Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Four Additional Latin Dragon Members Charged with Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Four additional members of Chicago area criminal street gang, the Latin Dragons Nation, have been charged with racketeering conspiracy and other related offenses in a second superseding indictment unsealed today, 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 announced.
According to the second 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 and drug operations. Latin Dragons Nation gang members are required by gang rules to take immediate violent action against anyone who threatens them, and gain respect and status within the gang by doing so.
The four additional defendants charged in the nine-count indictment are Gustavo Colunga aka “Barkley,” 25, of Hammond, Indiana; Joshua Harris-White aka “BJ,” 24, of Chicago, Illinois; Mario Colunga, 30, of Whiting, Indiana; and Luis Colunga, aka “Panson,” 28, of Chicago, Illinois.
Among the various alleged offenses that the second superseding indictment added are:
- On or about July 27, 2015, allegedly Gustavo Colunga and Joshua Harris-White approached Victim #6, a juvenile, whom Gustavo Colunga and Harris-White believed was a rival gang member. Harris-White held Victim #6 down, while Gustavo Colunga stabbed Victim #6 in the throat. Both Gustavo Colunga and Harris-White fled in a vehicle driven by a third Latin Dragon Nation member.
- On or about Nov. 22, 2017, allegedly while Mario Colunga was driving a vehicle occupied by Ralph Mendez Jr., another Latin Dragon Nation member and three female associates, Mendez Jr. did a drive-by shooting in a rival gang neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois.
- On different occasions, allegedly Luis Colunga delivered an H&R .38 caliber revolver, and Gustavo Colunga delivered a Smith & Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and Inter Ordnance .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a quantity of cocaine to an undercover ATF special agent.
- On or about Aug. 13, 2018, Gustavo Colunga and Joshua Harris-White sold a Ruger .44 magnum revolver and a quantity of marijuana to an ATF undercover special agent.
The previously indicted defendants, charged in this case are Manuel Diaz aka “Smiley,” 27, of Hammond, Indiana; Eduardo Diaz-Corral aka “Lalo,” 20, of Calumet City, Illinois; Ralph Mendez Jr. aka “Lil Devious,” 22, of Chicago, Illinois; and Joseph Roggenkamp aka “Dro,” 21, of East Chicago, Indiana. Diaz-Corral and Diaz allegedly participated, respectively, in the murders of Paul Cruz on Nov. 20, 2016, in Chicago, and Charles Berrios on Sept. 30, 2017, in Hammond, Indiana. These murders and other acts of violence are charged in this second superseding indictment.
The second 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 a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The maximum penalty for murder in aid of racketeering is death or in the alternative a mandatory life sentence.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the Hammond Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Merrillville Police Department; the Hobart Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department along with the Chicago and Calumet City, Illinois Police. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Robert S. Tully of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph A. Cooley and David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.
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- On or about July 27, 2015, allegedly Gustavo Colunga and Joshua Harris-White approached Victim #6, a juvenile, whom Gustavo Colunga and Harris-White believed was a rival gang member. Harris-White held Victim #6 down, while Gustavo Colunga stabbed Victim #6 in the throat. Both Gustavo Colunga and Harris-White fled in a vehicle driven by a third Latin Dragon Nation member.
Firearms and Drug Trafficking Ring IndictedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch announces the return of a 14 count indictment that includes charges on conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine and the possession of firearms by felons.
According to documents in this case, Aaron Baxter, 30, of Michigan City, Indiana; Joseph Taylor, 34, of Gary, Indiana; and Susanne Tincher, 36, of Michigan City, Indiana, are all charged with a conspiracy to purchase firearms from a federal firearms licensee through misrepresentation. In this case Suzanne Tincher made at least four firearm purchases during the conspiracy knowing that she was purchasing the firearms for persons who could not purchase the firearms themselves. The indictment also includes one alleged straw purchase where, on the same day that Tincher purchased firearms from a store, Taylor, a convicted felon, sold 2 of those firearms to undercover officers under the direction of Baxter.
The indictment alleges that Baxter and Taylor were also dealing in highly pure methamphetamine and that Taylor was dealing in cocaine. In the indictment both Taylor and Baxter face additional counts of being felons in possession of firearms.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with assistance from the Michigan City Police Department and the LaPorte County Prosecutors Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Charges Added to the Latin King Street GangRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced federal racketeering and drug conspiracy charges against 6 members of the Latin Kings, a criminal enterprise operating in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Named in today’s two-count superseding indictment are:
Jeremiah Shane Farmer, 37, of Hammond, IN
Sean Michael Pena a/k/a “Big Body,” 36, of Hammond, IN
David Ulmenstine a/k/a “Silent,” 27, of Harvey, IL
Miguel Angel Marines a/k/a “Egg,” 24, of East Chicago, IN
Reynaldo Robles a/k/a “Sneaky,” 27, of Lake Station, IN
Mark Anthony Toney a/k/a “Slim,” 39, of Lake Village, IN
This fifth superseding indictment alleges a conspiracy to commit racketeering activity by the Latin Kings street gang and a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, marijuana, and alprazolam (Xanax), with the conspiracies stretching back to 1999. Today’s superseding indictment charges for the first time that in 1999, in furtherance of the Latin Kings racketeering conspiracy, Farmer committed a double homicide during a robbery of a local Hammond, Indiana business. In total, 50 members or associates of the Latin Kings street gang have been charged in Northern District of Indiana as part of this case.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “This indictment should send a strong message to those engaged in gang and other violent crime. We will focus all of our law enforcement efforts on reducing violent crime in my District.”
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 is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chicago Police Department, 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 Northern District of Illinois United States Attorney’s Office and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office also has provided assistance. The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick, Nicholas J. Padilla and Joseph Cooley of the Northern District of Indiana.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jesse Houston, 25 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge DeGuilio upon his plea of guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Houston was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release
According to documents in the case, in May of 2018 Houston possessed with intent to distribute 2 pounds of marijuana. He also possessed a loaded handgun to further his drug trafficking activity. The marijuana and firearm were found when law enforcement searched his bedroom during the execution of a search warrant.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Northwest Ambulance Services Owner Charged with 11 Count IndictmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Basil N. Ubanwa, 60 years old, of Crown Point, Indiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury for 11 counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Health care fraud is a serious crime that drives up the cost of healthcare for all honest Americans. Medicare and Medicaid are not bottomless funds from which theft goes unnoticed or unpunished. Taxpayers are the victims of these crimes. We, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute perpetrators of these fraudulent schemes.”
The indictment alleges that between 2011 and 2018, Ubanwa executed a scheme to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars by submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid for ambulance services. From 2007 to 2018, Ubanwa was the owner and manager of Northwest Ambulance Services, located in Crown Point, Indiana. Northwest’s primary source of revenue was transporting patients to and from kidney dialysis appointments. According to the indictment, Ubanwa and others directed Northwest employees to transport patients by ambulance who did not qualify for ambulance transportation and who were not eligible to receive such services under Medicare reimbursement rules. Ubanwa and others instructed Northwest employees to bill Medicare and Medicaid for ambulance services that were not medically necessary.
The United States is seeking criminal forfeiture of the proceeds of the alleged crimes including, but not limited to, the over $1.9 million from bank accounts associated with Northwest Ambulance and Ubanwa that are listed in the forfeiture count of the indictment.
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, Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Abizer Zanzi.
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U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II Announces Progress in Making our Communities Safer through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Throughout the past year, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face. Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”
“During the past 12 months, federal firearm related prosecutions have increased more than 20 percent throughout Northern Indiana. PSN is a proven strategy, and we will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners on this important initiative to reduce violent crime throughout the district, which is a high priority of my office,” announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
The U.S. Attorney personally meets with local law enforcement heads on a regular basis to guide the effort while members of his staff work with local law enforcement to identify the most dangerous offenders who will be prosecuted in federal court. Federal and state law enforcement regularly work together to share crime intelligence information to identify the most violent members of our community. During the past year, federal prosecutors and federal law enforcement agencies, working in conjunction with local law enforcement officials and prosecutors, have identified several groups of individuals who drive the violence in our community and have prosecuted members of those groups.
Community Partnerships
The South Bend Group Violence Intervention Program (SBGVI) unites community leaders from law enforcement, government, education, civil service, and faith-based agencies in an effort to reduce gun violence in South Bend. A centerpiece of this strategy is the critical analysis of crime data to identify groups that drive violence in the South Bend community and to focus crime prevention efforts on those groups. A means of strategic communication with identified groups is through the use of periodic “call in” meetings. The aim of the call in meeting is, by speaking to the 15-25 group connected individual invitees, spreading these SBGVI’s core messages: (1) the Community demands that gun violence must stop; (2) law enforcement will bring focused attention on any group that chooses to ignore the Community’s message and continues to engage in gun violence and; (3) the Community’s offer of social service assistance to persons who wish to embark on a path away from violence is real and robust. The law enforcement partners, based on review and analysis of violent crime data, implement enforcement actions against members and associates of groups/gangs that continue to engage in violent criminal activity. “In addition to call-in meetings, strategic communication through “custom notifications” to high risk individuals are increasingly used.”SBGVI has also recently added an outreach team whose goal is to foster relationships in the community and make citizens more comfortable with reporting information without fear of reprisal.
Like South Bend, Gary employs a group violence reduction strategy under the guidance of the National Network for Safe Communities. The strategy in Gary also includes call in meetings, custom notifications and social services outreach/support.
Improvements to Community Safety
- The FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that, after two consecutive, historic increases in violent crime, in the first year of the Trump Administration the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline. The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.
- The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.
- In South Bend, the number of people shot has dropped by 33 percent during the first three quarters of 2018 compared to the same time last year.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Andre Pittman, 31 years old, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, after pleading guilty to two counts of robbery affecting interstate commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The Court imposed a sentence of63 months, followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, Pittman robbed a cellular store on Lincoln Way West in South Bend on March 9, 2018. He also robbed a video store on Portage Avenue in South Bend on March 13, 2018. The combined cash stolen from these businesses
was $1,045.00 dollars.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the South Bend Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Claypool, Indiana Man Sentenced to 100 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Seth Allen, 29 years old, of Claypool, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The Court imposed a sentence of 100 months incarceration and 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on January 3, 2018, Allen possessed and sold an Intratec model Tec-DC9, nine-millimeter Luger semi-automatic pistol to another individual. Allen had previously been convicted of a felony and has had multiple other criminal convictions since turning 18 years old.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the Warsaw Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
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Settlement with Martin Enterprises, Inc. and Its Surety for Submitting False Claims for Demolition Work under the U.S. Treasury’s Blight Elimination ProgramRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE - United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II announced today a pre-suit settlement under the False Claims Act for fraudulently submitted claims payable with federal Blight Elimination Program funds for demolition work not performed properly.
During 2008, the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury) created the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to stabilize the economy during the financial crisis. During 2010, Treasury created the Hardest Hit Fund, Blight Elimination Program (BEP), one of several TARP programs, which funded the demolition of abandoned and blighted residential properties in designated cities. The Special Inspector General for TARP (SIGTARP) is responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the BEP. The State of Indiana, through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, administered the BEP program in Indiana using federal BEP funds. The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana (Fort Wayne) was a BEP program partner that awarded contracts to Martin Enterprises, Inc. (Martin) to demolish houses on blighted properties using federal BEP funds.
Martin and its surety, Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company, have agreed to pay $61,016 to resolve the United States’ claims under the False Claims Act for fraudulently submitting claims for federal BEP funds for demolition and fill work done in Fort Wayne from February-September 2017. Specifically, after demolition, instead of filling the excavation sites with clean fill as required by the contract, Martin filled the excavation sites with construction debris and then falsely billed and received payments from the federal BEP program as if they had used clean fill. Under the settlement, Martin repays the $30,508 of federal BEP funds that Martin received for the fraudulently billed claims, and also pays a civil penalty of $30,508.
“We will not tolerate dishonest contractors who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of federal taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. “My Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit will continue to require contractors who submit fraudulent claims for federal government funds to reimburse the government for their ill-gotten gains and also pay civil penalties under the False Claims Act.”
“Dumping of potentially contaminated building material on blighted properties by the only Hardest Hit Fund-paid demolition contractor in Fort Wayne put residents and communities at risk while fleecing taxpayers,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. “I thank U.S. Attorney Kirsch and his Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit for standing with SIGTARP in the fight against fraud in TARP’s Blight Elimination Program.”
This settlement was reached as a result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program of the United States Department of the Treasury. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne T. Ault handled the settlement negotiations.
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Arizona Man Charged with Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Hammond – Rico Prunty, 36, of Sierra Vista, Arizona has been charged with conspiracy to commit identity theft, aggravated identity theft, and criminal violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to court documents, between in or about July 2014 and continuing through in or about May 2017, Rico Prunty, an employee at an Arizona medical facility, accessed his employer’s patient medical intake forms which contained patients’ individually identifiable health information (i.e., patient names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and medical information) and provided that information to his co-conspirators in Northwest Indiana. His co-conspirators then utilized that personal information to open numerous credit card accounts or access existing credit card accounts without the knowledge, permission, or authority of these Arizona residents.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons 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 consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and in being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Jossean Manuel Echevarria and Diquan Nashawn Ray Charged with Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Jossean Manuel Echevarria, 30 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, and Diquan Dashawn Ray, 23 years old, of Burnham, Illinois were charged on October 1, 2018 by criminal complaint with Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, announced U.S Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Echevarria and Ray stole copper wire from Clayhole Woods, a Cook County Forest Preserve in Illinois. They then transported that copper wire across state lines into Indiana. Officers stopped Echevarria and Ray in a vehicle in Hammond, Indiana and found them in possession of the copper wire from the forest preserve.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that a 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 GRIT Task Force in conjunction with Hammond Police Department, Lansing (Illinois) Police Department, and Cook County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Jorge Esqueda, 24, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip Simon after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Esqueda was sentenced to 108 months in prison.
According to documents in the case, Esqueda entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity for his role and participation in the Latin Kings Street Gang. As part of his plea agreement, Esqueda admitted that, as a member of the Latin Kings, he was a manager or supervisor of criminal activity, that he was responsible for between 3.5 and 5 kilograms of cocaine as drug weight relevant conduct, and that he possessed a firearm in connection with his offense.
This case was investigated by 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 has also provided assistance. The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean Lanter of the Northern District of Indiana along with the Department of Justice Trial Attorney Joseph Cooley.
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Guilty Jury Verdict for Kouts ManRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Michael Thomas, 41 years old, of Kouts, Indiana, was found guilty after a four-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced U. S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in this case, a grand jury charged Thomas in a four count indictment alleging that Thomas devised a scheme to defraud insurance companies. The indictment alleged that he and others took out insurance policies on several residences near North Judson, Indiana, that he owned, shortly before each residence burnt due to arson. The charged fires occurred in 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2013. He and others received over $600,000 from the insurance companies.
Mr. Thomas will be sentenced on January 17, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Charles McCreary, age 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
McCreary was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in January 2017, McCreary was in possession of a .40 caliber firearm after having three prior felony convictions in Allen County Court. These three convictions qualify him as an armed career criminal.
This case was investigated by the ATF, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Albion Man Sentenced to 170 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Keith Miller, age 35, of Albion, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess methamphetamine, knowingly and intentionally distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Miller was sentenced to 170 months in prison.
According to documents in the case, from February 2016 through April 2016, Miller and co-defendants conspired and distributed methamphetamine. In November 2016 Miller was in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This case was the result of an investigation by the ATF, DEA, and IRS-Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
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Two Valparaiso Residents Charged with Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Hammond – Robert Timothy Wilson, 55, and Shelly Wilson, 53, of Valparaiso, Indiana have been charged with conspiracy to commit tax evasion, tax evasion, and failure to file tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to court documents, between on or about January 2008 and continuing through on or about April 2015, the Wilsons, owners and officers of Anchor Health Systems, Inc., conspired to evade paying taxes. They also failed to file some required tax returns.
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.
The case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Three Charged with Conspiracy to Rob A Post OfficeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Tanisha Banks, age 38, James Caffey, age 28 and Leeroy Beck, age 28, all residents of Northwest Indiana, were charged in a 3 count Indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, the three were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. Bank and Caffey are also charged with using a firearm during the commission of the robbery. The indictment alleges that the three conspired to and robbed the Tolleston Post Office in Gary, Indiana on August 3, 2017.
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 U.S Postal Inspection Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas McGrath and Diane L. Berkowitz.
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Former Porter County Officer Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Lawrence W. LaFlower, 42 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, has been charged with one count of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
US Attorney Kirsch said, "Public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain will not be tolerated. My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who corrupt their office for self-serving motives."
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.
LaFlower has entered into a plea agreement with the government and is expected to formally enter his plea of guilty in court later this week.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Information 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 Indiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Vondell Henry Jr. Sentenced to 105 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Vondell Henry Jr., 21 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph VanBokkelen on his plea of guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Henry was sentenced to 105 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on August 1, 2017, Henry and three others, including his co-defendant Deshalone Davis, 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. Henry drove the vehicle to the store, remained in the vehicle while the others went inside, and acted as the getaway driver.
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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Michigan City Man Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Shed Woods, 38 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Woods was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in November 2017, Woods possessed a firearm while having been convicted of four prior felonies. Wood also has two misdemeanor convictions and eleven other contacts with the law.
This case was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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David Larson Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possession of Pseudoephedrine Knowing it Would Be Used to Manufacture MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – David Larson, 35 years old, of Shelby, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 87 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to knowingly possessing pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, from 2012 through 2017, Larson purchased a total of 120 grams of pseudoephedrine, with the purchases occurring on 58 separate occasions at 10 different pharmacies in 4 different counties, with Larson knowing the psuedoephedrine would be used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the DEA, Indiana State Police, Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, and Newton County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean R. Lanter.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 168 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Terron Taylor, 23 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jon E DeGuilio after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Taylor was sentenced to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Drug dealers target areas of cities and towns for drug distribution. We are targeting them. As we catch them, we will seek lengthy penalties for spreading poison on our streets. This case is a prime example of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat the drug epidemic.”
According to documents in the case, from March 2017 up to and including October 2017, Taylor conspired with a group of other dealers to distribute over 1 kilogram of heroin to drug customers on the streets of South Bend. Customers would call a drug phone and order heroin. Whichever dealer had the phone at the time would arrange to meet with the customer and complete the heroin sale. The business model was efficient: transactions were quick and without hassle. All of the heroin was pre-packaged in ½ gram quantities. The price remained uniform regardless of which dealer showed up to sell. Investigators conducted numerous controlled purchases by calling the drug phone and ordering heroin. Investigators met with and identified different dealers, most of which were from Chicago. On four occasions in September 2017, Taylor was involved in selling heroin to the investigators. Taylor has a lengthy criminal history that qualifies him as a career offender under the guidelines.
This case was investigated by the ATF and DEA with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies including the Elkhart Police Department, Indiana State Police, the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit and the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel R. Gabrielse and Molly E. Donnelly.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Teray Bush, 43 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Bush was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in October 2017, Bush transported almost 2 pounds of methamphetamine from Michigan to Indiana as part of a plan to distribute it. Bush has four prior felony convictions and two misdemeanor convictions. He has violated his parole or probation twice and has twelve other contacts with the law.
This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Carmel Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Hobart Man Sentenced and Ordered to Pay over $300,000 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Kirk E. Stroh, 46 years old, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to one count of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Stroh was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment followed by 7 months of supervised release. Stroh was ordered to pay $327,438.50 in restitution to the victim, and a $160,000 money judgment forfeiture.
According to court documents, between July 2012 and March 2015, Stroh helped co-defendant Lucy Owens embezzle over $300,000 from a local freight services company where Owens and Stroh’s wife were employed. At the time, Stroh was employed by a rival trucking company. Stroh used a stolen fuel card, provided by Owens, to obtain over $300,000 in cash advances at fuel stations, which he split evenly with Owens.
Owens, who was convicted by a jury of seven counts of wire fraud in May, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Hammond Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Nathaniel Whalen.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Carlos Tate, 45, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen on his plea to distribution of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Tate received a sentence of 46 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in September of 2016, a confidential informant with the ATF performed two controlled buys of heroin from Tate in Gary, Indiana. Lab results showed that the heroin purchased during the second controlled buy also contained fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is considered to be fifty times more potent than heroin.
This case was investigated by the ATF and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Fort Wayne Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Larry Ratliff, 46 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was charged on September 10, 2018 by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in the case, on August 18, 2018, a lone male entered a Credit Union in Fort Wayne, Indiana threatened the employees inside, then took approximately $10,000 in cash before fleeing in a white pickup truck. That pickup truck was found still running several hours later in the rear of a nearby apartment complex. The pickup truck was owned by an Indianapolis, Indiana construction company and had been stolen from Indianapolis a few days prior to the robbery. Fingerprints belonging to Ratliff were recovered from inside the pickup truck and an employee of the credit union identified Ratliff as the robber.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that a 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 Organized Crime and Corruption Unit of Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Former East Chicago Councilman Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Robert Battle, age 45, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his guilty plea of discharging a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, causing death of another person, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Battle was sentenced to 240 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Mr. Battle was a drug dealer, while at the same time serving as a public official. He was elected to uphold the law and instead conspired to break it. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his offense and should be a warning to others who want to engage in these type of violent crimes.”
According to documents filed in the case, in or around April 2015 agents began investigating Battle in relation to drug trafficking activities. During the investigation, agents received information that Reimundo Camarillo was supplying Battle, a sitting East Chicago Councilman, with large quantities of drugs. In September 2015, agents determined Battle may have had a load of drugs and conducted a traffic stop seizing a quantity of drugs and cash. Working with agents, Battle then attempted to make a controlled delivery to Camarillo who did not show after Battle’s arrest. On October 12, 2015 Battle and Camarillo had an argument outside of Battle’s residence where Battle shot Camarillo in the back, killing him.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; East Chicago Police Department; and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Thomas M. McGrath.
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Two Indiana Men Plead Guilty to Insider Trading in Advance of 2014 AcquisitionRead the Press Release
Two Indiana men pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges today, in relation to a 2014 scheme to trade in options ahead of SAP SE’s acquisition of Concur Technologies, which netted them hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Criminal Investigations Group Inspector in Charge Daniel Adame of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallett of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
Douglas M. Miller, 42, of Dyer, Indiana, and Edward M. Miller, 45, of Munster, Indiana, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Philip P. Simon of the Northern District of Indiana. Douglas Miller also pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement. Edward Miller pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice.
According to admissions made in connection with their guilty pleas, Douglas and Edward Miller obtained material, non-public information about SAP’s September 2014 acquisition of Concur from Christopher Salis, a global vice president at SAP. Douglas and Edward Miller and others then purchased securities in Concur based on this information for the purposes of profiting from these transactions and returning a portion of the profits to Salis. Following the acquisition, the Millers and their co-conspirators sold the securities and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits.
The Millers also admitted to taking further steps to conceal their scheme by structuring financial transactions and using “burner” phones to communicate with their co-conspirators. Upon learning of federal investigations into the insider trading scheme, Edward Miller took steps to hinder and impede the investigation, including by destroying electronic data found on the “burner” phones. Doug Miller also admitted to lying to federal investigators.
The Millers are the second and third individuals to plead guilty as a result of the investigation into insider trading ahead of SAP’s acquisition of Concur. In February 2017, Salis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud in connection to the scheme. Sentencing for the Millers is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2019. Salis is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25, 2019.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Mail Fraud Team and the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Justin D. Weitz and Trial Attorney Jennifer L. Farer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Trial Attorneys Gary Winters, Jennifer Ballantyne of the Fraud Section and former Fraud Section Trial Attorney L. Rush Atkinson previously worked on this matter. The Department appreciates the substantial assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Potential victims of the scheme can find information about their rights under relevant law at the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/salis-miller-concurtrading
Demotte Man Charged for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Ricky Shultz, 47, of Demotte, Indiana, was charged on September 5, 2018 by criminal complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “This case is the result of cooperation between local, state and federal authorities. My office is, and remains committed, to fighting the scourge of drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms in all of the counties in our district, rural or urban.”
According to documents in this case, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Ricky Shultz, a convicted felon, in Demotte, Indiana. The search resulted in the seizure of almost a quarter kilogram of methamphetamine and 48 firearms. The documents identify Shultz as a convicted felon who holds a leadership position in the Saxon Knights, a prison-based gang that espouses a white supremacist ideology.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that a 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 DEA, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the Jasper County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Indiana State Police, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and the Newton County Drug Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.
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Bristol Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Scott Cripe, 31 years old, of Bristol, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty of theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Cripe was sentenced to 63 months in prison, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,435.53.
According to documents in the case, Cripe broke into a federally licensed firearms dealer, in July of 2017. He stole six firearms but was caught by police with one of the stolen firearms less than a day and a half after the theft. Cripe has prior misdemeanor and felony convictions for offenses including burglary, theft, and operating vehicles while intoxicated.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Middlebury Police Department, and South Bend Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 181 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Edgar Moreno-Ramirez, 27, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 1 kilogram of heroin and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Moreno-Ramirez was sentenced to 181 months in prison.
According to documents in this case, from October 1, 2015, Moreno-Ramirez and his co-defendants were operating a drug distribution house while armed, out of a residence in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the ATF, with assistance from the Allen County Drug Task Force as well as the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 123 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Fabian Garcia, age 30, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Garcia was sentenced to 123 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in February of 2017, Garcia possessed methamphetamine in a car in South Bend, Indiana. Garcia admitted in the plea agreement that he had been distributing methamphetamine in St. Joseph County and possessed a stolen firearm to protect and further his drug trafficking business. Garcia has three felony and one misdemeanor convictions, all for driving offenses.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E Schaffer.
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Pierceton Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Aaron Rhoades, 35 years old, of Pierceton, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Rhoades was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, in August 2017, Rhoades was in possession of a firearm after having a felony conviction of Robbery in Kosciusko County Circuit Court. Rhoades was on bond for resisting law enforcement when he engaged in a high speed chase with police on a motorcycle before crashing. Upon his arrest the firearm was found.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Ligonier City Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Lamont Coleman Drug Trafficking Organization ChargedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Lamont Coleman, 36 years old, and Katrina Owens, 24 years old, both of Gary, Indiana were charged via criminal complaint on August 28, 2018 with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Also charged, in an Indictment returned on August 16, 2018, were Leroy Coleman, 55 years old, Tony Petty, 52 years old, and Augustine Pike, 45 years old, all of Gary, Indiana. The Indictment contains charges of distribution of heroin.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Cooperative partnerships between local, state and federal agencies are essential to reducing the availability of controlled substances in the Northern District of Indiana. My Office, with our partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these cases.”
“Drug traffickers feed on the addiction of Hoosiers who struggle with drug abuse and contribute to the violence in our communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall. “Those who continue to bring this poison into our neighborhoods should know, the DEA is watching and will bring the full force of federal law enforcement to bear.”
Porter County Chief Deputy Jeffery Biggs said, “This operation was in response to the ongoing investigations of the Heroin Overdose Response Project. The Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group will continue to target the drug dealers responsible for overdoses in northwest Indiana.”
According to documents in the case, Lamont Coleman and Katrina Owens led a heroin distribution operation out of various properties owned by Lamont Coleman in Gary, Indiana. Lamont Coleman and Owens provided heroin to various individuals, including Leroy Coleman, Tony Petty, and Augustine Pike, and dispatched them to deliver the heroin to customers. Law enforcement executed search warrants at various properties owned by Lamont Coleman in Gary and recovered various narcotics and three firearms.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that charging documents, such as an indictment or a complaint, are 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 DEA and the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 60 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Timothy Boerger, 48 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to the receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Boerger was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.00 to the victims of the offense.
According to documents in the case, between September, 2016 and January, 2017, Timothy Boerger received images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. An FBI Task Force Officer conducting an online investigation of the BitTorrent network for offenders sharing child pornography identified a computer having an internet protocol address later determined to be associated with Boerger’s residence. The task force officer connected to that specific internet protocol address and was able to download and review a portion of the files Boerger had made available for sharing. The files identified contained images of children under the age of 18 in sexually suggestive poses and/or engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Many of these images and/or videos depicted minor girls nude and/or partially nude.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Monticello Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Quinn Alexander Haworth, 23 years old, of Monticello, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Haworth was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment followed by 15 years supervised release and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, between February 2016 and February 2017, Haworth downloaded child pornography from various websites and forums including peer-to-peer networks. Over the course of several years, Haworth collected over 4,000 still images and over 350 videos of child pornography including numerous visual depictions of infants and toddlers engaging in sexually explicit conduct and child pornography depicting torture and violence against children.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Indiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Michigan Couple SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Ricky R. Wadsworth and Shannon Brown were sentenced on August 23 and 24, respectively, by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for transferring a firearm to a felon and illegal possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Wadsworth, age 47, from Sturgis, Michigan, was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release for transferring a firearm to a felon.
Brown, age 37, from Union City, Michigan, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release for felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents in this case, for several months in 2014, Brown and Wadsworth talked to a convicted felon about selling firearms to him. Brown and Wadsworth’s efforts culminated in Brown finding a supplier and making available seven firearms of various types to a buyer who was a convicted felon. Brown and Wadsworth offered several firearms, but they only sold one to him, a Norinco Model SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle equipped with a folding bayonet, extended magazines, and 132 rounds of ammunition. The sale took place in the middle of the day in a grocery store parking lot in Michigan City, Indiana.
Brown has three felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine, two convictions for possession of marijuana, and one conviction for purchasing precursors to make methamphetamine. Wadsworth has eleven prior felony counts of conviction and seven misdemeanor counts of conviction, including trafficking or possession of controlled substances, theft, burglary, and weapons offenses.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the Hammond Police Department, Michigan City Police Department and New Buffalo Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Donnelly.
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Merrillville Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Steven Ruschak, 31 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Ruschak was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, between September 2012 and October 2015, Ruschak downloaded and received child pornography from the internet, including the dark web. Over the course of several years, Ruschak collected over 9,000 still images and over 200 videos of child pornography including numerous visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and child pornography depicting torture and violence against children.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and Michigan City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Former Indiana Resident Charged with Providing and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Samantha Marie Elhassani, aka Samantha Sally, 32, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, was charged on Aug. 22, in a two count indictment with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated terrorist organization, and aiding and abetting individuals in providing material support to ISIS.
The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana, and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.
The indictment alleges that from the fall of 2014 through summer of 2015, Elhassani provided material support and resources to ISIS knowing that the organization was a designated terrorist organization, and knowing that the organization has engaged in and was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. Elhassani, is also charged with aiding and abetting two individuals in providing themselves as personnel to ISIS. Under both charges she is alleged to have procured tactical gear and provided funds to support individual A and B in providing themselves as personnel for ISIS. In July of 2018, Elhassani was transferred from the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to U.S. law enforcement and charged with making false statements to the FBI in the Northern District of Indiana.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Indianapolis Division and the Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former Indiana Resident Charged with Providing and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Samantha Marie Elhassani, aka Samantha Sally, 32, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, was charged on Aug. 22, in a two count indictment with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated terrorist organization, and aiding and abetting individuals in providing material support to ISIS.
The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana, and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “My office is committed to aggressively pursuing and prosecuting those who support designated terrorist organizations such as ISIS. This indictment is an example of that commitment. The indictment alleges that Elhassani travelled abroad and provided funds and supplies for use by two ISIS fighters. The seriousness of the charges reflect the gravity of Elhassani’s alleged conduct.”
"The charges against Ms. Elhassani illustrate that actions of providing support to ISIS have serious consequences, and should serve as a reminder to American citizens that providing assistance to terrorist organizations or individuals aligned with terrorist entities will not be tolerated," said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division.
The indictment alleges that from the fall of 2014 through summer of 2015, Elhassani provided material support and resources to ISIS knowing that the organization was a designated terrorist organization, and knowing that the organization has engaged in and was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. Elhassani, is also charged with aiding and abetting two individuals in providing themselves as personnel to ISIS. Under both charges she is alleged to have procured tactical gear and provided funds to support individual A and B in providing themselves as personnel for ISIS. In July of 2018, Elhassani was transferred from the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to U.S. law enforcement and charged with making false statements to the FBI in the Northern District of Indiana.
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.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Indianapolis Division, Merrillville Resident Agency and the Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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Former Saint John, Indiana Resident Was Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Christopher Raciti, age 48, formerly of Saint John, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his guilty plea to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Raciti was sentenced to 78 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution along with the forfeiture of electronic devices associated with his crime.
According to documents filed in the case, between November 7, 2015 and continuing through March 9, 2016, Raciti knowingly possessed more than 600 visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his computer. In January 2018, Raciti was charged by Information and immediately entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
This information results from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the case being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Warsaw Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Darin Devon Hurd, age 26, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Darin Devon Hurd was sentenced to 248 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Heroin overdoses are an epidemic in our country, and the Northern District of Indiana is not immune. Mr. Hurd’s conduct contributed to a premature death that left a small child without a mother. Consequences like these are too often present in cases involving heroin distribution and use. The sentence today reflects the seriousness of the charges against Mr. Hurd and the permanent damage that his conduct has inflicted on the lives of others.”
According to documents in this case, Hurd began dealing heroin in January of 2017. He distributed approximately 50 grams of heroin every two weeks for the next eight months. In September of 2017, Hurd used heroin with the mother of his child and then left the home that he shared with her, leaving behind approximately 7 grams of heroin. That day, the mother of Hurd’s child passed away from a heroin overdose while home with their toddler son, who subsequently tested positive for heroin metabolite. A firearm was then found while investigators were recovering items from Hurd’s home.
This case was investigated by ATF with the assistance of Winona Lake Police Department, Warsaw Police Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Indiana Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Distributing Information on Explosives and Poisons for Use in A Terror AttackRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marlonn Hicks, 31, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distributing information regarding the manufacture and use of explosives, with the intent that the information be used for and in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The sentence was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. The sentence was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen.
“The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting terrorist threats against our homeland,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “The defendant plotted to conduct an attack on U.S. soil and, with today’s sentence, he is being held accountable for his actions. I applaud the efforts of the agents and prosecutors to achieve this successful outcome. Their work will ensure that the actions of the defendant, inspired by evil, will serve only as a cautionary tale for other would-be terrorists.”
“This exemplifies the Government’s commitment to prevent terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Rather than mourning the tragic attacks in Orlando, Hicks was inspired to try to commit a terror attack to kill innocent victims in the United States. My Office, working with the FBI and the National Security Division, quickly and efficiently eliminated the threat to public safety created by Mr. Hicks’ illegal activities.”
“The online communications by Mr. Hicks drew swift attention from our agents, who had identified and monitored him early in his path to radicalization,” said Special Agent in Charge Mendenhall. “As this radicalization deepened, the FBI continued to monitor Mr. Hicks’ activity and took action to mitigate any threats ensuring the public’s safety.”
According to the documents in this case, Hicks rapidly transformed from a vocal online supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, to someone planning a terrorist act.
Within days of the Orlando, Florida Pulse Nightclub terrorist attack, Hicks was inspired to commit an act of terrorism and kill innocent civilians. On June 21, 2016, nine days after the Pulse massacre, Hicks discussed “getting busy” with a FBI source who Hicks believed was an ISIS supporter. Hicks sent this source two manuals on how to manufacture and use explosives and poisons and continued to discuss with this FBI source possible terror attacks. Hicks made his motivation for the planned attacks clear, exclaiming that since the FBI and similar government personnel “have shut the door now [on his ability to travel to ISIS controlled territory and fight there] I’m gonna open the door to hell for them.” As he began to develop an attack plan, in addition to sending the above referenced manuals, he discussed coordinating attacks to create “more of an audience.” Hicks also discussed how to obtain firearms and practice with them. Hicks clearly communicated to multiple sources and during his post-arrest interview that he wanted everyone to know the attacks were carried out in the name of ISIS.
During FBI surveillance, Hicks warned one of the FBI sources to “be careful the boys was just following me” referring to then ongoing FBI surveillance. During a message exchange with the FBI source Hicks said he was “strapped,” showed a picture of his firearm, and said “if they had me on anything I’d already be dead cause in Shaa Allah [translated as “god willing”] I ain’t going to jail.” Hicks was arrested on federal charges without incident in July 2016 and has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Indianapolis Division and the Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Indiana.
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Two Union Officials Charged with Labor Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Two Indiana men are charged with labor-related extortion offenses in a three-count Indictment unsealed today, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana, Special Agent in Charge James Vanderberg of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General’s Chicago Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office.
Thomas R. Williamson, 67, of Schererville, Indiana and Jeffrey R. Veach, 55, of Portage, Indiana, were arrested earlier today and each charged in a three-count indictment filed in the Northern District of Indiana with one count of Hobbs Act Extortion Conspiracy and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion. Williamson and Veach had their initial court appearances and arraignment earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Martin for the Northern District of Indiana and were released on $20,000 unsecured bond.
According to the indictment, Williamson and Veach used threats of violence and actual violence against non-union ironworkers in the course of their extortion plot. The defendants allegedly sought to extort a labor contract from “John Doe #1,” who owned a steelworking company, and a business contract from “John Doe #2,” who owned a construction company.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the FBI with the assistance of the Dyer Indiana Police Department. Trial Attorneys Conor Mulroe and Robert Tully of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.
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Two Union Officials Charged with Labor Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two Indiana men are charged with labor-related extortion offenses in a three-count Indictment unsealed today, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana, Special Agent in Charge James Vanderberg of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General’s Chicago Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office.
Thomas R. Williamson, 67, of Schererville, Indiana and Jeffrey R. Veach, 55, of Portage, Indiana, were arrested earlier today and each charged in a three-count indictment filed in the Northern District of Indiana with one count of Hobbs Act Extortion Conspiracy and two counts of Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion. Williamson and Veach had their initial court appearances and arraignment earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Martin for the Northern District of Indiana and were released on $20,000 unsecured bond.
According to the indictment, Williamson and Veach used threats of violence and actual violence against non-union ironworkers in the course of their extortion plot. The defendants allegedly sought to extort a labor contract from “John Doe #1,” who owned a steelworking company, and a business contract from “John Doe #2,” who owned a construction company.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the FBI with the assistance of the Dyer Indiana Police Department. Trial Attorneys Conor Mulroe and Robert Tully of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.
Justice Department, DEA Propose Significant Opioid Manufacturing Reduction in 2019Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- The Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have proposed a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with President Trump’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the most six frequently misused opioids for 2019 by an average ten percent as compared to the 2018 amount. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) marks the third straight year of proposed reductions, which help reduce the amount of drugs potentially diverted for trafficking and used to facilitate addiction.
On July 11, 2018, the Justice Department announced that DEA was issuing a final rule amending its regulations to improve the agency’s ability consider the likelihood of whether a drug can be diverted for abuse when it sets annual opioid production limits. The final rule also promotes greater involvement from state attorneys general, and today’s proposed reduction will be sent to those offices.
In setting the aggregate production quote (APQ), DEA considers data from many sources, including estimates of the legitimate medical need from the Food and Drug Administration; estimates of retail consumption based on prescriptions dispensed; manufacturers’ disposition history and forecasts; data from DEA’s own internal system for tracking controlled substance transactions; and past quota histories.
The DEA has proposed to reduce more commonly prescribed schedule II opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, morphine, and fentanyl.
Ultimately, revised limits will encourage vigilance on the part of opioid manufacturers, help DEA respond to the changing drug threat environment, and protect the American people from potential addictive drugs while ensuring that the country has enough opioids for legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial needs.
"The opioid epidemic that we are facing today is the worst drug crisis in American history," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "President Trump has set the ambitious goal of reducing opioid prescription rates by one-third in three years. We embrace that goal and are resolutely committed to reaching it. According to the National Prescription Audit, we have already made significant progress in reducing prescription rates over the past year. Cutting opioid production quotas by an average of ten percent next year will help us continue that progress and make it harder to divert these drugs for abuse. The American people can be confident that federal law enforcement and the Trump administration are taking action to protect them from dangerous drugs. These smarter limits bring us one big step closer to President Trump's goal of finally ending this unprecedented crisis. I congratulate Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon and his team for taking action.”
“We’ve lost too many lives to the opioid epidemic and families and communities suffer tragic consequences every day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This significant drop in prescriptions by doctors and DEA’s production quota adjustment will continue to reduce the amount of drugs available for illicit diversion and abuse while ensuring that patients will continue to have access to proper medicine.”
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Too many lives have been affected by this deadly epidemic. I have a designated Opioid Coordinator who works daily with federal, state and local agencies to identify and prosecute those who over prescribe or illegally deal opioids to users.”
Once the aggregate quota is set, DEA allocates individual manufacturing and procurement quotas to those manufacturers that apply for them. DEA may revise a company’s quota at any time during the year if change is warranted due to increased or decreased sales or exports, new manufacturers entering the market, new product development, or product recalls.
When Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, the quota system was intended to reduce or eliminate diversion from “legitimate channels of trade” by controlling the quantities of the basic ingredients needed for the manufacture of controlled substances.
The Proposed Aggregate Production Quotas for schedule I and II controlled substances published in the Federal Register reflects the total amount of controlled substances necessary to meet the country’s medical, scientific, research, industrial, and export needs for the year and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks. DEA establishes an APQ for more than 250 schedule I and II controlled substances annually.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to practitioners recommending a reduction in the prescribing of opioid medications for chronic pain. DEA and its federal partners have increased efforts in the last several years to educate practitioners, pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, and the public about the dangers associated with the misuse of opioid medications and the importance of proper prescribing.
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Indianapolis, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Shauntel Chambers, age 33, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his guilty plea to distribution of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Chambers was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Chambers pled guilty to distributing cocaine on September 15, 2017. Chambers has three prior felony convictions and has violated probation or conditions of release on four occasions.
This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Chicago, Illinois, Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Gregory Brown, age 37, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy and wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch
Brown was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between January and April 2016, Brown and others distributed heroin in the Michigan City area. Combined, these conspirators distributed between one and three kilograms of heroin. Also in April, Brown and others posted bond for a person who was housed at the LaPorte County Jail using a stolen credit card number. Brown has previously been convicted of murder, aggravated battery, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance all in Illinois.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan City Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Donnelly and Frank Schaffer.
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Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 210 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Michael Scott Barber, age 22, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for his role in the break in and theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, announced U.S Attorney Kirsch.
Barber was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release on federal charges. The federal sentence is to be served consecutively with two separate state sentences.
According to documents in this case, Barber was convicted by jury of theft of firearms from a FFL, being a felon in possession and possession of one or more stolen firearms after a three-day trial that concluded on May 9, 2018. On February 9, 2017, Barber went to hunting supply store in Shipshewana, Indiana to scope out the store for the best way to break in and steal firearms. Barber and two accomplices drove to the store in the middle of the night. Barber and one of the accomplices broke into the store and stole fifteen firearms and a crossbow. Over the next several days, Barber distributed some of the stolen firearms to others. The day after the break in, Barber returned to the area of the theft in an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve a firearm that he had dropped when he fled the store. Law enforcement recovered eight of the stolen firearms, one in Chicago during the arrest of a person suspected of shooting another in the chest and another that was used in a Chicago Heights armed robbery committed by a person who was on parole for second degree murder. Seven of the guns are still missing. Barber has previously been convicted of second degree home invasion in Michigan along with burglary, theft and auto theft in Indiana. Before being apprehended on these charges, Barber committed and was convicted of assault by strangulation and assault with intent to commit great bodily harm in Michigan. Ten days after breaking into the Shipshewana located FFL, Barber fled from and attacked a Michigan state trooper.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Shipshewana Police Department, Middlebury Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, St. Joseph County Police Department, and St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Donnelly.
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Lafayette Man Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- David L. Adams, 62, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge James T. Moody on his plea to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Adams received a sentence of 78 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, a Task Force Officer (TFO) of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force in Indianapolis reported internet-connected activity with a file sharing network they were monitoring using law enforcement software, that connects and downloads or attempts to download known child pornography images. The TFO using this software observed 72 videos containing child pornography from an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was later determined to be the defendant’s home, where he lived with a relative. A search warrant was obtained for the defendant’s home where electronics containing additional images and videos of child pornography were seized. During the search warrant, the defendant was not initially home, however, he arrived while the search warrant was still being executed, and attempted to flee in his vehicle when he saw law enforcement at his home. In the process of fleeing, the defendant almost hit several agents and TFOs that were on scene with his vehicle. The defendant did return a short time later, and was charged locally for his assault on law enforcement. The forensic examination of Adam’s computer revealed 81 videos and 6 images of child pornography with children under 12, including some videos with file names indicating the children were as young as 8 or 9 years old.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria N. Lerner.
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