Southern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Labor Union Treasurer Convicted After Embezzling More Than $91,000 over Six YearsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Matthew Archer, 59, of McCordsville, Indiana, has been convicted of wire fraud.
According to court documents, from 2006 to December of 2019, Matthew Archer served as the treasurer for an industrial union (the Union) located in Indianapolis, Indiana. As part of his employment, Archer was responsible for maintaining the Union’s bank accounts and records.
On multiple occasions between 2013 and 2019, Archer illegally transferred funds from the Union’s bank account into his personal bank accounts. Between 2017 and 2019, Archer also electronically transferred funds from the Union’s bank account into his own to pay his personal car loan.
Additionally, in 2018 and 2019, Archer submitted fraudulent Labor Organization Annual Reports to the Department of Labor. On these forms, Archer falsely reported the Union’s assets and overstated how much money was in its bank account. On both occasions, Archer reported that the Union had $151,000 available when it actually had less than $11,000.
To conceal his scheme, Archer created fraudulent bank statements that overstated how much money was in the Union’s accounts and forged the signatures of the Union’s auditors on internal reports.
In total, Archer embezzled $91,951.86 from the Union, and has been ordered to repay the stolen funds as restitution.
“For years, this defendant lied and abused his position of trust to line his own pockets at the expense of the union and members he was supposed to serve,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This prosecution demonstrates that the Department of Labor and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are watching, and those who embezzle funds will be held accountable.”
“Safeguarding financial integrity and combating fraud in labor unions is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Megan Ireland, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “Most union officials do their work with great care, but Matthew Archer betrayed the trust placed in him by the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and embezzled over $91,000 from LIUNA Local 1325, at the expense of LIUNA and its members. OLMS continuously works to identify criminal violations and pursue legal action when individuals unlawfully exploit their union positions without regard to the best interests of the union and its members.”
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus Stinson. Archer has been ordered to pay $82,462.02 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
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Violent, Wanted Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison After Firing Shot into Ceiling of Hotel Room in During Standoff with SWAT TeamRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Michael Dennis, 38, of Kokomo, Indiana, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 20, 2021, investigators with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office attempted to arrest Dennis on several outstanding warrants while he was staying at a Baymont Hotel in Kokomo. Dennis refused to let officers into the room and informed them that he had a gun.
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to the scene and made several attempts to get Dennis to exit the room. Officers eventually emitted pepper spray under the door. Dennis told officers “if you spray that s**t one more time, I am going to shoot,” at which point, he fired a shot into the ceiling of the hotel room.
After several hours of negotiations, Dennis exited the room and was safely taken into custody. Officers located a 9mm pistol inside the room.
Dennis is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his multiple previous felony convictions including Criminal Recklessness, Strangulation, and Battery on a Child.
The sentence was announced by Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division and Jerry Asher, Howard County Sheriff.
“Every day, law enforcement officers do their duty to protect their public, knowing they may encounter a violent offender with a gun,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We have seen far too many tragedies in Indiana, and across the country when, law enforcement officers encounter criminals with a history of domestic violence and a gun in their hands. It is a testament to the skill, professionalism, and training of the responding Howard County Deputies that this defendant was arrested without injury to the public, law enforcement officers, or himself. The sentence imposed today demonstrates the commitment of our office, the ATF, and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from these dangerous offenders.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Dennis be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison and be subject to a $1,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
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.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers Announces Implementation of New Voluntary Self-Disclosure PolicyRead the Press Release
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced that the Southern District of Indiana has implemented the new United States Attorney’s Offices’ Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy released yesterday. The policy, which is effective immediately, details the circumstances under which a company will be considered to have made a voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) of misconduct to a United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), and provides transparency and predictability to companies and the defense bar concerning the concrete benefits and potential outcomes in cases where companies voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, fully cooperate and timely and appropriately remediate.
“Accountability for businesses and individual wrongdoers are important priorities in our efforts to combat corporate crime,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “Businesses in America benefit greatly from the protections and opportunities afforded by our rule of law--and must abide by it. This new national Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy for all U.S. Attorney’s Offices provides more predictable outcomes and incentivizes companies to do the right thing when wrongdoing is uncovered. Companies and their counsel should take note: honest businesses that voluntarily self-disclose criminal activity when it is discovered, fully cooperate with investigations and prosecutions, and remediate their criminal conduct, will fare far better than those that do not.”
The goal of the policy is to standardize how VSDs are defined and credited by USAOs nationwide, and to incentivize companies to maintain effective compliance programs capable of identifying misconduct, to expeditiously and voluntarily disclose and remediate misconduct, and to cooperate fully with the government in corporate criminal investigations. The policy was developed pursuant to the Deputy Attorney General’s September 15, 2022 memorandum, “Further Revisions to Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policies Following Discussions with Corporate Crime Advisory Group” (Monaco Memo), which directed each Department of Justice (DOJ) component that prosecutes corporate crime to review its policies on corporate voluntary self-disclosure and, if there was no formal written policy to incentivize self-disclosure, draft and publicly share such a policy.
Under the new VSD policy, a company is considered to have made a VSD if it becomes aware of misconduct by employees or agents before that misconduct is publicly reported or otherwise known to the DOJ, and discloses all relevant facts known to the company about the misconduct to a USAO in a timely fashion prior to an imminent threat of disclosure or government investigation. A company that voluntarily self-discloses as defined in the policy and fully meets the other requirements of the policy, by—in the absence of any aggravating factor—fully cooperating and timely and appropriately remediating the criminal conduct (including agreeing to pay all disgorgement, forfeiture, and restitution resulting from the misconduct), will receive significant benefits, including that the USAO will not seek a corporate guilty plea; may choose not to impose any criminal penalty, and in any event will not impose a criminal penalty that is greater than 50% below the low end of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) fine range; and will not seek the imposition of an independent compliance monitor if the company demonstrates that it has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
The policy identifies three aggravating factors that may warrant a USAO seeking a corporate guilty plea even if the other requirements of the VSD policy are met: (1) if the misconduct poses a grave threat to national security, public health, or the environment; (2) if the misconduct is deeply pervasive throughout the company; or (3) if the misconduct involved current executive management of the company. The presence of an aggravating factor does not necessarily mean that a guilty plea will be required; instead, the USAO will assess the relevant facts and circumstances to determine the appropriate resolution. If a guilty plea is ultimately required, the company will still receive the other benefits under the VSD policy, including that the USAO will recommend a criminal penalty of at least a 50% and up to a 75% reduction off the low end of the USSG fine range, and that the USAO will not require the appointment of a monitor if the company has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
In cases where a company is being jointly prosecuted by a USAO and another DOJ component, or where the misconduct reported by the company falls within the scope of conduct covered by VSD policies administered by other DOJ components, the USAO will coordinate with, or, if necessary, obtain approval from, the DOJ component responsible for the VSD policy specific to the reported misconduct when considering a potential resolution. Consistent with relevant provisions of the Justice Manual and as allowable under alternate VSD policies, the USAO may choose to apply any provision of an alternate VSD policy in addition to, or in place of, any provision of its policy.
The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), under the leadership of United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, requested that the White Collar Fraud Subcommittee of the AGAC, under the leadership of United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, develop policies in response to the Deputy AG’s memo. U.S. Attorney Myers sits on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s White Collar Crime subcommittee.
The policy announced today was prepared by a Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policy Working Group comprised of U.S. Attorneys from geographically diverse districts, including U.S. Attorney Peace, as well as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Clare Connors, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Stephanie Hinds, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Christopher Kavanaugh, and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip Sellinger. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Riedel, White Collar Crimes Coordinator for the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, also participated in the development of the policy.
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Richmond Woman Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Amber Bailey, 41, of Richmond, Indiana, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
According to court documents, in September of 2020, the FBI began investigating Bailey after she distributed 25 grams of a fentanyl mixture and 9 grams of methamphetamine to another individual. On October 8, 2020, Bailey helped an accomplice distribute 54 grams of methamphetamine and 6 grams of a fentanyl mixture to the same individual.
On November 5, 2020, FBI investigators served a search warrant at Bailey’s Richmond residence. During the course of the search, investigators found 6 grams of a fentanyl mixture, a 9mm handgun and ammunition, $500 in cash, and lactose, a known cutting agent for dilution of controlled substances.
“The increase in fentanyl overdoses in our neighborhoods is a crisis—drug poisonings are now the leading cause of death for Americans 18 to 45 years old. The defendant had a direct hand in pushing this poison into our community,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed fentanyl traffickers are a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. With our federal, state, and local partners, we are committed to dismantling these operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”
“Fentanyl has become a serious and life-threatening problem in Indiana,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Indianapolis Office. “The FBI will join with all our federal, state, and local partners as often as possible to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the Wayne County Drug Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Bailey be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following her release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
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Castleton Man Sentenced to over 3 Years for String of Three Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Richard Gammon, 26, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to committing three bank robberies.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2020, Gammon entered a Fifth Third Bank on East 82nd Street in Indianapolis and approached the teller. Gammon showed the teller a cellphone with text on the screen that displayed words to the effect of “give me all the 100s and 50s in your drawer. No sudden moves. No alarms and no one will get hurt.” The teller complied and gave Gammon approximately $1,000 from the drawer.
On January 19, 2021, Gammon robbed the Regions Bank on 82nd Street in Indianapolis. Once again, Gammon showed the teller a cellphone with text on the screen that displayed words to the effect of “Give me all the money in the top drawer. Don’t trip any alarms or signal or message anyone.” The teller complied and gave Gammon $1,360 from the drawer.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigators determined the two robberies were likely committed by the same offender. Police later received two Crime-Stoppers tips identifying Gammon as the robbery suspect and began an investigation, which was joined by the FBI.
On the morning of April 11, 2021, Gammon entered the PNC Bank located on 96th street in Fishers, Indiana. Gammon asked the teller about opening an account, and then showed them his phone which displayed a message to the effect of “Give me 5000 dollars. All big bills. No alarm. No button.” The teller complied and gave Gammon $760.
Investigators were able to locate Gammon soon after the PNC Bank robbery, and followed him to his Castleton apartment building, where he was taken into custody. Investigators executed a search warrant at Gammons’ apartment and recovered some of the bills he stole that morning.
“Bank robbery is a very serious crime that carries very serious consequences,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The sentence imposed today demonstrates the commitment of federal and local law enforcement agencies to protect the public from repeat criminals like this defendant. I am grateful to the FBI, IMPD, and Fishers Police Department for their persistence in identifying this serial robber and holding him accountable.”
“This sentence is the culmination of the investigative collaboration between agencies to ensure that this violent individual was held fully accountable for his actions,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “It should send a clear message that robbing financial institutions in the state of Indiana will have one final outcome - a long sentence in federal prison.”
IMPD and FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Fishers Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Gammon be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. Gammon must also pay restitution of $1,000 to Fifth Third Bank and $1,360 to Regions Bank.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Peter A. Blackett, who prosecuted this case.
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Fifteen Members of Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club Conspiracy Sentenced to a Total of over 155 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Jesse Wilson, 37, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for his part in a larger conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Wilson is the last of fifteen members of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Evansville. Central Holman, IV, 31, of Owensboro, Kentucky was the main source of methamphetamine for the conspiracy, whose ringleaders were Gary Forston, 42, and Jason Kyle Wilson, 45, both of Evansville. Many of the defendants were members and associates of the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club.
“The members of this conspiracy will spend many years in federal prison for pumping large quantities of methamphetamine onto our streets,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Methamphetamine use devastates so many families and kills hundreds of Hoosiers every year. That’s why we will work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to dismantle armed organizations trafficking in deadly drugs. The sentences imposed in this case demonstrate our commitment to protecting the public from these dangerous criminals.”
“Drugs destroy communities by themselves, but the deadly results are compounded as criminal enterprises use firearms enforce their illegal trade.” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to lock up those putting poison into our community.”
“Individuals like Mr. Wilson who are part of a violent methamphetamine trafficking organization must be held accountable for their actions. The DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local and federal partners in order to keep our communities safe,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “The DEA commends the outstanding work of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police Department, Owensboro, KY Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the countless hours spent bringing these individuals to justice.”
According to court documents, beginning in at least 2018, Central Holman, IV, served as the main source of supply of methamphetamine for the conspiracy, while Gary Forston and Jason Kyle Wilson served as ring leaders of the conspiracy to distribute to mid and low-level distributors.
The investigation began in 2019 when law enforcement officers arrested Jason Kyle Wilson for the armed dealing of methamphetamine in Evansville, Indiana. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that Holman first began distributing methamphetamine to Jason Wilson and Clarence Grubbs in late 2018 or early 2019. Holman resided in Owensboro, Kentucky and often met members of the conspiracy there or in Evansville to distribute the methamphetamine. Holman distributed approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine to members of the conspiracy in 2019 and at least 50 pounds in 2018.
Once they acquired the drug, Forston and Wilson distributed the methamphetamine to mid-level distributors, Adam Lafferty, Shane Lewis, James Benton, Brian Eden, Paul Overby, Kimberly Wilson, Jesse Wilson, Matthew Meredith, Clarence Grubbs, Daniel Wiscaver, and April Martin. Among the locations used to distribute and receive money for the substances was The Grim Reapers Motorcycle Clubhouse located on East Diamond Avenue in Evansville.
Law enforcement officers seized over 20 firearms and over $10,000 in United States currency during the course of the investigation. The conspiracy was responsible for over 80 pounds of methamphetamine distributed in the Southern District of Indiana. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently in litigation to seeking to forfeit the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Clubhouse as the proceeds and instrumentality of criminal conduct.
As of today, all 15 defendants have been sentenced as follows:
DEFENDANT
OFFENSES
SENTENCE
Central Holman IV, 31, Owensboro, KY.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,
21 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Gary Wayne Forston, 42, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine
16 years’ imprisonment
5 supervised release
Jason Kyle Wilson, 45, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Felon in Possession of a Firearm
18 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Adam Lafferty, 41, Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
10 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Shane Lewis, 35, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Providing a Firearm to a Prohibited Person
12.5 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
James Benton, 69, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
5 years’ imprisonment
3 years supervised release
Brian Eden, 43, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
12.5 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Paul Overby, 48, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine
15 years’ imprisonment
7 years supervised release
Kimberly Wilson, 41, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
7.25 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Jesse Wilson, 37, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
8 years’ imprisonment
3 years supervised release
Matthew Meredith, 43, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
11 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Clarence Grubbs, 51, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
16 years’ imprisonment
5 years supervised release
Daniel Wiscaver, 64, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
Time served
3 years supervised release
April Martin, 51, Evansville, IN.
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
3 years’ imprisonment
2 years supervised release
Derek Sander, 51, Evansville, IN.
Providing a Firearm to a Prohibited Person
Time served
3 years supervised release
ATF and DEA Evansville investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.
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.
See previous press release here.
Two Multi-State Methamphetamine Traffickers Sentenced to a Combined Fifteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Christopher Stafford, 37, of Princeton, Indiana and Donnell White, 47, of Louisville, Kentucky have been sentenced to 5 and 10 years in federal prison, respectively. Both defendants pled guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, between November 6 and 22 of 2019, Christopher Stafford and Donell White conspired together to possess and distribute between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine ice.
On November 20, 2019, law enforcement officers pulled Stafford over in Princeton, Indiana. During the traffic stop, officers searched the vehicle and located approximately 190 grams of methamphetamine. When interviewed by police, Stafford admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine that he purchased from Donnell White over a prior, two-week period.
On November 22, 2019, White agreed to sell one pound of methamphetamine to Stafford for $3,800. White agreed to deliver the substances from Louisville, Kentucky to Stafford’s residence in Gibson County, Indiana. On the same day, Stafford was stopped by law enforcement officers on Interstate 64. During the traffic stop, officers located approximately one pound of methamphetamine in Stafford’s vehicle.
The sentence was announced by Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Indianapolis Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Doug Carter, Superintendent of the Indiana State Police, and Derek McGraw, Chief of Police for the Princeton Police Department.
“Methamphetamine has devastating, and sometimes deadly, effects on users, their families, and our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Concerted efforts to bring this deadly drug across state lines and into our district will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to find those responsible for significant drug trafficking and hold them accountable in federal court.”
“The sentencing of Mr. Stafford and Mr. White send an important message that drug traffickers will be held accountable for selling poison on our streets. It is a big win for law enforcement when we can stop highly addictive drugs, such as methamphetamine, from reaching our communities and causing harm,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state and local partners to keep our communities safe. DEA commends the outstanding work of the Princeton Police Department, Indiana State Police and the United States Attorney’s Office during the course of this investigation.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Princeton Indiana Police Department and Indiana State Police. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that both Stafford and White be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 and 5 years, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.
Rushville Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DealingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jacqueline Anderson, 37, of Rushville, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2021, Rush County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped Jacqueline Anderson after observing a traffic violation. As officers were running Anderson’s information through their database, a K9 officer indicated the presence of drugs in Anderson’s Chevy Blazer. Deputies asked Anderson to remove the keys that were around her neck. Attached to the keys were brass knuckles and a zipper pouch containing methamphetamine.
Deputies searched the vehicle and located numerous sealed bags of pure methamphetamine on the rear passenger floorboard. Deputies also located two scales in the vehicle. In all, Anderson possessed approximately 267 grams of pure methamphetamine and intended to distribute the drugs to others.
In 2017, Anderson was convicted of Arson, a serious violent felony, in Henry County, Indiana.
The sentence was announced by said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Indianapolis Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Rush County Sheriff Allan Rice.
“Methamphetamine dealers like this defendant fuel the scourge of substance abuse disorders and drug poisonings afflicting our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that law enforcement agencies will hold criminals accountable for pushing deadly drugs in our neighborhoods. We will continue to work with our excellent partners in the Rush County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA to make our communities safer.”
“The sentencing of Ms. Anderson was justified. Individuals who deal large quantities of debilitating drugs such as methamphetamine must be held accountable for their actions,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state and local partners to keep our communities safe. DEA commends the outstanding work by the Rush County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Attorney’s Office during the course of this investigation.”
The DEA and Rush County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Anderson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following her release from federal prison, and be subject to a $500.00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick G. Gibson, who prosecuted this case.
Final Defendant in Anderson and Indianapolis Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, “Operation Glass Box,” Found Guilty on All CountsRead the Press Release
Indianapolis- A federal jury has found Charles House, 40, of Anderson, Indiana, guilty on all twelve counts, including attempting to traffic methamphetamine, trafficking in over 100 kilograms of marijuana, and illegally possessing twelve firearms.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, in October 2018, the Madison County Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into Charles House’s drug trafficking organization. House traveled to California to purchase narcotics and then mailed the narcotics to multiple addresses in Anderson, Indiana. The drugs were then redistributed by co-conspirators Sean Brown and Marcus Hayes-Patterson in Anderson. Tommy Compton was House’s Indianapolis source of supply for marijuana. Defendants facilitated their drug trafficking activities through the use of cellular phones and often used code words to try to conceal their illegal activities.
“Armed traffickers of deadly drugs are a menace to our communities and fuel our crisis of substance use disorders,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Anderson and Indianapolis residents are safer today because this drug trafficking organization has been dismantled and its participants are off our streets. I commend our federal and local law enforcement partners for their efforts to hold these drug dealers accountable and get their drugs and guns out of our neighborhoods.”
“Any time large amounts of illegal drugs can be removed from the streets in order to keep our communities safe, it is a win,” said FB Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “This clearly demonstrates that through agencies working together to target those engaged in drug trafficking, criminal organizations such as this can be identified and shut down.”
“Local law enforcement has had many interactions with Charles House stemming back several years,” said Chief Michael Lee of the Anderson Police Department. “We appreciate and value our relationship with the FBI, which has allowed us to remove Charles House and his criminal associates from our Anderson and Madison County communities.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Anderson Police Department, Madison County Drug Task Force, and Muncie Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker presided over the trial. House faces up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has yet to be determined. A federal district court judge will determine the actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This prosecution is 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.
Previous press release here.
Louisville Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY- Christopher Hill, 35, of Louisville Kentucky, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Hill was convicted on all charged counts at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on November 5, 2020, Jeffersonville Police (JPD) Officers stopped Christopher Hill for a suspected traffic violation. At the time, Hill was the subject of two outstanding arrest warrants from Louisville, Kentucky, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for crimes of violence involving drug trafficking. During the arrest, two baggies filled with approximately 101.6 grams of methamphetamine fell from Hill’s pocket. A further search of Hill’s vehicle uncovered multiple cellular devices, marijuana, and $5,000 in cash. Further investigation revealed that Hill used Facebook messages to advertise that he had controlled substances for sale, and used Facebook and text messaging to arrange drug transactions.
“Drug dealers must be held accountable for the harm that their methamphetamine does to people and families impacted by substance use disorders,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The sentence imposed here reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the need to protect the community. I commend the work of the FBI and the Jeffersonville Police Department for their efforts to get this meth trafficker off our streets.”
The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Jeffersonville Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Chief Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Hill be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William L. McCoskey and Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
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
Indianapolis Man Indicted for Making False Statements to Federal Officers About the Armed Robbery of a Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Carl Davis, 24, of Indianapolis, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for making false statements to the United States Postal Inspection Service. The indictment was unsealed on February 13, 2022, following Davis’s arrest and initial appearance.
According to court documents, on April 8, 2022, Carl Davis falsely claimed to members of the United States Postal Inspection Service that he had witnessed the April 1, 2022, armed robbery of a postal worker. Davis provided the name of an individual who he claimed was the robber and stated that the alleged robber later confessed to Davis that he had committed the robbery. At the time Davis made these statements to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, he knew they were false because he did not witness the robbery and the person Davis claimed was responsible never confessed to Davis.
If convicted of making false statements, Davis faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine the actual sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Rodney Hopkins, Inspector-in-Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Detroit Division, made the announcement.
This case was a result of an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman, who is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for 13 Year-Long Scheme to Embezzle Nearly $600,000 from Catholic Church and SchoolRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Marie Carson, 72, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, from 2008 to 2021, Carson illegally transferred approximately $573,836.59 from the business accounts of a Catholic church and related school in Indianapolis to her own personal bank accounts. During these thirteen years, Carson was employed at the parish as a business manager and was responsible for processing checks received from parishioners, conducting financial transactions on behalf of the church and school, and was the sole staff member in charge of managing the parish’s finances.
Carson’s scheme was exposed in November of 2021, when she was on leave from her position. Carson’s temporary replacement noticed suspicious transfers from the parish’s gaming account to an external bank account. Further investigation led to the location of over $289,000 in transfers to multiple accounts, including a phantom account created in the church’s name.
Carson was able to maintain the scheme by making false entries into the database used by the parish to track payments. A significant amount of money was used by Carson and her husband for casino gambling and an annual, month-long vacation to Florida.
The actual monetary loss is likely much higher, as Carson admitted to church officials that she began this scheme in 2004.
“For more than thirteen years, this defendant abused her position of trust to embezzle money from parishioners intended for a church and school,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Her greed and desire for lavish vacations outweighed her interest in following the dictates of our criminal laws and the teachings of her church, ‘thou shalt not steal.’ The sentence imposed today sends a clear message to those who might seek to steal, defraud, and embezzle: we will find you, you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable.”
“This scheme was fueled by pure greed. For more than a decade, the defendant abused the trust of the church and its parishioners to line her own pocket,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “While she may have benefited in the short term, in the end this perpetrator’s deception landed her behind bars. The FBI and our partners will continue to identify and investigate those who engage in these types of illegal schemes and hold them accountable.”
The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Chief Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Carson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following her release from federal prison and that she pay $573,836.59 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case.
Frankfort Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material via PlatoRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jonathan P. Colson, 52, of Frankfort, Indiana, was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing and possessing child sex abuse material depicting prepubescent children.
According to court documents, from April 2018 to April 2020, Colson utilized the chat feature of the online gaming platform, Plato, to send sexually explicit messages describing child sex abuse material to another individual. During those online conversations, Colson bragged that he was molesting children in his family. Colson also distributed child sex abuse material to the individual. The individual contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement officers identified the user of the online gaming application as Colson and recovered the messages and images that Colson had sent and distributed to the individual using Plato.
On August 20, 2020, law enforcement officers searched Colson’s home pursuant to a federal search warrant, and recovered several devices used by Colson to download, distribute, and possess child sex abuse material. The images and videos that Colson distributed and possessed included depictions of children as young as 10 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
“Criminals like this defendant exploit the perceived anonymity of online gaming platforms to further their sexual interest in children,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Pedophiles who believe they can continue to trade horrific images of child sexual abuse online are sorely mistaken. The sentence imposed today shows that these offenders will be identified and will be removed from our communities.”
“While no amount of time in federal prison can undo the damage this predator did to his young victims, it should send a strong message to others who would engage in criminal sexual activity that the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those who would victimize young children,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton.
The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Indiana State Police. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane M. Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Colson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison and pay $5,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Colson must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recovers $2 Million from Autism Therapy Provider for Alleged False Healthcare Claims in District’s Largest TRICARE SettlementRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana has recovered $2,000,000 for taxpayers as part of a civil settlement with an Indiana autism therapy provider, ABA Programming Inc., Applied Behavior Center for Autism, and its owner, Sherry Michael (“ABCA”). ABCA is a provider of applied behavior analysis services for clients with autism throughout Indiana. The settlement will resolve allegations that ABCA submitted false claims to the TRICARE and Indiana Medicaid programs.
TRICARE is a health insurance system for members of the uniformed services and their families. It serves millions of beneficiaries, including many Hoosier families. Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It is jointly funded by federal and state governments.
ABCA is a healthcare provider operating in multiple locations throughout the State of Indiana. It provides applied behavior analysis services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Sherry Michael is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABCA.
According to a settlement agreement between the United States, the State of Indiana, and ABCA, the government maintained that ABCA submitted false claims to the government through several fraudulent billing schemes. These schemes included submitting upcoded, concurrent, and duplicate claims, claims for services not covered by TRICARE, and claims already paid by third-party sources.
Specifically, ABCA submitted claims to TRICARE and Medicaid for Analyst and Technician services rendered concurrently to the same patient, on the same date of service, upcoded claims for services rendered by Technicians, and submitted claims for group therapy services when the services were not covered by TRICARE. ABCA also submitted claims to Medicaid for group therapy services improperly billed as direct one-on-one provider therapy and claims already paid by third-party sources, namely TRICARE and the Indiana CareSource marketplace, without indicating to Medicaid that the claims had already been paid.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Defense – Office of the Inspector General (“DOD-OIG”), Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“Indiana MFCU”), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office.
Based on the investigation, the estimated loss to the Medicaid program was $348,194.60 and the estimated loss to TRICARE was $626,795.90. ABCA has agreed to pay $2,000,000 to the United States and the State of Indiana to resolve the government’s allegations, which includes double damages and some of the government’s investigative costs. This settlement is the largest TRICARE settlement ever collected in the Southern District of Indiana.
“Waste, fraud, and abuse in healthcare claims wrongfully take funds intended to provide needed care to our military and Medicaid families,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Behavioral services providers must not exploit the needs of patients and families living with autism spectrum disorder to claim public funds to which they are not entitled. Our office is committed to working with our partners with the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to protect taxpayer money and ensure that providers comply with the law.”
“Health care providers who seek to defraud TRICARE and profit at the expense of patients under their care, particularly those with special needs, should be held fully accountable,” stated Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Today’s settlement demonstrates the commitment of DCIS, along with our partners, to safeguard critical resources for the health and well-being of our military members, their families, and retirees, who deserve the best care available.”
“Behavioral analysis services for children, and other Medicaid beneficiaries, are of crucial importance to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our office is committed to working together with our law enforcement partners to hold those to account for fraud in these, and other, Federal health care programs.”
“These programs are designed to help our most vulnerable Hoosiers,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “Parents and families across the state rely on the aid of autism therapy providers to better care for their loved ones. By submitting false claims, the Applied Behavior Center for Autism deprived low-income families, disabled people, and pregnant mothers of adequate funding. We are fighting back to ensure taxpayers are protected and the Medicaid funds are being used to benefit those in need."
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Olson, who prosecuted this case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. In agreeing to the settlement terms, ABCA denied all liability under the False Claims Act. In investigating the case, HHS-OIG, DOD-OIG, and MFCU did not uncover any evidence of injury or harm to patients as a result of the alleged conduct.
Five Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Perpetrating Nationwide “Grandparent Scam” Fraud Against over 68 VictimsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Five people have been convicted and sentenced to prison for their roles in a nationwide fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens. Following a years-long investigation, each defendant pled guilty to mail fraud and money laundering charges. Investigators identified over 68 victims of the defendants’ crimes and identified losses totaling over $683,464. The federal court imposed the following sentences:
Defendant
Prison Sentence
Darlens Renard, 31
North Lauderdale, Florida
78 months
Jasaun Pope, 30
Valley Stream, New York
97 months
Princess Elizer, 30
Dallas, Georgia
41 months
Jennifer Glemeau, 28
Marietta Georgia
30 months
Kareem Brown, 30
North Baldwin, New York
36 months
According to court documents, from at least April 2020 and continuing for roughly 11 months, the defendants and other co-conspirators targeted and exploited the elderly and their relationships with their relatives for personal financial gain. Known as a “grandparent scam,” this criminal network exploited elderly Americans’ love for their family members making them believe a close relative was in extreme danger and inducing them to send thousands of dollars to “help.”
The defendants’ role in the scheme was to retrieve, transport, and launder the money the elderly victims were induced to send. The defendants traveled to cities throughout the United States to identify unoccupied houses where overnight packages could be sent and retrieved without detection, and then relay those addresses to their co-conspirators. Those co-conspirators then placed phone calls to seniors in Indiana and around the country claiming that their grandchild or other relative had an urgent legal or medical problem and needed money immediately. The caller, who often claimed to be an attorney, police officer, or other authority figure, told the victim to send an overnight delivery of cash—typically between $5,000 and $15,000—to the address the defendants provided. The defendants tracked the overnight package of cash to the address, picked it up shortly after delivery, and then took their cut of the proceeds before sharing it with their co-conspirators.
For example, according to court documents, one of the victims, age 82, from Crawfordsville, Indiana, was falsely told that her daughter had been in an accident and was in legal trouble because a gun was found in her vehicle. In addition to asking for money urgently, the caller allegedly told the victim that there was a “gag order” in her daughter’s case, to prevent the victim from contacting law enforcement or other family members. Concerned for her daughter’s welfare, the Crawfordsville victim sent a total of $12,500 in cash to the defendants.
Each defendant was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution to the victims for their roles in the scheme, and each was ordered to serve between one and three years of supervised release following their release from prison.
The Metro Drug Task Force, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. The investigation was supported by the Baltimore Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and state and local law enforcement partners in Orleans, Massachusetts; Bartonville, Illinois; Starkville, Mississippi; New York, New York; Ossining, New York; Westchester County, New York; Delaware County, Ohio; Hermantown, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Sumter County, South Carolina; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Sumner County, Tennessee; Hurst, Texas; and Richmond, Virginia.
“These scams ruthlessly exploited older Americans and their concern for their loved ones,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Each of these defendants will have years in federal prison to reflect on how their scheme harmed the seniors they targeted. These sentences demonstrate the ongoing commitment of our office, and our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute these despicable elder fraud schemes.”
“These defendants and their co-conspirators preyed on the good nature of people. The sentences in this case reinforce the justice system’s intolerance for people who take advantage of others”, said IRS-CI Chicago Field Office Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to working with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, local, and international levels to find and prosecute people who scam others out of their hard-earned money.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to investigating fraudulent imposter schemes designed to defraud innocent victims,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge, Detroit Division. “Combating fraud schemes is a priority of the Postal Inspection Service given that a significant amount of the money in these frauds is sent through the United States mail. We are actively taking steps to educate Americans about the dangers of frauds that target our elderly citizens.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Nicholas J. Linder who prosecuted this case.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors, and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement Resolving Allegations that Charter Jet Service Repeatedly Violated Aviation Safety RegulationsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A Myers, announced today that Indy Jet Management, LLC and associated parties, Gary Aletto, GSA Investment, Inc., AirXL, LLC, Excel 2 LLC, Excel 3 LLC, Excel 4 LLC, CJI LLC, Indy Bravo LLC, Bradley Cable, and Citation Management LLC (“AirXL et al.”), have agreed to resolve allegations that they conducted illegal charter flights.
The settlement resolves allegations that between March 2017 and February 2018, Indy Jet Management operated approximately 168 paid passenger-carrying flights in violation of Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) safety regulations.
The FAA recognizes two types of leases of aircraft: “wet leases,” in which a charter jet company provides an aircraft and crew, and “dry leases,” in which an aviation leasing company leases only an aircraft—and the lessee is responsible for obtaining its own pilots and services. The FAA requires charter jet companies that provide aircraft and crew to their customers through “wet leases” to obtain operating or air carrier certificates. These charter jet companies must also ensure their pilots adhere to certain qualification standards for training, testing, and competency.
The FAA alleges that the Indy Jet Management and its associated entities sold customers charter jet services under sham “dry leases” with one company to purportedly lease aircraft without any pilots or services provided. Customers then simultaneously entered into contracts for pilot services with another Indy Jet Management-related company. Together, the contracts served as a package deal to provide a piloted charter jet service while evading the FAA certification and pilot qualification regulations that apply to “wet leases.” The FAA further alleged that the parties used unqualified pilots who did not complete the training, testing, and competency checks that the FAA requires.
Under the terms of settlement agreement, AirXL et al. agreed that it no longer operates in the same manner and has paid a $187,500 civil penalty.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Rachana Fischer, who represented the United States in this case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are only allegations; there has been no determination of liability.
Final Defendants Convicted in Complex, 20 Person Federal Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Rick Coley, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana and David Duggar, 40, of Greenwood, Indiana guilty on all counts following an eight-day trial. Coley was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment for a felony. Duggar was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“These convictions further demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to systematically target, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for pumping the most dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the work of all agencies involved in dismantling this operation to hold criminals accountable when they seek to exploit substance use disorder with no regard for those who are harmed or killed.”
“This sentencing is an example of a successful partnership between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to protect the mail system from being used for criminal purposes, such as drug transportation and trafficking”, said Detroit Division Inspector in Charge Rodney M. Hopkins.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between January and July 2021, Rick Coley and David Duggar, among other co-conspirators, distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Indianapolis for the ringleader of the operation, Jason Betts. The methamphetamine and fentanyl had been transported to Indianapolis from a source in California.
In July of 2021, federal agents and officers from various law enforcement agencies executed a large-scale takedown operation that led to the arrest of 17 individuals, with 2 individuals being fugitives. During the investigation, approximately 35 firearms, $70,000 in currency, 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl, 14 pounds of methamphetamine, 6 ounces of cocaine, and 30 pounds of marijuana were seized.
As of today, the other 18 defendants have been charged and pled guilty. 10 of the total 20 defendants are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Indiana State Police, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys, Bradley A. Blackington and Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial. Coley and Duggar will be sentenced at a later date. Both face up to life in federal prison. Actual sentences are determined by a federal district court judge and are typically less than the maximum penalties.
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.
See related release here.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison After Killing One Victim and Injuring Another During Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Angel Montano, 22, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for armed robbery.
According to documents and evidence presented in court, between July 19 and July 28 of 2020, Angel Montano and co-conspirators committed four armed robberies in the Indianapolis area, one of which resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man. Montano facilitated and orchestrated the armed robberies through the online marketplaces, OfferUp and LetGo, by luring victims to his location to purchase a cell phone that he had listed for sale.
In the first three robberies, Montano and his co-conspirators arranged to sell an iPhone 11 Max Pro for $800 to a buyer who contacted him through the online marketplaces. When the victims arrived at the Pepper Mill Apartment complex, Montano and others brandished firearms and demanded money. In one incident, the victim drove to the address with her two children—ages 13 and 8—to purchase the phone. When she arrived at the meet location, Montano approached her vehicle, reached inside, placed the muzzle of his firearm against her thigh, and demanded “everything.” The woman gave Montano her iPhone, as well as the iPhone and Apple Air Pods that belonged to one of her children.
In the final robbery that resulted in Montano executing a 26-year-old man, the victim met Montano at a different Indianapolis residence, but was spooked by three masked men who approached his vehicle. The victim stated he would pay for the phone via PayPal and offered to drive to the nearest Wal-Mart to purchase a PayPal card to complete the transaction. The victim did not return. Later that evening, the victim decided to get cash and complete the purchase with Montano but asked his brother to accompany him due to fear of safety. When the two arrived at the transaction location, Montano prevented them from leaving by blocking their vehicle with his truck, tapped his firearm muzzle on the window of their vehicle, and fired multiple shots, striking both victims and killing the brother. The surviving brother required surgery and spent several days in the hospital healing from multiple gunshot wounds.
“The defendant’s crime spree demonstrated his utter disregard for human life. His choice to engage in senseless violence took an innocent man from his loving family forever,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “A sentence of four decades in federal prison will protect the public from this murderous criminal and brings some measure of justice to the victims. Reducing gun violence is a top priority for our office, and we will continue to use our federal resources to hold violent offenders accountable.”
The FBI investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by IMPD. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Montano be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
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.
Fishers Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Child Sexual Abuse Material via Omegle, Kik, and TelegramRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Robert Ficzner, 27, of Fishers, Indiana has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Omegle, a one-on-one random video chat application, that Robert Ficzner had displayed an image of a naked, prepubescent 5-year-old to other Omegle users. In March of 2022, Ficzner was approached by investigators and admitted that he showed the sexually explicit images of the child to elicit a “reaction” from other Omegle users. Additionally, Ficzner admitted to receiving and sharing child sexual abuse material via the Kik and Telegram instant messaging applications.
When investigators searched Ficzner’s cell phone, they found multiple files containing child sexual abuse material, as well as conversations between Ficzner and other participants discussing their desires and plans to kidnap and sexually abuse children.
Ficzner’s collection of child sexual abuse material contained well over 600 images and included depictions of the sexual abuse and torture of infants and toddlers, as well as sadistic and masochistic conduct.
“Civilized society will not tolerate the trafficking of images of the sexual torture of babies and toddlers,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Even worse, this defendant discussed his desires and plans to kidnap and sexually abuse children with likeminded offenders online. The serious sentence imposed here demonstrates that federal, state, and local law enforcement will root out those criminals who pose a danger to our children, prosecute them, and get them off our streets.”
“This sentencing shows just how damaging Ficzner’s crimes against children are and emphasizes HSI’s dedication to hold perpetrators accountable,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago area of operations Sean Fitzgerald. “We, alongside our law enforcement partners, are committed to keeping the most vulnerable of our communities safe. Child predators like Ficzner cannot escape justice and there will be serious consequences for their heinous actions.”
Homeland Security Investigations, the Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Ficzner be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years following his release from federal prison and pay $8,000 in restitution to the victims. Ficzner must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kristina M. Korobov and Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
Evansville Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material via KikRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Brandon Kyle Meredith Adcox, 39, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on August 30, 2021, the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and a detective with the Evansville Police Department (EPD) received a CyberTip stating that between June 10 and June 15, 2021, 36 files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded and distributed using Kik Messenger, an instant messaging app.
Kik provided investigators with the email address associated with the account. The email address associated with the Kik account was registered in Adcox’s name, and records indicated the account was accessed from the Evansville apartment complex where Adcox lived. EPD officers obtained and executed a warrant to search Adcox’s residence. During execution of the warrant, Adcox agreed to answer questions and provide the passcode to his iPhone. Adcox confirmed that he was the owner of the email and Kik accounts and admitted to distributing and receiving child sexual abuse material via Kik on several occasions. He also admitted that several images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material would be found on his cell phone.
Upon investigation of the files, detectives found child sexual abuse material, including a video of an adult female performing oral sex on an infant than one year old.
“Criminals like this defendant use online platforms to share child sexual abuse materials and seek affirmation from others who share their sexual interest in children,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The dangerous predators who traffic in images of these horrific crimes re-victimize children for their own pleasure—and should take note of the sentence imposed today. The outstanding investigators and analysts at the Indiana ICAC, FBI, and EPD, will identify you and make our children safer by sending you to federal prison.”
“Those who sexually exploit children in this manner cause great harm to their young victims and deserve a strong punishment,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting children from offenders like him and will do everything we can to ensure such defendants are identified, investigated and prosecuted.”
The FBI and ICAC investigated this case with valuable assistance from the Evansville Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Adcox be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. Adcox must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
Armed Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Dylan Ostrum, 29, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm. Ostrum was convicted on all charged counts at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial.
According to court documents, from August 2020 to February 2021, Dylan Ostrum conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana in Indianapolis, Indiana. On February 3, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Ostrum’s Indianapolis residence, where they arrested Ostrum. Ostrum admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking but acknowledged that he had removed all contraband from his home after a trafficking associate had been arrested the previous week. Investigators later located Ostrum’s vehicle at a coconspirator’s residence and recovered a loaded 9mm pistol, an extended magazine, 513 grams of actual methamphetamine, marijuana, and a digital scale.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
At the time of his arrest, Ostrum was on home detention after a previous felony conviction for possession of methamphetamine in Madison County, Indiana. Ostrum is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his multiple previous felony convictions, including burglary and drug possession.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Ostrum be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney’s Bradley A. Blackington and Michelle P. Brady, who prosecuted this case.
Two Men Convicted Following Federal Fraud Conspiracy Trial for $1 Million “Free Bankruptcy” Scheme to Strip Liens from 100 CarsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Brian Fenner, 47, of Indianapolis and Dennis Birkley, 63, of Wisconsin, guilty on all charges following a six-day trial. The two men were each convicted of one count of conspiracy, fourteen counts of fraud, and three counts of money laundering.
“These defendants engaged in a brazen and long running fraud scheme, illegally enriching themselves at the expense of financially distressed individuals and their lenders,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These fraudsters repeatedly lied and created false documents to exploit Indiana regulators and the bankruptcy process. Complex economic crimes are a federal prosecution priority, and these convictions demonstrate that those who choose to engage in these schemes will be held accountable.”
“Those who prey on consumers in financial distress, cause great harm to the lenders, and abuse the bankruptcy process to carry out their fraudulent activities across the nation strike at the very core of the integrity of the bankruptcy system and will not be tolerated,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10). “We appreciate the commitment of U.S. Attorney Myers and our law enforcement partners to holding those who abuse the bankruptcy system accountable, as well as the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and our law enforcement partners who helped bring these defendants to justice.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between 2013 and 2016, Fenner promoted the “Sperro free bankruptcy program” nationwide to financially distressed people who owed more in car loans than their cars were worth. Through this purported “free bankruptcy program,” Fenner promised to pay the debtors’ bankruptcy attorneys’ fees if they turned over their vehicles to him. Numerous people from across the country signed on with the program and surrendered their vehicles to Fenner, including from as far away as California and Arizona. Fenner arranged for the debtors’ cars to be towed to his lots in Indianapolis for outlandish fees.
Indiana law required towing and storage companies to hold auctions to sell vehicles to satisfy unpaid debts and give the auto loan holders any proceeds of the sale exceeding the towing and storage fees. Fenner then pretended to “sell” the cars at “auctions” to cover the exorbitant towing and storage “fees.” These fraudulent auctions were part of a series of fraudulent documents and lies submitted to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which resulted in the “buyer” receiving a free-and-clear car title from the BMV. Birkley and his company, AMI Asset Management, were the successful bidders for all 100 vehicles obtained by Fenner from debtors. Birkley falsely claimed to have paid Fenner the exact amount Fenner claimed he was owed for towing and storage fees, leaving nothing to satisfy the lien of the lenders or return to the individuals. In fact, Birkley and Fenner were engaged in the scheme together, and Birkley did not pay Fenner anything for the cars to which Birkley fraudulently obtained title.
Instead, once Birkley received vehicles with titles clear of liens from banks or anyone else, he sold the vehicles, sometimes at a real public auction, and often received thousands of dollars in profit, which he split with Fenner. Birkley and Fenner illegally obtained over $1 million through their fraud. In the end, the scheme left the financially distressed individuals with no vehicles but still with the vehicle loan debt, which they were often unable to discharge in bankruptcy.
The charges resulted, in part, from a referral by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10 to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Indiana State Police, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program, in collaboration with the Southern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate E. Olivier and Bradley P. Shepard, who prosecuted this case.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young presided over the trial and ordered that Fenner and Birkley be sentenced in early May of 2023. Both face up to 20 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Actual sentences are determined by a federal district court judge and are typically less than the maximum penalties.
See related prior release Here.
Bloomington Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl from California Using U.S MailRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jacob Magness, 23, of Bloomington, Indiana, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession and distribution of fentanyl and other controlled substances
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According to court documents, on November 1, 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service was alerted to a suspicious package with a nonexistent return address coming from California. The package was addressed to Jacob Magness’s Bloomington residence. On November 2, 2021, Indiana State Police examined the package and found it to contain approximately 211 grams of fentanyl pills, 110 grams of counterfeit Xanax pills, and 4 grams of LSD gel. Magness ordered and tracked the drugs via Snapchat.
On November 3, 2021, Bloomington Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Magness’s Bloomington residence. Officers located $2,251 in cash, approximately 20 fentanyl pills, approximately 13 ecstasy pills, approximately 5 grams of cocaine, 11 firearms, and multiple high-capacity magazines.
“Fentanyl traffickers value profits far more than the lives they are putting in danger,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “They will use any means necessary, including the U.S. Postal Service, to satisfy their greed and exploit substance abuse. I commend the work of the USPIS, ISP, and the Bloomington PD in curtailing this defendant and saving lives in the process.”
“What we have here today is a perfect example of what happens when different law enforcement agencies pool their resources and expertise to achieve a common goal to protect the citizens of Indiana from the illegal and dangerous drugs. It is our duty as postal inspectors to go after those individuals who attempt to ship illicit drugs through the US Mail. Our goal to protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse was achieved through our partnership with Indiana State Police and Bloomington Police Department.” Rodney M Hopkins, Postal Inspector in Charge, Detroit Division.
USPIS investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by the Bloomington Police Department and ISP. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Magness be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from federal prison. Additionally, Magness is subject to a $500.00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick G. Gibson, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
Indianapolis Men Sentenced to a Combined 60 years in Federal Prison for Their Roles in the Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Michael Ingram, 43, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit Children, and Distribution and Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Cameron Helm, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was also sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy Sexually Exploit Children and Distribution and Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
According to court documents, in March 2020, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) began investigating Ingram after receiving a CyberTip from an email provider. Further investigation revealed that the owner of this email account sent child sex abuse material to Ingram’s email account. Investigators were able to tie the account to Ingram’s Indianapolis residence and obtained a warrant to search for evidence of crimes.
Members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force executed the warrant and recovered Ingram’s iPhone and iPad. A forensic examination of these devices revealed that Ingram had produced, distributed, and possessed child sex abuse material.
In addition, over 1,600 text messages were located on the devices between Ingram and Helm, from February 7, 2018, to October 2020. In these texts, Ingram and Helm conspire to sexually exploit a child and graphically describe potential sex acts with children. At Helm’s direction, Ingram took photos of himself sexually assaulting a child. Ingram distributed that child sex abuse material to Helm, and Helm distributed other child sex abuse material to Ingram in return.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“These criminals gleefully reveled in the dark sewer of child exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “They placed their own sexual gratification above the autonomy, dignity, and safety of a vulnerable child. The serious sentences imposed here demonstrate that these horrific abuses are unacceptable in civilized society. Indiana’s renowned Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including our office and IMPD, will continue to work relentlessly to keep children safe and hold abusers accountable.”
ICAC and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge, Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Ingram be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life and Helm be supervised for 15 years following their release from federal prison. Ingram and Helm must also register as sex offenders wherever they live, work, or go to school, as required by law. Additionally, Helm must pay $10,000 in restitution to the child victims and has been fined $10,000 pursuant the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa who prosecuted the case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Carlton Chaney Jr., 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2022, agents with the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force were conducting an investigation at a residence near Irvington when Carlton Chaney exited the front door of the residence with a handgun in his waistband and drove away. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers pulled Chaney over on I-465 and recovered the handgun previously seen in Chaney’s waistband.
Chaney is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous felony convictions including a federal conviction for commercial robbery, and state convictions for battery with a deadly weapon, illegal gun possession, and resisting law enforcement. Chaney was also the subject of multiple domestic violence-related protective orders.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
“Armed domestic abusers pose a serious threat to those closest to them, law enforcement officers, and public safety in general,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Many illegally armed perpetrators of gun violence in the home and mass shootings in public have a prior history of committing domestic violence. That’s why our office is working together with IMPD and the FBI, through the LEATH initiative, to protect the public from these offenders and save lives.”
The FBI investigated this case with the valuable assistance of the IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Chaney be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. Chaney must pay a $900.00 fine and forfeit the handgun.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
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.
This case was also brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
Violent Repeat Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Dontell Anderson, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on July 29, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers executed a search warrant at Dontell Anderson’s northeast Indianapolis residence. During a search of the home, officers found methamphetamine, pills, synthetic marijuana, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.
Anderson is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his previous felony convictions, including battery resulting in injury, dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug, possession of methamphetamine, and a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Anderson was still under court supervision following his release from federal prison when he was again arrested for illegal gun possession.
“Illegally armed, repeat felons drive the gun violence plaguing our state,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the response by IMPD and the work of ATF to protect the public from this dangerous criminal. The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates that those who illegally possess firearms risk serious federal time. Returning to prison isn’t worth it—put down the guns, or we will hold you accountable.”
ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Anderson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick G. Gibson, who prosecuted this case.
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.
Aryan Brotherhood Member Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing 40 FirearmsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jared Mashburn, 40, of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents, on December 14, 2020, Mashburn was arrested in Indianapolis by Indiana State Police Troopers on an outstanding Putnam County warrant. Mashburn was wanted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement, and possessing methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, troopers searched Mashburn’s person and located two loaded handguns, approximately 22 grams of methamphetamine packaged in bags for resale, and approximately $12,000 in cash.
Later that same day, troopers executed a warrant to search Mashburn’s residence. Investigators located and seized 38 firearms, approximately 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, digital scales, a vacuum sealer, and a drug ledger. Investigators also seized items associated with the Aryan Brotherhood, of which Mashburn was a known member, including a jersey with Aryan Brotherhood insignia and a Nazi flag, uniform, and other Nazi paraphernalia. The Aryan Brotherhood is a notorious white supremacist group with affiliated gangs in many prisons.
At the time of this arrest, Mashburn had been previously convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine and having an illegal drug lab. Mashburn was prohibited from owning firearms under federal law due to his previous felony convictions.
“This heavily armed meth dealer and gang member is exactly the sort of dangerous criminal we must prioritize for federal prosecution,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Repeat felons who menace the public with illegal guns and poison our families with deadly drugs will face the sorts of serious consequences imposed by the court today. I commend the efforts of the FBI and Indiana State Police to protect the public by ensuring that the defendant will spend years in federal prison and off our streets.”
“The sentence imposed today clearly demonstrates that those who use firearms in furtherance of their illegal activities will be held accountable and removed from our communities so they can no longer pose a risk,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods and keep firearms out of the hands of those prohibited from being able to possess them.”
The Indiana State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Mashburn be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney, Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
Armed Felon Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Desmond Breaziel, 33, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 7, 2022, Lawrence Police Department (LPD) officers responded to a report of two men passed out in a parked Ford Explorer at a Waffle House parking lot. The driver, Desmond Breaziel, was unresponsive upon the officers’ arrival. When Breaziel woke up and exited the vehicle, he appeared confused and disoriented. Officers found a loaded Taurus .38 caliber handgun and approximately 81 pills containing methamphetamine on Breaziel’s person. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a fanny pack containing marijuana and a digital scale.
Breaziel is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his previous felony convictions, including dealing narcotics and a prior federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Breaziel was still under court supervision following his release from federal prison when he was again arrested for illegal gun possession.
“Illegally armed felons and drug dealers help drive the gun violence plaguing our families and neighbors,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the quick response by the Lawrence Police Department and the work of ATF to protect the public from this criminal. The serious sentence imposed today is a message to others who are legally barred from possessing firearms: put down the guns or you risk federal prison time.”
“The Lawrence Police Department thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana and U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers, along with our law enforcement partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives for focusing federal resources on holding armed felons accountable,” said Chief Gary Woodruff of the Lawrence Police Department. “These federal, state, and local agency collaborations leading to convictions result in a safer central Indiana for all Hoosiers to enjoy.”
ATF investigated this case with valuable assistance provided by LPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Chief Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Breaziel be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Abhishek Kambli and Samantha Spiro, who prosecuted this case.
Armed Repeat Felon Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison Following High-Speed Flight from PoliceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –Patrick Owens, 33, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 12, 2019, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer initiated a traffic stop on Patrick Owens as he was heading northbound on Binford Boulevard in Indianapolis. When asked for a driver’s license, Owens told the officer that he did not have one. The officer asked Owens if there were any weapons in the vehicle and Owens indicated that there were none. Owens then flipped open the center armrest, exposing the bottom of an extended handgun magazine. The officer commanded Owens to remove his hands from the steering wheel, and in response Owens started the car and sped away.
Owns led officers on a high-speed pursuit on I-65 and I-465, where he fishtailed across three lanes and struck an Infinity SUV. Owens continued his flight after the collision, reaching speeds of over 86 miles per hour. He exited I-465 at Keystone Avenue and proceeded onto a construction-filled 96th street. Owens swerved to go through the construction site, but lost control of the vehicle and hit a power pole. Owens then jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, initially holding the extended handgun magazine from his vehicle before tossing it on the ground as he ran.
IMPD officers caught up with Owens and took him into custody and recovered the extended magazine, which was loaded with 25 live rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Officers located a loaded semiautomatic handgun in Owens’ car, as well as marijuana, $21,300 in cash, and two additional loaded .40 caliber magazines. Owens is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his previous felony convictions, including resisting law enforcement, carrying a handgun without a license, and burglary.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
ATF investigated this case with valuable assistance from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentenced was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Owens be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. Owens was also ordered to pay $6,778 in restitution to the owner of the Infinity SUV and the insurance company.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted the case.
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.
FBI and Partners Issue National Public Safety Alert on Sextortion SchemesRead the Press Release
The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for additional explicit material or money—a crime known as sextortion.
Over the past year, law enforcement agencies have received over 7,000 reports related to the online sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys. More than a dozen sextortion victims were reported to have died by suicide. The FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
Sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, predators often use fake accounts and target minors.
Through deception, sextortionists convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they often threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends additional sexually explicit material. Some of these criminals demand money or gift cards to keep them from releasing the compromising material in their possession. Often, these predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, sextortionists release the images even if additional material is sent or payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse and may drive them towards self-harm.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted several “sextortion” related cases in recent years, including the following:
United States v. Kyle Peterson: Between March of 2020 and March of 2021, Kyle Peterson persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Beginning on March 20, 2020, Peterson used the social media platforms Omegle and Snapchat to contact minors, including Victim 1. Victim 1 was twelve years old at the time of contact with Peterson. Knowing the victim was a child, Peterson began to groom her by sending her sexually explicit images and videos online. The material Peterson distributed to Victim 1 included an image depicting sadomasochistic behavior and images and videos depicting sexual abuse of animals.
Peterson engaged in sexually explicit video chats with the child and instructed her to send him sexually explicit videos of herself. When Victim 1 stopped complying with Peterson’s continuous demands, he began threatening to disseminate her sexually explicit images and videos to her family and friends and post them on the Internet.
Peterson was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in federal prison in December 2022.
United States v. Buster Hernandez: In August 2017, Buster Hernandez was initially charged with sexually exploiting a minor, threatening to use an explosive device, and threatening to kill, kidnap, or injure another person. Those charges eventually extended to include 41 separate allegations including: production of child sexual abuse materials, coercion and enticement of minors, receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, the threatened use of explosive devices, extortion, threats to kill, kidnap or injure other persons, witness tampering, obstruction of justice and retaliation against a victim. The offense conduct included the actual or attempted sextortion of at least 375 victims including those from two foreign countries, threats to kill, rape, and kidnap hundreds, and threats to use explosive devices against Plainfield and Danville High Schools, the Shops at Perry Crossing, and a local Walmart.
Hernandez also sexually exploited and threatened several other minor victims in Hendricks County and other cities in Indiana. When victims stopped complying with his demands, he posted sexually explicit images and videos that the victim had sent against their will and often threatened to kill them and their families.
Hernandez was convicted and sentenced to 75 years in federal prison in March 2021.
“Sexual exploitation of children is a despicable crime that may go unrecognized by friends and family of the victims. In this digital age, it is imperative that we stay informed of the deception and other tactics sexual predators use to harm our children,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Victims of sextortion may feel confused, embarrassed, and as if there is no escape. I strongly urge parents and caregivers to engage with the children in their lives to discuss this crime and help law enforcement agencies prevent the abuse before it happens.”
What if you or your child are a victim?
If young people are being exploited, they are victims of a crime and should report it. Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
- Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
- Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
- REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
- BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
- Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
- Visit missingkids.org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.
- Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
- If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at [email protected] or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
Take a moment to learn how sextortion works and how to talk to your children about it. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.
Armed Felon Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison Following Domestic Violence CallRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Austin Majko, 33, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on July 23, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to a 911 call on the west side of Indianapolis. A man, who was later identified as Austin Majko, fired multiple shots at a vehicle recovery agent who was attempting to repossess Majko’s 2013 Ford Focus. The victim told officers that as he was leaving with the Focus, Majko ran toward him and fired multiple shots at the vehicle. Four .40 caliber casings were found at the scene.
Later that day, IMPD officers responded to a domestic violence call in the same neighborhood. When officers arrived, a witness stated that they saw Majko hit a female in the street and pull a gun from his waist band. Officers found Majko sitting next to two toolboxes in his garage. Multiple guns, including a .40 caliber handgun, were located inside the toolboxes.
Majko is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his previous felony convictions, including two convictions for robbery resulting in bodily injury.
“A gun can turn domestic abuse deadly in a matter of seconds,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Research shows that armed domestic abusers pose a profound risk to the safety of those closest to them and to the public at large. Our office, together with IMPD and ATF, will continue to prioritize the LEATH initiative to save the lives of those impacted by domestic violence.”
“It unfortunately bears repeating that we all deserve to be safest in our homes, but for too many that is not the case,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute domestic abusers who possess firearms to ensure our communities are safe from these offenders.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Majko be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Peter A. Blackett, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
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.
Armed, Drug-Dealing Felon Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Eugene Theard, 45, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and possessing five firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents, on May 11, 2021, Eugene Theard became a target of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation after he sold 221 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine to another individual for $2,300.
On June 3, 2021, Theard made a deal to sell another 111 grams of methamphetamine for $1,400. At the time of this transaction, Theard was on parole for domestic battery and failure to return to lawful detention. Following the June 3 drug deal, parole agents with the Indiana Department of Correction conducted a compliance visit at Theard’s motel room in Indianapolis. The parole agents found 382 grams of methamphetamine and five firearms. Theard admitted to DEA agents that he intended to sell the drugs and possessed the guns to protect his drugs and profits.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
“Armed trafficking of deadly drugs drives violence and fuels substance use disorders,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These crimes are even more unacceptable when committed by a felon who is still on parole, and clearly has not learned his lesson. I commend the outstanding work of the DEA, IMPD, ATF, and IDOC to take deadly drugs, deadly weapons, and another dangerous trafficker off our streets.”
DEA investigated this case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Indiana Department of Correction provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S District Court Judge James R. Sweeney. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Theard be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 4 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
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.
Terre Haute Felon Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Emmanuel Dareon Jones, 30, of Terre Haute, Indiana was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on July 24, 2018, Jones sold approximately 4.5 grams of cocaine for $250.00. On September 19, 2018, Jones was pulled over by law enforcement officers after they saw him exit his residence and leave in his car. Officers found $12,620 on Jones’ person during the stop.
At the time of the traffic stop, Jones was on probation and had been previously convicted of four felonies related to possessing and dealing marijuana. The prior felony convictions prohibited Jones from ever owning a firearm. Jones’ residence was searched pursuant to the conditions of his probation waiver.
During the search of Jones’ residence, officers located a loaded pistol, a vacuum seal machine with a sealed bag containing a large amount of loose marijuana, a digital scale, and several bulk packaging materials in the kitchen. In the bedroom, officers found a box of multiple, vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, a tactical, 12-gauge shotgun, an assault style rife with a 30-round magazine, and a safe containing two Crown Royal bags full of $100 bills, as well as other stacks of $100 bills. Jones stated that each Crown Royal bag contained $50,000. Investigators seized a total of $134,500 and approximately six pounds of marijuana from Jones’ vehicle and home.
In a recorded interview with Terre Haute Police Department Officers, Jones admitted to selling marijuana for $125.00 per ounce. Jones confirmed that all marijuana and guns found during the searches belonged to him and was able to list descriptions of each gun.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
“Multiple felony convictions did not deter the defendant from continuing to deal drugs and illegally arm himself, including possessing an assault rifle with an extended magazine—even while on probation,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The serious federal prison sentence imposed today demonstrates that law enforcement agencies will work to keep the public safe through prosecution of armed drug dealers. We are grateful to the Terre Haute Police Department and ATF for their work in getting these drugs and guns off the street and out of our communities.”
The Terre Haute Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Jones be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
Former Fugitive Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material, 14 Years After Fleeing the United StatesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Larry Shaw, 49, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse materials.
According to court documents, in 2007, the Indiana State Police began an investigation into known videos and files of child sexual abuse material being traded via Gnutella. Gnutella was a peer-to-peer network that allowed users to share files across the internet without using a central server. Larry Shaw was identified as one of several targets of the investigation.
On March 19, 2007, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Shaw’s residence. During an interview with officers, Shaw admitted to downloading child sexual abuse materials using peer-to-peer networks and storing them on his computer. Forensic examination of the computer found 177 video files depicting prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct with adults, including violent masochistic conduct, and depictions of rapes of children.
On May 2, 2007, Shaw, his legal counsel, and federal prosecutors met to discuss a pre-indictment resolution of the case. Shaw requested to think about the offer over the weekend, and the government agreed. On May 5 or 6, 2007, Shaw had fled the United States on an AirChina flight to Beijing. Shaw was apprehended and arrested nearly 14 years later in October of 2021 after he attempted to re-enter the United States in Chicago.
“Not only did Mr. Shaw trade abhorrent images and videos of children being sexually violated and tortured, but he also sought to evade the consequences of his actions for over 14 years,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The successful arrest and prosecution of this defendant demonstrates that our Office, HSI, and IMPD will work to bring criminals to justice no matter how long it takes. The serious sentence imposed today demonstrates that those who seek gratification from the horrific abuse of the most vulnerable will be held accountable.”
“Possessing and viewing child exploitation material revictimizes children each time it is downloaded or shared. Our agents and partners are profoundly committed to investigating these crimes and going after the perpetrators,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge R. Sean Fitzgerald. “We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and investigate offenders like Shaw in our communities and ensure they pay for their crimes against children.”
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with the valuable assistance of IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Shaw be supervised by the U.S. Probation office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. Shaw must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanks Assistant United States Attorney Kate E. Olivier, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
Former Executive Director at Bedford Senior Living Center Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $419,000 over Five YearsRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY- Dara Little, 35, of Mitchell, Indiana, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents, in May of 2014, Dara Little was hired as the Executive Director of Nursing at a senior living facility in Bedford, Indiana. As part of her role, Little had access to a web-based platform used to submit business expense reimbursement requests. In January of 2016, Little was fired for timesheet fraud and theft of prescription medicine, however her access to the reimbursement request platform was not immediately disabled.
In January 2016, after she was fired, Little submitted 24 expense reimbursement requests totaling more than $58,770. The reimbursement requests contained forged and falsified receipts that had no connection to Little’s employment at the senior living facility. For example, Little submitted a receipt for $3,923.00 worth of “small furniture purchases” purportedly made at an Ashley Furniture location in Cincinnati that does not actually exist. Little continued to make reimbursement requests for expenses such as dishwasher maintenance, locksmith services, iPads, and baby strollers for five months after her termination. Little’s expense reimbursement request account was deactivated in September 2016.
The day after Little’s access to the expense reimbursement request was terminated, Little began using another employee’s account to submit more fraudulent reimbursement requests. As she did with her own account, Little submitted requests that contained forged and falsified receipts. Between September 2016 and March 2021, Little submitted 172 fraudulent reimbursement requests using the other employee’s account and, as a result, received more than $173,900 in payments from her former employer to which she was not entitled. The fraudulent requests she submitted included receipts from a Nando’s Chicken in England, a California Shoe Store, and for a cheerleading uniform. The receipt picture that Little used from Nando’s Chicken went viral in 2013 after it was posted online and was identified as belonging to the singer, Beyonce.
In October 2017, Little also began to use yet another employee’s account to submit fraudulent reimbursement requests to her former employer that contained forged and falsified receipts. Between October 2017 and March 2021, Little submitted 155 additional fraudulent reimbursement requests with the second employee’s account and, as a result, received more than $161,000 in payments to which she was not entitled. The fraudulent requests she submitted included the same receipt from Nando’s Chicken over 58 times, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Men’s Wearhouse, and for a Kid’s First Chemistry Set.
Investigators searched Little’s cell phone and found a note in which she admitted to stealing over $400,000 from her former employer over the course of five years, how the money was stolen, and what personal expenses the stolen funds paid for.
Little stole a total of more than $419,542 from her former employer.
“For over five years, the defendant repeatedly defrauded her former employer through lies and forged documents,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office will continue to prioritize prosecutions of fraud schemes that have lasting impacts on businesses and individuals. I commend the work of the FBI and prosecutors in our office to untangle this long string of embezzlement, proving once again that those who chose to violate the law in service of their greed will be held accountable for their crimes.”
“Ms. Little intentionally sought to personally benefit by diverting funds that were not her own to line her own pocket. This sentence should send a clear message to others who might consider doing the same,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Middleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to identify and investigate those who choose to enrich themselves at the expense of others.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Little be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following her release from federal prison. Little has also been ordered to pay the full amount of $419,542.45 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kate Olivier, who prosecuted this case.
Louisville Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl from IndianapolisRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY- Kevin Smyzer, Jr., 33, and Dyronne Mason, 39, of Louisville, Kentucky, have been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Smyzer was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison. Mason was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on September 19, 2022.
According to court documents, on March 25, 2020, Indiana State Police (ISP) stopped a vehicle for speeding in Clark County, Indiana. The driver of the vehicle was identified at Kevin Smyzer and the passenger was identified as Dyronne Mason.
During the traffic stop, an ISP drug detection K9 indicated the odor of narcotics on the passenger side door. Troopers located eleven golf-ball sized bags containing fentanyl. In the back seat, Troopers found a cardboard box containing half a kilogram of fentanyl. The roof of the vehicle had a brown ledger with names and amounts of money written in it.
In an interview with law enforcement officers, Smyzer admitted to visiting Indianapolis to obtain the controlled substances for redistribution. In total, Smyzer and Mason were transporting over 600 grams of a substance containing fentanyl. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. 6 out of 10 illegal fentanyl tablets sold on U.S. streets now contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
“Fentanyl traffickers value their profits more than the lives of our families and neighbors,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We must fight to save lives by investigating and prosecuting criminals who exploit the epidemic of substance use disorder to satisfy their own greed. Our office, the DEA, and the Indiana State Police are committed to holding fentanyl traffickers accountable for pushing deadly poison on our streets.”
“Our Troopers work diligently every day, often putting themselves in harm’s way to curtail or stop the trafficking of illicit drugs on Indiana highways,” said Lieutenant Christopher Keeton, Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post. “We are very grateful for the work and effort the DEA and U.S. Attorney’s Office put forth to ensure justice was served in this case.”
The DEA-Louisville Division investigated this case with valuable assistance from ISP. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Smyzer and Mason be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following their release from federal prison. Smyzer was also given a $500 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
Former Muncie Police Department Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of Justice for Writing False Report to Cover up Excessive Force by Other OfficersRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A former sergeant with the Muncie Police Department (MPD), in Muncie, Indiana, pleaded guilty today to one count of obstruction of justice for writing a false report to cover up the excessive use of force by other MPD officers under his command.
According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, on or about August 9, 2018, Joseph Krejsa, 52, responded to the scene of an arrest involving a civilian with the initials L.G. Before he arrived on the scene, other MPD officers under his supervision – including Officer Chase Winkle, the son of the then-Chief of Police – had used excessive force against L.G., resulting in serious injury to L.G.’s face. The day after the arrest, Krejsa conducted a supervisory review of the incident, during which he noted that he had watched the videos of the incident and falsely deemed those uses of force “justified.”
Several days later, on or about August 13 and August 14, 2018, the captain of MPD’s patrol division tasked Krejsa with conducting a more in-depth review of the officers’ uses of force during L.G.’s arrest, which was separate from the typical shift sergeant review. In response to this request, Krejsa watched the involved-officers’ body worn camera videos, which revealed what had happened during the arrest: Two officers under his supervision, Chase Winkle and Corey Posey, approached L.G. in an alley way and gave several verbal commands to L.G. – including to put his hands on his head and to get on the ground – and L.G. complied with those commands. On the ground, as Posey held both of L.G.’s hands behind his back, L.G. directed a verbal insult towards officers, and in response, Winkle lifted his left knee, and, using his knee, dropped his bodyweight down onto L.G.’s neck and head area. L.G. screamed out words to the effect of, “He crushed my whole face!” and pulled his hands towards his face. Winkle then tased L.G., as other MPD officers, including Officer Jeremy Gibson, arrived to assist. Toward the end of the incident, officers secured one of L.G.’s hands in handcuffs, lifted him up to a seated position, and Gibson delivered two forceful knee strikes directly to L.G.’s face.
After reviewing the officers’ body camera videos, Krejsa knowingly authored a lengthy memorandum for MPD’s official records that contained several false statements. Specifically, Krejsa falsely implied that any force used against L.G. was justified to ensure officer safety; falsely asserted that officers used only low levels of force near the start of the incident, and escalated to higher levels of force only after lower levels of force were ineffective; falsely stated that Winkle “kneeled on [L.G.]’s left shoulder and upper body,” when in fact he knew that Winkle had used his knee to strike L.G.’s head and neck area; and falsely implied that Winkle’s uses of force against L.G. caused only cuts to L.G.’s face, when he knew that the use of force against L.G. caused serious bodily injury to L.G. As part of his plea, Krejsa admitted that he knew, when he wrote the false report, that the inaccuracies and material omissions in his report were intended to influence any potential investigation into the incident.
Krejsa is the fourth Muncie Police Department official to plead guilty in connection with this investigation. Krejsa was one of four MPD officers who were indicted in April 2021 in a 17-count superseding indictment for their roles in using excessive force against arrestees and/or attempting to cover up the misconduct. A fifth Muncie police officer, Dalton Kurtz, previously entered a pre-indictment guilty plea on August 4, 2021, to one count of misprision of felony for concealing and failing to report inappropriate use of force by Winkle during a separate incident.
On May 13, 2022, Gibson also pleaded guilty to civil rights and obstruction charges for assaulting a different arrestee and writing a false report about the incident. On December 5, 2022, Winkle pleaded guilty to eleven counts of civil rights and obstruction offenses for assaulting arrestees and writing false reports about the incidents, including the arrest of L.G. The last remaining officer is scheduled to stand trial at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana, and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.
The FBI Indianapolis conducted the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.
Armed Indianapolis Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking 3 Kilograms of Fentanyl and Other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Frank Nelson, 45, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, on August 24, 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials executed a search warrant at Frank Nelson’s Indianapolis residence for financial documents in connection to an ongoing drug trafficking and money laundering investigation. Nelson was taken into custody upon opening the door for investigators.
During a search of Nelson’s home, officers located a black Puma backpack in the laundry room that contained several clear plastic bags of white powder and brown chunky substances. Shortly after this discovery, law enforcement officers obtained a second search warrant for the same residence to search for narcotics and other instrumentalities. The Puma backpack was searched and found to contain approximately 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, and half a kilogram of heroin. According to the DEA, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.
In searching Nelson’s master bedroom, agents located a 9mm semiautomatic pistol in a nightstand and a semiautomatic rifle under the bed. Agents also located $90,310 in United States currency. Inside Nelson’s bedroom closet, agents located a black Nike duffle bag containing 16 taped, brick-shaped objects (approximately 1 kilogram each) filled with cocaine.
In his guilty plea, Nelson admitted that the seized substances contained fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and that he possessed the drugs with the intent to sell them.
At the time of his arrest, Nelson was on bond after being charged in 2020 with dealing cocaine in Hendricks County, Indiana.
“We may never know exactly how many lives this defendant is responsible for ruining to satisfy his greed,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Substance abuse disorders take lives and devastate families in all zip codes and of all walks of life. We are grateful to our partners at the DEA and IMPD for investigating this case and taking many kilograms of dangerous drugs off of our streets.”
“The sentence imposed on Mr. Nelson was justified,” said Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “Despite being out on bond for a drug offense, Mr. Nelson continued to distribute kilogram quantities of lethal fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine while possessing firearms to facilitate his drug trafficking activities. The DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local, and federal partners in order to keep our communities safe. The DEA commends the outstanding work by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
The DEA and IMPD Drug Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Nelson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath who prosecuted the case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
Statement of U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers on the Passing of Former U.S. Attorney Timothy MorrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, issued the following statement on the death of former U.S. Attorney Timothy Morrison.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is deeply saddened to hear of Tim Morrison’s passing. Tim served his fellow Hoosiers in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for over 23 years. On three separate occasions he led our office as U.S. Attorney, in 1993, from 2000 to 2001, and from 2007 through 2010. He served in office leadership for many years as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, and successfully prosecuted a wide variety of offenses, including violent crimes, public corruption, fraud, firearms, and national security crimes. Tim was a lifelong prosecutor, who also served in the leadership of the Monroe County and Marion County Prosecutors’ Offices prior to joining the Department of Justice.
In addition to his accomplishments as a prosecutor, Tim was a beloved professor at his alma mater, Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law. For almost ten years, law students benefited from Tim’s wisdom, experience, and passion for our profession. Tim’s dedication, compassion, decency, and commitment to promoting justice have left an indelible mark on the U.S. Attorney’s Office and on our community. We offer our sincerest condolences to Tim’s wife, Linda Hunt, and all of his family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Shelbyville Man Sentenced to over 43 Years in Federal Prison for Crimes Including Hiring a Hitman to Kill a Child Abuse & Exploitation Victim and Her MotherRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Robert Mason Elliott, 28, of Shelbyville, Indiana, was sentenced to 520 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of murder for hire, witness tampering, illegally possessing a firearm, and producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Robert Mason Elliott met Minor Victim 1 in 2017, when she was 16 years old. He was later charged with domestic battery of Minor Victim 1 and barred by several court orders from having contact with Minor Victim 1. In violation of those orders, and while Elliott was on pretrial release, Elliott attempted to deliver heroin to the minor when she was home with her mother, Witness Victim 1. Elliott was subsequently charged with dealing narcotics in Shelby County, Indiana. During the investigation, officers also discovered that Elliott had produced and distributed child sex abuse material of Minor Victim 1 over Facebook.
Elliott was detained pending trial on these state offenses. While incarcerated in the Shelby County Jail on February 20, 2018, Elliott used a jail phone to instruct his mother to hire a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club to kill or commit serious bodily injury to Witness Victim 1 to prevent her from testifying against him. Elliott’s mother hired the Hells Angel to commit serious bodily injury to Witness Victim 1 in exchange for $500. The jail calls between Elliott and his mother, as well as the calls and texts to the Hells Angel, were recorded and intercepted by law enforcement officials.
After his first attempt was unsuccessful, Elliott then engaged in a second murder for hire plot from inside the Shelby County Jail. Elliott offered three different Shelby County inmates $5,000 per person to kill Minor Victim 1, Witness Victim 1, and another individual. The three inmates provided information to law enforcement officials who again thwarted Elliott’s plan.
On May 7, 2019, Elliott was indicted in federal court for offenses related to child exploitation and illegal firearm possession.
While detained in Marion and Henderson County Jails on those federal charges, Elliott again attempted to have Minor Victim 1 and Witness Victim 1 killed. This time, Elliott asked a cooperating witness to provide him with the phone number for a “cartel hitman.” Through letters, calls, and texts, Elliott hired the individual he believed to be a “cartel hitman” to prevent the witnesses from testifying against him in their state and federal proceedings. Elliott offered, in coded language, to exchange heavy duty equipment, a motorcycle, and military-grade weapons including shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapons and M203 grenade launchers for the murders. Elliott provided the “cartel hitman” with the victims’ first and last names, Facebook accounts, locations, and places of employment. Elliott conspired with his grandfather to provide the equipment, motorcycle, and military-grade weapons to the purported hitman.
Unbeknownst to Elliott, the “cartel hitman” he contacted during this third attempt to have Minor Victim 1 and Witness Victim 1 murdered was an undercover federal agent. All calls and texts between Elliott, his grandfather, and the “cartel hitman” were recorded. Federal agents executed a search warrant at Elliott’s grandfather’s home and recovered a 2008 Hayabusa motorcycle and at least twenty firearms, including several assault rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Elliott had agreed to provide the guns, motorcycle, and ammunition the hitman in exchange for killing federal and state witnesses. One of the firearms was illegally purchased for Elliott by another individual, who agreed to falsify federal firearms purchasing forms and provide Elliott with the gun in exchange for a meal at Olive Garden.
Elliott’s repeated efforts to procure the murders of his victim, her mothers, and a witness were unsuccessful.
On June 14, 2022, Elliott pleaded guilty to two counts of Murder for Hire, two counts of Witness Tampering, and one count being a felon in possession of a firearm. Elliott further stipulated in a plea agreement that he had produced and distributed child sex abuse material.
“The defendant’s heinous, violent crimes demonstrate an utter disrespect for the law or the value of human life,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “His physical abuse and sexual exploitation of a child were compounded by his relentless attempts to have the victim and her mother murdered. Only a lengthy federal prison term like the one imposed today will ensure that the victims and the public are protected from this dangerous criminal. I commend the outstanding efforts of our prosecutors, the FBI, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, and the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office to stand up for victims and hold violent abusers accountable.”
“This defendant’s abuse of a minor victim was beyond despicable. He physically and sexually assaulted her, sought to provide her with dangerous narcotics, and had no qualms about killing the minor victim and others in a desperate and twisted attempt to get away with it. Today, the court determined that these horrible crimes deserve a lengthy term of imprisonment.” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue our efforts with our law enforcement partners to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are protected from individuals such as this who would seek to harm them.”
The FBI, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, and Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Elliott be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison. Elliott must also pay restitution of $5,000 each to Minor Victim 1 and Witness Victim 1.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Tiffany J. Preston and Kristina M. Korobov, who prosecuted this case.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District of Indiana Collects over 12 Million Dollars in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana collected $12,233,320 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $3,519,196 was collected in criminal actions and $8,714,124 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Southern District of Indiana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $216,807 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $60,816 was collected in criminal actions and $155,991 was collected in civil actions.
“The efforts and leadership of our Civil Division and Asset Recovery Unit have resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars that will assist victims of fraud and other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We are proud to have coordinated with so many local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect victims and hold criminals accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Civil Division Chief Shelese Woods and Asset Recovery Unit Chief Kelly Rota, as well as the Office’s outstanding support professionals for their diligent efforts.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, working with partner agencies and components, collected $1,964,136 in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2021. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
For example, in August, the Southern District of Indiana recovered $5,591.044 as part of the government’s settlement with American Senior Communities, L.L.C. (ASC). In 2017, a former employee of a hospice services company doing business with ASC filed a “whistleblower” lawsuit under the civil False Claims Act. The complaint alleged that ASC had engaged in conduct to defraud the Medicare program. Specifically, the complaint alleged that ASC was charging Medicare directly for various therapy services, which were being provided to beneficiaries who had been placed on hospice, when those services should have been covered by the beneficiaries’ Medicare hospice coverage. Based on the investigation, the estimated loss to the Medicare program was $2,795,522.33 and ASC agreed to pay $5,591,044.66 to the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shelese Woods and Justin Olson handled the case for the United States
See full release here: U.S. Attorney's Office Recovers Over $5.5 Million in Civil False Claims Settlement with ASC
Armed Domestic Abuser and Five-Time Felon Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- James Hoskins, 41, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 3 years and ten months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on June 20, 2022, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a married couple with two children present. When officers arrived, Hoskins identified himself as a felon and stated that there was a firearm in the home that belonged to his wife. Hoskins also told IMPD that the dispute began because his wife would not let him leave the home.
Officers subsequently spoke with Hoskins’ wife. During the conversation, the wife informed officers that Hoskins turned violent after she told him she wanted to end their relationship. She stated that Hoskins smashed her glasses, held her against a mirror, strangled her, struck her multiple times, and took his gun out and cocked it in front of her.
In a follow-up interview, Hoskins admitted to officers that the firearm in the home belonged to him but claimed he did not hurt his wife, she fell and hurt herself. Officers interviewed Hoskins’ wife again and she stated that Hoskins threatened to kill her, confirmed that he possessed the firearm, and told officers where to find Hoskins’ gun. Officers found Hoskins’ 9mm pistol and arrested him. After the he was arrested, Hoskins admitted that he “tussled” with his wife in the bathroom and that he placed his forearm against her collarbone. At Hoskins’ sentencing hearing, the judge found that he illegally possessed the handgun in connection with a domestic violence felony against his wife.
Before his arrest, Hoskins had been convicted of five separate felony offenses, each of which prohibits him from ever owning a firearm under federal law.
“When a domestic abuser has a gun, the cycle of abuse can quickly turn deadly,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our U.S. Attorney’s Office is prioritizing prosecutions of these criminals because of the extreme danger they pose, especially to those closest to them. Working together with IMPD and ATF, the LEATH initiative will continue to use our law enforcement resources to save the lives of those impacted by domestic violence.”
“Our homes should be the place where we feel most safe in the world. Unfortunately, domestic abusers use violence, and all too often firearms, to threaten and harm those closest to them and the first responders coming to render aid,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute domestic abusers who possess firearms to ensure our communities are safe from these offenders.”
ATF investigated the case. The sentenced was imposed by U.S. District Judge, Magnus Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Hoskins be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
This case is also 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.
Four Muncie Public Officials, a Former Police Officer, Two Contractors, and a Private Citizen Convicted and Sentenced for more than $3 Million in “Pay to Play” SchemesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Four former City of Muncie public officials, including former Mayor Dennis Tyler, a former police officer, a private citizen, and two contractors have all been convicted and sentenced in the federal court following a years-long investigation and prosecutions of systemic corruption in the government of the City of Muncie. The final sentence in the six related cases was imposed earlier today, and the sentences are as follow
DEFENDANT
OFFENSES
SENTENCE
Dennis Tyler, 78, of Muncie, Former Mayor of Muncie
Theft of Government Funds
1 year and a day imprisonment
3 years’ supervised release
$15,250 in restitution
Craig Nichols, 40, of Muncie,
Former Muncie Building Commissioner.
Owner, Advanced Walls & Ceilings and Capitol Consulting and Property Management
Wire Fraud and Money Laundering
2 years’ imprisonment3 years’ supervised release $217,892 in restitution
Tracy Barton, 52, of Muncie, Former Superintendent of Sewer Maintenance and Engineering
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
1 year of probation
Debra Nicole Grigsby, 46, of Muncie,
Former District Administrator of Muncie Sanitary District
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
1 year and a day imprisonment
2 years’ supervised release
$370,556.99 in restitution
Jess Neal, 54, of Muncie, Former Muncie police officer
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
2 years’ imprisonment
2 years’ supervised release
$55,650 in restitution
Jeff Burke, 55, of Muncie,
Owner, Burke Rentals 1, and
McGalliard Guns & More
Bank Fraud
6 months imprisonment, and 6 months’ home confinement
2 and a half years’ supervised release.
$245,000 in restitution.
Rodney Barber, 53, of Muncie, Owner, Barber Contracting
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
2 years of probation
$104,250 in restitution
Tony Franklin, 62, of Muncie, Owner, Franklin Building and Design
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
1 year and 1 day
$279,806.99 in restitution
2 years supervised release
Phil Nichols, former chairman of a political party in Delaware County, was also charged with conspiring with Grigsby, Neal, and Franklin to commit wire fraud. Phil Nichols entered into an agreement to plead guilty, but died prior to the resolution of his case. All charges against him were dismissed, as required by law. As part of their guilty pleas, Grigsby, Neal, and Franklin admitted to conspiring with Phil Nichols as charged.
According to court documents, between 2014 and 2019, the City of Muncie engaged in a series of public works projects that were intended to benefit the City’s residents. They included the levee recertification project, which required Muncie Sanitary district to acquire parcels of property situated near the White River, demolish homes and businesses existing on the parcels, and construct levees or storage basins so that the entire levee system could be recertified. They also included the Walnut Commons project which was an $8.3 million housing development that was intended to house Veterans who were experiencing homelessness and removing blighted properties around Muncie to allow room for redevelopment such as brownfield site located on the east side of Muncie called Kitselman Pure Energy Park.
Public officials in Muncie were required by law on these projects to solicit bids from contractors and engage in a competitive bidding process designed to ensure that the City hired the most qualified contractors to complete the work at the lowest cost. Instead, Dennis Tyler, Craig Nichols, Tracy Barton, and Debra Nicole Grigsby, under the corrupt influence of charged, but now deceased, Phil Nichols, engaged in bid-rigging and kickback schemes in which they agreed to steer work to contractors who would “pay-to-play.” They also exploited Indiana’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract law to steer no-bid contacts to the same corrupt contractors
According to admissions by the sentenced defendants in their guilty pleas, Phil Nichols decided which contractors were “greenlighted.” meaning they were part of what some of the co-conspirators called the “Program” which was a bid-rigging scheme in which contracts were steered by public officials to kickback paying contractors.
As a result of the schemes, contractors did not engage in competitive bidding and were allowed to bill the taxpayers for work they didn’t do, or overbill for work that they completed. In total, the public officials awarded $3,230,737 in contracts to participating contractors, and as a result, the City and the Muncie Sanitary District lost approximately $1,568,324. Additionally, potential witnesses against these defendants lived in fear of retaliation because some of the defendants engaged in witness tampering and retaliation. Some defendants also destroyed evidence and altered documents in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the Federal Bureau of Investigation from exposing their crimes.
Summary of Cases
United States v. Dennis Tyler: Former Mayor Tyler admitted to accepting a $5,000 gratuity in exchange for official acts, namely, steering work to a paying contractor who charged more than an honest competitor. The gratuity arose from a public works project for Walnut Commons, which was an approximately $8.3 million housing development that was intended to house Veterans who were experiencing homelessness. On December 15, 2015, Mr. Tyler accepted $5,000 from Tracy Barton, the head of Muncie Sanitary Maintenance and Engineering, who acted as a middleman between the Mayor and Person A, a local contractor. Person A’s bid for the Walnut Common’s job was not the lowest, most qualified, responsive bid, but Mr. Tyler agreed to steer the contract to him as a favor. He later accepted the $5,000 payment as a thank you. The Walnut Commons contract was for $218,489. Mr. Tyler was convicted of Theft of Government Funds.
United States v. Craig Nichols: Mr. Nichols was the son of Phil Nichols and served as Muncie’s Building Commissioner. Craig Nichols also owned Advanced Walls and Ceilings, a company that contracted with the City of Muncie. Craig Nichols used false documents to steal $81,500 from the city for demolition work that AWC never performed and used additional false documents in an attempt to cover up his crimes. Mr. Nichols also fraudulently concealed his ownership of Capitol Consulting and Property Management, a company that billed the City for asbestos inspection and abatement work that he either never performed, double billed, or performed at inflated prices. Mr. Nichols pled guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering and admitted that he billed Muncie $454,400 in contracts for work he did not perform or obtained through fraud. His crimes resulted in a loss of $270,392 in taxpayer money.
United States v. Tracy Barton: Mr. Barton was the Superintendent of Sewer Maintenance and Engineering at the Muncie Sanitary District. He admitted to accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for steering work to a contractor, who was a close friend. He further admitted to participating in a scheme to defraud the Muncie Sanitary District, in which public works projects were steered, at Phil Nichols’ direction, toward paying contractors through public officials who collected bribes and kickbacks. In total, Mr. Barton admitted to participating in a conspiracy in which $2,053,873 in contracts were steered, at Phil Nichols’ direction, toward paying contractors through public officials. The scheme resulted in $2,053,873 in fraudulent contracts and a loss of $1,032,682.
United States v. Debra Nicole Grigsby, Jess Neal, and Tony Franklin: Ms. Grigsby was the District Administrator for Muncie Sanitary District. As the District Administrator for MSD, Ms. Grigsby was responsible for approving the selection of contractors to perform work on MSD Infrastructure Projects. She also signed maintenance contracts on MSD’s behalf. Ms. Grigsby admitted to accepting kickbacks from Jess Neal and Tony Franklin in exchange for steering Muncie Sanitary District work to Tony Franklin. She further admitted to knowing that her subordinate, Tracy Barton, was also steering work toward paying contractors and was accepting kickbacks. Ms. Grigsby was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Mr. Neal was a Sergeant for the Muncie Police Department and the owner of Red Carpet, Inc. and Express Properties, LLC. Mr. Neal admitted to arranging for Mr. Franklin to pay kickbacks to Phil Nichols and Debra Nicole Grigsby so that Mr. Nichols would greenlight Mr. Franklin. Ms. Grigsby then also agreed to steer work arising out of the Muncie Sanitary District’s infrastructure projects associated with levee recertification to Mr. Franklin. Mr. Neal was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Mr. Franklin was the owner of Franklin Building and Design, LLC. Mr. Franklin admitted to paying Phil Nichols and Debra Nicole Grigsby kickbacks in exchange for receiving $1,170,667 in fraudulently steered contracts. Mr. Franklin received $1,170,667 in fraudulently steered contracts, and Muncie Sanitary District overpaid Mr. Franklin more than $600,000. As a result, MSD overpaid Franklin more than $600,000. He was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
United States v. Jeff Burke: Mr. Burke was the owner of Burke Rentals 1 and McGalliard Guns & More. He admitted to receiving an inside tip from former police officer Jess Neal that the Muncie Sanitary District had to purchase a property known as the Flea Market in order to recertify the levee. Acting on that insider tip, Mr. Burke defrauded a bank to receive a quick loan, quickly purchased the Flea Market property for $150,000 without disclosing it’s true value, and then sold it 41 days later to the City for an inflated cost of $395,000. Mr. Burke did so knowing that the City had no choice but to pay the exorbitant cost. Mr. Burke was convicted of Bank Fraud and making False Statements to FBI agents. His scheme resulted in a loss of $245,000 in taxpayer funds.
United States v. Rodney Barber: Mr. Barber was the owner of Barber Contracting, Inc. He admitted to paying kickbacks to Phil Nichols and Tracy Barton in exchange for receiving nearly $300,000 in public works projects associated with the Muncie Sanitary District recertification of the levee. He was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and making False Statements. In total, Mr. Barber received nearly $300,000 in contracts, resulting in a loss of $104,250 to Muncie Sanitary District.
United States v. Phil Nichols: Prior to his death, Mr. Nichols admitted in his plea agreement to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Mr. Nichols was a former chairman of a political party in Delaware County and was regularly involved in raising money and advising political candidates running for local office in Delaware County. According to his co-conspirators and other paying contractors, though he had no official role in Muncie City Government or Muncie Sanitary District, Mr. Nichols maintained a powerful political control over Muncie officials, including Mrs. Grigsby and Mr. Barton. During the conspiracy period, contractors who wished to do work for Muncie Sanitary District had to be “greenlighted” by Mr. Nichols. Only contractors who had agreed to pay bribes or kickbacks to public officials, or make contributions to certain political campaigns or parties were greenlighted. As set forth in their plea agreements, Tracy Barton and Debra Nicole Grigsby admitted that Mr. Nichols directed them to steer public works projects arising out of the Muncie Sanitary District infrastructure projects associated with levee recertification to contractors who were willing to pay bribes and kickbacks.
The entire scheme involving Ms. Grigsby, Mr. Barber, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Neal, and Phil Nichols resulted in $2,053,873 in fraudulent contracts and a total loss of $1,032,682.
“The citizens of Muncie placed their trust in a small group of government officials—many of whom were on a first-name basis with their constituents. This systemic public corruption not only resulted in more than $1.5 million of taxpayer money lost, but also caused immeasurable distrust in local government,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These prosecutions and sentences demonstrate that ‘pay to play’ schemes will not be accepted as the way governments do business. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI will investigate and prosecute these violations of public trust and public funds—and ensure that the criminals responsible are held accountable.”
“Ultimately, greed caught up with these defendants and they were held accountable for it. The citizens of Muncie deserved better and hopefully the dedicated work of our agents to uncover this systemic corruption will help restore public trust,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Cases like this are the reason public corruption is a top criminal investigative priority for the FBI, and we encourage the public to report potential abuses of public office.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted these cases.
Previously Convicted Killer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- John McDonough, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers executed a search warrant at John McDonough’s residence as part of a larger narcotics and firearms investigation. Prior to the search, McDonough advised officers that they would discover a firearm and methamphetamine inside of a shoebox in the garage. Officers did locate these items in the shoebox, as well as a baggie containing fentanyl.
During the execution of the search warrant, police located a total of 879 grams of methamphetamine, 150 grams of fentanyl, a digital scale, four firearms, and approximately $37,000 in U.S. currency, and a money counting machine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage.
In a recorded interview with law enforcement officers, McDonough admitted to possessing the illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them to other individuals and possessing the firearm. McDonough also told investigators that he had dealt methamphetamine in quantities ranging from one to twenty pounds over the past year.
At the time of his arrest, McDonough had previously been convicted of Reckless Homicide, prohibiting him from ever again legally owning a firearm under federal law.
“It is utterly unacceptable for a convicted killer to continue to break the law by engaging in armed trafficking of deadly drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Criminals like this defendant perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse disorders and fatal overdoses by trafficking deadly drugs into our neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding work of the ATF and IMPD to increase public safety and help break the cycle of dependence and death.”
“It is an unfortunate fact that drug dealers use firearms to protect their illegal business and terrorize the communities they inhabit,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “We will continue to work day in and out with our local and state partners to find those using firearms to put this poison into our communities and remove them so they cannot cause more harm.”
ATF and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that McDonough be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson McGrath who prosecuted the case.
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.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and “Sextortion” of a 12-Year-Old Girl via Snapchat and OmegleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Kyle Peterson, 25, of Rockford, Illinois, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a twelve-year-old girl.
According to court documents, between March of 2020 and March of 2021, Kyle Peterson persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Beginning on March 20, 2020, Peterson used the social media platforms Omegle and Snapchat to contact minors, including Victim 1. Victim 1 was twelve years old at the time of contact with Peterson. Knowing the victim was a child, Peterson began to groom her by sending her sexually explicit images and videos online. The material Peterson distributed to Victim 1 included an image depicting sadomasochistic behavior and images and videos depicting sexual abuse of animals.
Peterson engaged in sexually explicit video chats with the child and instructed her to send him sexually explicit videos of herself. When Victim 1 stopped complying with Peterson’s continuous demands, he began threatening to disseminate her sexually explicit images and videos to her family and friends and post them on the Internet.
This criminal behavior is commonly referred to as “sextortion.” After the criminals have one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content, or they threaten violence, to get the victim to produce more images. The shame, fear, and confusion children feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse. Caregivers and young people should understand how the crime occurs and openly discuss online safety. More information about the efforts of the Justice Department and FBI to protect children from sextortion can be found on the FBI’s website.
“The defendant not only exposed a child to some of the most disturbing and heinous sexually explicit online imagery, but also took advantage of a preteen girl’s vulnerability to threaten and coerce her into complying with his demands,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We commend the Avon Police Department and the FBI for rescuing this victim and potentially others from the defendant’s ongoing sexual exploitation. The sentence imposed today should be a warning to anyone who might engage in these crimes that they will be identified, prosecuted, and sentenced to significant terms in federal prison.”
“The Avon Police Department takes great pride in protecting children from online predators who exploit children in the most unimaginable ways. The efforts of our Detectives were key in holding Mr. Peterson responsible for his conduct. We hope the victim is able move forward after this conviction,” said Deputy Chief Brian Nugent, Avon Police Department. “The Avon community is thankful for the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We encourage parents to have a discussion with their children about online safety, body safety, and identifying a few adults that they feel comfortable reporting any instances of abuse to.”
Avon Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. Chief District Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Peterson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years following his release from federal prison and pay $16,000 in restitution to the child victims. Peterson must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston who prosecuted the case.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
Evansville Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Ronald Chapman, 46, of Evansville, Indiana was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, in October 2018, law enforcement officers received information that Ronald Chapman was in possession of multiple firearms and was planning to sell one or more firearms to an individual. On October 4, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Chapman’s residence and recovered nine total firearms: an AK-style rifle along with three other long guns and five handguns.
During a recorded interview with investigators, Chapman admitted to keeping firearms inside of his residence, stating several times that he owned the home and had been attempting to sell the firearms. Chapman also advised that there would be marijuana and methamphetamine in the home and a rifle behind his bedroom door. Chapman acknowledged that he spent approximately 16 years in prison in Illinois for making methamphetamine, which prohibits him from ever legally owning a firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Chapman had previously been convicted of four felonies in Illinois relating to the manufacture and possession of methamphetamine.
“Far too many firearms are illegally trafficked into our communities, driving the gun violence that devastates far too many families,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat offenders like this defendant play a significant role in driving violent crime in our neighborhoods and must be stopped. We will work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute criminals who illegally deal in deadly weapons.”
“This is a scenario we see all too often – not only is the defendant prohibited from possessing firearms due to his own prior conduct, but he is also selling guns to others who in all likelihood aren’t legally able to possess them either,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to block the flow of illegally possessed firearms that feed the cycle of violence.”
ATF investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Chapman be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
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
Bloomington Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements to Purchase Firearm on Behalf of Serious Violent FelonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Ariel Campbell, 28, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2021, Campbell purchased an AR-style pistol with a high-capacity magazine from American Arms, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Bloomington, Indiana. When she made the purchase, Campbell represented that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, when in fact, she was purchasing it for convicted serious violent felon, Antione Sutton.
Video surveillance footage from American Arms shows Campbell entering the business with Sutton. Both individuals are seen on camera looking at various firearms and accessories on multiple occasions in February 2021. Sutton attempted to put money towards purchasing a rifle from American Arms and told the store employee that Campbell would pay the remaining balance and fill out the required ATF firearms purchase form. Campbell indicated on the form that she was the actual buyer of the firearm, which was a false statement.
A search of Campbell’s cellphone revealed text messages between her and Sutton, in which she asked what kind of ammunition she should buy and how much. While Campbell was physically in the American Arms store, Sutton sent her a screenshot of the specific gun he wanted from an online listing, to which Campbell replied with a photo of the same gun in-store. Campbell also texted, “I’ll grab guns for you whenever, I really don’t care.”
The pistol was recovered by law enforcement at Sutton’s residence on March 5, 2021. Campbell also attempted to purchase two more handguns on Sutton’s behalf on March 2, 2021, but those transactions were delayed, and she was not transferred the firearms.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
“Those who believe they can circumvent firearm laws by purchasing on behalf of convicted felons are just as culpable in driving gun violence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These individuals may be able to legally purchase a firearm at the time, but they are still engaging in serious criminal activity that provides dangerous felons with the ability to arm themselves and traffic more guns. They are in no way less to blame for the murders and violence we see every day and we will work to hold them accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Chief Judge Pratt ordered that Campbell be supervised by the U.S. Probation office for 3 years following her release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted the case.
Richmond Contractor Sentenced to over 1 Year for Violating Federal Lead Paint Laws and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jeffrey Delucio, 54, of Richmond, Indiana, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for violating the Toxic Substance Control Act, specifically the provisions of the Act concerning lead paint renovations, and for obstructing justice by fabricating records to obstruct a federal grand jury.
According to court documents, Delucio operated Aluminum Brothers Home Improvements in Richmond, Indiana, which received federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to mitigate lead paint hazards in older low-to-middle income homes. Lead-based paint is the leading cause of lead poisoning in children, which can result in permanent developmental and health problems. Because of lead’s toxicity, federal law requires contractors renovating homes with lead-based paint to take certain precautions while working to protect themselves and those living in and around the homes under construction.
Delucio admitted in federal court that he and other Aluminum Brothers workers he supervised failed to follow these laws while conducting multiple the HUD-funded renovations in Richmond. As a result, lead-based paint chips were scattered throughout the properties and were not cleaned up timely or properly as work was being conducted. One of the residences was inhabited by a child with elevated blood lead levels, which had prompted the renovation work at that property to begin with.
Delucio further admitted that he failed to train his workers on lead-safe work practices and then falsified documents to conceal his conduct. Delucio’s company was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury for business records, including records of employee training on lead-safe work practices. In an effort to impede federal criminal investigators, including those from HUD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Delucio fabricated training records for each of his employees and supplied the false documents to EPA and HUD agents.
“Mr. Delucio put his community, employees, and the environment at risk, including a medically vulnerable child” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These regulations are in place to ensure the health of Hoosiers for generations to come. We will continue working with the EPA, IDEM, and HUD to prosecute those who do not uphold their responsibility to preserve the environment and the safety of citizens.”
“The defendant created risks by not only failing to follow lead-safe work practices, but also falsely representing to the government their employees had received training,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s criminal investigation program. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals who intentionally violate environmental laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”
“Protecting families and communities from lead-based paint hazards is one of HUD OIG’s top priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra. “HUD OIG is committed to seeking criminal penalties for those who willfully disregard lead-based paint safety regulations and other violations of Federal law related to HUD programs.”
“This wasn’t simply a situation of an environmental crime. Mr. Delucio’s behavior had real-life health implications for families in Wayne County,” IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess said. “We’re pleased that this investigation has led to a conviction, preventing him and his company from causing further harm.”
The EPA, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon and included a $1,000 fine. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Delucio be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn E. Olivier who prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy. As the Attorney General of the United States announced on May 5, 2022, the Department’s Environmental Justice Strategy seeks to provide timely and effective remedies for systemic environmental violations and contaminations and for injury to natural resources in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities. The Department’s Office of Environmental Justice Members of the public who have concerns about environmental justice matters in the Southern District of Indiana can report them to the U.S. Attorney’s office via email to [email protected].
Noblesville Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Chakra Dasari, 34, of Noblesville, Indiana was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for distributing and receiving child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in January of 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers received information that Dasari had been using a cloud storage and file hosting application called Mega to store and exchange images of child sexual abuse. Dasari had sent the witness child sexual abuse material via Mega’s chat feature.
On May 11, 2021, investigators with the Indiana Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force executed a search warrant at Dasari’s Noblesville residence. Investigators located an Apple iPhone on Dasari’s person that held 17 video files and 1 image file of child sexual abuse material. The iPhone also contained Telegram social media messages in which Dasari received material from an unknown Telegram user depicting toddlers and infants being made to engage in sexually explicit conduct with adults. Dasari possessed this child sexual abuse material between June of 2020 and May of 2021.
Dasari made multiple false statements to investigators during a recorded interview, denying that he had ever sent or received sexually explicit images or videos of minors. Dasari stated to police that he only “might have said certain things (I’m) not proud of” during his conversations with another Mega user.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“The defendant joined others online to share heinous images depicting the sexual abuse of babies and toddlers,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Those who are gratified by the sexual exploitation of the most vulnerable of victims are a tremendous danger to our communities. The outstanding investigators of the Indiana ICAC Task Force will continue to work tirelessly with our U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify these criminals and send them to prison, where our children are out of their reach.”
ICAC and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Dasari be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. Dasari must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kristina M. Korobov who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
Indianapolis Area Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Dismantled and Twelve Defendants ArrestedRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging eleven individuals for their alleged roles in an Indianapolis-based drug trafficking organization with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and related charges. An additional defendant was charged by criminal complaint with offenses related to armed methamphetamine trafficking. The indictment was unsealed on December 14, 2022, following their arrests and initial appearances, and is being announced following hearings on the pretrial detention status of the defendants.
As alleged in court documents, beginning in 2021, the defendants primarily distributed methamphetamine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Erick Apolinar Romero operated out of Indianapolis and arranged for the delivery of the controlled substances to Indianapolis for their redistribution by other members of the conspiracy. Romero and Julian Islas-Lozada maintained residential properties for the purpose of stashing and distributing the illegal drugs, including an apartment in the Nora neighborhood on the north side of Indianapolis. Kevin Patino-Romero facilitated the movement of drug proceeds. The members of the conspiracy used cellular devices and code words to facilitate these drug trafficking activities. Members of the conspiracy allegedly travelled to Nebraska on multiple occasions in October and November 2022 to acquire drugs that were being smuggled by train car and bring them to Indianapolis for distribution.
On December 13, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with several local and federal law enforcement agencies, executed search warrants at seven residences in Indianapolis and arrested ten of the defendants charged in the indictment. Eduardo Abel Torres De Leon was apprehended in West Grove, Pennsylvania. Jose Ponciano-Felix was arrested on December 13, 2022, in Indianapolis, during the execution of one of the search warrants, and charged by criminal complaint with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During the life of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized approximately 408 pounds of methamphetamine; eight kilograms of fentanyl and 28 firearms. The seized firearms included several semi-automatic AR platform rifles. Approximately $32,800.00 in US Currency as well as 6 vehicles, 2 trailers, 3 all-terrain vehicles and a dirt bike were also seized.
As of December 20, 2022, eleven of the twelve defendants were ordered detained pending trial or detaining pending hearing. Richard Michael Moore was ordered released on conditions set by the Court.
The charges are as follows:
Defendant
Charge(s)
Erick Romero aka “Erick Bustos,” aka “Christian Ramirez,” 33, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Methamphetamine Distribution; Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility
Julian Islas-Lozada, aka “Chusy,” 35, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Methamphetamine Distribution; Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility
Alexander Franco-Lopez, aka “Sicario,” aka “Nino,” 19, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine;
Kevin Josue Patino-Romero, 20, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Methamphetamine Distribution;
Junior Castillo, aka “Catracho,” 35, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine;
Eduardo Perez-Martinez, aka “Cholilo,” 28, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine;
Jesus Alberto Casillas-Martinez, aka “Cholo,” 26, Indianapolis
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy; Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine;
Zachary Polk, 45, Vincennes, Indiana
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
Matthew Wright, 45, Greencastle, Indiana
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
Richard Michael Moore, aka “Mike Moore,” aka “Suegro,” 54, Indianapolis
Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility
Eduardo Abel Torres De Leon, aka “Primo,” aka “Forty,” 29, West Grove, Pennsylvania
Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility
Jose Ponciano-Felix, 41, Indianapolis
*Charged by complaint
Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
The defendants face the following possible penalties, if convicted:
Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy
10 years to life in prison
Methamphetamine Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
10 years to life in prison
Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
10 years to life in prison
Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility
Up to 4 years in prison
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
5 years to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence
Actual sentences are determined by a federal district court judge and are typically less than the maximum penalties.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, Chief Randal Taylor, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Rodney Hopkins, Postal Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division, Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office, and R. Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations Chicago, made the announcement.
This case was a result of an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Agency, IMPD’s Drug Task Force, HSI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and IRS-CI. The Beech Grove Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, IMPD, Indiana State Police, and the FBI assisted in the execution of search and arrest warrants.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jayson McGrath and Lindsay Karwoski, who are prosecuting this case.
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.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.