Northern District of Indiana

FORT WAYNE–Javion D. Woods, 23 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Woods was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

According to documents in the case, Woods sold fentanyl pills on two occasions and operated his drug business for months out of a Fort Wayne apartment.  Specifically, on February 11, 2022, Woods coordinated a drug transaction and sent another individual to complete the deal.  On February 18, 2022, Woods was the one who completed the drug deal.  When his residence was later searched in March 2022, multiple firearms and ammunition were recovered. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

SOUTH BEND – Tyson Scott, 52 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to delay of mail by a postal service employee, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Scott was sentenced to 12 months’ probation. 

According to documents in the case, Scott was working as a United States Postal Service carrier when, in October of 2023, he was entrusted to deliver mail on an Elkhart city route. Several customers reported to the Postal Service that they had not received their mail.  While Scott initially claimed he had delivered the mail in question, he later admitted that he hid over 900 pieces of mail in a storage unit instead of delivering it.  After a search of the storage unit, the mail was found and the U.S. Postal Service was able to successfully deliver the mail to its customers. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

SOUTH BEND – Roy Skeens, 40 years old, of Wabash, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after being found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a 2-day jury trial in July of 2024, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Skeens was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in November 2020, Skeens possessed a handgun while at a home in Wabash County. Specifically, police were called after multiple rounds were heard having been shot outside the basement of the home. When police arrived, Skeens refused to leave the home and a standoff ensued. He was later taken into custody and the firearm was recovered. Skeens has 13 prior felony convictions, any one of which prohibit him from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Wabash Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joseph P. Falvey.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Jonathan Medina-Flores, 41 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty for his illegal reentry to the United States, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Medina-Flores was sentenced to 40 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, Medina-Flores, a citizen of Mexico, was previously convicted in St. Joseph County of felony possession of cocaine in 2006. Thereafter he was removed to Mexico in 2007, 2014 and 2015 but illegally reentered the United States after each removal. Medina-Flores was most recently discovered in the United States in May 2023 in St. Joseph County. His criminal history includes conviction for multiple felonies in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties.

This case was investigated by United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

HAMMOND – Brian O’Neill, 46 years old, of Whiting, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to two counts of Interference with Housing based on Race and one count of Making False Statements to Law Enforcement announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

O’Neill was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between June 2022 and August 2023, O’Neill acted willfully to drive out a family from living next door to Whiting home because of his animosity against that family’s race.  O’Neill’s efforts to drive out the next door multi-racial family included: threatening to assault a member of that family; shouting racial slurs at members of that family; and telling them to move out of Whiting.  O’Neill also threatened harm on the landlord who had rented the house to that family.  When questioned by law enforcement about his actions, O’Neill denied directing racial slurs to the neighboring family and denied making any threats.  However, there was a recording that refuted his false denials.  As part of his guilty plea in this case, O’Neill acknowledged both his hostile acts against his neighbors and that his actions were motivated by his opposition to persons of color living in his neighborhood. 

“Freedom to acquire housing and the freedom to live peaceably in that housing are keys to building a more stable, safe, and prosperous society.  When, as in this case, a person interferes with another person’s ability to attain and retain housing because of racial prejudices, they have committed a hate crime,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “My office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and prosecute these crimes whenever and wherever they occur in the Northern District of Indiana.”

“Every hate crime is a calculated attack on a person’s right to peace and sense of belonging and can leave scars that can linger long after the act itself,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Winterhalter. “The FBI’s commitment to investigating hate crimes underscores the seriousness of these offenses. It is not just about enforcing the law but protecting communities and ensuring the rights of individuals to live free of fear.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Lake County Prosecutors Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath and Thomas A. Johnson, Trial Attorney with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. 

If you believe you are a victim of, or witness to, a hate crime or discriminatory act, you are encouraged to report the incident to local and federal law enforcement.  In addition, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana maintains the below Civil Rights webpage where you may obtain information about your rights and make a complaint directly to the United States Attorney’s Office.   https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/civil-rights-enforcement

SOUTH BEND – Randolph Ramey, 33 years old, of Osceola, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Ramey was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in August 2023, Ramey broke into a business in Mishawaka and was detained while inside. When police arrived and arrested Ramey, they recovered a loaded 9mm firearm from his pocket along with several knives, a rope, bolt cutters, a lock pick kit, and a second loaded magazine for the firearm. Ramey had previously been convicted of a felony offense, and as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm or ammunition in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND- United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) David E. Hollar will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Hollar has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Indiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Hollar will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public through the following telephone number: 219-937-5500.”

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 317-595-4000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. 

SOUTH BEND – Tony Young, 54 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Young was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in March and April 2024, law enforcement was investigating drug activity at a Mishawaka residence, which included the sale of methamphetamine by Young. A search warrant of the residence resulted in the recovery of a loaded stolen revolver. Young, who has a number of prior felony convictions, was prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department and the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Seth Alonzo, 20 years old, of Morocco, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Alonzo was sentenced to 144 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. 

According to documents in the case, on April 16, 2023, and other dates, Alonzo distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through social media. A subsequent search warrant of Alonzo’s home and electronic devices revealed there were approximately 114 images and 90 videos of CSAM in his possession as well. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. McGrath and Nadia Wardrip.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.justice.gov/psc.

HAMMOND- Felicia Bywater, 33 years old, of Cedar Lake, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Bywater was sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between October 2022 and February 2023, Bywater sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions, totaling approximately two ounces.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.         

SOUTH BEND – Shauntay Wade, 43 years old, of Niles, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a 3-day jury in February 2024, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Wade was sentenced to 86 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case in December 2021, Wade physically assaulted a woman, pointed a gun at her, and then hid the gun once a 911 call was made. Responding officers found the gun along with over 150 grams of marijuana and 35 grams of cocaine. Wade has several prior felony convictions, any one of which prohibit him from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department and Indiana State Police Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T. Jones and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Johann Farley, 60 years old, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to health care fraud.

Farley was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $557,000 to Indiana Medicaid ($444,000) and Medicare ($113,000).

According to documents in the case, Farley was a physician who ran an addiction treatment practice in Merrillville, Indiana. Many of his patients struggled with opioid addiction and relied on him to treat their addiction. Farley required these patients to come to his office frequently, sometimes on a daily basis, but the visits only lasted a few minutes, and his patients often did not even see him. For over four years, Farley submitted claims to Medicaid and Medicare falsely representing that he had complex, extended visits with his patients for several hours each week. In total, between January 2016 and May 2020, Farley billed Medicaid and Medicare for more than 7,000 services he did not provide and was paid more than $557,000 for work he never performed.

The case was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Steven J. Lupa.

FORT WAYNE –Marcus B. Roberson, 45 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Roberson was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, during 2021 and 2022, Roberson sold and supplied methamphetamine.  In March 2022, a search warrant was served at Roberson’s residence where 330 grams of methamphetamine, $4,500, and a pistol were found.  Roberson was previously convicted of a serious violent felony, that being robbery in 1998 in Whitley County, Indiana. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Auburn Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Atlantis Griffin, 39 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Griffin was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in February 2024, Griffin was driving in Mishawaka with a loaded handgun, cocaine, and over $1,000 cash. A traffic stop resulted in the recovery of the gun, drugs, and cash. Griffin had previously been convicted of a felony offense and, as such, was prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE–Henry E. Underwood, 30 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to attempted murder of a federal witness, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Underwood was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Chief Judge Brady further ordered this sentence to run consecutive to the sentence in Underwood’s other federal case, 1:20-CR-33.  In that case, Underwood received a total sentence of 102 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for contempt of court. 

According to documents in the case, codefendant Tyshon Powell operated a drug stash house in Fort Wayne in 2018, and the FBI’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force raided this house in March 2018, finding drug trafficking evidence and a firearm.  To distance himself from this residence, Powell had paid a person to rent the stash house. In order to keep the renter silent about their arrangement, Powell elicited the help of a fellow gang member as a middleman who in turn recruited Underwood to kill the renter.  Underwood agreed to kill the renter/witness to prevent their testimony.  On June 1, 2018, Underwood went to the witness’ house and shot at him/her at least three times, hitting their torso, arms, hands, and head.  Despite being severely injured, the witness survived. 

“This Defendant was the paid gunman for a drug dealer who desired to avoid prison by killing witnesses,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “Both dealer and the gunman are rightfully now long-term residents in federal prison. This prosecution shows that my office will vigorously prosecute all persons who engage in illegal drug distribution and those who attempt to obstruct the workings of our criminal justice system, which relies upon the cooperation of witnesses, by violence and/or threat of violence of witnesses.” 

“Rather than face the consequences for his own illegal actions, this defendant tried to permanently silence a potential witness by taking the witness’ life,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “This sentence should serve as a warning to others who would contemplate such violent acts of intimidation that you will be brought to justice.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Homicide Section and the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. 

The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms. 

“It has been my observation that many of the persons who are the drivers of violence in the local community at large, use violence in their most personal relationships as well.  Increasing our focus on intimate partner firearm violence will invariably make the community safer for all its residents,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

“These important partnerships will strengthen our ability to investigate these cases and increase our coordination efforts among law enforcement and communities in order to assist victims of domestic violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “ATF prioritizes investigations of prohibited persons who illegally possess firearms and look forward to the Northern District of Indiana United States Attorney's leadership to prosecute these important cases.” 

The Northern District of Indiana will re-direct the Deputy Prosecutor from the Lake County Prosecutor’s office who currently works in the NDIN USAO (as a Special Assistant United States Attorney) to focus on this initiative.  This SAUSA will serve as coordinator between the Lake County Prosecutor Office, the Gary Police Department and this Office. 

Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.

In the Northern District of Indiana, Gary, Indiana, is the jurisdiction that has been designated for special emphasis under this initiative.

The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders.  All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.  

SOUTH BEND – Demetrius Roberson, 51 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Roberson was sentenced to 88 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between December 2022 and February 2023, Roberson sold cocaine on seven occasions, totaling approximately two ounces. A search warrant executed at Roberson’s house in February 2023, resulted in the recovery of almost 400 grams of cocaine, one pound of marijuana, two handguns, and over $5,000.00.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the Michigan City Police Department, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, and the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

SOUTH BEND – Jose De Leon Medina, 39 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien and failure to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

De Leon Medina was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

According to documents in the case, De Leon Medina, a citizen of Mexico, was convicted of child molesting in 2019 which required him to register as a sex offender. After De Leon Medina completed his sentence of imprisonment for the crime, he was removed from the United States to Mexico. Two months later, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials learned De Leon Medina had illegally reentered the United States and was living in Goshen, Indiana.  De Leon Medina had also failed to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by U.S, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.

FORT WAYNE –Justin M. Stevens, 30 years old, of Avilla, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to two counts of theft of mail and one count of receipt of stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Stevens, who had been in federal custody since November 2023, was sentenced to time served followed by 30 months of supervised release. Following his release from incarceration, Stevens is required to report to a halfway house, residential treatment facility, or transitional living facility.

According to documents in the case, between August and October 2021, the United States Postal Inspection Service received reports of residential mail thefts in the Fort Wayne and Huntertown areas. On October 16, 2021, Stevens was apprehended in the early morning hours attempting to steal mail from a mail receptacle in Huntertown, Indiana. At that time, his SUV contained approximately two hundred pieces of stolen mail.  Bank records indicated a check stolen from a homeowner’s mail receptacle had been deposited in an account in his name on August 9, 2021.  

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin C. Sheridan.

FORT WAYNE –Brandon Dewaun Golden, 36 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Golden was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on two occasions in August 2023, Golden distributed hundreds of fentanyl pills and approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine while possessing a loaded firearm. A traffic stop resulted in the recovery of that firearm.  Golden has two prior felony state court convictions, any one of which prohibited him from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin C. Sheridan.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Jeremy Dumas, 56 years old, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Dumas was sentenced to 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense, an assessment of $5,000 that will be paid into a fund dedicated to supporting victims, and an assessment of $10,000 that will be paid into the Child Pornography Victims Reserve.

According to documents in the case, from November 1, 2016 through March 16, 2023, Dumas knowingly received and possessed 977 images and 614 video files of child sexual abuse material, including images depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct and the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Crown Point Police Department, the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police, and the Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia D. Wardrip and Steven J. Lupa.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

WASHINGTON – An Indiana man was sentenced today to 17 years and six months in prison for possessing and creating images of child sexual abuse.

According to court documents, Timothy J. Carpenter, 36, of Portage, came to the attention of law enforcement around July 2022 after he used peer-to-peer software to knowingly receive and distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet through his cellular device.

During the investigation, Indiana State Police (ISP) recovered Carpenter’s cellular phone, which contained hundreds of images and dozens of videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. During an interview with ISP investigators, Carpenter admitted that he used his phone to access CSAM. Further analysis of Carpenter’s phone revealed that Carpenter also created multiple videos depicting a prepubescent child fully nude in a shower. These videos show Carpenter concealing a camera in multiple locations near the shower to capture video of the child’s genitals and pubic region.

In addition to the prison sentence, Carpenter will also be required to register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student and to pay restitution totaling $76,000 to his victims.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana; and Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Division made the announcement.

HSI investigated this case with the assistance of the ISP, Lake County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit, and Porter County Prosecutor’s Office.

Trial Attorney Eduardo A. Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Morgan for the Northern District of Indiana prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc.

An Indiana man was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in prison for possessing and creating images of child sexual abuse. 

According to court documents, Timothy J. Carpenter, 36, of Portage, came to the attention of law enforcement around July 2022 after he used peer-to-peer software to knowingly receive and distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet through his cellular device.

During the investigation, Indiana State Police (ISP) recovered Carpenter’s cellular phone, which contained hundreds of images and dozens of videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. During an interview with ISP investigators, Carpenter admitted that he used his phone to access CSAM. Further analysis of Carpenter’s phone revealed that Carpenter also created multiple videos depicting a prepubescent child fully nude in a shower. These videos show Carpenter concealing a camera in multiple locations near the shower to capture video of the child’s genitals and pubic region.

In addition to the prison sentence, Carpenter will also be required to register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student and to pay restitution totaling $76,000 to his victims.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana; and Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Division made the announcement.

HSI investigated this case with the assistance of the ISP, Lake County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit, and Porter County Prosecutor’s Office.

Trial Attorney Eduardo A. Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Morgan for the Northern District of Indiana prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc.

FORT WAYNE –Yesterday, Brandon O. Sanders, 29 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Sanders was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between August and September 2023, on four separate occasions Sanders sold over 4,000 fentanyl pills.  Additional fentanyl pills, evidence of drug trafficking, a loaded firearm and $28,000 was found during a search of his residence.  Sanders has previous convictions for felony distribution of a controlled substance of and a handgun offense, and as such is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE – Brian Ray, 46 years old, of Angola, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to distribution of child sexual abuse material, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Ray was sentenced to 194 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between March and April 2023, Ray distributed images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Steuben County Indiana Sheriff’s Office, the Angola, Indiana Police Department, and the Ashley, Indiana Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

FORT WAYNE – Elliott Gruss, 34 years old, of Ossian, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Gruss was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between September and October 2019, Gruss did attempt to employ, use, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct and for the purpose of producing a live visual depiction of that conduct.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Allen County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

HAMMOND – Louis Arcuri, 55 years old, of Portage, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. 

Arcuri was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. He has been in federal custody since February 29, 2024.

According to documents in the case, Arcuri was on duty and armed as an East Chicago Police Commander on June 11, 2021, when he provided cocaine to an associate. 

"The public rightly expects that those charged with enforcing the law will themselves abide by the law.  Most law enforcement officers live up to this expectation,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “However, this defendant, while a sworn officer, violated federal law by distributing illegal drugs.  Today, the court sentenced him for his criminal activity.   This case demonstrates my office’s commitment to promoting public safety through prosecution even when the offender wears a police badge.”

"Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve and are held to the highest standards of conduct so when an officer is found to be involved in criminal activity, it undermines the public’s trust,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are firmly committed to holding officers accountable when they violate their oaths.”

“This case illustrates the level of partnerships among law enforcement to hold accountable those who violate the law, regardless of their profession,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron R. Wheeler of the Chicago Field Division. “No one is above the law, and I commend the United States Attorney’s Office for their dedication in prosecuting this case.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the East Chicago and the Whiting Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Thomas M. McGrath.

SOUTH BEND – Dorian Baker, 57 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Baker was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in February 2024, investigators recovered six firearms, large capacity magazines, over 40 grams of marijuana, and a digital scale from Baker’s bedroom. Baker has prior felony convictions, including a federal conviction for using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.  Any one of these felonies make it unlawful for him to possess the firearms in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T. Jones.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Edin Galvez, 25 years old, of Griffith, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Soliciting and Enticing the Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Soliciting and Enticing the Production of Child Pornography announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Galvez was sentenced to 210 months on his Sex Trafficking conviction and 210 Months on his Production of Child Pornography conviction.  The Court ordered these sentences to be served concurrently. 

According to documents in the case, between November 2021 and May 2022, Galvez utilized a social media application to solicit a minor to engage in a sexual act for money; $2,000.00.  Galvez also sought to entice and to persuade the minor to send him sexually explicit images and videos through the social media application. 

“This successful prosecution shows what can be accomplished when law enforcement partners with the public to combat human trafficking and child exploitation,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. “This crime would not have been uncovered without members of the public taking a stand and alerting law enforcement to harm they are seeing in their community.  We thank those community members for their courageous actions and encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such crimes to contact law enforcement authorities directly or through the National Human Trafficking Hotline.”

“The defendant’s choice to leverage his position of trust as a coach, not to safeguard the minors for whom he was responsible, but to exploit them is nothing short of reprehensible,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting our youth and aggressively pursuing offenders who perpetrate such heinous crimes against them.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Hammond Police Department and the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

HAMMOND – Shawn Edwards, 34 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to wire fraud announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Edwards was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $189,850 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, between July 2020 and September 2021, Edwards was the leader and organizer of a fraud ring which stole checks that had been placed in the care of the United States Postal Service intended to be sent to local Indiana businesses.  The payee on each stolen check was then altered so that the check could be cashed by Edwards or one of his associates.   In total, Edwards and his associates were able to cash or deposit $189,850 in stolen funds over the time period of the scheme.  Edwards’ co-defendant is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Office of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.

FORT WAYNE – Joseph R. Quinones, 31 years old, of Reno, Nevada, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Quinones was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on November 14, 2023, the Fort Wayne Police Department was dispatched to a local fast-food restaurant regarding an individual with a firearm. Quinones, upset he could not order lunch items during the breakfast service, displayed a firearm and threatened employees. Law enforcement apprehended Quinones near the restaurant and located a loaded firearm on his person.  Quinones has a prior felony conviction, as such, he is prohibited from possessing the firearm in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Ashcraft.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Brandon James, 35 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

James was sentenced to 284 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in May 2019, James agreed with others to buy methamphetamine in California to bring back to the Midwest for distribution. James provided the cash to buy bulk methamphetamine at a low price. James then flew to California with several co-conspirators, obtained more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, and loaded it into a car. As the methamphetamine was being driven across the country, the car was stopped in Missouri, and the methamphetamine was discovered.

James’ co-defendants previously received the following sentences:

Benjamin Hicks was sentenced to 292 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

Terrence Reid was sentenced to 150 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

Kelvin Franklin was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the former St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit, and the Missouri State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

HAMMOND- Devonte Hodge, 32 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was found guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (cocaine and 100 grams of heroin) and using a firearm to commit murder following a 6-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Hodge is scheduled for sentencing December 5, 2024.  Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. 

This case was investigated by the FBI/GRIT Task Force and the ATF/HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Hobart Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Gary Police Department, the Kokomo Police Department, and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Joel Mathur.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.            

FORT WAYNE–Kenneth E. Smith, 46 years old, of Marion, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Smith was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on March 12, 2020, Smith possessed crack cocaine intended for distribution.  On this same date, Smith was carrying a firearm as a means of protecting his drug trafficking activity.  Smith’s possession of the firearm was also prohibited because he was previously convicted of a felony offense. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Indiana State Police, and the Grant County Joint Effort Against Narcotics (JEAN), which is a task force composed of the Grant County Sheriff’s Department and the Marion Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.

SOUTH BEND – Guadalupe Reyes, Jr., 50 years old, a citizen of Mexico living in Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Reyes was sentenced to 235 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on three occasions between August and October 2022, Reyes oversaw the shipment of more than 3,000 fentanyl pills through the U.S. mail from the Northern District of Indiana to a buyer in Texas. Reyes participated in phone calls with the buyer to negotiate the amount and price of the pills, and then recruited and compensated co-defendant, Jerry Edwards, to mail the pills from various locations within the Northern District of Indiana.  Reyes was arrested in November 2022, after arranging a person-to-person sale of 10,000 fentanyl pills.  In total, Reyes distributed over 1,400 grams of fentanyl.

“This case demonstrates that drug traffickers will use every available means - including the U.S.  mail – to distribute their illegal product throughout the country.   My Office,  in partnership with the DEA and other agencies, will investigative and prosecute all persons who engage in the illegal narcotics trade,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “These coordinated efforts are particularly important when fentanyl, a substance that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin,  is being trafficked.”

“Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing our country. Often found in fake pills, illicit fentanyl was responsible for almost 70% of the nearly 111,000 fatal drug overdoses and poisonings in our country last year. One fake pill containing 2 milligrams of illicit fentanyl is enough to kill,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alfred A. Cooke III.  “Together with its partners from the St. Joseph County Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, South Bend Police Department, Indiana State Police, Elkhart County ICE Unit, and other federal agencies, the DEA continues its pursuit of the cruel and wicked who are fueling northern Indiana with this poison we call fentanyl. Today’s federal sentencing in South Bend should be a sign that drug trafficking – and fentanyl - are not welcomed here. The collaborative spirit among law enforcement in northern Indiana is strong and we remain committed to the destruction of drug trafficking organizations in our region.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the St. Joseph County Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Elkhart County ICE Unit and the DEA North and South-Central Laboratories.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse.

HAMMOND - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana will join community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 6, 2024. During this year’s National Night Out, United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson has directed staff to attend community events throughout the Northern District, which includes areas within Northwest Indiana, South Bend and Fort Wayne.  Staff will be meeting residents, law enforcement and first responders during this yearly event.

“Community engagement events, such as the National Night Out, are essential building blocks for stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.  “I encourage everyone to participate in your community’s National Night Out events to foster the healthy, positive community and law enforcement partnership that is the bedrock of public safety.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. 

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the United States Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

FORT WAYNE –Deshon A. Jenkins, 37 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing a controlled substance and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Jenkins was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on September 7, 2023, Jenkins distributed over 200 grams of methamphetamine. On September 29, 2023, Jenkins was apprehended and found to be in possession of over 50 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute.  At the time of his apprehension, Jenkins led officers on a high-speed chase and threw a large bag of methamphetamine from his vehicle. After Jenkins crashed his vehicle, he was taken into custody and the controlled substance was recovered.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin C. Sheridan.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

HAMMOND- Eric Crosslin, 37 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Crosslin was sentenced to 92 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Crosslin sold cocaine on six separate occasions in September and October 2020.  A search of Crosslin’s properties in Merrillville and Gary resulted in the recovery of firearms, cash, and cocaine.  Crosslin’s criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for voluntary manslaughter, intimidation while drawing/using a deadly weapon, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Gary Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.        

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Albert Smith, 47 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, six counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of federal program theft on November 1, 2023, following an eight-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Smith was sentenced to 135 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $3,030,940 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) provides housing opportunities and services to the South Bend community, managing more than 800 public housing residential units. From approximately 2015 through 2019, Smith served as the Asset Manager Director of the HASB and reported directly to the Executive Director. He was found guilty of conspiring with those at the HASB and with outside contractors to defraud the HASB. The fraud scheme involved the issuance of HASB payment checks to four outside contractors for contracting work that had not actually occurred. These contractors would then deposit the HASB payment checks, withdraw a portion of each check in cash, and hand-deliver the cash back to co-conspirators at the HASB’s main office. Smith was involved in creating hundreds of fraudulent documents to conceal the fraud.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Mr. Smith’s sentencing concludes the sentencing of those who schemed with Tonya Robinson, the former Executive Director of the South Bend Housing Authority, to steal federal housing funds to enrich themselves. Illegal schemes that purloin public money, defrauding taxpayers and jeopardizing tenants’ health and safety, will not be tolerated.  My Office has a robust partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement and we will continue to work together to hold all such federal fraudsters accountable.”  

“Federal funding for public housing should be used to help ensure all Americans have access to safe, affordable housing - not to enrich those who deprive these programs of their much-needed funding through fraud and theft,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Today’s sentence shows that those who violate the public trust will be held accountable.”

“Albert Smith and his previously sentenced co-conspirators abused their positions of trust overseeing HUD money that was intended to provide housing assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in their community. Smith engaged in an egregious false billing and kickback scheme, lining his own pockets with scarce taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Machelle Jindra with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “The sentence handed down today serves as a warning to those willing to commit fraud involving HUD-funded programs that HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our Department of Justice, prosecutorial, law enforcement and oversight partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”

"Today's sentencing of Albert Smith underscores the grave consequences of public servants who abuse public office,” said Ramsey Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Public servants hold a sacred trust to serve the public with integrity. When they engage in criminal activities, they not only break the law but also erode public confidence in our institutions. This sentence reaffirms IRS CI and its fellow law enforcement partners’ commitment to holding such individuals accountable and restoring trust in our government.”

Smith’s co-defendants who were previously convicted received the following sentences:

Tonya Robinson was sentenced to a total term of 108 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $3,236,949.97 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Tyreisha Robinson was sentenced to time served, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $363,122.00 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Douglas Donley was sentenced to a total term of 27 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $303,920.00 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Archie Robinson III was sentenced to a total term of 6 months of imprisonment, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,152,636.00 in restitution to victims of the offense.

Ronald Taylor, Jr. was sentenced to a total term of 44 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,714,956.87 in restitution to victims of the offense.

This case was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander, Joel Gabrielse, and Jerome W. McKeever.

HAMMOND – Kyle L. Miotke, 22 years old, of Englewood, Colorado, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Miotke was sentenced to 240 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on multiple occasions between October 18, 2021, and June 15, 2022, Miotke produced sexually explicit images of a minor by employing, using, and inducing the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indianapolis Field Office/Lafayette Resident Agency, with assistance from the Lafayette Police Department, the Tippecanoe County High Tech Crime Unit, and the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

HAMMOND- Frank Stork, 45 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Stork was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on January 3, 2021, law enforcement observed Stork driving a vehicle while committing multiple traffic violations.  When they stopped him, he physically resisted the officers.  A loaded .45 caliber firearm which had been reported stolen in 2019 was recovered from the vehicle.  Stork’s criminal history revealed he had six prior felony convictions, any one of which prohibited him from possessing the firearm.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force with assistance from the Hobart Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.        

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Gustavo Adolfo Calderon Martinez, 28, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distribution of heroin, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Calderon Martinez was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Calderon Martinez was distributing heroin, cocaine, and other drugs supplied directly from Mexico.  On several occasions in April and May 2022, he sold cocaine and heroin to law enforcement, offering kilogram quantities for sale.  He obtained drug loads from Mexico, and utilized another individual’s Fort Wayne residence as a stash house to store and package drugs for sale.  A search resulted in the seizure of  about 60 pounds of marijuana, over 670 grams of heroin, and almost 3.75 kilograms of cocaine at the stash house, and about three ounces of cocaine and $10,000 cash at his residence.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

FORT WAYNE –Travis D. Napoleon, 30 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to two counts of providing false information during the purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Napoleon was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between April 2021, and March 2023, Napoleon knowingly made false and fictitious statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of several firearms.  Napoleon then transferred at least four of these firearms to individuals, who by law, were prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Late yesterday, Tywan Church, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Church was sentenced to 190 months imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on three separate occasions in September and October 2022, law enforcement purchased cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine from Church at a Fort Wayne motel where he was living. A later search of his motel room yielded additional quantities of cocaine base, methamphetamine, fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, and other drugs. Evidence of drug trafficking as well as a firearm was also found in his room.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the Indiana State Police and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Robin Hood, 59 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Hood was sentenced to 12 months in prison, 1 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $549,000 in restitution to the victim of the offense.

According to documents in the case, between 2016 and 2021, Hood embezzled at least $549,000.00 from her employer. Hood issued checks to herself and transferred money to herself from her employer’s accounts for funds to which she was not entitled.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

FORT WAYNE –Jeffrey Stevens, 42 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to transmission of a threat in interstate commerce, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Stevens was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in November 2023, Stevens utilized a social media platform to transmit a message to the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The message contained a threat to kill individuals of Jewish faith with the suggestion that there was nothing the local police could do about it. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Maciejczyk.

SOUTH BEND – Allory Smith, 42 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Smith was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in January 2023, Smith sold a rifle, a handgun, and ammunition to a buyer in the Michigan City area. Smith referred to the rifle as a “real license to kill” because he believed it had previously been reported stolen. Smith has several prior felony convictions, any one of which prohibit him from possessing the firearms in this case.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County VICE Unit (LCVICE).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

FORT WAYNE –Zachary D. Barnes, 32 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Barnes was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between September 2020, and March 2022, Barnes conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Roy Skeens, 40 years old, of Wabash County, Indiana, was found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Skeens is scheduled for sentencing on October 17, 2024. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, the Kosciusko County SWAT Team, the South Bend Police Department, and the Indiana Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joseph P. Falvey.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Tyrone Johnson, 36 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after a jury found him guilty of crimes against children offenses, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to 390 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, following a two-day trial in August 2023, a jury found Johnson guilty of two counts charged in the Second Superseding Indictment. Specifically, Johnson was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. He was also convicted of committing a felony offense involving a minor while being required by law to register as a sex offender.

United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson said, “Outcomes such as today’s sentencing are only possible when we have an alert and engaged public that willingly joins with law enforcement to prosecute those who would harm the most vulnerable members of our community.  I want to thank our partners both within law enforcement and in the general public who helped bring this Defendant to justice and I encourage and implore anyone who suspects a child is being harmed to take action and report it to law enforcement.”

“Today, justice was served as the court handed down a fittingly significant sentence to Johnson for his involvement in the egregious crime of producing child pornography,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “This decision underscores the profound gravity of such abhorrent acts and reaffirms HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police (ICAC and Digital Forensics Lab), the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Special Victims Unit (Indiana), the Peru Police Department (Illinois), the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office (Illinois), the City of LaSalle (Illinois) Police Department and the Illinois State Police Offender Registration Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Morgan and Philip Benson, as well as former Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi, Molly Kelley and Jill Koster.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.