Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Craig Whigum Sentenced for Hobbs Act Robbery and Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of A Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Craig Whigum, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced today, for Interference with Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Whigum was the last of four defendants to be charged with the November 13, 2012, armed robbery of Shooters Guns, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in New Haven, Indiana.
Whigum was sentenced to a total of 153 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution to the victim of the offense.
“This case highlights the outstanding cooperative work by our federal, state and local law enforcement team in Fort Wayne. We will continue to investigate, and where appropriate, bring substantial federal charges against violent offenders,” said United States Attorney Capp.
On November 13, 2012, Whigum was in a vehicle with other individuals for the purpose of robbing firearms from Shooters Guns, a federal firearms licensee then located in New Haven, Allen County, Indiana. After arriving at Shooters Guns, Whigum and a codefendant, Brenton Ennis, entered the business and displayed firearms to the two individuals in the store, the owner of Shooters and a person who was visiting the owner. Ennis and Whigum demanded money and keys from both victims while ordering them to the ground. Whigum assaulted the visitor, causing injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Before exiting the store, Ennis and Whigum stole 20 handguns and 3 long guns in addition to all the ammunition they could carry. On the way out of the store, Ennis fired a single 9mm round inside the establishment.
Ennis and Whigum returned to their vehicle and fled from the store at a high rate of speed. The description of the vehicle was reported to police. Officers caught up to the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle, but it did not pull over, instead the car hit another vehicle at an intersection and came to rest in front of a concrete barrier. Whigum was apprehended in the vehicle. Orlando Paschall was apprehended a short distance from the vehicle. Ennis was later apprehended by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Devonte Travier, who was not an occupant in the vehicle, was also later apprehended by ATF, and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.
The other three defendants have previously been sentenced as listed below:- Brenton Ennis, 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced on December 2, 2014 to 166 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution.
- Orlando Paschall, 23, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced on March 11, 2015 to 130 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution.
- Devonte Travier 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced on November 18, 2014 to 60 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Week in Review –south BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Jason C. Roames, 35, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the FBI. Sentencing has been set for June 28, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.
- Ewing Teal, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack). 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by DEA. Sentencing has been set for June 24, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Jordan Gutkowski, 28, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by DEA. Sentencing has been set for June 25, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Miguel Gregory Vera, 23, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of false statements on acquisition of a firearm and drug user in possession of firearms. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for June 17, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Justin Bowles, 25, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base over 28 grams. According to documents filed in this case, on April 10, 2014, in a residence located in South Bend, Bowles possessed a package containing a white rocklike substance that was cocaine base (crack). It was Bowles intent to sell this substance. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Week in Review –hammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Keandria C. Jones, 25, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C ' 922(a)(g). This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for June 25, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Robinson Morales, 37, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on March 15, 2013, Morales possessed a .22 caliber pistol after having been convicted of crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
- Jose L. Ruiz-Medina, 49, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced to time served and will face immigration removal proceedings after pleading guilty to the felony offense of illegal re-entry. According to documents filed in this case, the defendant had been previously deported to Mexico from the United States after having been convicted of a felony offense in the State of California. On or about October 2014, the defendant, a citizen of Mexico, illegally re-entered the United States and eluded and evaded immigration officials until found and arrested by law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.
Week in Review –fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Ashley Taylor, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation and ordered to pay $370.33 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft or receipt of stolen mail matter. According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 23, 2014, Taylor unlawfully possessed mail matter which had been stolen. Postal customers in the 46845 zip code had filed numerous complaints with the Allen County Sherriff’s Department and the United States Postal Inspector about missing or stolen mail, or about finding open, discarded mail in their area. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Allen County Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.
- Pedro Castaneda, Jr., 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release and ordered to forfeit $1,000, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, Castaneda knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Week in Review –south BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Brandon Heuer, 28, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute heroin. The magistrate 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for June 11, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Adrian Williams, 42, of La Porte Indiana was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of manufacturing marijuana. According to documents filed in this case, on September 21, 2013, law enforcement came to a building Williams owned in La Porte County. Officers found a marijuana grow in the building owned by Williams. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Ronnie Seward, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance cocaine base (crack). According to documents filed in this case, on April 10, 2014, Seward possessed a package containing a white rocklike substance that he believed was cocaine base (crack). He possessed the item in a residence in South Bend, Indiana, which is in the Northern District of Indiana. It was his intent to sell the substance. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Marie Henderson, 36, of Bristol, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 1 years supervised release and restitution of $99,786.64 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of willfully aiding, assisting and advising in the preparation and presentation to the Internal Revenue Service, of U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040 which were false as to a material matter. According to documents filed in this case, on From 2009 through 2012, Henderson was the sole owner and employee of Four Seasons Finance, a tax return preparation business which she operated out of her home in Bristol, Indiana. She was a tax return preparer and clients paid for her services to prepare and file electronically their tax returns. Henderson learned how to prepare tax returns, having learned the process while working at H & R Block from 2004-2008. The 1040 Returns she prepared for many of her clients contained materially false information in the form of Schedule C deductions. These Schedule C deductions consisted of false business income, business mileage, and/or false car and truck expenses. These expenses were not supported by any documentation nor was the information provided to her by the client. Henderson purposely prepared the Schedule C deductions so that her clients would receive larger tax refunds than what they legitimately deserved. In particular, she prepared tax returns for FBR and his wife WER in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The couples' sources of income consisted of pension retirement benefits, military disability payments, social security disability payments and investment interest. Specifically, she prepared for the tax year 2010, Form 1040 Tax Return for her clients FBR and WER. These clients provided her with documentation associated with the sources of income stated above. Henderson prepared the Form 1040 and included Schedule C, which listed a false mileage claim of 100,000 miles and car and truck expenses of $50,000. Both FBR and WER were retired and neither owned a business, partnership or joint venture in which business expenses could be legitimately claimed. By supplying this false information, the 2010 Tax return showed a business loss of $50,000 which generated an incorrect adjusted gross income tax figure and with their deductions, garnered them a refund of $4,955. She purposely electronically filed this return with the false information she added to the return. She does not dispute the IRS records deemed this return filed on March 7, 2011. Henderson agreed the return contained truthful information related to business expenses, the 2010 Form 1040 should not have reflected a refund due of $4,955. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.
Week in Review –hammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Dandre Lamote Hall, 33, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, on September 19, 2013, the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
- Bart Lombard, 58, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced 12 months’ probation with a special condition of 12 months home detention. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,671 to the Internal Revenue Service, along with a $75 special assessment following his convictions for three misdemeanor offenses for failing to file federal income tax returns for tax years 2008 through 2010, while earning taxable income as deputy trustee of the Michigan Township Trustee’s Office, LaPorte County, Indiana, and as director of operations for Access LaPorte County, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United State Attorneys Gary Bell and Dean Lanter.
Week in Review –fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Martin Gonzalez Medina, 51, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. According to documents filed in this case, on or about April 28, 2014, Medina did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, IMAGE Drug Task Force, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Orlando Paschall, 23, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit robbery. According to documents filed in this case, on or about November 13, 2012, Paschall did unlawfully obstruct, delay and affect interstate commerce by knowingly and intentionally conspiring to commit robbery by agreeing to unlawfully take and obtain personal property from another person by means of actual and threatened force, violence and fear of injury to the person. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
- Darrell Hayes, 29, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on or about June 18, 2014, Hayes, being a convicted felon, did possess a firearm and ammunition. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allen County Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Michael Fabini, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release, and forfeiture after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from drug trafficking. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012, Fabini did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and on or about August 7, 2009, did knowingly engage in a monetary transaction affecting commerce in depositing $70,154.99 derived from drug trafficking. This joint investigation was conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Luis Juarez-Cabrera, 33, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, on or about December 11, 2012, Juarez-Cabrera did knowingly and intentionally posses with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.
Michael Fabini of Fort Wayne Sentenced to 168 MonthsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announces that today, Michael Fabini, 35, of Fort Wayne was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment along with a term of 5 years of supervised release, and forfeiture was ordered following his plea of guilty to the felony offenses of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from drug trafficking.
Documents filed in this case indicate that, from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012, Fabini did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and on or about August 7, 2009, did knowingly engage in a monetary transaction affecting commerce in depositing $70,154.99 derived from drug trafficking. Fabini agreed as part of his plea agreement to the forfeiture of certain assets, and also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $5,000,000.00.
According to Capp, the sentencing of Michael Fabini represents a culmination of a lengthy and extensive law enforcement investigation that removed 2 of the top dealers, (Fabini and Matthew McChesney) in the Fort Wayne area along with many of their underlings from the streets of Fort Wayne. Not only were significant sentences imposed, but the United States will obtain significant forfeiture of Fabini’s real estate (his home in Cherry Hills) and personal property, but also cash and various accounts which represented proceeds of criminal activity. The United States has already forfeited cash, vehicles, and residences with a total value of approximately $1.9 million dollars as a result of McChesney’s conviction.
As the United States Attorney has repeatedly indicated to the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana, “law enforcement is organized, and federal law enforcement will continue to coordinate their efforts with state and local law enforcement officers to bring comprehensive cases against drug dealers operating in our communities.” Not only will the federal prosecution result in significant sentences, but Capp indicates that his office will seek forfeiture of all assets, real and personal and well as any proceeds derived from the commission of the offense.
This joint investigation was conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Returns Indictments in Large Scale Cocaine Distribution NetworkRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Indiana announced today two indictments charging six persons in what is alleged to be the largest cocaine distribution network in the greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, area.
These indictments are the result of an extensive law enforcement investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force. In addition to the FBI, the Task Force consists of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.
There were five people charged with conspiracy to deliver more than five kilograms of cocaine: Allan L. Bates, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; James W. Lepper, 66, of Butler, Indiana; Larry J. Norton, 63, of Mission Texas, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Eric D. White, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Ryan Bowman, 35, of Payne, Ohio.
One individual, DeWayne Lewis, 40, of Greenwood, Indiana was charged in a separate indictment with possession with intent to deliver over five kilograms.
All defendants are in custody and are being held without bond. During the course of this extensive investigation, law enforcement executed 17 federal searches in Indiana, Ohio and
Texas. In addition, the DeKalb County and Johnson County Prosecutor’s offices obtained two state search warrants. All of these searches resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, over $5.9 million in U.S. currency and numerous firearms and vehicles.
Great assistance was also provided by the McAllen, Texas, and Toledo, Ohio, offices of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service – Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, along with the Auburn Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, the Kendallville Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana Multi-Agency Group Enforcement (IMAGE) representing law enforcement in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties and the Northeast Indiana SWAT.
This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller of the Northern District of Indiana.
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.
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns Indictments in Large Scale Cocaine Distribution NetworkRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced today two indictments charging six persons in what is alleged to be the largest cocaine distribution network in the greater Ft. Wayne area.
These indictments were the result of an extensive law enforcement investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force. In addition to the FBI, that Task Force consists of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Ft. Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police.
Charged with conspiracy to deliver more than 5 kilograms of cocaine were:
Allan L. Bates, age 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana,
James W. Lepper, 66, of Butler, Indiana,
Larry J. Norton, 63 of Mission Texas, formerly of Fort Wayne,
Eric D. White, 52 of Fort Wayne, Indiana and
Ryan Bowman, 35 of Payne, Ohio.Charged in a separate indictment with possession with intent to deliver over 5 kilograms of cocaine is DeWayne Lewis, age 40, of Greenwood, Indiana.
All defendants are in custody and are being held without bond. During the course of this extensive investigation, law enforcement executed 17 federal searches in Indiana, Ohio and Texas. In addition, the DeKalb County and Johnson County Prosecutor’s offices obtained 2 state search warrants. All of these searches resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, over $5.9 million in U.S. currency, and numerous firearms and vehicles.
Great assistance was also provided by the McAllen, Texas, and Toledo, Ohio, offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service – Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, along with the Auburn Police Department, the Greenwood Police Department, the Kendallville Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana Multi-Agency Group Enforcement (IMAGE) representing law enforcement in DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties, and the Northeast Indiana SWAT.
This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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.
Week in Review –south BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- REGIS OWENS, 30, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for June 2, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
Week in Review –hammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Edward Olszewski, 67, of Hobart, Indiana pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of Transporting for the Purpose of Prostitution in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2421. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Sentencing has been set for May 19, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Tom Ratcliffe.
- Dominic Naize, 31, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty to the felony offense of possessing a firearm as a felon before US District Court Judge Van Bokkelen, who accepted the plea of guilty at the hearing. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Gary Police Department. The sentencing has been set for May 21, 2015, at 1:30 pm. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
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.
Week in Review –fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Stephen E. Schaadt, 60, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Harold Collins, 50, of Oakwood, Ohio was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, time served, with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about June 22, 2010, and continuing until on or about July 15, 2010, Collins did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Julian Zamora, 41, of Defiance, Ohio was sentenced to 140 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distribution 100 grams or more of heroin. According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 15, 2010, Zamora did knowingly and intentionally distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department, Vice and Narcotics Divison. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Laurence Rothschild, 62, of Harlan, Indiana was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $60,782.10 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government money. According to documents filed in this case, on or about May 2010 and continuing until on or about January 2014, Rothschild did knowingly and willfully convert to his own use money, more than $1,000.00 belonging to the Social Security Administration. This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
- Kelvin B. Walker, 50, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation and ordered to pay $39,350.70 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of filing a false claim. According to documents filed in this case, on or about April 18, 2011, Walker did knowingly make and present, and caused to be made and presented to the IRS, a false, fictitious and fraudulent IRS tax return. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Roland Beemer, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). The magistrate 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Allen County Drug Task Force and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.
- Prentice A. Bland, 39, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The magistrate 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Warsaw Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the IMAGE Drug Task Force. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Jared Hochstedler, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of filing a false income tax return and perjury. The magistrate 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice, Tax Division Trial Attorneys Christopher O’Donnell and Richard M. Rowling.
- Jacob Miller, 51, of Kendallville, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. The magistrate 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Image Drug Task Force and Warsaw Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Christopher Seals, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 272 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release and ordered to $96,534.37 in restitution after being found guilty to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on or about February 14, 2013, Seals did by use of a dangerous weapon rob the PNC Bank. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Matthew Vanschoick, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery. According to documents filed in this case, on or about October 28, 2011, Vanschoick did rob the PNC Bank by force, violence, and intimidation This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
- Derek Whetsel, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. According to documents filed in this case, on or about May 27, 2014, Whetsel did knowingly sell a firearm to a known convicted felon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
- Korean Daniels, 38, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on or about June 14, 2014, Daniels, having been previously convicted, did knowingly possess a firearm and ammunition. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Week in Review –hammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Kevin J. Babich, 38, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months’ probation, with 8 months of periodic imprisonment after pleading guilty to wire and mail fraud. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.
- Dameyon Bean, 37, of Speedway, Indiana was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment in the BOP after pleading guilty to theft of government funds (he obtained fraudulent unemployment funds). He was ordered to pay $53,000 in restitution. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Labor and United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.
- Jeremy L. Culver, 37, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of production and distribution of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, on or about November 8, 2011, Jeremy Culver caused an 11 year-old boy, referred to throughout the proceedings as John Doe, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. Culver was also convicted of distributing child pornography in interstate commerce on or about March 18, 2010. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
- Michael L. Schnelle, 27, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly selling firearms to a person who was under felony indictment. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.
- Gopal Shah, 64, of Orland Hills, Illinois was sentenced to 10 months incarceration and 1 year of supervision after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid programs through the solicitation of physicians to send their Medicare and Medicaid patients to his business in exchange for the payment of kickbacks. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Justin Magee, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of attempting to damage a motor vehicle by means of fire and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on June 18, 2014, defendant and an accomplice possessed a container of gasoline and matches. It was their intent to set on fire a truck for another person. They approached that truck with the intent to set it on fire. Both had been paid $600 to do this. As they approached the truck, they were surrounded by law enforcement officers and arrested. Also, On June 5, 2014, Magee was involved with an accomplice in selling a firearm to a confidential informant (CI) working for BATF. They delivered a Star handgun to the CI here in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Magee had been convicted of a felony in St. Joseph County in 2013. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Toni Alexander, 43, of Calumet City, Illinois was sentenced to 1 day time considered served and a $750.00 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to documents filed in this case on December 18, 2013, the defendant was part of a group who staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and subsequently submitted false and fraudulent police reports and insurance claims for property damage. She is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in this case. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Michael Tressler, 40, of Corunna, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of sexual exploitation of children. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
- Victor Boyer, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery and use, carry, brandish and discharge of a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Maritza Castaneda, 33, of Colton, California was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, in Allen County, Indiana, in the Northern District of Indiana, and elsewhere, Castaneda did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate, and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Jarvis Buchanan, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 121months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, commonly known as crack. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about February 10, 2010, and continuing to on or about January 29, 2011, in Allen County, Indiana, in the Northern District of Indiana, and elsewhere, Buchanan did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate, and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack”. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Florencio Deluna, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment with no term of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, in Allen County, Indiana, in the Northern District of Indiana, and elsewhere, Deluna did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate, and agree with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Tyren Leeks, 41, of Portage, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of false claims on tax return. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by NCIS. Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
- Nathan Mougros, 26, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for May 14, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Gail Waymire, 58, of La Porte, Indiana was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud. According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 23,2010, in the Northern District of lndiana, Waymire devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, and for the purpose of executing the scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, knowingly transmitted and caused to be transmitted in interstate commerce, by means of wire communications, certain writings, signs, signals, and sounds. Specifically, Waymire was hired by Fort Wayne Public Television, Public Broadcast Station ("PBS"), in October 2009. Waymire was responsible for PBS's finances. PBS maintained a bank account in Indiana at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A, and she maintained bank accounts in Indiana at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Three Rivers Federal Credit Union. Waymire understood that all transfers from PBS's account to any of her accounts were routed through computer servers in Texas. She used her position at PBS to commit fraud, obtaining funds to which she was not entitled. Waymire used several different methods to obtain this money. Regarding Count 1, on July 23, 2010, she received into my bank account a $8,975 deposit from PBS's bank account. She was not entitled to these funds, as they were generated by a false invoice she created to PBS. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
- Deandre Lee Mosley Walker, 18, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson. According to documents filed in this case, in early March 2014, Morgan offered to commit a violent crime for a confidential informant (“CI”) working for the government. Specifically, Morgan agreed to commit an arson on a vehicle that he believed belonged to a local drug dealer in exchange for a payment of $600 from the CI. Morgan enlisted Walker to help him with the arson. On March 11, 2014, Morgan said he would have his “deuce five” (.25 caliber firearm) with him to watch over Walker when the fire was being started and indicated he would fire shots off if necessary. Then, on March 13, 2014, the CI picked up Morgan and Walker in South Bend, Indiana and the two got into the CI’s vehicle. Morgan and Walker carried a red gas can with them. Morgan and Walker continued to make statements about their plan to burn a vehicle for cash payment. While driving, the CI learned that Walker was armed with a .25 caliber firearm. Morgan was aware that Walker carried the .25 caliber firearm. At approximately 8:33 PM, the CI pulled his vehicle into a convenience/gas station and Walker exited the vehicle with a red gas can and pumped gas into the container. Minutes later the CI’s vehicle left the gas station with Walker and Morgan and continued in the direction of the 300 block of Chestnut Street in South Bend, Indiana. While in route to the location of the vehicle, the CI paid Morgan $300.00 in cash as partial payment for the planned arson. In the 300 block of Chestnut Street in South Bend, Indiana, the target vehicle to be burned was parked. This vehicle was a 2013 Ford F-150 truck. This vehicle was involved in interstate commerce as the vehicle was regularly rented by a car rental company. At approximately 8:45 p.m. on March 13, 2014, Walker and Morgan exited the CI’s vehicle and began running down the street toward the location of the target vehicle. Agents intercepted the two and found Morgan to be in possession of the $300.00 in cash (ATF funds). Morgan was also in possession of a knife. Morgan was also found to have in his possession a gasoline-soaked paper wick. Walker was found to be in possession of a 5 gallon gasoline can containing an amount of gasoline, a Lorcin, model L25, .25 caliber pistol, loaded with .25 caliber ammunition, as well as a lighter. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Robert Lutzka, 49, of Highland, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of ammunition while under indictment. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 21, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Roberta Butler, 32, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months’ probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to documents filed in this case on December 18, 2013, the defendant was part of a group who staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and subsequently submitted false and fraudulent police reports and insurance claims for property damage. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
- Soulemayne Camara, 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of access device (credit card) fraud and transportation of stolen goods through interstate commerce. All stolen property was recovered by the Hobart, Indiana Police Department and will be returned to rightful owners. The defendant has a hold from the Department of Homeland Security and upon release from the Federal Bureau of Prisons will be turned over to Immigration authorities for possible deportation proceedings. The investigation was conducted by the Hobart Police Department and federal law enforcement, including Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service.
- George Van Til, 67, of Merrillville, Indiana, the former elected Lake County, Indiana Surveyor, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the 6 felony counts of wire fraud. According to documents filed in this case, between 2007, through 2012, Van Til used employees of the Lake County, Indiana, Surveyor’s Office to engage in political campaign activities while these employees were being paid with public tax dollars. At sentencing, the court determined that even though Van Til pled guilty, he should not receive a sentence reduction for acceptance of responsibility because Van Til directed an associate of his to disseminate to a third party, an FBI interview report of a potential government witness. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Jodeci Rowland-Smith, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel C. Henson.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Alejandro Montoya, 46, of San Bernadino, California was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release, and forfeiture of $79,705 U.S. currency after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about November 8, 2010, and continuing to on or about April 13, 2011, defendant conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Stefanie Redfern, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to one year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise. According to documents filed in this case, from on or about May 2011, and continuing to on or about August 2011, Redfern, knowingly and intentionally profited from and otherwise made available for use, with and without compensation, an apartment for the purpose of unlawfully storing and distributing LSD and MDMA. This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Allen County Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
- Henry Purifoy, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on or about February 23, 2014, Purifoy, a previously convicted felon, knowingly possessed a firearm. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Brandon Wright, 27, of Mishawaka, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for May 11, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
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.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Reggie Spencer, 27, of Dolton, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine base. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
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.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Donteze Williams, 33, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of attempting to damage a motor vehicle by means of fire. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for May 7, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Jesus A. Campos, 35, of Mexico was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. According to documents filed in this case, from approximately the summer of 2005 until the spring of 2007, Campos conspired with several persons in the Northern District of Indiana to move shipments of marijuana from the Laredo and Dallas, Texas areas to the Northern District of Indiana. During this time period, as charged in the Indictment, Campos helped to arrange shipments of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. These shipments were made using private drivers who went to Texas to drive the marijuana back up to Indiana or through loads shipped through common carriers. Campos worked with persons to arrange shipments and knowingly possessed marijuana that was later distributed to others in Indiana. Campos also arranged its distribution to the drivers sent by persons he knew in Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.
- Otis Tate, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after being found guilty by a trial jury of the felony offenses of being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving a stolen firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on the night of September 18, 2013, Tate was at a gas station at 3417 Western Ave., South Bend, Indiana. T ate believed that another person (“victim”) at the station owed him (Tate) $600 from a previous drug illegal transaction. While they were both in Tate’s car, Tate showed his handgun that he was carrying (a Star 9mm pistol) to the Victim and offered to sell the victim a relatively small amount of marijuana. While the victim was examining the 1/2 ounce of marijuana, Tate pulled his gun on the victim and told him to hand over his gun, cell phone, wallet (with $45 cash), and car keys. Tate’s Star 9mm gun was recovered by police during an inventory of Tate’s car on September 19, 2013. The Sccy 9mm firearm stolen by Tate from the victim was recovered by police on December 11, 2013 in the glove box of a car of an associate of Tate. According to another individual, Tate sold the Sccy 9mm in early December 2013. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Edmund Carman, 39, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 30, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Ebony Leonard, 27, of East Chicago, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of straw purchasing a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on March 22, 2014, Leonard fraudulently represented to an employee of a licensed firearms dealership in Hammond, Indiana that she was the actual purchaser of a firearm when in fact she purchased the firearm on behalf of another person. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
- Jordon Schwind, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. According to documents filed in this case, between May 2011 and May 2012, the defendant conspired to distribute heroin to various individuals in the South Bend, Indiana area. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Kolar and Jennifer Chang.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Luis Ramirez-Perez, 50, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, New Haven Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Matthew Hottinger, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premises for the purpose of storing and distributing marijuana. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana State Police, Allen County Drug Task Force, Allen County Police Department, New Haven Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Jerome White, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for April 24, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Dion Courtney, 38, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, and Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
- Jarrett Danley, 30, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT task force. Sentencing has been set for April 17, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
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.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Juan M. Sosa, 51, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
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.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- James D. Garcia, Jr., 32, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigation. Sentencing has been set for April 20, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth M. Hays.
- Usbaldo Martinez, 33, of Logansport, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. Sentencing has been set for April 16, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Darius Williams, 30, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. 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. This charge was filed as a result of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation. Sentencing has been set for April 24, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
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.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Milton Bell, 51, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 23, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
- Crescencio Lozano Romero, 37, of Connell, Washington, pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute heroin. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sentencing has been set for April 16, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
- Jose Ruiz, 37, of Illinois, pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 14, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Laquintin Abbey, 26, of East Chicago was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting the straw purchase of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on March 22, 2014, Abbey fraudulently represented to an employee of Cabela’s Retail, a licensed firearms dealership in Hammond, Indiana, that she was the actual purchaser of a firearm when in fact she was purchasing the firearm for someone else. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
- Robert Barker, 29, of Calumet City, Illinois was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, Barker coerced an individual who later cooperated with law enforcement to purchase guns on his behalf. Barker utilized this individual to purchase or attempt to purchase 10 guns between October and December 2013. During this time, Barker was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a convicted felon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
- Dexter Eugene Howard, 36, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to two felony offenses of Bank Robbery. According to documents filed in this case, Howard robbed the 5/3 Bank located at 6760 Broadway in Merrillville, Indiana on March 13, 2014. He stole $2,000 cash during this robbery and was ordered by the Court to pay restitution in that amount. Howard also robbed the 5/3 Bank located at 8477 Broadway in Merrillville, Indiana on March 20, 2014. He stole $2,813 cash during this robbery; because the money was recovered , the court did not order restitution. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
- Andy Mitchell, 55, of Chicago was sentenced to 24 months’ probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. According to documents filed in this case, on December 18, 2013, the defendant was part of a group who staged automobile accidents in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and subsequently submitted false and fraudulent police reports and insurance claims for property damage. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
- Linda Rosenberg, 60, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to a three count information charging the following: Count 1, conspiracy to receive kickbacks for the referral of Medicare and Medicaid patients to service providers; Count 2 dispensing a controlled substance without legitimate medical purpose and; Count 3, misbranding. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Drug Administration and Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITION
- Hayley VanDurmen, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to one year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly selling a firearm to a convicted felon and aiding and abetting. According to documents filed in this case, on or about April 26, 2013, VanDurmen knowingly aided and abetted in the selling of a firearm to a convicted felon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Matthew Eash, 33, of Bristol, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 8, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
- Derrick Smith, 40, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 8, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Andre A. Forbes, 40, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine powder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and tampering with a government witness. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for April 15, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
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.DISPOSITIONS
- Kevin A. Hoffman, 40, of St. John, Indiana was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment with 10 years supervised release after being found guilty by jury trial to the felony offenses of production and possession of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, in September 2013, Hoffman was living with his girlfriend. Also living at the address were his girlfriend’s daughters ages 18 and 6. Hoffman used his cell phone to take nude photographs of the youngest child. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.
- Carla Latice Merriweather, 25, of South Bend was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, in the early morning hours of August 6, 2014, the defendant stole a white pickup truck in South Bend, Indiana. Inside the truck was a loaded AMT pistol, model: Backup, caliber: .380. The defendant then used that firearm to shoot at a male who was pursuing her from whom she had obtained controlled substances in the past who she believed was following her in an effort to collect a drug debt. This occurred near the intersection of Western and Walnut in South Bend. A little after 3:00 a.m. on August 6, 2014, police then saw the defendant driving the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle. The defendant then led police on high speed chase. At one point during the chase, the defendant ran a red light and narrowly missed colliding with another vehicle who was proceeding through the intersection on a green light. While police were in pursuit and attempting to apprehend her, the defendant fired multiple rounds from the stolen handgun at the pursuing officers. The vehicle pursuit ended at Barbie Street and Main Street in South Bend where Merriweather initially refused to exit the truck despite police commands to do so. Merriweather was subsequently taken into custody. After being placed in a police vehicle, the defendant then began to kick at the windows of the police car. Officers tried to restrain her, and she attempted to bite the officers. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Marlon Carr, 31, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on April 30, 2014, Carr was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in the area of 2600 Jefferson in Gary, Indiana in possession of a firearm. Carr had been convicted of robbery in Lake County, Indiana . This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
- Akeem Dillon, 28, of Sauk Village, Illinois was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on February 24, 2014, Dillon possessed multiple firearms after being convicted of a felony drug crime in 2004. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
- Ola Mohammad 33, of Bridgeview, Illinois was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release and ordered to pay $401,300.16 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of knowingly and willfully conspiring to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit program and defrauding the USDA SNAP benefit program through wire fraud. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Alfred Frank Dillard, 54, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on October 27, 2013, Dillard was stopped on US31 in Fulton County, Indiana. When stopped, he was found to be in possession of an AK-47 type rifle, specifically a SKS, with collapsible stock and bayonet that was carried in his truck. This was a 7.62X39mm semi-automatic rifle. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
- Clifton Valentius Holiday, 27, of Winona Lake, Indiana was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on March 2, 2014, officers while responding to a fight call at a residence in Winona Lake, Indiana found a Ruger handgun with a jammed round in the breach belonging to the defendant. Additional magazines and rounds of ammunition were also found. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- D’Andre Lamonte Hall, 33, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of Possessing with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sentencing has been set for March 20, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
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.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Steven M. McCloughan, 56, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 126 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of transportation of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, on or about July 4, 2013, McCloughan possessed a computer onto which he had downloaded from the internet numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (“child pornography”). McCloughan also admitted emailing a short video file that depicted sadistic conduct. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
- John D. Burke, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced to 79 months imprisonment with 15 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, on January 30, 2014, Burke possessed a computer onto which he had downloaded numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (“child pornography”). He knew the images were child pornography as defined by 18 U.S.C. 2256, which defines child pornography as a depiction which “involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.” Burke also admitted that some of these depictions were of prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years, and that some images depicted sadistic conduct. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
- Jeremy L. Hall, 38, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment with 15 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, on February 27, 2014, Hall possessed a computer onto which he had downloaded numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (“child pornography”). He knew the images were child pornography as defined by 18 U.S.C. 2256, which defines child pornography as a depiction which “involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.” Hall also admitted that some of the images and videos were depictions of prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years, and that some images depicted sadistic conduct. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
- Carlis Young, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on April 22, 2014, Young was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend. Before he was taken to jail, Young stated the apartment was his and denied consent to search. His girlfriend, however, gave consent to search. Inside the apartment, which smelled of burning marijuana, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was found within reach of the couch officers had Young sit. A shotgun was also found in the closet of Young and his girlfriend’s bedroom, in addition to marijuana, crack cocaine and cocaine. Young admitted that the drugs were his and that the he was a regular cocaine user. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Creekside at Meadowbrook, LLC and Creekside at Meadowbrook West, LLC, two Indiana corporations with properties located in Lowell, Indiana, were ordered to authorize the release of assets totaling $189,953.24 dollars to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as restitution, as well as pay a special assessment of $800, after pleading guilty to submitting false statements to HUD. According to documents filed in this case, between March 2009 and continuing through March 2010, the defendants submitted materially false and fraudulent statements to HUD in that the submissions inflated their financial status in order to obtain a HUD mortgage. This case was the result of an investigation the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
- Tambra Ducker, 26, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to three (3) years probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to documents filed in this case, Ducker was one of the passengers in a vehicle stopped by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department on February 25, 2013. Ducker consented to a search of her purse and officers found 150 grams of heroin which she admitted belonged to her. This case was the result of an investigation by the DEA. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
- Jamol Hardin, 41, of Columbus, Ohio was sentenced to probation for 3 years after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on April 9, 2009, Harding, having been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, knowingly possessed, in and affecting commerce, a firearm. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
- Jeremy Lamar Lloyd, 23, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on July 21, 2011, Lloyd knowingly possessed, in and affecting commerce, a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol after previously having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
- John Lytle, 37, of Gary, IN was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of cocaine base. According to documents filed in the cases, in May of 2013, an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives revealed that Lytle was selling both cocaine base and firearms within Gary, Indiana. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
- Carey Ray, 31, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 320 months’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offense of transporting a minor child across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. According to documents filed in the case, on October 8, 2012, Carey Ray picked up a child he knew to be 14 years old and transported her from Hammond, Indiana to a hotel in Lansing, Illinois. Once there, Carey Ray provided the minor child with alcohol and marijuana. Thereafter, Carey Ray made a sexual advance and, when rebuffed, forcibly committed a sex act on the child. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lansing Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill Koster and Joshua Kolar.
- David Alan Resnick, 35, of Port St. Lucie, Florida was sentenced, following his convictions at trial of the federal felony offenses of transporting a minor under age 12 across state lines with intent to engage in a sexual (Count 1) of the indictment, transporting child pornography across state lines (Count 2), brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence ( that violent crime being the act alleged in Count 1 of the indictment) (Count 3) and possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction (Count 4). Resnick was sentenced to life in prison on Count 1, twenty (20) years of incarceration on Count 2, seven (7) years of incarceration on Count 3 and ten (10) years of incarceration on Count 4, with the sentences on Counts 1, 2 and 4 to run concurrently and the sentence on Count 3 to run consecutively, for a combined total prison sentence of life plus seven years. If released from prison, Resnick will also have to serve a 15 year term of supervised release, during which time he will be required to register as a sex offender. According to documents filed in this case, in the summer of 2008, Resnick, who was employed as a commercial truck driver, took the 9 year-old victim from Indiana to various states on a two-week road trip. During the trip, Resnick showed the victim child pornography featuring other prepubescent children and forced the minor to engage in sexual acts. At one point when Defendant, a previously convicted felon, was pulled over by police for failing to stop at a truck weigh station, he brandished a firearm and pointed it at the child victim’s head, threatening to kill the child if he disclosed the sexual abuse. The child did not speak to police and the trip continued. A second child victim testified at trial that he was later invited to attend an overnight pool party with Resnick at a local Indiana hotel and he awoke to find Resnick fondling his genitals. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jill R. Koster and Thomas M. McGrath.
- Percy Spurlock, 60, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. According to documents filed in this case, a federal search warrant was executed at Spurlock’s residence located at in the 1900 block of Central Drive, Gary, Indiana on October 4, 2012. Agents recovered five (5) firearms, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia from the residence. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT task force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Maurice Watts, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally manufacturing marijuana. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel C. Henson, and Tina L. Nommay.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Tyson Allen, 27, of Bluffton, Indiana was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant. According to documents filed in this case, as evidenced on surveillance camera at the Wells County Jail, on June 5, 2013, Allen was the lookout while an assault took place. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshal’s Service and the Wells County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Charles Walker, Jr., 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of maintaining a drug-involved premise and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, several controlled purchases for narcotics were made from Walker. On July 8, 2014, a State Search Warrant was executed on Walker’s residence, wherein a firearm and controlled substances were found. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Allen County Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Ronnie Seward, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for March 12, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Justin Bowles, 25, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for March 20, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Michael Smith, 60, of Mishawaka, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of tax evasion and structuring financial transactions. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-CID. Sentencing has been set for March 20, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse M. Barrett.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Marcus Northern, Sr., 54, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on July 23, 2013, Northern possessed a Glock handgun. In 1995, Northern was convicted in federal court of Interstate Travel to Aid a Business Enterprise and was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for that conviction. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William T. Grimmer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Vincent LaVelle LANKING, 29, of Lafayette, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of escape. The statutory maximum sentence for this felony is 5 years in prison. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by United States Probation and Pretrial Services. Sentencing has been set for March 30, 2015 before District Court Judge Rudy Lozano. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall M. Stewart.
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.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Charles Seals, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relations to a crime of violence and forcibly assaulting and impeding a postal employee. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force, Allen County Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
- Luis Juarez-Cabrera, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting another’s possession of a kilogram of cocaine intended for distribution. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathaniel C. Henson and Tina L. Nommay.
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.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Jared Marshall, 36, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly distributing heroin. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing has been set for March 12, 2015. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Aaron Mendoza, 34, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on March 4, 2014, Menodza possessed a SCCY 9mmhandgun in his home in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It is undisputed that Mendoza is illegally in the United States and that this firearm had traveled through interstate or foreign commerce. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Santiago R. Ortiz-Ruvalcaba, 19, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while under indictment. According to documents filed in this case, on April 2, 2014, the defendant was driving when he was pulled over for not stopping at a stop sign. The defendant fled from police and during the pursuit the defendant jumped out of his vehicle, without putting the car in park, and the car collided with a parked school bus that was dropping off kids. When stopped by police, officers found marijuana on the defendant and a short distance away also found a loaded black semi-automatic handgun with the hammer cocked next to the defendant’s hat. When the defendant was patted down, he had a loaded black gun magazine with live rounds wrapped in a yellow bandana. The defendant admitted he was fleeing from police while he held the loaded weapon he used for protection. This case was the result of an investigation by the South Bend Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Ryan Dean Smith, 28, of Peru, Indiana was sentenced to 34 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to documents filed in this case, on August 3, 2013, the Wabash Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by defendant Ryan Smith. Smith was stopped for exceeding the speed limit and for traveling down a section of roadway that was marked as a closed road. Smith, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found to a have a shotgun lying on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The shotgun, and other contents of the truck, belonged to Smith. The officer who stopped Smith asked him if he was a felon. Smith told the officer he had convictions for burglary and theft. Smith was given a ticketed, released at the scene but his vehicle was impounded. During an inventory search of the vehicle prior to it being impounded, officers also found a baggie containing 35 Nucyntra pills, a Schedule II narcotic, in the area of the seat between the front passenger and drivers’ seat. The narcotic pills, plastic baggies, and the shotgun were all collected as evidence by the police. Mr. Smith has prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property (2006), burglary (2006), and residential entry (2014). This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Kaled Mohammad, 29, of Cicero was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release and ordered to pay $127,319.85 in restitution after pleading guilty to two felony offenses of wire fraud. The guilty plea involved wire fraud related to the fraudulent redemption of SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits at Mohammad’s store, Kay Mart, Inc. in Gary, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Agriculture. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA
- Ashley Taylor, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty to a felony Information (filed on November 19, 2014) which charged her with theft or receipt of stolen mail. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Allen County Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and Nathaniel C. Henson.
- James Thomas, 67, of Dayton, Ohio pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department, Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Brenton Ennis, 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 166 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, a $100 special assessment and ordered to pay $23,672.14 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of committing a “Hobbs Act” robbery (i.e. a robbery that affects interstate commerce), and using of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to documents filed in this case, on November 13, 2012, Ennis, and a codefendant, committed an armed robbery of a federally-licensed firearms dealer. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Antonio King, 35, of Elkhart, IN pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sentencing has been set for March 4, 2014. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Jeffrey Miller, 46, of Osceola, IN was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $1, 086,222.90 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of interstate transportation of stolen goods and money laundering. According to documents filed in this case, from approximately June 2012 through January 2014, the defendant stole copper wire from his former employer, an RV manufacturer located in Elkhart, Indiana. Miller then sold the copper to scrapyards after transporting the copper wire across the state line from Indiana to Michigan locations. The defendant used these illegal funds to gamble at various casinos. The defendant deposited cash into his bank account when he won at the casino because then he was able to justify to the bank where the cash came from. The defendant intentionally avoided putting money from his sells of stolen copper wire directly into his bank accounts because he did not want to justify the source of the cash. The defendant intentionally made bank deposits of cash below $10,000 because he was told the bank would require persons to file a form with the government and he thought people would start to ask questions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Chavonne Jackson, 28, of Chicago, Illinois, formerly of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit identity theft and bank fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen. The defendant’s sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2015. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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.
DISPOSITIONS
- Yousef Muhamad, 44, of Chicago, IL was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment (followed by 2 years of supervised release) and ordered to pay $213,999.12 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally executing a scheme to defraud the Indiana SNAP benefit program, in violation of Title 18, United States Code 1343. The fraud scheme involved the fraudulent redemption of SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits at multiple Gary, Indiana convenience stores. Defendant, and his co-conspirators, purchased SNAP benefits for cash and allowed SNAP beneficiaries to use their benefits to purchase prohibited items like cigarettes and cell phones. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS
- Laurence Rothschild, 62, of Harlan, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft of government money. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
- Martin Gonzalez Medina, 51, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana. 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. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police Department, IMAGE Drug Task Force, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department. Sentencing has not been set. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS
- Courtney Pickett, 20, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment with 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of intentionally distributing a mixture or substance containing cocaine base over 28 grams. According to documents filed in this case, on March 25, 2014, Pickett knowingly and intentionally sold crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
- Crystal Riggs, 48, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to pay restitution of $15,354 at a minimum rate of $100 monthly after pleading guilty to the felony offense of unemployment compensation fraud. According to documents filed in this case, in or around September 2009 through in or around December 2010, in the Northern District of Indiana, Riggs knowingly stole money belonging to the United States in excess of $1,000. In particular, she applied for and received in excess of $6,000 in federal unemployment benefits that she was not entitled to receive. This case was the result of an investigation by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the United States Postal Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.