Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Warsaw, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Charles William Dove, age 34, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for the crime of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Dove was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on March 28, 2017, Dove possessed a Glock pistol and a Remington shotgun in Milford, Indiana, despite having twelve (12) prior felony convictions. Additionally, Dove had engaged in an argument with a relative by text messages and sent a photograph of himself while holding guns.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Warsaw Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
###
South Bend, Indiana Men SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Andrew Jacobs, age 20, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Jacobs was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release. In the same case, last month on April 26, 2018, Lorenzo Crawford, age 20, also of South Bend, was sentenced by Judge DeGuilio for the same offense to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, the defendants working together placed an advertisement for escort services on Backpage.com. A man responded by text and arranged to have sex with a fictitious prostitute at a room in a hotel. The defendants waited for the man, grabbed him when he came to the room and proceeded to beat him. One of the defendants brought a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with them which was used to beat the victim. The defendants also took cash, credit cards and a cell phone from the victim. While the victim was at the hotel, one of the defendants also checked the victim’s car for money or other valuables.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maciejczyk and Ken Hays.
###
Mishawaka Man ConvictedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Carlos Maez, age 40, of Mishawaka, Indiana was convicted of all counts, early evening on Wednesday, before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The jury convicted Maez on one count of armed bank robbery, one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to records in the case, on October 16, 2015, Maez robbed a bank located in South Bend using a firearm while having previous felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly and Frank E. Schaffer.
###
Mary Elgin Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Mary Elgin, 73, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen to 12 months and 1 day in prison and ordered to pay $21,311 in restitution, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Elgin entered a plea of guilty to 2 counts of wire fraud, 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 1 count of willful failure to file a tax return in April of 2017.
According to documents in this case, Ethel Shelton was convicted of two federal criminal conspiracy charges after a 10-day jury trial and is awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant, Alex Wheeler was found not guilty during the same trial. Elgin’s son, Steven Hunter plead guilty to 2 counts of wire fraud and 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in April of 2017 and is awaiting sentencing. Elgin created an environment whereby employees believed that retaining their jobs hinged on purchasing tickets to her political fundraising events. She used the resources of Calumet Township Trustee’s Office to further her campaign rather than the way they were intended. The Calumet Township Trustee’s Office is a local government entity whose primary mission is to provide emergency relief and assistance to needy individuals and families.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Public corruption cannot and will not be tolerated at any level. Today’s sentence of imprisonment should send a strong message of deterrence. Citizens expect and deserve officials to act in the best interest of the public, free from self-dealing and illegal self-enrichment. My office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue matters involving public corruption. I encourage anyone with information concerning corrupt public officials to contact my office or the FBI.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Internal Revenue Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Lerner, Abizer Zanzi and Philip Benson.
###
Hebron Man Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Daniel Bender, 52 years old, of Hebron, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Bender was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release, along with $35,000 restitution.
According to documents in this case, in April 2016, a Task Force Officer (TFO) with the FBI Indianapolis Division reported activity on a file-sharing network. The activity on this network was monitored with the TFO using specialized law enforcement software. The TFO downloaded and observed videos containing child pornography, specifically of prepubescent girls and boys engaged in sex acts with adults. The IP address related to these downloads was tracked to Bender’s home address. A search warrant was executed, recovering over 5500 images and 1900 videos of children and infants being sexually exploited, abused, tortured and raped.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the FBI and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria N. Lerner.
###
Hobart Women Convicted After 5-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Lucy Owens, age 41, of Hobart, Indiana was convicted late Friday night, on 7 counts of wire fraud, after a 5-day jury trial before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to records in the case, between 2010 and 2015, Owens diverted over $800,000 from her employer, a Hammond-based freight services company, through two schemes to defraud. In one scheme, Owens used her position as the company’s accounts payable clerk to fraudulently pay over $460,000 in personal credit card bills from the company’s bank account. Owens used the ill-gotten proceeds to pay for frequent family vacations, dining, clothing, jewelry, home improvements, and other items. In the second scheme, Owens used her position as the administrator of the company’s diesel fuel card program to help two individuals obtain over $330,000 unauthorized cash advances at truck stops. One of the individuals, Kirk Stroh, also from Hobart, Indiana, was a truck driver for a rival trucking company. Owens helped Stroh obtain over $290,000 in fraudulent cash advances at a truck stop in Lake Station, Indiana, in increments of $800 per day. Stroh, a co-defendant in the case, who previously pled guilty, split the proceeds with Owens.
Owens sentencing date is scheduled for October 3, 2018. Stroh is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Hammond Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Nathaniel Whalen.
###
South Bend, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Jeffery Henderson, age 34, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distributing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Henderson was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on September 19, 2017, Henderson sold cocaine base to a person who was working for law enforcement. Henderson has five felony convictions, several of which were drug related including one prior federal felony conviction. Mr. Henderson was on bond from a felony case involving a firearm when he sold cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
###
Whiting Women Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Sandra Santay, 73 years old, of Whiting, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Philip Simon on her plea of guilty to bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Santay was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $491,169.71 in restitution.
According to documents in this case, Santay was the manager of a local credit union for over 30 years and was convicted of defrauding that credit union out of $491,169.71.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the FBI and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane L. Berkowitz.
###
Middlebury Man ConvictedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND –Michael S. Barber, age 22, of Middlebury, Indiana was convicted, on all counts, after a 3-day jury trial before District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The jury convicted Barber on one count of unlawfully taking one or more firearms from a “FFL” (Federal Firearms Licensee), one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of stolen firearms.
According to records in the case, in February 2017, Barber and an accomplice broke into Dutchman Hunting Supplies in LaGrange County, Indiana and stole several firearms from the business. Dutchman Hunting Supplies was a licensed firearms dealer (FFL). Barber had a prior felony conviction so he was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Barber’s accomplice, Anthony S. Chipps, on December 4, 2017, pled guilty to theft of firearms from a licensed firearms dealer; Chipps has not yet been sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
###
Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney Kirsch Recognize Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, works closely with law enforcement and community members to provide specialized training and initiatives to reduce violent crime. In honor of National Police Week, the Office will announce one such event, the 2018 Annual Law Enforcement conference conducted in partnership with the Southern District of Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Office. This yearly event provides specialized training to over 500 law enforcement officials throughout the State. In addition to major events as described, the office routinely coordinates smaller specialized courses such as the Valor Program’s Survive and Thrive training, which took place in April 2018 with over 120 officers in attendance throughout the State. U.S. Attorney Kirsch will also attend memorial services in LaPorte County on Friday, May 11, 2018 and in Munster, Indiana on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”
“Law enforcement officers run toward conflict and gunfire to protect innocent lives in an environment where they are highly scrutinized on social media and in cell phone video clips,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “I have heard recent stories of police officers, during a typical traffic stop, being challenged on their authority when asking for a license and registration in the hopes that the individuals involved in the stop can be the next social media video hit. Acknowledgement of police officers for a job well done seems rare these days, and we cannot know what crimes are stopped by officers being visible. So on behalf of my Office, I want to personally thank every law enforcement officer and their families for their service, sacrifice and echo the Attorney General’s remarks that we have your back.”
According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.
Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.
For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.
# # #
South Bend Woman SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Susie Wilson, age 23, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for conspiring to obtain firearms by providing false or fictitious statements, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Wilson was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment followed by 1 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We, with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals involved in firearms trafficking.”
According to documents in this case, Ms. Wilson was charged by indictment with making false statements when purchasing firearms on eight occasions from retailers in the South Bend area between August, 2016 and May 2017. Ms. Wilson purchased the firearms for another individual. Seven of the firearms she purchased were recovered in Chicago. One of the firearms was involved in three shootings and one homicide.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
This case is 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.
###
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 108 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Michael Howard, 54, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Howard was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in April 2016 Howard distributed methamphetamine to a confidential source. In May of 2016, police went to arrest Howard for the April deal and discovered over 1200 grams of methamphetamine in his backpack.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Geller.
###
Hammond Woman ChargedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Michelle Seljan, 47, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged by information with theft of federal funds and tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
United States Attorney Kirsch said, “Ms. Seljan betrayed the public trust by using her position with the Hammond Housing Authority for her own private gain. Citizens deserve honest public servants who will efficiently carry out the mission of their agencies. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute public corruption across the Northern District of Indiana.”
According to documents in this case, from 2013 through 2016, Ms. Seljan embezzled approximately $633,628 from the Hammond Housing Authority. Ms. Seljan had funds sent from the Hammond Housing Authority to bank accounts she created and made those transactions appear to be legitimate housing assistance recipient payments. During the same time period, Seljan misreported her income, evading more than $200,000 in federal taxes.
Along with this Information, a plea agreement relating to the theft of federal funds and tax evasion has been filed.
This case was being investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Barrett.
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.
###
South Bend, Indiana, Man Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Edward Bishop, age 26, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Bishop was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Bishop drove from Lafayette to Warsaw to sell marijuana to two individuals. He brought other drugs along with him, as well as a loaded Taurus handgun. When he met the buyers, the drug deal “went bad”. Bishop exited his car and fired shots toward the buyers’ car. One of the shots struck one of the buyers as she tried to drive away. Broken glass, bullet fragments and the victim’s blood were found in her car. The Taurus handgun used by Bishop was recovered by law enforcement in the trunk of Bishop’s car.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms with assistance from the Warsaw Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
###
Chicago Man Charged Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – William Salazar, 42 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by District Court Judge Philip Simon on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering activity, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Salazar was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Salazar entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity for his role and participation in the Latin Kings street gang. Salazar has been in custody since his arrest on August 4, 2016.
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 also has 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 Department of Justice Trial Attorney Joseph Cooley.
###
St. John Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Daniel Labuda, 39 years old, of St. John, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Labuda was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment followed by five years supervised release and ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, between November 2012 and January 2013, Labuda downloaded and received child pornography from various foreign websites. Over the course of the years he collected over 390,000 still images and over 1,900 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. Labuda attempted to hide this criminal activity by using anonymizing software and encryption.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Trial Attorney Leslie Fisher and Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Abizer Zanzi.
###
Hammond Man Who Advertised Minors for Sex on Backpage.com Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Ronnie Cosby, 42 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced on April 23, 2018, by District Court Judge Philip Simon to life imprisonment following his convictions of one count of sex trafficking a minor, two counts of transporting a minor for prostitution and two counts of producing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Mr. Cosby engaged in horrific acts of sex trafficking involving minors. As demonstrated by the conviction and sentence in this case, such acts carry severe consequences for those who commit them. Sex trafficking and crimes involving minor victims will never be tolerated. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to come after individuals who commit these horrible crimes to the fullest extent permitted by law.”
According to publicly available information in the case, between December 2014 and February 2015, Cosby caused two minor females to engage in prostitution at his apartment in Hammond, Indiana, and other nearby locations. Cosby met one victim, a 14 year-old homeless girl, on Badoo, an online dating website, and within hours began prostituting her out of his apartment in Hammond, Indiana. Cosby met the second victim, a 15 year-old high school student, through a friend, and within a day offered her sexual services online to men in exchange for money. Cosby transported this second minor victim from Hammond to a hotel in Lansing, Illinois, where he and another working at his direction kept her under constant surveillance while arranging for men to come to the hotel to have sex with her. Cosby took sexually explicit images of both minor victims using his mobile phone and uploaded the images to Backpage.com, a website he used to offer them up to strangers interested in paying for sex. Cosby also texted images of both victims to friends and repeat prostitution customers to drum up additional business.
In a coordinated law enforcement operation last month, the Justice Department seized Backpage.com, the Internet’s leading forum for prostitution ads, including ads depicting the prostitution of children.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond Police Department with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and members of the Northwest Indiana Human Trafficking Working Group. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Jill Koster.
###
Dyer Man Sentenced to 150 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- James Struensee, 48 years old, of Dyer, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen following his plea of guilty for accessing an internet connected computer system with intent to view child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Struensee was sentenced to 150 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $40,000.
According to documents in this case, in 2015 Struensee logged into a website using a TOR browser to access child pornography involving prepubescent children. Struensee admitted to, over the course of years, searching, accessing, and viewing over 200 images of child pornography. In 2000, he was convicted of receipt of child pornography (via U.S. mail) in the Northern District of Illinois.
This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra McTague.
###
Former Deputy Chief of Lake County Sheriff’s Department IndictedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Daniel Murchek, 57, of Schererville, Indiana was indicted for making false statements to federal authorities, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
United States Attorney Kirsch said, “Mr. Murchek lied to FBI agents who sought truthful information from him in connection with what was then an ongoing public corruption investigation of which he was aware. Mr. Murchek did so purely to protect his self-interest and conceal his criminal conduct from the FBI. Mr. Murchek was a police officer, sworn to uphold the law, at the time he told the lies, making his conduct particularly egregious.”
“Public corruption is a priority of my Office. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute public corruption across the Northern District of Indiana. Citizens demand, and in fact deserve, honest public service from their elected and appointed officials. I encourage anyone with information about possible corruption in their town or city to report it to me or to the FBI.”
According to documents in this case, at all times relevant to the indictment, the FBI was investigating public officials and towing businesses for bribery activity, among other things. Also, at times relevant to indictment, Murchek was a candidate for Lake County Sheriff in the 2018 sheriff’s election.
On November 10, 2016, federal agents executed search warrants at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and at the home of John Buncich, who then was the elected Lake County Sheriff. On November 14, 2016, Murchek was interviewed by the FBI about Lake County towing contracts and donations made to Murchek’s campaign for Lake County Sheriff by specific firms towing for Lake County Sheriff’s Department. At the time of the interview, Murchek was Deputy Chief of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, a position that he had held since 2011. During this interview, agents specifically asked Murchek about contributions from Person A and whether any of those contributions were structured to avoid Indiana campaign finance laws. During this interview, Murchek denied he had received a structured campaign donation through Person A. Indiana finance law prohibited persons from knowingly accepting a political contribution made by one person in the name of another, commonly known as a structured campaign contribution. Indiana finance law also prohibited corporate political contributions to candidates seeking local offices in excess of $2,000 during a 1-year period.
In fact, during the investigation, Person A recorded conversations with Murchek and others. During these recorded conversations, Murchek explained how to structure campaign contributions to avoid Indiana campaign finance laws. Specifically, Murchek explained that an individual could structure campaign donations by giving money to another person who could then write a check to the campaign committee to conceal from whom the donation actually was made. On September 23, 2016, Person A met with Murchek for the purpose of donating money to Murchek’s campaign. Person A explained to Murchek that Person A gave $500 to one of his employees, and the employee then wrote a check for $500 to Murchek’s campaign, which check Person A provided to Murchek on that date. Person A specifically told Murchek that the contribution was actually from Person A and not from whom the check was written. Person A further told Murchek that Person A structured the donation as Murchek directed to avoid Indiana campaign finance laws and to “stay under the radar.”Murchek stated in part that he was “all good with that.” During these conversations, Murchek also indicated that he would reduce the number of companies on the sheriff’s approved tow list, which action was intended, at least in part, to benefit Person A.
Along with this Indictment, a plea agreement relating to making the aforementioned false statements has been filed. Murchek’s initial court appearance has been scheduled for today at 9:45AM before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Martin. A date for the plea hearing is not yet scheduled.
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 being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. This case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Benson.
###
East Chicago Woman Sentenced to 204 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Melinda Milton, 37, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced by District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 204 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release following her conviction by guilty plea to one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking by fraud and coercion, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Milton ran a prostitution business for several years by advertising females for escort services on the website Backpage.com. Between February and October 2015, Milton recruited three minor females between the ages of 15 and 16 to perform commercial sex acts for one of Milton’s regular customers. Between December 2014 and May 2015, Milton also defrauded and coerced a 21-year old female to work for Milton as a prostitute. Among other tactics, Milton supplied the adult victim with drugs and caused her to fear for her safety in order to make her more compliant.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Hammond Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi, David Nozick and Dean Lanter.
###
Hammond Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Marquis Medellin, 31 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Philip Simon following his conviction for conspiracy to commit racketeering activity as a member of the Latin King street gang, announced U.S. U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Medellin was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
The Court held Medellin responsible for his managerial role in the Indiana Latin Kings and for activity involving at least 5 kilograms of cocaine from 2006 through 2015.
This case was jointly investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force and ATF/HIDTA Task Force, and was prosecuted by AUSAs David J. Nozick and Dean R. Lanter.
###
Mishawaka Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Deandre Watson, 38, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Watson was sentenced to 88 months imprisonment followed by 18 months of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on September 30, 2016, Watson believing a man acted inappropriately towards his daughters, sought out that man in a nearby apartment building despite the fact that Watson had made a police report about that man earlier that day. Watson visited the man’s apartment with his daughters as well as a loaded 9mm handgun. Wilson hit the man with the firearm and locked the man in the trunk of his own car. The man’s girlfriend called police who arrived at the scene. Watson has been convicted of three other felony offenses prior to this incident.
This case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the Mishawaka and South Bend Police Departments. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
###
Gary Woman Convicted After Two Week Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Ethel Shelton, age 72, of Gary, Indiana was convicted of two federal criminal conspiracy charges after a 10-day jury trial before District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen.
The jury convicted Shelton on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Shelton’s co-defendant, Alex Wheeler, age 68, of Gary, Indiana was found not guilty of both charges. Former Calumet Township Trustee Mary Elgin and her son Stephen Hunter previously pleaded guilty in this case, pursuant to plea agreements.
According to records in the case, Shelton was a member of Elgin’s political initiatives committee and served as Elgin’s Executive Secretary from 2006 to 2012. Throughout Elgin’s tenure as Calumet Township Trustee, members of the conspiracy, including Shelton and Hunter, used property and employee resources of the Trustee’s Office to run Elgin’s reelection campaigns. Elgin created an environment whereby employees believed that retaining their jobs hinged on purchasing tickets to her political fundraising events. Shelton was in charge of ticket distribution and payment collection, all of which occurred in the Trustee’s Office during work hours. Tickets were distributed according to the employees’ salary. Shelton kept track of which purchased tickets and which did not. Employees who could not pay for their tickets all at once were placed on payment plans.
The Calumet Township Trustee’s Office is a local government entity whose primary mission is to provide emergency relief and assistance to needy individuals and families.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Internal Revenue Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Lerner, Abizer Zanzi and Philip Benson.
###
LaPorte Man ChargedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Eric R. Weiler, 45, of LaPorte, Indiana, was charged in a six Count Indictment before a South Bend District Grand Jury, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Weiler was charged with 2 counts of production of child pornography, 1 count of receipt of child pornography, 1 count of possession of child pornography, 1 count of making a destructive device in violation of the National Firearms Act, and 1 count of possession of unregistered destructive devices.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Crimes committed against children are particularly heinous. Children are among the most innocent victims. This case exemplifies how local and federal law enforcement agencies and state and federal prosecutor’s offices work together to investigate and prosecute cases involving children. Additionally, this investigation was conducted very quickly, within two days of learning of Mr. Weiler’s conduct, he was taken into custody by the LaPorte City Police. That is very quick work by both the LaPorte Police and LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office. Explosives, like those allegedly manufactured and possessed by Mr. Weiler, are extremely dangerous and meant to do considerable harm. My Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the nation’s destructive device and firearms laws.”
Prosecuting Attorney Espar said, “The case is a shining example of the collaborative approach contemplated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Program, for the investigation and prosecution of crimes of violence against children, bringing local and federal law enforcement together in a collective effort to identify and apprehend violent criminals whose crimes neither respect the dignity of the individual or jurisdictional lines.”
According to documents in this case, on August 23, 2017, a person who lived near Weiler discovered that someone had run wires into the gas tank of that person’s car. On September18, 2017, investigators learned that Weiler allegedly had been accessing a vacant house next to the house of the person whose car had been wired to explode. On the same date in September, investigators gained access to the vacant house and discovered writings on the walls inside documenting the writer’s attempts to acquire a girl under the age of twelve, ideally a newborn baby, for sexual contact. On September 20, 2017, two incendiary devices were located inside Weiler’s house, one of which is commonly referred to as an improvised explosive device (IED), and the other of which is commonly referred to as a CO2 “cricket” bomb. On September 21, 2017, multiple electronic devices and electronic storage devices were located inside Weiler’s house, some of which contained over 24,000 images and over 80 videos of child pornography. The videos included Weiler allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of twelve. Weiler’s electronic devices also contained videos of Weiler allegedly explaining the explosive device that he put in the gas tank of the car.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, LaPorte Police Department, Michigan City Police Department and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly E. Donnelly and John M. Maciejczyk.
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.
###
Gary Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Dennis Wayne Stryjewski, 46 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Philip Simon on his plea of distributing heroin, announced U.S. U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Stryjewski was sentenced 63 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
According to documents in this case, On June 23, 2017, Stryjewski sold heroin from his residence located in Gary, Indiana.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
###
Jose C. Pena Sentenced for Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jose C. Pena, 38, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distribution of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Pena was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in 2011 Pena was involved with a group of people in Indiana, Texas and Ohio in the distribution of cocaine. Cocaine would be shipped from Texas to Elkhart, Indiana and drivers would then transport the cocaine to the Columbus, Ohio area. Pena was responsible for making the arrangements for these shipments.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
###
Tennessee Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – John A. Baldwin, Jr., 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Baldwin was sentenced to a total of 117 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on May 23, 2017, Baldwin was selling methamphetamine out of a hotel in South Bend, Indiana. Baldwin possessed over 25 grams of methamphetamine along with two handguns, a 9mm and a .45 caliber, at the time of his arrest. Baldwin had a prior felony conviction from Montgomery County, Tennessee in September 2011.
This case was investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit and the South Bend Police Department and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
###
U. S. Steel Corporation Agrees to Improve Environmental Compliance at Indiana Facility, Pay Civil Penalty, and Reimburse U.S. for Response Costs and Damages for Toxic Chromium SpillRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States, together with the State of Indiana, announced today that U. S. Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) has agreed to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act and Indiana law by undertaking substantial measures to improve its wastewater processing monitoring system at its steel manufacturing and finishing facility, known as the Midwest Plant, in Portage, Indiana.
The settlement agreement, which is memorialized in a consent decree lodged today in federal district court in the Northern District of Indiana, requires U. S. Steel to pay more than $600,000 as a civil penalty and to reimburse the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Park Service (NPS) for response costs incurred as a result of an April 2017 spill of wastewater containing hexavalent chromium that entered a waterway that flows into Lake Michigan. U. S. Steel will also pay costs to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for assessing natural resource damages due to the April 2017 spill. In addition, U. S. Steel will pay damages to NPS resulting from the closure of several beaches along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore due to the spill.
U. S. Steel will also resolve allegations under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) by implementing a detailed protocol to notify relevant state and local authorities about any future spills from its Portage facility to the ground or water.
“Lake Michigan and the surrounding waterways are treasured resources worthy of protection from harmful pollution. Today’s settlement with U. S. Steel appropriately penalizes the company for last year’s wastewater spill, recoups the government’s response costs and other losses, and requires significant actions by the company to prevent toxic spills like this from occurring again,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. This settlement is a prime example of how federal and state counterparts can work hand-in-hand to enforce environmental laws to protect the health of our citizens and the environment.”
“We are pleased that U. S. Steel has agreed to take the appropriate measures to protect and restore the waterways that were harmed by its spill that occurred in April 2017,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana. “This settlement is a win for the people of Indiana, and we are happy to have worked with our state and federal partners to achieve this result.”
“EPA is committed to fostering strong partnerships to achieve water quality goals,” said Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “I am pleased that through the coordinated effort of federal and state agencies, and with the cooperation of U. S. Steel, this settlement will help protect Lake Michigan and Indiana waterways.”
“One of NOAA’s roles is to assess and restore natural resources after oil spills, ship groundings and releases of hazardous chemicals,” said Assistant NOAA Administrator for the W. Russell Callender National Ocean Service. “This settlement allows NOAA and its federal and state partners to protect natural resources and recreational opportunities important to the people and economy of Indiana and the Great Lakes.”
“The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is pleased that all of the parties involved in the matter have come to this agreement,” said Superintendent Paul Labovitz for the NPS. “Several of our beaches were closed for nearly a week during the week of Easter last spring. We are thankful that the spill didn’t occur during our busy summer beach season. It is our hope that our neighbors in industry learned some valuable lessons from the USS chromium spill, and will be more vigilant to prevent such occurrences that negatively impact the quality of life in NW Indiana.”
“This is a major victory for Hoosiers in Northwest Indiana,” said Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill. “Through our partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, we were able not only to collect fines, but, perhaps more importantly, to ensure that U. S. Steel will make improvements and changes in order to prevent future incidents that negatively impact the environment.”
“I am pleased to see this situation resolved,” said Commissioner Bruno Pigott of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. “Hoosiers can know we take seriously our responsibility to protect the waters of the State and Lake Michigan. This consent decree is a notable example of state and federal partners effectively working together to address, with a future goal to deter, noncompliance and its collective consequence on the environment.”
On April 11, 2017, U. S. Steel experienced a rupture in an expansion joint on one of its process wastewater pipes, discharging untreated wastewater containing hexavalent chromium – a toxic chemical produced as part of its manufacturing process – into the Burns Waterway that flows into Lake Michigan. The quantity of hexavalent chromium discharged from the April 2017 spill significantly exceeded the limits of the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
Though U. S. Steel provided immediate, oral notice of the April 2017 spill to appropriate state and local emergency personnel, it failed to follow-up with the required written notification under EPCRA, given the quantity of material released.
EPA and NPS conducted response actions in and around the areas of the spill, and NOAA assessed natural resource damages caused by the spill. The spill closed four local beaches along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore managed by NPS, as well as the Indiana American Water public drinking water intake, for about a week. Inspections by EPA and Indiana Department of Environmental Management of the facility later that month revealed additional violations of the facility’s NPDES permits. In October 2017, U. S. Steel experienced another wastewater discharge containing a less toxic form of chromium.
Under the consent decree, U. S. Steel will undertake repairs to its treatment plant pipes and containment trench, whose failures contributed to the April 2017 spill. In a more comprehensive manner, U. S. Steel will develop wastewater operations and maintenance plans and preventive maintenance plans, design and implement new wastewater process monitoring, and sample daily for total and hexavalent chromium. These measures are designed to allow for early detection of conditions that may lead to discharges such as the April 2017 spill and other permit violations, furthering compliance with the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws.
In addition, the facility will follow protocols attached to the decree for notifying appropriate entities, including the nearest downstream Indiana users as well as local governments, including the city of Chicago, whenever there is a spill or release of hazardous substances to the ground or water.
As part of the agreement, U. S. Steel will reimburse EPA’s total response costs of $350,000. U. S. Steel will also reimburse NOAA, which shares trusteeship for natural resources in the Great Lakes ecosystem, for its full costs of $27,500 in assessing natural resource damages. In addition, U. S. Steel will pay NPS’s full response costs of approximately $12,500, and damages incurred by NPS in the amount of $240,500 as a result of the week-long beach closures along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. NPS intends to use those damages, representing lost use/compensatory restoration for the public’s inability to access and enjoy the beaches for the week, to fund future projects at or around the National Lakeshore.
Today’s settlement, lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, is subject to a 30-day public comment period following notification in the Federal Register and final approval by the court. To view the consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the department’s website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
South Bend Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Danny Weaver, 51, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Weaver was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on June 16, 2017, Weaver possessed a Sturm-Ruger firearm at his residence in Osceola, Indiana after being convicted of a prior felony offense.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
###
East Chicago Man Sentenced to 240 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Deandrea “Shorty Black” Davis, 37, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge James T. Moody on his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Davis was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
According to documents in this case, in the fall of 2016, Davis, along with co-conspirators, distributed cocaine and crack cocaine in East Chicago. Davis utilized drug addicts as distributors, helped set up drug locations that fronted as legitimate residences and businesses and kept a 24/7 drug operation going in the heart of East Chicago which sent kilograms of cocaine into the neighborhood. Defendant also utilized a firearm to protect an East Chicago residence where he stored several kilograms of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Indiana HIDTA Group and the East Chicago Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
###
Chicago Man Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Daniel Oliva, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Oliva was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
According to documents in this case, law enforcement conducted a total of four controlled buys of cocaine with Oliva from September of 2016 to February of 2017. On February 13, 2017, law enforcement arrested Oliva after he attempted to sell four ounces of cocaine from within his vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed he also possessed a semiautomatic pistol during the attempted drug sale.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States. Attorney Thomas McGrath.
###
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 195 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Richard A. Council, 46, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Council was sentenced to 195 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between November 13, 2013, and February 12, 2014, Council conspired with his named codefendants to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Further, on February 12, 2014, Counse possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Warsaw Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the IMAGE Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Geller.
###
Gary Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Darryl Hall, 40, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his plea of guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Hall was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $26,616.28 in restitution.
According to documents in this case, Hall engaged in a scheme that included purchasing stolen credit card numbers and other personally identifying information from online criminal forums using Bitcoin. Once Hall obtained the credit card numbers, he embossed them onto blank cards for use at retail stores and restaurants. Among other things, Hall used stolen card numbers to purchase luxury goods and jewelry, which he then resold at a discount for cash.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra McTague.
###
Illinois Man Convicted After Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Airrion Blake, 41, of Lasing, Illinois was convicted of one count of submitting a false claim upon the federal government and one count of theft of government money, after a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Court Joseph S. Van Bokkelen, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Blake stole $149,358.35 from the federal government. According to the evidence presented to the jury, Blake filed a false trusts and estates tax return in October 2012 in which he provided fictitious figures for his income, deductions, and tax withholdings, and falsely claimed a refund of $149,358.35. He received a refund based on his filing, deposited the check at a Munster, Indiana bank, and proceeded to spend the funds.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra McTague and Nathaniel Whalen.
###
Georgia Man Sentenced to 228 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Derrick L. Thomas, 44, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Thomas was sentenced to 228 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between November 13, 2013, and February 12, 2014, Thomas conspired with his named codefendants to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Further, on February 12, 2014, Thomas possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as the Warsaw Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the IMAGE Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Geller.
###
Former Social Security Employee SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Sharon Ramos, age 56, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for ten counts of making false entries in government records, two counts of conversion of government money, and one count of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Ramos, convicted after a four-day jury trial in November 2017, was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $550,383.66.
According to testimony during the trial, from approximately January 2008 and continuing until around December 2013, Ramos devised a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Ramos, then an employee of the Social Security Administration, made numerous false and fictitious representations in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) accounts of numerous SSI claimants. These improper entries in the accounts resulted in numerous SSI claimants obtaining payments they were not eligible to receive. As a result, Ramos fraudulently converted money belonging to the Social Security Administration.
Upon conviction, United States Attorney Kirsch said, “When a public employee misuses her position to break the law and violate the public trust, we will hold the employee accountable for her actions by prosecution. This case is an example of the outstanding work done by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General to root out fraud and corruption, and in this case, to hold Ms. Ramos accountable for her conduct.”
This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Frank E. Schaffer.
###
Rome City Man Sentenced to 180 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jeremy Handshoe, 39, of Rome City, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Handshoe was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on February 26, 2015 and April 1, 2015, Handshoe possessed a firearm after prior felony offenses. Handshoe had been convicted of serious drug offenses or violent felonies in Noble County Superior Court on or about October 10, 1997, December 14, 1998 and May 17, 2007. These three felony convictions qualified him for Armed Career Criminal status with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police and the Rome City Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and David E. Hollar.
###
Michigan City, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Curtis Glancy, age 24, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for conspiracy to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Glancy was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from 2015 to February of 2016, Glancy and several other individuals conspired to sell heroin. During that time on a weekly basis they sold heroin to individuals in Northern Indiana and in total sold between one and two kilograms of heroin. In 2016 Glancy’s two co-defendants were sentenced to 70 months and three years of supervised release. Glancy had previously been convicted of two felonies and seven misdemeanors, and was on bond for other cases during the time of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
###
Rochester, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Stephan Howard, age 55, of Rochester, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Howard was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on January 17, 2017, Howard possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine in his home in Rochester which he intended to distribute to others. He also agreed to forfeit 18 firearms that were taken from his home by law enforcement on that day.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of Indiana State Police, Rochester Police Department, Fulton County Police Department and the Fulton County Prosecuting Attorney. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
###
Michigan City Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jason Anderson, 39, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Senior Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Anderson was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in or around March of 2017, Anderson possessed one or more firearms after having been convicted of serious drug offenses in both Indiana and Illinois. The court sentenced Anderson under the Armed Career Criminal Act due to his prior convictions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force and the Michigan City Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
###
Fort Wayne Man ChargedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Steven Gagnon, 55, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents in this case, Gagnon was arrested after allegedly selling a weapon and discussing the sale of other weapons to a confidential informant (CI). He allegedly sold the CI a shotgun, ammunition and accessories for $600. During the transaction, he discussed the sale of other firearms and ammunition, which were subsequently seized by law enforcement during the execution of a search warrant. The weapons seized included a model 770, .300 caliber rifle; a model FNAR, .308 rifle; a model 20, .22 caliber rifle; and model M70A, 9mm handgun. The FNAR was listed in the complaint as an AR-10 military style rifle which had 10 boxes of ammunition, 3 high capacity magazines and 1 10-round magazine which were all loaded. There were also over 36 boxes of various ammunition and various reloading equipment found during the search. Gagnon was convicted of a felony offense in December of 2015 in Allen County Superior Court.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch, “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute violations of federal firearms laws. Felons cannot possess firearms. This law is simple and straightforward. When felons do possess firearms, they will be prosecuted to fullest extent permitted by law.”
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 being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police and the Auburn Police Department and is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
###
South Bend Man ChargedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Branden Furnari, 31, of South Bend, Indiana was charged with possession of a firearm (destructive device) not registered in the National Firearms Registration Record.
According to documents in this case, Furnari was arrested after allegedly selling destructive devices to an undercover law enforcement officer. Furnari explained in detail how to assemble the components using the “Det cord” and “Blasting caps” which was all provided in the transaction for $800 dollars to the undercover officer.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch, “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute violations of federal firearms laws.”
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 is being investigated by the ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Barrett.
###
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jermaine Johnson, 32, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his plea of guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Johnson was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on February 17, 2016 Johnson was the passenger in a car pulled over for speeding by the Indiana State Police. After detection of marijuana within the car, the car was searched and law enforcement found 3 bricks of heroin within the engine compartment weighing 784 grams along with over $84,000 in cash. Johnson admitted at the time that both the heroin and money were in his possession.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration/HIDTA Group and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Four Latin Dragon Nation Members Indicted for RICO Conspiracy Involving Two Murders and Other Shootings in Northwest Indiana and Chicago AreaRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today against four alleged gang members of Chicago’s criminal street gang, Latin Dragon Nation, for RICO conspiracy and related charges, including two murders.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Manuel Diaz, 26, of Hammond, Indiana; Eduardo Diaz-Corral, 20, of Calumet City, Illinois; Ralph Mendez Jr., 22, of Hammond, Indiana; and Joseph Roggenkamp, 20, of East Chicago, Indiana, are alleged to be members of the Latin Dragon Nation. Both Diaz-Corral and Mendez Jr. had their initial court appearances on Feb. 27 and were ordered detained pending detention hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Martin on March 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Manual Diaz is scheduled to have his initial appearance on Feb. 28 at 11:00 a.m. CT, before Magistrate Judge Martin.
“Though the Latin Dragon Nation is believed to have originated in Chicago, the indictment unsealed today alleges that the street gang has exported its especially violent brand of criminal conduct to Northern Indiana,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners are committed to stopping the expansion of violent criminal enterprises like the Latin Dragon Nation, and holding accountable those who terrorize our communities through violence.”
“Street gangs are terrorizing our neighborhoods with senseless violence that effects the daily lives of ordinary, law-abiding citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “As this indictment makes clear, gang activity does not stop at the state line, and neither do our investigations and prosecutions. My office, and the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with whom we work, will fight tirelessly to combat the senseless violence that results from gang activity. We will never tolerate gang violence and will do everything possible to deter and defeat it.”
The indictment alleges that Diaz, Diaz-Corral, Mendez, and Roggenkamp participated in a criminal enterprise that resulted in the murders of Paul Cruz on Nov. 20, 2016, and Charles Berrios on Sept. 30, 2016, both of whom the defendants believed were members or associates of a rival gang. In addition, according to the indictment the defendants participated in other shootings for the purpose of furthering the goals of the Latin Dragon Nation.
According to the indictment, the Latin Dragon Nation is a street gang that originated in Chicago and spread to other areas, including the Northern District of Indiana. Members and associates of the Latin Dragon Nation allegedly engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, battery, aggravated battery, and aggravated assault, witness intimidation, as well as narcotics distribution and other criminal activities.
The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hammond Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, along with the Chicago and Calumet City, Illinois Police, are investigating the case. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean Lanter of the Northern District of Indiana.
An indictment or superseding indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Four Latin Dragon Nation Members Indicted for Rico Conspiracy Involving Two Murders and Other Shootings in Northwest Indiana and Chicago AreaRead the Press Release
WASHINTON – An indictment was unsealed today against four alleged gang members of Chicago’s criminal street gang, Latin Dragon Nation, for RICO conspiracy and related charges, including two murders.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Manuel Diaz, 26, of Hammond, Indiana; Eduardo Diaz-Corral, 20, of Calumet City, Illinois; Ralph Mendez Jr., 22, of Hammond, Indiana; and Joseph Roggenkamp, 20, of East Chicago, Indiana, are alleged to be members of the Latin Dragon Nation. Both Diaz-Corral and Mendez Jr. had their initial court appearances on Feb. 27 and were ordered detained pending detention hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Martin on March 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Manual Diaz is scheduled to have his initial appearance on Feb. 28 at 11:00 a.m. CT, before Magistrate Judge Martin.
“Though the Latin Dragon Nation is believed to have originated in Chicago, the indictment unsealed today alleges that the street gang has exported its especially violent brand of criminal conduct to Northern Indiana,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners are committed to stopping the expansion of violent criminal enterprises like the Latin Dragon Nation, and holding accountable those who terrorize our communities through violence.”
“Street gangs are terrorizing our neighborhoods with senseless violence that effects the daily lives of ordinary, law-abiding citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “As this indictment makes clear, gang activity does not stop at the state line, and neither do our investigations and prosecutions. My office, and the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with whom we work, will fight tirelessly to combat the senseless violence that results from gang activity. We will never tolerate gang violence and will do everything possible to deter and defeat it.”
The indictment alleges that Diaz, Diaz-Corral, Mendez, and Roggenkamp participated in a criminal enterprise that resulted in the murders of Paul Cruz on Nov. 20, 2016, and Charles Berrios on Sept. 30, 2016, both of whom the defendants believed were members or associates of a rival gang. In addition, according to the indictment the defendants participated in other shootings for the purpose of furthering the goals of the Latin Dragon Nation.
According to the indictment, the Latin Dragon Nation is a street gang that originated in Chicago and spread to other areas, including the Northern District of Indiana. Members and associates of the Latin Dragon Nation allegedly engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, battery, aggravated battery, and aggravated assault, witness intimidation, as well as narcotics distribution and other criminal activities.
The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hammond Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, along with the Chicago and Calumet City, Illinois Police, are investigating the case. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean Lanter of the Northern District of Indiana.
An indictment or superseding indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
18-248
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 180 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Tyrone M. Wright, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Wright was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on March 25, 2015, Wright possessed a firearm after prior felony offenses. Wright was convicted of serious drug offenses or violent felonies in Allen County Superior Court on or about September 24, 2007, and January 3, 2001 and St. Joseph County Superior Court on February 10, 1994. These three felonies qualify him for Armed Career Criminal status with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Fort Wayne Police Department and FWPD Vice and Narcotics Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and David E. Hollar.
###
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Marco A. Garcia, 31, 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, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Garcia was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from January 2015-July 2016, Garcia was part of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
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 Sherriff’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.
###
Former Mortgage Broker Sentenced to 14 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Alfer Rodenburg, 65, of Houston, Texas was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen for conspiracy to commit bank fraud announced, U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Rodenburg was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment followed by 24 months on home detention. Rodenburg was also ordered to pay $1,004,991.64 in restitution.
Rodenburg previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud financial institutions for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme. Rodenburg, acting as a mortgage broker, conspired to obtain first and second mortgages on approximately 14 residential properties in the span of approximately 30 days by failing to inform lenders about his co-defendant’s true and complete liabilities. This conspiracy resulted in over $1,400,000 in loans being funded over the course of the conspiracy. Rodenburg and his co-defendant prepared fraudulent loan applications in connection with the purchase of the properties. The applications contained false statements and representations relating to the co-defendant liabilities, thereby preventing lenders from being able to accurately assess the borrower’s qualifications to borrow money.
Judge Van Bokkelen ordered Rodenburg to report to the Bureau of Prisons on April 6, 2018. The co-defendant, Walter Woldt, will also be sentenced by Judge Van Bokkelen at the United States Federal Court House in Hammond Indiana on April 6, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane L. Berkowitz.
# # #
9 Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced the return of a 19-count indictment against 9 individuals for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and other offenses.
According to the Indictment, the following individuals were charged as follows:
- Teddia Caldwell a/k/a Teddy, 42, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17- Distribution of Crack Cocaine
- Count 6, 9-Distribution of Crack Cocaine and Heroin
- Count 10-Distribution of Heroin
- Count 11-Felon in Possession of A Firearm
- Count 12, 13-Possesion of A Firearm in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking Crime
- Count 18-Murder of Akeem Oliver While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Count 19-Murder of Kevin Hood While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Victor Young a/k/a Vic, 44, of Calumet City, Illinois
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 6-Distribution of Crack Cocaine and Heroin
- Cornell Allen a/k/a Knuckles, 39, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 2- Distribution of Crack Cocaine
- Devonte Hodge, 26, of Gary Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 18-Murder of Akeem Oliver While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Devontae Martin, 24, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 19-Murder of Kevin Hood While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Terry Brown, 32, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 7, 8, 14-Distribution of Cocaine
- Count 15- Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking Crime
- Paronica Bonds, 34, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Demetrius Brinkley a/k/a Detroit, 31, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Taquan Clarke a/k/a Boonie, 24, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 19-Murder of Kevin Hood While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “My office and the federal law enforcement agencies are committed to addressing the senseless violence that results from illegal drug trafficking. If you are distributing drugs or committing acts of violence in the Northern District of Indiana, expect federal agencies to be focused on you.”
Eight of the individuals named in the indictment have been arrested. Law enforcement is currently seeking the whereabouts of Demetrius Brinkley. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of the above individual please contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.
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 being investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and FBI/GRIT Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Lake County Sheriff’s Auto Detail and the Gary Police K-9. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and David J. Nozick.
###
- Teddia Caldwell a/k/a Teddy, 42, of Gary, Indiana
Justice Department Coordinates Nationwide Elder Fraud Sweep of More Than 250 DefendantsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly. The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts. Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally. In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars. The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.
Attorney General Sessions was joined in the announcement by FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell; FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and Kansas Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General Derek Schmidt.
“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Today’s actions send a clear message: we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are. When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”
The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians. A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim. The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.
"Winners. That’s what so many of the people who received these solicitations in the mail thought they were. But they’re not. They are victims (link is external) of scams that Postal Inspectors have seen and investigated for decades. In fact, some of the same operators we encountered 20 years ago are back. But so are we. Yesterday, Postal Inspectors around the country executed search warrants on 12 locations that some of these same operators used to run their scams. We’re letting the American public know – and especially our vulnerable older Americans – that Postal Inspectors are working hard to protect them and ensure their confidence in the U.S. Mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell.
“Over the last year, the FBI has initiated more than 200 financial crimes cases involving elderly victims who were devastated financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. Picking up the pieces of these fraud schemes can be equally as traumatizing for the caregivers of these elderly victims,” said Acting Deputy Director Bowdich. “The FBI reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant. If any person believes they are the victim of, or have knowledge of fraud involving an elderly person, regardless of the loss amount, they should report it to the FBI.”
Actions against mass-mailing fraud industry
As part of the initiative, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and others, brought numerous cases this past week in a coordinated strike against more than 43 mass-mailing fraud operators, including criminal charges against six individuals. In addition, law enforcement agents executed 14 premises search warrants from Las Vegas to south Florida, served numerous asset seizure warrants, and coordinated with the Vancouver Police in Canada, who executed over 20 warrants, including search warrants on business premises.
“The defendants targeted elderly and vulnerable consumers both in the United States and abroad, using U.S. addresses and the U.S. mails to try to legitimize their fraudulent schemes,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard P. Donoghue. “They sold false promises of life-changing prizes that never came true. We will pursue the perpetrators of these mail schemes wherever they are located, and hold them accountable.”
These recently filed cases particularly targeted transnational criminal actors who collectively defrauded at least a million victims out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Indeed, just one of the schemes prosecuted criminally by the Consumer Protection Branch operated from 14 foreign countries to cost American victims more than $30 million. Click here for map showing a transnational, single fraud scheme.
Mass-mailing fraud inflicts hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to elderly U.S. victims each year. Department prosecutors and U.S. Postal Inspectors have taken a comprehensive approach to combatting this fraud, disrupting and prosecuting individuals who manage the schemes, artists who draft the fraudulent solicitations, list brokers who supply victim lists, and individuals who collect victim payments. Click here for fact-sheet with cases on mass-mailing fraud.
Actions against other elder fraud schemes
Prosecutors across the country from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices have heeded the call to focus resources on elder fraud cases. Over 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department Components filed elder fraud cases in the last year. A list of Elder Fraud cases is provided on this interactive map.Some examples of the elder financial exploitation prosecuted by the Department include:
- “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings;
- “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money;
- “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose;
- “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes;
- “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.
Many of these cases illustrate how an elderly American can lose his or her life savings to a duplicitous relative, guardian, or stranger who gains the victim’s trust. The devastating effects these cases have on victims and their families, both financially and psychologically, make prosecuting elder fraud a key Department priority.
Public education
The Department has partnered with Senior Corps, a national service program administered by the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service, to educate seniors and prevent further victimization. The Senior Corps program engages more than 245,000 older adults in intensive service each year, who in turn, serve more than 840,000 additional seniors, including 332,000 veterans.
Using its vast network operating in more than 30,000 locations, Senior Corps volunteers will communicate about elder fraud to potential victims across the country and will use their skills, knowledge and experience to educate their peers and caregivers about the most prolific types of schemes and how to avoid them. Click here for information on Senior Corps’ efforts to reduce elder fraud.
Coordination with state officials
Kansas Attorney General Schmidt highlighted the cases filed by state Attorneys General targeting elder frauds within in the sweep period, and he emphasized efforts at the state level to combat elder abuse and protect seniors from fraud and exploitation. He encouraged all of the state Attorneys General to devote enforcement and public education resources to preventing financial exploitation of senior citizens.
Coordination with foreign law enforcement
Exceptional assistance from foreign law enforcement partners amplified the effectiveness of the Department’s initiative. The sweep announced today benefited greatly from the work of the International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), a network of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Europol, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The IMMFWG is co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Justice and FTC, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom, and serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents. Attorney General Sessions expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts of the working group, including law enforcement action taken as part of the sweep by the Vancouver Police Department in Canada to halt mass mailing schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims worldwide.
Elder fraud complaints
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.