Southern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Indianapolis Police Sergeant Indicted for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury in Indianapolis returned an indictment late yesterday charging an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department sergeant with violating the civil rights of an arrestee by using excessive force.
Sgt. Eric Huxley, 44, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The indictment alleges that on or about Sept. 24, 2021. Sergeant Huxley used his shod foot to strike an arrestee identified as J.V. in the head and face, without lawful justification. The indictment also alleges that the offense resulted in bodily injury to J.V. and involved the use of a dangerous weapon.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton for the FBI Indianapolis Field Division made the announcement.
The FBI’s Indianapolis Field Division investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Preston and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Henry County Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy Indicted for Obstruction of Justice in Excessive Force Investigation of Former New Castle Police LieutenantRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury in Indianapolis, returned a five-count superseding indictment late yesterday charging a former New Castle, Indiana, police officer with excessive force and obstruction of justice, and a former Henry County, Indiana, Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy with obstruction of justice.
Former New Castle, Indiana, Police Lieutenant Aaron Strong is charged in the Superseding Indictment with three civil rights violations for allegedly using unreasonable force against an arrestee and against two other people in custody, and with one count of obstruction of justice. Strong was previously indicted and the superseding indictment added no new charges against him.
Today’s superseding indictment added one count of witness tampering against former Henry County, Indiana, Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy Adam Guy, 25. According to the superseding indictment, Guy engaged in misleading conduct toward another person with the intent to interfere with the investigation of one of the incidents for which Strong is charged with using unreasonable force.
Each of the civil rights charges in the superseding indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, and each obstruction of justice charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment. If either defendant is convicted, the actual sentence will be determined by a district judge.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton for the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Division made the announcement.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Evansville Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Sergio Rascoe, 36, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Rascoe also admitted he violated the terms of his supervised release for his prior federal conviction and was sentenced to an additional 24 months in prison for a total of 70 months.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2020, law enforcement officers obtained information that Rascoe was selling methamphetamine out of his Evansville apartment. Police saw Rascoe walk out his apartment and enter a vehicle, which was later determined to be stolen. Rascoe exited the apartment complex and drove towards Theater Drive. Officers initiated a traffic stop of Rascoe and the stolen vehicle. Rascoe was seen reaching under the driver’s seat of the vehicle during the traffic stop. Rascoe was taken into custody and asked if there were any weapons either on his person or in the vehicle. Rascoe admitted to officers that there was a gun under the driver’s seat and that officers would find his DNA on the gun. The 9mm handgun gun was recovered by police.
In 2016, Rascoe was convicted for an armed robbery in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri and sentenced to 70 months in prison and 5 years of supervision after his release. Rascoe was still serving federal supervised release for his 2016 conviction at the time of the December 2020 offense. Rascoe is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to these prior 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, and Chief Billy Bolin, of the Evansville Police Department, made the announcement.
The FBI and the Evansville Police Department investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Rascoe 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 Lauren M. Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Myers Announces $353,868 in Justice Department Grants to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $353,868 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the Southern District of Indiana. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. The grant, to the Judiciary Courts of the State of Indiana, is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
“Prosecution and incarceration of the most serious violent offenders are necessary—but not sufficient—to prevent violent crime and increase public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Myers, “Project Safe Neighborhoods is a critical component of our efforts to address the root causes of the gun violence and other violent crime. Through supporting community-based efforts that provide support to those most at risk of committing or being victims of violence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice will increase public safety and public trust.”
“The Justice Department’s grants provide resources for our state and local law partners to help protect individuals and communities from violent crime,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department is taking a comprehensive approach, recognizing that we cannot simply arrest our way out of this problem—the resources in these grants will help our state and local partners reduce gun violence through increased community trust and investments in community-based initiatives like violence intervention programs.”
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.
“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”
The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Greensburg Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Anthony Laquinn Thomas, 53, of Greensburg, Indiana, was sentenced late yesterday to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2019, police went to the residence of Minor Victim 1 to check her welfare because Minor Victim 1’s mother was concerned when she learned Minor Victim 1 was not in school. Minor Victim 1 was under thirteen years old at the time. Law enforcement officers located Minor Victim 1. Minor Victim 1 spoke to police and was later interviewed at a at a Children’s Advocacy Center. Minor Victim 1 disclosed that Thomas sexually abused her and used his cell phone to take naked pictures of her and show her pornographic images.
A probation search of Thomas’s residence was conducted, and Thomas was placed under arrest after police found evidence of methamphetamine use in the home. Thomas’s two cell phones were seized by police and searched after police obtained a search warrant. Police were able to lawfully access the information stored on Thomas’s cell phones and found numerous images of Minor Victim 1 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Thomas’s Google account was also searched by police, and it revealed nine images of Minor Victim 1 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Thomas was on probation at the time of these offenses and had failed a recent drug screen. Thomas has a lengthy criminal history with convictions including drug dealing, drug possession, and battery of a child.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; Superintendent Douglas G. Carter of the Indiana State Police; and Mike McNealy, Chief of the Greensburg Police Department; made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service, Indiana State Police and Greensburg Police Department investigated the case. The Decatur County Probation Office and Decatur County Prosecutor’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Thomas be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison and ordered Thomas to pay $10,000 in restitution to Minor Victim 1. Thomas 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.
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
Fishers Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Two ChildrenRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Steven Danford, 51, of Fishers, Indiana, was sentenced late yesterday to 35 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, on June 16, 2020, the Fishers Police Department responded to a report of child molestation. The report indicated that Minor Victim 1, age 5, was playing with a friend at Danford’s home when the child was molested by Danford. Minor Victim 1 was forensically interviewed by investigators and the child disclosed being sexually abused by Danford on multiple occasions.
On September 14, 2020, police were contacted and advised that Danford had moved out of his residence. After Danford moved out, the landlord was cleaning the property and found cable equipment and a 16GB Gorilla flash drive. Police took custody of the flash drive, and it was examined. The flash drive contained three video and audio files of Danford sexually abusing Minor Victim 1. The files also corroborated the statements Minor Victim 1 made during the forensic interview.
In June 2022, two additional files were identified on the flash drive. Those files depicted Danford sexually abusing Minor Victim 2 when she was between the ages of 9 and 11. After Minor Victim 2 was identified by the child’s mother, Minor Victim 2 was forensically interviewed. Minor Victim 2 disclosed being sexually abused by Danford on multiple occasions. Minor Victim 2 explained that Danford told the child not to tell anyone and the child didn’t for fear of being yelled at.
Danford was previously convicted of a misdemeanor third-degree assault of a child.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and R. Sean Fitzgerald, acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ Chicago Field Office, made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. The Fishers 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 Danford be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years following his release from federal prison. Danford 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 Kathryn E. Olivier 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’s Office and Department of Justice Announce Results in Continued Efforts to Protect Older Adults from Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and the U.S. Department of Justice, announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department, and their law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
“We will continue to prioritize prosecution of fraudsters who prey upon the finances of older adults,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “These despicable scams often exploit the trust and love of our seniors and deprive them of their hard-earned savings and security. We will work to hold those who commit these crimes accountable and to return ill-gotten gains to victims of fraud.”
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion of our efforts builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
Over the past year, the Department pursued numerous cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as a grandchild or other family member, or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. At the recent sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice are working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
For example, in 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted Edwin Agbi, of Indiana, for defrauding senior victims as part of a broad, international scheme. Agbi worked with an international group of scammers to create fake profiles on OurTime, an online dating service designed for adults over 50. The scammers were able to deceive several senior victims, making them believe that they were in genuine romantic relationships with the fake personas. Eventually, the scammers asked the victims for money, explaining that they needed funds for various reasons, including taxes and travel expenses. The victims sometimes sent the requested money. Agbi received money from the victims and passed it along to his co-conspirators.
Agbi was charged with various federal fraud and money laundering offenses. On March 2, 2022, he was found guilty following a three-day federal jury trial. On August 25, 2022, he was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $95,500 in restitution to his victims. Agbi was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Miller and MaryAnn T. Mindrum.
Also in 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted five people who organized a nation-wide “Grandparent Scam.” From at least April 2020 and continuing through January 2021, Jasaun Pope, Darlens Renard, Princess Elizer, Jennifer Glemeau, and Kareem Brown exploited the elderly and their relationships with their relatives for personal financial gain. This sophisticated criminal network, through extortion and fraud, induced elderly Americans across the United States to pay tens of thousands of dollars to help their grandchild or other close family relative in a “Grandparent Scam.”
Unidentified members of the conspiracy made scam telephone calls to elderly victims in Indiana and nationwide claiming that their grandchild or other relative had an urgent legal or medical problem and needed money immediately. The caller, who often claimed to be an attorney, police officer, or other authority figure, told the victims to send an overnight delivery of cash to help the purported relative in need—typically between $5,000 and $15,000—to a delivery address used by the conspiracy. Once they received the money, the conspirators divided the criminal proceeds amongst themselves.
All five members of the conspiracy have signed agreements to plead guilty for their roles in the offense. On August 23, 2022, Jasaun Pope was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $554,574.02 in restitution to the victims. The four other members of the conspiracy are awaiting sentencing. This fraud conspiracy is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Nicholas J. Linder.
The Department of Justice also highlighted its successes in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 160,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $62 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million because of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana has also been committed to taking assets from criminals and returning them to victims. Thus far in 2022, the office’s Asset Recovery Unit has divested criminals of $732,609 worth of assets that are the fruits of their crimes. The office has collected $2,631.606 in criminal debts, including restitution owed to victims and fines owed to the court, and $1,950,427 in civil debts recovered for victims of crime and the United States.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anderson Community School Corporation Bookkeeper Charged with Embezzling nearly $1 Million over More than Five YearsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Carla Burke, 62, of Anderson, Indiana, has been charged with wire fraud, and will make her initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in federal court in Indianapolis in the coming weeks.
The Anderson Community School Corporation (“ACSC”) is a public school corporation in charge of at least ten public schools in Anderson, Indiana. As part of its operations, ACSC employs teachers, administrators, coaches, custodians, and other professionals, and is responsible for the education of more than 6,000 children. Burke was the ACSC Food Service Department’s Bookkeeper. As part of her duties, Burke maintained the financial records for the Food Service Department. Burke was also responsible for issuing checks on behalf of ACSC approved by her supervisor.
According to court documents, between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2019, Burke used her position as a bookkeeper for ACSC to embezzle nearly $1 million from the school corporation. Rather than submit legitimate vendor expenses, Burke issued approximately 312 checks to herself from ACSC totaling $976,773.29. To conceal her theft, Burke falsified ACSC records making it appear that the payments were to an ACSC vendor. Burke used the stolen funds for her own personal expenditures, including gambling at several casinos. Burke also willfully failed to report approximately $225,381 in income she derived from the scheme on her tax returns and lied to federal agents when questioned about her illegal conduct.
If convicted, Burke faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Actual sentences are determined by a federal district court judge and are typically less than the maximum penalties.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office; and Paul Joyce, State Examiner of the Indiana State Board of Accounts; made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.
An Information is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Members of Multi-State Credit Card Fraud Ring Sentenced for Conspiracy, Credit Card Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Seven individuals have been sentenced for conspiracy to commit access device fraud, with some also being sentenced for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The defendants had previously been indicated on their charges beginning in 2018.
According to court documents, the defendants were part of a conspiracy with at least two goals: to traffic in and use counterfeit identification documents, including driver’s licenses and tobacco licenses, as well to traffic in and use stolen credit cards and large amounts of cash – all to purchase cigarettes in bulk, electronics, and other items from Sam’s Club stores and other retail stores around the country. The conspiracy began at least as early as January 2017 and continued through September 2018, with defendants Nfa Doumbouya, Ibrahima Diallo, Souleymane Camara, Betsy DeGracia, and Anderson Tejada Rossis traveling to different locations within the United States to use stolen credit cards to buy these items. The losses caused by the conspiracy totaled over $3 million.
Some defendants used counterfeit state-issued documents to open Sam’s Club memberships in names that were not their own – which enabled them to purchase cigarettes in bulk. At least one defendant, Michel Lamah, worked in an Indianapolis credit card processing facility, and provided stolen credit cards to codefendants. After purchase, some of the defendants arranged to store and ship the items bought with stolen credit cards to other locations.
The defendants pleaded guilty and were each sentenced by U. S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon as follows:
Defendant
Sentence
Charge(s)
Nfa Saidou Doumbouya, 37,
Atlanta, GA
Over 5 years in federal prison
2 years’ supervised release
Conspiracy, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft
Ibrahima Diallo, 36, Atlanta, GA
Over 5 years in federal prison
2 years’ supervised release
Conspiracy, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft
Souleymane Camara, 35, Indianapolis, IN
Over 7 years in federal prison
2 years’ supervised release
Conspiracy, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft
Mamadou Magane, 32, Atlanta, GA
Time served
3 years’ supervised release
Conspiracy
Betsy Marie DeGracia,
Over 2 years in federal prison
3 years’ supervised release
Conspiracy, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft
Anderson Tejada Rossis
3 years’ probation
Conspiracy and access device fraud
Michel Lamah, 31, Indianapolis, IN
Over 3 years in federal prison
3 years’ supervised release
Conspiracy and access device fraud
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Division made the announcement.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Indiana State Police provided invaluable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Cindy J. Cho who prosecuted the case.
Zionsville Firefighter Paramedic Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Daniel Stevens, 48, of Whitestown, Indiana, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and possession child sex abuse material.
According to court documents, Stevens was a firefighter paramedic in the Town of Zionsville, Indiana, and was also employed by a local hospital in Indianapolis. Unbeknownst to his employers and without their consent, Stevens used their internet connection to distribute numerous images and videos depicting child sex abuse material to others over social media. Stevens also used his tablet to store thousands of images and videos depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the children depicted in the images and videos were infants, babies, and toddlers. Stevens also viewed and saved material that depicted sadomasochistic sexual abuse of children.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.
The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Stevens be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for ten years following his release from federal prison and ordered Stevens to pay $12,000 in restitution to each of the minor victims depicted in the images and videos he distributed and possessed. Stevens must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
Indianapolis Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl While on Community CorrectionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Lamar Taylor, 31, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on July 18, 2019, officers executed a search warrant at Lamar Taylor’s residence on Bolton Court in Indianapolis. Taylor was serving a community corrections sentence after pleading guilty to drug possession in Marion County. Officers found a loaded .380 handgun, $12,451.00 in U.S. currency, approximately 22.88 grams of fentanyl, 10.06 grams of cocaine, and 2.73 grams of marijuana, all in Taylor’s bedroom. Officers found 595 grams of methamphetamine above a furnace directly across the hall from Taylor’s bedroom. Digital scales and materials used to cut narcotics were found in the kitchen. 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.
Taylor was interviewed by law enforcement officers and admitted to selling narcotics when he was released from jail about six weeks before this incident. Taylor also admitted to selling two to three ounces of methamphetamine, two to three ounces of cocaine, and fourteen grams of heroin daily. Taylor indicated there was approximately one pound of methamphetamine inside his residence at the time of his arrest. Taylor told officers that he believed he had sold four to five pounds of methamphetamine since he was released from jail.
Taylor has prior felony convictions in state court in Marion County, Indiana, for drug possession, resisting law enforcement and carrying a handgun without a license. Taylor is prohibited from possessing a firearm under 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 (ATF), made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with 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 Taylor 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 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.
Evansville Restaurant Operator Sentenced for Scheme to Employ Undocumented WorkersRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Kent Dam, 55, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to time served in federal court after pleading guilty to transporting and harboring undocumented workers and money laundering. Gracie’s Chinese Cuisine, which is operated by Dam and his wife, also pleaded guilty to unlawful employment of undocumented workers, and received two years’ probation and a $15,000 fine.
According to court documents, in June 2020, Homeland Security Investigations began an investigation into Dam and the operations at Gracie’s Chinese Cuisine as part of an ongoing multistate investigation into the smuggling, transporting, harboring and employment of undocumented workers. Agents were told that a human smuggler was facilitating the exploitation of undocumented laborers by delivering them to businesses. On multiple occasions, the smuggler drove the undocumented workers from another state to Gracie Chinese Cuisine’s and to two residences owned by Dam on West Wortman Road in Evansville. Dam and his wife personally paid the smuggler for delivering workers to the West Wortman Road residences.
During the investigation, surveillance of the restaurant and Dam’s two residences showed that Dam regularly drove from his primary residence to the West Wortman Road residences and picked up four to six people, then drove to Gracie Chinese Cuisine’s. At the restaurant, Dam and the workers exited the vehicle and entered through the back door. At the end of the day, Dam drove the workers from Gracie’s back to the residences on Wortman Road, before returning to his primary residence.
On October 21, 2020, the vehicle Dam was driving was stopped by officers for a traffic violation. Dam was driving with five passengers at the time. None of the passengers were lawfully present in the United States. One of the passengers was a citizen of El Salvador who had been previously deported, one passenger was a citizen of Indonesia who had entered on a visa, but the visa had been revoked, two of the passengers were citizens of Guatemala who had unlawfully entered the United States without inspection, and the final passenger was a citizen of Mexico who had unlawfully entered the United States without inspection.
All the passengers said they worked in the kitchen at Gracie’s and lived at the Wortman Road residence. Two individuals said that they had been working at the restaurant for 3 months, one said he had been there for 7.5 years, and the others fell somewhere in between. Some claimed that they paid Dam rent to live at the Wortman residence, others said they lived there for free. The workers stated that they were paid by Dam monthly, either by check or with an envelope of cash. One individual said that he was paid $800 per month, another said that he was paid $2,500 per month, and the others fell somewhere in between.
Additionally, the workers said that Dam did not ask them to complete the standard employment forms regarding citizenship and taxes. Some claimed that they did not even have to show Dam identification to get a job. Two of the workers stated that they were brought to Dam’s restaurant by a smuggler.
The worker who had been previously deported was detained and charged federally with unlawful re-entry into the United States. The others were released. Shortly after the traffic stop, Dam contacted a human smuggler and stated that he needed a worker.
“The defendant paid for smuggled, undocumented workers to exploit in furtherance of his own greed,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This prosecution and sentence demonstrate that the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that those who unlawfully exploit trafficked persons are held accountable.”
“This individual exploited undocumented workers to enrich himself,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell of IRS-CI’s Chicago Field Office. “Today’s sentencing is a critical reminder that there are consequences for human trafficking and money laundering.”
Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case in conjunction with IRS Criminal Investigation. The Indiana State Police provided invaluable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Dam pay a $35,000 fine and that he forfeit to the United States his 2017 Toyota Tundra truck, which he used to transport the undocumented workers.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller who prosecuted this case.
California Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 45 Months in Federal Prison Following an Indiana Traffic Stop Leading to the Seizure of 8.5 Kilos of FentanylRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Felix Becerra-Aguilera, 40, of Stockton, California, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, on September 13, 2021, an Indiana State Police trooper was conducting a patrol on I-70 in Hancock County. The state trooper conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Felix Becerra-Aguilera who was identified by his California driver’s license. Becerra-Aguilera gave the state trooper written consent to search his vehicle.
During the search of the vehicle, officers found multiple wrapped packages containing Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills in the hollowed-out seat cushions. Officers also found fentanyl pills and two-kilogram bricks of fentanyl in the seatbacks of the front seats. Approximately eight and a half kilograms of fentanyl were seized from inside the vehicle during the traffic stop. 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.
Becerra-Aguilera admitted to the state troopers that he was being paid to drive the narcotics to Philadelphia. Officers found $2,000 in U.S. currency inside Becerra-Aguilera’s bag inside the vehicle.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and R. Sean Fitzgerald, acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office for Homeland Security Investigations, made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case in conjunction with the Indiana State Police. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Beccera-Aguilera 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 Pamela S. Domash who prosecuted this case.
8-Time Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Arthur Miles, 48 of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and being a felon in possession of firearms, following a three-day jury trial.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2021, Miles was arrested in Indianapolis when a police officer executed a search warrant at his residence, where they found over 275 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 124 grams of cocaine, over 12,000 pills containing methamphetamine, $10,800 in U.S. currency and two firearms.
Miles has an extensive criminal history. Since 1992, Miles has been convicted of eight felonies and nine misdemeanors, including a misdemeanor committed while on parole for another offense. Miles was previously convicted of felonies including dealing cocaine and marijuana, resisting law enforcement, and firearms offenses. Following his May 1, 2021, arrest in this case, Miles was released from federal custody pending trial subject to conditions ordered by the court. While on pretrial release, Miles was again arrested and charged in federal court with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and commission of a felony while on pretrial release.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Miles 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 Pamela S. Domash and Peter 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.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 32 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm While Serving Community Corrections Probation SentenceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Bryan Glass, 25, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on February 18, 2020, officers visited the Glass residence off Wakefield Road, in Indianapolis, to conduct a community corrections compliance check. Officers entered the residence and asked Glass if there were any weapons in the home. Glass refused to answer. Officers searched the residence and found a loaded 9mm handgun and an additional 59 rounds of ammunition.
At the time of the search, Glass was on probation in Marion County, Indiana after two separate prior felony convictions. Glass was convicted for the armed robbery of a store clerk. While Glass was in jail for the armed robbery, he attacked another inmate, striking him in the jaw with a close fist, resulting in the inmate needing surgery to repair a fractured jaw. Glass was convicted of battery resulting in serious bodily injury for his assault of the fellow inmate. Glass is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to these prior 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 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 Glass 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 William L. McCoskey 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 12 Years in Federal Prison After Four Armed Robberies of Victims Lured Using Dating AppRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Demetrius Banks, 25, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, between May 15, 2021, and May 21, 2021, Banks used an online dating application, Grindr, to arrange to meet four different men at their residences. Banks contacted Victim 1 on May 15, 2021, through Grindr and arranged to meet Victim 1 at his apartment in Indianapolis. Shortly thereafter, Banks arrived at Victim 1’s apartment. Victim 1 opened the door and Banks entered the apartment. Victim 1 left Banks in the living room for a few minutes and when he returned Banks brandished a semiautomatic pistol. Banks utilized Victim 1’s cellular telephone to wire himself $500 through an online Cash App account. Banks also stole a television, two laptops, an iWatch, an iPad, and approximately 30 pieces of jewelry. Banks threatened Victim 1 before fleeing in his vehicle. Banks pleaded guilty to the charges pertaining to this robbery.
Banks committed very similar robberies of three additional victims. On May 15, 2021, Banks met Victim 2 at the victim’s apartment, brandished a pistol, and pushed his way into the apartment. Banks demanded money from Victim 2 and stole his cellular telephone.
On May 16, 2021, Banks met Victim 3 at the victim’s residence. Banks wore a mask over the lower portion of his face and brandished a pistol. Banks entered Victim 3’s home, demanded money from him and led him to the bedroom at gunpoint. A struggle over the firearm ensued and during the fight the pistol discharged twice. One round struck the wall and the other hit Victim 3’s television. Banks fled the residence with his firearm. Officers responded to the scene and immediately noticed Victim 3’s injuries. Officers identified at least two bullet holes in Victim 3’s residence and recovered a .380 caliber shell casing.
On May 21, 2021, Banks arranged to meet with Victim 4 at his residence. When Victim 4 answered, Banks brandished a semiautomatic pistol and pushed his way into the residence. Banks ordered Victim 4 at gunpoint to lay face down on the bed. Victim 4 complied while Banks stole his cellular telephone, a laptop, several pieces of jewelry, and Apple AirPods. Banks threatened to kill Victim 4 before leaving the residence.
Law enforcement officers identified Banks as the robber through investigation. Banks was arrested and transported to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for questioning. Banks admitted to using Grindr to meet Victims 1-4. Banks initially denied he committed the robberies, but later admitted to committing all four.
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 Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Banks 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 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.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 111 Months in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of a Lebanon AT&T StoreRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Javentay Chapman, 21, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 111 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, On February 25, 2021, Chapman and a juvenile male entered the AT&T store located at 1602 N. Lebanon Street in Lebanon, Indiana. Upon entering the store, the two robbers each brandished firearms at the store employee. The employee, with a gun pointed at him, was ordered to open the store’s safe and get on the floor. The robbers grabbed several phones and electronic items from the safe and placed them in a bag. One of the robbers asked the store employee if the phones had trackers on them, to which the employee stated he did not know. The robbers instructed the employee to stay on ground and then fled the business.
At least one of the cellular phones taken by the robbers had a GPS tracking device on it. Law enforcement was able to track the device and officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were able to locate the vehicle driving south on I-65. A traffic stop was initiated near the intersection of Michigan and 38th Streets in Indianapolis. Chapman was one of the vehicle’s occupants.
Located within the vehicle were multiple cellular phones, accessories and the tracking devices that accompanied at least one of the phones. Investigators also located 2 firearms in the vehicle. Surveillance footage obtained from the AT&T store shows Chapman wearing the same clothing he was arrested in during the robbery.
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 Fishers Police Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Lebanon Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Chapman 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.
Indianapolis Man Out on Bond Sentenced to 231 Months in Federal Prison After Robbing OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace Buyers at GunpointRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Dujuan Lucas, 22, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 231 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two robberies and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of both crimes of violence.
According to court documents, on August 8, 2020, Victim 1 contacted Lucas, who had listed a vehicle for sale under a fictious name, on the internet-based marketplace OfferUp. Victim 1 arranged to meet Lucas at an address on Redskin Lane in Indianapolis and arrived at the location with her three children, Victims 2-4.
Victim 1 texted Lucas when she arrived at the location. The vehicle was not present when Victim 1 arrived. Lucas told Victim 1 that his child’s mother had the vehicle, and that Victim 1 would have to wait. Lucas then pointed a pistol at Victim 1’s head, demanded money and told Victim 1 not to resist. Lucas removed $1,000 in U.S. currency from Victim 1’s person and ran off. The police were contacted, and they soon arrived at the scene to investigate the robbery. Through investigation, officers determined that it was Lucas who placed the advertisement on OfferUp and robbed Victim 1 and her three children at gunpoint.
On August 23, 2020, Victim 5 communicated over Facebook Marketplace with Lucas who had listed an iPhone 11 and several other electronics for sale through the website. Victim 5 arranged to meet Lucas, who was portraying himself as a female, at another address on Redskin Lane. Lucas explained to Victim 5 that it would be her “brother” that would be meeting Victim 5. Later that day, Victim 5 and four friends, Victims 6-9, arrived at the Redskin Lane address and messaged Lucas over Facebook that they had arrived.
Lucas approached Victim 5’s vehicle and Victim 5 exited the vehicle to meet Lucas. Lucas asked to see the money first. The victims showed Lucas the money and Lucas handed a box to Victim 5. While Victim 5 was looking at the box, Lucas grabbed Victim 5 from behind, held a gun against Victim 5’s neck, and demanded cash from the group. Victim 5 gave Lucas money. Lucas ordered Victim 6 to exit the vehicle and demanded all the victims’ cell phones. Victims 6 and 7 gave Lucas their cell phones. All the victims were eventually able to return to their vehicle while Lucas was distracted, and they fled the scene with Lucas running behind them for a short time. The police were called to respond to the robbery. Lucas was identified by police as the perpetrator of this armed robbery also. Lucas was found at a residence on Redskin Lane on September 8, 2020 and was subsequently arrested.
A search warrant was executed at Lucas’s residence. Police recovered a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, two handgun magazines and other items used during the robberies. Lucas admitted that the handgun and magazines belonged to him.
In 2016, Lucas was convicted of armed robbery as a juvenile in Marion County, Indiana. Lucas was out on bond awaiting trial for narcotics charges in Marion County at the time he committed the two marketplace robberies.
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 Lucas 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 Lawrence D. Hilton and Kathryn E. Olivier 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice Announce Results of Efforts to Reduce Fentanyl Supply and Prosecute Fentanyl TraffickersRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and the Justice Department, announced today the results of an enforcement operation that spanned from May to September and resulted in significant fentanyl seizures across the United States.
As part of the One Pill Can Kill initiative, the DEA and its law enforcement partners seized more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and approximately 980 pounds of fentanyl powder during the period of May 23 through Sept. 8, 2022. The amount of fentanyl taken off the streets nationwide during this surge is equivalent to more than 36 million lethal doses removed from the illegal drug supply. Additionally, 338 weapons were seized, including rifles, shotguns, pistols, and hand grenades.
Of the 390 cases investigated during this period nationwide, 51 cases are linked to overdose poisonings and 35 cases link directly to one or both of the primary Mexican cartels responsible for the majority of fentanyl in the United States – the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In addition, 129 investigations are linked to social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and TikTok. These results build upon the One Pill Can Kill Phase II results announced by DEA Administrator Anne Milgram in December 2021.
“Drug overdose deaths touch every Hoosier—our families, our friends, our children. These tragedies are overwhelmingly driven by trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly opioids,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fentanyl is concealed in everything from fake pharmaceuticals to rainbow candy-colored pills, and even within other controlled substances. The cartels and drug traffickers push these poisonous chemicals into our communities with utter disregard for human life. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work with our partners in the DEA and throughout federal, state, and local law enforcement, to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs and hold fentanyl traffickers accountable.”
“Far too many lives have been lost across Indiana from drug overdoses and poisonings involving fake pills laced with fentanyl,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon, DEA Indianapolis. “DEA is committed to working hand-in-hand with our state, local and federal partners to bring drug cartels to justice. We will also continue raising awareness about the dangers of fake pills through the ‘One Pill Can Kill’ campaign.”
“Across the country, fentanyl is devastating families and communities, and we know that violent, criminal drug cartels bear responsibility for this crisis,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department, including the extraordinary professionals of the DEA, is working to disrupt and dismantle the operations of these cartels, remove deadly fentanyl from our communities, and save Americans’ lives.”
“For the past year, confronting the fentanyl crisis has been the top priority for DEA. The most urgent threat to our communities, our kids, and our families are the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG who are mass producing and supplying the fentanyl that is poisoning and killing Americans,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG are ruthless, criminal organizations that use deception and treachery to drive addiction with complete disregard for human life. To save American lives, the DEA is relentlessly focused on defeating the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG by degrading their operations to make it impossible for them to do business.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana has led the prosecution of numerous individuals charged with or convicted of fentanyl trafficking, including:
- Nyron Harmon, 31, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on September 27, 2022, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Arcinial Montreal Watt, 34, and Jazmynn Alaina Brown, 24, both of Evansville, Indiana, were charged by superseding indictment on September 22, 2022, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in the death of a three-year-old girl and causing a one-year-old to be hospitalized and administered NARCAN, both due to fentanyl overdoses.
- Julius Johnson, 44, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on August 16, 2022, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Keith Jones, a/k/a “Keybo,” 56, of Indianapolis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 7, 2022, for allegedly leading a drug trafficking organization that conspired to distribute large amounts of fentanyl and other controlled substances. Twenty other individuals are also charged in relation to the drug trafficking conspiracy.
- Ethan Parker, 29, and Joshua Harvey, 30, both of Evansville, Indiana, were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 24, 2022, for manufacturing fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills using a pill press and conspiring to distribute fentanyl-laced pills.
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this nation. In 2021, a record number of Americans – 107,622 – died from a drug poisoning or overdose. Sixty-six percent of those deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. According to the Indiana Department of Health, 2,554 Hoosiers died of drug overdoses in 2021 and over 70% of the deaths were caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Between January 1 and August 1, 2022, over 2,500 Hoosiers have been lost to drug overdoses, the vast majority from fentanyl and similar drugs.
Drug traffickers have expanded their inventory to sell fentanyl in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. Rainbow fentanyl was first reported to DEA in February 2022, and it has now been seized in 21 states, including in the Southern District of Indiana.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the amount that could fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose.
As part of DEA’s ongoing efforts to educate the public and encourage parents and caregivers to talk to teens and young adults about the dangers of fake pills and illicit drugs, DEA has also created a new resource, “What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs to Know About Fake Pills.”
In September 2021, DEA launched the One Pill Can Kill enforcement effort and public awareness campaign to combat the fake pill threat and educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl pills being disguised and sold as prescription medications, despite these pills not containing any of the actual medications advertised. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. All other pills are unsafe and potentially deadly.
Additional resources for parents and the community can be found on the DEA’s Fentanyl Awareness page.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm While on Home Detention for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Donahvon Troutman, 33, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, in February 2021, Troutman was serving the first of two consecutive home detention sentences for felony handgun convictions in Marion County, Indiana. On February 24, 2021, officers arrived at Troutman’s residence to conduct a community corrections compliance check. Troutman answered the door after officers knocked several times. Officers proceeded to search Troutman’s person and found marijuana in his pocket. Officers searched Troutman’s residence and found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun in a bedroom closet. Troutman denied the firearm was his, but his fingerprint was found on the magazine inserted in the gun. Troutman was arrested and later released to home detention following a Community Corrections violation hearing.
Nine days after his home detention, Troutman removed his monitoring device and absconded from Community Corrections. On May 4, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Troutman and a federal warrant was issued his arrest. Troutman also had four pending state arrest warrants issued by Marion County courts.
On September 2, 2021, officers located and attempted to apprehend Troutman. Troutman fled from the officers, struck a police car with his vehicle, and drove on the sidewalk at Eskenazi Hospital in broad daylight, successfully evading arrest. While fleeing, Troutman threw a handgun out of the vehicle, which was later recovered by police.
Troutman has five prior felony state court convictions for carrying a handgun without a license. Troutman is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal and state law 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.
The FBI investigated the case in conjunction with 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 Troutman 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 Jayson 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.
Twice-Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing and Receiving Child Pornography Through His Google AccountRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – William Cass, 57, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, law enforcement learned that between April 25, 2021, and April 27, 2021, Cass used his Google account to send images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to another Google user. Cass told the Google user that he was seeking other children to sexually abuse. Evidence from Cass’s Google account revealed that in addition to distributing child sexual abuse material, Cass maintained a photo folder containing additional child sexual abuse material.
Cass has two prior felony convictions in Hancock County Indiana, for sexual misconduct with a minor and child molesting. Cass has a third felony conviction in Marion County, Indiana, for vicarious sexual gratification.
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, made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case in conjunction with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Cass be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and ordered Cass to pay $5000 in restitution to the child exploitation victim. Cass 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.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Nyron Harmon, 31, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2021, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and the Indiana State Police (ISP) were investigating Harmon due to outstanding warrants. Officers found Harmon at his residence in Indianapolis. Harmon was seen carrying a box from his residence, entering the passenger seat of a vehicle, and driving away. Officers stopped the vehicle and Harmon was arrested for his outstanding warrants. A loaded .40 caliber handgun was found on the seat where Harmon was sitting. The handgun was previously reported stolen.
An ISP K9 alerted to narcotics near the front passenger door of the vehicle where Harmon was sitting. The vehicle was searched, and the box Harmon was seen carrying from his residence was found on the front passenger floorboard. The box contained 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packing materials for drug distribution, and another stolen, loaded handgun. Harmon also had over $2,000 in U.S. currency on his person. 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.
Following Harmon’s arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. Officers found numerous bags of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, cutting agents, blenders being used for drug distribution, digital scales, packaging materials, a disassembled .38 special revolver, firearm magazines, and ammunition.
Harmon has three prior felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses and four misdemeanor convictions. Harmon accumulated some of these convictions while serving probation for prior offenses. Harmon is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law due to his previous 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.
The FBI investigated the case in conjunction with IMPD and ISP. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Harmon 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 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.
23-Year-Old with 3 Prior Felonies and an Outstanding Warrant Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Troy Harris, 23, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 14, 2021, deputies with the U.S. Marshals Service were assisting the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) with executing an arrest warrant for Harris, who had been charged with burglary in Marion County, Indiana. Officers saw Harris exit an apartment near east 16th Street in Indianapolis and leave in a vehicle. Officers stopped the vehicle to arrest Harris. When Harris exited the vehicle, officers saw that he had a firearm sticking out of his waistband. Officers seized the loaded handgun and arrested Harris.
At the time of his arrest, Harris was legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior convictions for auto theft and escape. Following his September 14, 2021, arrest, Harris was convicted of burglary. During the burglary, Harris broke into a victim’s home and threatened to kill the victim and her friend with a gun if they did not perform sexual acts for him.
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.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the IMPD. The U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Harris 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 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.
Repeat Lebanon Felon Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm While Resisting ArrestRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –Justin Cain, 33, of Lebanon, Indiana, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on November 16, 2019, Lebanon Police Department officers responded to a caller who indicated that a suspicious man in a grey sweatshirt was walking around their house in Lebanon. When officers arrived at the scene, they saw a man wearing a grey sweatshirt in the area, who was later identified as Cain.
Upon seeing the officers, Cain ran to a nearby truck and attempted to drive away. Officers ordered Cain to stop and exit the truck. As Cain exited the truck, he reached for a gun in his waistband. As officers attempted to arrest him, Cain grabbed his gun and threw it on top the truck. Officers ordered Cain to place his hands behind his back, but he refused. Cain continued to resist until officers were able to place him under arrest. Police recovered a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun from the scene.
Cain has accumulated seven felony convictions over two decades for offenses including dealing marijuana, fraud, counterfeiting, and failure to return to a detention facility. Cain is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to these prior felony convictions. Cain was on probation at the time of the current offense.
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 Lebanon Police Department Chief Chad Morgan; made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Lebanon Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Cain 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 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.
Two Members of Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Indicted for Conspiracy Resulting in the Death of a Toddler and Non-Fatal Overdose of an InfantRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – A federal grand jury in Evansville, Indiana, returned a superseding indictment charging Arcinial Montreal Watt, 34, and Jazmynn Alaina Brown, 24, both of Evansville, with federal crimes including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury, and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, during the conspiracy, Watt obtained significant quantities of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills from an unknown source of supply and stored those pills inside a bedroom he shared with his girlfriend, Brown, at her residence on East Sycamore Street in Evansville. Watt further supplied Brown with fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills that Brown would sell to her own customers.
On October 26, 2021, two children living at that residence – a three-year-old girl and a one-year-old girl – accessed a quantity of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills stored by Brown inside the bedroom she shared with Watt. Both children subsequently suffered a fentanyl overdose. The three-year-old girl was pronounced dead the following morning, and the one-year-old girl was taken to the hospital, where she was placed on a NARCAN drip. The one-year-old girl survived.
During the investigation, investigators seized over 5,000 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, over $30,000 in United States currency, and a firearm. 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.
“This did not need to happen. A toddler is dead, and a baby was hospitalized because of the greed and utter disregard for human life displayed by those who traffic deadly drugs in our community,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The serious charges announced today demonstrate that federal law enforcement and our local partners are determined to hold criminals accountable for pushing poison on our streets.”
“Alleged drug traffickers like Mr. Watt and Ms. Brown who are knowingly dealing poisonous and lethal fentanyl must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they show careless disregard for possessing and storing fentanyl pills that resulted in the death of an infant child and the overdose of another child who required life-saving medical intervention to survive the overdose,” said Michael Gannon, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local and federal partners to keep our communities safe. DEA commends the outstanding work by the Evansville Police Department, the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana.”
“I’d like to express how grateful we are to have federal partners that share an objective of ridding our community and our neighborhoods of these very terrible drugs,” said Billy Bolin, Chief of Evansville Police Department. “In this particular incident a child, is no longer with us because of the choices made by adults. Our hearts go out to the loved ones that are left picking up the pieces of this destruction. The message we have is clear, if you choose to deal harmful drugs in our communities and neighborhoods, we will act and bring you to justice. I want to thank the men and women of the Evansville Police Department that responded to this run, The JTF Detectives that spent countless hours on this investigation, and our federal partners for seeing to it that these individuals face the consequences of their actions.”
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury, Watt and Brown face 20 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years’ supervised release. If convicted of possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, Watt faces 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years’ supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Evansville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crime Task Force also provided invaluable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski, 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.
Lebanon Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Parke, Clay, and Vigo CountiesRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Max W. Woodard II, 51, of Lebanon, Indiana, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on April 19, 2022, a law enforcement officer stopped Woodard’s vehicle for a traffic violation near U.S. 40 and North Miami Gardens Street in Vigo County, Indiana. The officer identified Woodard as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Woodard appeared nervous when the officer approached his vehicle, and he did not comply with the officer’s commands. The officer asked Woodard to exit the vehicle, but Woodard refused. The officer attempted to open Woodard’s door, but it was locked. The officer continued to ask Woodard to exit the vehicle and he continued to refuse.
Another officer with a police K9 arrived on the scene and the K9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances inside the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found a black bag containing 477 grams of methamphetamine. Woodward was traveling to Terre Haute, Indiana to sell the methamphetamine when he was stopped by police. Woodard was taken into custody and transported to jail.
The next day, on April 20, 2022, investigators went to Woodard’s residence in Lebanon, after Woodard consented to a search of his residence. The officers found two loaded firearms in Woodard’s couch: a black 9mm handgun and .22 caliber handgun. Two additional firearms were surrendered to law enforcement by a third-party who had removed the firearms from Woodard’s residence shortly before officers’ arrival. All four firearms belonged to Woodard.
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, made the announcement.
This case was investigated by DEA. The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Terre Haute Police Department provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Woodard 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 M. Kendra Klump who prosecuted this case.
Insurance Broker Charged in $4 Million Investment Fraud and Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury has charged Brian Simms, 44, of Lebanon, Indiana, with six counts of Wire Fraud. Simms was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal court in Indianapolis yesterday afternoon.
According to court documents, Simms was a licensed insurance broker with his company Brendanwood Financial Brokerage LLC. Simms was not licensed to sell securities nor registered to provide financial advising services. Nevertheless, beginning in 2013, Simms began inducing clients to cash out or liquidate their traditional and long-term insurance products and investments and reinvest the funds with Simms at Brendanwood. Simms allegedly made materially false and fraudulent pretenses, claims, representations, and promises to victim investors that he would invest their funds in investment products—when, in fact, he intended to use their funds for his own personal benefit. Rather than investing the victim investors’ in investment products as promised, Simms used the funds to pay business expenses related to Brendanwood such as payroll for its employees, or for his own personal expenditures, including payments to credit cards, Amazon, grocery stores, gasoline, restaurants, and utilities.
To conceal his scheme Simms created false financial statements. Simms also misappropriated victim investors’ money to make limited, Ponzi-type payments to other victim investors. Simms mislead the victim investors to believe that payments he made to them represented returns on proper investments, when they were in fact funds misappropriated from other victim investors. In total, Simms misappropriated approximately $3,995,535 from Victim Investors.
Simms made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Tim A. Baker of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and was released on his own recognizance under pretrial supervision. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Investment frauds and Ponzi schemes deprive victims of their hard-earned savings and financial security,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The charges and ongoing investigation in this case demonstrate that our office and our federal and state law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that those who abuse positions of trust to satisfy their own greed will face the consequences. I encourage investors and any other members of the public who may have additional relevant information about the allegations against Brian Simms and Brendanwood Financial Brokerage to come forward to the FBI.”
“This indictment should serve as a reminder of the FBI’s commitment to aggressively investigate those who utilize their positions of trust to commit financial fraud,” said Robert Middleton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office. “We will continue to work with our partners to protect the financial well-being of honest, hard-working Americans.”
“Regulating securities to protect your hard-earned money is one of the most vital roles under the office of Secretary of State,” said Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan. “Hoosiers can check with our office to see if the business or individual seeking investment is properly registered, and you can contact us if anything seems suspicious.”
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana Secretary of State’s Securities Division.
If you believe that you have information relating to allegations of fraud involving Brendanwood Financial Brokerage LLC or Brian Simms, contact the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office at 317-595-4000.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.
Indianapolis Woman Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery and Carjacking of a Lyft DriverRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Kenyasia Edmond, 20, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to eighty-five months in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbery, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, during October 2020, investigators with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation were investigating a string of armed robberies. The robberies were of Lyft drivers and were alleged to have been perpetrated by two young females. On October 22, 2020, Kenyasia Edmond, then 18 years old, and Taa’mya Alisa Womack, then 17 years old, of Indianapolis, hailed a Lyft to pick them up from the Glendale area of Indianapolis. When the Lyft arrived Edmond and Womack entered the back seat of the vehicle. During transit to their destination Edmond and Womack placed guns against the victim’s head and ordered her to stop the vehicle. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the victim and Edmond exited from the vehicle. Edmond pushed the victim to the ground, placed her foot on the victim’s back and ordered her not to move. Edmond and Womack then fled the area in the victim’s vehicle.
The victim ran to a nearby gas station and called the police. Later that evening investigators spotted a vehicle matching the description of the victim’s car. Investigators conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which was occupied by Edmond, Womack, and a juvenile who was not involved in the carjacking. After confirming that the vehicle was stolen, officers ordered the three occupants to exit the vehicle. While placing Edmond under arrest, investigators heard what they believed to be a metallic object fall to the ground. A subsequent search of the area revealed a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
During a search of the vehicle, investigators located the victim’s cell phone and other items belonging to the victim. In addition to those items, investigators located clothing which matched the description of the clothing the victim said the robbers wore.
Edmond was taken to IMPD headquarters where she waived her rights and agreed to be interviewed. During the interview Edmond informed investigators that she hailed the Lyft for the purpose of robbing the driver. While Edmond admitted that a firearm was used during the commission of the robbery and carjacking, she stated that it was Womack who wielded the weapon. Womack was prosecuted as an adult in Marion County courts.
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 IMPD 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 Edmond be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following her 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.
10-Time Felon from Indianapolis Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Varonique Lowe, 44, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on September 29, 2021, Lowe was arrested in Terre Haute, Indiana, following a traffic stop. Lowe, who was driving the vehicle, stated she did not have a valid driver’s license. When the officer approached initially approached Lowe’s vehicle, he noticed the smell of burnt marijuana. A police K9 was called in to perform a narcotics search of Lowe’s vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert. A search of the vehicle revealed 768 grams of pure methamphetamine found inside of an Igloo cooler. Lowe admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with the intent to sell it to others. There were also two minor children in Lowe’s vehicle at the time of the traffic stop.
Lowe has 10 prior felony and 21 misdemeanor convictions in California, including six convictions relating to the sale of controlled substances and assault with a deadly weapon.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terre Haute Police Department investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Lowe be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following her release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash who prosecuted this case.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Micah Moore, 31, of Indianapolis, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a machinegun and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on July 17, 2022, Moore was in possession of three auto sears as well as multiple live rounds of ammunition. Auto sears are conversion devices designed and intended to convert semiautomatic rifles into fully automatic machineguns. Such devices qualify as machineguns, which are prohibited under federal law. Moore also has three prior felony convictions in state court, including one conviction for robbery and another for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. Moore is federally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of these convictions.
Moore made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa who is prosecuting 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.
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 Man Sentenced to 115 Months in Federal Prison for Four Robbery Offenses Committed While on Supervised Release for 2016 RobberiesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Marvin Smith, 37, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of bank robbery.
According to court documents, on April 2, 2022, Smith entered a CVS on East Washington Street in Indianapolis. Smith approached a CVS pharmacy employee and handed her a note demanding 30mg of Oxycodone. The CVS employee entered a code into the lock safe and told Smith it’d take a predetermined amount of time before the safe would open. Smith left without obtaining the Oxycodone.
On that same day, Smith entered a Walgreens on East Eppler Avenue in Indianapolis. Smith approached a Walgreens pharmacy employee and handed her a note demanding 30mg of Oxycodone and demanded she hurry up. The Walgreens employee entered a code into the safe and told Smith the safe would not open for several minutes. Smith again left the pharmacy without obtaining Oxycodone. Smith was observed leaving the parking lot of the pharmacy in black four-door sedan with body damage to the vehicle.
On April 2, 2022, Smith entered a PNC bank on South East Street in Indianapolis. Smith reached over the top of the teller’s window and handed her a plastic grocery style bag. Smith told the teller to fill it and to hurry up. The teller complied and handed the bag of money to Smith. Smith ran out of the bank. An audit of the teller’s drawer indicated a loss of $529.00.
On April 4, 2022, an IMPD officer spotted a black sedan with damage to the front driver’s side fender and a license plate matching the black sedan seen leaving Walgreens at a hotel on the west side of Indianapolis. A record check of the license plate on the black sedan revealed that the plate was registered to Smith.
On April 5, 2022, Smith drove to the area of a Fifth Third bank on East Southport Road in Indianapolis. Smith parked in a parking lot near the Fifth Third bank, walked across an adjoining park lot and entered the bank. Smith threw a robbery note over the counter to the teller demanding $10,000.00 Smith then threw a plastic bag over the counter and told the teller to hurry up. The teller placed the bag with the cash from her teller drawer onto the counter. Smith grabbed the bag, exited
the bank, began running toward his vehicle and drove away from the bank. After Smith turned onto Emerson Avenue, IMPD SWAT initiated a felony car stop disabling Smith’s vehicle. Smith fled the vehicle and ran for a short distance before giving up and lying face down on the ground. Officers approached Smith and confirmed his identity. Smith had $10,000 banded and stacked sitting in plain view on the front passenger floorboard of his vehicle. The stacks of money each had a Fifth Third bank stamp and were dated April 5, 2022. The money was seized by officers while Smith’s vehicle was secured and towed to IMPD facilities. An audit performed later by the bank of the Fifth Third teller’s drawer indicated a loss of $10,000.00.
During Smith’s arrest, an officer observed that Smith’s cell phone was connected to the car’s stereo and IMPD’s dispatch radio traffic was playing through a scanner app over the car’s speakers. Smith was transported to IMPD for an interview where he admitted to the officers that he robbed the Fifth Third bank.
Smith was previously arrested and prosecuted in federal court, in 2016, for two counts of pharmacy robbery. Smith was under federal supervised release at the time of the new offenses.
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 Police Chief Randal Taylor of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; made the announcement.
FBI investigated the case in conjunction with IMPD. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon 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 Peter A. Blackett who prosecuted this case.
Clarksville Man Sentenced to 9 Months in Federal Prison for $1.1 Million Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY – Tracy E. Leonard, 53, of Clarksville, Indiana, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to subscribing to a false federal income tax return.
According to court documents, Leonard operated a private investigation business in Clarksville. From 2015 to 2019, Leonard hid his income from the IRS by cashing 186 business income related checks, at a Clarksville check cashing business, rather than depositing the checks into a bank account. The check cashing business charged Leonard a fee of up to 10% to cash each check. During 2018 and 2019, Leonard cashed checks weekly that were typically over $25,000 and often over $50,000.
There was a significant discrepancy between the amount of the checks received and cashed by Leonard and what he reported as income on his federal income tax returns for 2015 through 2019. Leonard’s unreported income for the 5 years exceeded $1.1 million. Leonard also owes the IRS $300,339 for taxes lost due to his filing of false tax returns.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney James M. Warden, who is prosecuting this case.
IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Leonard be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison. Restitution will be set in a future court order.
Beech Grove Arsonist Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Amtrak and Greenwood Apartment Building Fires Causing over $1 Million in DamageRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Casey Sage, 35, of Beech Grove, Indiana, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to arson of a federal property and arson of property of an organization receiving federal financial assistance.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2021, Sage, without permission, entered the Amtrak facility located at 202 Garstang Street in Beech Grove. Amtrak, a federally owned corporation, uses that facility for repair and servicing of locomotives and passenger rail cars. A little after midnight, Sage ignited a railroad flare and threw it into a building used to store acetone, paint, denatured alcohol, varnish, spray paint, degreaser, engine starting fluid, and paint remover. This quickly started a fire, which spread to another building close by that was also used to store flammable material. Both buildings were destroyed because of the fire. In total, Sage caused more than $1.1 million in damages to the Amtrak facility.
Investigators also discovered that, a few weeks before the Amtrak fire, Sage entered his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in Greenwood, Indiana, at an apartment complex receiving Section 8 funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sage intentionally started a fire in the master bedroom of the apartment. The fire eventually spread to most of the apartment before it was successfully extinguished. This arson caused more than $100,000 in damages to the apartment building and approximately $10,000 in property loss to the apartment tenant.
“The arsons committed by the defendant were an outrageous course of conduct that endangered apartment complex residents and emergency personnel,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I appreciate the hard work of investigators and prosecutors who came together across agencies to identify and vigorously prosecute the defendant, and the first responders who risk themselves to keep the public safe. The serious sentence imposed today demonstrates that those who commit arsons with utter disregard for the lives and safety of the public will be held accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing brings a successful end to a fast-paced, complex, and highly collaborative investigation that brought several agencies together with a common goal of safeguarding the community by taking a dangerous criminal off the streets,” said Basil Demczak, Special Agent in Charge of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General Central Field Office. “We not only appreciate the dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all of the agencies involved, but we are grateful for the support of members of the Beech Grove community in helping our team solve this crime.”
“The defendant risked the lives and safety of numerous people, at both the Amtrak facility and at a public housing development, in addition to causing over a million dollars in damages to federal and personal property,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that individuals who use violence to endanger our community pay the price for those actions.”
“After the Beech Grove Fire Department successfully extinguished the arson fire, our department worked with local, state and federal authorities to develop evidence to lead to this guilty plea,” said Amtrak Police Chief Sam Dotson. “Our Heavy Maintenance Facility employs almost 500 Amtrak employees and is a critical element to our national network, so protecting it and assisting in prosecution of those who would damage it is an important part of the department’s mission.”
The cases were investigated by the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, Amtrak Police, Beech Grove Police Department, Greenwood Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigation, and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Sage 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 William McCoskey and Adam Eakman who prosecuted this case.
Indianapolis Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm while on Community CorrectionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Steven Williams Jr., 39, of Indianapolis, was sentenced Friday to fifty-seven months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 13, 2019, a Marion County Community Corrections officer, and officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) conducted a compliance check at William’s residence. Officers found in plain view, evidence of illegal drug activity. During the execution of a search warrant, officer located a loaded 9mm handgun, cocaine, marijuana, digital scales, a pill press, baggies, and U.S. currency from William’s bedroom. Further investigation led to the discovery of two loaded 9mm handguns two .223 caliber rifles, and three 30 round high-capacity magazines.
Williams is prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions in Marion County, including dealing in cocaine, dealing in methamphetamine, and reckless homicide.
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) and IMPD Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
ATF and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II following the defendant’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney William L. McCoskey 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 over 24 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – LeMarkus Hamilton, 32, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on August 25, 2021, law enforcement officers were conducting a narcotics investigation involving Hamilton, and were aware there were several active warrants for his arrest. Officers saw Hamilton leave his Indianapolis home and travel to a fast-food restaurant near east 21st Street in Indianapolis. Hamilton parked his vehicle and entered the restaurant. Uniformed police officers entered the restaurant and placed Hamilton under arrest for his active warrants and removed him to the parking lot near his vehicle. Following a court-authorized search of the vehicle, officers seized a loaded .40 caliber handgun along with a loaded fifty-round drum magazine.
Officers continued their investigation at Hamilton’s residence and interviewed Hamilton’s sister as she was leaving the residence in a vehicle. Hamilton’s sister admitted that she and the child’s mother removed drugs and guns from the residence, placed them in the vehicle and left. Hamilton’s child’s mother was also interviewed and admitted that Hamilton’s sister placed several guns wrapped in a blanket and a backpack in her vehicle, which she admitted belonged to Hamilton. Officers located four rifles and two handguns and backpack in the vehicle. The backpack contained 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, 767 grams of ecstasy pills, marijuana, scales, packaging, and a large sum of U.S. currency. Hamilton was interviewed by officers and admitted that he possessed the firearms and drugs seized from his vehicle and person and his child’s mother’s vehicle.
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.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Hamilton 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 Lawrence D. Hilton who prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney Announces New Public Reporting Procedure for Environmental Justice and Environmental CrimesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announces that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is implementing new public reporting procedures for environmental crimes and issues relating to environmental justice.
Members of the public who have concerns about environmental matters in the Southern District of Indiana can now report them to the Department of Justice via email to
[email protected].The Office is implementing this public reporting procedure under the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy. This Strategy seeks to provide “timely and effective remedies for systemic environmental violations and contaminations and for injury to natural resources in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.”
“Advancing environmental justice and public health through civil and criminal environmental enforcement are priorities of the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We hope that concerned individuals and organizations in our community will partner with us and bring more of these matters to our attention. Together, we will work to reduce public health and environmental harms caused by violations of our laws and regulations—especially in underserved communities.”
The Office’s public reporting procedures complement the other avenues for reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanks Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taylor Kirklin, the Office’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, and Adam Eakman, the Environmental Crimes Coordinator, for their efforts in protecting the environment throughout the Southern District of Indiana and furthering the Department of Justice’s environmental enforcement goals.
Justice Department Secures Agreement Resolving HIV Discrimination Lawsuit in IndianaRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and the Justice Department, today filed a proposed consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to resolve its lawsuit against the Town of Clarksville, Indiana, for violating Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The lawsuit alleged that the town’s police department unlawfully revoked a job offer to a qualified police officer because of his human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis. The officer had been successfully working for the Town’s police department as a volunteer reserve officer for over a year and was fully qualified to work as a police officer. Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Discrimination includes withdrawing a job offer to a qualified individual based on unsupported and stereotypical views of the applicant’s disability.
“Workers living with HIV, including those in law enforcement, deserve to be free from unlawful discrimination,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This settlement will ensure that qualified individuals who seek to serve their communities won’t be excluded as a result of unfounded stereotypes and misinformation about HIV. This office will continue to work closely with our partners in the Civil Rights Division to protect the civil rights of employees and continue the fight to uphold the hard-fought protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
“No individual should be subject to employment discrimination based on their HIV status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The complainant’s dream job was taken away because of unfounded assumptions that his HIV diagnosis would impact his ability to safely do the job. This settlement reflects the Justice Department’s firm commitment to enforcing the rights of job applicants and employees who experience unlawful discrimination based on disability.”
Under the terms of the consent decree, which must be approved by the court, Clarksville will revise its policies and procedures regarding employment-related medical examinations and will train relevant personnel on the requirements of Title I of the ADA. The town will also pay $150,000 in compensatory damages to the complainant and provide the complainant with an affidavit that makes clear to future employers that his termination by the town was through no fault of his own.
Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Discrimination includes withdrawing a job offer to a qualified individual based on unsupported and stereotypical views of the applicant’s disability.
This case was handled by the department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana based on a referral from the Indianapolis District Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The department plays a central role in advancing the nation’s goal of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. The complaint can be viewed here.
For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Violent Repeat Felon Found in Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison After Fleeing Police Following a Traffic StopRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Kendrick Hoggan, 27, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on February 9, 2021, an officer with the Kokomo Police Department (KPD) stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction near the intersection of North and Indiana Streets in Kokomo, Indiana. The officer smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and asked the occupants of the vehicle to exit. Hoggan exited from the front passenger seat and began running. Another officer attempted to stop Hoggan by grabbing his jacket and sweatshirt. The jacket and sweatshirt slid off Hoggan and he continued running.
A KPD officer caught up with Hoggan a short time later. Hoggan resisted by kicking the officer and damaged the officer’s lapel radio microphone. The officer was eventually able to secure Hoggan in handcuffs. A .357 caliber handgun that slid out of Hoggan’s jacket while he was running was recovered by police. Officers searched Hoggan’s person and his jacket finding multiple cell phones, U.S. currency and a user quantity of methamphetamine.
Hoggan has multiple prior felonies in state court, including convictions for robbery and alteration of a handgun’s identifying marks. Hoggan committed the February 2021 offense while serving a criminal sentence for robbery. Hoggan is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms due to his prior 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 Kokomo Police Department. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Hoggan 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.
Recidivist Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Additional 15 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Derrick Outlaw, 48, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 1 kilogram of a mixture or substance containing heroin.
According to court documents, on April 18, 2021, DEA was investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in Indianapolis, and they identified Outlaw as a heroin distributor for the organization. On April 20, 2021, after conducting surveillance and seeing Outlaw drive different vehicles to various locations in and around Indianapolis, law enforcement officers stopped him at an Indianapolis gas station.
Outlaw agreed to speak to officers and admitted that there was heroin inside the vehicle. Law enforcement officers located 1.36 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture. According to the DEA, as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. Law enforcement officers also located two cellular telephones, one of which Outlaw used to conduct his drug trafficking business. Outlaw admitted that he drove to Camby, Indiana on April 20 to pick up 1.5 kilograms of heroin for which he was to receive $70,000 in U.S. currency.
A search warrant was executed at Outlaw’s apartment where law enforcement officers located $26,521 in rubber-banded U.S. currency and multiple cellular telephones. Prior to committing the April 20, 2021, offense, Outlaw served a ten-year sentence in federal prison for trafficking cocaine.
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. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Outlaw 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. Attorney Lindsay Karwoski who prosecuted this case.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Following Arrest on Outstanding WarrantsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Lamont King, 22, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2021, law enforcement officers saw King exit from a residential apartment building. King was under surveillance because he was a suspect in a March 30, 2021, armed robbery and had two outstanding arrest warrants stemming from other charges. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (IMPD SWAT) was in the vicinity because King was known to carry a firearm on his person.
IMPD SWAT approached King to arrest him and commanded him to stop. King was at the driver’s side door of a vehicle when he saw the officers approach. King moved towards the rear bumper and removed a pistol from his waistband dropping it on the ground. King was taken into police custody.
Police recovered the loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol and located a plastic baggie containing 21 pills of 30 mg Oxycodone Hydrochloride in King’s pants pocket. King was transported to the Marion County Jail. Following an interview with law enforcement officers, a single 30 mg Oxycodone Hydrochloride pill was located on the floor underneath where King had been sitting.
King’s outstanding warrants were for failure to appear. King failed to appear in court for a probation violation related to a 2018, armed robbery felony conviction, and failed to appear related to a 2020 arrest for drug possession and drunk driving offenses. King is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law due to his 2018 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; and Police Chief Randal Taylor of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD); made the announcement.
FBI investigated the case in conjunction with IMPD. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that King 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.
Previously Convicted Child Sexual Abuser Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Darren Farris, 46, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on December 20, 2013, Farris was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor, in Lasalle County in Ottawa, Illinois. As a result, Farris was required to register as a sex offender for life under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
On or about July 14, 2019, Farris traveled from Tampa, Florida to Indianapolis via Greyhound bus. Between July 14, 2019, and February 5, 2021, Farris resided in Indianapolis, but knowingly failed to register as a sex offender.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Joseph “Dan” McClain, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana, made the announcement.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Farris be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison. Farris 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 is prosecuting 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.
Violent Repeat Felon with Domestic Violence History Indicted for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Shaylor Goer, 46, of Indianapolis, was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 1, 2022, Goer illegally possessed a.45 caliber semiautomatic handgun. Goer has nine prior felony convictions from state courts in Indiana and Illinois, beginning in 1995, including for aggravated criminal sexual abuse, domestic battery, failure to resister as a sex offender, burglary, and drug offenses. Goer is federally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of each of these convictions.
Goer made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Paul R. Cherry of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and was ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate who is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
Additionally, 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Twin Brothers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms Theft After Ramming a Stolen Car into Speedway Gun StoreRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jayveon Majors, 19, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Codefendant and Jayveon’s twin brother, Tayveon Majors, also pleaded guilty to stealing firearms and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison on September 21, 2021.
According to court documents, early on the morning of January 21, 2021, Jayveon drove his brother to an Indianapolis car dealership, where Tayveon stole a car. The brothers then drove separately to a gun store in Speedway, Indiana. Tayveon used the stolen car to smash a hole into the side of the gun store to gain entry inside the building, while Jayveon served as a lookout from inside the getaway car. Video surveillance cameras in the store captured images of Tayveon carrying firearms out of the store and loading them into the getaway car. Javyeon drove the getaway car, his brother, and the guns to their Indianapolis residence. Tayveon stole 10 firearms from the store’s inventory and one additional firearm that was on the premises.
Following a tip from the public, a search warrant was executed at the brothers’ residence on January 26, 2021. Police found and arrested the two brothers, who were inside the residence at the time of the search. Police also recovered four of the stolen guns from the Speedway gun store robbery. During an interview with police, Tayveon admitted that he’d planned on selling the stolen guns and stolen vehicle.
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 IMPD. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Jayveon and Tayveon each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following their release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney William L. McCoskey 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 78 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material on FacebookRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Darryl Dwight Lewis, Jr., 32, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on February 23, 2020, Lewis used his Facebook account to send another user a video depicting an adult male engaged in sexual intercourse with a prepubescent boy. Facebook reported the transmission, and the incident was referred to law enforcement officers. Through their investigation, Lewis was identified as the individual associated with the offending Facebook account.
On July 14, 2021, law enforcement officers met with Lewis at his place of employment. Investigators seized a cell phone from Lewis’ pocket and transported him to the police station to be interviewed. A search warrant was executed at Lewis’ residence, and multiple digital devices were seized—including a 32GB thumb drive containing dozens of videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Lewis admitted during his interview that he used the Facebook account in question to communicate with others. Lewis also admitted that he used a Dropbox account to store child sexual abuse material. Lewis possessed hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse in his accounts and on his devices, including depictions children being made to engage in sadistic or masochistic conduct.
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. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department also 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 Lewis be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years following his release from federal prison and ordered Lewis to pay $65,000 in restitution to the child exploitation victims. Lewis 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.
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
Repeat Felon Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm While Impersonating a Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Patrick Hancock, 42, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on December 6, 2021, employees at a Costco in Avon called police after observing Hancock in the store wearing a badge with a gun on his person. Store employees had been alerted to be on the lookout for Hancock, who they believed to be travelling to multiple Costco locations and making purchases with fraudulent checks. Police responded and found Hancock wearing a DEA “Special Agent” badge around his neck and openly carrying a 9mm Glock pistol in a holster on his hip. Officers also found that Hancock was in possession of a baton and two pairs of handcuffs. During an interview, Hancock admitted to law enforcement that he purchased the fake DEA badge on a website to feel like part of something bigger.
Hancock is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has been previously convicted of multiple felony crimes over the past twenty years, for offenses including credit card theft, fraud, illegal firearms possession, and false impersonation of law enforcement.
Hancock’s most recent felony conviction was for being a felon in possession of a firearm in federal court in the Northern District of Indiana. That case stemmed from a 2017 incident where Hancock posed as a federal law enforcement officer and attempted to arrest an employee of an adult nightclub utilizing a false arrest warrant. Over the course of that investigation, law enforcement officers discovered that Hancock illegally possessed a firearm. Hancock was sentenced in the Northern District of Indiana to 41 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
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; and Police Chief Sean Stoops, of the Avon Police Department; made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Avon Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Hancock 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 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.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Epigmenio Vazquez Gatica, 35, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Gatica also admitted to the sexual exploitation of two other children.
In February 2021, a child disclosed that Gatica had been laying on the bathroom floor and filming the child while the child showered. This led to an investigation of Gatica. Law enforcement officers obtained a warrant to search his cellular telephone and were able to access the data. Investigators recovered multiple videos of that child, along with videos of two other children, including videos of the children naked and partially naked while showering or using the bathroom. The three victims include a toddler and a six-year-old, and at times Gatica had care, custody, or supervisory control over each of them. All three children appear to have been unaware they were being recorded. Investigators also recovered sexual exploitation images that Gatica took of one of the children from Gatica’s Google Drive account.
“Predators who are sexually interested in our children abuse our trust and our technology to satisfy their depraved desires,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We are committed to supporting victims and obtaining the electronic evidence necessary to hold these criminals accountable. The sentence imposed today should put offenders on notice that we will work tirelessly to ensure that criminals who exploit are children are sent to prison where they belong.”
“This sentence should send a warning that there are serious consequences that await those who are engaged in any way with child sexual abuse material,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Protecting our children from predators is a priority of the FBI and we will continue to work diligently to ensure predators feel the full weight of the law.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young also ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release from federal prison and must pay $9,000 in restitution to each of the three minor victims.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
In fiscal year 2019, when this case was prosecuted, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted the second most cases involving sexual exploitation of a child in the country.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
Vincennes Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine from California to IndianaRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Christopher Wrought, 54, of Vincennes, Indiana, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to methamphetamine trafficking offenses.
According to court documents, in April of 2021, officers with the Greene County Drug Task Force, Indiana State Police, and Bloomington Police Department Drug Task Force were investigating Wrought for methamphetamine and heroin trafficking. Officers learned that Wrought traveled by charter bus from Bloomington, Indiana, and arrived in Fresno, California, on May 20, 2021. On May 25, 2021, Wrought shipped two parcels containing controlled substances via FedEx to an address in Bloomfield, Indiana. Wrought then boarded a Greyhound bus back to Bloomington.
On May 27, 2021, Wrought was stopped by drug interdiction officers in Kansas City, Missouri. During the stop, a K-9 alerted to a duffle bag belonging to Wrought. Wrought agreed to speak with the officers and exited the bus. Wrought admitted that he was traveling from California to Bloomington and consented to a search of his bags and his person. Officers located a white mailing envelope containing 229 grams of methamphetamine in one bag. In another bag, officers found 19 grams of methamphetamine, a plastic baggie containing 64 grams of marijuana, and a plastic baggie containing 8 grams of cocaine. A search of Wrought’s person revealed 2 grams of heroin in his pocket. Officers also located $10,000 in U.S. currency bundled with rubber bands.
The one-pound parcel delivered by FedEx on May 26, 2021, to the Bloomfield address, contained 232 grams of methamphetamine and 63 grams of cocaine. The five-pound parcel delivered by FedEx on May 27, 2021, to the same Bloomfield address, contained 907 grams of methamphetamine and 178 grams of heroin. Also contained inside the second parcel was a handwritten return address with Wrought’s name and a Solsberry address affiliated with Wrought. Investigators learned that approximately 12 suspected drug parcels had been sent from Fresno to Bloomfield and Solsberry addresses associated with Wrought over the past year.
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 James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Wrought 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 Lindsay Karwoski who prosecuted this case.
Indianapolis Woman Convicted of Felonies and Sentenced for Falsely Seeking COVID 19 Relief Loans for Non-Existent BusinessesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Brooke Bowie, 29, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to four felony counts of making and using false documents in an attempt to fraudulently obtain COVID‑19 related disaster loans.
According to court documents, Bowie submitted four separate applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) following the onset of the COVID‑19 pandemic. In all four applications for EIDL loans, Bowie claimed to run a business with some variant of the name “Icie Beauty 4 Life” with between $20,000 and $80,000 in revenue for the prior year. Bowie changed the spelling of the business on each loan application, as well as the nature of the business, and the number of purported employees.
Bowie’s applications were fraudulent because the purported business had no employees or revenue, and, in fact, did not even exist. In addition, Bowie stated on her EIDL loan applications that she had no pending felony charges. On the contrary, Bowie had numerous pending felony charges at the time of the applications. Indiana’s State Board of Accounts denied all four of Bowie’s EIDL loan applications due to suspicion of fraud.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Bowie be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following her release from federal prison.
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
Felon Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison After Being Found Illegally in Possession of an AR-15 Rifle in a Downtown Indianapolis Parking GarageRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Antoine Hopkins, 33, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 16, 2021, at approximately 2:12 am, an off-duty Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officer working at a downtown Indianapolis parking garage was approached by a witness who had observed Hopkins with a rifle and heard threats made towards her. The officer heard a shot and was able to identify Hopkins as the individual with the rifle. The firearm was determined to be a Springfield AR-15 rifle loaded with two thirty-round magazines.
At the time he was in possession of the AR-15 in the parking garage, Hopkins was completing a term of imprisonment at a residential reentry center, or halfway house, following a March 2019 federal conviction for a prior instance of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hopkins also has prior felony convictions in Indiana for resisting law enforcement, possession of cocaine, and carrying a handgun without a license. Each of these prior felony convictions prohibits Hopkins 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 investigated the case in conjunction with IMPD. Sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
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.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Nathaniel J. Jacobs, Sr., 54, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and witness tampering. Jacobs was found guilty on June 2, 2022, following a three-day federal jury trial.
According to documents and evidence introduced in court, on January 31, 2020, Jacobs was admitted to a local hospital for a gunshot wound to his hand. At the hospital, he told law enforcement officers that he accidently shot himself with one of the three guns he had at his home. Jacobs is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his numerous felony convictions, including multiple crimes of violence. Law enforcement searched Jacobs’ home pursuant to a warrant and found three handguns, ammunition, and approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine had been divided into smaller amounts and prepackaged in plastic bags for easy distribution.
After being indicted by a federal grand jury, Jacobs contacted a material witness on several occasions via telephone and video calls. During those calls, he falsely told the witness that she was under criminal investigation for shooting him in the hand, and the two of them needed to get married to legally protect themselves. Jacobs believed that his marriage to the witness would prevent her from testifying against him at trial. Jacobs told the witness that they could get divorced after the case concluded.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis, made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The Evansville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Jacobs 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. Attorneys Matthew Miller and Todd 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.