Northern District of Indiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

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

PLEAS:

Larry Harris, Jr., 25, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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 6/5/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Aurelio Guerra, 46, of Weslaco, Texas, a defendant in the case US v Doty et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offenses of distribution of marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.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 6/21/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Laporte County prosecutor’s office as well as the drug unit for Laporte County and the ICE unit for Elkhart County.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:

Willie Caldwell, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 70 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Caldwell admitted he was distributing marijuana and possessed a Ruger .45 pistol and a Winchester rifle.Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home and recovered the pistol, the rifle, assorted ammunition, 18 baggies of marijuana and a scale.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Oliver Collins, 49, of Key West, Florida, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 2 years of supervised release, 6 months of location monitoring on home detention and restitution of $32,542 after pleading guilty to the felony offense of theft from a program receiving federal funds.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Collins admitted that he purchased a camera valued at over $5,000 in July of 2005 with funds granted by the National Science Foundation for a science project through the University of Notre Dame. The project had received over $10,000 in a one year period under the grant. He purchased the camera for personal, professional use, and to assist himself on the grant work. However, the camera was not part of the approved grant or project approved by the NSF nor did he get approval to use the camera for personal matters. This case was the result of an investigation by the National Science Foundation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEAS:

David Finley, Jr., 32, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offenses of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and distribution of marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 5/8/13.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 Attorney Gary Bell.

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:

Mark Bailey, 52, of, Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 24 months imprisonment and 12 months of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aggravated identity theft.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 Lovita Morris King.

Corey Dawson, 32, of Sauk Village, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 37 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Dawson was part of a conspiracy that involved distributing a large quantity of heroin to various individuals who were largely young people from the northern Indiana area.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Orlando Alvarez-Barrientos, 34, of South Albany, Illinois, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 63 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute heroin.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEA:

Dashawn Jones, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Allen County Community Corrections.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Jose Soto, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Buchanan et al., pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Geller and Lesley Miller Lowery.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Osiris Espinoza, 31, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Castaneda et al., was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 168 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case Espinoza and others were involved in shipping drug proceeds in a package from Fort Wayne to California.As part of the conspiracy, Espinosa shipped a 49-pound package to California, with himself listed on the return address. The box was shipped overnight and was claimed to be frozen food. Based upon interceptions, Espinoza had been gathering money at his apartment, and based upon expert opinion, the Defendant was sending drug proceeds to California for eventual transport to the supplier in Mexico. 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.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on February 27, 2013: Jamison Gudorf, 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receipt and possession of a non-registered firearm, both occurring on or about December 7, 2012. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of firearms. These charges were filed as the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, the New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with this investigation. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
Michael Fabini, 33, and Marshall Butler, 33, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were charged in a 44 count Indictment. Both defendants were charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012; maintaining a drug-involved premises from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about March 6, 2008; and maintaining a drug-involved premises from on or about October 8, 2009, and continuing to on or about November 1, 2011. Michael Fabini was also charged with possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute on or about March
5, 2008, and on or about December 6, 2012; distributing marijuana on or about October 24, 2012; engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity on or about August 7, 2009, and on or about February 10, 2012; and laundering monetary instruments from on or about May 14, 2010, to on or about March 21, 2011; from on or about June 11, 2010, to on or about February 14, 2011; from on or about August 6, 2010, to on or about February 11, 2011; and from on or about October 13, 2010, to on or about March 28, 2011. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of a residence and lawn care equipment. These charges were filed as the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, the New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with this investigation. 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.
##END##

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on February 27, 2013: Ronald C. Bodley, 41, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base “crack”, cocaine and marijuana on or about January 28, 2013. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of U.S. currency. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by 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.
Contrel J. Johnson, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 3, 2013. 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.
Ku-La Lwin, 18, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a two count Indictment with receipt and possession of a non-registered firearm and being an unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm, both occurring on or about January 18, 2013. 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 Tina L. Nommay.
Leonard C. Riley, 21, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 4, 2013. 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.
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.
##END##

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

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

INDICTMENTS:

Andre Bradford , 35, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 3 counts of distribution of heroin.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Bend Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

David Lee Robinson , 33, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 3 counts of distribution of heroin.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the South Bend Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

PLEAS:

Christopher Akens, 35, of Mishawaka, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.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 5/23/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Deneen Lewis, 41, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of theft of government funds (social security benefits).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 5/23/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Jeffrey Farmer, 42, of Knox, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 84 months imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of accessing with intent to view child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, Starke County Detectives obtained a state search warrant to search Farmer’s residence and seize computers and digital storage devices.Farmer admitted he used the computer to view digital images from the internet that depicted prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained the age of 12 years engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including ICE - Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Timothy Lewis, 41, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 51 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed in this case, Lewis was selling small quantities of heroin to people, including a confidential informant, in late 2011 and 2012. Police searched his home in June and found heroin and a loaded firearm. After Lewis was released on bond, he again sold heroin to the confidential informant. Police searched his home again in August finding heroin and another loaded firearm. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Metro Special Operations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer.

Darnell Jackson, 31, of Elkhart, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Carlia Wells et al., was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Jermaine Davis, 31, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 24 months 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, South Bend Police initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation. As officers approached the vehicle, the driver Jermaine Davis and his two passengers fled the scene in the car. During the vehicle pursuit, a firearm and a bag of marijuana were tossed from the vehicle. South Bend Police recovered the marijuana and a Springfield XD40 pistol. Police also recovered more than $1,500 cash and a small amount of marijuana on the person of Jermaine Davis.Davis has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

John Hodowaniac, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson of a vehicle.According to documents filed in this case, Hodowaniac admitted that, along with his son Michael Hodowaniac and another person, he attempted to set fire to an automobile in exchange for a cash payment from this other person. He took substantial steps toward the execution of the plan to set fire to and maliciously destroy the automobile by directing that gasoline be put in a plastic bottle, traveling to the area where the automobile was located, and accepting cash for the arson. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

INDICTMENT:

Lakita Lee, 35, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment returned on 2/21/13 with theft of government property.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell and Emily Cremeans.

PLEAS:

Eddie Torres, 43, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.Sentencing has been set for 12/5/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

DISPOSITIONS:

Thomas R. Philpot, 55, of Highland, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of $10,000 and 2 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of mail fraud and theft from a federally funded program.According to documents filed in this case, Philpot, while serving in the elected capacity of Lake County Clerk, used IV-D incentive funds received by the Lake County Clerk’s office from the federal government as bonus money for himself without obtaining the authorization of the County Council as required by law.Philpot was ordered to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons or the US Marshal’s Service on 4/3/13 to begin execution of his sentence.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Thomas Scott Spangle, 32, of Lake Village, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 84 months imprisonment and 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, in May 2010, an undercover FBI agent working in Miami, Florida was using the peer-to-peer file sharing program “Gigatribe” to download child pornography files being distributed by others online. The undercover officer browsed the shared files and observed many depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit activity.During the download, the undercover agent used a program to identify the IP address being utilized, which was later identified as belonging to Spangle.Spangle’s computer equipment was seized and a full forensic examination was conducted on each piece of equipment.The examination revealed that Spangle collected a total of 5,269 images and 504 videos depicting minor children being sexually exploited and abused. Because each video counts as 75 images for Guideline calculation purposes, Spangle possessed the equivalent of 43,069 child pornography images.If played back to back, the videos in Spangle’s collection would run for 26 hours, 44 minutes and 58 seconds 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 Lafayette Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Martin Jonassen, 57, of Elwood, Kansas, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 480 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of kidnapping and intimidation of a witness.According to documents filed in this case, Jonassen kidnapped his 21 year old daughter in Missouri and drove her to Portage, Indiana, where she tried to escape from him by running naked from the bathroom of their rented motel room to a nearby liquor store where she begged for help.Jonassen chased her and physically dragged her out of the store and forced her into his waiting vehicle.After his arrest, Jonassen embarked on a relentless campaign of calls and letters in which he employed manipulation and persuasion to try to get her to retract her statements to law enforcement.The government admitted evidence of that conduct at trial including numerous recorded telephone calls during which Jonassen offered cash or other bribes to her, and copies of letters Jonassen sent to the victim and others wherein he urged her (or others to encourage her) to retract her prior statements to law enforcement. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Portage Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Victor Meza, Jr., 24, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Vargas et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 96 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement & Coordination Center (GangTECC); the National Gang Intelligence Center; the Chicago Police Department; the Griffith Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the Highland Police Department; the Lake County, Indiana, HIDTA and the Houston, Texas Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph Cooley of the Department of Justice Criminal Division and Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Osvaldo Herrera, 23, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 45 months imprisonment and 3 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Nicholas Jackson, 21, of Lafayette, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Robinson et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge James Moody to 18 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of being an unlawful user/addict in possession of firearms. Jackson, an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance (marijuana), possessed a .20 gauge shotgun with an obliterated serial number. After learning that his co-defendants were arrested for a burglary, Jackson called his friend to pick up the gun so that it could be disposed of in the Wabash River.Subsequently, after an interview with ATF agents, the shotgun was located and recovered. 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEA:

Jemorris Sewell, 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Police Department, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on February 21, 2013:

Roberto Ramirez Cardona, 53, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with distribution of heroin.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 Nicholas Padilla.

Julian Robert Rebeles, 21, of Hammond, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 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 HIDTA Task Force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Scott Filbey, 47, of Walton, Kentucky, was charged in an Indictment with production of child pornography.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Indiana State Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Franklin County Ohio Sheriff’s Department and the Cincinnati/Hamilton County Sheriff Electronics Computer Investigation Section.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Anthony Edward Stewart, 23, of East Chicago, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 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 HIDTA Task force.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

William Weigand, 43, of Portage, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with 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 HIDTA Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, Indiana -- The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:

JURY VERDICT:

Omar Duran Lagunes, 35, Luis Omar Montes Merino, 34, Yalitz Exclusa Borrero, 31, Evelyn Riviera Borrero, 44, all of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Margarito Fuentes Reyes, 51, of Goshen, Indiana, were found guilty at trial on all counts of an Indictment charging them with immigration fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.The indictment, returned in June 2012, charged that the defendants presented false information, forged documents, and made false representations to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana Secretary of State, including making false representations regarding the identity of the actual owners of motor vehicles, to obtain motor vehicle registrations, license plates, and titles.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 operated at locations in Indianapolis, Goshen and Elkhart, Indiana.

"These individuals abused legitimate government services and circumvented this nation’s immigration laws – all in the name of profit,” said Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “Identity fraud affects all of us and has far-reaching implications. Today's verdict demonstrates ICE's resolve to work with our law enforcement partners to stop this type of criminal activity."

These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.Others 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 the Indiana Secretary of State.Assistant United States Attorney’s for the Southern District of Indiana were also involved in the investigation and assisted.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Hays.

PLEAS:

Scott Reahard, 46, of Wabash, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.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 5/13/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by United States Marshal’s Service and the Indiana State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Gigi Riley, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty to in Information charging her with the felony offenses of conspiracy to defraud the US Department of Treasury and filing false tax returns.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.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:

Robert Troup, 54, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 180 months imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child pornography.According to documents filed in this case, Troup admitted that in December 2010 he worked as a custodian at Penn High School, which is located in Mishawaka Indiana. His area of responsibility included the swimming pool and the boys and girls swimming locker rooms and showers. Troup placed a small video camera in a locker in the boy’s locker room at the high school. He positioned the camera in such a location that it would capture the midsection of any boys who happened to stand in front of the locker, or pass close by the locker. He also positioned the camera so that it was aimed at the showers where boys would be showering before or after using the swimming pool.He intended to obtain nude photographs of the teenage boys who were using the locker room and understood that many of the boys were under the age of 18. 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 Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Michael Hodowaniac, 22, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 60 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of attempted arson of a vehicle.According to documents filed in this case, Hodowaniac admitted that he agreed with his father John Hodowaniac and another person to set fire to an automobile in exchange for a cash payment from this other person. He took substantial steps toward the execution of the plan to set fire to and maliciously destroy the automobile by placing gas in a plastic bottle, traveling to the area where the automobile was parked and accepting cash for the arson. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

INDICTMENT:

Jazneen Williams, 22, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment returned on 10/17/12 with making materially false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm and making false statements about information required to be kept in the records of a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer.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 Dean Lanter.

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.

DISPOSITIONS:

Lawrence Zitt, 43, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 72 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Porter County Drug Task Force, the Michigan City Police Department, the Indiana State Police and the LaPorte Metro Operations Drug Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Guillermo Briseno, 27, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 87 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Alejandro Balboa Lara, 21, of Hammond, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 22 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Fort Wayne, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity:

PLEA:

Joseph Klinker, 38, of Decatur, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of bank fraud.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. 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 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:

Travis Black, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 50 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in South Bend, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on February 13, 2013:

Kevin Howell, 46, of Michigan City, Indiana, was charged in a five-count Indictment with four counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

Darrius D. Agnew , 33, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was charged in a two-count Indictment with one count of being a felon in possession of firearm(s), and one count of possessing a stolen firearm.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Mishawaka Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Joseph Carl Brownlee , 48, of South Bend, Indiana, was charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the South Bend Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

John Carlisle , 49, of New Haven, Indiana, was charged in a thirteen-count Indictment with six counts of financial institution fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, and six counts of making false statements regarding mortgage loans.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Indiana State Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Daniel Haslam , 43, of Converse, Indiana, was charged in a four-count Indictment with one count of possessing an unregistered firearm silencer, one count of manufacturing methamphetamine, one count of possessing firearms, including firearms equipped with silencers, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Converse Police Department, Peru City Police Department, Miami County Drug Unit, Miami County Sheriff’s Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Ian T. Kideys aka Ayhan T. Kideys, 49, of La Jolla, California and K2 Capital Management Inc. dba US Mortgage Bailout dba USMortgageBailout.com dba iLoanAudit were charged in a twenty-seven count Indictment.Kideys and K2 Capital Management were charged with eight counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, and fourteen counts of money laundering.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Michael A. Volpe , 46, of Staten Island, New York, was charged in a thirty-six count Indictment with twenty-nine counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and five counts of money laundering.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Indiana State Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald J. Schmid.

Christopher A. Wilhite, 32, of Francisville, Indiana, was charge in a one-count Indictment with possession of child pornography.This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

The Wilhite case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictment was returned on February 7, 2013 and unsealed today:

Tracey R. Tigner, 41, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with embezzlement and theft of funds from the Painters District Council 91 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.  These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General as well as the Office of Labor Management Standards.  This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Stewart.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, Indiana -- The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:

PLEA:

Jeffrey Scott, 52, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.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 5/19/13.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 Indiana State Police.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

DISPOSITIONS:

Corey Fair, 19, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 220 months imprisonment, restitution of $1143.00 and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of robbery.According to documents filed in this case, Fair admitted to robbing several South Bend business establishments: the Pizza Hut business on April 6, 2012; an Arbys business on April 9; and on April 11, 2012 an Express Cab driver, the Kitchenette business, the River Park Liquors business and another Pizza Hut business.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.

Daniel Young, 52, homeless in the area of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 360 months imprisonment and lifetime supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of the production of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case, Young admitted that he had the opportunity to be alone with a 5 year old female and induced the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct with him which he recorded with a video camera. This case resulted from an investigation by members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Joseph County SVU and the Mishawaka Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

Jesus DeLeon, Jr., 19, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 6 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release to include 6 months of location monitoring after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of marijuana.According to documents filed in this case, DeLeon , Jr. assisted Oscar Ruelas traffic in marijuana in 2012. Specifically, DeLeon, Jr. delivered marijuana to Laporte County locations for Ruelas and was paid by Ruelas for these deliveries. DeLeon, Jr. also stored marijuana at his house for Ruelas – marijuana that was to be distributed. The house was located in South Bend, Indiana. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Bend Police Department and the MSOS.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Shawn Sanders, 44, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 60 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEAS:

Seandell Rounds, 20, of Riverdale, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Elmore et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of robbery.These charges were 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 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:

Lance Payton, 35, of East Chicago, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 100 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 by the government in this case, a fter an altercation broke out between Lance Payton and another individual on the streets of East Chicago, Indiana, instead of leaving the scene and calling the police, Payton went across the street to his step-father’s residence and returned with a loaded, nine millimeter, semi-automatic pistol. Payton then committed numerous felony offenses with this firearm in the span of a few minutes, by pointing this loaded firearm at the other individual, then fired the gun into the air two times (committing the crime of criminal recklessness), then battered this individual with the firearm, then shot him in the shoulder and also shot out the window of this individual’s car. Payton has three prior felony convictions and five prior misdemeanor convictions. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives HIDTA Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Randall Causey, 48, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Chandler et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 108 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offenses of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.According to documents filed in this case, Causey engaged in a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property by means of false and fraudulent pretenses.He, along with others, recruited five buyers and talked them into purchasing a combined total of 21 houses in the scheme. Causey told the buyers the houses were good investments despite knowing that the houses were in disrepair and located in unsafe neighborhoods. He told them the houses would be rehabilitated by his company when he knew that little if any of the necessary repairs would actually be done. He told them he would find renters to occupy the houses and maintain and manage the properties thereafter, knowing he would make no effort to do so once the house had sold and the first month or two of the mortgage had been paid.The lenders were provided false information regarding the buyers’ credit-worthiness and were falsely told buyers had made down payments and taken out seller-second mortgages. As a result, in most of the home sales, the lenders unwittingly approved financing for 100% of the purchase of the homes, leaving no cushion if the housing market declined. The financial institutions to which some of the mortgages were packaged and sold by the initial lenders eventually lost their investment as well, as all of the homes sold in the scheme were eventually foreclosed upon. 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 and Emily Cremeans.

Ikedia Smith, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 60 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Smith has prior convictions for attempted residential entry.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Fort Wayne, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity:

PLEA:

Joseph Brewington, 24, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of maintaining a premises for the purpose of distributing marijuana.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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allen County Drug Task Force and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

DISPOSITION:

Donavan Gray, 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to time served and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on February 7, 2013:

Stacy Davis, 45, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with the robbery of Chase Bank in Merrillville, Indiana and Fifth Third bank in Munster, Indiana.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.

Ronald Parks, 60, residence unknown, was charged in an Indictment with kidnapping.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on February 7, 2013:

Monta Oliver, 35, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with distribution of crack cocaine.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gary Police Department.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Armando Salinas.

Leonardo Torres-Flores, 22, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with being found in the United States without permission after having been previously removed.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the 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 Dean Lanter.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEAS:

Phillip Ramos, II, 25, of East Chicago, Indiana, pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.Sentencing has been set for 4/23/13.These charges were 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 David Nozick.

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:

Francisco Ramirez, 50, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Lozano et al., was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 5 months imprisonment, $4,108.50 in restitution, and 1 year of supervised release, to include 5 months of home detention, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of receipt of a bribe by an agent of a local government receiving Federal Funds.Ramirez was the Treasurer of the School City of East Chicago.According to documents filed in this case, the scheme provided that Gerardo Lozano, who operated Greentree Builders, perform free home improvement work at Ramirez’s residence in return for contracts and payments from the School City to Greentree Builders.Ramirez created the work and made sure that the School City could pay for it. In the end, it cost the School City more than $173,000.Ramirez handled almost all of the paperwork, including signing the payment claim forms. The agreement also called for Lozano to overbill the School City. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

James Reynolds, Jr., 46, of Lafayette, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 30 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of making false statements in the purchase of a firearm.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Padilla.

Steven Moten, 53, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 60 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, Moten has previous convictions for murder in 1977 and dealing cocaine in 2002.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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Fort Wayne, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity:

DISPOSITION:

Roberto Villa, 38, of Milford, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann to 48 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Villa has a prior conviction for dealing cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, Indiana -- The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:

PLEAS:

Shawn Lunsford , 34, of Peru, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of possession of child pornography.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 4/25/13.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 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:

David Blystone, 45, of Rochester, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 18 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a machine gun.According to documents filed in this case, Blystone bought kits and manufactured fully automatic weapons, fireworks and destructive devices.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Barrett.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

DISPOSITIONS:

Phillip Rucker, 42, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Haymon et al., was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 30 months imprisonment, restitution of $73,488.95 and 1 year of supervised release after being found guilty at trial of the felony offense of wire fraud. Rucker participated in a scheme to defraud lenders and others by providing false information on loan applications and HUD-1 settlement statements and by recruiting individuals to purchase real estate in Gary, Indiana on behalf of Jerry Haymon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Christopher Bunch, 54, of Battleground, Indiana, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to 408 months imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of inducing minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.According to documents filed in this case, law enforcement was dispatched to investigate a complaint of possible child pornography found at a residence shared with Bunch.A roommate reported that she found images depicting child pornography on a camera belonging to Bunch and was able to positively identify a child as a minor female who had previously spent time at the residence.Law enforcement obtained a warrant to search all of the computers, cameras and electronic media belonging to Bunch.The officers found images and videos of 2 minor females engaging in sexually explicit conduct.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 Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Koster.

Edward Kabella, 43, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 24 months imprisonment, restitution of $26,115.74 to the Internal Revenue Service, a $6,000 fine and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to provide false information to a Federal Firearms Licensee, conspiracy to defraud the Food and Drug Administration and making a false statement on a tax return.According to documents filed in this case, Kabella used his position as a law enforcement officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department to participate in a conspiracy to obtain machineguns and laser sights, restricted firearms. Kabella and his codefendants would then sell them on the internet. This case was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip Benson.

Timmothy Williams, 34, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 80 months imprisonment, restitution of $37,340.34 and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of misuse of a Social Security Number, fraud with identification documents and aggravated identity theft.This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Fort Wayne, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity:

PLEA:

Russell Cowherd, 33, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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. 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King.

Danny Villarreal, 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession with the intent to distribute 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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General and the Allen County Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller Lowery.

Baldemar Robles, 36, of Warsaw, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offenses of maintaining a place for the purpose of distributing cocaine and marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

Michael Banks, 22, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.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. 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 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:

Terrance Martin, 30, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Theresa Springmann 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.Martin has a prior felony conviction for resisting law enforcement.This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Nommay.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on January 23, 2013: Sheila Robinson, 48, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a ten count Indictment with wire fraud on or about February 13, 2012, February 15, 2012, and August 6, 2012; mail fraud on or about July 27, 2012, making a false claim on or about February 13, 2012, February 15, 2012, and August 6, 2012, and aggravated identity theft on or about February 13, 2012, February 15, 2012, and August 6, 2012. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and United States Postal Inspection Service. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King and Deborah M. Leonard.
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.
##END##

FortWayne,IN C TheUnited States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictments on January 23, 2013:

Dashawn Jones, 23, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with beingafeloninpossessionofafirearmonoraboutDecember21,2012.Thischargewasfiledas aresultofaninvestigationbytheBureauof Alcohol,Tobacco,FirearmsandExplosives,andthe AllenCountyCommunityCorrections.Thiscasehasbeenassignedtoandwillbeprosecutedby Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

JuliusLawson,34,ofFortWayne,Indiana,ischargedinathreecountIndictmentwith attemptedrobberyofapersonhavingcustodyof mailmatter,moneyorpropertyoftheUnited States;using,carryingandbrandishingafirearmduringandinrelationtoacrimeofviolence,and interference with performanceofdutiesofanemployeeofthe United States all occurring on or about December 19, 2012.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the United StatesPostalInspection ServiceandtheFortWaynePoliceDepartment. Thiscasehasbeen assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita MorrisKing.

Scot Silvers, 47, of Angola, Indiana, is charged in a five count Indictment with using counterfeitaccessdevicesbetweenonoraboutOctober8,2012,andOctober11,2012,fraudwith identificationdocumentsonoraboutOctober8,2012,possessingdevice makingequipmentonor aboutOctober31,2012,makingcounterfeitobligationonoraboutOctober31,2012,andpassing counterfeitobligationsorsecuritiesonoraboutOctober31,2012.TheIndictmentalsoseeksfor forfeitureofcomputerrelateditems.Thesecharges were filed as a result of an investigation by theUnitedStatesSecretServiceandtheAngolaPoliceDepartment.Thiscasehasbeenassigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

TheUnitedStatesAttorney'sOfficeemphasizedthatanIndictmentismerelyanallegation 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, Indiana -- The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:

PLEAS:

Jeffrey Cripe, 38, of Elkhart, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of distribution of child pornography.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 4/18/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police.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:

Paul Minix, 49, of Winamac, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 51 months 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 by the government in this case, Minix has been convicted of seven felony offenses and 10 misdemeanor convictions.This case was the result of an investigation by the by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEAS:

Robert Lockhart, 20, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Briseno et al., pled guilty before Chief Judge Philip Simon to the felony offense of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. This case is being 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.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.

Jeremiah Stevenson, 22, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Elmore et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offenses of robbery and use of a firearm in furtherance of a robbery.Sentencing has been set for 4/11/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Chicago Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Gary Police Department and the Merrillville Police Department.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

Lavelle Hatley, 18, of Gary, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Elmore et al., pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of robbery.Sentencing has been set for 4/11/13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the East Chicago Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Gary Police Department and the Merrillville Police 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:

Cesar Yepez, 32, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 1 day imprisonment considered time served as of the date of Yepez’ arrest and 2 years of supervised release, to include 12 months of home detention, after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Kevin Weston, 34, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 45 months 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 by the government in this case, law enforcement officers entered Weston’s residence to execute a state search warrant. Weston admitted to hiding the firearm when he heard officers entering the house. Weston also told the officers where they could find the magazine for the firearm. The defendant has two prior convictions for controlled substance offenses (manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance) and a prior conviction for possession of a controlled substance. He also has misdemeanor convictions for battery and domestic battery and a large number of prior arrests. This case was the result of an investigation by the by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Efrain Hernandez, 28, of Cicero, Illinois, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 78 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Kolar.

Frederick Rivera, 39, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to 52 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of crack cocaine.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Rivera made three cocaine base sales to a confidential informant while on supervised release for a prior narcotics trafficking conviction.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

Hammond, Indiana- The United States Attorney’s Office announced that the following Indictments were returned on January 16, 2013:

Brealon B. Miller, Jr., 24, and David L. Hardin, Jr.,22, both of Gary, Indiana, were charged in an Indictment with the robbery of BMO Bank in Hammond, Indiana and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, to wit: armed robbery.Miller was also charged with possession of a stolen firearm.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Nozick.

Octavio Alejandre-Mata, 44, of Hobart, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with four counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of being an illegal alien, having been previously deported from the United States.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 Jacqueline Jacobs.

Allen Ray Evens, 24, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the 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 Nicholas Padilla.

Charles E. Johnson, Jr., 32, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in an Indictment with one count of possession with the intent to distribute 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.

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.

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on January 16, 2013:

Jonathan Parahams, Jr., 35, Africa Gunn, 35, Angela White, 31, Alicia Green, 27, and Levelle Sanders, 26, all of South Bend, Indiana, were charged in an Indictment with participating in a scheme to prepare and file approximately 1,189 tax returns making false and fictitious claims from the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere requesting a total of approximately $3,543,794 in tax refunds.The Indictment alleges that the defendants solicited identifying information of individuals, including their names and social security numbers, to use to file fraudulent 2008, 2009 and 2010 U.S. tax returns and then directed the refunds to be received and deposited into bank accounts controlled by the defendants and others.These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ Fax: (219) 852-2770

South Bend, Indiana -- The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:

PLEAS:

Brett Keiling , 48, of Granger, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Robert Miller, Jr. to the felony offense of threatening to assault an employee of the United States with the intent to interfere with the performance of official duties. Sentencing has been set for 4/15/13.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 Attorney Barbara Brook.

Jose Nevarez, 36, of South Bend, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to the felony offense of structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements.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. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.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:

Christopher Peter, 35, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Peter admitted that he grew marijuana in the garage at his residence located in Mishawaka, Indiana.He had a loaded Hi-Point 9mm semiautomatic pistol that was hidden in the ceiling of the basement which he could easily access. He possessed this firearm in furtherance of possessing and manufacturing marijuana. This case was the result of an investigation by the by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana State Police.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Mary Hatton

www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/ FAX (219) 852-2770

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

PLEAS:

Montell Williams, 33, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty before Senior District Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of transporting for prostitution.Sentencing has been set for 4/25/13.These charges were 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 Jill Koster.

Laurie Brezinski, 43, of Schererville, Indiana, pled guilty before District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to the felony offenses of embezzlement from a corporation engaged in the business of insurance and filing a false income tax return.Sentencing has been set for 4/4 13.These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline Jacobs.

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:

Nathaniel Milligan, Jr., 43, of East Chicago, Indiana, a defendant in the case US v Webb et al., was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 51months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the East Chicago Police Department.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Kolar and Jill Koster.

Kimberlyn Cross, 49, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 27 months imprisonment, restitution of $121,600.00 and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of wire fraud.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Cross pled guilty and admitted her role in a scheme to defraud the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (“FSSA”).Cross ran a fake daycare at the expense of Indiana citizens. Her conduct involved a high level of sophistication – including paying kickbacks to some mothers to gain access to their swipe cards and repeatedly submitting false information to the State giving the impression a daycare operated at her home. In reality, for many months, no daycare existed. Cross used others, including minors, to steal $121,600 from FSSA and $17,683.81 from a business providing food services to FSSA. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Gerardo Lozano, 35, of Hobart, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 21 months imprisonment, restitution of $5,136.00 and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of paying a bribe to an agent of local government receiving federal funds.According to documents filed by the government in this case, Lozano formed Greentree Builders in 2006.From 2007 through 2009 Lozano’s business received 1.3 million dollars from East Chicago, the School City of East Chicago and the East Chicago Public Library. In 2008, Lozano provided free home renovations to Frank Ramirez, Treasurer for the School City of East Chicago with the intent to influence Ramirez with respect to contracts issued by the school city of East Chicago, a local government that received more than $10,000 in federal funds during 2008. This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Fort Wayne, INCThe United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on December 18, 2012: Troy A. Ditiway, 26, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is charged in a single count Indictment with possession of one or more matters containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or about September 20, 2012. The Indictment also seeks for the forfeiture of a computer and a thumb drive. This charge was filed as the 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.
##END##