Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Calumet Township Level II Assessor, Pamela Frizzelle, SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced today that Pamela Griffin Frizzelle, 54, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced before Chief Judge Philip Simon for three counts of Hobbs Act Extortion.
Frizzelle was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1-day imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution to the Lake County Assessor’s Office in the amount $7,128.
According to documents filed in the case, Frizzelle, an employee of the Calumet Township Assessor’s Office, solicited money from business owners in exchange for reducing or attempting to reduce tax assessments for personal and real property. Frizzelle pled guilty to three counts and admitted to receiving cash from owners including $800 to assist a laundry mat owner illegally obtain a refund for prior years. Frizzelle backdated documents and convinced her supervisors that the appeal was legitimate, which resulted in a refund of more than $7,000. Frizzelle also accepted money from other business owners in exchange for promises to reduce owed taxes.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.
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Lajuan Fitzpatrick Wanted FugitiveRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David Capp announced today the unsealing of an Indictment against Lajuan Fitzpatrick, 25, of Danville, IL for drug conspiracy and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime in which an individual was murdered.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the subject. Fitzpatrick has ties to Gary and Lake Station, Indiana along with the South Side of Chicago and Danville, IL.
Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Lajuan Fitzpatrick are encouraged to call the ATF at 800-ATF-Guns or FBI at 219-942-4900. The subject should be considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not try to apprehend, call 911.
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, East Chicago Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gary Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean Lanter.
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U. S. Steel Corporation Agrees to End Litigation, Improve Environmental Compliance at Its Three Midwest Facilities, Pay Civil Penalty of $2.2 Million and Perform Projects to Aid Communities Affected by U. S. Steel’s PollutionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States, together with the states of Indiana and Illinois and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, announced today that U. S. Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) has agreed to resolve Clean Air Act litigation initiated by the United States and the three states in August 2012, by undertaking measures to reduce pollution at its three Midwest iron and steel manufacturing plants in Gary, Indiana; Ecorse, Michigan; and Granite City, Illinois. As part of the agreement, U. S. Steel will perform seven supplemental environmental projects totaling $1.9 million, to protect human health and the environment in the communities affected by U. S. Steel’s pollution, including a project to remove lighting fixtures containing toxic chemicals in public schools. In addition, U. S. Steel will expend $800,000 for an environmentally beneficial project to remove contaminated transformers at its Gary and Ecorse facilities and pay a $2.2 million civil penalty. The agreement is memorialized in a consent decree lodged today in federal district court in the Northern District of Indiana.
“Defendant U. S. Steel, a major global iron and steel manufacturer, has agreed to curtail significant pollution from its three Midwest plants,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This outstanding settlement, whose results will especially benefit the three environmental justice communities most closely affected by defendant’s pollution, is another example of how the Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and our state counterparts often work hand-in-hand to enforce our federal and state clean air act laws to protect the health and welfare of our citizens.”
“Today’s settlement protects communities in the Midwest from air pollution and puts important environmental projects to work,” said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Making sure companies comply with the law that protects clean air is an important way EPA safeguards the health of communities across the country.”
Under the consent decree, U. S. Steel will immediately repair, and later replace, a bell top on a blast furnace used for making molten iron at its Great Lakes Works facility in Ecorse. The bell top, through which raw materials are placed inside the furnace, has a worn seal that is causing increased emissions of hazardous pollutants and particulate matter. The new bell top is designed to eliminate those increased emissions. U. S. Steel will also implement improvements (following a third-party study) at its Great Lakes Works’ steel-making shop to reduce emissions causing opacity. At its Gary Works facility, U. S. Steel will repair a large opening in a metal shell that surrounds a blast furnace. The repair will eliminate excess emissions from that furnace.
Since 2008, U. S. Steel has worked with the state of Illinois to improve its environmental compliance at the Granite City Works facility, including installation of a new baghouse to control particulate matter and rebuilding its Electro-Static Precipitator. Under the consent decree, which resolves not only joint federal/state claims but also claims brought separately by the state of Illinois, U. S. Steel agrees to maintain the effective operation of its pollution control equipment and continue the work practices that have resulted in improved environmental compliance.
Many children in the Southwest Detroit, Ecorse and Gary areas attend schools that are lit by fluorescent ballasts that may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). As part of the settlement, U. S. Steel will conduct a joint federal/state supplemental environmental project (SEP) in which the company will remove and properly dispose of such PCB-contaminated ballasts and replace them with non-toxic, energy-efficient lighting. U. S. Steel will also conduct another SEP to install vegetative buffers composed of trees, bushes and shrubs on public lands near high-traffic roadways in Southwest Detroit. Such buffers are intended to reduce the transport of particulate matter emissions from heavily trafficked areas and thus improve downwind air quality.
“These measures to improve air quality in Southwest Detroit and Ecorse are an important step to helping communities who suffer the most from violations of laws designed to protect human health and the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“We welcome the settlement with U. S. Steel and look forward to the improvements to be made at its Ecorse facility, schools in Ecorse and Detroit and along high traffic roadways in Southwest Detroit,” said Director C. Heidi Grether of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “More importantly, we welcome the improvement in the air quality of the region that we expect will come from these changes.”
In addition, U. S. Steel will purchase a new street sweeper, equipped with enhanced collection capability, for use by the city of Granite City to reduce dust emissions. Other SEPs, state-only, that U. S. Steel has agreed to undertake include the removal and proper disposal of waste tires that have been dumped at locations in Gary, replacement of some exterior doors in Granite City public schools with energy-efficient doors and creation of a greenway and transit bike trail within Granite City.
“Today’s consent decree should be welcome news to the residents of this district and everyone who lives in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area,” said U.S. Attorney Donald S. Boyce for the Southern District of Illinois. “Air pollution is a serious problem that continues to threaten our world, and we applaud U. S. Steel for its ongoing cooperation and the improvements it has agreed to make to bring its Granite City facility into full compliance. This office remains committed to enforcing the nation's environmental laws in the Southern District of Illinois."
“I applaud the united, collaborative effort by all parties who worked to resolve this matter and to hold accountable those responsible for polluting the environment,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller. “No one should be subjected to living and working in a polluted environment.”
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: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
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16-1371
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.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Jesus C. Madrigal, 25, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon. E. DeGuilio for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Madrigal was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 2 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Madrigal entered a guilty plea for possession of cocaine. In March of 2016 Madrigal discharged a firearm at “would-be” robbers at his home in Mishawaka, Indiana to protect narcotics he had for sale.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Timothy Ryan Sentenced to 157 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Timothy Ryan, 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography.
Ryan had been convicted by a jury on all counts on June 14, 2015, and today was sentenced to 157 months’ imprisonment and 5 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, an undercover officer was able to download child pornography from a computer in Ryan’s home in February 2015, which led to a search of his home in May 2015, during which a computer containing child pornography was seized.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff and Portage, Indiana, Mayor Indicted Separately on Public Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana David Capp announced today the return of two public corruption indictments; one naming Lake County Sheriff John Buncich and the other naming Portage Mayor James Snyder.
Buncich, his chief deputy, Timothy Downs, and William Szarmach were named in a multi-count indictment alleging a deprivation of honest services and receipt of illegal money in connection with towing contracts in Lake County.
Buncich is the Lake County Sheriff. Buncich earlier served as sheriff from 1994-2002, and was re-elected in 2010 and again in 2014. Pursuant to a Lake County ordinance, the sheriff has exclusive authority to determine what entity would do any towing as required by the sheriff’s department. Downs is the chief in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the second person in command, having been appointed to that position by Buncich. Szarmach owns and operates CSA Towing, located at 2599 DeKalb Street, Lake Station, Indiana.
The indictment alleges that from February 2014 continuing into October 2016, Buncich, Downs and Szarmach devised a scheme to deprive the citizens of Lake County of their right to the honest services of the sheriff’s office. The scheme was designed to enrich Buncich personally and his campaign committee, known as Buncich Boosters. The indictment details a number of checks and cash payments, often collected by Downs, from Szarmach and an Individual A in exchange for Buncich awarding county towing business and towing in the city of Gary for ordinance violations. Individual A is the owner of a tow truck business who voluntarily came forward and cooperated with the United States during the course of this investigation.
Buncich is also charged individually with a violation of the federal bribery statute. Specifically, Buncich is alleged to have corruptly solicited, demanded and received over $25,000 in cash and $7000 in checks in exchange for favorable actions by Buncich regarding the towing contracts.
The second indictment names Portage Mayor James Snyder and John Cortina. Snyder was first elected as mayor in 2011 and was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2015. Cortina owns and operates a towing business, Kustom Auto Body, 5409 US Highway 6 in Portage.
Snyder and Cortina are both charged with a violation of the federal bribery statute. Snyder is alleged to have corruptly solicited and received two checks totaling $12,000 from Cortina and Individual A (same individual above), in exchange for a towing contract in the city of Portage, Indiana. Cortina is charged with corruptly offering those checks to Snyder.
Snyder is also charged with a second violation of the federal bribery statute. That count alleges that between Jan. 1, 2012 and Jan. 10, 2014, Snyder corruptly solicited and agreed to accept a bank check in the amount of $13,000 in connection with Portage Board of Works contracts, a Portage Redevelopment Commission project and other consideration.
The final charge against Snyder alleges obstruction of the internal revenue laws. This count sets forth an alleged scheme, undertaken by Snyder between January 2010 and April 2013, to obstruct and impede the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) collection of personal taxes he owed and payroll taxes owed by his mortgage business, First Financial Trust Mortgage LLC. Snyder is alleged to have diverted funds away from FFTM to a sole proprietorship he created and submitted three forms to the IRS which failed to disclose, among other things, the existence of the sole proprietorship and its bank account – all during a time when the IRS was attempting to collect the aforementioned tax debt.
“These investigations are not over,” said U.S. Attorney Capp. “Our public corruption team will continue its work, particularly into the towing contracts in both Lake and Porter counties.”
Anyone with information related to these public corruption charges is encouraged to call the FBI at 219-769-3719.
The U.S. 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.
These indictments were the result of an extensive, ongoing investigation conducted by the FBI and IRS, Criminal Investigation Division. Assistance was provided throughout by the Indiana State Police. These indictments will be handled in the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Benson, Gary T. Bell and Jill R. Koster.
Lake County Sheriff John Buncich and Portage Indiana Mayor James Snyder Indicted Separately on Public Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David Capp announced today the return of two public corruption indictments; one naming Lake County Sheriff John Buncich and the other naming Portage Mayor James Snyder.
Buncich, his chief deputy Timothy Downs, and William Szarmach were named in a multi-count indictment alleging a deprivation of honest services and receipt of illegal money in connection with towing contracts in Lake County.
John Buncich is the Lake County Sheriff. Buncich earlier served as sheriff from 1994-2002, and was re-elected in 2010 and again in 2014. Pursuant to a Lake County ordinance, the sheriff has exclusive authority to determine what entity would do any towing as required by the sheriff’s department. Downs is the Chief in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the second person in command, having been appointed to that position by Buncich. Szarmach owns and operates CSA Towing, located at 2599 DeKalb Street, Lake Station, Indiana.
The indictment alleges that from February 2014 continuing into October 2016, Buncich, Downs and Szarmach devised a scheme to deprive the citizens of Lake County of their right to the honest services of the sheriff’s office. The scheme was designed to enrich Buncich personally and his campaign committee, known as Buncich Boosters. The indictment details a number of checks and cash payments, often collected by Downs, from Szarmach and an Individual A in exchange for Buncich awarding county towing business and towing in the City of Gary for ordinance violations. Individual A is the owner of a tow truck business who voluntarily came forward and cooperated with the United States during the course of this investigation.
Buncich is also charged individually with a violation of the federal bribery statute. Specifically, Buncich is alleged to have corruptly solicited, demanded and received over $25,000 in cash and $7000 in checks in exchange for favorable actions by Buncich regarding the towing contracts.
The second indictment names Portage Mayor James Snyder and John Cortina. Snyder was first elected as mayor in 2011 and was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2015. Cortina owns and operates a towing business, Kustom Auto Body, 5409 US Highway 6 in Portage.
Snyder and Cortina are both charged with a violation of the federal bribery statute. Snyder is alleged to have corruptly solicited and received two checks totaling $12000 from Cortina and Individual A (same individual above), in exchange for a towing contract in the City of Portage. Cortina is charged with corruptly offering those checks to Snyder.
Snyder is also charged with a second violation of the federal bribery statute. That count alleges that between January 1, 2012 and January 10, 2014, Snyder corruptly solicited and agreed to accept a bank check in the amount of $13,000 in connection with Portage Board of Works contracts, a Portage Redevelopment Commission project and other consideration.
The final charge against Snyder alleges obstruction of the internal revenue laws. This count sets forth an alleged scheme, undertaken by Snyder between January 2010 and April 2013, to obstruct and impede the IRS’s collection of personal taxes he owed and payroll taxes owed by his mortgage business, First Financial Trust Mortgage, LLC. Snyder is alleged to have diverted funds away from FFTM to a sole proprietorship he created, and submitted three forms to the IRS which failed to disclose, among other things, the existence of the sole proprietorship and its bank account – all during a time when the IRS was attempting to collect the aforementioned tax debt.
United States Attorney Capp stated, “These investigations are not over. Our public corruption team will continue its work, particularly into the towing contracts in both Lake and Porter counties.”
Anyone with information related to these public corruption charges is encouraged to call the FBI at 219-769-3719.
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.
These indictments were the result of an extensive, ongoing investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Assistance was provided throughout by the Indiana State Police. These indictments will be handled in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip C. Benson, Gary T. Bell and Jill R. Koster.
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Tereso Galindo Sentenced to 33 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Tereso Cazares Galindo, 38, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for having reentered the United States after having previously been deported following a felony conviction.
Galindo was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Galindo was arrested in April 2016. In or around October 2004, Galindo was deported to Mexico following a conviction for armed robbery.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.
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South Bend Woman Sentenced to 78 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Barbara West, 33, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon. E. DeGuilio for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.
West was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on multiple occasions, West sold methamphetamine to undercover officers from her residence on Kenilworth Road in South Bend. During the execution of a search warrant, officers found multiple drugs, drug paraphernalia along with money and several firearms.
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 United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.
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Elkhart Man Sentenced to 151 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Omar Loza, 33, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon. E. DeGuilio for possessing with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine.
Loza was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Loza was involved in a group that shipped cocaine from Texas to Elkhart, Indiana. Loza then arranged for shipments to be transported to Columbus, Ohio.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Derek Fields Found Guilty by Jury TrialRead 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 found guilty, after a 3-day jury trial, of kidnapping, transmitting a ransom demand, discharging a weapon during a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm. He is the last of three co-defendants to be tried in this matter. Ivan Brazier was convicted on July 13, 2016 of kidnapping and extortion and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2016. Lindani Mzembe was convicted on August 24, 2016 of kidnapping, extortion, felon in possession, and use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2016.
According to documents filed in this case, Fields and his codefendants possessed firearms as felons to unlawfully confine or kidnap an individual against their will and demanded a ransom for that individual. A firearm was discharged, hitting the victim, during the kidnapping.
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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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 30 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Mohamed Fadiga, 43, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced before Chief Judge Philip Simon for possession of counterfeit or unauthorized access devices. Fadiga was found guilty by a jury after a 2-day trial.
Fadiga was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Fadiga possessed more than 15 counterfeit and fraudulent debit and credit cards which had been re-encoded with the personal information of victims from different jurisdictions but bearing his name.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Hobart Police Department and the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Toi D. Houston and Maria N. Lerner.
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Jack Weichman Defendants Entered Pleas of Guilty TodayRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that all defendants in the United States v. Weichman case entered guilty pleas today before Chief Judge Philip Simon.
The following entered pleas of guilty:
- Jack Weichman, 64, of Dyer, Indiana –two counts of bank fraud, one count of concealment of assets, one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
- Ari Weichman, 36, of Schererville, Indiana-one count of bank fraud
- James Schaefer, 66, of Lowell, Indiana-one count of bank fraud
- William Bercaw, 69, of Munster, Indiana-one count of wire fraud
According to documents in this case, Jack Weichman, a local accountant and business owner, has entered guilty pleas to two counts of bank fraud, one count of concealing assets during a bankruptcy, one count of wire fraud, and one count of filing a false federal income tax return. Weichman, the owner of an accounting practice that bears his name, Weichman & Associates, as well as a medical billing operation known as MMDS, stole $10,000 from one of his physician clients during a bank fraud scheme that saw at least $660,000 illegally removed from that client’s account. Weichman also admitted hiding an almost $2 million dollar tax debt to the IRS from another bank at a time when he was seeking to renew a loan from that bank. Weichman also admitted hiding hundreds of thousands of dollars from his bankruptcy creditors in January 2011, and removing $95,000 from a client’s retirement fund on April 25, 2012, by having one of his employees pretend to be the client during a phone call to the retirement fund. Finally, Weichman acknowledged that he failed to report to the IRS at least $100,000 in income.
Weichman’s employee, William Bercaw, entered his own guilty plea to one count of wire fraud relating to the $95,000 illegally removed from a client’s retirement fund account on April 25, 2012.
Another Weichman employee, James Schaefer, along with Weichman’s son Ari Weichman, entered separate guilty pleas to a one count information charging them with providing false information to US Bancorp in an effort to secure a loan for Jack Weichman’s business, MMDS, by representing to US Bancorp that Ari Weichman was the owner and president of MMDS.
Sentencing for all defendants is set for January 27, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane L. Berkowitz and Maria N. Lerner.
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Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Information on ExplosivesRead the Press Release
Marlonn Hicks, 30, of Crown Point, Indiana, pleaded guilty to distributing information regarding the manufacture and use of explosives, with the intent that the information be used for and in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana and Special Agent in Charge W. Jay Abbott of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office announced the charges.
According to the documents in this case, Hicks allegedly communicated online with multiple individuals who were cooperating with the government. During these communications, Hicks allegedly expressed a desire to travel to territory under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Within days of the Orlando, Florida terrorist attack, Hicks indicated that he would likely die in the U.S. and subsequently discussed the means by which he planned to carry out an attack within the U.S. During one of these online communications, Hicks sent a government source a document containing detailed instructions on how to make explosives. When Hicks sent the document to the government source, Hicks believed that the government source was a like-minded individual who would use the document and instructions to conduct an attack within the U.S. using explosives. Hicks intended the attack to be carried out in the name of ISIL and in support of ISIL.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Indianapolis Division and the Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Indiana.
Indiana Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Information on ExplosivesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marlonn Hicks, 30, of Crown Point, Indiana, pleaded guilty to distributing information regarding the manufacture and use of explosives, with the intent that the information be used for and in furtherance of a crime of violence before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. 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.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana and Special Agent in Charge W. Jay Abbott of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office announced the charges.
According to the documents in this case, Hicks allegedly communicated online with multiple individuals who were cooperating with the government. During these communications, Hicks allegedly expressed a desire to travel to territory under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Within days of the Orlando, Florida terrorist attack, Hicks indicated that he would likely die in the U.S. and subsequently discussed the means by which he planned to carry out an attack within the U.S. During one of these online communications, Hicks sent a government source a document containing detailed instructions on how to make explosives. When Hicks sent the document to the government source, Hicks believed that the government source was a like-minded individual who would use the document and instructions to conduct an attack within the United States using explosives. Hicks intended the attack to be carried out in the name of ISIL and in support of ISIL.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Indianapolis Division and the Indianapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Indiana.
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16-1268
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.
Michigan Women Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Holly L. Nivens, 31, of Niles, Michigan was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in excess of 500 grams.
Nivens was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in April of 2016 Nivens received several pounds of methamphetamine after learning of the location of a large quantity of methamphetamine from a friend she met in prison. When released, she retrieved the quantity of methamphetamine, aided by other individuals, and then sold it. Nivens was arrested with six bricks of methamphetamine in her vehicle.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.
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Hammond Woman Indicted on Aggravated Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Hammond returned a single count indictment charging Alexis Young, 34, of Hammond, Indiana with aggravated identity theft.
According to documents in this case, in October of 2016, Young allegedly stole personal information of an individual and committed an instant offense while on release and awaiting sentencing for a prior conviction.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toi Houston.
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Dyer Man Charged with Violating the Federal Insecticide ActRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Dipen Patel, 34, of Dyer, Indiana was charged with a criminal violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, a/k/a FIFRA.
According to documents filed in this case, the defendant knowingly distributed a pesticide in the State of Indiana which was not registered with the EPA as required. The pesticide known as “DOOM” was applied to rooms at a motel located in Michigan City, Indiana and a motel located in Howe, Indiana. Today, an information and plea agreement have been filed with respect to the criminal violation.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Northern District of Indiana Environmental Crimes Task Force lead by the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division. This case is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston, Trial Attorney Richard J. Powers, U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental and Natural Resource Division, Environmental Crimes Section, and Special Assistant United States Attorney David P. Mucha, Environmental Protection Agency.
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District Elections Officer Selection for November 8, 2016Read the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David Capp announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Gary T. Bell will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Bell has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Indiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Capp stated that AUSA/DEO Gary T. Bell will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number 219-937-5656.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Indiana FBI Field Office can be reached by the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 317-595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
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Former City of Gary Network Administrator IndictedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Hammond returned a 6 count indictment charging Monique Bowling aka Monique Boyd, 44, of Merrillville, Indiana with one count of theft from local government receiving federal funds, one count of aggravated identity theft and four counts of mail fraud.
According to the indictment, Bowling allegedly stole and obtained by fraud more than one thousand Apple iPads and other computer equipment under the care, custody and control of the City of Gary. The indictment also alleges, that Bowling used a deceased person’s state ID card with at least one other person and participated in a scheme to obtain pension checks of a deceased individual.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana State Police and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary T. Bell.
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Former Bank President Mark Warne Sentenced to 78 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Mark Warne, 46, of Brook, Indiana was sentenced before Chief Judge Philip Simon following his guilty plea to Bank Fraud.
Warne was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $3, 410,223 in restitution.
According to document in this case, Warne, a former President of Community State Bank, devised a scheme to defraud the bank. Warne caused Community State Bank to issue over six million dollars in fraudulent loans. Warne obtained loans using the identities of four known individuals, three of whom were related to Warne and none of whom received any of the proceeds of the loans.
Warne concealed the loans from bank board members by creating two sets of minutes for the meetings of the board of directors, one for the bank’s board of directors to read and approve and second for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) examiners to review. While the minutes shown to the FDIC examiners made it appear as if the bank’s board of directors was aware of the loans, the actual board minutes made no mention of the loans. Warne served as President of Community State Bank from on or about September of 2010 to September of 2015. Warne’s employment with Community State Bank ended after his scheme to defraud the bank was uncovered.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua P. Kolar and Abizer Zanzi.
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Damiane Harris Sentenced to 24 Months for Transporting Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that, on October 4, 2016, Damiane Harris of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before Judge Philip P. Simon, for interstate transportation of stolen property.
Harris was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release.
According to court proceedings, Harris stole a semi-tractor from a truck dealer in Burr Ridge, Illinois and two trailers containing valuable crane weights from Griffith, Indiana, and sold the weights at a scrap yard in Chicago, Illinois. The items were recovered and returned to the businesses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Griffith Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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Maurice Dimitrie Moore Found Guilty of Counts 2 and 3 and Not Guilty of Count 1 by Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Maurice Dimitrie Moore, 28, of Indianapolis, Indiana was found guilty of Counts 2 and 3, making false statements to ATF, after a three-day jury trial. He was found not guilty of Count 1, providing a firearm to a felon.
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 Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Dean Lanter.
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Victor Martinez-Lopez Sentenced to 294 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Victor H. Martinez-Lopez, 39, of Vandalia, Michigan was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, for distribution of methamphetamine.
Martinez-Lopez was sentenced to 294 months’ imprisonment and 6 years of supervised release.
According to court proceedings, Martinez-Lopez made multiple trips across the United States to transport methamphetamine to Northern Indiana. The court determined that the total amount of methamphetamine he transported and sold exceeded 45 kilograms.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.
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Six Additional Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Union Members ChargedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that six additional members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters were each charged by Information with one count of health care theft.
According to the documents filed in this case, members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters illegally gained assets from the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, a union health care benefit program. The defendants requested reimbursement of medical expenses by submitting to the carpenter’s welfare fund a fraudulent claim form and a copy of an un-negotiated personal check for reimbursement. These documents gave the appearance that the defendants had paid a reimbursable health care expense. Claims were processed from the union welfare fund reimbursing the defendants for these health care expenses that were never actually incurred. Those who have been charged are as follows:
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Ryan Cundiff, 40, of Crown Point, Indiana
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Brian Ellis, 46, of Hobart, Indiana
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Christopher LeBell, 36, of Cedar Lake, Indiana
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Aaron Merkel, 36, of Valparaiso, Indiana
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Eric Murray, 37, of Williamsburg, Ohio
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Daniel Rehfeldt, 49, of Hobart, Indiana
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and the Employee Benefits Security Administration. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.
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.
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Marianne Matchette IndictedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Fort Wayne returned a 15 count indictment against Marianne Matchette, 50, of Roanoke, Indiana for access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud and mail fraud.
According to the indictment, Matchette allegedly used a number of company accounts that she was given access to as an employee for personal benefit. The government will be seeking forfeiture of $156,776.11 in United States Currency which is the alleged amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the offenses related to the Indictment.
This case was investigated by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina Nommay and Stacey Speith.
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.
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Lindani Mzembe Found Guilty by Jury TrialRead 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 found guilty, after a 2 ½ day jury trial, of kidnapping, extortion, discharging a weapon during a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.
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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South Bend Man Sentenced to 97 Months' ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Alexander Newman, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced on August 18, 2016, before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio, for manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of destructive devices (bombs).
Newman was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Newman was arrested on February 29, 2016 on outstanding warrants and was found to be in possession of materials used to manufacture methamphetamine. Newman was also in possession of three destructive devices in his home in South Bend, Indiana.
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 Frank E. Schaffer.
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Five Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Union Members ChargedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that five members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters were each charged by Information with one count of health care theft.
According to the documents filed in this case, members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters illegally gained assets from the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, a union health care benefit program. The defendants requested reimbursement of medical expenses by submitting to the carpenter’s welfare fund a fraudulent claim form and a copy of an un-negotiated personal check for reimbursement. These documents gave the appearance that the defendants had paid a reimbursable health care expense. Claims were processed from the union welfare fund reimbursing the defendants for these health care expenses that were never actually incurred. Those who have been charged are as follows:
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Bradley Crostreet, 45, of Valparaiso, Indiana amount reimbursed $10,310.83
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Dennis Gardner, 52, of LaPorte, Indiana amount reimbursed $15,000
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Robert Gutierrez, 38, of Hammond, Indiana amount reimbursed $19,771
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Aaron Vaughan, 35, of Lake Station, Indiana amount reimbursed $13,000
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Joshua Westfall, 38, of LaPorte, Indiana amount reimbursed $ 6,380
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and the Employee Benefits Security Administration. As the investigation continues, we hope to charge others and issue a future press release. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.
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. # # #
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East Chicago Man Indicted on Murder and RICO ChargesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Hammond returned a 9 count superseding indictment charging Luis Allen Perez a.k.a. “LA”, 26, of East Chicago, Indiana with murder in aid of racketeering activity & RICO conspiracy in addition with numerous other charges.
According to the indictment, Perez allegedly is a member of the Imperial Gangsters street gang and was involved in committing various acts in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. Perez is alleged to have killed Manuel Martinez in East Chicago, Indiana on or about June 17, 2016 for the purpose of maintaining or increasing position in the gang. During the June 17 killing Perez allegedly also attempted to murder another individual.
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 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean Lanter.
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Former Gary Firefighter’s Association Secretary-Treasurer SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that John T. Springer 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced in Hammond Federal Court before Senior Judge James Moody for three counts of wire fraud.
Springer was sentenced to 3 years’ probation to include 3 months of home detention and he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $30,315.99 to the victim.
According to court filings, Springer was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Gary Professional Firefighters Association and an authorized signatory on general, holding and retiree bank accounts. Per the union’s by-laws, expenditures of funds were for sanctioned bills and no member or officers were to derive personal profit from goods or services unless approved by the membership on a (2/3) vote during any regular or special meeting. At no time was Springer authorized by vote of the union or any official to spend union funds for any personal expense or to fund any personal loan. Nonetheless, from January 10, 2008 to September 25, 2012, Springer utilized $30,315.99 in union funds to pay for various items of a purely personal nature, including automotive-related loans and repairs, his home mortgage, attorney’s fees, and school tuition for his children.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Multiple Arrests Made in Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –United States Attorney David A. Capp announced five indictments and six criminal complaints against 18 individuals allegedly involved in a large-scale drug distribution network. This network involved the movement of cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin in a geographic area encompassing Fort Wayne to Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana.
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers, beginning yesterday morning, arrested 17 of the named individuals. One is a fugitive at this time. In addition, law enforcement officers executed 20 federal search warrants in conjunction with this investigation.
The principal indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin against the following, all from Fort Wayne:
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Jose C. Razo, age 43; also charged with maintaining 2720 Winter St., Ft. Wayne as a drug distribution place and eight specific alleged distributions;
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Carlos Silva-Ponce, age 39; also charged with maintaining 2720 Winter St. as a drug distribution place and two specific alleged distributions;
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Patricia S. Quinones, age 48;
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Samuel J. Gemple, age 48;
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Marco A. Garcia, age 29, and
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Allan C. Chiprez-Garcia, age 20.
In addition, other indictments were returned against:
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Baltazar Fernandez, age 44, Fort Wayne; conspiracy to distribute cocaine;
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Juan M. Gonzalez, age 33, Fort Wayne; conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine;
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Frederick Moore, age 42, Fort Wayne; conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine and with maintaining 2526 Baywood Trail, Ft. Wayne as a drug distribution place; arrested yesterday in South Dakota;
- Javier Orozco, age 28, Fort Wayne; conspiracy to distribute heroin; currently a fugitive, anyone with information as to his whereabouts should contact the FBI;
- Edy A. Montoya-Echeverria, age 34, Fort Wayne; conspiracy to distribute heroin, and
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Larmondo Watts, age 44, Fort Wayne; possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
In addition to the above indictments, federal criminal complaints were issued for the following individuals:
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Jesus Montes-Perez, age 47, Fort Wayne; distribution of methamphetamine;
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Rene A. Del-Rio Salazar, age 30, South Bend; distribution of cocaine;
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Fernando G. Garcia, age 30, Fort Wayne; distribution of heroin;
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Carlos Prado, age 36, Fort Wayne; distribution of methamphetamine;
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Jonathan A. Galindo, age 25, Fort Wayne; conspiracy to distribute cocaine along with using a telephone to facilitate distribution, and
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Enrique Cordova Campos, age 41, Elkhart, conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Federal search warrants were executed at the following addresses:
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3033 Winter Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2720 Winter Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2808 Taylor Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2715 Hoagland Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2724 Winter Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2311 Whitmore Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN;
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50773 CR 11, Elkhart, IN;
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1331 Ebeling Drive, South Bend, IN;
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8711 Voyager Drive, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2526 Baywood Trail, Fort Wayne, IN;
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205 West Wallace Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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9723 Tumbleweed Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN;
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9525 Woodstream Dr., Fort Wayne, IN;
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1135 Eliza Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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13814 Piedmont Cove, Fort Wayne, IN;
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2531 Sandpoint Road, Fort Wayne, IN;
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4005 Reed Street, Fort Wayne, IN;
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1112 Wabash Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN;
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1714 South Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN, and
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4501 Smith Street, Fort Wayne, IN.
This investigation was directed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force (FWSSTF). Partners in the FBI FWSSTF are the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. In addition, the FBI FWSSTF was assisted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Elkhart Police Department, and the South Bend Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Stacey Speith.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment or 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.
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Former St. John Husband and Wife Each Sentenced to 36 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that Barbara Gasich, 54, and George Gasich, 55, formerly of St. John, Indiana and now residing in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, were sentenced in Hammond Federal Court before Chief Judge Philip Simon for making false claims with the federal government.
Barbara Gasich was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and fined $50,000.
George Gasich was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and fined $50,000.
According to court filings, the Gasichs’ had a 20-year dispute with the IRS which included filing false tax returns and numerous false documents seeking large refunds. At the sentencing hearing, an IRS agent testified that the Gasichs had earned more than $ 3 million since 2000, but had only voluntarily paid $7,458 in federal income tax. The Gasichs owe more than $1.28 million dollars in outstanding tax, interest and penalties.
This case was investigated by the United States Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Bell and Nathaniel Whalen.
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East Chicago Man Sentenced to 37 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that Antonio Perkins, 26, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced in Hammond Federal Court before Judge Rudy Lozano for possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Perkins was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on or about August 18, 2015, Perkins possessed with intent to distribute heroin, and he was held responsible at sentencing for distribution of at least 20 but less than 40 grams of heroin as being involved in his offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dean R. Lanter.
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Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Jamar Crawford, 22, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for Hobbs Act Robbery and using a firearm in during a crime of violence.
Crawford was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on August 29, 2015, Crawford and a co-defendant entered a liquor store in South Bend armed with a shotgun and robbed the store of cash. They then fled the business and were apprehended by South Bend Police Officers.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Latin Kings IndictedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney David Capp announced federal racketeering charges against 9 additional members of the Latin Kings, a criminal enterprise doing business in Chicago and northwest Indiana. Named in this indictment are:
Reynaldo Robles a/k/a “Sneaky,” 24, of Portage;
Nicholas Baez a/k/a “Cali,” 22, of Whiting;
Antonio Gamino a/k/a “Stacks,” 19, of Griffith;
Efren DelAngel a/k/a “Payoso,” 21, of Hammond;
Mark Anthony Toney a/k/a “Slim,” 37, of Lake Village;
William Dennis Salazar, 40, of Hammond;
Darrick Vallodolid, 27, of Hobart;
Robert Nieto a/k/a “Cowboy,” 42, of Gary;
Peter Salinas a/k/a “Pudge,” 30, of Hammond
These 9 individuals were added to the existing Latin King indictment pending in the Northern District of Indiana that had previously charged 17 members or associates of the Latin Kings. Each of the persons named today are charged with a conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and with a conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
Today’s indictment also details 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.
The previous Latin King indictment 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. This count carries over unchanged from the previous indictment.
The previous Latin King indictment had charged Joseph Uvalle with sex trafficking offenses, and this indictment carries those charges over unchanged from the previous indictment.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case 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, Dean Lanter and Abizer Zanzi of the Northern District of Indiana.
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Elkhart Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Possession of A Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that James Johnson, 24, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for possession of a stolen firearm.
Johnson was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Johnson burglarized a firearms dealer in the St. Joseph County Area. More than 10 firearms were stolen during that time. On August 12, 2015, one of the firearms was recovered in Johnson’s home in Elkhart, Indiana.
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 Frank E. Schaffer.
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LaPorte Man Sentenced to 151 Months for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Ronald E. Wheaton, 35, of LaPorte, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distribution of child pornography.
Wheaton was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on March 17, 2014, Wheaton distributed child pornography to an undercover Indiana State Police officer using a peer-to-peer file sharing system online. When officers executed a search warrant at his home on July 7, 2014, they discovered additional child pornography.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Roman Olvera, 29, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distribution of controlled substances and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Olvera was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on September 25, 2015, Olvera distributed heroin and marijuana to another person. Olvera admitted to carrying a firearm to protect himself from being robbed of drugs or proceeds during the transaction. When arrested on February 14, 2016, Olvera had approximately 114 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.
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Brian Delach Was Sentenced to 168 MonthsRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that Brian Delach, 30, of Portage, Indiana was sentenced in Hammond Federal Court before Chief Judge Philip Simon for receipt of child pornography
Delach was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, between February and October 2015, Delach downloaded and viewed numerous images of child pornography on the Internet.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.
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South Bend Man Arrested for Threats of Violence on Social MediaRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Isaiah Beavers, age 26, of South Bend, Indiana was arrested and charged by criminal complaint for threats posted using the Internet. Beavers was arrested over the weekend by the FBI and the South Bend Police Department and appeared this afternoon before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance. The United States Attorney’s Office is seeking pre-trial detention and the detention hearing is set for Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 2:00PM.
The complaint alleges that Beavers made a series of postings on social media referencing the rally scheduled in South Bend for this past Saturday evening. The exact language of his posts are contained in the affidavit that supported the criminal complaint; both the criminal complaint and affidavit have been unsealed following Mr. Beavers’ initial appearance today.
Beavers was arrested Saturday afternoon, well before the rally referenced in his postings commenced. The rally was held that evening and was peaceful as planned.
This case was prosecuted as a 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.
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.
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Two Arrested and Charged with A Series of NW Indiana Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Hammond returned an indictment charging two individuals with a series of bank robberies in Northwest Indiana.
The indictment charges Artez Brewer, 29, of Gary, Indiana with three counts of bank robbery and charges Robin Pawlak, 30, of Gary, Indiana with two counts of bank robbery.
The indictment alleges that on April 28, 2016, Brewer and Pawlak robbed Centier Bank in Griffith, Indiana; on May 6, 2016, Brewer robbed Main Source Bank in Crown Point, Indiana; and on May 27, 2016, Brewer and Pawlak robbed Horizon Bank located in Whiting, Indiana.
The defendants were arrested following the robbery of Banner Bank in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2016. Brewer and Pawlak are scheduled for trial in the Central District of California on August 9, 2016. Upon conclusion of the trial both defendants will be transferred to the Northern District of Indiana to face charges here.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Crown Point, Griffith and Whiting, Indiana Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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.
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Gary Pair Indicted for Theft of over $3 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced today that a federal grand jury in Hammond returned a five-count indictment on May 19, 2016 charging a man and woman from Gary, Indiana with stealing over $3 million in tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The indictment charges Donald L. Armour, 65, and Veronica Young, 46, both of Gary, Indiana, with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud. Young is additionally charged with one count of False Claims, and Armour is additionally charged with three counts of False Claims.
The indictment alleges that from about July 2011 to about February 2013, Armour and Young devised a scheme to defraud which involved filing false and fraudulent tax returns in order to obtain fraudulent refunds from the IRS. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Armour and Young created several trusts, named themselves as the trustees, and filed fraudulent tax returns for those trusts. The trust tax returns contained fraudulent representations designed to result in a high refund. Armour received three refund checks, totaling more than $2.7 million, for three separate trusts for which he filed fraudulent tax returns. Young received one refund check for over $300,000 for a trust for which she filed a fraudulent tax return.
The IRS was able to recover approximately $2.2 million of the money issued to Armour and Young in fraudulent refunds.
Armour and Young were taken into custody and had their initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria N. Lerner.
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.
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South Bend Man Sentenced to 51 MonthsRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Orlandor Branch, 43, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., for felon in possession of a firearm.
Branch was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on October 31, 2015 the South Bend Police Department was dispatched to a home for a domestic incident. Upon arrival, police saw Branch wearing a shoulder holster that contained a firearm. On March 23, 2016 Branch changed his plea to guilty admitting to possession of a firearm as a felon.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of South Bend, Indiana Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Miranda Brakley Was Sentenced to 2 Years ProbationRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that Miranda Brakley, 36, of Lake Station, Indiana was sentenced in Hammond Federal Court for one count theft of government funds.
Brakley was sentenced to 2 years probation which includes a 6 month term of home detention. Brakley was also ordered to make restitution to the City of Lake Station in the amount of $664.00.
According to documents filed in the case, while employed by the court, Brakley embezzled approximately $16,000 from the Lake Station City Court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service –Criminal Investigation Division, and resulted from an audit conducted by the Indiana State Board of Accounts. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.
Valparaiso Man Sentenced to 50 Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David A. Capp, announced that Brian Reider, 55, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced before Senior District Court Judge James T. Moody for one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
Reider was sentenced to 600 months (50 years) imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3000 in restitution to victim “John Doe”.
Reider's sentence follows his guilty plea to knowingly producing sexually explicit depictions of then-12-year-old John Doe on or about September 13, 2009 and knowingly distributing child pornography on or about September 17, 2010.
According to documents filed in the case, Reider met 12 year-old John Doe at a BMX bike park in Illinois and communicated with the boy via the social networking site “My Space.” Reider provided the boy with parts for his BMX bicycle and asked the boy to allow Reider to take sexually explicit photographs in exchange. Numerous sexually explicit photographs and a video of John Doe were created in a wooded area near the Illinois bike park and transported by Reider back to his Indiana home where they were later found by law enforcement saved to Reider's computer.
Further investigation revealed that Reider was also trading child pornography online via a peer-to-peer file sharing program and had amassed a collection of over 20,000 images and 4,400 videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Also found on Reider's computer were numerous sexually explicit photographs and videos taken in Defendant's residence of at least three other unidentified minor male victims in addition to John Doe.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Highland, Indiana Police Department through a Child Sexual Predator Program Grant; the Kokomo, Indiana Police Department; and the DuPage County, Illinois States Attorney’s Office. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 180 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Miguel Verduzco Velazquez, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann for possessing with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin and illegal reentry into the United States after conviction and removal for an aggravated felony.
Verduzco Velazquez was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in the case, on March 17, 2016 Verduzco Velazquez changed his plea to guilty on counts 1 and 2 of the indictment. Count one charged Verduzco with knowingly and intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute heroin in excess of one kilogram and count two charged him with illegal reentry into the United States after conviction and removal for an aggravated felony. The charges stemmed from an ongoing FBI investigation resulting in a traffic stop conducted by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department on August 14, 2014. During the stop, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle that Verduzco Velazquez was driving. Upon the alert, Verduzco Velazquez ran and was apprehended after a short chase. There was approximately a kilogram of heroin found in the vehicle, and Verduzco Velazquez had just delivered another kilogram of heroin to another individual.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Three Charged in HUD House Flipping SchemeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Hammond returned an indictment charging three individuals for their part in a house flipping scheme involving Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) properties.
The indictment charges Sergio Garcia, Sr.,46, of Chicago, IL and Sergio Garcia, Jr., 27, of Lowell, IN with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and ten substantive counts of mail fraud. It also charges Timothy D. Greene, 29, of Lansing, IL with submitting fraudulent information to HUD.
The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2011 and May 31, 2014, Defendants Sergio Garcia, Sr. and Sergio Garcia, Jr. conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to engage in a scheme to defraud and to obtain money by means of false pretenses, representations and promises.
The alleged scheme involved offering to buy more than 40 HUD homes situated in the following cities or towns in Indiana: Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Whiting, East Chicago, Hobart, St. John, Valparaiso, and Lake Village; as well as the following cities or towns in Illinois: Cicero, Chicago, Maywood, Alsip, Stone Park, Riverdale, Chicago Heights, Berwyn, Lansing, Stickney, and Evergreen Park. The conspirators sought to purchase the homes from HUD and sell them the same day or soon thereafter for a profit to subsequent buyers.
The purchase contracts provided to HUD to purchase the properties stated that the conspirators or one of their businesses were purchasing the properties as investors and would pay with cash or use other financing not involving FHA. To support their claimed financial ability to pay for the homes, the conspirators mailed fraudulent letters purporting to show that they or their company had access to the funds needed to complete each purchase. Many of the letters purported to be written by a private venture capital business and falsely stated that a conspirator or their business held a line of credit of up to $500,000.00, when in fact, as the conspirators well knew: these letters were altered, forged and counterfeited; the lines of credit referenced therein did not exist; and the signatures thereon were forged and unauthorized.
The alleged scheme further involved the conspirators placing their own “for sale” signs at the HUD homes before their purchase from HUD had occurred.
When the conspirators could not find a subsequent purchaser to buy the homes, they allowed their purchase contracts with HUD to expire. The conspirators filed false liens on many of the HUD homes after their purchase contracts expired. The false liens hindered HUD from selling the homes to subsequent purchasers. The conspirators requested money from subsequent purchasers to release the false liens.
The indictment also alleges that on or about February 13, 2012, Timothy Daniel Greene provided a fraudulent letter to HUD stating he held an approved line of credit with a venture capital business and that he did so for the purpose of influencing HUD to approve a purchase offer he had submitted for a property in Chicago, IL.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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.
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Fort Wayne Men Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that a federal grand jury in Fort Wayne returned a 12-count indictment against Carlos Sanchez, 30, and Matthew Warner, 21, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Sanchez and Warner were charged with the following:
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Both were charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture or deal in firearms without being a licensed dealer of firearms.
Warner was also charged with one count of knowingly possessing or receiving a firearm that had been shipped or transported in interstate commerce with an obliterated serial number.
Sanchez was charged with one count of each of the following:
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Not being a licensed dealer of firearms while engaging in the business of importing, manufacturing and dealing in firearms;
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Being a felon in possession of a firearm;
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Knowingly open, lease, rent and maintain a place for the purpose of distributing and using a controlled substance; and
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Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Sanchez was also charged with three counts of each of the following:
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Knowingly possessing or receiving a firearm that had been transported or shipped in interstate commerce with an obliterated serial number; and
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Knowingly selling or providing a firearm to a felon.
According to court filings, Warner supplied firearms that were illegally trafficked. Sanchez was a prohibited person and could not legally obtain firearms. Warner tried to conceal his criminal conduct from law enforcement.
Both Sanchez and Warner were detained pending trial.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
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.
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Nine People Charged in Multi-State Dog Fighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Six New Jersey residents were among nine individuals charged today in four states for their alleged roles in an interstate dog-fighting network spanning from New Mexico to New Jersey, announced Assistant Attorney General John Cruden for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman for the District of New Jersey.
The federal Animal Welfare Act makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to fight dogs or to possess, train, sell, buy, deliver, receive or transport dogs intended for use in dog fighting.
Criminal complaints filed in New Jersey named the following individuals, eight of whom were arrested:
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Anthony “Monte” Gaines, 35, of Vineland, New Jersey (already in state custody on unrelated charges)
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Justin Love, 36, of Westville, New Jersey
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Lydell Harris, 30, of Vineland
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Mario Atkinson, 40, of Asbury Park, New Jersey
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Frank Nichols, 39, of Millville, New Jersey
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Tiffany Burt, 34, of Vineland
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Dajwan Ware, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Pedro Cuellar, 46, of Willow Springs, Illinois
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Robert Arellano, 62, of Albuquerque, New Mexico
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The three criminal complaints charge residents of New Jersey and out-of-state residents for their alleged involvement in a multi-state dog fighting network. The charges include alleged criminal acts related to transporting, delivering, buying, selling, receiving and possessing pit bull-type dogs for dog fighting ventures and conspiring to commit these acts in New Jersey and elsewhere throughout the United States.
From October 2015 through the present, the defendants and their associates participated in dog-fighting ventures in which pit bull-type dogs were set up for matches to maul and attack each other and fight – often until one or both dogs die – and facilitated these ventures by transporting and delivering dogs between dog fighters in various states. The federal undercover investigation revealed that the defendants discussed graphic accounts of prior dog fights they and their associates staged and furthered their dog-fighting ventures through the exchange of information concerning dog-fighting bloodlines, training methods, fighting techniques and the market for buying and selling dogs.
Federal agents found and saw evidence of the dog-fighting ventures on some of the defendants’ properties. This included scarred dogs and dogs stacked in crates; dog fighting paraphernalia, such as dog treadmills, “flirt” poles used to build jaw strength and increase aggression and animal pelts. Also found and seen were surgical instruments, syringes and other tools used to mend dogs in lieu of seeking veterinary attention.
This case is part of Operation Grand Champion, a coordinated effort across numerous federal judicial districts to combat organized dog fighting. The phrase “Grand Champion” is used by dog fighters to refer to a dog with more than five dog-fighting “victories.”
“Dog fighting is truly an organized criminal activity, as well as a deplorable trade in the suffering of animals,” said Assistant Attorney General Cruden. “This case marks the beginning of a coordinated effort at the Department of Justice to meet organized dog fighting head-on with a strategic, aggressive federal response.”
“There is no place in New Jersey – or anywhere else, for that matter – for a vicious blood sport like dog fighting,” said U.S. Attorney Fishman. “Not only is it unspeakably cruel to the animals that are raised to participate in dog fighting, but animals trained in this way can be extremely dangerous to the public.”
Operation Grand Champion is a continuing investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William G. Squires; Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence S. Opiola; and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher, in coordination with the Department of Justice.
The government is represented by Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section Trial Attorneys Ethan Eddy and Shennie Patel and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jihee Suh and Kathleen O’Leary of the District of New Jersey and the, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of New Mexico, Northern District of Illinois and Northern District of Indiana.
The Humane Society of the Unites States is assisting with the care of the dogs seized by federal law enforcement.
A criminal complaint is an allegation based upon a finding of probable cause by a magistrate judge. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count of animal fighting charges. The investigation is ongoing.
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