Fort Wayne Man ChargedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – John Clark, age 53, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was charged in a criminal complaint with drug and weapon violations, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Clark, a convicted felon, was arrested after a search warrant was executed on his residence. The complaint alleges that Clark used his residence to distribute narcotics. During the search, agents found crack cocaine, firearms, other drugs and items used for distribution and cash.
“I wish to commend all the law enforcement agencies on this case for their tireless efforts to reduce drug trafficking in the Allen County area,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “Getting illegal guns and drugs off the streets promotes safety for law abiding citizens.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “DEA is committed to working hand and hand with the Allen County Police Department and our state, local and federal partners. We will utilize all available resources to target drug dealers and put them in jail. I commend the exceptional work that was done in this investigation which resulted in the seizure of cocaine, several firearms, and currency.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Complaint 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.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allen County Drug Task Force, comprised of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Rickey Kendrick, 24, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Philip P. Simon to 180 months in prison following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Because of Kendrick’s multiple other felony convictions, his illegal possession of a firearm will put him in prison for 15 years” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Our law enforcement partners have always focused on felon in possession cases and will continue these investigations.”
According to documents in the case, on September 25, 2018, Rickey Kendrick possessed a nine millimeter firearm while driving in Gary, Indiana. Kendrick has six prior felony convictions for burglary.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the FBI GRIT Task Force and the Gary Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Caitlin M. Padula.
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Cedar Lake Woman Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Jessica Guska (a/k/a Jessica Irvine, Jessica Brewer, Jessica Carrington and Jessica Hoggard), 42, Cedar Lake, Indiana was charged by way of a 4 count indictment for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Guska was the president of Cedar Lake-based Riptide Travel Softball, a competitive softball club for girls. Ms. Guska was responsible for managing Riptide Travel Softball’s finances. It is alleged that from August 2018 until approximately October 2019 Ms. Guska embezzled money meant for Riptide Travel Softball and used it to pay her personal expenses, including health care costs, air travel, vacations and her home property taxes.
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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Cedar Lake Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Kelley.
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Latin Dragon Nation Member Sentenced to 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Luis Colunga, 27, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced, on July 17, 2020, by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 204 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
“A 17 year sentence should send a strong message that gang activity and associated criminal acts will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “Gang members should know that my office will continue to investigate and prosecute criminal gang activity as a cohesive law enforcement partnership.”
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 Dragon Nation members have been charged with crimes involving in excess of 50 victims, including 15 murder victims.
Luis Colunga has been a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang since approximately 2006. As a member of the Latin Dragons, Colunga was involved in shootings of suspected rival gang members and participated in trafficking firearms and drugs. In this case, a total of 19 members and associates have been charged with racketeering conspiracy for their participation in Latin Dragon Nation activity. Of those, 13 defendants have pled guilty to the conspiracy with 10 defendants 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 Joseph A. Cooley and Kevin F. Wolff and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth, with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section Trial Attorney Hans Miller.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 100 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Marc Gutierrez, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Gutierrez was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in July 2019 a search warrant was obtained to search the residence in South Bend where Mr. Gutierrez was living. Mr. Gutierrez was located at another address in South Bend and when interviewed admitted to being a former Latin King, having felony convictions in Illinois and Texas and distributing large amounts of methamphetamine over the prior months. He further admitted the location of the firearms, two 9mm and one rifle, found at his residence along with handling and shooting them.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive Project Disarm Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse.
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Lansing, Illinois Resident Ordered to Pay $323,986.54 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Ruby Toosevich a/k/a Ruby Marie Lewis, 55, of Lansing, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge James T. Moody following her plea of guilty to bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Toosevich was ordered to pay $323,986.54 in restitution and sentenced to 27 months in prison.
According to documents filed in this case, between December 2012 and December 2013, Ruby Toosevich executed a scheme to defraud the medical practice where she worked by using her employer’s bank account to pay her own expenses. Toosevich created fraudulent invoices disguised as legitimate business expenses to obtain checks from her employer’s bank account totaling more than a half million dollars. She then used the checks to pay or attempt to pay for a mortgage, home remodeling and repairs, private school tuition, federal taxes, jewelry, a luxury car lease, and other expenses. After discovering Toosevich’s scheme, the medical practice stopped payment on some of the checks, resulting in a loss of approximately $335,676.
“Ms. Toosevich cheated her employer for the financial gain of herself, her friends and family,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “These type of crimes will be investigated and prosecuted by my Office and our investigative partners.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Munster Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline L. Jacobs.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 110 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Sonny Richards, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge James T. Moody to 110 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of cocaine and to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, in July 2019, Mr. Richards distributed cocaine on two separate occasions in Hammond, Indiana. From August through September 2019 in Hammond, Richards also possessed three separate firearms, one of which was previously reported stolen, and all three of which were recovered by the ATF. In November 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Richards’ Hammond residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, another firearm, and ammunition. Richards has prior felony convictions for dealing marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.
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Michigan City Man Sentenced to 115 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jeffrey Cooper, age 32, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Cooper was sentenced to 115 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Cooper led police on a car chase for over a mile that ended when he crashed into a car and then a telephone pole outside the Blue Chip Casino. Cooper ran away but police found a loaded pistol with a high capacity magazine in his crashed car. Cooper’s felony convictions include battery resulting in serious bodily injury, intimidation, and escape.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, and LaPorte County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 121 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Juan Salas, age 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to distributing fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Salas was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $22,839.00 and to pay $2,802.53 in restitution.
According to documents presented in this case, on May 30, 2019, Salas distributed over 40 grams of fentanyl. Salas has a 2010 conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets and Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jose Salazar, age 21, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Damon Leichty upon his guilty pleas to Hobbs Act Robbery and Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Salazar was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Mr. Salazar walked from his apartment to a gas station, displayed what appeared to be a handgun, racked the slide, and demanded money. The next morning he did virtually the same thing at another gas station. Both times he obtained cash. After the second robbery he attempted a third robbery at a tobacco store, but the employees refused to give him cash. Mr. Salazar was caught a short time after the third attempt and the weapon recovered turned out to be a BB gun that resembled a real firearm. He was charged by the State of Indiana, posted bond, and while on bond Mr. Salazar attempted to rob one of the gas stations by displaying a knife. Clerks at the gas station refused to give him money. Law enforcement arrested him and he confessed to his crimes.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse prosecuted the case.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Isaiah Whitmore, age 27, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Mr. Whitemore was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from March 2017 up to and including October 2017, Mr. Whitmore and other co-defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, heroin, in excess of 1 kilogram. The group shared at least one cell phone which was used to arrange heroin sales. Members of the group would receive the phone, along with multiple pre-packaged small baggies of heroin, from one of the other members of the group. Buyers would call, and whichever member of the group had the phone would arrange the transaction. The majority of the proceeds would be turned over to higher ranking members of the group.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Indiana State Police; the Mishawaka Police Department; St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit; the St. Joseph County Police Department; the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney; and the United States Marshals Service. The above agencies were also supported by Project Disarm, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force; the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force; Elkhart Police ICE Unit; and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly Donnelly.
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Recent Northern Indiana Federal Prosecutions Serve as Reminder to File and Pay Your Taxes Accurately by July 15 and Remain Vigilant of ScamsRead the Press Release
With the July 15 federal income tax deadline rapidly approaching, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation are reminding people that the tax filing and payment deadline is July 15, and to continue to be on the lookout for scam artists. Please know that the IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or social media to ask for your personal information.
Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date for 2019 personal income tax returns was postponed from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns must file Form 4868 by July 15 to obtain the automatic extension to Oct. 15.
In the last few months, the IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has continued to see a tremendous increase in a variety of Economic Impact Payment scams and other financial schemes. CI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to put a stop to these schemes and bring criminals to justice. Taxpayers can report COVID-19 scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Unsolicited (phishing) e-mails that appear to be from the IRS should be forwarded to [email protected].
For the most up-to-date information about the tax filing deadline and IRS impersonation scams, taxpayers can visit IRS.gov. For people facing hardships, including those affected by COVID-19, who cannot pay in full, the IRS has several options available on IRS.gov/payments.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov as soon as possible to explore these options and avoid accruing interest and penalties after the July 15 deadline.
“We work alongside the Internal Revenue Service to investigate and prosecute tax fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “The integrity of the tax system is maintained through compliance by all of us. Those who wish to cheat the system will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.”
“As the tax filing deadline quickly approaches, I am asking all citizens to file correct and accurate tax returns and to pay their share of taxes," states Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division who oversees the state of Indiana. “We all pay when others cheat the government. IRS Criminal Investigation together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office works year-round to make certain that those who willfully defy the tax laws will be investigated and criminally prosecuted. Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS.gov website for tips on filing a tax return accurately and searching for a reputable return preparer.”
As the tax filing season winds down next week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation are warning those who might consider preparing false tax returns to be aware of the serious consequences such as possible prison time and having to pay back all the taxes owed, plus steep penalties and interest. During the last nine months, the following court actions occurred in Indiana which serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to think before filing a false or fraudulent tax return and to be wary of any schemes that falsify your income or deductions.
In October 2019, mother and son, Tracie Lynn Ellis and Terrell Sir William Franklin were sentenced on charges of filing false claims and ordered to pay restitution to the IRS. Franklin filed a false trust tax return in the name of his mother, Tracie Lynn Ellis, falsely claiming a refund of $239,095.93.
In October 2019, Rosetta Buchanan was sentenced to fifteen months in prison for filing a false federal income tax return. Buchanan falsified her tax return by claiming she worked for a trucking company seeking a substantial tax refund when in fact she was in prison at the time.
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Merrillville Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Tyrone Perry, 39, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to distribution of heroin and cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Perry received a sentence of 108 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on April 24, 2019, Perry distributed heroin and cocaine base to a confidential informant. Perry, who had prior felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Robbery, and Reckless Homicide, also forfeited three firearms that were located during the search of his Merrillville residence on June 13, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Merrillville Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 51 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Isaiah Chase, 29, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge James T. Moody following his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm as a felon. Chase also admitted to violations of his federal supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Chase received a sentence of 51 months in prison for possession of a firearm to be followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on July 5, 2018, the Lake County Police Department performed a traffic stop on Chase’s vehicle in Gary, Indiana for excessive speeding and reckless lane changes. Following Chase’s arrest, officers searched the car before impounding it and found a Taurus pistol hidden between the center console and the passenger seat. Chase’s possession of this firearm also violated of the terms of his federal supervised release for a 2011 felony conviction for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Lake County Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jerry Harris, age 39, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty of conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Mr. Harris was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at trial, Jerry Harris conspired with at least 10 other persons to sell heroin in South Bend. The conspirators used shared cellphones that customers called to arrange to purchase heroin. Undercover law enforcement officers purchased heroin from members of the conspiracy on numerous occasions during a months-long investigation in 2017. Phone records show that the shared cellphones had over 80,000 contacts during the time of the conspiracy. The investigation included search warrants on five houses and cars. Harris directed the sales conducted by those who sold heroin to the undercover officers. Harris was the second-highest ranking member of this organization and functioned as the “right-hand man” to his trial co-defendant David Gibson. Both were convicted at trial in September 2019 and Mr. Gibson was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January 2020.
“I am pleased with the hard work of the committed prosecutors and law enforcement officers that brought this case to a successful resolution,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “This cooperative effort shows that to make our communities safer, we will aggressively investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who flood our streets with illegal drugs.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Donnelly and Joel Gabrielse.
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Lake Station Man Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Bryant Porter, 26, of Lake Station, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Moody to 168 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to distribution of cocaine base and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on multiple occasions between November 2018 and February 2019, Porter distributed cocaine base in Gary, Indiana. On February 13, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Gary residence controlled by Porter and recovered approximately 68 grams of cocaine base, six firearms, a bulletproof vest, and $30,816 in cash. Six additional firearms were recovered from Bryant’s vehicle. Bryant admitted his involvement in the distribution or intention to distribute between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
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East Chicago Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Prince McNeil, 24, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Moody to 70 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release following his guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on August 26, 2019, in Hammond, Indiana, Prince McNeil crashed his vehicle while in possession of a .357 firearm with an extended magazine and laser sight. The firearm was previously reported stolen. McNeil has a prior felony conviction for carrying a handgun without a license, for which he was on probation at the time of the instant offense.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the ATF/HIDTA Task Force, the Hammond Police Department and the East Chicago Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
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California Man Sentenced to 54 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Antonio Henderson, age 30, of San Bernardino, California, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon Leichty upon his plea of guilty to interstate transportation in aid of racketeering, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Mr. Henderson was sentenced to 54 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, a car loaded with methamphetamine in California was placed on a transport and shipped to Illinois. Mr. Henderson flew to Chicago, picked up the car and drove to it to South Bend, intending to deliver the car and its illegal drug cargo to another person. Henderson was arrested before making the intended delivery.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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University Park, Illinois Man Sentenced to 153 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Bernard Anthony Graham, age 27, of University Park, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody upon his plea of guilty to assaulting a federal officer and for discharging a firearm during crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.
“My Office is dedicated to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring offenders like this to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to bring criminals to justice. Their work is extraordinarily dangerous, and we are grateful for it. A law enforcement officer was shot and multiple lives were affected by reckless criminal actions that won’t be tolerated and will be aggressively prosecuted.”
“The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of this crime while also providing closure for the law enforcement community,” commented ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen deTineo Chicago Field Division. “Each and every day, law enforcement risks their safety while protecting the communities they serve, and we thank the United States Attorney’s office for their continued partnership in the fight against violent criminals.”
According to documents in this case, on June 7, 2018, in Gary, Indiana, the defendant, co-defendant Blake King, and Raymon Truitt pretended to sell guns to customers but they really planned to rob the customers. The defendant’s role in the robbery was to provide security as Raymon Truitt negotiated with the customers and King presented the “buyers” with a bag supposedly containing firearms but actually only contained pots and pans. While this was occurring, Raymon Truitt utilized a firearm to rob the buyers, who were in fact ATF federal law enforcement agents, of $1,550 of United States currency. During this robbery, Truitt and Graham both opened fire on the agents, and an ATF agent was shot, placing his life in jeopardy.
Blake King was previously sentenced to 120 months imprisonment in December 2019. Raymon Truitt is deceased.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Indiana State Police, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas McGrath, Thomas Mahoney, and Nicholas Padilla.
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South Bend Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Rumaldo Gamboa, age 45, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Michael G. Gotsch, Sr. on his guilty plea to simple assault, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Gamboa is a non-Indian while the victim is a Native American woman, a tribal member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. At the time of the incident, the victim was Mr. Gamboa’s spouse and intimate partner. The incident occurred on tribal land, in the Pokagon tribal village located just outside of South Bend.
“The United States has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians and crimes that occur on this federally-recognized tribal land of the Pokagon Band will be taken seriously by my Office,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “We understand the importance of prosecuting domestic violence crimes to ensure the safety of women in tribal communities. We will continue to work in unison with the Pokagon Band to protect the safety of its tribal citizens, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture.”
Pokagon Police Chief William Lux said, “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a federally-recognized sovereign nation and is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in the U.S. government to protect our tribal citizens and to prosecute those who violate the law on Pokagon land, especially crimes of domestic violence. The safety of Native American women in domestic situations is an extremely important concern to Native American communities. We appreciate the support of the FBI and U.S. Attorney Kirsch in prosecuting Mr. Gamboa for his crime committed against a member of our tribal community.”
This case was investigated by the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Matteson, Illinois, Man Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Lavell Gordon, 30, of Matteson, Illinois, was sentenced by Judge Simon to 120 months in prison following his guilty plea to one count of distribution of crack cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, in the spring of 2019, Gordon sold an undercover confidential informant crack cocaine on five separate occasions. On May 29, 2019, in Hammond, Indiana, during the last of these five crack cocaine sales, Gordon received two firearms in exchange for the crack cocaine, after which he was immediately arrested. He has five prior felony convictions, including convictions for armed robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, larceny of a firearm, and resisting a peace officer.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Devon Gibson, age 24, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon upon his plea of guilty to a bank fraud scheme in which he forged checks, deposited them at area ATMs, and withdrew funds, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Gibson was sentenced to 48 months in prison. The sentence includes a two-year mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated identity theft.
“We appreciate the work of the FBI and Hammond Police Department in resolving this case,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “These types of crimes are not victimless and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, and we will prosecute offenses like this one.”
According to documents in this case on March 3, 2020, Gibson pled guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Gibson’s bank fraud scheme spanned 18 months. During that time, he created forged checks, deposited them, and withdrew as much money as the bank allowed. He recruited others to provide him with bank accounts that he could use to deposit fraudulent checks or with identity information of unknowing persons that Gibson could use to open bank accounts. Investigators were able to identify 200 fraudulent checks and over three dozen bank accounts linked to the scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra McTague.
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Former Wheeler High School TeacherRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Brian Kunze, age 31, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was charged by criminal Complaint with receiving child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in the case, Mr. Kunze, a former Wheeler High School teacher, used his position of authority at the school to coax one of his minor students into taking and sending him sexually explicit photos of herself. 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 minor girls who attended the school.
“Use of a position of authority to betray the trust placed in a teacher by his student is a very serious offense for which my office will hold all perpetrators accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Individuals who seek out sexually explicit images of minor children, will be investigated and prosecuted by my office.”
The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that the United States is required to prove the allegation before a defendant can be found liable.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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.
Anyone with information about Mr. Kunze or his alleged crime is encouraged to call the Merrillville office of the FBI’s GRIT Task Force at (219) 942-4900.
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Goshen Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Brandon Kramer, age 29, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his guilty plea to production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Kramer was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on August 3, 2018, Kramer induced a pre-teen female to produce two visual depictions of child pornography.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maciejczyk.
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Indiana State Police Receive Department of Justice GrantsRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
The Indiana State Police will receive over $2 million in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
“The Indiana State Police are so deserving of this grant money,” said Southern District of Indiana United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “They are on the front lines of this public health crisis by combating the scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use in Indiana. This is just another example of how the Indiana State Police and all law enforcement protect and serve Hoosiers on a daily basis.”
“Today, two grant awards totaling over $2.2 million were awarded to the Indiana State Police. The grant money will be used to focus on combating methamphetamine and heroin distribution in Indiana,” said Northern District of Indiana United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “My Office has put a special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting individuals who distribute addictive drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin, along with other opioids, on the streets of Northern Indiana, and this funding will help continue those efforts. I am pleased to partner with the Indiana State Police and its dedicated troopers who put their lives on the line daily to provide safety for Indiana families.”
“We are extremely thankful and honored to be a recipient of these two grants, which will assist our investigators who work on the front lines of the opioid crisis every day. We are so very proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners throughout the state in working to make our communities safer for everyone”, said Doug Carter, Superintendent of the Indiana State Police.
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdoses are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
The Indiana State Police will receive $1,285,080.00 through the AHTF Program.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The Indiana State Police will receive $1,000,000.00 through the CAMP.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov .
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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South Bend, Indiana Woman SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Freda Binder, age 43, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Ms. Binder was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on October 23, 2018, Freda Binder agreed to sell methamphetamine. She met with the buyer at her home in South Bend and received $1800 for the methamphetamine. She then told the buyer to meet her at a restaurant on West Western Avenue in South Bend where she gave the buyer four ounces of methamphetamine. On October 29, Ms. Binder again sold four ounces of methamphetamine for $2000, though she directed the buyer to meet at a different location when she delivered the methamphetamine. On November 1, 2018, Ms. Binder again sold four ounces of methamphetamine for $1,000.
This case included Kenneth Sanders, who was sentenced on 2/5/2020 to 120 months, and Maurice Sylvester, who was sentenced to 130 months on 2/13/2020.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Laporte County Drug Task Force and Michigan City Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Merrillville Woman Indicted for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Dina Al-Sbeihi, 36, of Merrillville, Indiana, was charged by way of an Indictment with three counts of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, it is alleged that between July 2015 and August 2019, Al-Sbeihi engaged in a scheme to defraud consumers by selling counterfeit medical devices, namely counterfeit Juverderm and Restalyne. Juvederm and Restalyne are prescription dermal fillers that are injected into the skin and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Indictment alleges that Al-Sbeihi imported counterfeit Juvederm and Restalyne products from foreign manufacturers located in the People’s Republic of China and elsewhere. The counterfeit products were packaged and branded to look like authentic Juvederm and Restalyne products. These foreign-made dermal fillers had not been approved by the FDA and, as a result, the safety and efficacy of the products were unknown.
According to the Indictment, Al-Sbeihi sold these counterfeit products through her retail company The Beauty Pharmacy falsely representing them to be genuine. Al-Sbeihi used the U.S. Mails to ship the counterfeit products to her customers. It is alleged that Al-Sbeihi earned more than $260,000 from consumers by selling counterfeit Juverderm and Restalyne products to customers in the United States.
“The importing of counterfeit medical devices and selling them as legitimate creates a great concern for the public purchasing these counterfeit products,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Consumers have a right not to be misled in the manner alleged in this case. I want to thank the law enforcement agencies that investigated this case.”
“Distributing medical devices of unknown origin and components instead of FDA-approved devices places the U.S. public health at risk,” said Lynda M. Burdelik, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “We will aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who attempt to subvert FDA requirements, which are designed to ensure the safety and quality of devices distributed to American consumers.”
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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Rome City, Indiana Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Tommy Gibson a/k/a “Two-Tone”, age 56, of Rome City, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Gibson was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents presented in this case, in early 2018, multiple undercover purchases of methamphetamine were conducted from Gibson. On March 28, 2018, Gibson was indicted and ultimately pled guilty to the sale of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Noble County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Latin Dragon Nation Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Including Two HomicidesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Ralph Mendez, Jr., 24, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragons Nation street gang, including admitting responsibility for two homicides, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
In the plea agreement, the parties agree that Mendez, Jr., should serve a sentence of 42.5 years imprisonment.
“Mendez, Jr.’s guilty plea is a successful resolution to this case,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Many people were victimized and some died as a result of Mr. Mendez, Jr’s actions. He will face the consequences of his actions. I am pleased with our law enforcement team’s work on this case.”
In the plea agreement, Mendez, Jr., admitted to being a member of the Latin Dragon Nation street gang since approximately 2014. As a member of the gang, Mendez, Jr., participated in shootings of suspected gang members and associates, in addition to drug and firearms trafficking. On May 23, 2017, while accompanied by others, Mendez, Jr., left Hammond, Indiana, in a stolen vehicle to go to a rival gang neighborhood in Chicago. Upon arriving, he shot Jose Gomez, a suspected rival gang member, resulting in his death. On July 14, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois, Mendez, Jr., was accompanied by others when he fired in excess of 15 shots at four people whom he suspected were rival gang members or associates, resulting in the death of Mike Whitford and resulting in another victim being shot in the neck. From 2014 through 2017, Mendez, Jr., also accompanied others on shootings and himself shot four additional victims, including shooting one victim in the back as he attempted to flee.
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 Joseph A. Cooley and Kevin F. Wolff and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section Trial Attorneys Robert Tully, Andrew Creighton, and Hans Miller.
Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “The elderly are among the most vulnerable of crime victims. When falling for scams, they place their trust in individuals who are out for their own personal gain. My Office and our law enforcement partners have no tolerance for schemes targeting the elderly.”
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Bryant Love Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Bryant Love, 45 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to two counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Love received a sentence of 180 months in prison.
According to documents in the case, on two separate occasion in December of 2016, Love sold cocaine base to a confidential informant in East Chicago, Indiana. On December 20, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Love’s East Chicago residence and seized cocaine base and two firearms. At the time, Love was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
On June 2, 2022, Love was resentenced as an Armed Career Offender.
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Defendants Sentenced and Ordered to Pay $993,644.46 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jacqueline Jay Podell, 46, and Michael Wilson, 53, both of Winamac, Indiana were sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Philip Simon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
On December 13, 2019, defendant Podell entered a guilty plea to conspiring to commit health care fraud. Defendant Wilson entered his guilty plea a month later to the charge of participating in a health care fraud scheme. Defendant Podell was sentenced on June 11, 2020 and received 6 months in prison and 6 months home confinement. Defendant Wilson was sentenced today and received 18 months in prison.
Both defendants have been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $985,490.27 to Medicare and $8,154.19 to Indiana Medicaid.
According to documents in this case, in June 2018 Michael Wilson and Jacqueline Podell were indicted for their involvement in a multi -year scheme to defraud Medicare and, to a lesser degree, the Indiana Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent ambulance transport claims for payment. Operating under the name Transport Loving Care, dba Alliance EMS defendants transported 4 patients, none of who actually had a medical need for ambulance transport, to and from dialysis from 2010-2014. Defendants’ scheme resulted in almost 2 million dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare and tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims to Indiana Medicaid.
“All taxpayers are victims of health care fraud schemes like this one, where money is stolen from the public fisc. These defendants are required to pay back the money they stole and will be going to prison for their crimes,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “I have directed my Office to work with federal, state and local law enforcement and state administering agencies to find and bring cases like this for the benefit of the honest taxpayer. I wish to commend my partner agencies on a great job and on the resolution to this case.”
“Medicare and Medicaid do not pay health care providers for services that are not medically necessary,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Submitting false or fraudulent claims that mis-represent the medical need for a service is illegal. The OIG will continue to identify, investigate and hold accountable those who choose to defraud federally funded health care program and waste tax payer dollars.”
“Health care fraud is often billed as a victimless crime, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These schemes often impact many of the most vulnerable in our society who rely on these services,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Middleton, FBI Indianapolis. “Today’s sentencing reaffirms the FBI’s commitment in bringing those responsible for these acts to justice. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue all those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves by manipulating the system motivated by nothing more than greed.”
This case was investigated by the US Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
South Bend, Indiana Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a FirearmsRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Darnell Williams, age 42, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of one or more firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Williams was sentenced to 44 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Williams had been involved in selling controlled substances in January and February of 2016. His home was searched by narcotics agents on February 2, 2016 and they located several firearms in his home. Prior to possessing the firearms, Mr. Williams had been convicted of several felony drug offenses.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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South Bend, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Harry Kinds, age 37, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Kinds was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Harry Kinds and another person were dealing methamphetamine together. On October 7, 2019, they were dealing at a hotel on the north side of South Bend. A hotel manager noticed their activities and called police. Police eventually arrested Kinds and the other person, and police recovered cash, drug distribution paraphernalia, and about a pound of methamphetamine. Kinds admitted that he had been buying and selling methamphetamine by the pound, and that he had brought approximately one pound of methamphetamine to the hotel for distribution. Kinds has seven felonies and ten misdemeanors convictions.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Police Department and the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Goshen Man Charged in Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Earl D. Miller, 40, of Goshen, Indiana was charged by way of an Indictment with 6 counts of wire fraud, 1 count of securities fraud, and 1 count of bankruptcy fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, it is alleged that Miller, a former real estate investor, began raising money for a new private investment firm named “5 Star Capital” in 2012. He began recruiting predominately novice investors, including members of the Amish community, for “investment opportunities” with 5 Star Capital, 5 Star Commercial and other real estate entities. Miller allegedly solicited funds to invest in “green energy saving product that save the American consumer hundreds of dollars each year.” It is alleged that from June 2014 to August 2015, Mr. Miller raised at least $4.3 million from at least 70 investors through lies. He falsely told investors that he would not get paid anything for managing their funds when, in truth, he misappropriated over $1 million dollars from 5 Star Commercial investors for his personal use including to pay off a former business partner. Mr. Miller also did not own “green product” patents and performed virtually no due diligence into the purported “green” companies before placing his investors’ assets. In addition, to the wire fraud, Mr. Miller is charged securities fraud and bankruptcy fraud for omissions made during bankruptcy proceedings.
“Investment fraud schemes, like the one charged today, ensnare hundreds of victims each year across the United States,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “This case is an excellent example of our law enforcement partners working together to seek justice on behalf of the defendant’s alleged victims. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases involving all types of investment frauds.”
“I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Kirsch and our law enforcement partners for their strong commitment to combating fraud and abuse in bankruptcy cases as evidenced by today’s proceedings,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Indiana, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois (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. The charges resulted, in part, from a referral by the U.S. Trustee for Indiana and Central and Southern Illinois (Region 10) to the U.S. Attorney. Assistance with the investigation was provided by members of the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee.
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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and Security Exchange Commission in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maciejczyk and Jerome McKeever.
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South Bend, Indiana Man Re-Sentenced to 43 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Derek Fields, 30, of South Bend, Indiana was re-sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. This re-sentencing was necessary following the Seventh Circuit’s opinion vacating the district court’s previous sentence.
Fields was re-sentenced to 516 months in prison following his trial and subsequent guilty verdict on November 16, 2016 of kidnapping, extortion, felon in possession and using a firearm in a crime of violence. Fields was also ordered to pay restitution of $193,384.98 for lost wages of the victim and medical expenses.
“Crimes of violence, like those committed by Fields, will not be tolerated. As a result of Fields’ conduct, an individual suffered permanent injury. Crime is not victimless. Crime victims deserve to be protected from criminals like Fields, and I am grateful to the law enforcement agents and officers in bringing Fields to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents filed in this case, Fields and his codefendants unlawfully confined or kidnapped an individual against his will and demanded a ransom for that individual from his family. A firearm was discharged, hitting the victim, and caused permanent injuries to the victim. Two co-defendants, Lindani Mzembe and Ivan Brazier were also convicted in separate trials of similar offenses, and were sentenced to 524 months and 444 months respectively.
Fields’ original sentencing was announced in a February of 2017 press release.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Joel Gabrielse.