Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND- Joseph Taylor, 35, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen following his plea of guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Taylor received a sentence of 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, in Portage, Indiana in July 2018, Taylor possessed a short barreled shotgun following a prior felony conviction for burglary.  In August 2018, in Michigan City, Indiana, Taylor distributed more than 5 grams of methamphetamine to another individual.   

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath. 

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FORT WAYNE – Adam Getts, 32 years old, of Ashley, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a frug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Getts was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on March 9, 2018, Getts was found in possession of five grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. On the same date, Getts was also found in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Waterloo Police Department and Auburn Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Nokes and Anthony Geller.

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HAMMOND- Kathy L. Lynch, age 61, of Kouts, Indiana, was indicted on nine counts of willful failure to pay federal payroll taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The Indictment alleged that Lynch has owned and operated two health care clinics, Kouts Health Care, Inc. and its predecessor company Kouts Family Health Care, Inc. since January 1999. As alleged in the Indictment, between January 1999 and September 2015, Lynch withheld payroll taxes (i.e., federal income taxes and Medicare and Social Security contribution taxes) from her employees’ paychecks but failed to submit over $500,000 of the withheld taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. During this time, the Indictment alleges that Lynch used her company’s bank account to pay personal expenses such as mortgage and car payments, while failing to pay her federal payroll tax obligations.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “This indictment should send a strong message to those attempting to cheat the tax system.  We always will partner with the IRS to focus on egregious tax violations in this District.” 

“The failure to pay over withheld taxes from their employees is a serious allegation. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to track down those who collect these taxes and use the funds for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of the Chicago Field Office."

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 Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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HAMMOND – Markquise Harris, 19 years old, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Harris was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,449.99. 

According to documents in the case, on August 1, 2017, Harris and three others, robbed a wireless cell phone store located at Ridge Road and Calumet Avenue in Munster, Indiana. Two of the robbers brandished guns during the robbery, which took place around 5:00pm when customers and employees were inside the store.

This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force in conjunction with Munster, Gary, and Griffith Police Departments and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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SOUTH BEND – Michael Clark, age 20, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his plea of guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Mr. Clark was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in January 2019, a search warrant was executed at a South Bend residence where Mr. Clark and others were located.  During the search, 4 firearms were located, several being loaded.  An amount of Cocaine base (crack) was found during the search.  During an interview, Mr. Clark admitted that he owned a 9mm handgun that was found in the bedroom of the house he occupied.  He also admitted that he purchased an AK-47 variant rifle, with others, for protection of the drugs, profits and people at the house where his drug dealing was taking place. 

The case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. 

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SOUTH BEND – Rex Hammond, age 55, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his conviction after a 4-day jury trial in April.  Mr. Hammond 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.

Mr. Hammond was sentenced to 564 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,630 in restitution. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Hammond’s lengthy sentence should serve as a reminder to all violent criminals that we will seek appropriate punishment for their crimes.  Hammond changed the lives of innocent victims forever with reckless acts of violence.  Thanks to the work of all our law enforcement partners, he will essentially serve the rest of his life behind bars.” 

“This investigation and prosecution is another example of holding an armed career criminal accountable for the violence perpetrated by this defendant over many years,” stated Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones, of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Chicago Field Division. “ATF is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in these important cases, and I hope keeping this defendant off the street will also help the community reclaim its neighborhood and feel safer.”

"This sentence send a strong and clear message that violence such as this, that puts innocent people at risk and instills fear in our communities, won't be tolerated," said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. "Keeping our communities safe has always been a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners and this sentence demonstrates our continued commitment to identify and arrest violent criminals and hold them accountable."

According to documents in this case, Mr. Hammond went on a robbery spree from October 6 through October 27, 2017.  During this spree he acquired, brandished, and lost firearms all while intimidating, threatening, and restraining victims of these various robberies. As part of his robbery spree, he robbed gas stations and a liquor store located in Logansport, Peru, Auburn, and Decatur, Indiana.  Before committing the armed robberies involved in this federal trial, Mr. Hammond already had five felony convictions for armed robbery, robbery, or attempted armed robbery convictions.  In fact, Hammond has spent the majority of the past 40 years robbing people or serving prison time for doing exactly that. 

The case was investigated by 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.  Additional assistance 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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HAMMOND – Rita Law, 60, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen today to serve 360 months in federal prison after being found guilty, following a 3-week jury trial in February 2017, of two counts of trafficking and servitude, one count of transporting a person across state lines with intent that they engage in prostitution, and one count of using an interstate facility to promote prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L Kirsch, II.  

The trial evidence established that Law provided and obtained the labor and services of two victims, HV and XC, by means of a scheme to cause them to believe that if they did not perform the labor and services she demanded, they would suffer serious harm or physical restraint. Law was convicted of causing both women to work at her “spas” in northwest Indiana, where they were expected to and did engage in sexual acts in exchange for money with Law’s predominantly male clientele. Law’s businesses were “Duneland Spa” in Lake Station and Gary, Indiana and “Fun Fun Feet” in Hobart, Indiana.  In sentencing Law, the court took into consideration her attempt to flee from the United States to Hong Kong in October 2013 after learning she was under investigation.

In announcing Law’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Kirsch described her offense conduct as “nothing short of diabolical.” “She used the American dream to lure unsuspecting women to the United States so she could enslave them for her own financial benefit.” Kirsch also said “My office’s willingness to extradite Rita Law from Hong Kong and pursue additional charges against her thereafter should serve as a warning to all those committing crime in the Northern District of Indiana – attempting to flee the country will not prevent my office from bringing you to justice.” “Sex trafficking of foreign and domestic victims will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Indiana as long as I am United States Attorney” he concluded.

“Let this sentence serve as a reminder that modern day slavery will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons, Homeland Security Investigations Chicago. “HSI will continue to work relentlessly with its law enforcement partners to bring those to justice who attempt to circumvent the law for financial gain.”

"This sentence cannot begin to compare to the trauma these victims were subjected to, and the life altering consequences they now face because they put their trust and faith in the defendant,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively identify and pursue the perpetrators of the devastating crime of human trafficking.”

This case resulted from a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with assistance from the following additional law enforcement agencies:  the Gary Indiana Police Department; the Oak Forest Illinois Police Department; the Hammond Indiana Police Department, the Hobart Indiana Police Department, the Lake Station Indiana Police Department, the Lake County Indiana Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Hong Kong Police and the HSI Hong Kong Attaché.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge James Gibbons, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall also thanked the following community organizations for providing services to HV and XC during the investigation and prosecution:  Asian Human Services of Chicago, IL; Haven House of Hammond, IN; Cornerstone Community Outreach of Chicago, IL; and Heartland Alliance in Chicago, IL. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Abizer Zanzi.

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HAMMOND-Jeremiah Farmer, 38, of Hammond, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings street gang, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute illegal drugs ( cocaine, marijuana, and alprazolam) , announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

Farmer was convicted after a ten-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon.  The jury found that Farmer, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, on June 25, 1999, beat Marion Lowry, 74, and Harvey Siegers, 67, to death with a hammer at their Hammond business, Calumet Auto Rebuilders.  The jury also found that Farmer conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine as part of the racketeering conspiracy.  The jury also found that Farmer conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana as part of the drug conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “I am very pleased with the guilty verdict announced today and with the work of Assistant United States Attorneys David Nozick and Nicholas Padilla in presenting this case to the jury over the past several weeks.  The victims’ families have waited a long time for this day.  My office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases involving violent street gangs and senseless acts of gang violence and bring these criminal gang members to justice.”             

Approximately 43 defendants have been charged with racketeering conspiracy as members of the Latin Kings street gang in a criminal conspiracy extending back to 1999.  The racketeering conspiracy charge alleges that gang members and associates were participants in a racketeering conspiracy that involved murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, sex trafficking, and narcotics distribution. 

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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, have also provided assistance.  The Latin King racketeering case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Nicholas J. Padilla

SOUTH BEND – Phillip Yoder, age 41, of Ligonier, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his guilty pleas to wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud and bankruptcy fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Yoder was sentenced to serve 87 months each on the mail fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud counts, and 60 months on the bankruptcy fraud count, all to run concurrently.   Yoder also was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a total of $581,386.04 in restitution.

According to his plea agreement, beginning in or about 2014 and continuing until in or about July 2015, Yoder and others, sometimes working through the entity, KOH Enterprises, LLC, defrauded persons via a “Foreclosure Rescue Scheme.” As part of the scheme to defraud, Yoder and others monitored foreclosure notices of properties, and would then approach distressed homeowners and convince them to transfer title of the property in exchange for false promises of being able to avoid further foreclosure obligations. They falsely represented to these homeowners that they would handle their mortgage arrearages and the foreclosure process.  Because of these false representations, the homeowners vacated the property and transferred their interest in the property through a Quitclaim deed to business entities. Those entities then furthered the scheme by recording the Quitclaim at the local Recorder’s Office. However, the Quitclaim deed did not extinguish the homeowner’s outstanding mortgage debt.  Yoder and others would use the mail to send a fraudulent document, entitled an “International Promissory Note”, purporting to satisfy the outstanding mortgage debt to the financial institution holding the mortgage.  Simultaneously, Yoder and others would cause a fraudulent “Satisfaction of Mortgage” to be filed with the county recorder’s office in an attempt to discharge the mortgage.  They would then convey another Quitclaim deed to an investor or purchaser of the properties, even though the property was still encumbered.   The total loss to investors and insurers was $1,466,136.20.

With regard to the bankruptcy fraud, which resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10, according to his plea agreement, on or about February 24, 2016, Yoder knowingly and fraudulently made a material false declaration, certificate and verification under the penalty of perjury in his bankruptcy proceeding.  He claimed as an asset a “Billion dollar gold bond” when he knew that the purported bond was fraudulent and worthless.  In his bankruptcy proceeding, Yoder claim $792,592.46 in debts.

“Creating a scheme that enriches the defendant while defrauding banks, insurers and average home owners, jeopardizes our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.  “My Office in coordination with all our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively prosecute these type of cases.” 

“Everyone has the right to expect honest representation from those they do business with.  Targeting homeowners with this type of fraudulent activity when they are already dealing with financial hardship is not only illegal but a violation of trust and won’t be tolerated by the FBI,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.  “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and pursue those who try to line their pockets at the expense of others and hold them accountable.”

HUD Special Agent in Charge Geary stated, “At such a critical time for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with programs that are vital to the well-being of so many in our communities, it is critical that those resources are completely dedicated to those in need. The HUD Office of Inspector General is committed to partnering with Federal prosecutors and fellow law enforcement to aggressively pursue those engaged in activities that harm HUD’s Single Family housing programs.” 

“Today’s sentence sends a strong message to those who abuse the bankruptcy system,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10).  “Providing false documents such as fictitious “bonds” to the United States Bankruptcy Court undermines the integrity of the system and will not be tolerated.  We appreciate the commitment of U.S. Attorney Kirsch and our law enforcement partners to holding those who abuse the bankruptcy system accountable.  We welcome information that will help detect fraud and abuse in the bankruptcy system and we encourage citizens to report suspected bankruptcy fraud through our Internet hotline at [email protected].”   The United States 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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

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FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Grant Mendenhall in coordination with Fort Wayne Chief Steve Reed, Allen County Sheriff David Gladieux and Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter announce charges in 8 indictments unsealed today. 

These indictments focused on a number of drug distribution charges, with 20 individuals charged across the 8 indictments.  Twelve (12) search warrants were also executed this morning in greater Fort Wayne as part of law enforcement efforts to arrest the indicted individuals.  

In these indictments the following charges are alleged:

Jennifer Mendoza, age 24, and Luiza Gunn a/k/a Luiza Eldridge, age 26, both of Fort Wayne were each charged in a three (3) count indictment alleging the distribution of fentanyl. 

Ivan Acosta a/k/a Ivan Acosta-Soto, age 35, and Juan Hernandez-Ortega, age 31, both of Fort Wayne were charged in a three (3) count indictment alleging the distribution of methamphetamine. 

Ubaldo Peralta-Soto, age 25, of Indianapolis; Clemente Cortez, age 45, of Fort Wayne; and Nestor Luna-Lugo, age 34, of Fort Wayne were charged in a four (4) count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute cocaine as well as the distribution of cocaine. 

Juvenal Cervantes-Cruz, age 25, of Red Bluff, CA along with Christian Diaz, age 22, and Jesus Sanchez, Jr, age 21, both of Fort Wayne were charged in a five (5) count indictment alleging the distribution of marijuana, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and providing a residence for the storage and distribution of narcotics.  

Fredi Garcia-Gamez, age 33, Miguel Navarrete-Garcia, age 43, and Tomas Vega-Perez, age 41, all of Fort Wayne were charged in a three (3) count indictment alleging the distribution of heroin and providing a residence for the storage and distribution of narcotics. 

Jesus Soto-Arellanes a/k/a Chuy, age 37, and Erik De Leon Verduzco-Garcia a/k/a Pulpo, age 33, both of Fort Wayne along with Roberto Soto-Arellanes, age 43, Jesus Alberto Soto-Garcia a/k/a Chubeto, age 35 and Edbel Alejandro Soto-Verduzco, age 28, all of Columbia City were charged in a twelve (12) count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana along with other drug distribution and gun possession charges. 

Roderick Dedeaux a/k/a Rodrick Dedeaux, age 29, of Fort Wayne was charged in a five (5) count indictment alleging distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. 

Juan Salas, age 30, of Fort Wayne was charged in in an eight (8) count indictment alleging the distribution of fentanyl.   

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Narcotic distribution is one of the precursors to violent crime.  Today with the arrest of these individuals we made a serious impact on the distribution of narcotics in the greater Fort Wayne Area.  Local police agencies like Fort Wayne PD, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police worked tirelessly in coordination with the FBI to build these cases in Fort Wayne to help reduce violence associated with drug distribution.” 

“Today's law enforcement actions are a culmination of more than a year's worth of investigative activity led by the Fort Wayne FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, which includes as its partners the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana State Police,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.  “This was an outstanding example of Federal and State agencies working together to positively impact Northeast Indiana by disrupting and dismantling a large scale drug trafficking organization. These arrests should serve as a reminder that we will continue to target these offenders and the impact they are having on our communities.”

"The collaborative efforts of the Fort Wayne Police Department, FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office continue to make positive strides against drug trafficking in the City of Fort Wayne. The joint effort of these agencies has resulted in criminal investigations and arrests that will significantly affect the drug trade in Fort Wayne and Allen County," said Chief Steve Reed, Fort Wayne Police Department. "The agencies that comprise the Safe Streets Task Force - the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Indiana State Police and FBI - continue to work tirelessly in their efforts to eliminate drug trafficking and the violence that often accompanies it. These arrests and seizures are a direct result of that combined effort and we thank these officers for all the long hours and hard work that went into these investigations."

“The Allen County Sheriff’s Department, a proud member of the Safe Streets Task Force, has and will continue to work in conjunction with the FBI, and the U.S Attorney’s Office to battle the drug epidemic within Allen County. We are encouraged by the efforts that have been set forth, and look forward to positive improvements in our area,” said Sheriff David J. Gladieux, Allen County Sheriff’s Department. 

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter commented, “I am extremely proud of our participation with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.”  Carter continued, “The hard work of our assigned investigators, in collaboration with other member representatives, speaks to the dedication of state, county, local and federal law enforcement partners who work daily to make Indiana communities safer for everyone to enjoy.”

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Team, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.  These cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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.

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SOUTH BEND - Reginald Blackburn, age 26, of Mishawka, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Blackburn was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, between August and October 2017, Blackburn was part of a group of people who sold heroin in the South Bend and Mishawaka area.  They shared at least one cellphone, which they used to arrange sales of heroin.  Members of the group would pick up pre-packaged baggies of heroin, usually one-half gram, from members of the group and sell the heroin to people who called the shared cellphone.  The price charged for the heroin was set by people who were higher up in the group.  Blackburn was involved between August and October, but others in the group operated before he joined.  Between March and September, 2017, the phone was used for about 66,000 calls and text messages.  

This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, the local federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, ATF, St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police, South Bend Police and Elkhart Police.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly Donnelly.

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HAMMOND –Travis Barrett, 39, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.   

Barrett was sentenced to serve 97 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a total of $25,000 in restitution ($5000 to each of the five victims).

According to his plea agreement, Barrett admitted to possessing more than 15000 images and 2450 videos of child pornography

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Lafayette Police Department and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.

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SOUTH BEND – Howard Fleming III, age 24, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Fleming was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Fleming was in a car in South Bend, and had a .40 caliber handgun along with less than five grams of cocaine when stopped by police. He had planned to sell the cocaine while using the firearm for protection while drug dealing.  Fleming also has a prior felony conviction from April of 2014 in St. Joseph County, Indiana, for which he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E Donnelly.

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HAMMOND- Michael Henry Minix, age 44, of Knox, Indiana, was charged in a 6 count Indictment with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute schedule II and III narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

The Indictment alleged that, beginning in August 2017 through May 2019, Minix distributed Oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance, as well as Testosterone, Dianabol, and Metandienone, all of which are schedule III controlled substances.  The Indictment also alleges that Minix possessed Testosterone with the intent to distribute.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police and the Marshall County Drug Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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HAMMOND- Ten additional members of the criminal street gang, the Latin Dragon Nation, have been charged with racketeering conspiracy and other related offenses in a fourth superseding indictment unsealed today, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

According to the fourth superseding indictment, 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. 

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Gang members should not get comfortable in the Northern District of Indiana.  We will never tolerate gang violence.  Together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively prosecute gang members for their criminal activity and seek appropriately lengthy prison sentences.  Gang activity does not stop at the state line, and as evidenced by the charges announced today, neither do our investigations and prosecutions.  Gangs terrorize our neighborhoods and put innocent lives at grave risk.  My office will do everything we can to prevent and defeat gang activity like this.”

The ten additional defendants charged in the fourteen-count indictment are Ralph Daniel Mendez, 44, of Chicago, Illinois; Javier Aguilera, 26, of Chicago, Illinois; Jonathan Arevalo, 26, of Gary, Indiana; Nico Mata, 25, of Hammond, Indiana; Alec Nathaniel Aguilar, 20, of Chicago, Illinois; Justin Anaya, 18, of Chicago, Illinois; Keenan Seymour, 19, of Chicago, Illinois; David White, 24, of Chicago, Illinois; Tiffany Barragan, 21, of Chicago, Illinois; and Angelina Vilella, 20, of Chicago, Illinois. 

In the fourth superseding indictment, Ralph Mendez, Jr., is also charged with the murder of Jose Gomez on May 23, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois.  Ralph Mendez, Jr., and David White are also charged with the murder of Mike Whitford on July 14, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. 

In addition, Justin Anaya and Alec Nathaniel Aguilar are alleged to have killed Gustavo Garcia on July 14, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois.  Justin Anaya, Alec Nathaniel Aguilar, and Keenan Seymour are alleged to have killed Manuel Salazar on November 24, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois.   

The previously indicted defendants charged in this case are Manuel Diaz, 28, of Hammond, Indiana; Eduardo Diaz-Corral, 20, of Calumet City, Illinois; Ralph Mendez, Jr., 23, of Chicago, Illinois; Joseph Daniel Roggenkamp, 21, of East Chicago, Indiana; Gustavo Colunga, 26, of Hammond, Indiana; Joshua Harris-White, 25, of Chicago, Illinois; and Luis Colunga, 29, of Chicago, Illinois.  In this superseding indictment, additional murders and crimes of violence are alleged to have been committed by several of the previously charged defendants.  Specifically, Diaz-Corral and Diaz allegedly participated, respectively, in the murders of Paul Cruz on November 20, 2016, in Chicago, and Charles Berrios on September 30, 2017, in Hammond, Indiana.

The fourth superseding indictment is part of ongoing efforts to curb the activities of violent street gangs in the Northern District of Indiana.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

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 Hammond Police Department; the Cook County Sheriff’s Office; the Bartlett 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. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley 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.

SOUTH BEND – Jaronna Groves, age 22, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon her plea of guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Groves was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

During several months in 2018, Groves participated in the distribution of drugs in South Bend.  Several of her acquaintances distributed heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs. Sometimes they used their own phones to do so, while other times they shared a common drug phone that customers would call.  On numerous occasions during June and July, 2018, she personally conducted drug sales to customers who had contacted the common drug phone.  Groves obtained a house on South Illinois Street in May, 2018, to allow her acquaintances to meet and discuss drug distribution.  She allowed them to store drugs, guns and cash in her house.  On July 13, 2018, investigators searched her house and found over 100 grams of fentanyl in her bedroom, along with cash, a money counter, scales, and 2 loaded handguns. 

This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel R. Gabrielse and Molly E. Donnelly.

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SOUTH BEND – Donyea Fowler, age 34, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of 6 counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and 7 counts of federal firearm offenses (being a felon in possession of a firearm and 6 counts for using a firearm in relation to crimes of violence (each of the six (6) Hobbs Act robberies), announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, presided over this 4-day trial. 

According to documents in this case, in late 2017 through early 2018, Fowler robbed six convenience stores in the South Bend area while wearing a mask and brandishing a firearm.  During the trial, evidence was presented to include videos of the masked robberies, a video of Fowler while unmasked cashing in a winning lottery ticket three minutes after one of the robberies, videos of the getaway car with a missing light, some phone location evidence, and DNA linking him to a gun that was found. Mr. Fowler has four prior felony convictions.

Sentencing of Mr. Fowler has been set for September 25, 2019 at 1:30 PM. 

The case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel R. Gabrielse. 

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HAMMOND-Robert Nieto, also known as “Cowboy,” 45, of Gary, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Phillip Simon following his conviction at trial last May of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

Nieto was sentenced to Life in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.                

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Long sentences, such as the sentence imposed in this case, should send a strong message of deterrence to those engaged in these activities.  My office has amplified its efforts to reduce violent crime, and we will use all our resources to prosecute those who commit these senseless acts of violence.  I am dedicated to working together with law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime.” 

According to evidence presented at trial, as part of the racketeering conspiracy, on December 2, 2013, Rolando Correa, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was killed in Gary.  Mr. Correa was coming to the aid of his next door neighbors, who were victims of a home invasion robbery.  Robert Nieto assisted in setting up the home invasion and listened to a police scanner to assist in the escape of the robbers.  The jury found Nieto responsible for Correa’s death in addition to finding that Nieto conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine as part of the racketeering conspiracy.  The jury also found that Nieto conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and at least 100 kilograms of marijuana as part of the drug conspiracy.

According to evidence presented at trial and case documents, Nieto was also a local leader of the Latin Kings who has been involved in the gang since at least approximately 2007, distributed cocaine and marijuana, possessed firearms, and ordered fellow gang members to shoot at rivals.  He has a prior felony conviction for aggravated battery.            

Approximately 43 defendants have been charged with racketeering conspiracy as members of the Latin Kings in a criminal conspiracy extending back to 2003.  The racketeering conspiracy charge alleges that gang members and associates were participants in a racketeering conspiracy that involved murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, sex trafficking, and narcotics distribution. 

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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, has also provided assistance.  The Latin King racketeering conspiracy case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick, Nicholas J. Padilla, Dean R. Lanter, and Joseph A. Cooley, formerly of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

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SOUTH BEND – Mario Ward II, age 23, of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his plea of guilty to 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Ward was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, in July 2018, Ward possessed a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense.  Ward was in a car that led police on a high speed chase while he had a stolen 9 millimeter firearm.  The car crashed in a residential neighborhood, after which a second stolen 9 millimeter firearm was found in the car as well as over 50 grams of marijuana. While criminal charges from that incident were pending, Ward was released under court supervision.  While on release, investigators went to arrest Ward at his home for a pre-trial release violation.  During that arrest, investigators found a firearm that Ward admitting to handling as well as over 50 grams of marijuana and over $1,000.00 cash.

This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the Michigan City Police Department, LaPorte County Drug Task Force and US Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Street Team.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E Donnelly.

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HAMMOND –Alan Piwowar, 34, of Highland, Indiana was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen after pleading guilty to production and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.   

Piwowar was sentenced to serve a total of 360 months in prison, 15 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution.

According to his plea agreement, in October 2008, Piwowar knowingly caused a 2-year-old child in his custody, care, or supervisory control to engage in sexually explicit conduct and took photographs. Piwowar admitted that he touched the child with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify himself. In April 2018, Piwowar also possessed depictions of other minors under the age of 18 being caused to engage in sexually explicit acts with adults. After learning he was under investigation for child pornography offenses, Piwowar sought to destroy evidence of his crimes. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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SOUTH BEND – Steven Perry, age 55, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. upon his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

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

According to documents in this case, in December 2018, Perry, who has a prior 2004 federal conviction for receipt and possession of child pornography, was in possession of child pornography that was being shared on a social networking site.

This case was investigated by FBI with assistance from the St. Joseph County High Tech Crimes Task Force.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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SOUTH BEND – James Kindig, age 53, of Mishawka, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Kindig was sentenced to 41 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $48,750 in restitution. 

According to documents in this case, in November 2017 Kindig possessed approximately 472 images and 262 videos that portrayed child pornography.  Some of these contained sadistic images and prepubescent children or children under the age of 12.    

This case was investigated by FBI with assistance from the St. Joseph County High Tech Crimes Task Force.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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FORT WAYNE – Glen Jacobs, 43 years old, of Rome City, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Jacobs was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on May 3, 2018, Jacobs distributed 5 or more grams of methamphetamine.  Jacobs also possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense of maintaining a drug involved premises between May 3, 2018 and June 27, 2018.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Rome City Police Department, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Police Department, Auburn Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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HAMMOND –Kasey Ludberg, 27, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.   

Ludberg was sentenced to 270 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in September 2017 Ludberg induced a young girl under the age of 12 to send him sexually explicit photographs via the internet.  Ludberg also admitted to requesting sexually explicit photographs and videos from approximately 30 other minors and receiving such materials from at least 10 of those minors.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Onondaga Sheriff’s Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra McTague.

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FORT WAYNE – Eric H. McHale, 42 years old, of Garrett, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute  a controlled substance announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

McHale was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on October 15, 2017, McHale possessed with intent to distribute 5 or more grams of methamphetamine. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Ligonier Police Department, the Albion Police Department, the Noble County Sherriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – Tyshon Powell, 24years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady 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.

Powell was sentenced to 68 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on March 28, 2018, Powell possessed with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana and did so while possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense. 

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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SOUTH BEND – Stanford Wylie, age 51, of Palisades Park, NJ, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller upon his plea of guilty to possession with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Wylie was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Mr. Wylie was intercepted on Interstate 90 on September 26, 2018 transporting a suitcase containing approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine and 1 kilogram of heroin. The suitcase was discovered by a Hobart Police Officer and his K-9 partner, Mojo. As a result of the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, law enforcement learned that Mr. Wylie made numerous cross-country trips transporting controlled substances and currency between Los Angeles, California and New Jersey.

This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the Hobart Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Kimberly Schultz.

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FORT WAYNE – Andrew L. Fitch, 32 years old, of Angola, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Fitch was sentenced to 121 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, on August 20, 2016, Angola Police Department officer attempted to perform a traffic stop on a motorcycle Fitch was operating on I-69 that was exceeding the posted speed limit.  Instead of pulling over, Fitch accelerated rapidly away from the officer and a chase ensued with Fitch operating the motorcycle at speeds well over 100 miles per hour.  During flight, Fitch lost control of the motorcycle and was apprehended.  Fitch who had an active arrest warrant, was taken into custody and $1,655.29 was recovered from his person.  A search of the motorcycle revealed scales, a glass pipe, pills, and baggies that were later analyzed and found to contain 66 grams of actual methamphetamine.              

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Angola Police Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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FORT WAYNE – Dwaine Bartlett, 46 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Bartlett was sentenced to 200 months in prison followed by 5 year of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, between November 13, 2013, and February 12, 2014, Bartlett conspired with his named codefendants to conduct an armed robbery of a drug stash house which would have resulted in their possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  Further, on February 12, 2014, Bartlett possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.      

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Warsaw Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the IMAGE Drug Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Anthony W. Geller.       

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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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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 – 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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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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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.

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 –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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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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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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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.

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 –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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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