Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lafayette Man Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Richard Seeger, Jr, 55 years old, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Senior Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Seeger received a sentence of 78 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution.
According to documents filed in this case, Seeger was on probation in Hendricks County, Indiana for holding a mirror under changing stalls at a public pool in order to watch small boys disrobe. He pleaded guilty in May 2016 and received a sentence of probation, which included as part of its terms that he not possess child pornography. In July 2017, law enforcement officials found Seeger in possession of child pornography in multiple formats: print magazines, videotapes, photographs, and digital downloaded images of minors engaged in sex acts. Seeger possessed over 1,000 images of such conduct.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maria N. Lerner.
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Two Men Charged in Criminal Complaint with RobberyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Darren Bell, 19 and Altonio Benson, 27, both of Detroit, Michigan, were charged in a criminal complaint with robbery affecting interstate commerce for the robbery of a jewelry store in Hobart, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The criminal complaint alleges that at approximately 7:05 pm on January 25, 2019, three individuals participated in the robbery of a jewelry store in Hobart, Indiana, while the store was open to customers. At least two individuals smashed display cases with hammers to take jewelry, and the individuals fled the store with approximately $803, 000 in jewelry. Bell and Benson were apprehended a short time later.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Brazen robberies such as this case commands a swift response from law enforcement. I want to commend all our law enforcement partners for their work in investigating this case. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these type of crimes in this District.”
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 and Hobart Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
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Gary Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Distribution of Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Bryant Porter, 25, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The criminal complaint alleges that following Porter’s distribution of crack cocaine on four occasions, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his Gary residence and vehicle on February 13, 2019, and recovered approximately 65 gross grams of crack cocaine and twelve firearms.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “This case represents teamwork and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Our partnerships are some of the best and we will use them to focus on illegal narcotics and violent crime.”
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
Duo Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Narcotics into Indiana Correctional FacilitiesRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, IN – Two Allen County residents were recently indicted by a federal Grand Jury in the Northern District of Indiana. In the indictment, Calvin Jones, 37, and Diamond Parker, 28, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to smuggle illegal narcotics into correctional institutions located within Indiana.
The indictment alleges that beginning in August 2017, the defendants conspired to distribute 5-fluro ADB (a synthetic cannabinoid) to inmates in a correction institution. They also were each charged with one count on different dates of possessing with intent to distribute a detectable amount of 5-fluro ADB.
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 between the US Postal Inspection Service, the Indiana Department of Corrections, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Marshal’s Service and the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
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South Bend Man Convicted Following 2-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Brandon Edelman, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L, Miller, Jr, presided over this 2-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Edelman led South Bend Police officers on a high speed chase for thirteen minutes at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. While Edelman drove the car, his passenger threw a firearm out of the window. After he was apprehended, he told police that he told the passenger to throw the gun out and that he possessed the gun for protection during his drug dealing. Police found methamphetamine on Mr. Edelman. After he was apprehended, police retraced the route and found the gun Edelman admitted was thrown from the car. Edelman had been convicted of at least one prior felony offense.
Sentencing of Mr. Edelman has been set for May 15, 2019.
The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from ATF, South Bend Police, and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Lafayette, Indiana Man Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Shawn Michael DeWitt, age 34, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after a jury found him guilty in October 2018 of Distributing Child Pornography, Coercing a Minor to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct, and Possessing Child Pornography, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
DeWitt was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II says, “This case sends strong messages to child sexual predators. Federal, state and local agencies will work together quickly to find you when a child is at risk. Children are the most vulnerable victims and my Office will do everything in our power to prosecute you and seek appropriate sentences for your crimes.”
According to documents in this case, on November 26, 2017, Dewitt responded to an advertisement posted on an online social networking forum which was posted by an undercover FBI task force agent in Washington DC, who was familiar with child exploitation investigations. In chatting with the undercover agent, Dewitt expressed a sexual interest in children and also informed the agent that he had access to two children for sexual purposes. Dewitt sent the undercover agent videos and images of child pornography and also asked the undercover officer to send him videos of sexual acts with the undercover agent’s fictional 9 year old daughter. The undercover agent sent an emergency referral to the Lafayette FBI office on November 27, 2017. Officers from the Lafayette police department and FBI agents conducted a search the next day and arrested Dewitt.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Lafayette Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Carlos Maez, 41 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 30 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Today’s 30 year sentence reflects the seriousness of armed career criminals who continue to commit violent crimes in this District. We will continue to seek sentences like this one to deter others that simply do not get the message.”
In May 2018, a jury convicted Maez of armed bank robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
According to documents in the case, on October 16, 2015, a bank in South Bend was robbed by a man who displayed a firearm. The robber demanded money from the teller and fled on foot with over $8,000.00. Witnesses saw him run from the bank and enter an SUV that fled the scene. Photos of the robber were released to the media a few days later. Acting on a tip, the FBI identified Maez as a suspect. Several individuals identified Maez from bank surveillance images. Maez has five prior felony convictions, including bank robbery, and was on parole when he robbed the bank in 2015.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Schaffer and Molly Donnelly.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 74 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Francisco Rivera, 29, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea to distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Cruz received a sentence of 74 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, DEA agents used a confidential source to purchase cocaine from Francisco Rivera at his Lake Station residence on April 3, 2017. A federal search warrant for that residence was executed that same day. Within a locked room inside the residence law enforcement found over a kilogram of cocaine, 30 kilograms of marijuana, and four firearms including an assault rifle that had previously been reported stolen.
This case was investigated by the DEA HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Hobart Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Mishawaka Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Michael L. Binder, age 38, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced on January 3, 2019, before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Binder was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on April 21, 2018, Pokagon tribal police found Mr. Binder and a female companion in a minivan parked in the parking lot of the Four Winds-South Bend casino. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Upon further investigation, officers located a small amount of marijuana and three baggies of methamphetamine (totaling approximately 10 grams) and a digital scale with white residue. The Pokagon police also found, pushed up under the driver’s seat from the back, right where Mr. Binder’s feet were located, a loaded handgun. A fingerprint matching Mr. Binder’s was found on the magazine of the gun. Mr. Binder admitted to possessing this handgun during the guilty plea phase of this case. The handgun’s serial number had been scratched out; however police were able to obtain the serial number and traced the weapon to determine that it had been stolen in 2016 from an individual who lawfully owned it in Michigan.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch reiterates the following statement from the sentencing memorandum filed with the court: “This particular offense by Mr. Binder raises a very important concern for the government because the offense occurred on federally-recognized Indian tribal land, held in trust for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The United States recognizes a unique obligation of service to tribal communities across the country and it holds a strong commitment to supporting and furthering public safety on all tribal land. In this district, the United States Attorney’s Office has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band, and it has a commitment to working with the Pokagon Band to foster public safety, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture.”
Pokagon Police Chief William Lux said, “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a federally-recognized sovereign nation and is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in the U.S. government to protect all who visit its trust land and to prosecute those who violate the law on Pokagon land. The conviction of Mr. Binder is a great example of team work between our officers, Pokagon Tribal Police Investigations Unit, South Bend and Berrien County law enforcement partnerships. We appreciate the support of the FBI and U.S. Attorney Kirsch in prosecuting Mr. Binder for crimes committed while at Four Winds South Bend, which is on sovereign Pokagon Band land.”
This case was being investigated by the FBI and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police Department. The case was being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Merrillville Duo Convicted After A Four Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –James Caffey, age 28 and Tanisha Banks, age 38, of Merrillville, Indiana were both convicted on January 28, 2019 of conspiring to rob as well as aiding and abetting the robbery of United States Postal employees of mail and money that was in the custody and control of the U.S. Postal Service. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Theresa Springmann presided over the 4 day jury trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Tanisha Banks and James Caffey, conspired with a third person, Leeroy Beck to rob the Tolleston Station Post Office in Gary, Indiana on August 3, 2017. Tanisha Banks, a Postal Service employee with experience working at the Tolleston Station, provided the logistics for the robbery while her boyfriend, James Caffey, handled transportation to and from the robbery. Together Banks and Caffey recruited the gunman, Leeroy Beck, who would actually carry out the robbery. At trial evidence was presented establishing that Caffey provided Beck with a handgun to use during the robbery. On August 3, 2017, after holding two employees at gun point, Leeroy Beck stole money and mail from the Postal Service. The cash was divided amongst the conspirators. Banks and Caffey used their share from the robbery to pay bills including a car note on the gray Dodge Charger James Caffey used to drive the gunman to and from the robbery.
The gunman, Leeroy Beck, entered into a guilty plea with the government prior to trial.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Gary Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Thomas McGrath.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Abetting Murder Resulting from Use of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jerome Sims, 54, of Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty to aiding and abetting murder resulting from the use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Jerome Sims and members of the Two Six gang were involved in a conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Sims knew Julio Cartagena owed a drug debt to Jesus Fuentes, a Two Six gang member, and members of his drug trafficking enterprise. Sims agreed to help Fuentes and his associates kidnap Julio Cartagena, so Fuentes could recover his lost money and drugs. On May 16, 2003, Sims made plans with Cartagena to meet at a specified location, and Sims informed Fuentes and his associates of the time and place of the meeting. Fuentes’ associates, while armed with firearms, attempted to kidnap Cartagena, and ended up shooting and killing him.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the East Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick and Caitlin M. Padula.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute One Kilogram of HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- On January 4, 2019, Juan Mercado Arriaga, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 70 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
On June 18, 2018, Mercado Arriaga was arrested in Crown Point, Indiana, in possession of approximately 3.7 kilograms of heroin.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Eleazar Sosa, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Sosa was sentenced to 70 months in prison.
According to documents in the case, Sosa was involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin along with codefendants Rafael Ramirez, Maria Guzman, and Cesar Izaguirre, each of whom has already been sentenced for their respective roles in this drug conspiracy. Sosa’s role in the conspiracy included picking up and delivering drugs around the country at the behest of Rafael Ramirez. At sentencing, Sosa was held responsible for involvement in the planned distribution of between 3 and 10 kilograms of heroin as relevant conduct for his offense.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Gary Man Indicted for Disaster Relief FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Olanrewajua A. Beyioku, 38, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an indictment with wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “At a time when individuals were going through some of the worst times in their lives, Mr. Beyioku seized the opportunity to enrich himself with hurricane relief funds meant for those who lost homes and businesses. My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate those who defraud the government for personal gain.”
The Indictment alleges that, in September and October 2017, Beyioku, a.k.a. “Papa Smith Morgan,” working in conjunction with others, known and unknown to the United States Attorney, devised a scheme to defraud the American Red Cross (“Red Cross”) by obtaining reference codes intended for nine different households directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and by using those codes to obtain $3,600 in hurricane relief funds.
According to the Indictment, on August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the Houston, Texas area causing extensive damage. President Donald J. Trump declared it a federal disaster area that same day, which made federal disaster relief funds available to those affected by the storm.
One type of federal disaster relief was a one-time cash payment of $400 through the Red Cross. The Red Cross established a link on their website where hurricane victims could apply for the cash assistance. Hurricane victims used their email addresses to apply. They entered personally identifiable information, including their address. If the address fell within a designated disaster area, The Red Cross forwarded the application electronically to an entity referred to herein as “Company A.”
Company A vetted the information, and electronically forwarded it to “Company B.” Company B then created an eleven-digit alphanumeric code. The code was then sent to the applicant with instructions to redeem the code at a Wal-Mart Money Center or Customer Service Desk.
In early September 2017, The Red Cross received reports of ineligible people redeeming multiple reference codes at various Wal-Mart stores across the United States. The Red Cross reported this to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”). With assistance from Wal-Mart Global Security Investigators, The Red Cross identified over 3,300 instances of fraudulently obtained reference codes. The loss to The Red Cross is more than 1.3 million dollars.
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 consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Romanian Woman Indicted for Financial Fraud and Possessing ATM Skimming DevicesRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Valentina Marinkovic, 18, of Romania, had a six count indictment returned against her, one count for executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution and 5 counts for possessing access device making equipment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on or about August 5, and continuing until on or about October 1, 2018, Marinkovic executed a scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution. Law enforcement has been investigating several reports of skimming devices being placed on bank and credit union ATMS as well as gas station credit card readers at gas pumps. The device captures and stores credit and debit card numbers of unsuspecting victims. The device is subsequently removed and the information from the skimming device is used to produce fraudulent credit/debit cards for unauthorized transactions.
In this case, a credit union was victimized having to reimburse members for losses exceeding $32,000
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the FBI, the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit along with the Elkhart Police Department. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.
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Mishawaka Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Jerome Sells, age 40, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possession of over 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Sells was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on February 28, 2018, Sells possessed 790 grams of methamphetamine as well as 1.2 kilograms of marijuana, a Taurus handgun and a Jimenez handgun at an auto shop that he operated in Mishawaka, Indiana. He admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and that he knew it was illegal for him to possess the firearms because he had previously been convicted of a felony. Sells has been convicted of ten misdemeanors and three felonies.
This case is being investigated by ATF with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, Elkhart County Police, St. Joseph County Police, the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, the South Bend Police, and the Mishawaka Police. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Man Indicted for Financial Fraud and Possessing ATM Skimming DeviceRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –Dumitru Tirlea, 46, of Nottingham, United Kingdom had a two count indictment returned against him for attempting to defraud a financial institution and possessing access device making equipment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on or about November 28, through 30, 2018, Tirlea attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution. Law enforcement has been investigating several reports of skimming devices being placed on bank ATMS as well as gas station credit card readers at gas pumps. The device captures and stores the credit and debit card numbers of unsuspecting victims. Subsequently the device is removed and the stored information is used to produce fraudulent credit/debit cards for unauthorized transactions.
In this case, a financial institution in Warsaw, Indiana reported finding a device on their ATM on November 28, 2018. Law enforcement conducted surveillance on the affected ATM. On November 30, Tirlea pulled up on the ATM and not having enough time to complete a transaction drove off. Law enforcement followed, conducted a traffic stop and arrested him. Tirlea, was identified based on ATM surveillance video as the individual who placed the device on the ATM on November 28, 2018. On December 3, 2018, Tirlea was arrested and charged via criminal complaint.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the FBI, the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit and Warsaw Police Department. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.
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Kalkaska, Michigan Woman SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Michelle Seljan, age 47, of Kalkaska, Michigan, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for theft of federal funds and tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Seljan was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release. Seljan was also ordered to pay $633,628 in restitution to HUD and $201,696 in restitution to IRS.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, "Seljan stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Hammond Housing Authority. Her greed earned her a lengthy prison sentence. My office has zero tolerance for public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain. Our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate, while we will continue to prosecute those who betray the public trust.”
According to documents in this case, from about 2013 to 2015, Seljan worked as a supervisor at the Hammond Housing Authority. She embezzled Housing Authority funds by using their computers to divert $633,628 of Housing Authority funds to bank accounts she had created. During that same time, she attempted to evade federal income taxes by submitting tax returns that failed to report the embezzled income.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Carlos Sanchez, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann, after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Maintaining a Place for Distributing and Using Cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Sanchez was sentenced to 108 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, between February, 2016 and May, 2016, Sanchez and a co-defendant conspired to and did engage in the business of dealing in firearms without being licensed to do so.
Sanchez also used his house to distribute drugs.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Indiana State Police. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Former Porter County Officer Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Lawrence W. LaFlower, 43 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
US Attorney Kirsch said, "Mr. LaFlower’s immediate guilty plea and sentence reflect the zero tolerance this District has for public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain. My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who corrupt their office for self-serving motives."
LaFlower was sentenced to 15 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. The Court also ordered a money judgment forfeiture in the amount of $187,698.52.
According to court documents, between April 2013 and April 2018, LaFlower used his position as the treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Ewalt Jahnz Lodge #165’s to embezzle over $180,000 from its investment and bank accounts. The FOP is a fraternal organization in Porter County, Indiana, whose mission is to improve working conditions for law enforcement officers and serve the public by raising money for scholarships and other programs.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Indiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 135 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Carlos Silva-Ponce, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Mr. Silva-Ponce was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from January 2015-July 2016, Mr. Silva-Ponce was part of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. This is part of a larger case involving co-defendants, Alan Chiprez-Garcia, Marco Garcia, Samuel Gemple and Patricia Quinones who have already been sentenced. Jose Razo is the final defendant waiting to be sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Safe Streets and Gang Task Force, whose members include the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Allen County Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey Speith.
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Whiting Man Convicted After 4-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Kenneth R. Morrison, age 68, of Whiting, Indiana was convicted of interstate transportation of stolen goods after a 4-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to records in the case, between December 2014 and January 2015, without authority the defendant dismantled the Monon Bridge in Hammond, Indiana, and transported pieces of the bridge to Burnham, Illinois where he sold the scrap for $18,000. He also sold parts of the bridge to a scrap dealer in East Chicago, Indiana. CFX Railroad gifted the Monon Bridge to the City of Hammond in 1987. The bridge, built in 1910, spanned the Grand Calumet River near Marble Street in Hammond.
Morrison’s sentencing date is scheduled for March 21, 2019.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services with assistance from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management and other members of the Environmental Crimes Task Force and was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Natural Resource Division, Environmental Crimes Section Trial Attorney Richard J. Powers and Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston of the Northern District of Indiana.
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Elkhart Man Indicted for Possession and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Steven J. Perry, 54, of Elkhart, Indiana, has been charged by indictment with transportation and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on September 17, 2018, Mr. Perry, who has a prior conviction for possession of child pornography, uploaded images of child pornography to an online service. The service reported this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who then relayed this “cybertip” to the Indiana Crimes Against Children task force. The cybertip was then referred to an FBI cybercrimes task force agent in South Bend. A search warrant was conducted on December 5, 2018 at Perry’s Elkhart residence. Mr. Perry admitted that he had uploaded images to the online service and was taken into custody.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the FBI cybercrime unit in South Bend with assistance from the Secret Service and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 40 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Anthony Braylock, 35 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Braylock was sentenced to 40 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in January 2018, Braylock sold a handgun to another person while at his house in South Bend, Indiana. Previously, in 2008, Braylock was convicted federally of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Braylock committed the present offense less than 6 months after being released from custody in his prior federal case.
This case was part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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South Bend Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Ramon Lenoir III, 37 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, has been charged with possession of over 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases of drug dealing, especially when firearms are involved. Curbing the distribution of illegal narcotics is a top priority of my Office.”
According to the federal Indictment, on December 6, 2018, Lenoir knowingly and intentionally possessed over 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to other people. He also possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.
Lenoir had been previously charged in state court for this criminal conduct. According to documents filed in that state court case, a person working with Warsaw, Indiana investigators purchased methamphetamine from Lenoir at his house in South Bend. Investigators then obtained a search warrant. When executing the warrant, officers found Lenoir near a toilet and believed he had attempted to flush something down the toilet. Lenoir had just under seven grams of suspected methamphetamine on him. Investigators found an additional 315 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the kitchen. Investigators also found several firearms, some marijuana, and over seven thousand dollars of cash.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit, the South Bend Police Department’s Strategic Focus Unit, and the Rochester Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly L. Schultz.
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New Carlisle Man Charged with Mail FraudRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Kevin Clinton, 61 years old, of New Carlisle, Indiana, has been charged with four counts of mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Schemes, like those allegedly engaged in by Mr. Clinton, to steal large sums of money from unsuspecting victims will be aggressively prosecuted in this district, particularly when an individual abuses his position of trust or authority to engage in fraud.”
According to documents in the case, Clinton was employed as the Chief Information Officer at a South Bend business. From about March 2012 through about October 2017, Clinton caused his employer to pay invoices to a sham company that he controlled for services that were never performed. Over the life of the scheme, payments to the sham company totaled about $2,286,359.25. Clinton took these funds for his own personal use and benefit.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke Reilander.
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Former South Bend Resident Charged with Mail Fraud for Scamming Elderly InvestorsRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Sven Eric Marshall, 61 years old, formerly of South Bend, Indiana, has been charged with five counts of mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Elder abuse scams, such as the scheme alleged in this case, will be aggressively prosecuted in this district. The elderly are among the most vulnerable of victims. When they place their trust, and in some case their life savings, into the hands of someone who abuses that trust to steal for personal gain, it is incumbent upon law enforcement to take action. Schemes targeting the elderly will never be tolerated.”
According to the indictment, Marshall owned and ran an investment company named Trust & Advisory Services of Indiana, Inc. Beginning about March 1998, Marshall recruited investors and promised returns of about four to eight percent per year with the option to receive interest payments or to reinvest gains in their account. As part of his scheme, Marshall provided monthly statements to investors that showed the purported balance of the investments. But, by January 2016, the Trust & Investment account was nearly empty. When investors requested information about their money, Marshall misrepresented the status and balance of the investments. Marshall did pay money to some investors who asked to withdraw a portion of their investments, even though the Trust & Investment account was almost empty, by transferring money from other unrelated accounts. In about December 2017, Marshall stopped communicating with investors and closed his office without notifying investors or providing a forwarding address. Since Marshall closed his office, investors have been unable to locate Marshall or recover their investments.
The investors were elderly. Several were in their seventies and eighties at the time of the alleged crimes, and two are now deceased.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke Reilander.
Marshall is currently wanted by authorities, anybody with information, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324).
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Bernard Pinkerton, 27 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Pinkerton was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 1 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on June 23, 2018, Pinkerton was driving a stolen car with a friend; in the vehicle was marijuana, a scale, plastic baggies, $1,100 cash, and a loaded 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen. Pinkerton was initially charged federally by compliant. Pinkerton confessed to possessing the gun and drugs. He had prior felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois involving drugs and a firearm.
This case was part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Elkhart Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Julio Sanchez, 48 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Sanchez was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Mr. Sanchez was being investigated by the Indiana State Police (ISP) for methamphetamine dealing. When the ISP determined that Mr. Sanchez was staying at a South Bend hotel, they conducted surveillance on the hotel. They had a warrant for his arrest on other charges. When he arrived on January 3, 2018, ISP arrested Sanchez and later obtained search warrants for his car and hotel room. Officers found approximately 1.1 grams of heroin and approximately 15 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine. Along with this heroin and methamphetamine, Sanchez also had over $1000 in cash, some pills, and smoking pipes and a loaded 9mm handgun in his car. Sanchez had previously been convicted of at least one prior felony, including criminal mischief in 2006 in the St. Joseph County Superior Court in Indiana.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Indiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Hobart Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine and Possessing Firearms as a FelonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Carlos Rodriguez, 41, of Hobart, Indiana, was charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and possessing firearms as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “When individuals promote the illegal use of drugs in our communities, those criminals will be held accountable for their actions. We will continue to partner with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies to vigorously investigate and prosecute these crimes that seek to destroy our communities."
The criminal complaint alleges that on December 4, 2018, the FBI executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s vehicles and Hobart residence. Rodriguez was arrested and approximately 130 gross grams of heroin and 330 gross grams of cocaine were recovered during the search. In addition, ten firearms, including two firearms with obliterated serial numbers, were recovered. Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior federal felony conviction for distribution of narcotics in the Northern District of Indiana and his prior felony conviction for manufacturing / delivery of cocaine in Illinois.
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 FBI’s Gang Response Investigative Team, the ATF and the Hobart Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Anthony Francis, 20 years old, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Francis was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 30, 2017, Francis along with his co-defendant Brian Cardona distributed 198 grams of methamphetamine to another individual. During the transaction, the defendants discussed providing much larger quantities of drugs and firearms. Francis was on community corrections when he and Cardona sold the methamphetamine. On July 5, 2018, Cardona was sentenced to 78 months incarceration for his criminal conduct.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the DEA, South Bend Police Department and the Elkhart Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Man Charged in Criminal Complaint with Interstate KidnappingRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Randy Smith, 24, recently of Golden Valley, Minnesota, was charged in a criminal complaint with interstate kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch says, “The speedy charges filed in this matter represent the responsiveness of our law enforcement partners to investigate violent crime. Our strong commitment to investigating and prosecuting senseless violent crimes will always remain.”
The criminal complaint alleges that on the morning of December 5, 2018, a victim in Lafayette, Indiana, was kidnapped against her will and under threat of death or serious bodily injury, held for ransom, and transported to Illinois by individuals including Randy Smith. On the evening of December 5, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in Illinois containing the victim and Smith, at which time Smith was taken into custody.
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, the Lafayette Police Department, and investigators with the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Mahoney.
Gary Man Sentenced to 96 Months ImprisonmentFollowing Conviction for Possessing Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Derek Tyrone Edwards, 40 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Edwards was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release when released from prison.
According to documents in the case, on February 15, 2018, law enforcement responded to 8th and Grant Street, Gary, Indiana, concerning a traffic collision and made contact with Edwards, an occupant of a vehicle. While talking to Edwards, law enforcement observed a gun magazine inside the vehicle and had Edwards exit the vehicle. Law enforcement recovered a 7.62x39mm semi-automatic pistol from the vehicle. In pleading guilty, Edwards admitted possessing the firearm and having prior felony convictions: a 2014 conviction in Indiana for Possession of Cocaine or Narcotic Drug and convictions in Wisconsin for Manufacture/Deliver THC in 2006, Possession with Intent THC in 2004, and Forgery in 2002.
This case was part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
This case was investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and Gary Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
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Munster Man Enters Guilty Plea in Connection with September 2017 Explosion at East Chicago Post Office and SubsequentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Eric P. Krieg, age 46, of Munster, Indiana, plead guilty 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.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Mr. Krieg’s guilty plea is a reflection of the outstanding work by our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in solving this horrific crime. Mr. Krieg’s egregious, retaliatory conduct put several lives at risk. Under the terms of his plea agreement he will be punished severely. Criminal conduct like Mr. Krieg’s will never be tolerated.”
This case stems from the September 6, 2017 U.S. Postal Service facility explosion in East Chicago and the mailing of a suspicious package on September 29, 2017. In October 2017, Krieg was arrested and charged. He has been in custody since his arrest.
In the plea agreement, the parties agree that Krieg should serve a sentence of 29 years.
According to the plea agreement filed today, Krieg is prepared to admit the following facts:
From 2012 through August 2017, I engaged in a series of online postings and communications concerning other residents of Northwest Indiana. Through these online postings and communications, I made statements in multiple online forums, including a webpage ‘blog’ format that I controlled and administered.
Victim 1 was an attorney who represented an individual in a lawsuit against me. This lawsuit was filed in the Lake County, Indiana Superior Court in 2013 based upon statements I made on my blog. After the filing of the lawsuit, I filed bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Indiana. Through filings made in the Bankruptcy Court, Victim 1 claimed the lawsuit could not be discharged in bankruptcy. I agreed to settle the lawsuit with Victim 1’s client. The settlement required me to pay Victim 1’s client $45,000 and post an apology on my blog. I paid $45,000 and made an online apology.
In retaliation for the filing and settling of this lawsuit and other grudges I held, I devised a plan to construct and mail a pipe bomb that I hoped and believed would kill or injure Victim 1. I constructed this pipe bomb and knew that it contained explosives and items that would produce shrapnel. The pipe bomb was constructed in the Northern District of Indiana. The pipe bomb was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
On September 6, 2017, I placed the pipe bomb in the mail by delivering it to the United States Post Office, 901 East Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, Indiana and ensuring it had the appropriate postage. I mailed the pipe bomb with the intention that it kill or injure Victim 1. I am aware the pipe bomb exploded before it was delivered to Victim 1 and instead injured Victim 2, a postal worker. I damaged the Post Office where the pipe bomb exploded. At the time of the explosion, the Post Office was used in interstate commerce or was used in an activity affecting interstate commerce.
I engaged in online communications with Victim 3. Victim 3 was a resident of Northwest Indiana. I was upset with, and held grudges against, both Victim 1 and Victim 3. On September 29, 2017, I mailed a threat to kill or injure Victim 3. I placed this threatening communication in the mail in the Northern District of Indiana and it was post marked to, and I am now aware later delivered to, Victim 3 in the Northern District of Indiana.
This case results 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua P. Kolar and Jennifer Chang.
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Man Charged in with Possessing ATM Skimming DeviceRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – An individual who presented ID as Dumitru Tirlea, was charged by criminal complaint with defrauding a financial institution and possessing access device making equipment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on or about November 28 through 30 of 2018, Tirlea attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution. Law enforcement has been investigating several reports of skimming devices being placed on bank ATMS as well as gas station credit card readers at gas pumps. The device captures the credit and debit card numbers of unsuspecting victims and stores the numbers. After time the device is removed and the information from the skimming device is used to produce fraudulent credit/debit cards for unauthorized transactions.
In this case, a bank in Warsaw, Indiana reported a device on their ATM on November 28, 2018. Law enforcement conducted surveillance on the affected ATM. On November 30, Dumitru pulled up on the ATM and not having enough time to complete a transaction drove off. Law enforcement followed, conducted a traffic stop and arrested him. Tirlea, was identified based on ATM surveillance video, as the individual who placed the device on the ATM on November 28, 2018.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, 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 was investigated by the FBI, the Indiana State Police Organize Crime and Corruption Unit and Warsaw Police Department. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.
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Albion Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Brock Shellman, 34 years old, of Albion, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Shellman was sentenced to 108 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, from February, 2016 through April 2016, Shellman and co-defendants conspired and distributed methamphetamine.
This case was the result of an investigation by the following federal agencies: ATF; DEA; IRS-Criminal Investigation Division and DHS/ICE in Salt Lake City, Utah. The following state and local law enforcement agencies also participated in this investigation: Indiana State Police; Allen County Sheriff Department; Noble County Sheriff Department; Steuben County Sheriff Office; Fort Wayne Police Department; Albion Police Department; Rome City Police Department; Kendallville Police Department; the Noble County Prosecutor’s Office and the Summit County, Utah Sheriff’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Warsaw, Indiana Man Sentenced to 91 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Blake Robison, age 27, of Warsaw, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for transporting child pornography in interstate commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Robison was sentenced to 91 months in prison with 5 years of supervised release after his prison term.
According to documents in this case, in 2017, using a home computer, Robison uploaded two videos into his Dropbox account. The videos contained sexually explicit conduct by a minor. Robison also possessed over twenty thousand images of child pornography and over 400 videos. Some of the images depicted bestiality and sadistic images, and still others depicted prepubescent children, or children under the age of twelve. Robison obtained some of the images from the dark web and he used cloud storage to hide his collection of images.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Maciejczyk.
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South Bend, Indiana Man Sentenced to 64 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Marvin Tobar, age 29, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Tobar was sentenced to 64 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on the afternoon of April 22, 2018, Tobar stood in the road in a neighborhood in South Bend and fired twenty (20) rounds from a .223 caliber rifle. Another man fired at least one shot from a handgun. At least one vehicle that was parked down the street from the incident was struck by a bullet. Numerous people were at home and present when Tobar fired his rifle. Several witnesses came outside, met police, and talked about the incident. After firing his rifle, Tobar ran inside a nearby house, hid the rifle in a crawlspace and hid the magazine in a closet. When police found the gun, the magazine was empty but the rifle still had one live round in the chamber. Tobar has three prior convictions for misdemeanors and two prior felonies. One of his prior felonies involved Tobar taking a loaded rifle onto school property. In 2011, Tobar was convicted of reckless homicide when he pulled a handgun and began shooting during a confrontation. When others joined him, a man was killed.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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The Last of 21 Latin King Members and Associates Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Two Murders in IndianaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A Cedar Lake, Indiana Latin Kings gang member, was sentenced to 324 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana for his role and participation in the Latin Kings street gang, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas L Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana.
Sergio M. Robles aka Checko, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. At sentencing, Robles was held responsible for participating in the December 2003 murder of Jonathan Zimmerman in Hammond, Indiana, and the May 2008 murder of Jose Cortez in East Chicago, Indiana. The Latin Kings suspected Zimmerman was involved in a drug transaction with counterfeit currency. Accordingly, Zimmerman was shot and killed by a co-defendant. Jose Cortez was shot to death by another co-defendant because the Latin Kings believed Cortez was a member of a rival street gang. According to documents in this case, Robles possessed a firearm in furtherance of the gang’s activities and was involved in a conspiracy to distribute 150 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.
“Today’s 27-year sentence demonstrates that our focused efforts on investigating and prosecuting gang members committing violent acts on the streets of Northern Indiana, past or present, is long from over,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Just last week we had a member receive a 28-year sentence. Our community and law enforcement partnerships are some of the best and we will continue investigating and prosecuting these type of cases.”
According to the third superseding indictment returned on Nov. 16, 2011, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out in Indiana and throughout the United States, including to Texas. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters. The third superseding indictment filed in this case alleges that the Latin Kings gang was responsible for at least 19 murders in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and Big Spring, Texas.
In addition to Robles, 19 other co-defendants, including two former Chicago police officers, entered guilty pleas and were previously sentenced for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy. One co-defendant, Martin Anaya, was convicted of racketeering and drug conspiracies at trial and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Griffith Police Department; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Houston Police Department and the Lubbock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph A. Cooley (formally a Trial Attorney with OCGS) and David J. Nozick prosecuted this case.
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Munster Man Filed Guilty Plea in Connection with September 2017 Explosion at East Chicago Post Office and Subsequent MailingRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Eric P. Krieg, age 46, of Munster, Indiana, through his attorney, filed a signed agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office indicating his intent to plead guilty 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.
This case stems from the September 6, 2017 US Postal Facility explosion in East Chicago and the mailing of a suspicious package on September 29, 2017. In October 2017, Krieg was arrested and charged. He has been in custody since his arrest.
In the plea agreement, the parties agree that Krieg should serve a sentence of 29 years.
According to the plea agreement filed today, Krieg is prepared to admit the following facts:
“From 2012 through August 2017, I engaged in a series of online postings and communications concerning other residents of Northwest Indiana. Through these online postings and communications, I made statements in multiple online forums, including a webpage ‘blog’ format that I controlled and administered.
“Victim 1 was an attorney who represented an individual in a lawsuit against me. This lawsuit was filed in the Lake County, Indiana Superior Court in 2013 based upon statements I made on my blog. After the filing of the lawsuit, I filed bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Indiana. Through filings made in the Bankruptcy Court, Victim 1 claimed the lawsuit could not be discharged in bankruptcy. I agreed to settle the lawsuit with Victim 1’s client. The settlement required me to pay Victim 1’s client $45,000 and post an apology on my blog. I paid $45,000 and made an online apology.
“In retaliation for the filing and settling of this lawsuit and other grudges I held, I devised a plan to construct and mail a pipe bomb that I hoped and believed would kill or injure Victim 1. I constructed this pipe bomb and knew that it contained explosives and items that would produce shrapnel. The pipe bomb was constructed in the Northern District of Indiana. The pipe bomb was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
“On September 6, 2017, I placed the pipe bomb in the mail by delivering it to the United States Post Office, 901 East Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, Indiana and ensuring it had the appropriate postage. I mailed the pipe bomb with the intention that it kill or injure Victim 1. I am aware the pipe bomb exploded before it was delivered to Victim 1 and instead injured Victim 2, a postal worker. I damaged the Post Office where the pipe bomb exploded. At the time of the explosion, the Post Office was used in interstate commerce or was used in an activity affecting interstate commerce.
“I engaged in online communications with Victim 3. Victim 3 was a resident of Northwest Indiana. I was upset with, and held grudges against, both Victim 1 and Victim 3. On September 29, 2017, I mailed a threat to kill or injure Victim 3. I placed this threatening communication in the mail in the Northern District of Indiana and it was post marked to, and I am now aware later delivered to, Victim 3 in the Northern District of Indiana.”
The plea hearing will take place in the near future before United States District Court Senior Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen in the Hammond Federal Courthouse.
This case results 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua P. Kolar and Jennifer Chang.
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Mishawaka Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Shane Inghels, 36 years old, of Mishawaka, IN, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., after pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Inghels was sentenced to a total of 235 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release when released from prison.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “A violent offender was put in prison for his crimes. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to others that disregard for the rule of law will result in serious consequences. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus our efforts on career criminals, like Mr. Inghels.”
According to documents in the case, Inghels had outstanding warrants for failure to appear when he traveled from Mishawaka to Michigan City to sell methamphetamine. After meeting with individuals in Michigan City, he drove away from the area with a passenger in his car who was eight and a half months pregnant. Police officers began following his vehicle, at which point he sped away and fled from police down a highway while driving at speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour. Inghels drove into oncoming traffic and through stop lights while the passenger in his car begged him to stop. After driving more than ten miles, Inghels lost control of the car and crashed into a ditch. He got out of the car and ran away, leaving his pregnant passenger behind. Inghels only stopped when police officers deployed a K-9 to assist them in taking him into custody. Inghels had over $2,500.00 on him when officers caught him. Officers found Inghels’s safe in the trunk of the car, which was filled with over 65 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms. Inghels has several felony convictions, which not only qualifies him as a felon in possession of a firearm but also as an armed career criminal. Since age 18, Inghels’ crime actions have included breaking into a home to steal firearms; beating a person in a parking lot until the victim suffered a concussion and a broken nose; manufacturing methamphetamine; breaking into a garage to steal items to sell; beating a person while in jail; and committing offenses while on probation.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the LaPorte County Drug Task Force with the assistance of the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Indiana State Police, Michigan City Police Department, New Carlisle Police Department, and St. Joseph County Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kevin Pope, 32 years old, of South Bend, IN, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr., after pleading guilty to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Pope was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release when released from prison.
According to documents in the case, on or about April 5, 2017, Pope was in possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.
This case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Twenty Seven Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Union Members SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Twenty Seven Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters were each sentenced after guilty pleas to one count of health care theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to the documents filed in this case, 27 members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters filed false medical claims illegally requesting reimbursement of medical expenses from the union’s health care program. These 27 union members pled guilty to Health Care Theft and were ordered to pay restitution to the union health fund. The total amount ordered repaid was $531,422.68.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Both the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and Employee Benefit Security Administration take health care fraud seriously. To be able to have restitution ordered in excess of $500,000 greatly enhances the reliability of these plans.”
“We will continue to work with the U.S. Department Labor’s Employee Benefit Security Administration and our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans,” stated James Vanderberg, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“The Employee Benefits Security Administration will continue to investigate such crimes aggressively on behalf of workers nationwide as part of the Department’s mission to protect the rights of America’s workers,” said EBSA Regional Director Jeffrey A. Monhart, in Chicago.
These cases were investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and the Employee Benefits Security Administration and prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Indiana.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Latin King Racketeering Conspiracy Including Murder of Innocent VictimRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Anton James, Jr., 22, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Simon to 28 years imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit racketeering activity for his role and participation in the Latin Kings street gang, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Mr. James, through his gang activities, terrorized the streets of Northwest Indiana. The 28 year sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the community to investigate and prosecute gangs.”
At sentencing, James was found to have committed the October 28, 2014, murder of Martin Hurtado, Sr., of Hammond, Indiana, in furtherance of the Latin Kings. Hurtado, an innocent victim who was not a gang member, was outside his residence working on his car when he was gunned down by James in an effort to further James’ standing and prestige in the Latin King street gang. According to documents in this case, James was involved with the Latin Kings from approximately 2011 - 2015. During his involvement with the Latin Kings, he conspired to distribute between 5 and 15 kilograms of cocaine. He patrolled Latin King controlled territory in Hammond, Indiana, in furtherance of the gang while armed with a firearm with an extended magazine. On another occasion, he shot an entire magazine worth of bullets at a residence of a rival Latin Counts member. On another occasion, James shot at rival Spanish Gangster Disciples members outside of a convenience store in Hammond.
Enforcement actions and partnerships related to violent gangs are part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
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 case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick, Dean R. Lanter, and Joseph A. Cooley, formerly of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Mathew P. Ridenour, 30 years old, of Mishawaka, IN, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr., after pleading guilty to the Production of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Ridenour was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release when released from prison.
According to documents in the case, on or about February 16, 2017, Ridenour recorded a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also admitted to having over 600 images of child pornography on his computer.
This case was investigated by the FBI, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Cybercrime Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Michael Cruz, 39, of Wheeling, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Cruz received a sentence of 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, DEA agents used a confidential source to negotiate with Michael Cruz and co-defendant Rigoberto Ortiz-Dominguez, for the purchase of kilograms of heroin on November 16, 2017. Cruz informed the confidential source that a courier would deliver the heroin later that same day. The courier was Ortiz-Dominguez. Hammond Police stopped both Cruz and Ortiz-Dominguez on their way to deliver the heroin. During a search of Ortiz-Dominguez’s car, police found 3.06 kilograms of heroin in a hidden compartment. Co-defendant Ortiz-Dominguez was sentenced to 51 months in prison on July 2018.
This case was investigated by the DEA Indiana HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Robert Watkins Sentenced and Ordered to pay $1,291,030 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Robert Watkins, 32 years old, of Porter, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Watkins received a sentence of 15 months imprisonment and was ordered to pay $1,291,030 in restitution to Arcelor Mittal.
According to documents in the case, Watkins pled guilty to three counts of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property because, between September 2013 and March 2014, Watkins and others stole a metal alloy called Ferro Columbium from Arcelor Mittal’s 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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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 140 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Rasheed Stukes, age 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to bank robbery along with using a dangerous weapon during such act, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Stukes was sentenced to 140 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 11 2016, Stukes 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 case was investigated by the FBI and Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
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Allen County Man Sentenced to 135 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Andrew Wood, age 24, of Leo, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to armed bank robbery along with aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Wood was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,527.37 in restitution.
According to documents in the case, on September 12, 2014, Wood and five co-defendants robbed a bank in Harlan, Indiana at gunpoint. Wood and another co-defendant entered the bank while the four remaining co-defendants, spread among three vehicles, took up various positions in the area surrounding the bank. After entering the bank, Wood’s co-defendant displayed a handgun and the two men demanded money from the bank employees. After having trouble exiting the bank, two shots were fired through the glass front doors of the bank so Wood and his co-defendant could exit. Wood was apprehended a short time later a short distance from the bank. The other five co-defendants were also apprehended a short time later.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
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Jury Finds Lafayette Man Guilty of Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Shawn M. Dewitt, 34 years old, of Lafayette, Indiana, was found guilty of production, possession and distribution of child pornography after a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in this case, on November 26, 2017, Dewitt responded to an advertisement posted on an online social networking forum which was posted by an undercover FBI task force agent in Washington DC, who was familiar with child exploitation investigations. In chatting with the undercover agent, Dewitt expressed a sexual interest in children and also informed the agent that he had access to two children for sexual purposes. Dewitt sent the undercover agent videos and images of child pornography and also asked the undercover officer to send him videos of sexual acts with the undercover agent’s fictional 9 year old daughter. The undercover agent sent an emergency referral to the Lafayette FBI office on November 27, 2017. Officers from the Lafayette police department and FBI agents conducted a search the next day and arrested Dewitt.
U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II says, “This case demonstrates how rapidly the FBI and local law enforcement will respond in investigations where a child is at risk. Children are the most vulnerable victims and our office and law enforcement partners will do everything we can to protect them from exploitation.”
Dewitt will be sentenced on February 7, 2019. Because Dewitt was convicted of producing child pornography, by statute he must be sentenced to at least fifteen years’ incarceration. The judge will determine the sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and sentencing statutes.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Lafayette Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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