Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former City of Gary Network Administrator SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Monique S. Bowling aka Monique Boyd, 47, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after being found guilty during a three day jury trial in January 2019. She was found guilty of one count of theft from local government receiving federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Bowling was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Citizens expect and deserve officials to act in the best interest of the public, free from self-dealing and illegal self-enrichment. My office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue matters involving public corruption.”
According to documents in this case, Bowling allegedly stole and obtained by fraud 1,517 Apple computer devices under the care, custody and control of the City of Gary.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary T. Bell and Toi D. Houston.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Terry Brown, 33, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Brown was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, beginning in December 2017 and continuing through February 2018, Mr. Brown sold cocaine and marijuana to a confidential informant. On one of the occasions, he sold, in addition to cocaine and marijuana, a 30 round drum magazine, a stolen .45 caliber firearm and ammunition to a confidential informant.
This case was investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and FBI/GRIT Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, and the Gary Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and Joseph A. Cooley.
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South Bend Man Convicted Following 2-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Nehemiah Felders, age 29, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted on a single count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr, presided over this two-day jury trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, on November 2, 2017, Felders possessed a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense. Felders was present in a house when officers from the Indiana State Police executed a search warrant for drugs. A firearm was found near Felders and he confessed to the officers that the firearm belonged to him. He stipulated that he had previously been convicted of a felony.
Mr. Felders’s sentencing is set for August 26, 2019.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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New Carlisle Man Convicted Following 2-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kevin Clinton, age 62, of New Carlisle, Indiana was convicted on 4 counts of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr, presided over this two day jury trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Clinton was employed as the Chief Information Officer at a business in South Bend. From about March 2012 through October 2017, he executed a scheme in which he incorporated a business and used a virtual office to submit fraudulent billings to his employer totaling over $2.2 million. Clinton’s employer sent checks to his virtual office as payment for these “fake” services. His employer did not know Clinton owned the business.
Mr. Clinton’s sentencing is set for August 22, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Joel Gabrielse.
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National Police Week Is May 12-18, 2019Read the Press Release
HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed,declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Police Week celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Gary Man Sentenced to 96 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Leeroy Beck, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Springmann after pleading guilty to brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence (robbery of a United States Postal employee) announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Beck was sentenced to 96 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $5595 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, on August 3, 2017, Beck participated in the armed robbery of the Tolleston Post Office in Gary, Indiana, pointing guns at employees and forcing them into a bathroom in order to steal $5,595.00 in cash.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane L. Berkowitz and Thomas M. McGrath.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Darcy Neily, age 41, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Neily was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in July 2018, Neily possessed a firearm after being convicted of seven prior felony offenses.
The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Griffith Man Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Mohammad Amara, 28, of Griffith, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody upon his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Amara was sentenced to 84 months in prison.
According to documents in the case, on March 20, 2018, Amara was arrested in Griffith, Indiana, following possessing a firearm. At the time of his arrest, Amara was planning a home invasion robbery and possessed a backpack containing latex gloves, a hoodie, and other clothing to be used during the robbery. Amara was on parole for a prior robbery conviction at the time of his arrest. Amara has six prior felony convictions, including convictions for robbery, controlled substance possession, forgery, and three theft convictions.
This case was investigated by ATF. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
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Goshen Man Sentenced to 61 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Marcell Spencer, age 23, of Goshen, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E DeGuilio, upon his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Spencer was sentenced to 61 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Spencer entered a guilty plea for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges arose out of a search warrant executed in May of 2018 at the defendant’s home where marijuana and weapons were found.
The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the Goshen Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 174 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Michael Terrance Henderson, 43, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and possession of a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Henderson was sentenced to 174 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 26, 2018, the Gary, Indiana Police Department responded to a disturbance at a Gary residence in which Henderson was alleged to have threatened to kill another person in the home with a firearm. During the disturbance, Henderson was wearing a bullet-proof vest and possessed a semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number and an extended thirty-round magazine, in addition to possessing another firearm that he had stolen from someone in the home. Henderson has six prior felony convictions, including three prior convictions for robbery and prior convictions for escape, intimidation, and theft.
This case was investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and the Gary, Indiana Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Padilla and Thomas M. McGrath.
Bruce Williams Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Bruce Williams, 48 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge James T. Moody after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Williams was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on October 24, 2017, law enforcement purchased heroin from Williams in Lake Station, Indiana. Williams was in his vehicle at the time and had a handgun inside the vehicle. When law enforcement stopped Williams’ vehicle, they found the handgun.
This case was investigated by the DEA, in conjunction with the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and the Indiana State Police with the assistance of ATF. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Rashee Herron, age 27, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., upon his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Herron was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, this case stems from a local investigation into heroin and fentanyl distribution. On July 10, 2018, an undercover investigator ordered drugs by calling a phone number that they believed was associated with a drug dealer called “Ace”. Mr. Herron, later identified as “Ace”, arrived at the meeting place and met with the officer. Herron was holding baggies apparently containing drugs but ended the meeting when the officer refused Herron’s demand to use some of the drugs in front of him. Later the same day, investigators arranged another controlled purchase of drugs. This time, Herron’s co-defendant arrived and sold approximately 1 gram of fentanyl in exchange for $140. The co-defendant was driving the same car Herron used a short time earlier. On July 13, investigators searched a house in South Bend pursuant to a warrant. In the bedroom shared by Herron and his co-defendant investigators found almost 100 grams of fentanyl, 2 loaded handguns, scales, marijuana, a money counter and more than $30,000 cash.
The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly Donnelly.
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Rochester, Indiana Man Sentenced to 77 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Travis Norman, age 30, of Rochester, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Norman was sentenced to 77 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on October 4, 2018, Rochester Police were dispatched to a local hotel in response to a complaint. They located Travis Norman in a hotel room along with seven grams of methamphetamine, three grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a large amount of United States currency, and a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun. At the time of this arrest, Mr. Norman had been recently convicted of Dealing Methamphetamine in Marshall County.
The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the Rochester Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Schultz.
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Ashley Patterson Sentenced to 125 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Ashley Patterson, 29 years old, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 125 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in the case, on March 29, 2014, Patterson and her co-defendant Jeremiah Ellis robbed First Merchant’s Bank in East Chicago, Indiana. Patterson and Ellis brandished guns during the robbery, took approximately $10,000 cash, and Ellis discharged his gun as Patterson drove them away from the bank.
This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force with the assistance of ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Wolcottville Woman Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE, IN –Kristin M. Ferguson, also known as “Detroit,” 29, of Wolcottville, Indiana was charged in a single count Indictment returned by the Grand Jury alleging that she possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.
Ms. Ferguson’s initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Susan Collin was conducted at 11:30AM in the Fort Wayne Federal Courthouse.
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 the result of an investigation by the Wolcottville Police Department, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
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Dallas, Texas Women Sentenced for Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Rita Alielnour, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced, on April 29, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen to 12 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Email compromise and account takeover schemes cost victims hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Those schemes cannot be accomplished without people who open bank accounts and move the money. People engaged in such acts will be aggressively prosecuted.”
According to documents in the case, Alielnour participated in an email compromise and account takeover scheme that obtained over $335,000 during a two-day period in April 2017. As part of the scheme, Alielnour opened a bank account in the name of a non-existent business to receive fraudulent wire transfers. A victim in the Northern District of Indiana was tricked into wiring $282,000 for a down payment on a home into Alielnour’s bank account after members of the scheme spoofed the escrow officer’s email address and provided false wire instructions. A victim in Texas was tricked into wiring nearly $25,000 into Alielnour’s account believing it was payment of a business invoice. A second victim in Texas had his bank account compromised, and an unknown person wired money into Alielnour’s account.
All funds were recovered and returned to the victims.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra McTague.
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Munster Doctor SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Jay Kaushik Joshi, age 34, of Woodridge, Illinois was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 15 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $7,500 fine, and a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of dispensing hydrocodone, an opioid, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
“Prescribing controlled substances that are not medically necessary intensify the opioid problem our Nation faces,” said US Attorney Kirsch. “We, working with our law enforcement partners, are focused on reducing opioid abuse in the Northern District of Indiana. Doctors who abuse their authority are just one of the areas on which our partners are focusing.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to the medical “professionals” who exploit their power, prey on the delicate members of our community who are struggling among today’s opioid crisis, and their loved ones. The trust that is dissolved does a disservice to the true medical professionals who care for us and our families,” remarked Chicago Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian M. McKnight.
According to documents in the case, Joshi practiced medicine at Prestige Clinics in Munster, Indiana. Joshi was a medical doctor licensed to practice medicine in the State of Indiana and until November 21, 2017, was registered by the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances, including opioids. Between September 2017 and December 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Munster Police Department obtained information about Joshi’s history of prescribing controlled substances through Indiana’s prescription monitoring system, INSPECT. INSPECT is a tool to address the problem of prescription drug abuse and diversion of controlled substances. Investigators obtained data from INSPECT, which showed that from April 2017 to November 21, 2017, Joshi issued over 6,000 prescriptions for controlled substances, the most of any medical provider in Lake County and the ninth-most in the entire State of Indiana, including more than 150 hospitals. At sentencing, Joshi was held responsible for his involvement in the distribution of hydrocodone, an opioid, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Joshi’s medical license has been suspended since February 7, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Munster, Indiana Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Mahoney and Diane Berkowitz.
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Three Charged in Criminal Complaint with KidnappingRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jaron Johnson, 22, Jarod Johnson, 20, and Patricia Carrington, 46, all of Gary, Indiana, were charged in a criminal complaint with kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The criminal complaint alleges that on April 14, 2019, the defendants forced the victim in this case into a car, bound and beat her, in an effort to extract information from her about the whereabouts of her sister, who was supposed to testify in state court the following day against Jarod Johnson. Jarod Johnson is awaiting a state trial for attempted murder of the victim’s sister and the sister’s boyfriend. The federal criminal complaint further alleges that the victim was driven to an abandoned house in Gary where she was shot several times and left for dead. The wounded victim was able to get help and alert investigators to the incident. The subsequent investigation uncovered electronic data, from an active ankle monitor, linking Jarod Johnson to the location where the victim allegedly was held and shot. Investigators also located shell casings, a substance consistent with blood, and a piece of duct tape in the area.
US Attorney Thomas Kirsch II said, “Intimidation of witnesses, whether in state court cases or federal court cases, is completely intolerable. My office will not hesitate to devote federal resources to bring individuals who engage in this lawless behavior to justice.”
Lake County Prosecuting Attorney Bernard A. Carter stated, “The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office is extremely appreciative for its relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office. The high degree of cooperation formed from this relationship has allowed us to create a united front, through which we are able to choose the best avenue to prosecute criminal cases in our county. In this particular instance filing criminal charges in the federal system is the best manner to pursue this case. The high degree of assistance provided by Mr. Thomas Kirsch and his office is an invaluable asset and I would like to thank United States Attorney Kirsch and his office for their assistance in this matter.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal 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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team with the assistance of the Gary Police Department and Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Mahoney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Toth.
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LaPorte Man Entered Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Eric R. Weiler, 46, of LaPorte, Indiana, tendered his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and making a destructive device before US Magistrate Judge Michael G. Gotsch, Sr., announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, on August 23, 2017, a person who lived near Weiler discovered that someone had run wires into the gas tank of that person’s car. On September18, 2017, investigators learned that Weiler had been accessing a vacant house next to the house of the person whose car had been wired to explode. On the same date in September, investigators gained access to the vacant house and discovered writings on interior walls documenting the writer’s attempts to acquire a girl under the age of twelve, ideally a newborn baby, for sexual contact. On September 20, 2017, two incendiary devices were located inside Weiler’s house, one of which is commonly referred to as an improvised explosive device (IED), and the other of which is commonly referred to as a CO2 “cricket” bomb. On September 21, 2017, multiple electronic devices and electronic storage devices were located inside Weiler’s house, some of which contained over 24,000 images and over 80 videos of child pornography. The videos included videos of Weiler engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of twelve. Weiler’s electronic devices also contained videos of him discussing the explosive devices.
The Magistrate Judge will make a report and recommendation to the assigned District Court Judge whether the tendered plea should be accepted. The parties are afforded 14 days to object to the Magistrate Judge’s recommendation. The District Judge thereafter will decide to accept or reject the tendered plea. The plea is final when the District Court Judge accepts it. A sentencing hearing will then be scheduled by the District Judge.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, LaPorte Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Molly E. Donnelly.
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Benton Harbor, Michigan Man Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Marcus Edwards, age 38, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to robbery, carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Edwards was sentenced to 154 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on March 3, 2016, Mr. Edwards and a co-defendant entered a hotel in South Bend, pointed a shotgun at a clerk and demanded money. After the robbery, the duo followed a vehicle to a house in South Bend where they pointed a shotgun at the driver and passenger to take their car. Co-Defendant Jerricka Johnson was sentenced in May of 2017 to 70 months for her role in this case.
The case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse.
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Merrillville Man Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Stacy Newlin, 57 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after he pled guilty to possession and receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Judge Simon sentenced Newlin to 78 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $18,000 in restitution to his victims.
According to court documents, Newlin possessed 933 still images and 82 videos of child pornography. Investigators determined that, since 2007, Newlin had systematically downloaded pornographic images from the internet. Many of the pornographic images showed children under the age of 12 years old.
This case was investigated by the FBI/GRIT and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra McTague.
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Angola Man Sentenced to 93 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Johnathan Ladig, 33 years old, of Angola, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to selling firearms to a felon and transporting stolen firearms in interstate commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Ladig was sentenced to 93 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in December 2017, Ladig sold 15 stolen firearms to a confidential informant, and based upon recorded conversations, Ladig believed this individual to be a convicted felon who planned to sell the stolen firearms in Chicago. Ladig obtained the firearms by breaking into a home in Michigan, and he brought the firearms to Indiana for the sale.
This investigation was conducted by the ATF with the assistance of the Hillside County, Michigan, Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Michigan City, Indiana Man Sentenced to 71 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Demetrius Thomas, age 39, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to 5 counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Thomas was sentenced to 71 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from December 24, 2017 through January 1, 2018, Mr. Thomas conducted a series of 5 armed robberies in South Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph County. The robberies occurred at a drug store, a pizzeria and gas stations.
The case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse.
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Recent Tax Prosecutions Serve as A Reminder to Accurately File and Pay Taxes as the April 15 Deadline ApproachesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana remind all Hoosiers that the deadline for filing federal income tax returns is Monday, April 15. Although the filing season is nearing the end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division work year round to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax system by investigating and prosecuting individuals who violate the tax laws.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We continually work with the Internal Revenue Service to aggressively investigate and prosecute people who commit all levels of tax fraud. Cheating the IRS -- stealing from the United States Treasury -- is stealing from all of us.”
“Taxpayers thinking about participating in fraudulent tax schemes, such as failing to report all forms of income or falsifying deductions should take a good look at the serious and detrimental consequences of taking the next step,” stated Special Agent in Charge Gabe Grchan of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. “Those who might consider preparing false and fraudulent tax returns should be aware of the extremely negative consequences that could result in prison time, large tax bills, including substantial fines, interest and penalties.”
As the tax filing season winds down next week, the following court actions 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.
RANDALL STILES, of Fort Wayne, was convicted and sentenced for failure to file a federal tax return and other federal violations. STILES will serve 6 months in prison and pay $235,055 in restitution to the IRS.
TARA HIGHTOWER was convicted for preparing false federal tax returns. HIGHTOWER owned and operated a tax preparation service TZH Consulting and collected fees for tax preparation services. She did not report her collected fees on her personal federal tax returns. HIGHTOWER was sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $62,303 in restitution to the IRS.
SHERECE MOORE was convicted for assisting in the preparation of a false federal tax return. MOORE was employed as a tax return preparer for Quick Sam Tax Refund in Gary, Indiana. MOORE was sentenced to 12 months’ probation.
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Elkhart Man Convicted Following 4-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Rex Hammond, age 54, of Elkhart, Indiana was convicted on 5 counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, 2 counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr, presided over this 4-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, from October 6 through October 27, 2017, Mr. Hammond conducted a series of robberies of gas stations and a liquor store located in Logansport, Peru, Auburn, Decatur and Logansport, Indiana, each while brandishing a firearm. Prior to the armed robberies involved in this federal trial, Mr. Hammond had other felony armed robbery convictions.
Sentencing of Mr. Hammond has been set for July 15, 2019.
The case was investigated ATF; FBI; Indiana State Police; Logansport Police Department; Peru Police Department; Auburn Police Department; Portage, Michigan Department of Public Safety; Kalamazoo, Michigan Department of Public Safety; Decatur Police Department; and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance to the case was provided by the following agencies: Cass County Prosecutor’s Office; Miami County Prosecutor’s Office; DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office; Adams County Prosecutor’s Office; and Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Molly E. Donnelly and Luke N. Reilander.
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Monticello Man Ordered to Pay $280,480 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Jimmie Powers, 67 years old, of Monticello, Indiana, was sentenced, on April 2, 2019, by District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Powers was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $280,480.93 in restitution.
According to court documents, Powers billed Indiana Medicaid for inflated mileage when transporting Medicaid beneficiaries to and from medical appointments.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in coordination with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and handled by Assistant United States Attorney Diane L. Berkowitz.
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Justice Department Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch would like to announce National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.
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Gary Woman Ordered to Pay $195,622 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Charlotte Hunter, 69 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced, on April 2, 2019, by District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on her plea of guilty to health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Hunter was sentenced to time served followed by 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $195,622.09 in restitution.
According to court documents, Hunter and her co-defendant billed Indiana Medicaid for services not rendered, inflating mileage for trips from Northwest Indiana to Indianapolis by approximately 100 miles per trip.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in coordination with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and handled by Assistant United States Attorney Diane L. Berkowitz.
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Lafayette Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Dennis A. Jones, 47 years old, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Jones was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to five victims.
According to court documents, between February 2015 and January 2016, Jones downloaded and received child pornography from the internet, including the dark web. Law enforcement found Jones in possession of over 2,000 still images and over 45 videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct including materials featuring prepubescent minors and materials depicting torture and violence against children.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Lafayette Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Munster Man Sentenced to 29 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Eric P. Krieg, age 47, of Munster, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen upon his guilty plea to knowingly making an unregistered destructive device, mailing a destructive device, malicious use of explosive materials, and mailing a threatening communication, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, Krieg was sued for making disparaging statements on his online blog. To settle the lawsuit, Krieg had to pay $45,000 and post an apology on his blog. Krieg retaliated by constructing a pipe bomb and placing it in the mail, addressed to the home of the attorney who represented the individual who had sued Krieg. The bomb detonated prematurely in the East Chicago Post Office injuring a female postal employee.
Krieg also made threats arising from a grudge he had against another individual. He placed a bullet wrapped in tape in the mail addressed to that individual with the message, “The next one will be in the back of your head.”
US Attorney Kirsch said, “I am pleased that Judge Van Bokkelen accepted my sentencing recommendation as set forth in the plea agreement. For his conduct, Krieg has been severely punished. Krieg intended to send a message of fear and to harm those with whom he had disagreements. He failed to do physical harm to his enemies, but not for lack of trying. And, his conduct resulted in injury to a totally innocent postal worker just trying to do her job. This should have never happened. The sentence of 29 years, imposed today, sends a strong and clear message that individuals who engage in this type of conduct – sending bombs through the mail, intending to harm or kill others – will be brought to justice. I am thankful to all the law enforcement officials who participated in this case for their service and hard work, bringing this matter to a final and just resolution.”
“The public has a right to expect the U.S. Mail to be safe, and Mr. Krieg’s actions eroded that trust when he mailed a pipe bomb that exploded and injured an East Chicago Postal employee in September of 2017,” said Inspector in Charge Patricia Armstrong, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division. “The investigative collaboration with our law enforcement partners and our brave, quick-thinking Postal employees ensured Mr. Krieg faced swift justice.”
“This sentence sends a strong message that actions such as Mr. Krieg’s, which endanger the public, will not be tolerated,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to diligently identify and investigate those who put lives at risk through their violent actions.”
“The ATF takes seriously the illegal manufacturing of destructive devices coupled with serious threats of intimidation,” remarked Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones of the Chicago Field Division of the ATF. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate violent threats and protect the community.”
This case resulted from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; United States Marshal’s Service; East Chicago Police; Hammond Police; Indiana State Police; Munster Police; and Porter County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Man Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Rickey D. Brown, Jr., age 41, of Hobart, Indiana, who previously lived in Florida, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen upon his plea of guilty to possession and production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Brown was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release.
“This 30 year sentence should send a strong message to all other sexual predators,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Children are the most vulnerable victims and my Office will do everything in our power to prosecute and to seek appropriate sentences against sexual predators.”
According to documents in the case, between January 1, 2014 and April 29, 2015, Rickey D. Brown produced photographs of a six to seven-year-old child diagnosed with Autism, who he persuaded to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He admitted to molesting the child on more than one occasion while the child was in his care. Brown also possessed child pornography, including depictions of minors under age twelve.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Three Indicted in Fort Wayne for Hobbs/Armed Robbery Related OffensesRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE, IN –Quran Waterford, 34, of Bloomington, Indiana, Gary McCaleb, 29, of Harvey, Illinois, and Mandell Strawter, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were charged in a seven count Indictment returned by the Grand Jury arising out of the armed robberies of B&H Firearms and a T-Mobile Store in Fort Wayne, Indiana on December 5 and 13, 2018, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.
The indictment alleges that between November 28 and December 13, 2018, the three conspired to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. The Indictment further alleges that on December 5 and 13, 2018, Waterford and McCaleb committed Hobbs Act robberies of B&H Firearms and a T-Mobile store in Fort Wayne. Waterford and McCaleb, in connection with these robberies, were also charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to those crimes of violence. Finally, Waterford and McCaleb were charged with being convicted felons in possession of firearms.
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 the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Abraham Stewart, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Stewart was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on or about January 29, 2017, officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department were attempting to locate Stewart about another matter. Stewart ran from officers, and after apprehending Stewart, officers located a loaded handgun in Stewart’s coat pocket. Stewart was in possession of a firearm despite having at least three felony convictions in Allen County Superior Court. The felony convictions along with this offense qualified Mr. Stewart to be sentenced as an armed career criminal.
This investigation was conducted by the ATF with the assistance of Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 135 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – John Dominguez, 67 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Dominguez was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on or about May 19, 2016, a state search warrant was executed at Mr. Dominguez’s Fort Wayne residence after Dominguez sold cocaine during two controlled drug buys. During the search of the residence and his vehicle, officers located more than 100 grams total of heroin, with some of the heroin also containing fentanyl. Officers also located a scale and an unloaded firearm in the residence. Dominguez admitted to selling heroin and cocaine during a law enforcement interview.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA with the assistance of ATF and the Allen County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jamar Freeman, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to attempted bank robbery and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Freeman was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 11 2016, Freeman and two co-defendants attempted to rob a bank. During the course of the attempted robbery, a dangerous weapon was used causing injury to another person. A person was also forced to accompany the robbers against the consent of that person.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Indiana State Police North Regional Laboratory, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay $585,652.78Read the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Gregory Lutz, 49 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Lutz was sentenced to 33 months in prison. As part of the sentence, the court, in addition to entering a money judgement in the amount of the proceeds from the scheme ($585,652.740, also ordered restitution to the two victims).
According to documents in the case, between Sept 2016 and May 2018, defendant, employed as controller of a local company, embezzled funds from the company’s bank accounts which he used to wire payments to his debts on his personal credit cards. He concealed his conduct from the employer by whiting out the wire transactions in the company’s bank records and recorded the payments in the company’s books as payment to one of the company’s largest vendor but the numbers were significantly out of sequence and in reality, were never printed signed nor cashed. The amount of the “checks” matched the amount of company funds the defendant used to pay his credit cards each month.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Indiana Financial Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Tina Nommay.
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Former Fort Wayne Attorney Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Randall Stiles, 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to making a false oath in a bankruptcy proceeding, embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate and failure to file a tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Stiles was sentenced to 6 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $235,055.88 to the Internal Revenue Service and $3,535 to a victim in a bankruptcy case.
According to documents in the case, Stiles was an attorney that practiced in the United States Bankruptcy Court which is a specialized area where lawyers assist individuals in obtaining debt relief based on hard times and financial hardships. Stiles was in a position of trust not only to his clients but to the Court, the Trustee and the legal process. In this case, Stiles’ criminal conduct arose not only from his representation of a client in bankruptcy, but his criminal action in his own personal bankruptcy filing in 2013. Stiles stole from his client, and lied to the Trustee about the filing of his tax return. When faced with possible consequences of his conduct, he did plead to 2 felony counts of bankruptcy fraud and a misdemeanor tax count in September of 2017. Stiles, in his plea, agreed to pay restitution to the client and IRS and agreed to file his unfiled tax returns for 2009, 2010, 2011and 2012. Before the filing of these federal charges, Stiles was suspended indefinitely by the Indiana Supreme Court from the practice of law.
US Attorney Kirsch said, “Attorneys have a duty and obligation to represent their clients fairly and with integrity. Stealing from clients and lying to the court violate the ethics of being an attorney and in this case violated the law. We will utilize all the resources we have available to investigate and prosecute cases involving the breaching of public trust.”
“Criminal bankruptcy fraud threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system, as well as public confidence in that system,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Indiana and Central and Southern Illinois (Region 10). “I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Kirsch and our law enforcement partners for their strong commitment to combating bankruptcy- related crimes, especially when committed by persons in a position of trust, as demonstrated by today’s sentencing.” 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.
Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal investigation said, "Randy Stiles violated the trust of his clients, the Court, and taxpayers. Mr. Stiles stole from U.S. taxpayers by not reporting or paying his taxes. We will not tolerate willful disregard for tax laws and today's results make that clear."
“Embezzlement is a crime that diverts funds from their original use and won’t be tolerated by the FBI. We all have the right to expect honest representation from those we hire to assist us,” said Danny Youmara, Asst. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “I hope that those few who decide to violate this trust will see the FBI will continue to investigate and pursue those who enrich themselves at the expense of others and we will hold them accountable.”
The case against Stiles resulted from a referral by the United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10) to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group, which is coordinated by the United States Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Tina Nommay and Deborah Leonard.
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Christopher Forster Sentenced and Ordered to pay $1,414,030 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Christopher Forster, 31 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Forster was sentenced to 15 months in prison and was ordered to pay $1,414,030 in restitution to Arcelor Mittal.
According to documents in the case, between August 2013 and March 2014, Forster and others stole a metal alloy called Ferro Columbium from Arcelor Mittal property and transported it across state lines to sell for profit.
This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Roanoke Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Marianne Matchette, 52 years old, formerly of Roanoke, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Ms. Matchette was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. Ms. Matchette was ordered to pay $126,705.09 in restitution to the victims of her offenses.
According to documents in the case, Ms. Matchette was given access to a company credit card issued in her name to make purchases authorized by the company and was also given access to the President/CEO’s company and personal credit cards. From May 12, 2015 through June 18, 2015, Ms. Matchette devised and participated in a scheme to defraud the company, by using a credit card without authorization to make personal purchases at a retail establishment, and in so doing caused items to be delivered by private or commercial interstate carriers. In executing her scheme to defraud, Ms. Matchette used the identification of another person.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Financial Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was handled by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Tina L. Nommay.
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Two Elkhart, Indiana, Police Officers Charged with Federal Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Cory Newland, 35, and Joshua Titus, 30, officers with the Elkhart, Indiana, Police Department, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Hammond for using excessive force against an arrestee.
The indictment charges Newland and Titus with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, for using unreasonable force against arrestee “M.L.”
According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, M.L. was brought into the booking area of the Elkhart Police Department and seated in a chair with his hands cuffed behind his back. While sitting in the chair, M.L. spat in the direction of Newland. The indictment alleges that Newland and Titus then repeatedly struck M.L. in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor, at which point Newland and Titus continued to punch him repeatedly while M.L. remained handcuffed on the floor. The indictment further alleges that Newland and Titus’s actions resulted in bodily injury to M.L.
“My Office takes allegations of civil rights violations seriously, including use of excessive force by police officers sworn to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “Maintaining integrity in the criminal justice system by investigating and prosecuting police officers who step out of bounds with the law, while working with, training and promoting good relationships with law enforcement who operate within the law are important functions of my Office.”
“Today’s indictments send a clear message that the FBI won’t tolerate the abuse of power or victimization of citizens by anyone in law enforcement,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The alleged actions by these individuals went against everything in the oath they took to serve and protect."
This charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for both defendants. An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division.
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Two Elkhart, Indiana, Police Officers Charged with Federal Civil Rights OffenseRead the Press Release
Cory Newland, 35, and Joshua Titus, 30, officers with the Elkhart, Indiana, Police Department, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Hammond for using excessive force against an arrestee.
The indictment charges Newland and Titus with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, for using unreasonable force against arrestee “M.L.”
According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, M.L. was brought into the booking area of the Elkhart Police Department and seated in a chair with his hands cuffed behind his back. While sitting in the chair, M.L. spat in the direction of Newland. The indictment alleges that Newland and Titus then repeatedly struck M.L. in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor, at which point Newland and Titus continued to punch him repeatedly while M.L. remained handcuffed on the floor. The indictment further alleges that Newland and Titus’s actions resulted in bodily injury to M.L.
“My Office takes allegations of civil rights violations seriously, including use of excessive force by police officers sworn to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “Maintaining integrity in the criminal justice system by investigating and prosecuting police officers who step out of bounds with the law, while working with, training and promoting good relationships with law enforcement who operate within the law are important functions of my Office.”
“Today’s indictments send a clear message that the FBI won’t tolerate the abuse of power or victimization of citizens by anyone in law enforcement,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The alleged actions by these individuals went against everything in the oath they took to serve and protect."
This charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for both defendants. An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division.
Two Charged Following Arrest in Merrillville, IndianaRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Reilly Jackson, Jr, 23, of Griffith, Indiana was charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce following his arrest on March 18, 2019, in Merrillville, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. In addition, Delvin Perkins, 23, of South Holland, Illinois was charged in a criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm following his arrest on the same day.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Prosecuting and reducing violent crime are top priorities of my office. This case demonstrates how effective proactive police work can be to reducing violent crime. I commend the FBI and other law enforcement agencies involved in this case.”
The criminal complaint against Jackson alleges that, on March 18, 2019, in Merrillville, Indiana, an investigation led law enforcement to make a traffic stop on a vehicle he was driving after law enforcement, in addition to other information received, observed the vehicle following a Brinks armored truck as it made multiple stops to collect money from banks and businesses. Additional investigation led Jackson to be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce of the armored Brinks truck.
The criminal complaint against Perkins alleges that, as a passenger in the vehicle driven by Jackson, he possessed two firearms recovered from the vehicle. With a prior felony conviction, Perkins was charged in a criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of firearms.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal 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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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South Bend Man Convicted Following 2-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Joshua Banks, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, presided over this 2-day trial.
According to documents in this case, on about October 5, 2018, Mr. Banks possessed a .357 caliber revolver after one or more felony convictions. On October 4, 2018 a vehicle was reported stolen. On October 5, 2018, South Bend Police Officers located that stolen vehicle parked and unoccupied. Around that same time, Banks was walking near the vehicle with a backpack and a gas can. As officers approached Banks fled on foot. He was caught and the backpack was found nearby. Also nearby, officers found the firearm which had been stolen from a Warsaw, Indiana, firearms dealer in September 2018.
Sentencing of Mr. Banks has been set for June 12, 2019.
The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police along with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse.
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Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than One Kilogram HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Roberto Molina, 38, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen to 57 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on January 19, 2018, Molina was arrested in Hammond, Indiana, in possession of 1.75 kilograms of heroin for distribution.
This case was investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean R. Lanter.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Reginald Gant, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to Possessing with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Gant was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on June 17, 2016, Gant was in possession of 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance. At that time, Gant possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Kokomo Man ChargedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –A federal grand jury on February 27, 2019 returned a six count superseding indictment against Bradley M. Cox, 28, of Kokomo, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Cox allegedly gained access to a Facebook account which belonged to another person and then posed as the creator of that Facebook account to exchange explicit images with the owner of another Facebook account. Cox then threatened to publicly release the sexual pictures that the owner of that Facebook account sent to him unless the owner of that Facebook account gave Cox access to that Facebook account. Cox was given access to the second Facebook account, in which he found images depicting nude or partially nude individuals and sexually explicit material. Cox then contacted individuals depicted in that material and threatened to publicly release the nude, partially nude or sexually explicit images he had of them unless they agreed to give him additional nude, partially nude and/or sexually explicit photos and/or videos.
The superseding indictment alleges three counts of extortion; two counts of production or attempted production of child pornography; and one count of receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography. Mr. Cox has been detained pending trial since September of 2018 when he was initially charged with production of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Children are among our most vulnerable and innocent victims. My office will always aggressively prosecute cases that involve crimes against children. Cases such as this one, that allege the extortion of nude images, are particularly worthy of prosecution. I commend the FBI and local and county law enforcement agencies that worked hard and quickly to solve this crime.”
“This investigation highlights the tenacity and expertise of the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Task Force and was a top priority to be quickly resolved,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “Mr. Cox’s alleged victimization of these individuals is reprehensible and won’t be tolerated."
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 the result of an investigation by the FBI with the assistance of the Rochester and Peru, Indiana Police Departments along with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes.
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The Northern District of Indiana’s U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $6,016,074.83 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today that the Northern District of Indiana collected $6,016,074.83 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018. Of this amount, $2,974,660.68 was collected in criminal actions and $3,041,414.25 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Northern District of Indiana forfeited in excess of $1.3 million dollars in civil and criminal forfeitures.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
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Two Charged with Robbing Cellular Phone Store in Fort WayneRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE, IN –Quran Waterford, 34, of Bloomington, Indiana and Gary McCaleb, 29, of Harvey, Illinois were charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, and possessing and using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.
The complaint alleges that on December 13, 2018, Waterford, McCaleb and a third unidentified man entered a cellular phone store in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and displayed a firearm. The three men confined two store employees and two customers and stole numerous cell phones and other merchandise, worth over $58,000. Waterford and McCaleb were apprehended by the Fort Wayne Police Department after a brief vehicle pursuit.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Bold robberies such as this commands swift response from law enforcement. I want to commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department for their work in investigating this case. Aggressive prosecution of violent crimes is one of the District’s top priorities.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a criminal 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 sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Anderson Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Danurell Blair, age 40, of Anderson, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to 2 counts of Bank Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Blair was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his offense in the total amount of $ 70,074.69.
According to documents in the case, on November 6, 2017, Blair robbed the Community State Bank, located in Auburn, Indiana. Thereafter, on December 16, 2017, a heavily disguised Blair entered the Campbell & Fetter Bank located in Kendallville, Indiana and demanded cash from the tellers. Blair fled the bank with approximately $27,114.00. When law enforcement attempted to apprehend Blair as he departed the bank, he fled. A pursuit ensured during which Blair drove southbound in the northbound lanes of State Road 3, reaching speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour. Spike strips had to be employed to stop Blair who was then taken into custody.
As part of his plea agreement, Blair agreed to pay restitution for the Community State Bank robbery and the Campbell & Fetter Robbery. Additionally, Blair agreed to pay restitution to the victims of the June 28, 2017, Fort Financial Credit Union robbery, a September 12, 2017, Beacon Credit Union robbery, as well as restitution to the Indiana State Police in connection with the December 16, 2017 Campbell & Fetter robbery.
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Police Department, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Churubusco Police Department, Indiana Gaming Commission, Kendallville Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Rome City Man Sentenced to 204 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Shon Gibson, 47, of Rome City, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Gibson was sentenced to 204 months in prison and 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in December 2016 a search warrant was executed on Gibson’s residence. Seized from Gibson’s garage was an ounce of 100% pure methamphetamine and over $32,000 in drug trafficking proceeds. In an attic above the garage, law enforcement seized two AK-47 rifles and two inert military-grade hand grenades. One of the rifles was fully automatic while the other was a short-barreled rifle. Another $8,000 in cash was found in a safe inside the house. Due to the multiple felony drug trafficking convictions, Gibson was sentenced as a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wolcottville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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