Southern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Wanted Fugitive Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking After Fleeing Scene of Vehicle CrashRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Kevin Robertson, 53, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on January 25, 2022, law enforcement officers were attempting to arrest Kevin Robertson on an outstanding warrant when they saw him leave his Indianapolis residence. Robertson placed a black bag in a blue Ford pickup truck and drove away from his home. The Ford pickup truck was reported stolen earlier that month. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Robertson sped away. Robertson crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of New York and Denny Streets. The driver of the vehicle was injured and taken to the hospital.
Robertson fled the scene of the crash on foot and was subsequently arrested by officers. Investigators found Robertson’s black bag in the vehicle, which contained 75 grams of pure methamphetamine, a digital scale with drug residue, numerous plastic bags, and a loaded pistol. In his guilty plea, Robertson admitted that he intended to distribute the illegal drugs.
At the time of his arrest, Robertson had a lengthy criminal history, including 6 felony convictions related to dealing methamphetamine, illegally possessing a handgun, and resisting law enforcement officers.
“Armed drug dealers fuel the violence in our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to make our streets safer through targeted prosecution of dangerous criminals. The sentence imposed today demonstrates that those who continue to deal deadly drugs and illegally carry deadly weapons will spend significant time in federal prison.”
“Holding the defendant accountable for his violent actions and illegal drug activities should send a clear message to others in the community of the impact of this criminal activity,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “If you choose to pursue a path of criminal activity, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will ensure that you are identified, investigated and removed from society.”
“The Indiana State Police works diligently with its law enforcement partners at all levels to help ensure those who bring illicit and dangerous drugs and guns into our communities are held accountable to fullest extent possible,” said Doug Carter, ISP Superintendent.
The FBI and Indiana State Police investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Robertson 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 Domash 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.
Repeat Evansville Felon Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Reko D. Levels Jr., 26, of Evansville, was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 20, 2021, Levels was wanted on an active felony warrant in an unrelated state case. Evansville Police Department Officers arrested Levels while he was sitting outside his Evansville apartment complex. Officers initiated a search and found a loaded 9mm pistol in Levels’ right pant pocket. The pistol had been reported as stolen on September 4, 2021.
In an interview with law enforcement officers on September 23, 2021, Levels admitted that he knew the gun was stolen and that he intended to return it to the lawful owner but was arrested before he had the chance to do so.
At the time of his arrest, Levels had been previously convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida for stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer, aiding and abetting, and possession of a firearm while under indictment in another case. Levels was also convicted of Criminal Recklessness in Vanderburgh County in 2018.
“This defendant has continued to unlawfully arm himself, undeterred by even a prior federal gun crime conviction,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Repeat armed criminals drive the violence on our streets and holding them accountable will make our communities safer. The U.S. Attorneys Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from armed criminals.”
“ATF and the Evansville Police Department work side by side, day in and out, to investigate and arrest those responsible for violence in our community,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge for ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Levels has demonstrated, through his history of stealing firearms and then possessing firearms as a convicted felon, that he poses a threat to public safety that we are all working to end.”
ATF investigated the case with the valuable assistance of the Evansville Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Levels be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 1 year following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanks Assistant United States Attorney, Matthew B. Miller 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.
Evansville Felon Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Scott A. Stagg, 54, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, on November 16, 2021, Scott Stagg was in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol as he was driving his vehicle in Evansville, Indiana. Upon seeing a police vehicle, Stagg immediately pulled to the side of the road, parked, then ran down a nearby alley. Stagg placed the gun and other items behind gas station trash containers and continued to flee the area.
Law enforcement officers pursued Stagg and located the loaded pistol, a loaded magazine, a glasses case containing a glass pipe with burnt residue, and a small amount of methamphetamine behind the gas station trash cans. Stagg was located by officers and taken into custody.
At the time of his arrest, Stagg had previously been convicted in Vanderburgh County of possession of methamphetamine, dealing in a sawed-off shotgun, and illegally possessing a firearm.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
“Armed criminals pose a serious risk to our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will continue to work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners, including ATF and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, to protect the public and reduce gun violence. The sentence imposed today shows that those who continue to illegally arm themselves and ignore the law will be held accountable.”
ATF investigated this case with valuable assistance from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. The sentenced was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Stagg be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 1 year following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller 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.
Repeat Felon on Supervised Release Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison After Throwing AR-Style Pistol out the Window During High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS -Alonzo Smith, 26, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 13, 2021, Alonzo Smith was identified by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers as a suspect in a shots fired incident that occurred on March 27, 2021. That incident involved multiple individuals, including Smith, firing approximately 100 gunshots outside of an Indianapolis business. One of the fired rounds struck a fully marked IMPD vehicle as it was passing by.
Also on April 13, 2021, IMPD detectives located Smith near his Indianapolis residence. Detectives observed Smith leave the residence and drive northbound in a blue Chevy Malibu. Smith parked, then entered a silver Chevy Monte Carlo located on the street near 2249 North Arsenal Avenue. He drove northbound, approaching East 25th Street, where officers initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of East 25th Street and Brouse Avenue. After initially pulling over, Smith made a U-turn and fled westbound. Officers pursued Smith, who reached speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour on city streets. During the pursuit, Smith threw an AR-style pistol out the window of the car.
Officers lost sight of Smith, but later observed him driving north on Meridian Street. An officer reinitiated the pursuit but was involved in a serious accident at that intersection of Meridian and 20th Street. The officer sustained a broken nose, jaw, and orbital bone, lost four teeth, and needed multiple surgeries.
Smith was taken into custody approximately one week later. At the time of his arrest, Smith was on federal supervised release after serving a 40 month prison sentence following a prior federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
“This defendant chose to continue illegally arming himself and endangered the lives of civilians and law enforcement officers in his reckless flight from the police,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Repeat armed criminals drive the violence on our streets and putting them in prison makes our communities safer. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to hold these offenders accountable.”
“Working together with our law enforcement partners is the most effective way to make our communities safer and this sentence demonstrates that collaboration as a violent offender is now off the streets and behind bars where he can no longer imperil the lives of innocent people,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. In addition to 4 years imprisonment on these charges, Judge Hanlon sentenced Smith to 1 year imprisonment for violating the terms of his federal probation, that will run consecutively with his new sentence. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Smith 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 Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
Evansville Sexual Predator Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Evansville Sexual Predator Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
EVANSVILLE- Anthony J. Richardson, 30, of Newburgh, Indiana was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Richardson’s residence, where multiple electronic devices were found containing images of child sexual abuse. Richardson’s computer was later examined and found to contain more than 1,400 videos of child sexual abuse, as well as evidence he used his computer to search for this material. The material Richardson collected included multiple videos depicting the rapes of preschool aged children and an extremely brutal depiction of the torture and sexual abuse of a prepubescent girl.
Also on July 28, 2020, during a recorded interview with law enforcement officers, Richardson admitted that he was sexually aroused by depictions of children being subjected to sexual abuse and had collected child sexual abuse materials for a long time.
“These abhorrent crimes will not go unpunished. Every day, pedophiles trade and view horrific depictions of child rape and sexual exploitation online,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The outstanding investigators of the Indiana ICAC Task Force work tirelessly to protect our children by identifying and arresting dangerous criminals who seek to prey on them. Serious federal sentences like the one imposed today should put potential offenders on notice: those who sexually abuse our children or trade in images of that abuse will be held accountable and sent to prison.”
“These types of cases are some of the most important to the FBI and our law enforcement partners as these images cause untold harm to the children depicted who are revictimized each time they are shared,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “This sentence shows the dedicated efforts of all who were involved in identifying and investigating the defendant to ensure he will no longer be able to exploit innocent children.”
The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Warrick County Sheriff’s Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Richardson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. Richardson 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 Todd Shellenbarger, 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.
Armed Indianapolis Drug Dealer Sentenced to 55 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Donte Hill, 31, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2022, at approximately 7:30pm, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to reports of shots fired near the area of 21st Street and Post Road. Upon their arrival, officers observed a Black Audi SUV stopped at a nearby intersection with a missing rear-end license plate. At 21st and Sussex Avenue, officers activated their emergency overhead lights and attempted to stop the Audi for the violation. The driver, later identified as Donte Hill, fled at a high rate of speed, and led officers on a chase covering approximately two miles before he fishtailed and crashed into an unmarked police vehicle near 38th Street and Tutor Park Drive.
Donte Hill exited the driver side of the inoperable Audi and fled the scene on foot. As officers gave chase, they observed Hill put his right hand directly inside his hooded sweatshirt. The handle of a firearm was protruding from the front pocket. Hill continued to ignore verbal commands from law enforcement officers and fled toward Mitthoeffer road, running through thick vegetation and brush. Officers were able to make contact with Hill and placed him under arrest.
Officers located a black handgun, $1,278 in cash, a .45 caliber magazine and approximately 14 grams of cocaine on Hill’s person. At the time of his arrest, Hill was also wearing a body armor vest. A search of the Audi led to the discovery of another firearm, a digital scale, 21.8 grams of heroin, approximately 69 grams of marijuana, and approximately 48 grams of marijuana edibles. In his guilty plea, Hill admitted he intended to distribute the illegal drugs.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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 IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.ATF and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Hill be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison. Hill was also issued a $500.00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Peter A. Blackett, 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.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison After Fleeing Police at 80 Miles per Hour High on PCP and Seriously Injuring Two PeopleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Carl Young Jr., 41, of Indianapolis was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to cocaine and marijuana trafficking charges, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on February 16, 2022, just after midnight, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were dispatched to Thaddeus Street in Indianapolis, Indiana in response to a domestic disturbance. Upon their arrival, a woman reported that Young had stolen her Jeep and pointed officers to the vehicle in a nearby alley. Young fled from the approaching officers at a high speed. Young ran a stop sign at the intersection of Minnesota St. and State St., striking a Buick at nearly 80 miles per hour. Both the driver and passenger of the Buick were ejected from the vehicle. The driver was trapped under the vehicle, but officers were able to lift the vehicle to free the driver. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle onto the sidewalk several feet away. Both victims were transported to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition.
Young attempted to flee the scene again after the crash, and purposefully backed into a police vehicle. Officers surrounded Young’s vehicle with police vehicles, removed him from the driver’s seat, and placed him under arrest. Young was under the influence of Phencyclidine (PCP) and had two shotgun shells on her person at the time of his arrest. IMPD officers recovered a loaded shotgun from the front passenger seat of the stolen vehicle, and a backpack containing approximately 26 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 6 pounds of marijuana. In his guilty plea, Young admitted he intended to distribute the illegal drugs.
At the time of his arrest, Young was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm because he had five prior felony convictions, including convictions for dealing illegal drugs and multiple convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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 IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
“This armed drug trafficker severely injured two innocent people as he sped away from police with utter disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Myers “I commend the outstanding first responders who undoubtably saved lives at the scene of the crash and protected the public by arresting a dangerous criminal. The serious sentence imposed today will protect the public from further crimes by Mr. Young, and demonstrates that our office will work closely with our local and federal partners to make our communities safer.”
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and ATF investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash who prosecuted this case.
This case was 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.Armed Bloomington Man Sentenced to 81 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm while on Supervised Release for 2013 Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – John Lee Adams, III., 32, of Bloomington, was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and admitting to violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents, on August 12, 2021, Bloomington Police Department officers initiated a traffic stop on a Chevy Malibu for multiple traffic violations. John Lee Adams III was identified as the driver. When asked to step out of the vehicle, Adams fled the scene at a high rate of speed and lead BPD officers on a brief pursuit that concluded when Adams exited the vehicle and fled into a patch of woods on foot.
Adams was taken into custody without incident. Upon further investigation, officers located approximately 3.2 grams of cocaine on Adams’ person and a loaded semiautomatic handgun in his bag. At the time of the arrest, Adams was on federal supervised release after serving a sentence of 104 months in prison for armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
“Armed, violent criminals pose a serious danger to our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners, including ATF and the Bloomington Police Department, to protect the public and reduce gun violence. The sentence imposed here shows that violent criminals who continue to illegally arm themselves will be held accountable.”
“ATF is committed to combating gun violence in our communities,” said Daryl S. McCormick, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in Bloomington and throughout Indiana and Ohio to make our communities safer.”
ATF and the Bloomington Police Department investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Adams be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. 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.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material via TwitterRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- David McCutcheon, Jr., 25, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography.
According to court documents, on March 23, 2021, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) began investigating McCutcheon after receiving a CyberTip from Twitter. The tip reported that McCutcheon had uploaded 17 hyperlinks containing sexually explicit videos to other Twitter users via direct message. The videos distributed by McCutcheon included depictions of the sexual abuse and rape of prepubescent and preschool-aged children. Investigators were able to tie the account to McCutcheon’s Indianapolis residence and obtained a warrant to search for evidence of the crimes.
Members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force executed the warrant and recovered two cellular devices containing 1,316 images and 469 videos of children being sexually abused. One of McCutcheon’s devices included screen-recorded videos of McCutcheon using OmeTV (Omegle TV), a free application which allows users to randomly engage in webcam live video chat with others, including minor girls. In one of the recorded chats, McCutcheon can be seen talking to two prepubescent girls, who appear to be between 8-10 years of age who partially disrobe, apparently at McCutcheon’s direction.
The materials McCutcheon collected also included recordings of children being subjected to sexual bondage and the sexual abuse of toddlers and infants. In his plea agreement, McCutcheon admitted that he shared child sexual abuse materials online in hopes of receiving more of the same material and because he was sexually attracted to children.
“Pedophiles like the defendant use online platforms like Twitter and OmeTV to trade horrific depictions of child rape and to hunt for children to sexually exploit,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The outstanding investigators of the Indiana ICAC Task Force work tirelessly to protect our children by identifying and arresting dangerous criminals who seek to prey on our children. Serious federal sentences like the one imposed today should put potential offenders on notice: those who sexually abuse our children or trade in images of that abuse will be held accountable and sent to prison.”
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Jeffrey R. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the USSS Indianapolis Field Office, and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
The U.S Secret Service and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that McCutcheon be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison $45,000 in restitution to the child victims. McCutcheon 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
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – John Ellis-Strayhorn, Jr., 32, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 3, 2020, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers observed Ellis-Strayhorn driving a car that had previously been reported as stolen. When officers approached the stolen car, Ellis-Strayhorn sped away in the vehicle. A pursuit ensued, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour on city streets. As he fled, Ellis-Strayhorn, Jr. threw a gun out the window of the car. Police recovered the firearm from the road where Ellis-Strayhorn, Jr. had thrown it.
As the pursuit continued, police attempted to perform a pursuit-intervention technique (PIT) maneuver on Ellis-Strayhorn’s vehicle. The PIT maneuver caused Ellis-Strayhorn’s vehicle to spin, but he continued driving. The chase only ended after Ellis-Strayhorn’s vehicle collided with another car that was stopped at a red light. Ellis-Strayhorn was then arrested.
At the time of his arrest, Ellis-Strayhorn had three prior felony convictions which prohibited him from possessing firearms, including Battery on a Person Less than 14 Years Old, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, and Dealing in Cocaine or Narcotic Drug.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Ellis-Strayhorn be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa 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.
Career Criminal Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun Possession and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Luke Smith III, 48, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence introduced in court, on November 22, 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Smith was selling drugs, was just released from prison, and was known to carry a gun. Officers located Smith and initiated a traffic stop of his vehicle. Officers searched Smith’s vehicle and found a pill bottle in the middle console, which contained 2.5 grams of methamphetamine.
Officers continued to search Smith’s vehicle and found plastic wrap, baggies, several rounds of .380 and 9mm ammunition, and a 9mm pistol. Smith was searched and officers found a digital scale and a single round of 9mm ammunition on his person. During transport to the jail, Smith admitted to officers that they’d find his DNA on the firearm and that he handled the gun daily.
Smith has previous felony convictions in state court for battery resulting in bodily injury to a pregnant woman and robbery. Smith is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by federal law due to his felony convictions.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
FBI investigated the case and the Evansville Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Smith be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller 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.
Evansville Felon Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Escape from a Federal Residential Reentry CenterRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Brett Clark, 40, of Evansville, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to escaping from federal custody.
According to court documents, on September 7, 2011, Clark was sentenced by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to 10 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for methamphetamine trafficking.
On December 8, 2020, after his initial release from federal prison, Clark’s was ordered to serve an additional 21 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release. On April 14, 2022, Clark was transferred to the Volunteers of America (“VOA”) Hope Hall Residential Reentry Center in Evansville, Indiana. The Bureau of Prisons contracts with residential reentry centers, also known as halfway houses, to provide assistance to inmates who are nearing release. Inmates serving a portion of their sentence at a residential reentry center are only authorized to leave the RRC through sign-out procedures for approved activities.
Clark was to remain in and abide by the rules of the facility, until his projected release date of July 10, 2022. On May 19, 2022, Clark left the VOA with authorization to go to work, but he never showed up to work and VOA was notified of his absence. Clark only had authorization to leave the VOA to go to work and did not have authorization to leave for any other purpose or remain away from the VOA.
On July 5, 2022, law enforcement officers apprehended Clark in Evansville.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Dan McClain, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana, made the announcement.
The U.S. Marshal Service investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller who prosecuted this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendra Klump Selected to Serve as a Federal Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of IndianaRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) M. Kendra Klump has been selected by the District Judges of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to serve as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Indianapolis.
“AUSA Klump is a phenomenal leader and dedicated public servant. Her judgment, intelligence, and compassion will serve her well on the bench,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “AUSA Klump joins a distinguished group of alumni of our office who have gone on to serve the public as federal and state judges. Although her talents will be sorely missed, the entire district will benefit greatly from her passion for public service and the rule of law.”
Klump joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a Criminal AUSA in the Northern District of Ohio in 2012. In 2017, Klump transferred to the Southern District of Indiana, where she continued serving as a Criminal AUSA. In February of 2022, U.S. Attorney Myers appointed Klump Chief of the Office’s Drug Trafficking Unit. During Klump’s tenure as an AUSA, she has handled a wide variety of prosecutions and trials, including complex drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies.
Prior to joining the DOJ, Klump clerked for the Honorable Judith W. Rogers on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Court. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School. She earned undergraduate degrees in physics and mathematics from Georgetown University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Prior to law school, Klump worked as a nuclear scientist for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Armed Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Patrick Doornbos, 38, of Monticello, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on November 22, 2021, Doornbos was driving on Interstate 65 in Jackson County, Indiana, when he was stopped by the Indiana State Police (ISP) for multiple traffic violations. During the stop, the Trooper deployed his K9 partner, who indicated the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. Doornbos admitted that he was returning from Kentucky, where he had just purchased a pound and a half of methamphetamine as well as three firearms for $5,000. Law enforcement officers searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 650 grams of pure methamphetamine, two loaded semiautomatic handguns, and a revolver. In his guilty plea, Doornbos admitted he intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
At the time of his arrest, Doornbos had four prior felony convictions, including for dealing methamphetamine and illegally possessing a gun.
“Drug dealers who push these poisons into our communities act with blatant disregard for the pain caused by substance abuse disorders,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We are under no illusion that arrests and prosecutions alone will put an end to this crisis, but we will focus our federal resources on armed and unrepentant drug traffickers as we seek to increase public safety.”
“Drug traffickers with prior felony convictions who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities must be held accountable for their actions,” said Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Indianapolis Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local, and federal partners to keep our communities safe. We commend the outstanding work by the Indiana State Police and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
“We are grateful for our partnership with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s office for this investigation and the many others like it,” said Douglas G. Carter, Superintendent of the ISP. “We will work diligently to hold the people responsible for bringing drugs and guns into our communities fully accountable.”
The DEA and ISP jointly investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Doornbos be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
Armed Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison After Illegally Providing Stolen Handgun Used in Indianapolis ShootingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Joshua Jude, 34, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on December 22, 2020, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers arrested Jude on an outstanding escape warrant. Jude was wanted for absconding from a residential reentry center, where he was completing his sentence for a prior federal conviction of unlawfully possessing a firearm. During a search of the apartment where Jude was located, officers recovered a .45 caliber handgun. On October 24, 2020, Jude’s ex-girlfriend reported the handgun stolen.
Also on October 24, 2020, a victim was shot in the shoulder at a gas station near 38th and Butler streets in Indianapolis. IMPD Detectives located two .45 caliber casings at the scene, which were recovered and subsequently determined to have been fired from the stolen handgun.
Detectives obtained surveillance video and observed Jude entering the gas station, removing a gun from his jacket, and handing it to another man, later identified as the shooter. Detectives later interviewed Jude, who admitted to providing the stolen firearm to the shooter.
At the time of his arrest, Jude had seven prior felony convictions in Indiana including intimidation, battery, criminal recklessness, a possession of a controlled substance. Each of these prior felony convictions prohibit Jude from lawfully possessing a firearm.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Police Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
ATF and IMPD jointly investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash 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.
Former Muncie Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Eleven Civil Rights and Obstruction Offenses for Assaulting Arrestees and Writing False ReportsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Chase Winkle, 35, a former officer with the Muncie Police Department, in Muncie, Indiana, pleaded guilty today to eleven civil rights and obstruction charges. Specifically, Winkle pleaded guilty to five federal civil rights offenses for assaulting arrestees, and to six obstruction offenses for writing false reports to cover up the results.
According to court documents and statements made during the change of plea hearing, on or about August 9, 2018, Winkle and another officer arrested a civilian identified as L.G. As L.G. was lying on the ground, with the other officer holding both of L.G.’s hands behind his back, L.G. directed a verbal insult towards the officers. In response to the insult, Officer Winkle, using his knee, dropped his full bodyweight down onto L.G.’s neck and head area. L.G. screamed out in pain and yelled that Winkle had crushed his face. A few moments later, Winkle deployed taser prongs into L.G.’s back and activated the taser. Officer Winkle’s use of force caused severe bodily injury to L.G., multiple facial fractures that required surgery. Following the incident, Winkle wrote a false report about what happened.
“Today’s guilty pleas are an important step forward as we seek justice for the victims in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office, the Department of Justice and our federal partners are firmly committed to holding law enforcement officers accountable when they violate their oaths and the civil rights of the people they were sworn to protect.”
“Officer Winkle, the son of the former Chief of Police, confessed to repeated uses of excessive force and obstruction of justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant’s misconduct injured his victims and undermined the police department’s credibility with the community. We hope that this guilty plea sends a message that neither a badge nor familial connections will shield an officer from facing justice for his wrongdoing.”
On or about June 5, 2018, Winkle participated in the arrest of two then-juveniles, N.B. and R.F. The incident began when MPD officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a car, but the driver did not initially stop and instead drove away from the officers. The occupants – including N.B. and R.F. – eventually jumped out of the car and ran from officers on foot. Officer Winkle and another then-MPD officer, Dalton Kurtz, engaged in a short foot chase of N.B., who eventually lay down in a yard. Kurtz found N.B, alerted Officer Winkle, and aimed his firearm and a flashlight at N.B., who was lying on his stomach with his arms extended in front of him and his hands visible and open. As N.B. lay on the ground, with his hands extended in front of him, Officer Winkle ran towards N.B. and kicked him in the head. Winkle then positioned himself near N.B.’s shoulder and delivered approximately two closed fist strikes to the back or side of N.B.’s head, and two open hand strikes to N.B.’s face. Shortly after N.B.’s arrest, Officer Winkle found R.F. in a nearby garage. Winkle ordered R.F. to show his hands and R.F. complied, holding both hands above his head. As another officer began to handcuff R.F., Officer Winkle walked up and slapped R.F. in the face. Following the incident, Officer Winkle authored a false report regarding the arrests of both N.B. and R.F.
On or about March 27, 2018, Winkle and another MPD officer responded to a call involving a complaint against a civilian, I.P. When the officers found I.P. in an alleyway, I.P. stood up and immediately put his hands up in the air with his palms open, in a position indicating surrender. Winkle ordered I.P. to get down to the ground, and I.P., with his hands in the air, began to get down to the ground. As I.P. began to lower himself to the ground, Officer Winkle kicked him in the abdomen/hip area, causing him to fall backwards into a chain link fence behind him. As I.P. tried to steady himself against the fence, Winkle delivered a second kick directly to I.P.’s head, knocking I.P. unconscious. Shortly after the arrest, Winkle wrote a false report about the incident.
On or about May 22, 2018, Officer Winkle authored a false report about the arrest of an individual identified as D.E. During the arrest, Winkle placed D.E. in handcuffs, and then struck and used a pain compliance technique on him.
On or about February 17, 2019, Officer Winkle responded to the scene of a traffic stop, and he and another officer ordered the passenger, B.B. out of the car. B.B. complied and stepped out of the car but was caught in the seatbelt. As B.B. started to pull the seatbelt off of his body, Winkle punched B.B. in the face, and officers took B.B. to the ground. After a short scuffle, B.B. was handcuffed, after which Winkle used four knee strikes to B.B.’s torso area. Officer Winkle later wrote a false report regarding the arrest.
Finally, on or about May 13, 2019, another former MPD officer, Jeremy Gibson initiated a traffic stop of a car because one of the car’s headlights was out. When the driver stepped out of the car, Gibson attempted to physically take him to the ground, and punched him several times with a closed fist in the process. As other officers attempted to secure E.M., Officer Winkle used a knee strike to the left side of E.M.’s head or upper body. Gibson delivered a knee strike to the right of E.M.’s head, causing his head to swing to the left, back toward Winkle, and Winkle delivered another knee strike to the left side of E.M.’s head. Following the arrest, Officer Winkle wrote a false report about the incident.
Winkle admitted that he knew at the time of the incidents that his uses of force against the arrestees were unjustified and unreasonable under the circumstances. He further admitted that he wrote false reports about what happened, including making false statements and material omissions, in order to influence any potential investigations into the incidents.
Winkle is one of four Muncie Police Department 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 Officer Winkle during the arrest of N.B. On May 13, 2022, Officer Jeremy Gibson also pleaded guilty to civil rights and obstruction charges for assaulting E.M. and writing a false report about the incident. The remaining two officers are scheduled to stand trial in January 2023 and are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton made the announcement.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana and Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division who are prosecuting the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 56 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Jose Martiez Crosby, 22, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2021, while at a firing range in Evansville, Crosby was captured on security camera video firing a Springfield, Model XD, .45 caliber pistol, which he owned.
Crosby had previously been convicted of felony theft of a firearm and felony maintaining a common nuisance in the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court under cause number 82C01-2002-F6-01181 on July 23, 2020.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division., made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case and the Evansville Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Crosby be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger 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 Woman Sentenced for Falsely Seeking COVID 19 Relief Loans for Non-Existent BusinessesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – D’Ericka Lee, 29, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading guilty to wire fraud and making and using a false document in an attempt to fraudulently obtain COVID‑19 related disaster loans.
According to court documents, Lee filed three separate loan applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) following the onset of the COVID‑19 pandemic. In Lee’s three loan applications, she fraudulently represented to the Small Business Administration that she ran a retail clothing and apparel business, a daycare, and a medical services business, which each employed various individuals and generated revenue income.
Lee’s applications were fraudulent because the purported businesses had no employees or revenue, and, in fact, the businesses did not even exist. The business addresses Lee listed in her loan applications were personal residences incapable of housing a business.
“This defendant repeatedly lied to take advantage of disaster loan programs that were a vital lifeline to those actually entitled to them,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting these important federal programs from waste, fraud, and abuse. The conviction and sentence imposed today demonstrate that those who break the law to defraud the public will be held accountable.”
“This sentence illustrates the FBI’s commitment to combatting COVID-19 related fraud and ensuring those who fraudulently profited from the pandemic are held accountable,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office. “Stealing money meant to help those who were vulnerable and in need during those unprecedented times was reprehensible and will not be tolerated.”
The FBI investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Lee pay $10,000 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley A. Blackington who prosecuted this case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID‑19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID‑19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
Shelbyville Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation a 6-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Justin R. Potts, 38, of Shelbyville, Indiana, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to four counts related to his sexual exploitation of a six-year-old child committed while he was required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on or about March 20, 2014, Mr. Potts was convicted of sexual misconduct of a minor in Hancock County, Indiana, and sentenced to 7 years in prison. As a result of this conviction, Mr. Potts was required to register as a sex offender for 10 years or until January 21, 2026. He failed to register in 2019 and was released from probation in April 2021.
Between December 28, 2021, and January 22, 2022, Mr. Potts resided in Muncie, Indiana with Individual A and Minor Victim 1, who was six years’ old. While Mr. Potts resided with Individual A and Minor Victim 1, Minor Victim 1 was in Mr. Potts’ care, custody, and control. Mr. Potts sexually abused Minor Victim 1 and produced visual depictions of that abuse including videos showing Potts using his hands to force a penis-shaped device into the child’s anus, rubbing his penis against the child’s anus, and forcing his penis into the child’s mouth. The videos were uploaded to Mr. Potts’ Google account prompting immediate notification to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Indiana State Police and the United States Secret Service quickly investigated the account, traced it to Mr. Potts, contacted the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, and executed a search warrant leading to his arrest and detention. Mr. Potts pleaded guilty to three counts of sexually exploiting Minor Victim 1, and to one count of committing those offenses while required to register as a sex offender.
“This serial predator inflicted horrific abuse on an innocent child to satisfy his criminal sexual desires,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the outstanding and tireless efforts of the U.S. Secret Service, Indiana State Police, the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, and federal prosecutors to quickly identify this offender, remove him from the community, and rescue a child from ongoing abuse. Mr. Potts will now spend decades in federal prison, where he cannot sexually abuse another child. The serious sentence imposed today demonstrates our dedication to protecting the public from these dangerous offenders.”
“This investigation is a testament to the Secret Service’s commitment to pursue those who chose to victimize our most vulnerable citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Adams, U. S. Secret Service – Indianapolis Field Office. “The Secret Service is a proud member of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and would like to thank our partners at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Indiana State Police for their tireless work in this case.”
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case and the Indiana State Police and Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Potts be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for the rest of his life following his release from federal prison and ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution to the child victim. Potts 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
Career Offender Who Led Police on Two High-Speed Chases Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Operating a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Elvis Medrano, 43, of Pharr, TX, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA, and being a felon in possession of ammunition following a 4-day jury trial in May of 2022.
According to court documents and evidence offered in court, from spring of 2020 through his arrest on August 3, 2020, Medrano conspired with his co-conspirators to sell methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA throughout Southern Indiana, more specifically in Sullivan and Knox Counties. Medrano obtained the illegal drugs from various sources in California, Missouri, and Illinois. The drugs were shipped to several different addresses through the U.S. Mail, by parcel delivery, or to two vacant P.O. Boxes, which Medrano had fraudulently obtained with the help of a corrupt U.S. Postal Service employee.
Postal Inspectors intercepted four of the drug parcels destined for Medrano’s group, however, these interventions did not stop Medrano. Medrano instead drove to pick up his drugs from sources in Illinois and Missouri. Medrano operated his drug trafficking organization from various local motels, often leaving behind evidence of his drug sales. Nearly everywhere law enforcement officers encountered Medrano, they found a specific brand of cutting agent used by Medrano to dilute his drugs and tools he used to dilute and re-package his methamphetamine.
Medrano possessed several firearms and was seen armed on numerous occasions as he operated his drug trafficking conspiracy according to several witnesses who testified at Medrano’s May trial. Medrano had a firearm when he led police on a high-speed chase through downtown Washington, Indiana, after fleeing from a Budget Inn on July 7, 2020. During the chase, Medrano sped past residences and businesses, and disregarded stop signs and traffic barriers. The pursuit had to be called off because of the extreme risk posed to the citizens of Washington.
Medrano’s motel room was later searched, and police found 23 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a holster, and a gun cleaning kit. Medrano had tossed a magazine from his vehicle during the high-speed chase, which was later found by a concerned citizen and examined by police. The magazine was loaded with two 9mm rounds of ammunition that matched the ammunition found in Medrano’s motel room.
Prior to the July 7 high-speed police chase, on June 1, 2020, police were attempting to locate Medrano who was wanted on an out-of-state warrant. Medrano fled from the Indiana State Police, leading them in another high-speed chase involving numerous officers and civilians through nearly the entirety of Sullivan County. Medrano cut through a field, disregarded traffic laws, and ran a local farmer off the road.
Medrano was finally arrested on August 3, 2020. During his arrest, police officers surrounded a residence occupied by Medrano and others and asked them to exit the residence. Everyone except Medrano complied. Medrano continued to resist, and police had to deploy tear gas into the residence.
Medrano has prior state court felony convictions in Texas and Iowa for charges including robbery and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to deliver. Medrano is prohibited from possessing ammunition and firearms by federal law due to these prior convictions.
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; Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Andre Martin, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General; made the announcement.
DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The Indiana State Police, Washington (Indiana) Police Department and Daviess County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Medrano be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Kendra Klump, Patrick Gibson and Samantha Spiro who prosecuted this case.
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.
Career Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl While on Community CorrectionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Kevin Noel, 40, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2021, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers went to Noel’s residence on North King Avenue, in Indianapolis, to assist Marion County Community Corrections with a check to ensure Noel was complying with the conditions of his home detention. The officers encountered common tools used by drug traffickers and evidence of recent illegal drug use during the compliance check and obtained a warrant to search Noel’s residence and truck.
The officers executed the search warrant and seized evidence of drug trafficking and illegal guns including approximately 226 counterfeit pills containing Fentanyl (totaling 24 grams), approximately 460 grams of heroin or cocaine mixed with Fentanyl powder, approximately 75 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 27 grams of powder cocaine, approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine, three semi-automatic handguns, and over $24,000 in cash drug proceeds. Noel admitted that he possessed the illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them and illegally possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug dealing.
Officers seized approximately 692 grams of Fentanyl or substances mixed with Fentanyl during the search. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as 2 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.
Noel has four prior felony convictions in state court related to possession of and dealing drugs. Noel is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to these felonies.
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; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division; and Randal Taylor, Police Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; made the announcement.
DEA investigated the case in conjunction with ATF and IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Noel be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. 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.
Greenwood Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling $14 Million from his Former Employer to Fund His Lavish LifestyleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Daniel Fruits, 47, of Greenwood, Indiana, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.
According to court documents, Fruits, who was hired to manage and run a Greenwood, Indiana-based trucking company, defrauded his employer out of more than $14 million over a 4.5-year period. From January 2015 through June 2019, a Kentucky-based entity invested over $14 million into the trucking company. Fruits used that money to fund his own lavish lifestyle including purchasing: real estate; several vehicles including two Ferraris and a Corvette; farm equipment including a horse trailer; a show horse; expensive jewelry including multiple Rolex watches; firearms; private jet flights; and high-end escort services. Fruits hid his theft by creating false and misleading financial statements. He then sent those statements to his employer to induce additional investments into the trucking company.
In mid-2019, Fruits’ employer asked Fruits to have an accountant review the trucking company’s financial statements and provide a report. Rather than comply, Fruits fabricated a letter, purportedly written by a Greenwood-based accountant. When the employer contacted the accountant to follow up, they learned that the accountant’s letter was false and fictitious. Fruits was fired the next day and the victims contacted law enforcement officers.
The investigation also revealed that Fruits attempted to defraud Fifth Third bank out of $432,000 by providing false documents to secure a mortgage. Finally, the investigation revealed that Fruits perpetrated a title wash scheme that fraudulently removed Ally Financial’s lien from a $69,607 truck.
Fruits was arrested on December 16, 2020. On August 18, 2021, a federal magistrate judge revoked Fruits’ conditions of pretrial release and ordered him detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshal, after finding that Fruits had committed several violations including being charged with new fraud offenses in state court.
“Mr. Fruits stole an outrageous sum of money to fuel an extravagant lifestyle, concealing his crimes with years of lies and false documents,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Complex economic crimes such as these devastate the finances and security of businesses and individuals. The serious prison sentence imposed today demonstrates that this U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, IRS-CI, and all our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to hold these criminals accountable.”
“Mr. Fruits put his personal greed ahead of loyalty to a company that had entrusted him with its money and used funds that were not his to finance a lavish lifestyle. Even after his arrest, the defendant still was intent on defrauding others for his personal gain,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate those who engage in these types of financial fraud and ensure they are held accountable.”
“The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office. “We, along with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously pursue those who victimize their employers and violate the public trust, as demonstrated in today’s sentencing of Mr. Fruits.”
The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sara Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Fruits be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and ordered Fruits to pay $14,339,252.04 in restitution to his victims and a $14,270,000 money judgment.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn E. Olivier who prosecuted this case.
Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Firearm Offenses in Terre HauteRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Steven Francis, 56, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and laundering of monetary instruments.
According to court documents, in or around July 2020, the Vigo County (Indiana) Drug Task Force began investigating Francis for methamphetamine distribution. On January 19, 2021, Francis attempted to mail a parcel containing approximately $20,000 in U.S. currency to California. The cash came from Francis’ methamphetamine sales.
On February 17, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at two addresses associated with Francis. Prior to doing so, officers stopped Francis as they saw him approaching one of the two properties. Francis had approximately $26,900 cash in his pocket. The money was drug proceeds. During the subsequent search of the building, investigators found approximately 295 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, a loaded semi-automatic firearm, and a safe containing approximately $27,960.
Investigators also searched Francis’ residence. Under the bed in Francis’s room, officers found five handguns, two AR-style rifles, and a loaded 100-round drum magazine. Elsewhere in the residence, investigators recovered approximately $86,060 in U.S. currency.
Francis admitted to selling pound-quantities of methamphetamine and storing the drug at the two properties.
Francis was convicted in state court in 2003 for possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine in two separate cases. Francis is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law due to these felony convictions.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
DEA investigated the case in conjunction with the Vigo County Drug Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Francis be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from federal prison. Judge Magnus-Stinson also ordered that the 8 seized firearms, ammunition, and $160,920 in seized cash all be forfeited as proceeds and instruments of the defendant’s crimes.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay E. Karwoski who prosecuted this case.
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.
Violent Felon Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE –Roy L. Durham Jr., 37, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on June 6, 2020, an Indiana State Police Trooper initiated a traffic stop of Durham’s vehicle at an Evansville gas station and convenience store. As the trooper approached the vehicle, Durham reached for a handgun tucked inside the driver’s side door handle. The trooper drew his service weapon and commanded Durham to show his hands. Durham did not comply. Instead, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the handgun behind.
The trooper inventoried Durham’s vehicle before having it towed and recovered five fully loaded firearms, three 9mm magazines, assorted ammunition, a gun holster, a laser sight for a firearm, 49 grams of synthetic marijuana, a digital scale, small plastic baggies, thirteen cellular telephones, three laptop computers, and $1,530 in U.S. currency from Durham’s vehicle.
Durham has prior felony convictions in state court for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon in 2019 and for dealing methamphetamine in 2016. Durham is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law due to these felony convictions.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Indiana State Police. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Durham be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller 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.
Two-Time Sex Offender Against Children Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Christopher Gene Beke, 44, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material with a prior conviction.
According to court documents, in December 2021, law enforcement officers received a report that child sexual abuse material, consisting of hundreds of photos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, were being stored in a Google account. Through investigation, officers learned that Beke was the Google account holder and a registered sex offender.
On January 25, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Beke’s residence in Crawfordsville. Officers seized several electronic devices including two USB thumb drives and a cellular telephone. The devices were examined and found to contain numerous images of children, including at least one pre-pubescent child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images were representative of the child sexual abuse material found in Beke’s Google account.
In 2011, Beke was convicted of child molesting in Indiana after sexually abusing a 10‑year‑old girl on multiple occasions. Beke was sentenced to 10 years in prison with 4 years suspended. In 2017, Beke was convicted of possession of child sexual abuse material in Indiana and sentenced to 16 months in prison. At his federal sentencing today, the sentencing judge found that Beke had engaged in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
The FBI investigated the case with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Beke be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 12 years following his release from federal prison and ordered Beke to pay $13,000 in restitution to the child victims. Beke must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina M. Korobov and Trial Attorney Adam W. Braskich, of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Two Southern Indiana Child Sex Offenders Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Jason E. Jolley, 43, of Evansville, Indiana was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and receive sexually explicit materials involving children and distribution of sexually explicit materials involving children. Scott J. Spear, 50, of Newburgh, Indiana pled guilty to conspiring with Spear to distribute the child sexual abuse materials and was sentenced on October 18, 2022, to 5 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, between January 15, 2016, and February 1, 2016, Jolley and Spear communicated with each other using email. During their communications, both Jolley and Spear discussed their mutual interest in finding and viewing sexually explicit material involving children. Jolley and Spear also sent images to each other depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On November 15, 2016, Jolley used the Kik Messenger application to distribute an image depicting a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover law enforcement officer in Washington D.C. The images distributed and received by Jolley and Spear included depictions of the sexual abuse of pre-pubescent children.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
The FBI investigated the case. The Warrick County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Jolley be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. Spear was ordered to be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 7 years following his release from prison. Both Jolley and Spear must also register as a sex offender wherever they live, work, or go to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Shellenbarger 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
Arizona Man Indicted in Federal Court for Interstate Stalking and Harassment of Indianapolis CoupleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Patrick Kearney, 40, of Saddlebrook, Arizona, was indicted by a federal grand jury for interstate stalking, transmitting threats via interstate communications, and making harassing telephone calls to an Indianapolis couple.
As alleged in the indictment, Kearney has engaged in a stalking and harassment campaign targeting a woman who had rejected his pursuit of a romantic relationship while they attended college together in the early 2000s. The victim graduated from college and never saw Kearney again. Beginning in September 2019, nearly twenty years later, Kearney began sending the woman letters and packages through the U.S. mail telling the victim she should have died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, that she should eat poison, and that she should go to hell. Kearney also repeatedly called the victim at all hours and left profane and insulting voicemails on the victim’s cell phone.
When Kearney learned that his victim was engaged to be married—after finding the victim’s wedding website online—he began harassing and threatening the victim’s husband as well. Between October 2019 and September 2022, Kearney placed approximately 404 phone calls to the victims’ cell phones and left at least 155 voicemails. Kearney sent the victims multiple packages containing insect poison and pornographic material.
On October 12, 2022, Kearney appeared in federal court in Arizona and was then transported to the Southern District of Indiana. Kearney made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Indiana on November 17, 2022. On November 23, 2022, Kearney was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
If convicted on all nine counts alleged in the indictment, Kearney faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment on each of the first three counts, and a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment on each of counts four through nine, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any prison term.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Rodney Hopkins, Inspector of Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division, made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, 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.
Indianapolis Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Dorian Hayden, 26, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on February 13, 2020, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) obtained a search warrant for Hayden’s Indianapolis apartment on Baneberry Lane. Hayden was a suspected drug trafficker. The officers went to Hayden’s apartment. When they arrived, they saw Hayden exit his apartment, enter a vehicle, and drive away. The officers stopped Hayden’s vehicle because they knew Hayden had a suspended driver’s license. Hayden was ordered out the vehicle. While placing Hayden in custody, the officers seized two loaded Glock handguns from Hayden’s pants pocket along with a key to his apartment.
On that same day, a search warrant was executed at Hayden’s apartment. The officers found 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, 49.64 grams of heroin, cutting products, multiple digital scales, $38,468 in U.S. currency, two metal industrial presses, a digital money counter, and a loaded semiautomatic pistol. Hayden admitted in his guilty plea that he had intended to sell the methamphetamine and heroin.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Columbus Field Division; Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office; and Randal Taylor, Police Chief of IMPD made the announcement.
ATF, DEA, and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Barker ordered that Hayden be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle P. Brady who prosecuted this case.
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.
Sexual Predator Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Sending Child Sexual Abuse Material to Undercover Agent Acting as a 13-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Coenraad Cromhoudt, 48, of Cayuga, Indiana, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on July 24, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents were conducting undercover chat operations on the social media application Kik, in a chatroom known to be used by adult men looking for underage girls to exchange child sexual abuse material. An adult male later identified as Cromhoudt initiated a short conversation with a special agent posing as a 13-year-old girl living in Arizona.
On August 1, 2021, Cromhoudt sent another message inquiring about age and other information. Knowing that the “girl” was thirteen, the chat quickly turned sexual in nature. During this chat, Cromhoudt sent the “girl” naked pictures of himself, videos of pre-pubescent girls being sexually abused by adult men, and adult pornography. Cromhoudt said some of the videos depicted him abusing the children. In court, Cromhoudt admitted he sent the sexually explicit videos to the “girl,” in part, to convince “her” that he had had previously had sex with children and they enjoyed it.
Over the next two months, Cromhoudt routinely sent sexually explicit messages, videos, and photos during chats with the “girl.” Cromhoudt even tried planning to meet in Arizona to have sex with the “13-year-old girl.”
On October 28, 2021, agents executed a search warrant at Cromhoudt’s residence in Cayuga, Indiana. Cromhoudt was interviewed by investigators and admitted to receiving sexually explicit files using Kik and said he shared the files with others. He also acknowledged that he was the person chatting with the undercover special agent. In addition to the numerous videos Cromhoudt sent to the undercover agent in the Kik chat, Cromhoudt also possessed child sexual abuse material in a Google account, including a video of an adult male raping an infant girl.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, R. Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Chicago Field Office, and Superintendent Douglas G. Carter, Indiana State Police made the announcement.
HSI and the Indiana State Police investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Cromhoudt be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years following his release from federal prison and 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 U.S. Attorney 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
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Bradley Gulledge, 42, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to a total of 262 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in two federal cases
According to court documents, on August 29, 2018, Gulledge was arrested in Indianapolis when officers executed a search warrant at his residence and located over 280 grams of pure methamphetamine, digital scales, and multiple firearms. On September 10, 2018, after Gulledge posted bond in Marion County, Gulledge was located by law enforcement officers during the execution of another search warrant and found to be in possession of over 150 grams of pure methamphetamine and a firearm.
Gulledge has multiple prior felony convictions in Indiana, including convictions for dealing in cocaine or narcotic drugs and for unlawful firearm possession by a serious violent felon.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Superintendent Douglas Carter, Indiana State Police, R. Sean Fitzgerald, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Chicago, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The Indiana State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI investigated the cases. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indianapolis Drug Dealer Sentenced to 130 Months in Federal Prison for Armed Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jacob Wall, 29, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 14, 2020, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers saw a vehicle driven by an individual, later identified as the Wall, engage in a narcotics transaction at a gas station near Lynhurst Avenue, in Indianapolis. Officers stopped the vehicle after witnessing Wall commit several traffic infractions.
When officers approached the vehicle, they saw plastic baggies sticking out of a backpack in the back seat. A K9 officer arrived and indicated there were drugs in the vehicle. Officers searched and found two baggies containing 893 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, pills, a .45 caliber Glock M30 semiautomatic handgun, ammunition, and a digital scale. Officers also found several baggies of marijuana in a box inside the vehicle, which they later learned were the drugs Wall was selling at the gas station. Wall was arrested at the scene of the traffic stop.
Wall was previously convicted in Marion County, Indiana, of multiple felony offenses, including burglary, criminal gang activity, and battery. Wall is prohibited under federal law from prohibiting firearms due to these felony offenses.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
DEA investigated the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Wall be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli 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.
Austin Felon Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Manufacture and Sale of “Ghost Guns” and Dealing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY –Christopher M. Caudill, 38, of Austin, Indiana, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, between July 12, 2021, and February 17, 2022, Caudill sold drugs and firearms to a confidential informant on five separate occasions, illegally distributing a total of 41.9 grams of methamphetamine. In addition to his distribution of methamphetamine, Caudill sold the confidential informant a silencer, two privately made Glock-style 9mm pistols bearing no serial numbers, and an AR-stye 5.56m rife bearing no serial number. Caudill personally assembled the three firearms using parts and kits he purchased online.
These types of privately made firearms are untraceable and are referred to as “ghost guns.” Ghost guns are unserialized, privately made firearms increasingly recovered by law enforcement officers at crime scenes across the country. Because ghost guns lack the serial numbers marked on other firearms, they are impossible for law enforcement agencies to trace through the ATF’s National Tracing Center.
Caudill has a 2016 felony conviction in Scott County, Indiana, for possession of methamphetamine. Caudill is prohibited from possessing a firearm by federal law due to this prior felony.
“Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals and drug traffickers pose a profound danger to our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Using parts and kits purchased online, this drug dealer and convicted felon manufactured and sold untraceable ‘ghost guns’—including an AR-style semiautomatic rifle and a silencer. The sentence imposed today demonstrates that our U.S. Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly with the ATF and all our law enforcement partners, including the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, to identify the most dangerous armed criminals, hold them accountable, and get them off our streets.”
“The illegal sale or transfer of privately made firearms presents a unique challenge for law enforcement,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “In this case, Caudill not only sold illegal drugs, he sold un-serialized, untraceable firearms and an unregistered silencer. When used by criminals, those firearms pose a safety threat to our community, and ATF will continue to work with our state and local partners to bring those trafficking these items to justice.”
The ATF Louisville Group IV investigated the case in conjunction with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Caudill be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller who prosecuted this case.
This case is being brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s National Ghost Gun Initiative. The initiative was launched in February 2022 in response to the proliferation of ghost guns in our communities, and the growing number of criminals who unlawfully use or possess these untraceable weapons. The Attorney General directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to train a national cadre of prosecutors as experts to lead investigations and prosecutions of crimes involving ghost guns. These ghost gun coordinators will also share investigation and prosecution tools with other prosecutors and law enforcement officers. As part of the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana will focus its investigation and prosecution resources on combatting the illegal possession, use, and sale of ghost guns.
Previously Convicted Randolph County Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Lance Parsons, 47, of Randolph County, Indiana, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in March 2020, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Parsons alleged sexual assault of a child. During the investigation, law enforcement officers learned there was an outstanding warrant for Parsons arrest stemming from a child support case. On March 16, 2020, Parsons was arrested, and his smartphone seized. Law enforcement officers obtained a warrant to search for evidence of child exploitation offenses.
A forensic examination of Parsons’ smartphone revealed that Parsons engaged in messaging with other persons about child sexual abuse. Parsons’ smartphone also contained hundreds of photos and multiple videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults and other children. Parsons used the Kik Messenger and Mega applications to receive and distribute the visual depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The child sexual abuse material distributed, received, and possessed by Parsons included visual depictions of children being subjected to sadistic or masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence, and of infants or toddlers being made to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
At his sentencing hearing, the judge found that Parsons had engaged in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and in 2017, Parsons was convicted of attempted sexual misconduct with a minor in Randolph County.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Jeffrey R. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the USSS Indianapolis Field Office, and Art L. Moystner, Sheriff Randolph County made the announcement.
United States Secret Service and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Randolph County Prosecutor’s Office and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Parsons be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison. Parsons was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to his minor victim and must register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney 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
Anderson Felon Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Detreck Wilson, 50, of Anderson, Indiana, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 13, 2021, law enforcement officers learned that the Anderson City Court had issued a warrant for Wilson’s arrest for failure to appear. On September 14, 2021, law enforcement officers located Wilson at the Anderson Inn. Officers were aware that Wilson was a previously convicted felon. Officers were advised that Wilson was in the room and that he had a firearm. Officers accessed Wilson’s room with a key provided by the hotel and found him lying in bed with a semi-automatic handgun within his reach on an adjacent nightstand.
Wilson admitted to officers that he had two prior felony convictions and possessed the handgun found on the nightstand. Wilson was previously convicted of strangulation and non-support of a dependent, in Madison County, Indiana. Wilson is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms due to these felony convictions.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
FBI investigated the case and the Anderson Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Wilson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath who prosecuted this case.
Previously Convicted Armed Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Omaree Shay Roby, 25, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to carjacking and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2020, officers with the Evansville Police Department responded to a residence on East Indiana Street regarding a robbery complaint. The adult female victim, told officers that she had been approached by a man, later identified as Roby, as she sat inside her car while parked on her driveway. When Roby demanded that the victim relinquish her vehicle, the victim refused, and Roby pointed a pistol in the air and fired a shot. At that point, the victim exited her vehicle, and Roby entered the driver’s seat and drove away. While at the scene, officers located one spent .40 caliber shell casing on the victim’s driveway.
Vigo County Sheriff deputies subsequently located Roby traveling northbound through Vigo County in the stolen vehicle, and pursued Roby into Vermillion County. When law enforcement officers deployed stop sticks in Clinton, Indiana, Roby drove through the stop sticks and fired shots at the officers from the stolen vehicle. Roby ultimately came to a stop near State Road 63 and U.S. Highway 36. As he exited the vehicle, Roby raised a firearm at the officers, who returned fire and struck Roby. Roby was transported to the hospital and survived. Upon searching the stolen vehicle, officers recovered a .40 caliber pistol.
Roby had been previously convicted of two counts of armed robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, in July 2015.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Chief Billy Bolin, Evansville Police Department, made the announcement.
The Evansville Police Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police investigated the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Roby be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski 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.
Evansville Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Justin Owens, 63, of Evansville, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in October 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Owens was distributing child sexual abuse material using Instagram Direct. On May 11, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Owens’ Evansville residence to locate additional evidence of Owens’ distribution of child sexual abuse material. During the search of the residence, a 12-gauge shotgun and assorted ammunition was recovered. Owens said the shotgun was his and further stated that he possessed a loaded .22 caliber handgun and ammunition inside a camper that was located on the property. Officers additionally seized more ammunition and 18 loaded .223 magazines for an AR15 style rifle inside a safe in a detached garage.
Owens is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms due to a 1999 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, felony conviction for child molestation. Based on this prior conviction for an offense involving the sexual abuse of a minor, Owens was subject to an enhanced penalty under U.S. law for the distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
FBI investigated the case and the Evansville Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Owens be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years following his release from federal prison. Owens must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Shellenbarger 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
Evansville Drug Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing in MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Gene Goodwin, 32, of Evansville, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on October 29, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Goodwin had two active felony arrest warrants from Vanderburgh County and was possibly staying at a residence on Delmar Avenue in Evansville. After arriving at the residence, officers heard someone running inside toward the back of the residence. Officers responded to the back yard and did not see anyone but noticed the back door and gate to the fence was open. Although it had been raining all day and evening, a police K9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances at a dry blanket in the yard. Under the blanket, officers discovered two plastic bags containing approximately 261 grams of methamphetamine.
Officers confirmed that Goodwin was staying at the residence with his sister where he also stored all his belongings. A search warrant was obtained, and officers seized an additional .2 grams of methamphetamine, two digital scales, and $19,920 in U.S. currency.
Goodwin was charged with dealing methamphetamine in Vanderburgh County and was arrested on March 9, 2021. DNA samples collected from the plastic bags matched Goodwin’s DNA. In his federal plea agreement, Goodwin admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in the community and agreed to forfeiture of the $19,920 in seized currency as proceeds of drug trafficking.
Goodwin is currently serving a 27-year sentence imposed in Vanderburgh County for an unrelated armed robbery.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
DEA and the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Goodwin be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –Nathan Robinson, 31, of Indianapolis was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2022, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were attempting to locate and arrest Robinson on an outstanding warrant. Law enforcement officers knew that Robinson was selling methamphetamine in Indianapolis.
Law enforcement officers located Robinson and stopped him as he was attempting to leave in his vehicle from an address on Redfern Drive in Indianapolis. Robinson consented to a search of his vehicle and officers found 71 grams of cocaine, marijuana, two digital scales, plastic baggies, a loaded 9mm Double Tap Defense pistol that had been reported stolen, and over $124,000 inside the vehicle. Robinson admitted the drugs, the firearm used during Robinson’s drug dealing activities, and the currency from the drug proceeds belonged to him.
Robinson is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law due to his prior felony convictions, in Marion County, Indiana, including theft, unlaw possession of a syringe and resisting law enforcement.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
DEA investigated the case. IMPD provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Robinson be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli 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.
Previously Convicted Evansville Child Sexual Abuser Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Wesley Owen Bowles, Jr., 59, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to receipt of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on March 20, 2020, law enforcement investigators learned about the transmission of suspected child pornography using Google applications. An investigation eventually led law enforcement officers to Bowles. Between March 1, 2019, and October 13, 2020, Bowles received and downloaded more than 600 images to his Google accounts depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct including images depicting a prepubescent minor or a minor under the age of twelve years and images involving sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. The Court also imposed a sentencing enhancement because of the defendant’s pattern of sexually abusing or exploiting children. In 1999, Bowles was convicted of sexual abuse of a child in Dubois County, Indiana.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Indianapolis, made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case. The Evansville Police Department provided invaluable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young following Bowles’ guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Bowles be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from prison. Bowles 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 U.S. 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.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Transporting Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Brian Greenlee, 36, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to transportation of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on January 15, 2021, law enforcement officers learned Greenlee was trafficking in child sexual abuse material. Greenlee had been arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant in Hendricks County, Indiana and was in the custody of the Hendricks County Jail. Greenlee had a cellular telephone and a backpack containing multiple digital devices when he was arrested. On January 16, 2021, officers obtained a warrant to search Greenlee’s property at the jail and seized his smartphone and the backpack containing digital devices.
Law enforcement officers were able to execute the warrant and obtain access to the data stored on Greenlee’s devices. They found multiple images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his devices, some depicting the sexual abuse of infants as young as six months to 1 year old. Greenlee’s smartphone had the MEGA cloud-storage application installed, which also allows users to chat within the application. Law enforcement officers found thousands of sexually explicit videos of children on Greenlee’s smartphone and stored in his MEGA account. Greenlee discussed his sexual interest in children with others in conversations over text message, social media messaging, and the MEGA application. Greenlee sent others links to the child sexual abuse material he stored on his MEGA account during these conversations.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
The FBI investigated the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Greenlee be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison and ordered Greenlee to pay $76,000 in restitution the child victims. Greenlee must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. 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.
Fugitive Bookkeeper Apprehended in Utah After 8 Years on the Run Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Embezzling More than $2.2 MillionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Jody Russell Trapp, 58, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
According to court documents, from July 2009 through December 2011, Trapp was a bookkeeper for Shelton Machinery, Inc., a Fishers-based distributor of advanced machines, drill-tap machines, production saws, and band saws. As a bookkeeper for Shelton Machinery, Trapp’s duties included overseeing the preparation and mailing of checks to outside vendors.
Between September 2009 and December 2011, Trapp stole more than $2.2 million from Shelton Machinery by diverting checks made payable to one of Shelton Machinery’s suppliers into his personal bank account. To accomplish his theft and to conceal his actions, Trapp prepared fictitious or duplicate invoices for work that had already been billed and paid, as well as checks to pay the fictious or duplicate invoices.
Trapp was arrested in January 2012. On June 8, 2012, Trapp was charged by Information and a petition to plead guilty was filed with the federal court on November 9, 2012. A change of plea and sentencing hearing was scheduled for March 7, 2013. Less than two weeks before the hearing, however, Trapp absconded from his residence, where he’d been ordered by the court to remain while on pretrial release.
Trapp’s whereabouts remained unknown until 2021, when Deputy U.S. Marshals located him living under an assumed name in Utah. Trapp was arrested in October 2021 and transported back to Indiana to face the still-pending charges. Trapp formally pleaded guilty to the criminal charges on July 19, 2022.
“Mr. Trapp has finally been held accountable for stealing millions of dollars from a company that trusted him and fleeing in an attempt to avoid the consequences,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The punishment imposed today demonstrates that those who try to obstruct and evade justice will ultimately be held accountable. I commend the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigations, and our determined partners at the U.S. Marshals Service for their determined efforts to investigate and apprehend the defendant.”
“Mr. Trapp took advantage of his position and exploited his employer’s trust to divert funds for his personal use and then vanished for years leaving no resolution for the business and its clients,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The dedication of all the law enforcement agencies involved in locating him and bringing him back to face the court demonstrates that the FBI and our partners will continue to investigate and pursue those who choose to enrich themselves at the expense of others.”
“The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in fraud cases like this due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “As we often see, the victims here are not only the taxpayers, but also the small businesses and individuals who suffer the financial harm.”
FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Trapp be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and ordered Trapp to pay $2,528,716.63 in restitution to his victims.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn E. Olivier who prosecuted this case.
Repeat Armed Felon Sentenced to 102 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Ammunition and a Firearm while on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Nicholas Hines, 39, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 9, 2014, Hines was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release by the U.S. Probation Office. Hines was released from prison in March of 2020 and began serving his supervised release sentence. As part of the conditions of Hines’ supervised release sentence, and because he is a convicted felon, under federal law Hines is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On December 15, 2020, federal probation officers visited Hines’ residence on Eastern Avenue in Indianapolis to conduct a compliance check. Hines met the officers at his front door but was reluctant to unlock the door and allow the officers inside his residence. Officers negotiated with Hines for several minutes before Hines unlocked the door. Hines was placed in handcuffs while the officers searched the residence.
The officers searched two upstairs bedrooms and found a box of live .38 caliber ammunition in one of the bedrooms. The box contained nineteen rounds of live ammunition, and officers estimated that five or six rounds of ammunition were missing from the box. Hines was interviewed by the officers, and he admitted that the ammunition was his, but he denied having a firearm.
U.S. Probation Officers tried to reach Hines after the December 15, 2020, visit, but they were unsuccessful, and Hines was no longer accepting phone calls. A warrant was issued to arrest Hines for violation of the terms of his release. On December 18, 2020, a federal criminal complaint was filed against Hines for unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and another warrant was issued for his arrest. Federal law enforcement officers organized a search to locate Hines to arrest him for his outstanding warrants.
On January 14, 2021, officers located Hines at a Red Roof Inn on Lynhurst Drive in Indianapolis. Hines and a woman were seen exiting the front door of the hotel and walking towards a vehicle. The officers attempted to arrest Hines, but he ran, and a foot pursuit ensued. Hines ran behind the hotel, jumped a fence, and entered an apartment complex before a pursuing officer deployed his taser, causing Hines to fall to the ground. Hines rolled over on his back revealing a revolver in his right hand. As another officer tried to approach Hines, Hines held the revolver to his own head. After a five-minute standoff, Hines dropped the revolver and was taken into custody. The revolver was loaded with five rounds of the same brand of .38 caliber ammunition found in Hines’ upstairs bedroom during the probation search.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office; and Joseph “Dan” McClain, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana; made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Hines be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. 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.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Bradley Cagle, 27, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents, on October 27, 2020, Cagle was driving a car in Indianapolis, when the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) initiated a traffic stop. Officers located a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun on Cagle’s person. Officers also located a baggie containing 7.33 grams of fentanyl in Cagle’s pocket. Two other baggies containing a total of around 22 grams of fentanyl were found in Cagle’s car. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as 2 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.
On that same day, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cagle’s home in Indianapolis, and found a baggie containing 22.8 grams of fentanyl, an AK47-style rifle, two handguns, and ammunition.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
DEA and the IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Cagle be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick G. Gibson and Barry A. Glickman who are prosecuting the case.
Four Members of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin Mixed with Fentanyl from California to IndianapolisRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Charles Kirby, 45, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted of heroin trafficking conspiracy and attempted possession with the intent to distribute heroin following a three-day federal jury trial in Indianapolis.
According to court documents, between April 1, 2019, and May 13, 2019, Kirby, and co-conspirators Elias Parada-Borquez, Javier Lopez-Juarez, and Denice Cardenas, engaged in a drug conspiracy to distribute 2,354 grams of a heroin-fentanyl mixture in Indianapolis. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as little as 2 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.
On May 13, 2019, law enforcement officers initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle for traffic violations on I-70 in Foristell, Missouri. The vehicle was being driven by Lopez-Juarez, and Cardenas and Parada-Borquez were passengers in the vehicle. A K-9 officer approached the vehicle and indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. The vehicle and its occupants were transported to a secure tow lot and the vehicle was searched. When the rear spare tire on the vehicle was removed, three individually wrapped packages later determined to be a heroin-fentanyl mixture were found.
Law enforcement officers learned that Parada-Borquez, Lopez-Juarez and Cardenas had picked up the drugs in San Bernadino, California and were to deliver the heroin-fentanyl mixture to Kirby, who intended to sell the drugs in Indianapolis. Parada-Borquez, Lopez-Juarez and Cardenas were supposed to wait in Indianapolis until Kirby sold the drugs before returning to San Bernadino and then collect the drug trafficking proceeds for the Mexican-based source of supply.
A few weeks prior to the traffic stop in Missouri, Parada-Borquez, Lopez-Juarez, and Cardenas drove to Indianapolis to pick up a motorcycle and a Camaro from Kirby as collateral for a drug debt owed to the drug trafficking organization.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Kirby later that evening for his role in the drug trafficking organization. Kirby was found in possession of a loaded Glock .45 handgun at the time of his arrest.
The jury acquitted Kirby of a charge of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
Parada-Borquez, Lopez-Juarez and Cardenas all pleaded guilty to their participation in the heroin trafficking conspiracy and received the following sentences listed below.
Elias Parada-Borquez, 42, of Mexico, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release on September 29, 2022.
Javier Lopez-Juarez, 24, of San Bernadino, California, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release on November 17, 2020.
Denice Cardenas, 40, of San Bernadino, California, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release on September 26, 2022.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
The DEA Indianapolis Field Office investigated the case in conjunction with the DEA St. Louis Field Office. The St. Charles County Police Department in Missouri provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Kirby be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lawrence D. Hilton and M. Kendra Klump 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.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison After Committing Six Armed Robberies in Six Weeks, Including Three of the Same Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Devonte Bailey, 24, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 6, 2018, Bailey approached four men standing inside a residential garage in Indianapolis, asked for directions, and then left the area. Bailey returned a few minutes later, brandished a semiautomatic pistol, and demanded the keys to the victims’ vehicle and their cellular telephones. Bailey fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
The next day an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) received a report of shots fired and responded to the area. When the officer arrived in the vicinity of where the shots were reported, he saw Bailey sitting in the driver’s seat of the stolen vehicle. As the officer approached Bailey, he drove away at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a vehicle pursuit, which ended at an apartment building. Bailey exited the vehicle, entered an apartment, and ran out the rear of the building. The officer searched Bailey’s vehicle and found a 9mm handgun inside.
On November 1, 2018, Bailey entered a Dollar Tree on High School Road. Bailey approached the check-out counter, brandished a silver revolver, and demanded money. The cashier ran from the register and Bailey left the store without any money.
Later that same day, Bailey entered a Circle K on Lafayette Road. Bailey grabbed a bag of Doritos and proceeded to the check-out counter. Bailey again brandished the silver revolver and demanded money and cigarettes from the cashier, and the cashier complied.
On November 7, 2018, Bailey entered the same Circle K on Lafayette Road, again brandishing the silver revolver. Bailey walked behind the counter and removed money from the register and several packs of cigarettes before fleeing the store.
On November 16, 2018, Bailey entered the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell on Georgetown Road. Bailey brandished the silver revolver and demanded money from the safe. Bailey instructed an employee to open the safe. Bailey removed the money from the safe and then fled the restaurant.
On November 22, 2018, Bailey went back to the Circle K on Lafayette Road for a third time. When Bailey entered the store, none of the employees were inside. Bailey exited the store and located an employee and a customer standing together near the exit. Bailey brandished the silver revolver and demanded money from the cash register. The employee complied. Bailey took the customer’s car keys and fled the store. The customer chased Bailey as he ran from the store. Bailey dropped his backpack as he was fleeing and drove away in a vehicle, but not the customer’s vehicle. The customer tried to block Bailey from leaving and Bailey almost hit him with the vehicle as he drove away. Bailey drove the vehicle into a nearby tree. Bailey exited the vehicle and ran into a storage area. Police responded moments later, and Bailey was arrested. Officers searched the backpack that Bailey had discarded and found a silver 9mm revolver.
Bailey was transported to the police station where he was interviewed. Bailey confessed to the robberies. In a subsequent interview with a federal agent, Bailey confessed to the October 6, 2018, carjacking and admitted to brandishing a 9mm handgun.
Bailey was previously convicted in Marion County, Indiana for battery with a deadly weapon. Bailey was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due this felony conviction.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division; and Randal Taylor, Police Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from ATF and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Bailey be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. 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.
Twice Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of Child Sexual Abuse Material While on Lifetime ParoleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS– Joseph Yantiss, 35, of Greensburg, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transportation of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that between August 15 and August 17, 2021, Yantiss uploaded 13 files of child sexual abuse material to his Dropbox account. Yantiss was on lifetime parole at the time of the offense. On September 27, 2021, a search warrant was issued for Yantiss’ person and his vehicle. Two cellular telephones were found in the vehicle by police. Police examined both phones, and on one of the phones they found a video depicting a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Police also found an email account on the phone that was the same email Yantiss used for his Dropbox account.
While Yantiss was being processed into jail, an officer found a microSD card in Yantiss’ wallet. The SD card was examined and contained three files depicting child sexual abuse material.
Yantiss was convicted of attempted child molesting and child solicitation in December 2013 and possession of child pornography in July 2018, both in Decatur County, Indiana.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Correction’s Division of Parole Services provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Yantiss be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and ordered Yantiss to pay $4,000 in restitution the minor victims. Yantiss must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. 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.
Kentucky Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Methamphetamine at his Place of Employment While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE– Ronnie Rich Jr., 43, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on April 1, 2021, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana security learned that Rich was possibly under the influence of a controlled substance and was possibly distributing controlled substances on the Toyota property. Toyota security approached Rich, asked him to empty his pockets and advised Rich that his backpack would be searched. Rich told Toyota security that he’d done nothing wrong and began walking away.
Toyota security followed Rich as he walked through the factory and they saw Rich hand $1,250 in U.S. currency to a female, later identified as Rich’s girlfriend. Toyota security told Rich that if he was not going to comply with their investigation, he needed to turn over his Toyota badge. Rich turned over his badge and exited the factory into the parking lot. Rich then ran into nearby woods. Toyota security attempted to locate Rich with a drone, but they were unsuccessful.
Toyota security searched the backpack that Rich had abandoned in the factory and found two baggies containing methamphetamine and digital scales. A police laboratory confirmed the two baggies contained 237.9 grams of methamphetamine. Toyota security reviewed video surveillance footage of Rich entering the factory with the backpack that contained the methamphetamine.
At the time he was selling methamphetamine at his workplace, Rich was still on supervised release after being sentenced to 7 years in federal prison in 2011 for methamphetamine distribution in the Western District of Kentucky.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
The DEA investigated the case. The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Rich be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
Evansville Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Materials Through His Kik AccountRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE– Joshua W. LaForrest, 28, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers learned that LaForrest was transmitting images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct through his Kik account and his cellular telephone.
A search warrant was executed at LaForrest’s residence in Evansville on July 22, 2021. LaForrest was interviewed by police, and he admitted to posting videos containing child sexual abuse materials to a Kik discussion group on December 7, 2020, and February 28, 2021. During the search, police seized LaForrest’s cellular telephone. The cellular telephone was examined, and it contained communications between LaForrest’s Kik application, chat groups, and other individuals in which LaForrest transmitted and received child sexual abuse materials. The materials LaForrest transmitted and received included sexually explicit depictions of children under twelve years old.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. 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.
The FBI investigated the case. The Indiana State Police provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that LaForrest be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for seven years following his release from federal prison. LaForrest must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. 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.
U.S. Attorney Appoints District Election Officer for November 8 ElectionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tiffany J. Preston will lead the efforts of her office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Preston has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Indiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of Election Day complaints relating to voting rights concerns, threats of violence against election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington. The Southern District of Indiana is comprised of the southern sixty counties in the state.
U.S. Attorney Myers said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Myers stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Preston will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 317-226-6333.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 317-595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Myers said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Fully Automatic AR-15 Style Rifle Following a High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Raymond Bowie, 21, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 4, 2021, officers recognized an individual in attendance at the funeral of a homicide victim. The individual was a fugitive, was noticeably armed, and had an outstanding warrant. Several other individuals in attendance at the funeral were also armed. Officers were aware of various threats of violence and retaliation that were made by associates and family members of the deceased individual.
Officers saw the fugitive leave the funeral and enter the driver’s side of a vehicle, along with three other individuals, including Bowie. Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the fugitive’s vehicle near the 3700 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The fugitive driver did not comply and led police on a high-speed chase exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour. Due to the excess speeds, police terminated the pursuit. Officers searched the area of the chase and within minutes located the vehicle crashed on I-465 northbound near the I-65 on-ramp.
As officers approached the vehicle, they saw Bowie and another passenger fleeing from the crash on foot. Bowie was recklessly swinging a rifle with an extended magazine around as he fled police, which he later discarded. Bowie eventually dropped to the ground because of his injuries from the accident and was detained by police without incident. Officers located the firearm discarded by Bowie, which was a converted fully automatic AR-15 style rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
Bowie has three prior felony convictions for armed robbery and was also convicted of dangerous firearm possession. Bowie was on probation at the time of his September 4, 2021, offense, and violated the terms of his probation by illegally possessing a firearm. Bowie is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to his previous felony convictions.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Columbus Field Division (ATF), made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Indiana Crime Gun Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Bowie be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
Also, 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.