Northern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
Angela White, 28, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of the Treasury. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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 4/10/2014.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:
Gildardo Huerta-Bucio, 33, of Howe, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 24 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, during the fall of 2012 and continuing through the spring of 2013, Huerta-Bucio was involved with several other persons in an agreement to distribute powder cocaine. Several of these transactions took place at his residence in Howe, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Raynell Vaxter, 53, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip P. Simon to 120 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, in April 2011, Gary Police responded to a disturbance involving an unwanted male in possession of a firearm.Local law enforcement determined that the man was Vaxter who was threatening and harassing an ex-girlfriend located at the address. Vaxter was arrested later while also being suspected of vehicular arson behind the same location.While the vehicle Vaxter was using was searched, officers recovered an AMT .380 caliber pistol that was later determined to have been reported stolen.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 Joshua Kolar.
Marilyn Krusas, 70, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 1 year and a day with 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of tax evasion.According to documents filed in this case, Krusas, a council member for the city of Gary, did not file tax returns for 20 consecutive years. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Rodrick Dedeaux, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 41 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and hashish.According to documents filed in this case, Dedeaux was arrested when these illegal drugs and two handguns were found in his house.These drugs were stored in the basement of Dedeaux’s home next to the firearms. 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 Tina Nommay.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $15 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2013Read the Press Release
United States Attorney David Capp announced today that the Northern District of Indiana (NDIN) collected over $15 million in Fiscal Year 2013. This amount was the total of civil and criminal collections processed in the Northern District of Indiana as the result of efforts by the United States Attorney’s Office and other components of the Department of Justice. The budget for the United States Attorney’s Office for Fiscal Year 2013 was approximately $7.9 million.
Mr. Capp’s announcement follows Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement on Thursday that the Justice Department collected approximately $8.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2013. The more than $8 billion in collections in FY 2013 represents nearly three times the appropriated $2.76 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“The department’s enforcement actions help to not only ensure justice is served, but also deliver a valuable return to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “It is critical that Congress provide the resources necessary to match the department’s mounting caseload. As these figures show, supporting our federal prosecutors is a sound investment.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
In addition to the $15 million in collections, the NDIN, working with its federal law enforcement partners, collected another $6.8 million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2013. Forfeited assets are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and are used to restore funds to crime victims and are distributed to local police departments to supplement local law enforcement efforts.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $15 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2013Read the Press Release
United States Attorney David Capp announced today that the Northern District of Indiana (NDIN) collected over $15 million in Fiscal Year 2013.This amount was the total of civil and criminal collections processed in the Northern District of Indiana as the result of efforts by the United States Attorney’s Office and other components of the Department of Justice.The budget for the United States Attorney’s Office for Fiscal Year 2013 was approximately $7.9 million.
Mr. Capp’s announcement follows Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement on Thursday that the Justice Department collected approximately $8.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2013. The more than $8 billion in collections in FY 2013 represents nearly three times the appropriated $2.76 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“The department’s enforcement actions help to not only ensure justice is served, but also deliver a valuable return to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “It is critical that Congress provide the resources necessary to match the department’s mounting caseload. As these figures show, supporting our federal prosecutors is a sound investment.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
In addition to the $15 million in collections, the NDIN, working with its federal law enforcement partners, collected another $6.8 million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2013.Forfeited assets are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and are used to restore funds to crime victims and are distributed to local police departments to supplement local law enforcement efforts.
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentRead the Press Release
Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on November 20, 2013:
Daniel Perry, 24, of Fairmount, Indiana, is charged in a two Indictment with receipt of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors on or about June 11, 2012, and knowingly possessing visual depictions of minor(s) engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or about January 24, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of computers and hard drives. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
Demonte Brantley, 19, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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 4/3/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
DISPOSITIONS:
Bryant Rios, 25, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 78 months imprisonment with 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, in May 2013 Rios possessed a loaded .40 caliber pistol which he fired because of a dispute during a drug deal. Mr. Rios has a prior conviction for a felony crime of criminal recklessness.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.
Gary Wright, 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.According to documents filed in this case, in April 2013, the Fugitive Task Force spotted Wright who was wanted on a parole violation. Wright fled from law enforcement and dropped a loaded SIG 9mm handgun as he ran. Wright was finally apprehended and had several grams of crack (cocaine) and heroin in his possession. Wright stated during his arrest that he intended to sell the firearm. Wright has a previous conviction for manslaughter. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Derrick Green, 23, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felon offense of making false statements in the purchase of a firearm. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
Ronier Scott, 42, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge John E. Martin to the misdemeanor offense of failure to file a federal tax return.Magistrate Martin is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
Christopher Chico, 27, of Blue Island, Illinois, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 2/27/14.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.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Jerome Robinson, 24, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of distribution of heroin.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
DISPOSITIONS:
Brian Cerrillos, 50, of, East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to time served, 2 years of supervised release and restitution of $10,000.00 to Dean Foods after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to transport stolen goods that had a value in excess of $5,000.00.According to documents filed in this case, in August of 2011, Cerrillos and his brother, Anthony Cerrillos, stole a refrigerated milk trailer from a dairy distributor in Hammond, Indiana. They then traveled to Illinois and sold the milk at different convenience stores for a profit. 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 Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Jimmie Woods, 71, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 50 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed in this case, Woods was a major supplier of heroin in Gary.After a controlled purchase of heroin from Woods was arranged, law enforcement performed a traffic stop on Woods, who was arrested.Heroin was recovered from Woods’ person.A state search warrant was executed on Wood’s residence which resulted in the recovery of 125 envelopes containing heroin and a firearm.Woods has been in federal custody since September 2009 and will be given credit for time served. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
Julius Solis, 24, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 192 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit racketeering activity and use of a firearm during a federal crime of violence and drug trafficking crime.Solis is a member of the Imperial Gangsters, a Chicago-based gang, with factions around the country, including Northwest Indiana and Florida.According to documents filed in this case, Solis also admitted that he was responsible for the voluntary manslaughter of one individual. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County HIDTA. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Robert Hendry, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 60 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed in this case, Hendry was arrested and admitted to selling methamphetamine and dealing drugs while being armed with a firearm. Hendry also admitted to falsely purchasing a handgun for 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 Anthony Geller.
Trey Jackson, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 51 imprisonment months with 2 years supervised release for one count and 84 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release to be served consecutive with the first count’s sentence after pleading guilty to the felony offense of armed bank robbery and brandishing and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.According to documents filed in this case, in April 2013, Jackson committed an armed bank robbery primarily with the help of an accomplice.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Shawn Hagler, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 46 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of armed bank robbery.According to documents filed in this case, in August 2000, two men entered the National City Bank in Woodburn, Indiana and attempted to obtain money from the vault.The robber at the vault was unable to get any money out of the vault, eventually fled and was subsequently arrested.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Scott Shell, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 70 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, in July 2012, officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department executed a state drug search warrant at Shell’s residence located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The police recovered various items at the defendant’s residence including a Hi-Point 9mm loaded firearm, three clear plastic baggies which contained 57.0 grams of marijuana and cash.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.
Gelacio Martinez, 36, of Sturgis, Michigan was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 15 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of using a communication facility to facilitate a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.According to documents filed in this case, Martinez was involved in a large scale narcotics distribution conspiracy revealed between July 2011 and February 2013.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Indictments Returned in Hammond Federal CourtRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on December 18, 2013:
Alejandro Murillo, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with distribution of methamphetamine and eluding examination and inspection by immigration officers. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
Keith Cloudy, 37, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with nine counts of distribution of crack cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Dajon Rowlett, 31, and Hudie Scott, 27, both of Gary, Indiana, were charged with distribution of crack cocaine.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Luis Pecina, 33, of Phoenix, Arizona, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Mario Stokes, 40, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
As the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the following nine individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and mail fraud:
Dwayne Ashford, 52, of Michigan City, Indiana;
Robert Lemon, 48, of Michigan City, Indiana;
Tomika Yates, 49, of Grand Prairie, Texas;
Roberta Butler, 31, of Valparaiso, Indiana;
Archie Hamilton, 48, of Calumet City, Illinois;
Theodus Lanfair, 32, of Grand Prairie, Texas;
Andy Mitchell, 54, of Michigan City, Indiana;
Toni Alexander, 42, of Calumet City, Illinois; and
Melissa Yates, 37, of Michigan City, Indiana.
This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Woman Extradited from Hong KongRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - United States Attorney David Capp announced that Rita Law, 55, of Chicago, Illinois was charged in a sealed Complaint filed on October 17, 2013, now unsealed, with transporting an individual for the purposes of prostitution.
According to the Complaint, Law is suspected of operating a prostitution ring out of three massage parlors in the Northern District of Indiana.Law was arrested on October 18, 2013 after deplaning from a Cathay Pacific airline flight in Hong Kong.HSI’s (“Homeland Security Investigations”) Hong Kong office coordinated with the Hong Kong Department of Justice and the Hong Kong Police Force to both arrest and extradite Ms. Law back to the United States to face the charge contained in the Complaint.
This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations Hong Kong.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Collins.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentRead the Press Release
Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on December 16, 2013:
Nathan Arnold, 30, of Berne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with theft or receipt of stolen mail matter from the postal customers of Berne, Indiana on or about July 20,
2013 and August 12, 2013. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Berne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on December 16, 2013:
Brandon S. Keister, 21, of Russell, Kentucky, is charged in a single count Indictment with stealing a firearm from a Federal Firearms License person on or about September 10, 2012. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and the Kendallville Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Stephen M. Long, 28, of Auburn, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with bank robbery on or about November 18, 2013. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force (NEIFBRTF), with assistance from the Anderson Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The NEIFBRTF is comprised of FBI agents, and personnel from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
Charles R. Seals, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Calvin L. Miller, 22, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Brandon D. Sizemore, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana were all charged in a four count Indictment respectively with armed bank robbery (all defendants), use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (Seals (in two counts) and Miller), assault of a United States government employee (Seals and Miller), all occurring on or about December 5, 2013. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Northeast Indiana Federal Bank Robbery Task Force (NEIFBRTF) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The NEIFBRTF is comprised of FBI agents, and personnel from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Decarlo Knighten, 36, of La Porte, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 57 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, in April 2013, Knighten possessed a Colt Python .357 magnum revolver at his residence. Knighten has two prior felony drug dealing convictions and one misdemeanor conviction.. This case was the result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
James Tolson, 39, of Wabash, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 21 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, in March 2012, Tolson had in his possession a Hi-Point handgun in Wabash, Indiana.Tolson has previous convictions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Brandon Jackson, 29, of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Percy Spurlock, 59, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.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:
Anthony Cerrillos, 45, of, East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 12 months imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and restitution of $10,000.00 to Dean Foods after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to transport stolen goods that had a value in excess of $5,000.00.According to documents filed in this case, in August of 2011, Cerrillos and his brother, Brian Cerrillos, stole a refrigerated milk trailer from a dairy distributor in Hammond, Indiana. They then traveled to Illinois and sold the milk at different convenience stores for a profit. 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 Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Miguel Herrera-Torres, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 18 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being found in the United States after having been deported following a conviction for an aggravated felony crime and not having obtained express consent to reapply for admission to the United States.Herrera-Torres will be subject to deportation upon release.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Deangelo Copeland, 35, of Fort Wayne, Indiana pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offenses of armed bank robbery and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Magistrate Cosbey 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 Anthony Geller.
Amanda McBride, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of maintaining a drug-involved premise. Magistrate Cosbey 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 Anthony Geller.
Brandon Peters, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of robbery of a controlled substance and use of firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Magistrate Cosbey 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, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Allen County Sherriff’s Department.Sentencing has not been set.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Contrel Johnson, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Magistrate Cosbey 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 not been set.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris-King.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
DISPOSITIONS:
Arturo DeLuna, 46, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 37 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, DeLuna was involved in distributing kilograms of cocaine in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Nicholas Zimmerman, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Roger B. Cosbey to 3 years of probation and serving 8 months on home detention after pleading guilty to the felony offense of receiving stolen property.According to documents filed in this case, the United States Marine Corps were notified of Zimmerman being in possession of a mortar artillery round. Zimmerman intended to keep the artillery for his own personal possession or for profit via selling. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Marines and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
John Bennett, 36, of Sturgis, Michigan was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to serve 21 months imprisonment with 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine use of a communication facility, telephone, to facilitate in conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.According to documents filed in this case, between July, 2011 and February, 2013, a large scale narcotics distribution conspiracy existed and operated in northeastern Indiana and southern lower Michigan.Bennett was obtaining quantities of methamphetamine from individuals within the distributorship for distribution to his customers.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Safe Streets Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
Gary City Councilman Charged by InformationRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - United States Attorney David Capp announced the filing of a two count Information against Gary City Councilman Ronier Scott. Scott, 42, of Gary, was charged with willfully failing to file income tax returns for the 2008 and 2009 calendar years.Scott signed a plea agreement that was filed in conjunction with the Information.
These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Bell.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Information is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Tyrone Franklin, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.Magistrate Nuechterlein 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 3/6/2014.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Brian W. Lindsey, 26, of La Porte, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes.Magistrate Nuechterlein 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 US Secret Service.Sentencing has been set for 3/6/2014.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:
Frank Piatek, 72, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 15 months imprisonment with 1 year supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of failure to register as a sex offender.According to documents filed in this case, upon his release from prison in Florida for child molesting, Piatek moved to Elkhart.Piatek took up residence at the Faith Mission, which also houses families with children.Piatek did not register in Indiana as a sex offender. This case was the result of an investigation by the US Marshals Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.
Dale Marshall, 54, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 6 months imprisonment with 2 of years supervised release (6 months of which under home detention) 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, in July 2012, Marshall used a phone to facilitate a marijuana transaction.This case was the result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
James Ryans, 41, of Union, Michigan was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 87 months imprisonment (27 months on his guilty plea to one count of making false statements to federal officers and 60 months on his guilty plea to one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering, which sentence is consecutive to his 27 month sentence) and 3 years supervised release.According to documents filed in this case, Ryans participated in an international drug trafficking business. He helped distribute large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. When summoned to a federal grand jury in 2009, Ryans lied to investigators after volunteering to speak to them. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
INDICTMENT:
An Indictment returned on November 21, 2013 charged five individuals with identity theft:
Alexis Young, 31, of Hammond, Indiana was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft, three counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of HIPPA violation and six counts of unlawful use and disclosure of Social Security Numbers;
Angela Young, 41, of Chicago Heights, Illinois was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft and three counts of aggravated identity theft;
Cynthia Mullins, 45, of Gary, Indiana was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft;
Montrease Young, 30, of Chicago, Illinois was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft; and
Chavon Jackson, 27, of Hammond, Indiana was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft.
These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
PLEAS:
Claude Hunter, 57, of Schererville, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of sale of a firearm to a known felon.Sentencing has been set for 3/6/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
Kenneth Sandidge, 54, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lake County Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Terrance Winton, 49, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
George Van Til, 66, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to six counts of the felony offense of wire fraud.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Benson and Joshua Kolar.
Ronald Holmes, 47, of Griffith, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of violating a requirement of a pretreatment program approved by the EPA in that he caused the discharge of pollutants into the Hammond Sanitary District’s publicly-owned treatment works when he had not been issued a permit to do so.NH Environmental Group, Inc. also plead guilty to a misdemeanor information filed at the same time charging that they introduced and caused to be introduced, hauled and trucked pollutants into a publicly owned treatment works.Sentencing has been set for 3/14/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
Tonja Muldrow, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Michigan City Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
Kevin Wilkerson, 39, formerly of Gary and Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of bank robbery.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gary Police Department.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:
Daniel Rivas, 34, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 46 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Rivas took delivery of a shipment of drugs originating in Brownsville, Texas destined for Griffith, Indiana.The shipment contained 8 boxes, each containing approximately 35-50 pounds of marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Roman Perez, 42, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to24 months of probation, 50 hours of community service and restitution of $26,417 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements on a tax return and making false statements in a bankruptcy proceeding.According to documents filed in this case, Perez understated his total taxable income by approximately $110,000 of which approximately $80,000 constituted payments from both the Lake County Treasurer and the Lake County Sheriff’s Commissary Fund to Roman Art Inc., a graphic design business owned by Perez.Perez also understated his gross income for the year 2009 by an amount in excess of $40,000 in a bankruptcy proceeding.This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.
Lakita Lee, 36, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 16 months of probation (10 months of this probationary period to be served on home detention), restitution of $32,608 to the Social Security Administration and a $1,000 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft of government property.According to documents filed in this case, Lee was a Social Security representative payee for Marva Davis.Lee did not report to Social Security that Davis had died and continued to complete paperwork, signed under oath, stating that she was using the disability benefit funds for the benefit of Davis, instead Lee was using the funds for her own benefit.This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
Jose Lechuga-Carrasco, 39, of Cicero, Illinois, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 37 months of imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute and distributing cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement found approximately 500 grams of cocaine concealed in Lechuga-Carrasco’s car after a traffic stop in Hammond, Indiana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
David Hernandez-Cervantes, 53, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.According to documents filed in this case, Hernandez-Cervantes attempted to sell kilogram quantities of 99.5% pure methamphetamine. He was working with others in a large-scale distribution of an extremely dangerous drug. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
Roberto Ramirez Cardona, 55, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed in this case, US Postal inspectors identified a package as possibly containing narcotics based on size, weight, shape and mailing origin.After confirming this suspicion, the package was wired with a device that would allow law enforcement to track its location and opening.When the package was delivered and the transmitter indicated the package had been opened, Federal Agents executed a search warrant at Cardona’s residence, finding, in addition to the heroin, marijuana, $10,000.00 dollars in US currency, multiple cell phones and wire receipts. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Matthew Jasek, 31, of Demotte, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 51 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, Jasek admitted that he possessed the equivalent of over 600 child pornography images and that he distributed some of the material through a file sharing program. He further admitted that he had been interested in child pornography for eight years, had received and possessed child pornography through several peer to peer file sharing programs, and had searched for child pornography as often as twice a week. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Glenda Brickey, 28, of Ligonier, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 37 months imprisonment with 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.According to documents filed in this case, in December 2012, during a traffic stop, local law enforcement noticed suspicious behavior by Brickey.A drug canine alerted officers to a narcotic presence which led to a search of Brickey.During the search, a small amount of methamphetamine and a glass smoking pipe were discovered as well as additional drug evidence in the vehicle. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Darius Witherspoon, 20, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offenses of the armed bank robbery of Key Bank and G.W Jones Bank and carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 2/27/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Quintien Sinclair Walker, 22, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of making false statements during the acquisition of a firearm.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 3/5/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Duane Spears, Jr., 24, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer in the purchase of firearms.Sentencing has been set for 2/27/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
Sonyinee Davis Pope, 39, of Hammond, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of making false statements to the United States Postal Service.Sentencing has been set for 2/6/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.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:
Diamond Toney, 19, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 84 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of use of a firearm during a crime of violence.According to documents filed in this case, Toney established an online relationship with her victim through a dating website. Toney and the victim arranged to meet in Merrillville. Toney and Dedrick Bufkin, armed with a gun, met the victim at the arranged site, tied him up with string and duct tape and ordered him into the trunk of his own vehicle.Toney and Bufkin took money, a cell phone and a wallet from the victim and held him captive in the trunk for approximately 5 hours before letting him go. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Merrillville Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Eliezer Campuzano-Flores, 30, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to time served (47 days) after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense of knowingly eluding examination by immigration officials.This case was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Efren Paniagua-Pizano, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Jose Noe Perea Casteneda, 40, of Goshen, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
DISPOSITION:
Gerardo Martinez-Gaston, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 6 months imprisonment (time served) and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Harold Snyder, 20, of Bremen, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to 6 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense of obstructing the mail.According to documents filed in this case, during November and December of 2012, Snyder was a mail carrier and stole gift cards and cash from the mail. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
Tyran Lenard, 24, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 24 months imprisonment and 2 years 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, while investigating a domestic dispute, law enforcement officers discovered firearms in Lenard’s possession.Lenard has a 2011 conviction involving false statements and two misdemeanor convictions involving criminal conversion and resisting law enforcement. 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 Grimmer.
Adam Snyder, 28, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, in February 2013, Snyder used a peer-to-peer system known as Frostwire to download numerous images and videos that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Snyder had been downloading the material for years. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the United States Secret Service and the Kosciuscko County Sheriff’s Office.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.
Melvin Hillman, 77, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 2 years of supervised probation after being found guilty of the felony offense of impersonating foreign diplomats, consuls, or officers, wrongful use of government seals and instruments and receipt of a counterfeit government seal. According to documents filed in this case, in October 2011, local law enforcement pulled over a van with suspicious license plates. Police stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Hillman.Hillman led police to believe he was a foreign diplomat from the country of Mu’ur Republic, a country which was determined to be non-existent. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ken Hays.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
INDICTMENTS: November 20, 2013
Octavio Casas-Garcia, 45, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged with illegal re-entry after removal for a felony conviction.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.
Mark Bartell, 27, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
November 21, 2013
Schickell Best, 25, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Jermel Washington, 37, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of an unregistered short barreled shotgun.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Carmalita Stewart-Cannon, 47, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gary Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Nathan Huey-Dingle, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged with 2 counts of sex trafficking by threats of force and 2 counts of transporting across state lines with the intent to engage in prostitution.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
PLEAS:
Shanise Kelley, 30, of Michigan City, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of mail fraud.Sentencing has been set for 2/13/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
Joshua Mijares, 34, of Griffith, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of unlawful re-entry after a previous formal deportation.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.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:
Yohinnest Herrod, 23, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to one day, considered time served, and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in the purchase of three firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Jeffrey Youngheim, 47, of Portage, Indiana, and Richard Loveless, 52, Gary, Indiana, defendants in the case US v Chandler et al., were sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen this week.Youngheim and Loveless both pled guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.Youngheim was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release and a $100,000 fine.Loveless was sentenced to15 months of imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release and a $50,000 fine. According to documents filed in this case, Youngheim participated in a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme designed to unjustly enrich himself and his business partner Loveless (among others) to the detriment of neighboring homeowners in Gary, Indiana and taxpayers generally. Individuals who were recruited to buy most of the houses sold in the scheme were first-time home buyers with little practical experience in the field of real estate and with limited to no familiarity with the Gary, Indiana real estate market. Nearly everything said to induce buyers to buy these houses was a lie. They were told the houses were good investments when in fact they were in disrepair. They were told the houses would be rehabilitated when in fact few, if any, of the necessary repairs were actually completed.Little effort was made to keep the promises after the first month or two of mortgage payments had been made. Youngheim and Loveless, and/or a trust held for the benefit of their joint business, Property Liquidators, Inc., owned five of the 25 properties sold in the scheme. 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.
Carlos Canales, 34, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, Canales conducted several drug related transactions with several individuals over a one year period.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
Rickey James. Sr., 55, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Magistrate Cosbey 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 .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.
Keana Davis, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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 Fort Wayne Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony 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.
Former Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to 40 YearsRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - United State Attorney David Capp announced that former police officer John Smith, 56, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced today to 40 years imprisonment for using police credentials and firearms to protect drug shipments.
In June, 2013, Smith was found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, two counts of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime, and transferring firearms knowing that they would be used in a drug trafficking crime.
Smith had previously served as a police officer with three different Indiana departments:Brooklyn, Knightstown, and Stinesville.The conduct for which Smith was convicted occurred after he had left those departments.Smith, however, continued to illegally utilize his formerly issued police credentials in these drug transactions.
Terry Carlyle, a former Marshal with the Brooklyn, Indiana Police Department and police officer with the Indianapolis Police Department, was a co-conspirator with Smith.Carlyle, who cooperated with the government, was sentenced in September, 2013 to 10 years of imprisonment.
USA Capp stated, “We will continue to investigate public corruption, including police corruption, and will vigorously prosecute and, upon conviction, seek substantial sentences for officers, current or former, who abuse the public trust.”
These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indianapolis Field Office, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Indiana State Police, with the assistance of the ATF Chicago Field Office, the ATF Merrillville Field Office, the ATF HIDTA Task Force, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, and the Lake County Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Nozick and Gary Bell.
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentRead the Press Release
Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on May 22, 2013:
Orlando Paschall, 22, and Devonte Travier, 19, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, are charged in a two count Indictment with conspiracy to interfer with commerce by threat or violence and use, carry, brandish, and discharge a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence both occurring on or about November 13, 2012. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentRead the Press Release
Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on November 20, 2013:
Jacob Miller, 50, of Auburn, Indiana, is charged in a five count Indictment with selling firearms to a known felon on or about March 28, 2013, April 15, 2013, June 14, 2013 and November 15, 2013, and dealing in firearms as an unlicensed dealer between on or about March
21, 2013, and continuing to on or about November 15, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of firearms and ammunition. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Superceding Indictment Charges Two Six Gang Members with Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
DESK: (219) 937-5603
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - United States Attorney David Capp announced that a Superseding Indictment was returned yesterday charging Jesus Valentin Fuentes, 39, of Chicago and East Chicago, Kiontay Kyare Pennington, 34, of Gary, Indiana, Oscar Cosme, 41, of East Chicago, Indiana andAdron Herschel Tancil, 36, of East Chicago, Indiana,for the May 16, 2003 murder of Julio Cartagena in East Chicago, Indiana.
The indictment alleges that Fuentes was one of the local leaders of the Two Six Nation, a violent criminal enterprise.In November 2003, Fuentes directed members of the Two Six to kidnap the family of Julio Cartagena (Cartagena was also a member of the Two Six), in an effort to recover a large quantity of cocaine stolen by Cartagena from Fuentes.Henderson, Pennington and other Two Six members allegedly kidnapped Cartagena’s children and mother of his children at gunpoint from their home in Hammond, Indiana.Hammond Police soon were able to rescue the family, none were harmed.
Thereafter, the indictment alleges that Fuentes directed Two Six members to kidnap Julio Cartagena.On May 16, 2003, Louis Henderson, Pennington, and Tancil, all alleged Two Six members, and Oscar Cosme, an associate of Henderson, shot and killed Cartagena in East Chicago during an attempted kidnapping.After the shooting these four individuals sped away in a vehicle driven by Henderson.The vehicle crashed and Henderson was killed.
Count 1 of the indictment charges Pennington, Tancil and Fuentes with murder in aid of racketeering and kidnapping.
Count 2 of the indictment charges Pennington, Cosme, Tancil and Fuentes with the use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (distribution of cocaine) and crimes of violence (murder and kidnapping).
These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Merrillville Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Taskforce, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Chicago Police Department and the Hammond Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Federal Grand Jury in Fort Wayne Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Hammond South Bend Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on November 20, 2013:
Marvin L. Bennett, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 21, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of a firearm and ammunition. 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. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Eddie L. Carlisle, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 14, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of a firearm and ammunition. 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. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Preston R. Craig, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a four count Indictment with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine on or about October 25, 2013, profit from maintaining a drug involved premises from on or about October 23, 2013, to on or about October 25, 2013, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about October 25, 2013, and being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 25, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of a firearm and ammunition. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Bryant Davis, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 21, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of firearms. 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. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Robert D. Pearl, Jr., 40, of Marathon, Florida, is charged in a two count Indictment with access device fraud and aggravated identity theft from on or about October 2011, and continuing until on or about March 2012. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.
Edward Williams, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 11, 2013 and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base “crack” on or about October 11, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of firearms, ammunition and magazine. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Manuel Montalvo, 39, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 24 months of probation, with home detention of 4 months, and a $1000.00 fine after pleading guilty to the felony offense of filing a false tax return for the tax year 2009.According to documents filed in this case, Montalvo admitted that he provided false information about deductions including that he had $23,382 in business expenses and $17,063 in medical expenses.In fact, both figures were made up. Montalvo filed the false returns while employed as the Director of East Chicago Public Library. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
Alexander Vargas, 36, of Highland, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 276 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering activity, one count of narcotics conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering and two counts of murder resulting from the use of a firearm in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking.According to the indictment, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters.The indictments filed in these cases allege that the Latin Kings gang was responsible for at least 19 murders in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and Big Spring, Texas. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement & Coordination Center; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the East Chicago Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; and the Houston Police Department.The investigation of the Chicago Police Department officers was conducted by Chicago City Public Corruption Task Force, a Chicago Police Department- Internal Affairs and FBI - Chicago law enforcement initiative.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, and Joseph A. Cooley, Trial Attorney, United States Department of Justice - Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Tenneil Selner, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein to the felony offense of distribution of pseudoephedrine. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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. Sentencing has been set for 1/30/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Horacio Hernandez, 50, of Goshen, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of reentry of a deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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.Sentencing has been set for 1/29/2014.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the United States Marshall.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:
Connie Horvath, 43, of Elkhart, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 33 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release and restitution of $249,390.11 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.According to documents filed in this case, Horvath executed a scheme to defraud the bank at which she was employed.Horvath worked in commercial banking and sales and issued loans that benefitted her personally without the approval of the bank. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
Christopher Akens, 36, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to 78 months imprisonment and 15 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of sexual exploitation of minors.According to documents filed in this case, Akens utilized ARES Peer-2-Peer file-sharing to download a video of child pornography. Upon further investigation by law enforcement, Akens revealed he maintained a digital collection of additional similar material.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Mac.
Kandi Biggins, 44, of Spencerville, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 15 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release and to pay restitution of $182,466 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of bank fraud.According to documents filed in this case, Biggins executed a scheme and artifice to defraud a financial institution and to obtain moneys, funds, credits, and other property owned by or under the custody or control of a financial institution, Tower Bank, by means of false and fraudulent pretenses and representations.In particular, Biggins was employed by Tower Bank and used false statements and pretenses in order to obtain bank funds in the form of cashier’s checks from her employer, Tower Bank, that she used to pay her personal expenses. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Heriberto Hernandez-Fraye, 34, of East Chicago, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of re-entry of a deported alien.Sentencing has been set for 1/29/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.
Jose Mariscal-Rivas, 42, of Indianapolis, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.Sentencing has been set for 1/28/14. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Cahleb Smith-Conrad, 22, of Delphi, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
DISPOSITIONS:
Antonio Collins, 35, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 57 months imprisonment and 2 years of 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, law enforcement saw a vehicle parked in Collin’s driveway and observed the vehicle leave the premises and then fail to stop at a stop sign.The car was pulled over and the driver admitted he had marijuana in the car and that he had purchased the marijuana from Collins at his home.Using this information law enforcement obtained a state search warrant for Mr. Collins home.During the search officers found a false wall in the bathroom under some shelving.Within the false wall was a duffel bag containing eight sealed bags with a green leafy substance and two guns.Collins admitted that he deals marijuana from his house. Collins has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Merrillville Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Brian Washington, 23, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 123 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement found that Washington was selling large quantities of guns and drugs from a home in Gary. 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.
Styles Taylor, 33, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to lifetime imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release and $11,275.97 in restitution after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by threat of violence, use of a firearm to cause death during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed in this case, Taylor and Keon Thomas robbed and murdered Frank Freund, Sr. to obtain numerous firearms to enhance their stature in the drug dealing community and to possibly trade some of the firearms for cocaine. When the trade deal fell through, the defendants began to sell the firearms throughout the Hammond area to any willing buyer, further endangering the citizens of the Hammond region.Mr. Freund, owner of Firearms Unlimited Gun Shop, was a 72 year old veteran who had a pacemaker and was virtually deaf. Mr. Freund was murdered execution style; shot from very close range inside his place of business.Taylor is a three time convicted felon who was involved in drug trafficking, the armed robbery of Fast Lane Foods causing serious bodily injury, one attempted murder of a pizza delivery man, an actual murder (Mr. Freund) and two other burglaries as a juvenile. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Benson and David Nozick.
David Beach, 25, of West Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 120 months imprisonment, 30 years of supervised release and $500 in restitution to the named victims after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, investigators observed than an individual later identified as Beach was downloading files containing images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.A search warrant was issued authorizing law enforcement to search Beach’s residence where at least 60 images depicting child pornography were found.Beach later admitted that he possessed more than 600 such images, that he distributed the material in return for more child pornography and that this child pornography depicted minor children who had not yet begun puberty.All told, the government recovered 1,637 images and 3 videos depicting child pornography from Beach’s computer. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police and the Kokomo Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Jerome Burney, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of wire fraud. Magistrate Cosbey 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 Office of the Inspector General.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Jamison Gudorf, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Magistrate Cosbey 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony 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:
Jason Bridges, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 100 months imprisonment; 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute marijuana plants and marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Allen county law enforcement discovered marijuana plants after receiving information from a landowner about the discovery of an outdoor marijuana grow operation on the landowner’s property.Surveillance led to Bridges’ arrest. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.
Luther Vanhoosier, 44, of Redkey, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 5 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement arrested Vanhoosier for domestic battery. At the time of his arrest, Vanhoosier was in possession of a shotgun and rifle.Vanhoosier has a previous conviction in 2012 for operating while intoxicated. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.
Juan Olivo, 36, of Milford, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 188 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly or intentionally distributing heroin.According to documents filed in this case, in 2012, while under surveillance Milford sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Allen County Drug Task Force. Milford continually distributed the narcotic throughout the year until his arrest.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Harboring of Illegal Alien/mail Fraud Case ConcludedRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
This week marked the end of the case against five individuals who were convicted in February of conspiring to harbor illegal aliens and conspiring to commit mail fraud.District Judge Jon DeGuilio sentenced:
Margarito Fuentes Reyes, age 52, of Goshen, to 48 months in prison;
Yalitza Exclusa Borrero, age 32, of Indianapolis, to 24 months in prison;
Luis Omar Montes Merino, age 34, of Indianapolis, to 60 months in prison, and
Omar Duran Lagunes, age 35, of Indianapolis, to 84 months in prison.
Earlier in October Judge DeGuilio sentenced Evelyn Rivera Borrero, age 44, also from Indianapolis, to 24 months in prison.
Judge DeGuilio ordered all of the defendants to serve one year on supervised release following their prison sentence.Although three of the defendants are in the United States illegally, Duran, Montes Merino and Fuentes Reyes, the judge imposed the supervised release terms to monitor their conduct should they return to the US after deportation.
All five defendants were convicted of all counts of the indictment.The defendants presented false information, forged documents, and made false representations to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Secretary of State regarding the identity of the actual owners of motor vehicles in order to obtain registrations, license plates, and titles.The conspirators used false advertising, created thousands of business entities, used false notarizations on BMV forms, submitted fictitious insurance information, presented false vehicle sale price amounts to avoid sales taxes, and used intimate knowledge of BMV procedures to accomplish the crimes.By committing these and other misdeeds, the defendants concealed, harbored, and shielded from detection aliens who are in the United States in violation of immigration laws and encouraged aliens to enter and remain in the United States in violation of immigration laws.The conspirators typically charged their customers $350 and promised to register their vehicles in the customer’s name, but instead the conspirators registered the cars in the name of sham limited liability companies to avoid BMV scrutiny.The court found that the conspiracy victimized over 2500 individuals between 2009 and 2012.The conspirators operated in Elkhart, Goshen, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
“These sentences send a clear message about the consequences facing those involved in the illegal document trade," said Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “We remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent, detect and dismantle identity fraud schemes that adversely affect the public trust throughout Indiana and elsewhere. HSI will continue to move aggressively against those who put personal profit ahead of public safety.”
Inspector-In-Charge of the Detroit Division, Eddie C. Woodson stated, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to aggressively addressing and investigating these criminal acts and the victimization of the American public. I applaud the interagency cooperation of all involved.”
These charges were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service titled “Operation Title Check.”Other law enforcement agencies assisting in the investigation include the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Elkhart Police Department, the Indiana State Police and investigators with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Indiana Secretary of State.The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana was also involved in the investigation and assisted.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
Kahley Vergon-Mayotte, 28, of Monticello, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Hoosier EMS Inc. et al., pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.Sentencing has been set for 1/8/2014.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the United States Department of Health and Human Services.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Jacalyn Selman, 54, of Kouts, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of embezzling mail. Magistrate Nuechterleinis recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 14 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/30/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.
Evan Vanator, 23, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while being an illegal user of controlled substances. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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. Sentencing has been set for 1/21/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Lorenzo Coben, 33, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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 .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.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Joshua Robinson, 23, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 33 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.According to documents filed in this case, Robinson, who has an extensive criminal history consisting of juvenile adjudications and adult criminal convictions, burglarized a residence where a .20 gauge shotgun and a .223 caliber rifle were taken. After the firearms were stolen, Robinson and a co-defendant proceeded to take the serial number off one of the firearms in preparation of selling the firearms in Chicago, Illinois. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tippecanoe County Police Department and the Lafayette Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Che Williams, Jr., 21, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 30 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.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.
Ramon Salinas, Jr., 37, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 210 months imprisonment and 25 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement conducted an online Internet investigation to identify those possessing and sharing child pornography.The investigation identified an IP address belonging to the Salinas residence sharing files containing material depicting minors under the age of 16 engaged in sexual acts or poses.A search warrant was executed at this residence where law enforcement found that Salinas possessed at least 60 videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Salinas also has a prior conviction for possession of child pornography in Marion County in 2005. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Indiana State Police, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Highland Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.
James Urschel, 47, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 3 years of probation after pleading guilty to the felony offense of false impersonation of a federal officer.According to documents filed in this case, Urschel impersonated a Deputy United States Marshal while buying numerous firearms at Gander Mountain in Lafayette, Indiana.He would then pawn the guns at a local pawn shop for cash. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Charles E. Johnson, Jr., 33, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 37 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and found 17.9 grams of crack cocaine in a safe.Johnson had a felony conviction for dealing in cocaine in 2008 and was on probation for that offense when he was charged in this case. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Daryl V. Johnson, 40, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 180 months of imprisonment and 3 years of 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, Johnson has 15 prior felony convictions and 9 misdemeanor convictions over a period of 18 years.Johnson was in a motor vehicle that was pursued by Hammond Police Department due to the occupants violating the seat belt law. After the vehicle fled from police, Johnson exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The police recovered a handgun from the route on which Johnson fled. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Regina Cabell, 39, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 18 months imprisonment and $79,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of health care fraud ---submitting a claim to Indiana Medicaid for providing a service to an Indiana Medicaid recipient to whom she did not actually provide the claimed service ---and failing to file a federal income tax return for her gross income of $297,567 in the 2011 tax year.According to documents filed in this case, Cabell, d/b/a L&G Transportation, submitted approximately $96,600 in false claims to Indiana Medicaid for providing transportation services that did not actually occur.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Berkowitz.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Demarcus White, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 46 months of imprisonment and 2 years 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, several firearms were discovered in White’s custody during a traffic violation stop. White had two rifles and one handgun in his possession.In June 2003, White was convicted of armed bank robbery and brandishing and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.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 Anthony Geller.
Ron Luthe, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Theresa L. Springmann 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, in May 2012, Luthe was arrested with a Glock .40 handgun while working at a gun shop.In 2002, Luthe was sentenced for a conviction for Theft and Receiving Stolen Property.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 Tina Nommay.
Kideys Sentenced to 60 Months and 1.4 Million RestitutionRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
Ian T. Kideys, 49, of La Jolla, California, was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 60 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release and $1.4 million in restitution after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.Kideys was also sentenced in a separate matter to 60 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to bankruptcy fraud. Both sentences will run concurrently.According to documents filed in this case, from 2009 through 2010, in the wake of the real estate market collapse, Ian Kideys operated US Mortgage Bailout and US Mortgage Bailout.com, which sought out mortgage loan modification business from internet users. US Mortgage Bailout made a variety of false representations while obtaining customers, including that it had attorneys on staff, had helped thousands of homeowners avoid foreclosures, and succeeded in obtaining loan modifications for its customers 90 percent of the time. US Mortgage Bailout obtained some mortgage relief for its customers through fraudulent representations to lenders, but otherwise simply collected money — thousands of dollars from each customer. Each customer received a money-back guarantee; few got any money back. Mr. Kideys also defrauded creditors and the U.S. Trustee in his personal bankruptcy case by leading them to believe he had deposited $283,000 and concealing his receipt of $228,721.28. This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Raymond Belsan, 33, of Goshen, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.Sentencing has been set for 1/22/14.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.
Kendra Winston, 24, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of being an accessory after the fact to bank robbery.Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 1/16/14.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.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:
Dayman Olivares, 34, of Bremen, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 70 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed in this case, Olivares possessed cocaine and heroin which he intended to sell to a confidential informant.He arrived at the site of the drug deal with his girlfriend and two young children in the car.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
DISPOSITIONS:
Dedrick Bufkin, 20, of Merrillville, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Toney et al., was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 60 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.According to documents filed in this case, Diamond Toney established on online relationship with a victim through a dating website.Toney and Bufkin, armed with a gun, met the victim at an arranged site, tied him up with string and duct tape and ordered him into the trunk of his own vehicle.Toney and Bufkin took money, a cell phone and wallet from the victim and held him captive in the trunk for approximately 5 hours before letting him go.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
Lizbeth Correa, 35, of Wawaka, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Madrigal et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of profiting from managing and controlling a building for the purpose of storing and distributing methamphetamine. Magistrate Cosbey is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 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, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the IMAGE Task Force, the Noble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Indiana State Police, the Ligonier Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Alicia Green, 27, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of the Treasury. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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. Sentencing has been set for 1/3/2014.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Javier Montoya, of Howe, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Magistrate Nuechterlein 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. Sentencing has been set for 1/3/2014. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by Drug Enforcement Administration.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.
DISPOSITIONS:
Jose Nambo, 32, of Anne, Illinois was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. to 70 months imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to deliver a mixture or substance that contained over five hundred 500 grams of cocaine and/or over 100 kilograms of marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, between May 29, 2012, and July 16, 2012, Nambo was involved with delivering marijuana and cocaine in the Logansport, Indiana area. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Andre Bradford, 35, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 41 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of heroin.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
Week in Review – HammondRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana - The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEAS:
Eugene Wilson, Sr., 57, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.
Simmuel Mobley, 46, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Jose Montoya, 40, of Summit, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Ramirez et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge James Moody to the felony offense of kidnapping.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.
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:
Wesley King, 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.King has a prior felony conviction for murder, narcotics offenses and reckless driving.According to documents filed in this case, King fired a weapon at an individual who was attempting to burglarize his home.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 Joshua Kolar.
Nalon Edmonds, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 18 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, Edmonds approached individuals as they came to a gas station and attempted to sell marijuana to them. Edmonds, while attempting to sell the marijuana, was in possession of a Taurus .45 caliber firearm. The firearm was fully loaded, with 1 round of ammunition in the chamber. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana University Northwest Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.
Jesus Vasquez was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 21 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.
Monta Oliver, 36, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 27 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.
Jon Erik Lilly, 28, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 144 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of receipt of child pornography.According to a Complaint filed in this case, a Hammond Police Department officer, while working off duty at Morton High School, was made aware of a situation involving a male teacher, later identified as Lilly, having a sexual relationship with a female student.During a subsequent investigation, law enforcement conducted a search of Lilly’s residence and found multiple hundreds of sexually explicit images of at least 10 different females, five or more of who were identified as former students. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.
Diontria Frazier, 23, of Indianapolis, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Harris et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 1 day credit for time served, 3 years supervised release and restitution jointly and severally with all defendants after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to commit fraud with identification documents.According to documents filed in this case, the defendants obtained the account and personal information of individuals in over 21 states and fraudulently added their names to the victims’ accounts in an account takeover scheme. The defendants either utilized their own names or utilized aliases with the accounts which had been taken over. They purchased gift cards, Postal Money Orders, and made numerous retail purchases with the fraudulently obtained credit cards throughout Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. They also made cash withdrawals on the accounts and utilized the convenience checks associated with the accounts at various financial institutions located in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Throughout the criminal conduct, the defendants would also mail gift cards, Postal money orders, and U.S. currency from Indiana and Wisconsin to Georgia. This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Houston.
Week in Review – Fort WayneRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Fort Wayne, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
Kameron Kutzli, 22, of Dunkirk, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant. Magistrate Cosbey 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. Sentencing has not been set.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
Juan Corona, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Magistrate Cosbey 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. Sentencing has not been set.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.
Tyson Allen, 26, of Bluffton, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger B. Cosbey to the felony offense of retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant. Magistrate Cosbey 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. Sentencing has not been set.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony 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.
Indictments Returned in Hammond Federal CourtRead the Press Release
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on September 18, 2013:
Michael Radovick, 28, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances.This charge was filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
Kiontay Pennington, 34, of Gary, Indiana, Oscar Cosme, 40, of East Chicago, Indiana, and Adron Tancil, 36, address unknown, were charged with use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and the murder of Julio Cartagena in May 2003.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Texas Leader of Latin Kings Street Gang Sentenced in Indiana to 262 Months in Prison for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Texas leader of the Latin Kings street gang was sentenced today in Hammond, Ind., to serve 262 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Dante Reyes, aka “DK,” 41, of Alton,Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano in the Northern District of Indiana.In addition to his prison term, Reyes was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.On March 14, 2013, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.
According to the third superseding indictment filed in this case, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including the state of Texas. The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has well-defined leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters. The third superseding indictment charges that the Latin Kings was responsible for more than 20 murders in southeast Chicago, northwest Indiana and Big Spring, Texas.
During a co-defendant’s trial, the government presented evidence of several murders committed by members of the Latin Kings. In addition, cooperating defendants testified that the Latin Kings were responsible for distributing more than 150 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana over the course of the racketeering conspiracy.
During his guilty plea proceeding, Reyes acknowledged that he became a member of the Latin Kings at an early age and ultimately rose to the level of South Texas Regional Inca. He admitted that he attended at least two meetings in Texas with other members of the Latin Kings leadership in order to solidify the relationship between the Latin Kings in Texas and Chicago. Reyes further admitted that on at least one occasion, he traveled to the Chicago area with other Latin Kings members to meet with local Latin Kings leadership.
According to court documents, Reyes distributed cocaine and marijuana to Latin Kings members in Texas.He also distributed cocaine in Michigan through the use of couriers.These couriers traveled from Texas by bus or other vehicles and passed through the Northern District of Indiana while en route.
Twenty-three Latin Kings members and associates have been indicted in this case.Including Reyes, 21 defendants have pleaded guilty, one was convicted by jury and one remains a fugitive.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Houston Police Department; the Griffith, Ind., Police Department; the Highland, Ind., Police Department; the Hammond, Ind., Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana.Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Porter of the Northern District of Illinois and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag of the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division, provided significant assistance.
The third superseding indictment is not evidence of guilt.The defendant who has not been convicted is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Grand Jury in South Bend Returns IndictmentRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on September 11, 2013:
Tyrone Franklin, 34, of Michigan City, Indiana, was charged in a four count Indictment with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition and two counts of felon in possession of one or more firearms.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. 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.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Week in Review – South BendRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton
www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ CELL: (219) 314-9993
South Bend, Indiana —The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:
PLEA:
James Tolson, 39, of Wabash, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A Nuechterlein to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of firearm. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing is set for 12/12/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Gary Wright, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/17/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Brock Crowe, 38, of North Delphi, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to deliver over 500 grams of cocaine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/19/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Nora Guardiola, 35, of Shelton, Illinois, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein to the felony offense of knowingly and intentionally distributing cocaine. Magistrate Nuechterlein is recommending that the district court accept the tendered guilty plea.Parties have 10 days in which to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. Sentencing has been set for 12/1/2013.This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.
Joseph Olivo, 33, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, distribution of heroin, being a felon in possession of a firearm and maintaining a residence to distribute marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 12/5/2013.This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.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.
DISPOSITIONS:
Joseph Bradshaw, Jr, 31, of Warsaw, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 80 months imprisonment to be served consecutive to an undischarged term of imprisonment in Indiana cause number 71D02-1206-FB-00098 with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm.According to documents filed in this case, on April 7, 2011, Warsaw Police responded to a complaint of drug use and paraphernalia at a residence.The response led to officers finding a .22 cal. semi-automatic handgun at a second location.Bradshaw Jr. was questioned and admitted he stole the firearm from a relative. Mr. Bradshaw Jr. has theft and sexual battery felony convictions. 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 .
Ronald Brownlee, 47, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 60 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of knowingly possessing a stolen firearm.According to documents filed in this case, on or about March 13, 2013, law enforcement searched Brownlee’s home in South Bend and recovered four stolen firearms.Upon further inspection, law enforcement was able to determine the weapons in question were not manufactured in Indiana and thus affected 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 .
Darrius Agnew, 33, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr. to 120 months imprisonment with 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a stolen firearm.According to documents filed in this case, Agnew was on home detention under the supervision of the Ducomb Center in November 2012. Agnew refused to let a Ducomb Center employee into his apartment in early November 2012. Local law enforcement did later search Agnew’s residence and discovered firearms including an Uzi 9mm, a Springfield XD pistol and a Winchester 1400 MK II 12 gauge shotgun.Upon further inspection, it was determined the Springfield was reported stolen in 2011.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.
Brison Williams, 20, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced by District Judge Robert L. Miller Jr to 97 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of racketeering.According to documents filed in this case, in 2010 and 2011, Williams was a member of the criminal enterprise, Cash Out Boyz.During his time with the organization, Williams trafficked in marijuana and was involved in the confrontation of a Boyz member which led to a shooting and beating. Williams was also involved in additional numerous violent criminal activities.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 Schmid.