Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
South Bend Man Found Guilty of Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Rodoundy Smith, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, after a two-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr.
According to documents filed in this case, on or about January 4, 2017, Smith possessed a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony offense. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2017 at 1:15 p.m.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Indiana Man Indicted for Running Fraudulent Return Preparation Business and Obstructing the Internal Revenue LawsRead the Press Release
An Indiana man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana for conspiracy to defraud the United States, attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws, and aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana.
According to the indictment, John Newlin owned and operated Quick Sam Tax Service in Gary, Indiana. The indictment alleges that from approximately August 2008 through January 2012, Newlin trained, coached, and encouraged his employees to prepare and file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent tax returns for taxpayer clients. Those returns allegedly contained false business income and expenses and false claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit, thereby generating IRS refunds to which the clients were not entitled. The indictment further charges that after the IRS suspended his electronic filing privileges, Newlin contracted with another individual in Georgia to transmit and file returns for Quick Sam using that individual’s tax preparer number.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Newlin face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, three years in prison for attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws and three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Newlin also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Indiana Man Indicted for Running Fraudulent Return Preparation Business and Obstructing the Internal Revenue LawsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Indiana man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Hammond, Indiana for conspiracy to defraud the United States, attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws, and aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana.
According to the indictment, John Newlin owned and operated Quick Sam Tax Service in Gary, Indiana. The indictment alleges that from approximately August 2008 through January 2012, Newlin trained, coached, and encouraged his employees to prepare and file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent tax returns for taxpayer clients. Those returns allegedly contained false business income and expenses and false claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit, thereby generating IRS refunds to which the clients were not entitled. The indictment further charges that after the IRS suspended his electronic filing privileges, Newlin contracted with another individual in Georgia to transmit and file returns for Quick Sam using that individual’s tax preparer number.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Newlin face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, three years in prison for attempting to interfere with the administration of the internal revenue laws and three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Newlin also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
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17-544
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.
Elkhart Man Sentenced to 117 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Lamont Hawkins, 21, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for bank robbery.
Hawkins was sentenced to 117 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on November 16, 2016, Hawkins and two accomplices robbed a bank in Mishawaka. Wearing masks and gloves, they used a rifle and a handgun to threaten the victims while they stuffed cash into backpacks. Police caught them at a house in Elkhart a short time later. The two accomplices, Jeffery Wilson, 29, and David Woods, 30, both of Elkhart have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Logansport Man Sentenced to 275 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Johnny Clay Amos, 52, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon for production of child pornography.
Amos was sentenced to 275 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between July 2014 and January 2016, Amos paid individuals in the Philippines to provide minor children to perform sex shows via live-streaming webcam. During this time, Amos made more than 100 money transfers to the Philippines and, on at least ten separate occasions, induced young females to engage in sexually explicit conduct over the internet. On March 18, 2016, a search warrant was executed on Amos’s residence where over 800 videos and images of child pornography were found.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 151 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Marlon Cole, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Fort Wayne District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
Cole was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on July 21, 2016 Cole was in possession with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Speith.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 57 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Lorenzo Carlos Pfeifer, 33, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Pfeifer was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on November 17, 2016, Lorenzo Carlos Pfeifer was the passenger of a vehicle whose driver led the police on a vehicle chase. During that chase, Pfeifer threw a 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun out of the car’s window, which was later recovered by police. After the vehicle came to a stop, Pfeifer fled on foot into an apartment unit in an apartment complex. Pfeifer eventually exited the apartment and surrendered himself to police.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Chesterton Man Sentenced to 292 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Willard Abatie, 64, of Chesterton, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen for one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.
Abatie was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on approximately ten occasions between March and December 2014, Abatie coerced a 12-year-old girl to perform sex acts with him. Abatie gained access to the girl by agreeing to help the girl’s mother facilitate a money laundering scheme. Abatie made money transfers for the mother in exchange for sexual contact with the minor.
This case was investigated by the United States Department Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Hammond and East Chicago Police Departments. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 170 MonthsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Freddie L. Church, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for a Hobbs Act Robbery and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Church was sentenced to a total of 170 months imprisonment and a term of supervised release of 2 years.
According to documents in this case, law enforcement officers learned of a plot to rob a bank and were able to prevent the armed robbery from occurring. Church was a leader of a robbery crew which included three other men and a woman. The group planned to rob the Marion credit union at gunpoint and restrain employees and customers in the process, but the suspects were instead arrested.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The task force was also assisted by the Marion Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Michigan City Man Sentenced to 51 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Booker T. Sanders, Jr, 25, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sanders was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on July 11, 2016, Sanders possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Police discovered him with a handgun when responding to a reported domestic altercation in Michigan City.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Former Attorney Convicted of Mail FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Robert E. Stochel, age 64, of Crown Point, Indiana was convicted of mail fraud, after a three-day jury trial before District Court Senior Judge Rudy Lozano.
According to documents filed in this case, Stochel, a local attorney, and former Tip Top Supermarket receiver was convicted on a charge of mail fraud relating to a scheme he operated from 2001 to June 2012 against the Tip Top Receivership estate. In his capacity as receiver, Stochel stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the receivership and then attempted to hide that theft from not only the court that appointed him receiver but also from the receivership’s beneficiaries.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz, Alexandra McTague and Maria Lerner.
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Indiana Mother and Son Indicted for Filing Fraudulent Tax Refund ClaimsRead the Press Release
An indictment against an Indiana mother and son charging them with conspiracy and filing fraudulent tax refund claims was unsealed today, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. A federal grand jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana returned the indictment on April 21.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2010 through 2014, Tracie Lynne Ellis and Terrell Sir William Franklin conspired to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent refund claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment charges that Ellis and Franklin created the Tracie Lynne Ellis Trust and the Terrell Sir Williams Franklin Trust, neither of which had a business purpose. Ellis and Franklin allegedly filed fraudulent returns with the IRS in the names of these trusts and sought refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment alleges that the IRS paid out one of the fraudulent refund claims totaling approximately $156,248. to the indictment, Ellis and Franklin deposited this money into a bank account and withdrew the funds over a seven-month period.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Ellis and Franklin face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count and five years in prison for each of the false claim counts. Ellis and Franklin also face periods of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Indiana Mother and Son Indicted for Filing Fraudulent Tax Refund ClaimsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment against an Indiana mother and son charging them with conspiracy and filing fraudulent tax refund claims was unsealed today, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. A federal grand jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana returned the indictment on April 21.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2010 through 2014, Tracie Lynne Ellis and Terrell Sir William Franklin conspired to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent refund claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment charges that Ellis and Franklin created the Tracie Lynne Ellis Trust and the Terrell Sir Williams Franklin Trust, neither of which had a business purpose. Ellis and Franklin allegedly filed fraudulent returns with the IRS in the names of these trusts and sought refunds to which they were not entitled. The indictment alleges that the IRS paid out one of the fraudulent refund claims totaling approximately $156,248. to the indictment, Ellis and Franklin deposited this money into a bank account and withdrew the funds over a seven-month period.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Ellis and Franklin face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count and five years in prison for each of the false claim counts. Ellis and Franklin also face periods of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Bell and John Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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17-473
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.
East Chicago Man Indicted for Using Counterfeit Securities to Defraud Gary Housing AuthorityRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced an indictment charging Ashley D. Dunlap, 54, of East Chicago, Indiana with two counts of uttering a counterfeit security.
The indictment alleges, in July 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved federal funding for building renovations at the Delaney and Dorie Miller public housing projects operated by Gary Housing Authority (GHA). Dunlap’s construction company was awarded the project, worth $347,500. The successful bidder was required to provide a surety. Dunlap purported to provide the surety – in the form a 20% cash escrow – to GHA on or about September 3, 2013 with two counterfeit instruments purporting to be Chase Bank cashier’s checks in the amounts of $20,000 and $49,600.
The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Lerner and Abizer Zanzi.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 300 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford D. Johnson announced that Mark Nagel, 37, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Rudy Lozano after pleading guilty to two counts of producing child pornography.
Nagel was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in September 2015, Nagel met a 17-year old girl via an online dating site and subsequently persuaded her to send him sexually explicit videos and photos of herself. In February 2016, Nagel met a 13-year old girl via the same website and engaged in a sexual relationship with her, during which he engaged in sex acts and took sexually explicit videos and photos of the girl.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana State Police. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Eric Dillon Pleaded GuiltyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that Eric M. Dillon, 28, of Gary, Indiana entered a plea of guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of causing death during a crime of violence before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon. This plea was accepted by the court.
On January 20, 2016, at approximately 4:30 am, Dillon entered the 7-Eleven store at 6031 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, Indiana with a handgun, demanded money, and shot and killed the clerk, Roger Unton, 60, of Blue Island, Illinois.
The sentencing in this case is scheduled to occur on August 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. McGrath and Jennifer Chang.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 70 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Leroy Robinson, 39, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Rudy Lozano for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Robinson was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Robinson possessed two firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number, on July 28, 2016 after being convicted in an Armed Robbery Case in Cook County, Illinois.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Hammond Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Benton Harbor Man Convicted of Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Johnny Jones, age 39, of Benton Harbor, Michigan was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, after a three-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. Mr. Jones was acquitted of a firearms count from the indictment.
According to documents filed in this case, Mr. Jones and two other individuals from Benton Harbor conspired to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere between May and August, 2016. The other two defendants named in the indictment had previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9, 2017, at 1:30pm.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Joseph County Police Department and Benton Harbor Police. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Lynwood Woman Sentenced to 51 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Angela Young, 45, of Lynwood, Illinois was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen for one count of conspiracy to commit identity fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of knowingly disclosing HIPPA information and one count of unlawful use of social security numbers.
Young was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $64,791.74 in restitution.
According to documents in this case, between June 2007 and continuing through October 2009, Young was employed at a medical facility located in Illinois and was authorized to have access to a patient’s individually identifiable health information and other personal identifying information (PHI/PII). As an employee of the medical facility, Young had access to the names, dates of birth, social security account numbers (SSNs), drivers’ licenses, health insurance cards, credit cards, checking accounts, and billing statements of the patients and their representatives, i.e. individuals who made payments on behalf of the patients at the medical facility. She used her position to take various patients (PHI/PII) without the knowledge, authority, or permission of the patients and their representatives or the medical facility. She then disclosed the PHI/PII to her co-defendant who used the information to open credit card accounts in the names of the patients and their representatives without their knowledge.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toi Houston.
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Three Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced a variety of drug and firearms charges in a 12 count Indictment. Named in the indictment are: Keith Miller, of Albion, Indiana; Brock Shellman, of Albion, Indiana and; Derek Jordan, of Wolcottville, Indiana.
The indictment alleges that Miller and Shellman were involved in a conspiracy to possess a large amount of methamphetamine intended for distribution, as well as the attempt to possess a large amount of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment also alleges several instances of methamphetamine trafficking by Miller, firearms offenses by Keith Miller and Derek Jordan, and that Keith Miller was using his residence to engage in narcotics trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This indictment results from a long- term multi-agency investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in Fort Wayne, which includes personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Also participating in this investigation was the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Michigan City Man Sentenced to 78 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Lonnie Lewis, Jr., 22, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after entering a guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Lewis was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment and 2 year supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on September 9, 2016, police attempted to perform a traffic stop on Lewis. Instead of submitting, Lewis fled in a vehicle at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour. While fleeing, Lewis tossed a loaded gun and drugs out of the window. Police arrested the defendant after his car hit a tree. After being arrested, Lewis tried to enlist others to retrieve his gun and drugs from the route of pursuit. In August of 2015 Lewis was convicted of dealing cocaine, a level 4 felony offense in LaPorte Superior Court.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 15 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Isaiah Deonte Jovan Beavers, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after entering a guilty plea for making a threat using the internet and sending a communication that contained a threat.
Beavers was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Beavers made a series of postings on social media referencing a rally scheduled in South Bend on July 9, 2016. There were a series of posts made by Beavers on July 7, 2016 with him stating he would attend a rally with bottles that had gasoline in them. The posts also include images of a gun, flames and buildings where Beavers added “lets burn this b**ch down”. Beavers also transmitted an electronic communication that contained a threat to injure another person and knew it would be viewed as a threat. He specifically posted an image of a person who appeared to be wearing a riot helmet and face shield. A hand is holding a revolver and material can be seen in the image blowing out of the back of the person’s head. The image said, “Speak to Cops in a Language They Understand”. Beavers was arrested before the rally took place and has been detained since his arrest.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the South Bend Police Department; the St. Joseph County Police Department; and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit. This case was being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 240 MonthsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Christian D. Shelton, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann to a total of 240 months imprisonment and a term of supervised release of 2 years.
On June 4, 2015, at the conclusion of his jury trial, the jury returned verdicts of guilty on all three counts of the Indictment for violations of maintaining a drug involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents in this case, from October 26, 2012, through November 19, 2012, Shelton maintained a premises for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using controlled substances. On November 19, 2012, he knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of maintaining a drug involved premises, and on that same date he knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of felony offenses on July 21, 2003.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 70 MonthsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Fernando Guapo Garcia, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann following his guilty plea to count one of the indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Garcia was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from April 28, 2016 through August 9, 2016 Garcia conspired with other persons to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances to include over 500 grams of cocaine and heroin.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force consisting of officers/agents from the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 30 MonthsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Kenneth Frierson, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before Chief District Court Judge Theresa Springmann following his guilty plea to count two of the indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Frierson was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Frierson possessed a firearm between April 12 and 18, 2016 after being a convicted felon, that conviction being a prior felony conviction in Allen County Superior Court, Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 28, 2011 for dealing Marijuana.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Women Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Elizabeth Heckathorne, 39, of Garrett, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Theresa Springmann following her plea of guilty to a single count of social security fraud.
Heckathorne was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $71,410 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.
This investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
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Statement Regarding Northern Indiana Operating StatusRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Clifford D. Johnson is now the Acting United States Attorney.
The Vacancies Reform Act (VRA), 5 U.S.C. § 3345(a)(1), provides that when a presidentially appointed U. S. Attorney resigns, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney (“FAUSA”) of that office automatically becomes Acting U.S. Attorney. As a result of David J. Capp’s resignation, Clifford D. Johnson is now the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.
Mr. Johnson has held the FAUSA position since August 2007. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s office as a Civil Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) in January 1986. Before becoming the FAUSA, he was the office’s Civil Division Chief. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, from August 1980 until December 1985, he was employed as a trial attorney in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. He earned his B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in May 1976 and his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Valparaiso University School of Law in May 1980.
The office looks forward to continued cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in our joint effort to promote public safety throughout the Northern District of Indiana.
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Statement Regarding US Attorney David CappRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that David Capp has submitted his resignation as United States Attorney as requested by the President.
Capp stated: After 31 years at the United States Attorney’s office I have submitted my resignation as United States Attorney. I had advised my office last summer that it was my plan to retire in 2017. I had been looking toward a June retirement, so this is just a few months earlier.
It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve all these years. The work we do in the United States Attorney’s Office has such an important positive impact on the citizens of northern Indiana. I want to thank the men and women of the USAO for their dedication and professionalism, day-in and day-out. They are the people that do the hard work!
Some years ago I spoke one evening at a church in Gary. We had just made some arrests and closed down a drug operation in the neighborhood the church served. Afterwards a gentleman came up to me, shook my hand, thanked me for our efforts and told me “now my grandchildren can play in the yard again.” That has always stuck with me and kept me focused on what our work is really about. I hope that I have played a part in making more yards in the Northern District of Indiana safe for “grandchildren to play in.”
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Three Indicted Related to Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced 2 separate indictments charging three individuals for involvement in the movement of stolen firearms in Fulton and Wabash Counties. Named in the indictments are:
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Indictment One
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Robert M. Hoy, 21, of North Manchester, Indiana
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One count of stealing firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)
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Jose Rogelio Vera-Diaz aka Rogelio Diaz, 21, of Mexico
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One count of stealing firearms from a FFL
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Indictment Two
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Charles M. Hammer, 30, of North Manchester, Indiana
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One count of felon in possession of a firearm
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According to documents in this case, on November 20, 2016, Hoy and Diaz stole one or more firearms from the Sand Burr Gun Ranch, which is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms. In November and December of 2016, Hammer possessed a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense.
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 investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in coordination with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the North Manchester Police Department and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Mason France Indicted for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced an indictment charging Mason France, 19, of Winona Lake, Indiana with one count of possession of stolen firearms, one count of possession of a firearm while under felony Information and one count of selling a firearm to a juvenile.
According to documents in this case, on December of 2016, France received one or more firearms while pending a felony Information, and in December of 2016 and January of 2017 he possessed stolen firearms. In January of 2017, France sold a handgun to a juvenile.
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 investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in coordination with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the North Manchester Police Department and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Ex Carnival Worker Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced today that Brendan Theodore Coetzee, 29, of Johannesburg, South Africa was sentenced before District Court Judge Rudy Lozano for using interstate communications to illicit sexual conduct from a minor.
Coetzee was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in the case, Coetzee, a former carnival worker, met a female under the age of 14 at a carnival in Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend 2015. Coetzee and the minor maintained some contact thereafter via social media. On June 22, 2015, Coetzee, who was then in Northwest Indiana, arranged for the minor to meet him at a motel in Lansing, Illinois, where he had sexual intercourse with the minor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Lansing, Illinois and Munster, Indiana Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi D. Houston.
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Racketeering IndictmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced a variety of racketeering charges in an 18 count indictment against 4 members and associates of the “2500” street gang, with associations to the “Grit Gang”, a street gang in Bloomington, Indiana. Named in the indictment are:
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Demetri D. Beachem, aka “Meech”, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana
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William D. Beamon, aka “Lil Will”, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Kyombe D. Bolden, “aka Pudge”, 25, of Bloomington, Indiana
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Ronnie D. Burrus, “aka Ronnie Robinson, Ronnie Burris and Yung Ron”, 24, of Bloomington, Indiana
The “2500” originated in the 2500 block of Caroline Street in Ft. Wayne. The indictment alleges that “2500” is a criminal organization engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder and drug trafficking. Specifically alleged are the attempted murders of two rival gang members on October 4, 2014, in Ft. Wayne. Also alleged is an attempted murder of a third person, not a rival gang member.
USA Capp stated, “I greatly appreciate the cooperative law enforcement effort here in Ft. Wayne. This is our first use of the federal racketeering statutes against street gangs in this area. It will not be our last. We are going to continue to focus our efforts on criminal organizations and utilize the federal racketeering statutes to remove them from the streets.”
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 multi-agency investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in Fort Wayne, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allen County Police Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. Also assisting with this investigation were the Bloomington Police Department, the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division, and the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Gang Unit. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Tax Preparer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Frankie Williams a/k/a “Molly” of Fort Wayne, Indiana entered a plea of guilty to counts 3 and 4 of the indictment which charged her with submitting false claims for payment to the Internal Revenue Service in connection with fraudulent tax returns. The Magistrate Judge is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea. Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. If the District Court ultimately accepts the guilty plea, the sentencing hearing will be scheduled under a separate order.
Co-defendant Cavasierre Russell a/k/a “Vassi” in June 2016 pleaded guilty to one count of submitting a false claim in connection with a fraudulent tax return. He was sentenced in September 2016 to 6 months imprisonment and was ordered to pay $45,983 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Two other defendants Ronald Ward and Cassandra Ward, were charged under separate indictments. Ronald Ward, in August 2016 pleaded guilty to one count of submitting a false claim in connection with a fraudulent tax return. He was sentenced in October 2016 to 12 months and a day imprisonment and ordered to pay $48,311 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Cassandra Ward a/k/a “Kitten,” in March 2016 pleaded guilty to one count of submitting a false claim in connection with a fraudulent tax return. She was sentenced in June 2016 to 5 years probation and was ordered to pay $112,078.64 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Lovita Morris King and Deborah M. Leonard.
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Keenan Davis Found Guilty by Jury TrialRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Keenan Davis, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was found guilty, after a 4-day jury trial. Davis was convicted of 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents filed in this case, Davis had two prior felony convictions on his record and was found to be in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
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Hammond Man Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Joshua Herman, 28, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced on February 22, 2017 by District Court Judge Rudy Lozano after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Herman was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to Court filings, on May 4, 2016, the Hammond Police Department was dispatched in regards to a shots fired call. Witnesses advised dispatch that the suspects were fleeing in a green vehicle. When officers came upon the vehicle, one of the individuals, later identified as Joshua Herman was observed passing a chain link fence and dropping an object into the grass. Officers searched the area and located a Jimenez Arms .380 caliber handgun. Herman had been previously convicted of Armed Robbery in Cook County Circuit Court on November 30, 2009.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department. This case was handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.
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Gun Store Burglary Defendants SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Brian Keith Jennings, Jr, 19, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio following a guilty plea to 2 counts of theft of firearms from a licensed firearm dealer.
Jennings was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, followed by 2 years supervision and ordered to pay $50, 231.45 in restitution; for a portion of this restitution amount, Jennings is jointly liable with his co-defendants.
According to documents filed in this case, in May of 2016, a firing range and training facility in South Bend, Indiana, was burglarized and one firearm was stolen. Again, in June of 2016, the same facility was burglarized again and multiple firearms were stolen. During both incidents, a vehicle was driven into the front of the facility to smash the door open and provide a point of entry, through which multiple individuals entered the facility, stole firearms, and then re-entered the vehicle which drove away.
D’dre’a Bostic, 19, of South Bend, Indiana and Matthew Bishop, 19, of South Bend, Indiana were sentenced earlier this month each for a single count of theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. Bostic was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $28,530.46 in restitution to be paid jointly with the other 2 co-defendants. Bishop was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $28,530.46 in restitution to be paid jointly with the other 2 co-defendants.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Mishawaka Police Department; South Bend Police Department and St. Joseph County Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth M. Hays and Molly E. Donnelly.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 636 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Derek Fields, 30, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr.
Fields was sentenced to 636 months imprisonment following his trial and subsequent guilty verdict on November 16, 2016 of kidnapping, extortion, felon in possession and using a firearm in a crime of violence. Fields was also ordered to pay restitution of $196,512.10 for lost wages of the victim and medical expenses.
According to documents filed in this case, Fields and his codefendants unlawfully confined or kidnapped an individual against his will and demanded a ransom for that individual from his family. A firearm was discharged, hitting the victim, and caused permanent injuries to the victim. Two co-defendants, Lindani Mzembe and Ivan Brazier were also convicted in separate trials of similar offenses, and were sentenced to 524 months and 444 months respectively.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Joel Gabrielse.
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Gary Man Sentenced to 40 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Manuel Ramos, 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced on February 14, 2017 by District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Ramos was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to Court filings, in May and June of 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an investigation that revealed that Ramos acquired and possessed firearms for the purpose of selling them for profit within the Northern District of Indiana.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
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Federal Jury Convicts on Sex Trafficking and Involuntary Servitude ChargesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Rita Law, 58, of Chicago, Illinois, and Crystal Wireman, 32, of Lake Station, Indiana, were found guilty today following a 3-week jury trial.
The jury rendered guilty verdicts on all counts against Defendant Rita Law. Law was initially charged in October 2013 with transporting a woman in interstate commerce with intent that the woman engage in prostitution. On the day she was charged, Law fled to Hong Kong. Upon her arrival in Hong Kong, Law was apprehended and extradited to the United States. Thereafter, a grand jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana brought additional charges against Law for sex trafficking and involuntary servitude and for using an interstate facility to promote prostitution.
Because these additional charges were brought against Law by the United States after she was extradited, Article 16 of the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the United States for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders required the United States to seek consent to proceed on the new charges, which was granted
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Law provided and obtained the labor and services of two victims, referred to at trial as HV and XC, by means of a scheme, plan and pattern intended to cause them to believe that if they did not perform the labor and service, they would suffer serious harm and physical restraint. Law caused both women to work at her “spas” in Northwest Indiana, where they were expected to and did engage in sexual acts in exchange for money with Law’s predominantly male clientele. Law’s businesses were called “Duneland Spa” in Lake Station and Gary, Indiana and “Fun Fun Feet” in Hobart, Indiana. Law was also convicted of transporting victim XC in interstate commerce with intent that she engage in prostitution and using a telephone to promote, manage, establish, carry on and facilitate prostitution in violation of Indiana Code.
The jury also convicted Defendant Crystal Wireman of using a telephone to promote, manage, establish, carry on and facilitate prostitution in violation of Indiana Code § 35-45-4-2 and § 35-45-4-4. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Wireman worked as a masseuse at Law’s spas in Hobart and Gary, Indiana and assisted Law in managing her prostitution business.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Hobart Police Department, the Lake Station Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oak Forest (Illinois) Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Abizer Zanzi.
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Latin Kings IndictedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David Capp announced federal racketeering charges against 11 additional members of the Latin Kings, a criminal enterprise doing business in Chicago and northwest Indiana. The Indictment also alleges a drug conspiracy in which the 11 plus another additional individual were charged. Named in today’s indictment are:
Jeremiah Shane Farmer, 35, of Hammond, IN
Lazaro Francisco Delgado-Gonzalez, Jr. a/k/a “Pollo Loco”, 27, of Highland, IN
Timothy Maurice Diaz a/k/a “Slice”, 34, of Hammond, IN
Sean Michael Pena a/k/a “Big Body”, 34, of Hammond, IN
Marquis Sean Medellin a/k/a “Kilo”, 30, of Hammond, IN
David Ulmenstine a/k/a “Silent”, 25, of Harvey, IL
Jorge Esqueda a/k/a “Silent”, 22, of East Chicago, IN
Juan Alcaraz a/k/a “Silent”, 28, of Hammond, IN
Miguel Angel Marines a/k/a “Egg”, 22, of East Chicago, IN
Rafael Cancel, 35, of Hammond, IN
Kash Lee Kelly, 28, of Hammond, IN
Eduardo Ivel a/k/a “Little Smiley”, 21, of Hammond, IN
These 12 individuals were added to the existing Latin King indictment pending in the Northern District of Indiana that had previously charged 26 members or associates of the Latin Kings. All of the above, except Kash Lee Kelly, were charged with a conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. All of the above, including Kash Lee Kelly, were charged with a conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
Law enforcement arrested 8 of these individuals today: Delgado-Gonzalez, Medellin, Ulmenstine, Esqueda, Alcaraz, Marines, Cancel, and Kelly. Two others, Farmer and Ivel, were already in State custody on unrelated charges. Two of the individuals, Timothy Maurice Diaz and Sean Michael Pena, are considered fugitives from justice.
We are currently seeking the whereabouts of:
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(Apprehended)Timothy Maurice Diaz a/k/a “Slice”, 34, of 6320 New Hampshire Avenue Hammond, IN
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Sean Michael Pena a/k/a “Big Body”, 34, of 1148 State St Hammond, IN
If you have any information as to the whereabouts of the above individuals please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 317-595-4000 or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.
This indictment alleges new overt acts in furtherance of the illegal objectives of the Latin Kings including retaliatory arsons: January 5, 2013 on Durbin Street in Gary and on March 22, 2013 on Sherman Street also in Gary.
The previous indictments had charged Anton James with murder in aid of racketeering for his alleged role in the murder of Martin Hurtado Sr. The indictment alleges that, on Oct. 28, 2014, James shot and killed Hurtado Sr. in Hammond believing that he was Martin Hurtado Jr., whom James believed was a rival gang member. They also detailed two previously uncharged murders as alleged overt acts in the racketeering conspiracy. On July 18, 2011, Travis Nash was shot and killed in Hammond. The indictment alleges that Reynaldo Robles, acting at the direction of Aldon Perez (indicted previously), shot and killed Nash, believing him to be a rival gang member. The indictment also alleges that on August 14, 2014, Keith Trevor Manuel and Joseph Uvalle (both indicted previously) demanded that members of the Latin Kings take action against Estrella’s Bar in Hammond, Indiana, as the owner of Estrella’s Bar was allowing rival gang members to patronize the bar. It is alleged that Uvalle drove Nicholas Baez and Antonio Gamino to the bar and handed Baez a firearm. Baez shot into the bar, striking and killing Raudel Contreras, while Gamino served as a lookout. In addition, Latin King indictments had charged Joseph Uvalle with sex trafficking offenses, and this indictment carries those charges over unchanged from the previous indictment.
This indictment is part of the ongoing effort by local and federal law enforcement to remove criminal organizations from the streets of northwest Indiana.
United States Attorney Capp said, “As I have repeatedly stated, if you are a member of or associate with these criminal organizations we are coming after you. It may take us months or it may take longer but we are coming after you.”
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chicago Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents. The Northern District of Illinois United States Attorney’s Office and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office also has provided assistance. The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick, Dean Lanter and Abizer Zanzi of the Northern District of Indiana.
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Uryan Frymire Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that a criminal complaint was filed charging Uryan Frymire, 37, of Ohio, with possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to documents in this case, there was a traffic stop conducted in Texas on January 17, 2017 of a semi-tractor where 62 packages or approximately 70 kilograms of a white powdery substance were found. The substance field tested positive for cocaine. The driver of the semi-tractor, who was the only occupant, said he was destined for Fort Wayne and Chicago, Illinois to deliver the cocaine in the roof. The driver agreed to the delivery of 17 kilograms of cocaine to Fort Wayne. On January 19, 2017, the driver made a controlled delivery to Frymire who was arrested by Homeland Security Agents.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Criminal complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Allen County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department; Greenville, Indiana Police Department; Indiana State Police; and United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being handled by Assistant United States
East Chicago Man Sentenced to 60 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Victor Castro, 37, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced before Chief Judge Philip Simon on January 13, 2017 for distribution of over 500 grams of cocaine.
Castro was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in December of 2014, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration revealed that Castro distributed a kilogram of cocaine to a DEA confidential informant at Castro’s place of business, Castro Trucking Service, in Gary, Indiana.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Masters of Cosmetology ChargeRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that an information was filed charging Rachel Crawford, 38, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, with obtaining by fraud and materially false statements, federal financial funds within the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Education. The Department of Education provides certain funding through Family Federal Education Loans (FFEL), a program administered by Sallie Mae. This charge relates to Crawford’s actions when she was the financial aid director at Masters of Cosmetology.
In conjunction with this information, Crawford has entered into an agreement wherein she will plead guilty to the charge.
The United States Attorney’s Office advised that Crawford has cooperated with this investigation throughout. This investigation led to the earlier conviction of Kaydean Geist, owner of Masters of Cosmetology.
As part of this overall investigation, the Department of Education agreed to cancel certain FFEL loans through Sallie Mae that were illegally acquired by Masters of Cosmetology, thereby relieving many students from loans that should never have been authorized by Masters of Cosmetology.
The above charge and plea concludes the matter regarding the financial irregularities regarding the Masters of Cosmetology School. Crawford will appear in court for her change of plea hearing before Magistrate Judge Susan Collins at a future date.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police and the United States Department of Education-Office of Inspector General. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 528 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Lindani Mzembe, 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr. for kidnapping, making a ransom demand, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and being felon in possession of a firearm.
Mzembe was sentenced to 528 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Mzembe and his codefendants possessed firearms as felons to unlawfully confine or kidnap an individual and demanded a ransom for that individual’s release. A firearm was discharged, hitting the victim, during the kidnapping. Two co-defendants, Ivan Brazier and Derek Fields were convicted in separate trials of kidnapping, extortion, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in a crime of violence. Derek Fields is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2017.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Joel Gabrielse.
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Two Individuals Indicted on Securities and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced today Richard E. Gearhart, 66, of Lowell, Indiana and George R. McKown, 65, of Indianapolis, Indiana, were recently charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, and wire fraud
According to documents filed in this case, it is alleged that the defendants sold securities to individuals who transferred their traditional IRSs, pensions, annuities, 401ks, and cash to invest with Gearhart and McKown, through Asset Preservation Specialists, Inc., after being guaranteed that their original investment was safe and sound and promising a guaranteed rate of return. Gearhart and McKown were not registered with the SEC or the State of Indiana to sell securities.
“Gearhart had all the warning signs of a typical Ponzi scheme; he took advantage of people he knew and wasn’t registered with my office to sell securities,” said Secretary of State Connie Lawson. Secretary Lawson also reminded all potential investors that no matter how well you think you know someone or how successful they look, always check with the Secretary of State to make sure the professional and the product are registered.
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 the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana Secretary of State Securities Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Elkhart Man Sentenced to 168 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Aurelio Cervantes, 53, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Cervantes was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment and 3 year supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Cervantes was involved with distribution of cocaine. Cocaine would be shipped from Texas to Elkhart, Indiana and then distributed to Ohio. Cervantes acknowledged that he should be held responsible for 50-150 kilograms of cocaine
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Westville Man Sentenced to 97 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Vincent Jones, 46, of Westville, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for felon in possession of a firearm.
Jones was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department and Westville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank E. Schaffer, Luke N. Reilander and Molly E. Donnelly.
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Three Charged in Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced a 13 count indictment against Gregory Brown, 36, and Shakyia Bunch, 30, of Chicago, Illinois along with Jeneva Sutton, 31, of Michigan City, Indiana for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and unauthorized access device fraud.
Brown and Bunch were charged in all 13 counts of the indictment whereas Sutton was charged with 7 counts of wire fraud, 2 counts of aggravated identity theft and 1 count of unauthorized access device fraud.
According to documents filed in this case, from April through July of 2016, Gregory Brown was an inmate at the La Porte County Jail while Shakyia Bunch was employed at a hotel in the Northern District of Illinois and Jeneva Sutton maintained a residence in the Northern District of Indiana. It is alleged that Brown proposed to other inmates in the La Porte County Jail that he would secure their release through payment of their respective bond amounts if those inmates would repay him. Bunch allegedly stole credit card account numbers from the hotel where she was employed from individuals who had provided credit card information in order to book stays at the hotel. Sutton allegedly obtained stolen credit card account numbers from Bunch. Bunch and Sutton were alleged to have used the internet to effect wire transfers of money using the stolen credit card account numbers to pay for various inmates’ bonds. Eight wire transactions were effected using four different account holders’ credit card account information. Sutton was to receive payment via money or property from inmates who had been released from the La Porte County Jail or from individuals associated with inmates who had been released or were seeking release. Through this scheme and through use of the stolen credit card account numbers, the defendants obtained a Chrysler 300 vehicle.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; La Porte County Sheriff’s Office; and Michigan City Police Department. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 444 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Ivan Brazier, 40, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr. for kidnapping and extortion.
Brazier was sentenced to 444 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Brazier and his codefendants possessed firearms as felons to unlawfully confine or kidnap an individual and demanded a ransom for that individual’s release. A firearm was discharged, hitting the victim, during the kidnapping. Two co-defendants, Lindani Mzembe and Derek Fields were convicted in separate trials of kidnapping, extortion, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in a crime of violence. Mzembe is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2017, and Fields is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2017.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Joel Gabrielse.
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Sie Merriman Sentenced for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announces that Sie Merriman, 36, of Fort Wayne, IN was sentenced before District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Merriman was sentenced to 86 months’ imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents filed in the case, in December 2015 Merriman knowingly possessed a firearm. Merriman has two previous convictions for forgery in the State of Missouri.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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