Northern District of Indiana

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Soulemayne Camara, 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and the interstate transportation of stolen goods. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Department of Treasury.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall 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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Aalap Shah, 32, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 1 year probation and to pay $19,953.90 in restitution after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense of knowingly and willfully aiding and abetting the submission of applications to Medicare and Medicaid that contained misrepresentations of material facts.  According to documents filed in this case, Shah specifically claimed to be the owner of the business when in fact the actual owner of the business was her father.  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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Preston R. Craig, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise. 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 & Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Derek C. Whetsel, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. 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 & Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Marcel T. Banks, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, with 3 years supervised release and to pay $87,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, during the course of an investigation, the Internal Revenue Service obtained bank records, interviewed bank representatives and other individuals and discovered that the brother of Marcel Banks, working as a personal banker at a local bank, had become, with Marcel Banks, secondary joint owners to an account that was opened without the knowledge of the customer.  Banks had attempted to withdraw $10,000 from the account and the attempted transaction was captured on bank surveillance camera.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Raul Resendiz, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 46 months with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, a 911 call came into Fort Wayne Police Department’s dispatch about an individual who had a gun and was in their home threatening to shoot police if they came after him.  Police arrived and apprehended the individual, identified as Resendiz and located an AK 47 assault type rifle within his reach.  Federal agents subsequently learned about the location of another weapon Resendiz had which he kept at his girlfriend’s residence and recovered from that location a Norinco SKS rifle.   Resendiz had a 2011 prior felony conviction in Allen Superior Court for dealing in a counterfeit substance and was, at the time of his arrest on the federal charges, on state probation for the drug offense. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Adrian Williams, 41, of La Porte, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of 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.  Sentencing has been set for 1/8/ 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.

DISPOSITION

• Oscar Martinez, 35, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, between March 2012 and November 2013, Martinez was involved with several individuals in distributing cocaine in the Logansport area.  Martinez delivered cocaine to an individual working for law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Michael Radovick, 29, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of cocaine and distribution of cocaine offense committed while on release. 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 Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  Sentencing has been set for 1/23/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

• Akeem Dillon, 28 of Chicago, Illinois, 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 1/9/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath. 

• Roberta Butler, 32, of Valparaiso, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 12/11/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston. 

• Marlon Carr, 21, 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 1/8/2015.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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.

DISPOSITION

• Chauncey Hackett, Jr, 23, of East Chicago, Indian was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of 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, in February 2014, Hackett fled police and dropped a semi-automatic pistol, which had previously been reported stolen, as he fled.  Following a short pursuit, Hackett was arrested and the firearm was recovered. 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 Dean Lanter.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Joseph R. Topp, 21, of Angola, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of material involving sexual exploitation of minors.  According to documents filed in this case, a law enforcement agent, working in an undercover capacity, signed into an online publically available network via a file sharing program.  The federal agent proceeded to browse shared directories and observed several video files being shared.  Several of the titles were indicative of child pornography.  During the course of the investigation, the federal agent utilized a program in order to identify the location of the user.  A search warrant was executed that led to an interview of Topp, who admitted to using P2P (Peer to Peer) file sharing programs for several year.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

• Deandre Banks, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to time served for term of imprisonment with 3 years supervised release and to pay $87,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service revealed that from in or about July 2013 to in or about August 2013, Banks executed a scheme to commit bank fraud.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris-King.

• James B Nelson, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ethylenedioxymethamphetaime and ketamine.  According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement agencies were alerted to Nelson using postal services to ship drugs nationwide.  After a search warrant was issued, Nelson’s residence was searched and items recovered included a hydraulic pill press, controlled substances, mailing labels and $123,647.00 in cash.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Allen County Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

• Brandon S Keister, 22, of Russell, Kentucky was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer.  According to documents filed in this case, in September 2012, a bait and tackle gun shop was burglarized.  Keister broke into the shop and stole 23 handguns.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and the Kendallville Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Alfred Frank Dillard, 55, 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 an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/22/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Carlis Young, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while possessing 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 12/18/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

• Jesus A. Campos, 35, of Mexico pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana in excess of 100 kilograms. 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.  Sentencing has been set for 12/23/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William T. Grimmer.

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

• Melvin Darnell White, 27, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to time served with 3 years supervised release and 9 months home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, White had previously been convicted of a felony drug charged in LaPorte County, Indiana in 2009.   On July 2nd, 2012, White had in his possession an Iberia Hi Point JC caliber pistol that he had agreed to sell to someone. 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.

• Shan Skinner, 44, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 30 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, Skinner possessed a Cobra handgun  in Laporte County, Indiana.  He had been convicted of a felony firearm violation in Illinois in 2005. 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.

• David Carranza, 31, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year probation and to pay a fine of $1000 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of using a communication facility in causing or facilitating another felony.  According to documents filed in this case, Carranza used a telephone to facilitate a narcotics transaction. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer. 

• Africa Gunn, 37 of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and to pay $106,225.91 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims.  According to documents filed in this case, Gunn participated with others in a false tax return preparation and filing scheme in South Bend, Indiana.  Individuals prepared and submitted Forms 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, with false or inflated Forms W-2 to obtain false tax refunds.  As a result of this scheme, approximately 1,189 tax returns were submitted in tax years 2008-2010, requesting approximately $3,543,794.00 in false tax refunds.  Gunn opened and controlled bank accounts that received refunds from the false taxes returned and shared in the proceeds from these false returns. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Montrell Jolly, 24, 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 12/11/14.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

• Andy Mitchell, 55, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  Sentencing has been set for 12/10/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.

• Toni Alexander, 43, of Calumet City, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  Sentencing has been set for 12/9/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi 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

• James Gerodemos, 51, of Schererville, Indiana was sentenced to 6 months incarceration, to pay a fine of $50,000 with 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of engaging in the business of dealing in explosive materials without a license to do so.  According to documents filed in this case, in June of 2013, Gerodemos was found to be in possession of over 16,000 lbs. of commercial and illegal explosives that he intended to sell.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Henry C. Purifoy, III, 23, 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 the 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 Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Derrell L. Hayes, 29, 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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Allen County 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

• Edward Williams, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack.  According to documents filed in this case, Williams participated in selling cocaine and a firearm to a confidential informant (CI).  During the course of this investigation, Williams had made arrangements to meet the CI at an established location.  Williams was seen arriving, entering and exiting the residence carrying a Nike shoe box.  When Williams left the residence, he was stopped by police and a firearm and crack cocaine were found inside the Nike shoe box.  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 Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Justin Magee, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled 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.  This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/15/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Isaiah Mark Samelton, 19, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/22/ 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

DISPOSITIONS

• Frederick Dotson 39, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, Dotson sold cocaine out of his residence in St. Joseph County and possessed a Hi Point .40 cal. handgun to protect his drug business. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jose Mario Sanchez, 40, of Goshen, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, from September 2013 up to and including October 2013, Sanchez was involved with several individuals, in distributing cocaine in the Northern District of Indiana. On several occasions Sanchez and others delivered cocaine to an individual Sanchez was unaware was working for law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jose Guadalupe Leal, 39, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, on August 28th, 2013, Leal lived in Elkhart, Indiana and had in his possession about an ounce of cocaine he intended to sell. While executing a search warrant on Leal’s residence, law enforcement officers located the narcotics, drug dealing paraphernalia and a loaded semi-automatic pistol hidden in Leal’s bedroom.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Mark William Bartell, 28, 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 11/24/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Robinson Morales, 37, of Hammond, 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 12/5/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Padilla. 

• Jordan Schwind, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute heroin. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  Sentencing has been set for 12/3/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Augustine L. Luna, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Augustine Luna was identified as a distributor in one of the drug supply networks.  This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, G-Net, 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.

• Joseph Luna, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Joseph Luna was identified as a distributor in one of the drug supply networks.  This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, G-Net, 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.

• Narciso G. Soto, III, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a drug involved premises.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Narciso Soto was identified as operating a stash location for several of the distributors in one of the drug supply networks. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, G-Net, 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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Marcus Northern, Sr., 54, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/8/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

 
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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITION

• Otis Irvin, Jr , 40 of  Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of  Distribution Of Crack Cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, in 2013, the FBI GRIT Task Force purchased a total 10 grams of crack cocaine during three controlled purchases from Irvin in Gary.  This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

• James Huddleston 42, of Medaryville, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $53,790.49 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds And Forfeiture Allegations.  According to documents filed in this case, from August 2011 through April 2013, Huddleston, while employed as the business manager for the Lake Ridge Public Schools in Gary, Indiana, embezzled $134,054, caused Lake Ridge to incur associated fees and spent much of the money gambling.  Huddleston failed to report the embezzled income to the IRS and owes the IRS $25,000 in taxes as a result of the crime.  To date, Huddleston has repaid all but $53,790.49 of the amount of restitution ordered.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Bell and Dean Lanter. 

• Mario M Stokes 41, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearms.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about December 4, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a Federal search warrant at 2200 Taney Street, Stokes’ residence. Investigators located a safe in a closet in a bedroom of the residence. Stokes provided the combination to the safe. When asked if there was anything in the safe that they should know about, Stokes stated that the safe contained “some marijuana and some money.” Upon opening the safe, investigators located approximately $11,600 cash and approximately 1.2 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, in the safe was a S&W .40 caliber handgun with a magazine containing 14 rounds of ammunition and 1 round in the chamber. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Richard Dickus, 72, of Hebron, Indian, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $217,996.35 in restitution to the Social Security Administration after pleading guilty to the felony offense of embezzlement and stealing money from the Social Security Administration.  According to documents filed in this case, for over 22 years, from May 1991 through November 2013, Dickus stole and converted to his own use monthly social security benefits of his deceased mother, with the total amount of social security benefits stolen by Dickus being $217,996.35.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Michael C. Wenger, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. 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.

• Damion D. Alexander, 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.  According to documents filed in this case, the Fort Wayne Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 2700 block of Paulding Road East, identifying Alexander as one of the parties involved in the disturbance and who had two active warrants.  Alexander fled the scene in a described vehicle and subsequently led FWPD officers in a vehicle pursuit, with Alexander disregarding a stop, driving at a high rate of speed and driving the wrong way on a one way street.  During the pursuit, a FWPD Officer observed Alexander’s driver door open and he attempted to run out of the vehicle as the vehicle was still moving.  The officer observed that Alexander was holding a black handgun when he exited the vehicle and that he threw the handgun.  Alexander fled on foot and a foot chase ensued.   The firearm, a loaded Wesson .357 revolver, was recovered in the area that officers saw the handgun being thrown.  After Alexander was apprehended, the FWPD officers found 3 rounds of .357 magnum ammunition in Alexander’s right front pants pocket.  The ammunition was the same caliber and manufacturer as the ammunition found located in the firearm that was recovered.  In the trunk of the vehicle that Alexander had been driving, officers located a second firearm, a loaded Winchester .22 caliber rifle.  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.

• Billy J. Gonzalez, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation began with controlled buys of powder and crack cocaine and progressed with wiretaps of several cocaine suppliers.  Billy Gonzalez was identified as a middle-level supplier of cocaine and marijuana, and he coordinated numerous drug deals among his conspirators.  This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, G-Net, 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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Santiago Rosario Ortiz-Ruvalcaba, 19, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly receiving a firearm in and effecting interstate or foreign commerce. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 12/4/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• John D. Burke, Jr., 33, of Mishawaka, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 12/4/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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

• Matthew Mobley, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally distributing crack.  According to documents filed in this case, in May 2013, Mobley sold crack to an undercover source. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jorge Campos, 41, of Goshen, IN was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, from September 2013 up to and including October 2013, Campos was involved in the distribution of cocaine in the Northern District of Indiana.  On several occasions, Campos delivered cocaine to an undercover source. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Ola Mohammad, 33, of Bridgeview, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and willfully conspiring to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) benefit program and defrauding the USDA benefit program through wire fraud. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 11/20/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

• Piljo Piljagic, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty to the felony offense of illegal entry to United States. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security.  Sentencing has been set for 11/12/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Stewart.

• Tomika Yates, 40, of  Grand Prairie, Texas, pled guilty to the felony offense of

conspiracy to defraud the United States and aiding & abetting. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  Sentencing has been set for 11/14/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi 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.

DISPOSITION

• Alanden O. Johnson, 44 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced to a 41 month term of imprisonment, followed by a three years term of supervised release, on her guilty plea to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, between 2006 and 2008 in and around Gary, Indiana, Johnson was part of a drug distribution network.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Julian Zamora, 41, of Defiance, Ohio pled guilty to the felony offense of distributing 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of 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 and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Jeffrey Miller, 45 of Osceola, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of interstate transportation of stolen goods and money laundering. 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.  Sentencing has been set for 11/25/2014.  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

• Ricardo Perez-Arrellano, 45, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, Perez-Arrellano was convicted of a 2012 misdemeanor battery.  In March 2014, Perez-Arrellano was a regular illegal user of controlled substances and knowingly possessed a loaded Mossberg, model 600AT, 12 gauge pump shotgun, and a loaded Jimenez, model JA Nine, 9mm. 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.

• Kevin Becerril, 19, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced to 18 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, Becerril possessed a Colt Trooper revolver while in the Northern District of Indiana.  He had been convicted of felony possession of marijuana in St. Joseph County in 2013 and sentenced to 18 months probation.  Becerrill knew that he was not to possess a firearm due to this conviction and did not dispute that the gun 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.

• Israel Garcia, 33, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release and a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on April 9, 2013, Garcia possessed a package containing cocaine in his car when he fled from police.  It was Garcia’s intent to sell this cocaine while in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Quintin T.  Ferguson, 25, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced to 91 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possessing heroin with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, a search warrant was issued on September 26, 2013 as a result of heroin dealing by Ferguson.  Prior to the execution of the warrant, Ferguson and two males were observed leaving the residence in a vehicle which was later stopped by South Bend police officers.  Ferguson was driving the vehicle and. after his apprehension, three (3) bags of suspect heroin were found inside the vehicle.  Two small plastic bags were located in the driver’s door change pocket holder and one small plastic bag of heroin was located under the driver’s seat.  Ferguson also possessed $1,071in currency and a digital scale when he was apprehended.  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 J. Schmid.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Sammy Guerrero, 36, of Hammond, 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 11/19/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick 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

• Dwayne Allen Jackson, 28, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 1 year probation with 20 hours a week of community service if not working full time. Sentence is to be served consecutive to his 4 year imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making a materially false statement.  According to documents filed in this case, in August 2014, Jackson was driving a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers in relation to the vehicle being potentially stolen and Jackson’s connection with the passing of counterfeit money at local retail stores. This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Treasury - Secret Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Stewart.

• Lashon Sain, 50, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced to one year term of probation to be served on home detention with electronic monitoring after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aiding and abetting a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000; the specified unlawful activity from which the monetary transaction derived was a conspiracy to distribute and distribution of marijuana and cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, Sain was convicted of aiding and abetting a money laundering crime for her part in a scheme to help convicted drug trafficker, Dwayne Crawford, purchase a $21,400 vehicle with drug proceeds and hide his purchase by using a nominee buyer.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacky Jacobs.

• Veronica Woods-Smith, 62, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and to pay $108,401.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, this defendant failed to notify the Social Security Administration of her husband’s death in January 2007 and from February 2007 through September 2013 her husband’s benefit funds that were deposited monthly into a joint bank account.  Woods-Smith further admitted that she spent the money in various ways with the total amount of money she stole from the Social Security Administration being $108,401.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Padilla.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Charles D. Walker, Jr., 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of maintaining a drug-involved premises and being 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, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Allen County Police Department.  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• David Rodriguez, 32, of Elkhart, 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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for November 10, 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

• Clifton Valentius Holiday, 27, of South Bend, 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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for November 10, 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett. 

• Vernado Ruben Malone, 41, of Indianapolis, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offenses of mail fraud 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for Novemer 13, 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid. 

• Crystal Riggs, 48, of Goshen, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.   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 Service.  Sentencing has been set for November 18, 2014. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse 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

• Demarcus Bowling, 21, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 6, 2013 Bowling was convicted of theft, a Class D felony.  After March 6, 2013 and before September 3, 2013, he knowingly possessed a .357 revolver in the Northern District of Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Zamale Davis, 19, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment, 2 years Supervised Release, $200 Special Assessment and Restitution to KeyBank in the amount of $53,800 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of armed bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, on August 7, 2013, Davis along with other accomplices robbed a Bristol, Indiana bank of $53,800.  During the robbery, Davis vaulted the counter.   The day after this robbery, with a portion of the bank robbery proceeds, Davis purchased two cars. This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Armando Gomez, 64, of East Chicago, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement under oath on a 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 the Internal Revenue Service.  Sentencing has been set for 11/20/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

• Julie A Schroeder, 51, of Valparaiso, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft from a program receiving federal funds. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 11/20/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

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

• Carlos Rodriguez, 37, of Hobart, Indiana was sentenced to 3 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made four controlled purchases of cocaine from Carlos Rodriguez and then executed a Federal search warrant at his residence, seizing cocaine, marijuana, and 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 Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Timothy Williams, 35, of Chicago, Illinois was re-sentenced to 80 months in prison after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of misuse of a social security number, making a false statement to the Internal Revenue Service and multiple counts of identity theft.  According to documents filed in this case, in 2011, Judge Philip Simon sentenced Williams to 80 months prison after Williams pled guilty.  In 2013, the Seventh Circuit reversed the sentence due to a technicality with the sentencing guidelines manual.  This week, Judge Simon ruled that nothing had changed with the facts of the case or Williams himself, and imposed the same 80 month incarceration term. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Daniel Perry, 25, of Fairmount, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. 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 will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. 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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Ryan Dean Smith, 28, of Peru, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. 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 11/12/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Brock Crowe, 39, of Delphi, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Cass County Drug Task Force, Indiana State Police and Illinois State Police Kankakee Area Metropolitan Group.  Sentencing has been set for 11/10/ 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jarvis Tolbert, 28, 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 the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for 11/12/2014.  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

• Arinda Nelly Garza, 46, of Rio Grande City, Texas was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to the felony offense of failure to appear.  According to documents filed in this case, on or about December 16, 1998, Garza was arrested on a federal criminal complaint that alleged a conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute.  Garza was released from custody on conditions but then knowingly and willfully failed to appear for court proceedings in February 1999.  Garza’s failure to appear continued until her arrest in January 2014.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William T. Grimmer.

• Alvin Maurice Lipsey, 55, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment and to pay restitution to Notre Dame Federal Credit Union ($1,493.00) and First Source Bank ($2,768.00) after pleading guilty to the felony offense of robbery of a federally insured bank while armed with a deadly weapon and knowingly using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  According to documents filed in this case, on July 11, 2012, Lipsey committed an armed robbery at Notre Dame Federal Credit Union in South Bend, Indiana.  On August 22, 2-11, Lipsey also robbed a South Bend First Source Bank.  This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Kendrick Johnson, 30, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing a firearm after he had been convicted of a felony. According to documents filed in this case, on August 2, 2013, Johnson possessed a loaded .9mm handgun in his residence.  In 2005, he was convicted of dealing in cocaine. 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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Ola Mohammad, 33, of Chicago, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and willfully conspiring to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit program and defrauding the USDA SNAP benefit program through wire 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 been set for August 25, 2014. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Pedro Garza, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession with 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 Drug Enforcement Agency and the Fort Wayne Police Department (Vice and Narcotics Unit).  Sentencing will be set by separate order by the district court.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina 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.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• David G. Perry, 59, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.  According to documents filed in this case, Perry possessed a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol.   Perry had previously been convicted of several offenses including driving while intoxicated and possession of a firearm as 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 Donald Schmid.

• Eshar Burks, 26, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing crack with the intent to distribute.  According to documents filed in this case, Burks possessed over 100 baggies containing a white substance later identified as crack.  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.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Jennifer Grcich, 38, of Cedar Lake, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft from a federally funded organization.   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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

• Rolando Luis Diaz, 31, of Whiting, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of intentionally distributing cocaine and possession of a firearm and ammunition.  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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 10/30/14.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Padilla.

• Jane Woynaroski, 58 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of  theft from a federally funded organization. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 10/15/14.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

• Jerome Harris, 50, of Gary, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 11/6/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

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

• Beaver Bernard Russell, 50, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 140 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and to pay $4,520 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, on January 5, 2012, Russell robbed a South Bend, Indiana bank.  On January 12, 2012, Russell robbed another bank located in Munster, Indiana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

• Joseph B. Miller, 50, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 225 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release and to pay $5,606 in restitution after being found guilty of the felony offense of bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, Miller robbed a Hammond, Indiana bank on December 13, 2012.  Miller was subsequently arrested, tried and found guilty by jury on June 25, 2013.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacky Jacobs and Diane Berkowitz.

• Christopher Bynum, 27, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, as a result of a joint federal investigation, Bynum was arrested for his participation in a widespread marijuana trafficking organization. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacky Jacobs.
  

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Yohansen Fincher, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally using a communication facility to facilitate a drug offense.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation resulted from a court approved federal wiretap which led to the identification of individuals involved in drug supply organizations.  Specifically, the interceptions over Fincher’s telephone led to a delivery amount of 450 grams of cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force comprised of FBI special agents, and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department.  Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division and Gant Unit, Allen County Drug Task Force, United States Marshal’s Service, New Haven Police Department, Orange County California Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, San Bernardino County, California Sheriff’s Department, and the Kanas City, Missouri Police Department Drug Interdiction Unit were also law enforcement agencies who assisted with this investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

• Eddie L. Carlisle, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 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, officers responded to a party-armed call and while heading to the reported location, officers were advised that a person was in the street firing a gun.  Upon their arrival, officers observed an individual matching Carlisle’s description bend over near the front left tire of a parked vehicle and then stand back up.  Officers believed that Carlisle may have placed something near the vehicle.  Officers found a handgun at the spot where Carlisle had just been seen and he was taken into custody.  The gun had previously been reported stolen.  Carlisle had a prior conviction for the federal offense of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.  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.

• Travon Russell, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and 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, based on a controlled purchase of marijuana by a confidential informant, a warrant was issued for Russell’s residence.  During the search of the residence, firearms, ammunition and controlled substances were located.  After being advised of his Miranda Rights, Russell admitted that the items found in the residence belonged solely to him. 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 Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
  

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Timothy Heckaman, 53, of Bremen, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation and to pay $34,126.25 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, from in or around March 2010 through September 2011, Heckaman applied for and received extended unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Indiana Department of Work Force Development (“IDWD”). Defendant submitted weekly vouchers to IDWD and intentionally answered “No” to the question asking if he was working when, in truth, he was employed during the specified week. This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor and the Indiana Department of Work Force Development.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

• Gerardo Martinez-Quinonez, 22, of Lansing, Illinois was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a false social security number.  According to documents filed in this case, in January 2014, in the Northern District of Indiana, with the intent to deceive, Martinez-Quinonez falsely represented a number to be the social security account number assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security. This case was the result of an investigation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

• Eric M. Gainer, 45, of Kewanna, Indiana was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after being found guilty by jury trial to the felony offense of making false statements during firearm acquisition.  According to documents filed in this case, Gainer attempted to purchase a firearm on October 1, 2012 at firearms dealer. Gainer attempted to buy a Rossi 410/22 firearm despite being a convicted felon, despite being under a court restraining order and despite having a prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence. Gainer filled out an ATF Form 4473 and falsely stated that he did not have a prior felony conviction, falsely stating that he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening his child or an intimate partner or child of such partner, and falsely denying that he had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence (battery) involving his own daughter.  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.

• Leroy J. Clark, 22, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and 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 November 7, 2013, a car Clark was riding in was stopped by police.  He had a handgun in his possession in the car.  Clark had a previous felony conviction in the State of 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 Jesse Barrett.

• Christopher R. Candler, 39, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of failure to register and update registration as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.  According to documents filed in this case, on May 29, 2001, Candler was convicted in New Jersey Superior Court, Law Division-Criminal, Morris County for the offense of Sexual Assault.  As a result of this conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender in New Jersey at least until May 29, 2016.  Candler last registered as a sex offender in New Jersey on July 11, 2012.  In 2013, Candler moved to South Bend, Indiana and did not register in Indiana as a sex offender. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshal Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

   

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Darian Lyndon Brown, 36, of Merrillville, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of mail fraud. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 10/2/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy 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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Chopper Loughran, 32, of Lake Station, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years’ probation, 12 months’ home confinement and to pay $12,942.70 in restitution after being found guilty by a jury to the felony offenses of worker’s compensation fraud, wire fraud, federal program fraud and making false statements.  According to documents filed in this case, Loughran worked as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Northwest Indiana for less than a year when she filed a claim stating that she injured her ankle while delivering mail.  At trial, the evidence established that Loughran filed the claim shortly after being advised that her performance was not up to standard.  Loughran knowingly submitted materially false statements and information on various forms connected with applications for compensation and payable benefits.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service, the United States Department of Labor and the United States Department of Agriculture.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
  

• Jose Arriaga, 45, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, in August 2013, Arriaga was arrested while attempting to sell 4 kilograms of cocaine to a Drug Enforcement Administration confidential informant and an additional 7 kilograms of cocaine and $24,000 in cash was recovered from Arriaga’s property in Merrillville, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
  

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Christopher Smith, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and 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, Fort Wayne Police Department personnel attempted to pull over the vehicle Smith was driving, but Smith failed to stop and led police on a high speed chase until his car crashed into a residence.  During a search of the vehicle, officers found a firearm along with ammunition.  At the time, Smith was on probation for his state offense of possession of cocaine.  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 Tina L. Nommay.

• Trevor R. Rodriguez, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to selling a firearm and ammunition to a known convicted felon.  According to documents filed in this case, ATF was conducting a firearms investigation that resulted in contact with Rodriguez who agreed to sell them firearms on several occasions.  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.

• David Williams, 29 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 1 year probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making a false statement on an ATF form 4473.  According to documents filed in this case, Fort Wayne Police conducted a traffic stop and multiple weapons were recovered as a result of the stop. One of the guns recovered from the vehicle had been purchased by Williams who was not in the vehicle at the time of the stop.  ATF agents confirmed that the firearm had been purchased by Williams.  Williams would have filled out an ATF form 4473 in order to purchase the firearm.  After interviewing Williams, he admitted to making a false statement on the form when he bought the gun, indicating he was the actual purchaser when he was not.  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 Tina L. Nommay.
  

   

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Demarcus Moran, 24, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm as 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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.  Sentencing has been set for 10/23/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Robert Alphonse Deschepper, III, 24, of Edwardsburg, Michigan pled guilty to the felony offense of lying to a licensed firearms dealer during the acquisition of firearms. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Sentencing has been set for 10/16/2014.  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

• Jack Marsh, 35, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment and 3 years Supervised Release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute crack.  According to documents filed in this case, Marsh knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of crack. 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.

 

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Gerardo Mendez, 27, pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and with intent to defraud passing counterfeited obligations. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service.  Sentencing has not been set.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall 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.

DISPOSITIONS

• Christopher Chico, 26 years old, of Blue Island, Illinois, was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of Narcotics – Distribution of Cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on May 23, 2012, Chico, a member of the Latin Dragons street gang, sold one ounce of cocaine to a confidential informant in Whiting, Indiana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Augustin Jacobo-Pagan, 36 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, with credit for time served after pleading guilty to the felony offense of Re-Entry of Deported Alien and False Statement in a Passport Application.  No term of supervised release will be imposed due to the defendant’s deportable alien status. According to documents filed in this case, in March of 2010, Jacobo-Pagan, under an alias, submitted a United States Passport application at a post office.  In the passport application, Jacobo-Pagan listed the following false information, name, date of birth and social security number. This case was the result of an investigation by the State Department and the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.

• Jennifer Kurek, 41 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment, 3  years supervised release and to pay $25,144.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, Kurek stole $25,144 from the Social Security Administration.  As a SSA representative payee, Kurek had a fiduciary duty to use social security benefit funds for her daughter’s benefit.  Instead, after her daughter was removed from defendant’s home by State officials, Kurek used the social security benefit funds on herself.    This case was the result of an investigation by the Office of Inspector/Social Security Administration Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary T. Bell.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Maricruz Mendoza, aka Erika L. Luna, 36, of Elkhart, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property. 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 Labor and the Indiana Department of Work Force Development.   Sentencing has been set for 10/16/ 2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

• Alfonso Serrano, 46, of Logansport, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine over 500 grams. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for 10/17/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Jose Luis Lopez, 24, of Logansport, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration.  Sentencing has been set for 10/17/2014.  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

• Daniel Haslam, 43, of Crawfordsville, Indiana was sentenced to 181 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession of unregistered silencers, illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of multiple firearms as a drug user and possession of multiple firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  According to documents filed in this case, Haslam had a number of completed firearm silencers  as well as silencers that he was still manufacturing.  Additionally, there were a number of firearms in the house (several loaded rifles, a shotgun, and a revolver).  Haslam was manufacturing and using methamphetamine.  Records for pseudoephedrine purchases show that Haslam made 30 pseudoephedrine purchases in 2011 and through August 2012.  Local police executed a search warrant and discovered evidence of methamphetamine manufacturing and use, ammunition and multiple firearms and silencers.  None of the silencers or firearms were registered to Haslam in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.   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 J. Schmid.                         

• Davon Stewart, 39, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 106 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possessing cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, local law enforcement went to a residence in South Bend searching for a wanted individual.  At the location being visited, Stewart answered the door and gave officers consent to enter and search.  Officers detected and observed marijuana within the location.  Stewart readily admitted that he smoked marijuana.  After officers obtained search warrants for the residence, a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol with a loaded magazine was discovered.  Near the gun, police found 4 grams of crack cocaine and 6 grams of powder cocaine in two plastic baggies.  Officers also discovered a video surveillance system, digital scales, ammunition, additional cocaine powder concealed in a ceiling fan and marijuana.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Tiffany J. Miller, 28, of Ligonier, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation and to pay $15,062 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, from in or around September 2010 through August 2011, Miller applied for and received extended unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Indiana Department of Work Force Development (IDWD.)  Miller submitted weekly vouchers to IDWD and intentionally answered “No” to the question asking if she was working when in truth she was employed in Elkhart, Indiana during the specified week.  Miller also failed to disclose she received wages during that time period.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor and the Indiana Department of Work Force Development.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

• Patrick J. Condon, Jr., 41, of South Bend Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation and to pay $40,251.50 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, April 2010 through July 2011, Condon applied for and received extended unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Indiana Department of Work Force Development (IDWD).  Condon submitted weekly vouchers to IDWD and intentionally answered “No” to the question asking if he was working when in truth and in fact he was employed in Elkhart, Indiana during the specified week and earned wages.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor and the Indiana Department of Work Force Development.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

•  

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Timothy Yatsko, 42, of Portage, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to felony possession of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 14, 2013, Yatsko was found in possession of nine firearms and an assortment of ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony in the Superior Court of Lake County.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Portage Police Department, Lake Station Police Department, and Porter County Sheriff’s Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath. 

• Armando Ortega, 36, of Hammond, Indiana was sentenced to 5 months on home detention with 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on February 25, 2012, law enforcement officers responded to a domestic call at the defendant’s residence and smelled a strong smell of marijuana.  On April 6, 2012, a Hammond detective decided to do a “knock and talk” at same residence, when he approached it he smelled a strong odor of marijuana.  He left the residence without contact.  Three days later, Hammond Police officers did a trash pull, and recovered the remains of marijuana blunts and stems. On April 13, 2012, Hammond Police executed a search warrant on the residence.  They recovered around 240 grams of cocaine and redistribution amounts of marijuana.  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 David Nozick.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Bryant Davis, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 30 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, local law enforcement obtained and executed a state search warrant for the Davis’ residence.  During the search, a firearm was located in the bathroom and one was thrown out a window of the residence.  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 Tina Nommay.

• Christopher M. Salas, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation concurrently on both counts of conviction after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on April 12, 2011, law enforcement served a search warrant at Salas’ residence. During the search, firearms and cocaine were discovered in the bedroom.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department.  The Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division and the Allen County Drug Task Force assisted with this investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

• Ben B. Fisher, 38, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment with time served and 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of using a telephone to facilitate a drug felony to include conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.  According to documents filed in this case, this investigation progressed with a spinoff wiretaps through two different supply chains.  Interceptions over Fisher’s telephone led to an immediate supplier.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the 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.  A number of law enforcement agencies also assisted with this investigation, including the Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division and Gang Unit, the Allen County Drug Task Force, United States Marshals Service, New Haven Police Department, Orange County California Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, San Bernardino County California Sheriff’s Department, and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Drug Interdiction Unit.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Jeremy L. Hall, 38, of Warsaw, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession and distribution of child pornography. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Michigan City Police Department.  Sentencing has been set for 10/2/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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

• Keon Lovelady, 25, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 12 months and a day imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of lying during the attempted acquisition of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, in July 2012, defendant agreed to make a “straw purchase” of a .40 caliber pistol firearm from Midwest Gun Exchange for another person.  On July 13, 2012, Lovelady went to a firearms store, falsely filled out the 4473 form that was required for the purchase of the pistol and paid for the pistol.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Bend Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

• Joseph H Golden, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, in late 2013, Golden was released from Indiana State Prison.  On December 11, 2013, the defendant called a bank teller in Goshen, Indiana, and stated he had gotten the teller’s name from an inmate friend.  Golden indicated he wanted to commit a bank robbery at the bank where the teller worked.  Over the next several weeks, Golden discussed with the teller (who was cooperating with law enforcement after the initial call) plans for an armed bank robbery.  The plan eventually evolved into a plan to commit larceny inside the bank.  The two exchanged subsequent conversations of Golden’s preparation to rob the bank.  As he left his residence and approached Goshen, Indiana, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Golden’s vehicle and arrested him.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Goshen Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• Marcelino Ruiz-Robles, 36, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, on September 25, 2013, Ruiz-Robles sold a package of cocaine to an individual he did not know was working for law enforcement.  This illegal drug transaction occurred in St. Joseph County, Indiana.   This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

 

      PLEA

• Bruce T. King, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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 and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Sentencing will be set after the district court judge accepts the recommendation of the magistrate judge.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. 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.

DISPOSITION

• Nathan Arnold, 30, of Berne, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation and ordered to pay $78.00 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft or receipt of stolen mail matter.  According to documents filed in this case, beginning on or about October 9, 2012, and continuing to on or about August 12, 2013, Arnold had stolen mail from mailboxes around the town of Berne.  This case was the result of an investigation by United States Postal Inspection Service and the Berne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Steven M McCloughan, 57, of Elkhart, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of possession and distribution of child pornography. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Secret Service.  Sentencing has been set for 9/25/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

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

•  Alvin Blade, III, 22, of South Bend, IN was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and a $100 Special Assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime/crime of violence, where the firearm was discharged.  According to documents filed in this case, Javon Thomas and Alvin Blade III agreed and planned to sell ecstasy pills to Jerrell Sanders and his brother William Sanders. A January 21, 2011 meeting for the sale of the ecstasy pills was set and was to occur near the Olive St. convenience store. Instead of the sale, Thomas had decided to rob Jerrell and his brother William. Thomas was armed with a 9mm pistol. In the course of the meeting/confrontation, Blade was also armed with a handgun and shot Jerrell Sanders and also fired at William Sanders. Javon Thomas shot William Sanders. Javon Thomas went through the pockets of the two victims and stole the cash that the Sanders had brought for the planned drug purchase.  Blade's participation in this episode included his setting up the drug sale of ecstasy pills with Thomas' concurrence, pulling a handgun, and shooting Jerrell Sanders. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and the South Bend Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

• Robert D Carrico, 29, of South Bend, IN was sentenced to 92 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and a $100 Special Assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of federal drug trafficking crimes.  According to documents filed in this case, Carrico was distributing ecstasy pills and marijuana in the South Bend area. He was aware that dealing in drugs created a risk that he would be robbed of the drugs he was selling and the money that he was making from his illegal drug trafficking.  In order to try and protect himself from such robberies, he armed himself with multiple firearms including a .44 caliber revolver, a .45 caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, a .380 caliber pistol, an AK-47 assault rifle, two 12 gauge shotguns, a 20 gauge shotgun and a large amount of ammunition for these firearms. On October 23, 2013, four armed men tried to rob Carrico of his drugs and cash.  Gunfire was exchanged. Carrico was wounded, one of the intruders was killed and another was wounded. Two women who were at Carrico’s home were also present during the armed home invasion/robbery attempt. Police who investigated the shooting found a kilogram of marijuana, ecstasy pills, other drug trafficking materials, and several thousand dollars cash (along with some of the firearms) in a safe that Carrico kept. When Carrico was arrested on February 14, 2014 on the federal warrant for this case, police found Carrico carrying a loaded .45 caliber Beretta pistol. Police also found a small amount of marijuana and a loaded 12 gauge Hawk shotgun in his home on February 14, 2014. This case was the result of an investigation by Elkhart County Immigration and Customs Enforcement Drug Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

• David Diederich, 58, of LaPorte, IN was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment, 1 year supervised release and to pay a $1000 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 August 23, 2013, Diederich possessed an Empire Ejector shotgun while in LaPorte County, IN.  He had been convicted of a felony in St. Joseph County in 1976 in Superior Court.  Diederich knew he could not lawfully possess a firearm and he did not dispute 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.

• Brian L Baker, 23, of Chicago, IL was sentenced to 75 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing heroin with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to documents filed in this case, the South Bend Police did a traffic stop for no taillight on August 23, 2013 on a vehicle in which the defendant was riding. Brian Baker was the front seat passenger and his girlfriend Stephanie Rodriguez driving; another man, Michael Mason, was in the back seat.  Having consent to search the vehicle, the police found a handgun in a purse along with 42 baggies of heroin (approximately 7.1 grams) and three baggies of marijuana (approximately 3.4 grams). Baker had $384 cash in his pocket. Both the handgun – a Taurus pistol, model PT132 Millennium Pro, .32 caliber, Serial No. FCS12041 – and the drugs belonged to and were in the possession of the defendant Brian Baker.  The firearm was used to protect the defendant while he was engaged in heroin trafficking. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Robert Barker, 28, of Calumet City, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of 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 (ATF).  Sentencing has been set for 9/9/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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

• Rhonda Murphy, 38, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 2 year term of probation to include 6 months home confinement after pleading guilty to the felony offense of tax fraud. According to documents filed in this case, Murphy prepared and filed fraudulent tax returns to obtain grossly inflated refunds for clients. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

• Jeanetta Brown, 33, of Markham, Illinois was sentenced to 2 years probation, with a special condition of 6 months home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements regarding her residence address and state of residence in connection with the purchase of firearms.  According to documents filed in this case, on January 31, 2013, Brown purchased two firearms at a federal firearms dealer in Gary, Indiana, and in so doing represented on the firearms paperwork to purchase the firearms that she was living at a residence in East Chicago, Indiana, when in truth and fact she was at that time a resident of Illinois.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.                                     

• Sandra Hatton Mills, 64, of Lafayette, Indiana was sentenced to a 1 year term of probation to include 6 months of home confinement after pleading guilty to the felony offense of filing a false tax return.  According to documents filed in this case, Mills failed to report to the IRS approximately $223,000 in income from her home healthcare business in 2006. Mills also paid her employees wages from which no employment taxes were withheld. Mills failed to report similarly derived income to the IRS in each of 2005 ($12,900 in unreported income), 2006 ($22,300), 2008 ($176,000) and 2009 ($87,600). This case was the result of an investigation by Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

• Paul Deshaun Robinson, 23, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of heroin.  According to documents filed in this case, In May 2013, in Gary, Indiana, Robinson distributed heroin to a confidential informant.  This case was the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) GRIT Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Michael C. Bure, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 67 months imprisonment; 2 years supervised release and to and pay $2,535 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery.  According to documents filed in this case, in 2011, Bure was involved in a bank robbery. Bure aided in planning the robbery and drove the vehicle away from the crime.  This case was the result of an investigation by FBI Bank Robbery Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

• Alfred Alcaraz, 34, of Tucson, Arizona was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  According to documents filed in this case, Alcaraz had utilized individuals to send 117 pounds of marijuana from Arizona to Indiana.  Through a series of recorded telephone conversations, he agreed to assist an individual living in Ft. Wayne acquire quantities of marijuana for that individual to distribute to others.  Alcaraz was to supply the marijuana to the individual living in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

• Pedro Salud Rubio-Garcia, 26, of Fremont, Indiana was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance and selling a firearm to a convicted felon.  According to documents filed in this case, Rubio-Garcia was involved in the distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and the trafficking of firearms. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department.  The New Haven Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff's Department, Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit, South Bend Police Department, and IMAGE Drug Task Force assisted with this investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

• Amanda J. McBride, 32, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years on probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of maintaining drug-involved premises.  According to documents filed in this case, from on or about April 15, 2013, to on or about June 27, 2013, McBride was the owner of a building which others used for crack cocaine distribution. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tony Geller.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Africa Gunn, 36, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to tax claims.  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-CID.  Sentencing has been set for 9/18/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Oscar Martinez, 34, of Logansport, IN pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine over 500 grams.  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 Drug Enforcement Agency.  Sentencing has been set for 9/25/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• David Carranza, 32, of Goshen, IN pled guilty to the felony offense of knowingly using a communication facility in causing or facilitating another felony.  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 Drug Enforcement Agency.  Sentencing has been set for 9/17/2014.  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

• John O. Williams, 43, of Osceola, IN was sentenced to time served, 2 years supervised release, $36,962.50 restitution and a $100 special assessment fee after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, John O. Williams from in or around June 2010 through December 2010, applied for and received extended unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Indiana Department of Work Force Development. He submitted weekly vouchers to IDWD and intentionally answered “No” to the question as to whether he was working when in truth and in fact he was employed at Company A in Elkhart, Indiana during the specified week. He also failed to disclose that he received wages during that time period. He spent the unemployment benefit payments he received on personal expenses.  He does not dispute that the money for these unemployment insurance benefits came from the federal government, extended unemployment insurance benefits and ARRA funds and was in excess of $9,000.   This case was the result of an investigation by Department of Labor and Indiana Department of Work Force Development.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

• Joseph D. McLaren, 31, Howe, IN was sentenced to 2 years supervised probation, Restitution of $44,002.25 and $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.  According to documents filed in this case, Joseph D. McLaren from in or around June 2009 through October 2010, applied for and received extended unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Indiana Department of Work Force Development. He submitted weekly vouchers to IDWD and intentionally answered “No” to the question as to whether he was working when in truth and in fact he was employed at Company A and/or Company B, in Elkhart, Indiana during the specified week. He also failed to disclose that he received wages during that time period. He spent the unemployment benefit payments he received on personal expenses because he needed the money. He does not dispute that the money for these unemployment insurance benefits came from the federal government, extended unemployment insurance benefits and ARRA funds and was in excess of $20,000.   This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor and Indiana Department of Work Force Development.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court: PLEA

• Melissa Yates, 37, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 8/26/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi 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

• Michael McClellan, 40, of Richton Park, Illinois was sentenced to 51 months, supervised release of 2 years and to pay $212,675.68 in restitution of which $203,844.77 shall be joint and several with co-defendant Tina McClellan after being found guilty of the felony offenses of bringing in and harboring aliens, mail fraud and monetary transactions in criminally derived property.  According to documents filed in this case, McClellan and his wife submitted false bills to the State of Illinois and Healthy Start for child care services.  They used more than $10,000 of fraud proceeds to buy the Paragon Restaurant in Schererville.  At the restaurant, Michael filed false reports with Indiana Work Force Development not reporting the illegal aliens he paid in cash.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Labor.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

• Tina McClellan, 38, of Richton Park, Illinois was sentenced to 1 day time served, 24 months of supervised release with home detention of 12 months and to jointly pay $203,844.77 to the State of Illinois in restitution after being found guilty of the felony offenses of bringing in and harboring aliens, mail fraud and monetary transactions in criminally derived property.  According to documents filed in this case, McClellan and her husband submitted false bills to the State of Illinois and Healthy Start for child care services.  They used more than $10,000 of fraud proceeds to buy the Paragon Restaurant in Schererville.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Labor.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

• Robert Ross, 28, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and 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, an employee of the Gary Sanitation District testified that Ross had pointed a firearm at him and another Gary city worker, prompting them to call 911. Police responded to the scene and arrested Ross. 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.

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITION

• Troy Ditiway, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, $100 special assessment and $2,000 restitution, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possessing visual depictions which were shipped and transported using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, the production of which involved the use of an actual minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  According to documents filed in this case, in February 2012 a Federal Search Warrant was executed at a residence in Fort Myers, Florida after an online undercover investigation led members of the Fort Myers, Florida FBI to identify a child pornography distributor.  A confession was obtained by the individual who indicated that he routinely “chatted” with individuals via an instant messenger service.  When receiving child pornography during “photoshare” sessions during these chats, the individual would save the received images within a folder.  A review of the consensual takeover account was performed and task force officers observed messenger conversations with Ditiway.  These conversations contained verbiage indicative of child pornography distribution between both parties.  A forensic preview on a laptop was conducted and observed were images depicting child pornography.  This investigation led officers to the Fort Wayne, Indiana area wherein a Federal Search Warrant was executed in September 2012, and graphic images of child pornography were recovered.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Jose Mario Sanchez, 40, of Goshen, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of conspiring to distribute cocaine. 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 Drug Enforcement Agency.  Sentencing has been set for 9/11/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

• Melvin Darnell White, 26, of South Bend, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Metro Special Operations and St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit.  Sentencing has been set for 9/16/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

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.

DISPOSITION

• Brittany Coburn, 24, of LaPorte, Indiana was sentenced to 1 year supervised probation and 100 hours community service after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense of obstructing the mail.  According to documents filed in this case, Coburn was hired as a mail carrier in LaPorte, Indiana, in September 2013.  In October 2013, she abandoned a large quantity of mail in several locations behind a baseball field.  The mail she abandoned included approximately 514 items, of which approximately 237 were first class mail.  This mail was addressed to 152 different individuals.  Coburn lied about her conduct but ultimately admitted it when confronted.  This case was the result of an investigation by United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEAS

• Fayez Abdallah, 69, of Chicago, Illinois pled guilty before District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud in a scheme to defraud the Indiana SNAP program. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

• Amjad Muhamad, 38, of Chicago, Illinois pled guilty before District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud in a scheme to defraud the Indiana SNAP program. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

• Ashraf Muhamad, 41, of Oak Lawn, Illinois pled guilty before District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud in a scheme to defraud the Indiana SNAP program. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

• Yousef Muhamad, 44, of Chicago, Illinois pled guilty before District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud in a scheme to defraud the Indiana SNAP program. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.

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

• Israel Castro, 25, of Mexico was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of entry of alien at improper time or place. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

• Natisha Hillard, 25, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment, followed by supervised release for life after pleading guilty of sale of a child by a parent for production of child pornography and sexual exploitation and permitting a child by a parent to participate in the production of child pornography.  The investigation of this case began on February 13, 2013 when a third party contacted the FBI and reported that Bour had invited her to watch him sexually abuse a child.  Bour’s home was searched later that day and child pornography was found, but Bour adamantly denied sexually abusing any  children and claimed his texts with the third party were “fantasy” and “role playing.”  Nine days later, law enforcement found depictions of Bour sexually abusing an infant on his computer and noted the presence of an adult female, later identified as Natisha Hillard.  Hillard was interviewed later that day admitted that Bour had paid her a total of approximately $500 in exchange for her allowing him to sexually abuse her youngest child on several different occasions.  Hillard signed a plea agreement with the government and agreed to testify against Bour.  Prior to Hillard’s sentencing, the government filed a motion pursuant to United States Sentencing Guideline Section 5K1.1 and Title 18, United States Code, Section 3553(e) asking the Court to give Hillard credit for her substantial cooperation in the case.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Indiana State Police, the Gary Police Department and the Michigan City Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

 

Fort Wayne, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITIONS

• Scott Robb, 44, of West Chester, Ohio was sentenced to time served, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay $197,770.06 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of property of the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) and misdemeanor offense of introduction into interstate commerce of stolen medical devices that were misbranded.  According to documents both filed in this case and information made public during the prosecution, in August 2010 Northern Indiana Veterans Administration Police Chief reported that four Olympus scopes were reported missing and possibly stolen from the Endoscopy Department at the Fort Wayne, Indiana VAMC.  Olympus service records showed that Robb was at the Fort Wayne VAMC on 7/1/2010 for a service call.  Investigators learned that in May 2010, in Ohio, Veterans Administration Police Chief reported that two Olympus endoscopes had been missing since 4/1/2010 and were last used in between April 2009 and March 2010. A third missing scope was identified during further review, which was last used in March 2010.  A fourth scope was identified as missing on 8/17/2010 and was believed to be missing as long as the previous three.  The value of the prescription medical devices range between $25,775.36 and $28,102.30 and the loss to Ohio VAMC totaled $108,670.06. According to the investigation, Robb stole the medical devices and sold them to an individual in Mexico and the information was discovered after one of the stolen devices that had been sold was found in a medical facility in Nebraska and traced back to the VAMC.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and the United States Food and Drug Administration.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

• Darwin Altamirano, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with time served and given 1 year supervised released after pleading guilty to the felony offense of withholding information on a crime.  According to documents filed in this case, between July 2011 and February, 2013, Altamirano concealed cocaine within a vehicle used to transport it intended for distribution by another.  This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department.  The New Haven Police Department, Steuben County Sheriff's Department, Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit, South Bend Police Department, and IMAGE Drug Task Force assisted with this investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

DISPOSITION

• Javier Gomez-Sanchez, 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distributing a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.  According to documents filed in this case, on March 27, 2012, Gomez-Sanchez distributed a package containing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:

PLEA

• Veronica Woods-Smith, 61, of Hammond, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration.  Sentencing has been set for 8/1/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nick Padilla.

• Desman Thomas, 38, of Griffith, Indiana pled guilty to the felony offense of bank robbery. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Sentencing has been set for 8/21/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

• Dwayne Allen Jackson, 28, of Chicago, Illinois pled guilty to the felony offense of making a materially false statement. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Department of Treasury - Secret Service.  Sentencing has been set for 8/19/2014.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy 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.

DISPOSITION

• Sidney Sellers, 42, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 64 months and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of crack cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, in February 2008, Gary Police Department made a traffic stop of Sellers and discovered him to be in possession of a loaded Glock semiautomatic handgun.  Law enforcement searched the car and recovered three clear bags containing 87 gross grams of crack cocaine and 223 gross grams of powder cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

• Christopher Castro, 34, of Lorain, Ohio was sentenced to 63 months and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.  According to documents filed in this case, Castro travelled with others from Ohio to Northwest Indiana to purchase cocaine.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Kolar.

• Carmalita Stewart-Cannon, 48, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing, in and affecting commerce, a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense.  According to documents filed in this case, on October 7, 21st, and 22nd, Gary Police officers conducted three recorded controlled buys of heroin (for 0.53, 0.87, and 0.83 gross grams respectively) through a confidential informant from Stewart-Cannon at her residence.  On October 29, based on the heroin buys, a state search warrant was issued and executed for Stewart-Cannon’s residence.  Within the residence was a purse containing both Stewart-Cannon’s identification and a Ruger .22 caliber pistol.  Also in the room were 15 clear ziplock bags of marijuana.  Stewart Cannon was arrested and gave a post arrest statement where she stated that she was holding the gun as collateral for someone she had lent $20.00.  Stewart-Cannon has a prior felony conviction for Aggravated Robbery in 1999 and two possessions of controlled substance felonies from 2003 and 2011.  She fled from probation on the 2011 count and there has been a warrant for her arrest since December 2011.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom McGrath.

• Derrick Green, 23, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making materially false statements with respect to information required to be kept in the records of a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of a firearm.  According to documents filed in this case, in 2012, Green entered several federally licensed firearms dealers in Northwest Indiana, and completed several ATF Form 4473’s to purchase firearms.  Green lied on each form by answering that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed.  In 2012, one of the firearms was recovered from a convicted felon by law enforcement officers.  In July 2012, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a recorded, consensual interview with Green, who indicated that he straw-purchased all of the firearms for another individual.  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 Dean Lanter.

• Duane Spears Jr., 24, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced to 2 years probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making materially false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of firearms.  According to documents filed in this case, on June 21, 2012, Spears purchased a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hammond, Indiana.  Spears filled out an ATF Form 4473 for the purchase of a Ruger, .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, and a Glock, .40 caliber, semi-automatic pistol.  In filling out this ATF Form 4473, Spears lied lied on the form by answering that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed when in truth he was actually purchasing the weapons for another individual. 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 Dean Lanter.

• Claude Hunter, 57, of Schererville, Indiana was sentenced to 5 months and 5 on detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of selling firearm and ammunition to a known felon.  According to documents filed in this case, on multiple dates including August 13, 2012, September 20, 2012 and October 3, 2012, Hunter met with an individual, who was a convicted felon, for the purpose of selling a firearm.  Hunter knew the individual to be a convicted felon.  In subsequent meetings, Hunter did sell firearms in a controlled buy and was later arrested.  When in custody, Hunter admitted to providing two firearms for sale.  This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Kolar.

• Christopher Lewis, 38, of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced to 27 months, 1 year supervised release and to pay $6,000 in fines after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempt and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  According to documents filed in this case, Lewis was part of a widespread mortgage fraud conspiracy.  He recruited buyers and misrepresented home values to the buyers.  Homes were sold at inflated values. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster