Southern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Repeat Violent Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearms While Serving Community Corrections for Prior Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Christopher Allen, 29, 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 November 5, 2019, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Allen was a passenger near 42nd Street and Baker Drive, in Indianapolis. The driver of the vehicle did not immediately stop but kept traveling and crossed into oncoming lanes of traffic before finally stopping against the opposite curb. As soon as the vehicle stopped, Allen fled from the passenger side and led police in a foot pursuit. During the pursuit, an officer observed a handgun in Allen’s left hand, which Allen later threw against a shed as he continued running. Officers also observed Allen toss a clear plastic bag containing a white substance. Allen eventually stopped running and gave himself up to police.
Police ran a record check and found that Allen had an active felony warrant for a community corrections violation and for failing to appear for a hearing related to a prior illegal firearms possession case. Officers searched Allen and found a $1 bill with three oxycodone pills inside and a small baggie of raw, ground marijuana in his right front pants pocket. Allen agreed to speak to officers, described the handgun, and told police where he threw it. Officers, with the assistance of a trained ballistics K-9 partner, recovered a 9mm handgun about 20 feet from the shed where Allen had indicated he’d thrown it. An extended magazine belonging to the handgun was found inside the vehicle that Allen had fled. Allen was subsequently arrested by IMPD.
Allen is a violent criminal offender with a history of illegally possessing firearms and has violated the terms of probation on multiple occasions. While on probation following convictions for domestic violence and criminal confinement against the mother of his child, Allen was charged in two new cases. The most significant of these two cases involved charges for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and maintaining a common nuisance. Allen was on community corrections for these offenses at the time of his November 5, 2019, arrest.
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. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Allen 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 W. McGrath who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
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.
Four-Time Felon Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Federal Prison for Being Found Unlawfully in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – TorVon Davis, 31, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents, on July 6, 2021, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police (IMPD) detective conducting surveillance near east 46th Street, in Indianapolis, observed Davis pull into a gas station and park near a gas pump. The detective saw Davis exit the vehicle and observed that he had a firearm in his waistband. The detective also saw that Davis’ vehicle had a tinted license plate. The detective drove through the parking lot and was able to identify the license plate number, which was expired. Davis returned to the vehicle and drove towards 46th Street before turning onto Arlington, making several traffic infractions along the way.
The detective radioed to two uniformed patrol cars in the area advising them of Davis’ traffic violations and informed them that Davis was armed. A uniformed police officer in a fully marked police car located Davis, who was driving 60 miles per hour in a 35 miles per hour speed zone and initiated a traffic stop. Davis continued driving on Arlington and stopped after turning onto 41st Street. The officer approached the vehicle and identified Davis before asking for his license and registration. The officer asked Davis if he had any weapons in the vehicle, in which Davis falsely replied that he did not.
The officer returned to his vehicle and determined that Davis did not have a valid handgun permit in the state of Indiana. The officer was able to view photos, sent to him by the detective, of Davis entering the gas station with a handgun in his waistband and wearing the same clothes he was wearing at the time of the traffic stop. Davis was escorted out of the vehicle and placed in handcuffs. Davis admitted to the officer that he did not have a valid firearm permit and told the officer that he’d find the firearm in the glove box. The officer located a Ruger-57 semiautomatic handgun in the glovebox. Prior to transporting Davis to jail, Davis was searched, and the officer found a small bag of marijuana in Davis’ right sock.
Davis is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms due to his four prior felony convictions. Davis was previously convicted of three felony charges of resisting law enforcement in 2014, 2015 and 2018 and one felony charge of burglary in 2018.
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. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Davis 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.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to 85 Months in Federal Prison After Being Found Unconscious in his Running Vehicle while Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jerry Poindexter, 27, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 31, 2021, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to a report of a personal injury accident on West Morris Street, in Indianapolis. Officers found Poindexter in the driver’s seat of his vehicle unconscious and slumped over the center console. The vehicle was stopped and still idling. An officer saw a black extended handgun magazine sticking out of Poindexter’s front right side that he believed was inserted into a handgun.
The officer also saw that vehicle was locked, still in drive and was being held in place by bushes or shrubbery. The officer tried several times to wake Poindexter but was unsuccessful, forcing the officer to break out the driver’s side window, to secure the vehicle. When officers opened the door and pulled Poindexter out of the vehicle, they found a handgun with an extended magazine in Poindexter’s right front waistband. The firearm was identified as a SCCY, model CPX-1, 9mm Luger, semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine.
Poindexter regained consciousness after being treated by medics and initially provided officers with a false name. Once officers were able to positively identify Poindexter, they learned he had several warrants for his arrest. Poindexter was transported to the hospital for treatment and while enroute informed the medics that he had taken Xanax. Officers searched the front passenger seat of Poindexter’s vehicle and found a small baggie of suspected heroin. Poindexter was later arrested.
Poindexter has four previous state court felony convictions, including, dealing methamphetamine and marijuana, criminal recklessness, and forgery. Poindexter is prohibited from possessing firearms because of 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 (ATF), Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
ATF 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 Poindexter 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.
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.
Justice Department Secures Settlement Agreement with the Indiana State Nursing Board Addressing Discrimination Against People with Opioid Use DisorderRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and the Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the Indiana State Board of Nursing (Nursing Board) to resolve claims it violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The settlement agreement ensures that nurses who take medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) can remain on their medication when participating in the Indiana State Nursing Assistance Program. The program assists in rehabilitating and monitoring nurses with substance use disorders, and is often required for these nurses to maintain an active license or have one reinstated. The department previously notified the Nursing Board of its findings, and described the remedial measures necessary for the Nursing Board to address the ADA violation identified. This case was handled jointly by the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.
“The opioid epidemic has greatly impacted professionals and families of all walks of life, and Indiana nurses have the right to seek medically approved treatment for opioid use disorder under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Following the Justice Department’s findings and the parties’ settlement agreement, Indiana must now enact policies to ensure that Hoosier nurses will not be forced to choose between their recovery and their livelihoods.”
“Indiana may not deny individuals life-saving medications, including medications that treat opioid use disorder, based on stereotypes and misinformation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Requiring nurses to stop taking prescribed medication as a condition of maintaining a nursing license violates the ADA, and not only creates barriers to recovery, but inappropriately limits employment opportunities based on disability.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the Nursing Board will allow nurses to participate in the states’ rehabilitation program while taking medication, including medication to treat OUD, when the medication is prescribed by a licensed practitioner as part of a medically necessary treatment plan and incorporated into a recovery monitoring agreement. In addition, the Nursing Board has agreed to revise its written polices to ensure that nurses taking prescribed medications for OUD are not subjected to discriminatory conditions or terms. The Nursing Board has also agreed to pay a total of $70,000 in damages to the complainant, and to report periodically on its compliance to the United States.
Methadone and buprenorphine (including brand names Subutex and Suboxone) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat OUD. According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methadone and buprenorphine help diminish the effects of physical dependency on opioids. When taken as prescribed, these medications are safe and effective.
The Civil Rights Division, together with U.S. Attorneys’ offices, has been working to remove discriminatory barriers to recovery for individuals who have completed, or are participating in, treatment for OUD. Through outreach, technical assistance and enforcement under the ADA, the Civil Rights Division seeks to ensure that those in treatment or recovery can successfully participate in their communities and the workforce. For example:
- On April 5, 2022, the department issued guidance on protections for people with OUD under the ADA.
- On March 24, 2022, the department entered into a Settlement Agreement with the Massachusetts Trial Court to resolve allegations that its drug court violated the ADA by discriminating against individuals with OUD.
- On March 17, 2022, the department entered into a Settlement Agreement with Ready to Work, a Colorado-based employment, residential and social services program for individuals experiencing homelessness, resolving allegations that the program denied admission to an individual because she takes medication for OUD.
- On February 24, 2022, the department filed a lawsuit against the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, alleging that it prohibits or otherwise limits participants in its court supervision programs from using medication to treat OUD.
For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov. Complaints about disability-based discrimination may be reported to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana by submitting a Civil Rights Complaint form, which can be found here, or sending an email to [email protected].
Accounting Specialist Charged with Embezzling more than $270,000 from WFYI Public MediaRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Mindi B. Madison, 52, of Indianapolis, has been charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Madison will make her initial appearance on September 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 349, at the federal court in Indianapolis.
According to court documents, Madison began working as an Accounting Specialist for WFYI Public Media (“WFYI”) in January 2018. WFYI was owned and operated by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media, Inc., and provided television and radio programming throughout Central Indiana. Madison’s co-conspirator, Individual 1, was neither an employee nor a vendor of WFYI.
As an Accounting Specialist, Madison had access to WFYI’s accounting software, and was trusted to present legitimate expenses, claims, invoices, and supporting documentation along with the unsigned WFYI checks to employees at WFYI who had signature authority for their approval and signature. Instead of presenting legitimate claims that arose out of WFYI’s legitimate business expenses for signature and payment, Madison abused her position of trust, and presented at least 156 fake claims and invoices for payment. In effort to conceal the theft from WFYI and their banking institutions, Madison and Individual 1 agreed that Madison would falsify invoices using versions of Individual 1’s name and businesses connected to her.
Madison tendered WFYI checks to Individual 1, and they agreed that Individual 1 would then deposit the checks into Individual 1’s bank accounts. Individual 1 then withdrew Madison’s portion in cash, and they split the illegal proceeds. Both Madison and Individual 1 used WFYI’s stolen funds for their own personal expenditures including but not limited to, rent, restaurants, groceries, fuel, and utilities. In total, Madison embezzled approximately $270,876 from WFYI before her theft was discovered.
If convicted, Madison faces a maximum penalty of 20 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 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.
An information is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Evansville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Videos of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Chris Lynn Carder II, 36, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in July of 2019, an FBI agent working in Salt Lake City, Utah, was conducting an undercover investigation online using the social networking application Kik. On July 18, 2019, the agent was contacted by the Kik user “clcarder” and they began communicating. During their communications, clcarder expressed an interest in sex with children and sent two videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct to the agent.
The individual using the username clcarder was later identified by law enforcement to be Carder. A search warrant was executed at Carder’s residence in Evansville on March 12, 2020. Following the search, Carter admitted to FBI agents that he created the Kik account and that he used the username clcarder to send materials depicting the sexual abuse of children. Pursuant to the search warrant, investigators were able to access the data stored on Carder’s two cellular telephones and they found child sexual abuse materials on his electronic devices. The images and videos distributed and possessed by Carder included depictions of the sexual abuse of children under twelve years old and some involved sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
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 sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Carder be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for eight years following his release from federal prison and ordered Carder to pay $6,000 in restitution to the child exploitation victims. Carder must also register as sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger who prosecuted this case.
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 Violent Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm After a 12-Hour Standoff and Shooting at PoliceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Wesley Cartwright, 39, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on January 5, 2022, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department attempted to serve an eviction notice to Cartwright at his residence in Indianapolis. Cartwright refused to exit the residence. After more than five hours of Cartwright refusing to come out, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers arrived to assist. Officers observed lights on inside the residence and believed Cartwright may still be inside. Officers were informed that Cartwright is a convicted felon and that he may be in possession of a firearm.
Law enforcement officers obtained warrants to allow them to arrest Cartwright and to search for firearms inside the residence. IMPD officers communicated sporadically with Cartwright over the phone, but Cartwright indicated he had no intention of cooperating with the police and that he wasn’t going back to prison.
IMPD SWAT deployed a drone into Cartwright’s residence and observed that he was armed with two handguns. Cartwright hit the drone with his hands knocking it to the ground and then fired several shots inside the residence. As SWAT officers launched chemical munitions through the window, Cartwright began firing multiple rounds at the officers. IMPD SWAT moved armored vehicles toward the residence and Cartwright began firing at the officers again. He directly pointed a firearm at one of the officers and shot down a second drone.
After 12 hours of continued negotiations and Cartwright still refusing to exit the residence, IMPD SWAT entered the residence and took Cartwright into custody. Cartwright was found wearing a ballistic vest. Police seized two loaded handguns from inside the residence.
Beginning in 2009, Cartwright has sustained five previous convictions for felony offenses including intimidation, battery by means of a deadly weapon, theft and dealing narcotics. Under federal law, anyone who has been convicted of any felony offense is prohibited from possessing firearms.
“Every day, law enforcement officers serve their communities at risk to their own lives. Recently, and far too often, we have seen the tragedies that can result when police working to protect the public encounter illegally armed, violent criminals,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Prosecutions of violent repeat offenders are critical to our efforts to stem the tide of gun violence. The serious federal sentence imposed for these crimes demonstrates that we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and to hold armed and dangerous criminals accountable.”
“The defendant chose to violently confront police officers who legally came to his home to serve an eviction notice, all while already being prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous criminal history,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “IMPD and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office handled this situation professionally and brought the defendant into custody without injury to any civilians or officers, for which we are all grateful. When we talk about removing violent individuals from our communities, this is exactly what we mean, and ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners toward this end.”
“In my opinion, the federal enhancement penalty for committing crimes while armed is one of the three most effective tools in fighting crime,” said Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal. “Citizens in Indiana have their rights to carry a gun, but that does not extend to committing a crime while armed. An additional steep price must be paid by those who do so. I thank United States Attorney Zach Myers and his office for the strong position in protecting our community.”
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with IMPD. Invaluable assistance was provided by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Cartwright 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 W. McGrath who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Threats and Weapons Charges Related to Drive by Shooting of Masjid E Noor MosqueRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jonathan Warren, 22, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 147 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, from May through August of 2020, Warren sent multiple threats and attempted to kill Victim 1 at least two times. In each of those attempts, Warren fired indiscriminately into crowded areas. On May 24, 2020, Warren fired into Victim 1’s house, then later that evening committed a drive by shooting into the Masjid E Noor mosque. Multiple worshipers were at the mosque, as it was the Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” On June 9, 2020, Warren fired multiple shoots across the parking lot of the Pangea Apartments on West 34th Street, causing multiple bystanders to flee in terror.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Program were able to reconstruct the shootings, through the examination of shell casings collected at the scene, and identify Warren, leading to his arrest and conviction.
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 provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Warren 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 Bradley P. Shepard who prosecuted this case.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Senior Victims in International Romance ScamRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Edwin Agbi, 29, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for mail fraud, use of a fictitious name in furtherance of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Agbi was found guilty on March 2, 2022, following a three-day federal jury trial.
According to documents and evidence introduced in court, in 2018, an international group of scammers working with Agbi created fake profiles on OurTime, an online dating service designed for adults over 50. Over time, the scammers were able to deceive several senior victims, making them believe that they were in genuine 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’s role in the scheme was to receive money from the victims and pass it along to his partners. The victims mailed packages containing large amounts of cash to Agbi’s home in Indianapolis because they believed he would get the money to their significant other. Agbi received those packages under the alias “Kareem Sunday.” Upon receiving the cash, Agbi would keep a portion for himself and then have the remaining money deposited into his co-conspirators’ foreign bank accounts.
In 2018 and 2019, multiple packages containing cash were delivered to Agbi’s home. In total, the packages contained at least $75,000 in cash. During the investigation, federal agents intercepted one of the packages sent by a victim to Agbi and found that it contained $20,000 in cash.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service, and Rodney Hopkins, Inspector-in-Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Field Division, made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Agbi be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and to pay $95,500 in restitution to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Miller and MaryAnn T. Mindrum who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults.
Violent Felon Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Methamphetamine While on ProbationRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Shane Theisz, 44, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2021, Theisz was on state probation when Vigo County Drug Task Force officers conducted a search of his Terre Haute residence. During the search, officers found 141 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, $7,195 in U.S. Currency, and two handguns: a loaded .40 caliber and a 9mm. The .40 caliber handgun was previously reported stolen. Theisz was arrested and transported to the Vigo County Jail where he admitted to law enforcement officers that the methamphetamine belonged to him and was the amount he normally obtained from his source of supply.
Theisz has a serious criminal history that spans over 13 years and involves a prior felony conviction for dealing methamphetamine in Vigo County as well as two domestic battery misdemeanors, one in which he threatened to kill a woman.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The DEA investigated the case. The Terre Haute 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 Theisz 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 Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
First of Five Defendants Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for his Role in Nationwide Grandparent ScamRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jasaun Pope a/k/a “Biz”, 31, of Valley Stream, New York, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison late yesterday for mail fraud and money laundering offenses related to his role in a nationwide elder fraud scheme. Pope and four co-conspirators have all signed plea agreements for their roles in the offense, and Pope is the first to be sentenced.
According to court documents, from at least April 2020 and continuing through January 2021, Pope, along with co-conspirators Darlens Renard, Princess Elizer, Jennifer Glemeau, and Kareem Brown, targeted and 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 scam known as 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. Pope’s crew, consisting of Elizer, Glemeau, and Brown, traveled to cities around the country to identify unoccupied residences to use as cash delivery addresses. Pope’s crew relayed the delivery addresses to Pope, who in turn, sent them to Renard, who provided them to other members of the conspiracy. Pope’s crew then traveled to the delivery addresses to retrieve the cash sent by the elderly victims and the conspirators divided the criminal proceeds amongst themselves.
To date, investigators have identified over sixty-eight suspected victims of the defendants’ scheme and identified losses amounting to over $683,464.
“These sophisticated criminal organizations exploit the elderly by preying on the love and commitment they have for their families,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “These heinous frauds wreak immeasurable financial and emotional harm on victims to satisfy the greed of networks of criminals. Our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute scammers who seek to take advantage of vulnerable members of our community.”
“Honest and hard-working citizens are fed up with criminals who exploit the vulnerable through scams and deceit,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation. “Those who engage in this type of cruel financial fraud should know they will not fly under the radar and will be held accountable.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to vigorously pursue those who utilize the U.S. Mail to advance their fraud schemes,” said Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division. “Crimes of these type bring grave financial and personal hardships to their victims. Criminal misuse of the U.S. Mail will not be tolerated, and our agency will continue to go after those who seek to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.”
“The Metro Drug Task Force is proud of the work of our investigators who stepped outside their normal scope of investigations to bring these criminals to justice,” said Bryan P. Smith, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. “We want to thank our federal and international partners for their cooperation to bring this case together. For those criminals that wish to victimize central Indiana communities, the Task Force will continue to use whatever means available to them to find bad actors and make our communities safer.”
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Metro Drug Task Force investigated the case. The investigation was supported by the Baltimore Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chicago Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and state and local law enforcement partners in Orleans, Massachusetts; Bartonville, Illinois; Starkville, Mississippi; New York, New York; Ossining, New York; Westchester County, New York; Delaware County, Ohio; Hermantown, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Sumter County, South Carolina; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Sumner County, Tennessee; Hurst, Texas; and Richmond, Virginia.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson also ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $554,574.02 to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys MaryAnn T. Mindrum and Nicholas J. Linder who prosecuted this case.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The best method for prevention, however, is by sharing information about the various types of elder fraud schemes with relatives, friends, neighbors, and other seniors who can use that information to protect themselves.
10-Time Convicted Felon with Domestic Violence History Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Bradford Jensen, 50, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Jensen was on parole in Marion County, Indiana, after serving 8 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a serious felon. On October 28, 2021, parole agents searched Jensen and his residence, and found a loaded 9mm handgun. Jensen admitted to possession of the firearm during an interview with law enforcement officers.
Jensen is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon. Over 30 years, Jenson has accumulated ten felony convictions, including domestic battery, stalking, conspiracy to commit burglary, and two prior convictions for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
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. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Jensen be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
This case 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Serial Armed Robber Who Escaped from Kentucky Jail Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY – Anthony Martinez, 32, of Scottsburg, Indiana, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbing a credit union and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in the Southern District of Indiana and robbing four banks in the Western District of Kentucky.
According to court documents, between November 13, 2015, and January 14, 2020, Martinez robbed four banks in Louisville, Kentucky and a credit union in Madison, Indiana. Armed and disguised, Martinez entered the institutions, demanded money, and threatened to shoot the employees if they did not comply with his demands. Martinez brandished his firearm, sometimes attempting to shoot it into the air, bound his victims with zip ties, and ordered them to the vault or bathroom—telling them not to come out for 10 minutes while he escaped. Martinez stole a total of $377,775.
Martinez was arrested on February 13, 2020, by the Louisville Metro Robbery Unit and detained in the custody of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. On September 29, 2020, Martinez escaped from jail. On October 13, 2020, federal and local law enforcement officers located and arrested Martinez in Hanover, Indiana.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Michael A. Bennett, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky; and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Louisville Metro Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and 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 Martinez be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison. Martinez is also ordered to pay $377,775 in restitution to the victim banks. Martinez was originally scheduled to be sentenced August 19, 2022, but the hearing was rescheduled after law enforcement officers transporting Martinez observed him attempt to remove his handcuffs, which had been tampered with using a small piece of metal in the keyhole.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
Repeat Felon from Indianapolis Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following Domestic Disturbance CallRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – James Hoskins, 41, of Indianapolis, was indicted by a federal grand jury for the federal crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 20, 2022, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) were dispatched to South Belmont Street on a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers learned that Hoskins and his wife had been arguing, and that during the argument, Hoskins had threatened, physically assaulted, and pointed a handgun at his wife. Police located the gun and arrested Hoskins.
Hoskins is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions. Hoskins was convicted of forgery and theft in 2012, escape and burglary in 2016, and synthetic identity deception in 2018, all felony convictions in Marion County, Indiana.
Hoskins made his initial court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker 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 is investigating the case. IMPD provided valuable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy 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 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, 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Franklin Man Arrested and Charged with Illegally Manufacturing and Selling “Ghost Guns,” Including Machine Guns and “Glock Switches”Read the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Alexander Clark, 26, of Franklin, Indiana, was charged by criminal complaint for the federal offenses of dealing firearms without a license, possession and/or transfer of machine guns and manufacturing machine guns.
According to court documents, in May of 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation into Clark for unlawfully manufacturing and selling privately made firearms, including machine guns. Over the course of the next several months, ATF agents conducted a covert investigation and purchased several 3-D printed Glock style firearms and devices capable of converting semiautomatic rifles to fully automatic machineguns from Clark. A search warrant was executed at Clark’s residence on August 22, 2022, in conjunction with the criminal complaint, and Clark was subsequently arrested.
During the search of Clark’s residence, law enforcement officers seized approximately 30 firearms including several 3-D printed firearms, several “Glock switches” used to convert firearms into machine guns, a suspected fully automatic AR-15 rifle, 3-D printing filament, a laptop with a Glock frame on screen connected to a 3-D printer, and a silencer.
Clark does not possess a Federal Firearms License authorizing him to sell firearms and he had not registered the weapons in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as is required for this category of firearms. 3-D printed firearms of this type are untraceable and are referred to as “ghost guns.” Ghost guns are unserialized, privately made firearms increasingly recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes across the country. Because ghost guns lack the serial numbers marked on other firearms, they are impossible for law enforcement to trace through the ATF’s National Tracing Center.
Clark made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and was ordered detained pending a hearing. 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, Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
ATF is investigating this case in collaboration with the Columbus (Indiana) Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson McGrath who is prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s National Ghost Gun Initiative. The initiative was launched in February 2022 in response to the proliferation of ghost guns in our communities, and the growing number of criminals who unlawfully use or possess these untraceable weapons. The Attorney General directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to train a national cadre of prosecutors as experts to lead investigations and prosecutions of crimes involving ghost guns. These ghost gun coordinators will also share investigation and prosecution tools with other prosecutors and law enforcement officers. As part of the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana will focus its investigation and prosecution resources on combatting the illegal possession, use, and sale of ghost guns.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY – Cornelio Moran-Miranda, 39, of New Albany, Indiana, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
According to court documents, on June 1, 2021, investigators with the New Albany Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence. During a search of the defendant’s bedroom, officers located approximately 7.75 pounds of cocaine, 2.75 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.41 ounces of heroin, digital scales, and $20,142 in United States currency. During a search of a detached garage to the residence, officers located two rifles, an UZI-style pistol, and a money counter. During a search of the defendant’s truck, officers located a Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number. The defendant was subsequently arrested.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Indianapolis, made the announcement.
The New Albany Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The Floyd County Prosecutor’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt following the defendant’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski who prosecuted this case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Former Indiana State Senator and an Indianapolis Casino Executive Sentenced to Federal Prison for Criminal Election Finance SchemesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Darryl Brent Waltz, 48, of Greenwood, Indiana, and John Keeler, 72, of Indianapolis, were each sentenced today for devising and participating in election finance schemes. Waltz pleaded guilty to receiving fictitious donations and for lying and misleading FBI agents who were investigating these illegal contributions and was sentenced to ten months in federal prison. Keeler pleaded guilty to causing the filing of a false tax return and was sentenced to two months in federal prison.
According to court documents, Waltz, a former Indiana State Senator and 2016 candidate for U.S. Congress, funneled $40,500 in illegal conduit contributions to his congressional campaign. Maryland-based political consultant Kelley Rogers directed corporate funds from Indiana-based casino company New Centaur LLC into the “Brent Waltz for Congress” campaign through over a dozen straw donors and Waltz himself.
Also, according to court documents, Keeler, former vice president and general counsel of New Centaur LLC, paid Rogers $41,000 in New Centaur corporate funds and directed him to funnel $25,000 to a local political party committee in Marion County, Indiana. To further conceal the nature of the contribution, Keeler caused New Centaur’s federal tax return filed with the Internal Revenue Service to falsely describe the $41,000 payment to Rogers as a deductible business expense.
The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Waltz be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison and pay a $40,500 fine. Keeler was ordered to be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for one year following his release from federal prison and pay a $55,000 fine.
“Illegal and undisclosed corporate contributions damage public trust in our elections,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Secretly funneling illegal casino money into political campaigns is a serious crime and the criminals who do so will be held accountable.”
“The integrity of our elections is of paramount importance to maintaining public trust in our democratic process,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division. “Today’s sentencings demonstrate that the FBI is committed to ensuring that those who attempt to undermine the public’s trust by perpetrating election finance schemes and then compounding their misdeeds by lying to authorities, will ultimately be held to account for their actions.”
"The sentencing of these individuals proves there are consequences for the misuse of positions of trust within both the private and public sector," said Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell, Chicago Field Office, IRS – Criminal Investigation. "IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to protecting the integrity of our system of taxation by investigating individuals who violate our tax laws."
U.S. Attorney Myers, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Myers and A.A.G. Polite thanked Bradley P. Shepard, Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and William J. Gullotta and John P. Taddei, Trial Attorneys in the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section for their work in prosecuting these cases.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Julius Johnson, 44, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 7, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Johnson’s storage unit as part of a drug trafficking investigation. When police went to search the storage unit, they found Johnson, who was immediately arrested. Police found $5,636 and multiple cell phones on Johnson’s person. Inside the storage unit, officers located a vehicle which contained a firearm. Johnson’s DNA was found on the gun. After further investigation, police located a bag containing 59.2 grams of fentanyl in Johnson’s underpants. 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.
Johnson has prior felony convictions in Indiana for carrying a handgun without a license, dealing in cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. These prior felony convictions prohibit Johnson from possessing a firearm.
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; and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Police Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
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 the defendant 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.
Evansville Man Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Using his Accounting Position to Embezzle More than $87,000 from his Gibson County EmployerRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Patrick Garrett, 33, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.
According to court documents, Garrett was employed as a Sales Specialist for a business located in Gibson County, Indiana. Garrett was responsible for handling accounts payable and accounts receivable. From April 9, 2021, to July 16, 2021, Garrett devised and executed a direct bill and fake invoice scheme to steal $87,192.26 from his employer.
Garrett purchased approximately 62 items for himself from Amazon and other retailers by charging the purchases to his employer without authorization. Garrett’s fraudulent purchases included a car, five gas motorcycles, three electric scooters, an Apple iPad Pro, an Apple iMac Pro desktop computer, an Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer, and two drones. Garrett entered false or altered information about these purchases into his employer’s accounting system to conceal the fraud.
Garrett also submitted false invoices into his employer’s accounting system for services he claimed were provided by Garrett Ventures. Garrett created the company in 2018 and served as its Chief Financial Officer. No services were ever provided by Garrett Ventures to Garrett’s employer.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Jeffrey Adams, acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; Rodney Hopkins, Inspector of Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Sheriff Timothy Bottoms of the Gibson County Sherriff’s Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Garrett pay restitution of $87,192.84, forfeit any illicitly purchased items, and 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 Matthew Miller who prosecuted this case.
Felon Serving Time for Illegal Gun Possession Sentenced to Additional 18 Months in Federal Prison for Escape from Residential Reentry FacilityRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Glynn Petticord, 51, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to escaping from federal custody.
According to court documents, Petticord was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Towards the end of his sentence, Petticord was transferred by the federal Bureau of Prisons to a residential reentry center in Evansville. The Bureau of Prisons contracts with residential reentry centers, also known as halfway houses, to provide assistance to inmates who are nearing release. Inmates serving a portion of their sentence at a residential reentry center are only authorized to leave the RRC through sign-out procedures for approved activities.
Petticord was to remain in the facility and abide by the facility’s rules until his projected release date of June 5, 2021. On April 24, 2021, Petticord left the reentry center without authorization and did not return. Law enforcement apprehended Petticord in Evansville on January 31, 2022.
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 Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller who prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recovers over $5.5 Million in Civil False Claims Settlement with American Senior CommunitiesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – American Senior Communities, L.L.C. (ASC), a provider of skilled nursing and long-term care services throughout Indiana, has agreed to pay $5,591,044.66 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to the Medicare program.
In 2017, a former employee of a hospice services company doing business with ASC filed a sealed civil complaint or “whistleblower” lawsuit under the False Claims Act in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The complaint alleged that ASC had engaged in conduct to defraud the Medicare program. Specifically, the complaint alleged that ASC was charging Medicare directly for various therapy services provided to beneficiaries who had been placed on hospice, when those services should have already been covered by the beneficiaries’ Medicare hospice coverage.
The False Claims Act provides that when a whistleblower files a lawsuit alleging fraud that results in a recovery of funds by the Government they are entitled to between 15 and 25% of the recovery. This whistleblower provision of the law encourages people to come forward when they believe fraud is being committed. Under the False Claims Act, the Government may collect up to three times the loss it incurred, plus a fine of between approximately $5,500 to $22,000 for each false bill submitted.
Based on the investigation, the estimated loss to the Medicare program was $2,795,522.33 and ASC has agreed to pay $5,591,044.66 to the United States.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Whistleblowers are critical to protecting public funds from fraud, waste, and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Health care providers who submit false claims or otherwise violate state and federal regulations when billing the United States Government will face consequences.
Today’s settlement demonstrates that federal law enforcement agencies will vigorously investigate reports of false claims and seek to recover funds on behalf of the public.”
“Health care providers that submit inappropriate claims to Medicare to boost their own profits compromise the integrity of this important federal health care program,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work tirelessly, alongside our law enforcement partners, to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and hold those who violate the law accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shelese Woods and Justin Olson who handled the case for the United States.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. In agreeing to the settlement terms, ASC denied all liability under the False Claims Act. In investigating the case, HHS-OIG did not uncover any evidence of injury or harm to patients because of the alleged conduct.
Serious Violent Felon on GPS Monitoring Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Davion Andrews, 28, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on January 22, 2021, Andrews crashed a borrowed car into a guardrail on I-70. An Indiana State Trooper arrived at the scene and began investigating the crash. During the investigation, the trooper saw a firearm magazine in Andrews’ jacket pocket and later discovered a firearm in the car. Further investigation revealed that, in 2020, Andrews was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon in Marion County. Andrews was ordered to serve his sentence through Marion County Community Corrections. At the time of the crash, Andrews had covered his GPS monitoring band with foil, which is often done by individuals trying to hide their location from Community Corrections personnel.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. The Indiana State Police 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 Andrews 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 Michelle P. Brady who prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin while on ParoleRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Darrion Elliott, 28, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to fifty-seven months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents, Elliott was on parole in Marion County, Indiana, after he was convicted of being a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm. On January 9, 2020, parole officers arrived for a scheduled home visit at the address Elliott falsely claimed was his residence. Officers found Elliott standing outside on the front porch with no key to access the residence. Officers searched Elliott’s phone and determined his actual address.
Officers searched Elliott’s actual residence and found 47 grams of heroin, a cutting agent for processing heroin, a digital scale, and plastic baggies. Officers also found three firearms: a loaded 9mm handgun, another 9mm handgun, a .25 caliber handgun, a .45 caliber rifle. As part of his guilty plea, Elliott admitted that he possessed the heroin with the intent to distribute it. Elliott has a serious criminal history spanning over a decade, which includes three prior felony convictions, all involving drugs and guns.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Elliott 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Lyft Driver with Pending Warrant Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Following Car CrashRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury in Indianapolis returned an indictment late yesterday charging Terrance Clarke, 34, of Athens, Georgia, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2021, Clarke was working as a Lyft driver and picked up a customer in Fishers, Indiana. While enroute to the customer’s destination, Clarke drove onto the roundabout at 131st Street and Cumberland Road and collided with another vehicle. Both vehicles pulled off to the side of the road. Clarke exited his vehicle and removed a bag from the front passenger seat, placing it in the trunk. Clarke then removed a second bag from under the front passenger seat, also placing it in the trunk. Officers from the Fishers Police Department responded to the accident scene.
Officers ran a check of Clarke’s driver’s license and discovered that he had an active and extraditable warrant out of Georgia for attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault. Clark was taken into custody and placed under arrest.
During a search of the car, officers found a loaded Smith & Wesson 40 caliber handgun in a backpack. An additional loaded magazine and a small plastic bag containing marijuana were also located in this backpack.
In April of 2017, Clarke was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in federal court in Georgia and is prohibited from legally possessing firearms.
Clarke is currently in custody of the U.S. Marshal. If convicted, he faces up to ten 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.
ATF is investigating the case. The Fishers Police Department also provided valuable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick G. Gibson who is prosecuting the 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.
Repeat Domestic Abuser and Convicted Felon Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Anthony Hughes, 37, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2020, Hughes was stopped in his vehicle by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers. Officers discovered a firearm inside a passenger’s purse, that Hughes admitted to possessing. Hughes is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions, including criminal recklessness, stemming from a domestic assault where he bit a victim in the jaw and threatened her with a knife. When the victim’s minor son intervened, Hughes choked the child. Hughes was also previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery for repeatedly punching a victim in the face and choking her. Hughes also has a 2009 domestic battery conviction for assaulting his minor son.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
The IMPD investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Hughes 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 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indianapolis Felon Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms, Including a Stolen HandgunRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Tremain Prevot, 39, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 4, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a person with a firearm in the area of 25th Street and Post Road on the far east side of Indianapolis. Officers arrived on the scene and saw Prevot carrying an AR15-style rifle and a black handgun, both loaded with extended magazines. The handgun was stolen. Prevot has four prior felony convictions, including a conviction for carrying a handgun without a license. Prevot admitted to the responding officers that he knew he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
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 (ATF), and Chief Randal Taylor of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) made the announcement.
ATF and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Prevot be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for one year following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Recidivist Drug Dealer Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Trafficking Drugs while Serving Community Corrections SentenceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Anthony Sterling, 42, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents, on August 19, 2020, law enforcement officers conducted a compliance check of Sterling at his reported residence in Indianapolis. At the time, Sterling was serving a criminal sentence on community corrections following a conviction in Marion County for dealing in methamphetamine. During a lawful search of the property, law enforcement discovered baggies containing over 200 grams of heroin, an additional bag containing 212 grams lactose used as a cutting agent, a digital scale, and a credit card with residue. Sterling admitted the heroin was his and that he sold it. Sterling has been convicted of at least ten prior felony offenses, including five prior drug trafficking felonies.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Indianapolis Field Office, and Chief Randal Taylor of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) made the announcement.
DEA and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Sterling 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Vigo County Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Adam Moore, 39, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2021, Vigo County Drug Task Force officers conducted a search of a residence where Moore was present. Officers found Moore in possession of over 100 grams of methamphetamine. Further investigation led officers to a camper belonging to Moore, where officers seized over 200 grams of methamphetamine and $10,690 in U.S. currency. Moore had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including a 2011 conviction for dealing in methamphetamine, in Vigo County.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Terre Haute Police Department Chief Shawn Keen made the announcement.
The Terre Haute Police Department investigated the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Moore 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 Abhishek S. Kambli who prosecuted this case.
Former Illinois Elementary School Teacher Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting an Indiana ChildRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Pedro Ibarra, 48, of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, was sentenced today to fifty years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, on June 21, 2021, Ibarra engaged in a Google Duo online chat with a boy who lived in Indiana. The child was under 13 years old at the time. During that chat, Ibarra persuaded the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which Ibarra recorded on his cell phone. On June 22, 2021, Ibarra drove from Illinois to Hancock County, Indiana, where he picked the victim up and drove the boy to a local hotel. At the hotel, Ibarra engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the child, which Ibarra recorded on his cell phone.
During the investigation, Ibarra’s cell phone was examined by the Indiana State Police. Officers were able to lawfully access information stored on the device. In addition to images of the Indiana child, an examiner discovered multiple recordings of Ibarra engaged in sexually explicit conduct with another boy. This child was later identified as a boy who lived in Illinois and was younger than fifteen years old.
Ibarra was a Chicago Public School teacher when he committed these crimes and taught elementary school students for more than three years.
“The heinous sexual abuse of these children is every parent’s nightmare. These tragic crimes reiterate that those who seek to sexually exploit our children online and in person are often the people parents and children should be able to trust,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The significant sentence imposed today shows that federal, state, and local law enforcement will work together tirelessly to identify child sexual predators and send them to prison where they belong.”
“This sentence illustrates our strong commitment to protect our children from those who engage in this type of activity and exploit them,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Because of the teamwork of the FBI and our law enforcement partners this perpetrator will no longer be able to prey on the most vulnerable in our community.”
“The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department worked to have Ibarra in custody within hours of the child’s report,” said Detective David Wood. “Communities place a tremendous amount of trust in teachers, and when someone in such a position commits crimes of sexual exploitation, it is a reminder of how vigilant we need to be in looking out for our children.”
“Indiana State Police investigators work diligently every day, all across Indiana, and in close collaboration with its law enforcement partners, to help bring to justice those who seek to perpetuate the victimization of children”, said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.
“Those who perpetuate crimes against children in Hancock County and throughout the State must know that we will do everything within our power to protect our kids and hold offenders accountable,” said Aimee Herring, Hancock County Chief Deputy Prosecutor. “Special thanks to our federal partners and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department for all of their work on this investigation and prosecution which ultimately resulted in Ibarra’s conviction.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police investigated the case. The Hancock County Prosecutors Office provided valuable assistance. As part of Ibarra’s sentence, Judge James Patrick Hanlon ordered that he be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from prison and ordered Ibarra to pay $30,000 each to both minor victims. Ibarra 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
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Deeon Flowers, 29, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to fifty-seven months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on October 17, 2020, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) were dispatched to a gas station around 38th and Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis. When officers arrived, they were told that Flowers had taken his girlfriend’s 11-year-old child without the mother’s permission. Officers located Flowers in the driver’s seat of a vehicle stopped at the gas station. The child was in the front passenger seat. Officers observed a handgun magazine protruding from Flowers’ waistband and could also see marijuana in plain view in the center console area.
Police obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and recovered a loaded 9mm Taurus G2C, underneath the driver’s seat, as well as another loaded magazine from inside a lunchbox on the front passenger floorboard. Flowers is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The firearm was swabbed for DNA, which was later determined to match Flowers’ DNA. At the time of the offense, Flowers was on pretrial supervision after being charged with felony intimidation and misdemeanor domestic battery in Marion County, Indiana, in November of 2019.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Chief Randal Taylor, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department; and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
IMPD and the ATF investigated the case. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon imposed the sentence following Flowers’ guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Flowers 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 Kelsey Massa who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
This case was also brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
Additionally, this case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
New Jersey Man Federally Charged with Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Arnold Castillo, 22, of Paterson, New Jersey, has been arrested on charges of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and coercion and enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, beginning sometime in February 2022, Castillo used a social media application to communicate with a minor child from central Indiana with the goal of luring her to New Jersey for illicit sexual purposes. Over several months, Castillo showered praise upon the minor, sent her gifts through an online retailer, and paid her money. These tactics, also known as “grooming,” are used by sex offenders to gain a minor’s trust and alienate them from family and other support systems.
On or about May 3, 2022, Castillo coerced and enticed the minor to travel from Indiana to New Jersey for illicit purposes. Castillo paid and arranged for an Uber driver to pick up the minor and transport her across state lines to him.
Using data from the social media application and the online retailer, investigators traced the minor to an address in Patterson, New Jersey. On May 11, 2022, investigators recovered the minor from Castillo’s residence and later reunited her with her mother. New Jersey authorities arrested Castillo on state charges, and he was charged under seal in federal court in Indianapolis the following morning.
On May 12, 2022, Castillo appeared before a federal Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey and was detained and ordered removed to the Southern District of Indiana to face charges. Today, the defendant made his initial appearance in Indianapolis and was ordered detained in the custody of the United States Marshal pending trial. If convicted, Castillo faces up to life in prison on each of the two charges. 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, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI’s Indianapolis Violent Crimes Task Force and Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. The Lawrence Police Department, the FBI’s Garrett Mountain Resident Agency Violent Crimes Task Force, the United States Marshals Service, the Passaic County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey provided valuable assistance and worked together to rescue the victim.
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
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Indianapolis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Destructive Device Used in Bridge Explosion Outside Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Wayne Turner, 58, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of an unregistered destructive device. Codefendant Isak Turner pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to 42 months in prison on February 16, 2022.
According to court documents, on December 20, 2019, Wayne, Isak and H.B., were at Wayne’s Indianapolis apartment near East Washington Street. Wayne assembled an improvised explosive device using various materials he kept at his apartment. Isak placed the explosive device in his backpack and the group traveled in H.B.’s car to Speedway, Indiana. They parked the car by the railroad tracks near the 1200 block of Olin Avenue, just south of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The group then walked to the railroad bridge over 16th Street towards the Speedway.
After they reached the bridge, Isak removed the device from the backpack asking H.B. to light it, but she refused. Instead, Isak ignited the device and threw it off the bridge. The device landed on the median of 16th Street and exploded. The destructive device caused a blast crater and visible damage to the railroad bridge and a bridge light fixture. The explosion and debris also damaged a vehicle passing under the bridge at the time, but the driver was unharmed.
Speedway Police Department officers responding to a report of an explosion observed Wayne, Isak, and H.B. walking on the bridge. Officers interviewed the group and executed a search warrant at Wayne’s apartment off East Washington Street. Investigators located materials used to make explosives inside Wayne’s apartment located in an occupied multi-unit building. Wayne and Isak were arrested. H.B. was not charged.
The device assembled by Wayne and ignited and thrown off the 16th Street bridge by Isak, is defined in the National Firearms Act as a destructive device. It was not registered to Wayne or Isak in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.
Wayne was arrested and convicted in August 2016 of criminal recklessness in Marion County for similar conduct. On May 28, 2016, the night before the Indianapolis 500 race, Wayne detonated and threw an “M-80” style device over a fence onto Indianapolis Motor Speedway property sending people fleeing in panic. Wayne set off a second explosive device, next to a barricade on Georgetown Road, again causing panic and flight among pedestrians at the scene. At the time of the 2016 arrest, officers found Wayne, apparently intoxicated, and in possession of at least eight cylindrical explosive devices with ignitable wicks.
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; Chief Randal Taylor of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD); and Chief Charles Upchurch of the Speedway Police Department made the announcement.
ATF, IMPD and Speedway Police Department investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Wayne and Isak Turner each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following their release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney William McCoskey who prosecuted this case.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Carjacking and Shooting a Man While on Pretrial Release for Attempted CarjackingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Derrick Hart, 22, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to carjacking, discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and commission of federal felony while on pretrial release.
According to court documents, on December 13, 2018, Hart walked up to J.S., who was sitting in his vehicle, parked at the 4200 block of North Franklin Road, in Lawrence, Indiana. Hart pointed a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun at J.S., took J.S.’s cell phone, and demanded money. J.S. told Hart he had no cash, only credit cards. Hart then demanded J.S.’s car keys and J.S. complied. Hart got in the passenger seat of the vehicle, and ordered J.S. at gunpoint, to drive to the Chase Bank ATM across the street.
J.S. saw a Brinks armored truck at the bank and attempted to get the driver’s attention by revving his car engine. The Brinks truck was servicing the ATM, so Hart ordered J.S. to drive to a different ATM, at 42nd Street. J.S. attempted to grab Hart’s handgun and in the process crashed his car into a fence on the edge of the bank. Hart got out of the vehicle, ran around the back of the car, and fired at J.S. striking him in the arm. J.S. returned fire with his own handgun, striking Hart, as he ran away toward an apartment complex, west of the Chase bank.
Responding officers found Hart nearby with a gunshot wound. Hart was carrying a spare magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, several loose 9mm rounds, and a small quantity of marijuana on his person. Hart admitted to leaving the handgun near an apartment building, which police later located under a bush. The handgun was loaded, held a magazine loaded with 9mm cartridges, and had blood on its grip. The blood found on the handgun was linked to Hart through DNA analysis.
Hart committed the December 13, 2018, carjacking and shooting while he was on federal pretrial release for similar conduct. On September 26, 2018, Hart was charged by federal criminal complaint with attempted carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Before Hart was released from detention, he signed paperwork acknowledging that if he commits a federal felony offense while on pretrial release, he may be punished by up to ten years additional in prison. Hart signed the paperwork and was released. By December of 2018, Hart cut off his ankle monitor and absconded from pretrial release.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; R. Sean Fitzgerald, acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the Columbus Field Office for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Chief Gary Woodruff of the Lawrence Police Department made the announcement.
HSI, ATF and the Lawrence Police Department investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Hart 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 L. McCoskey and Patrick G. Gibson who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Terre Haute Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – Cameron Aue, 38, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was sentenced today to 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in July of 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Vigo County Drug Task Force (VCDTF) were investigating Aue for selling methamphetamine in the Terre Haute area. On July 26, 2020, DEA and VCDTF learned Aue would be traveling to Indianapolis to purchase drugs for resale. Aue was arrested later that evening when he returned to his apartment. Aue granted officers permission to search his vehicle. During the search, officers located a backpack admittedly owned by Aue. The backpack contained 245 grams of methamphetamine and $1,000 in U.S. currency. Aue admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine in Indianapolis with the intent to re-sell it to individuals in Terre Haute during an interview with law enforcement.
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; and the Vigo County Drug Task Force made the announcement.
DEA and VCDTF investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-Stinson ordered that Aue 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 Jayson McGrath who is prosecuting the case.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Charles Brady, 41, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 17, 2021, Brady was stopped in his vehicle by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers, and they discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A later search of his vehicle yielded a black 9mm Taurus G2c that Brady admitted to possessing. Brady is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions, including attempted robbery where the defendant tried to rob a victim by pointing a firearm in his face and threatening to shoot him. While serving the probation portion of his sentence for that case, Brady was convicted of another felony offense for dealing cocaine. Brady also has a prior felony conviction for Residential Entry after breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house after a court had issued a protective order against him.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
The IMPD investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon ordered that Brady 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 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indianapolis Man on Parole was Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Gun Crimes After Leading Police on Two High-Speed ChasesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Tragejo Harris, 28, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 29, 2021, officers responded to reports of a person firing multiple gunshots from a moving car in the vicinity of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood of Indianapolis. Police found a vehicle parked on the street that appeared to have been struck by multiple bullets. Harris’ girlfriend stated that she and her child were inside her home when Harris fired multiple shots at her parked car after an argument.
The next day, officers found Harris’s car at a gas station. When officers attempted to approach Harris, he fled and led police on a high-speed chase on the streets of Indianapolis exceeding speeds of 97 miles per hour. Officers lost sight of the vehicle after three miles.
On May 4, 2021, an undercover detective exchanged messages with Harris, who indicated that he planned to flee to Illinois. The detective, in an undercover capacity, arranged to meet Harris in person before he left town. On May 6, 2021, Harris arrived at the pre-arranged meeting location. Harris recognized police and fled by car again. Harris drove across a field, through a ditch, and onto Binford Boulevard at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Harris abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers found Harris hiding in a nearby building and arrested him. During an interview with police, Harris admitted to shooting his girlfriend’s car and fleeing from police. Harris also told police he had his four-year-old daughter in the car during the first police chase on April 30, 2021.
Harris lied to the police and claimed he sold the firearm used in the shooting. Police later located Harris’s gun under a potted plant near where Harris abandoned the vehicle after the second chase. That firearm matched the shell casings retrieved from the April 29th shooting at the car. Harris is a convicted felon who is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. Harris was also on parole for armed robbery at the time of this 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 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
ATF and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Magnus-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 Kelsey Massa who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Broden Burgess, 37, of Indianapolis was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2020, officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a call to check the welfare of a person at the Kroger grocery store located at 1365 East 86th Street in Indianapolis. Officers arrived and located Burgess, who appeared incoherent, in the parking lot. After further investigation, officers located a loaded black Ruger 9mm handgun in Burgess’s sweatshirt pocket.
Burgess is prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms or ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including auto theft, burglary, and strangulation. Burgess also has a misdemeanor conviction for domestic battery, which resulted from him knocking an ex-girlfriend to the ground and choking her.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided invaluable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson following Burgess’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Burgess 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 Lawrence D. Hilton who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Michael Dewayne Charles, 33, of Evansville, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 26, 2021, a deputy with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of the Corner Pocket Bar in Evansville after a report that a suspect brandished a firearm in the parking lot. Upon arrival, the deputy observed Charles push another male against an SUV while brandishing a Kimbro 9mm handgun. Charles then fled from the deputy before being apprehended. Charles was interviewed by police and admitted he brandished the pistol while arguing with his cousin. The pistol was later found to have an obliterated serial number.
Charles is prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions in Vanderburgh County, including sexual battery, burglary, and domestic battery. Because of his prior convictions, Charles is an Armed Career Criminal under federal law and subject to enhanced penalties for illegally 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); and Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding made the announcement.
ATF and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young following the defendant’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that the defendant be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Repeat Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Used to Fire Shots in a Densely Populated NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Dariel Hill, 57, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2020, an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) was flagged down by a witness near the area of East Michigan Street and North Sherman Drive in Indianapolis. The witness told the officer that there was a male, later identified as Hill, running down East Michigan Street firing gunshots at vehicles.
The officer investigated and located Hill walking along East Michigan Street holding a black handgun. The officer exited his patrol car and ordered Hill to drop the handgun. Hill complied by throwing the gun in some nearby bushes. Once Hill was detained, the officer located a black .40 caliber Glock handgun in the bushes where Hill had tossed it.
The Glock was stolen. Upon further investigation, additional responding IMPD officers found several spent .40 caliber shell casings in the vicinity. The casings were located over a five-block, densely populated residential area. The casings were later determined to come from shots fired by Hill’s gun. Following these events, Hill was placed under arrest. Hill has twenty-four prior felony convictions, dating back to 1983. As a result of his criminal record, Hill knew he was prohibited from legally 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 Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
ATF and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker following the defendant’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Barker ordered that Hill 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 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Evansville Woman Sentenced for Embezzling over $100,000 from her Former Employer and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – LaDonna Livers, 67, of Evansville, Ind. was sentenced late yesterday afternoon to a year and a day after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of wire fraud and filing false federal income tax returns.
According to court documents, from approximately March 2009 to November 2017, Livers worked as the office manager for an Evansville business. As the office manager, she oversaw and conducted all financial operations for the business. Livers used her position to illegally enrich herself by embezzling funds from her employer’s bank accounts. Over the course of approximately five years, Livers stole $109,743.73 from her employer by making unauthorized transfers from the employer’s bank accounts to her own bank and credit card accounts.
The unauthorized transfers constituted income for Livers, and therefore should have been reported on her tax returns. Livers did not report any of this income, as required by law. Despite knowing that her tax returns were false, Livers certified that they were accurate and filed them with the Internal Revenue Service.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Livers be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for one year following her release from prison. Livers was also ordered to pay $109,743.73 to the victim and $24,315 to the Internal Revenue Service, as restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller who prosecuted this case.
Alleged Members of a Multi-State Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Trafficking Ring ArrestedRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging twenty-one individuals for their roles in an Indianapolis-based drug trafficking organization with conspiracies to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The indictment was unsealed late yesterday following their arrests and initial appearances.
As alleged in court documents, Keith Jones, aka “Keybo,” 56, Indianapolis, was the alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Indianapolis. Jones received parcels containing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from Kevin Backstrom, 56, of Los Angeles, California and another individual in Desert Hot Springs, California. Jones directed other individuals to receive the drug parcels at their residences and places of business and transport the drugs to a stash location at 2877 North Centennial Street in Indianapolis. Jones then delivered the controlled substances to other individuals for redistribution. The indictment also alleges that Jones enlisted his twelve-year-old daughter to assist him in the distribution of the controlled substances.
In addition, DEA filed a federal criminal complaint against Michael Tyrone Hill of Indianapolis for the offenses of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Law enforcement officers from 22 different agencies served search and arrest warrants at 25 locations in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Los Angeles, California on Thursday morning, ultimately arresting 20 individuals. During the execution of the search warrants, officers seized approximately 43 firearms, $300,000 in U.S. currency, four ounces of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, and two kilograms of fentanyl. 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.
The following individuals are in custody or have been ordered to appear in federal court:
Defendant
Charge(s)
Keith Jones, aka “Keybo” 56, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Kevin Backstrom, 56, of Los Angeles, CA
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Jamie Rayner, 32, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Imany Jones, 30, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
Tameka Washington, 47, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Jerry Bibbs, 54, of Ft. Wayne
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Emmanuel O’Hara, 24, of Ft. Wayne
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Danyale Buchanan, 52, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Charles Davis, 37, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
LaDonna Jones, 38, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Anthony Moore, 36, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Marcus Miles, aka “Old Hat” 47, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Steve Young, aka “Friday” 39, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Sean Devonish, 44, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Katrina Green, 50, of Indianapolis
Maintaining drug involved premises
Fredrick Garner, 52, of Indianapolis
Unlawful use of communication facility
Nicholas Ray, 31, of Indianapolis
Possession of cocaine hydrochloride with intent to distribute
Theodore Poinsett, Jr., aka “Grover” 41, of Indianapolis
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
William Starks, 58, of Indianapolis
Possession of cocaine hydrochloride with intent to distribute
The defendants face the following possible penalties, if convicted:Charge
Penalties
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
10 years to life in prison
Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
0 to 20 years in prison
Continuing criminal enterprise
Life in prison
Maintaining drug involved premises
0 to 20 years in prison
Unlawful use of communication facility
0 to 3 years in prison
Possession of cocaine hydrochloride with intent to distribute
0 to 20 years in prison
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
10 years to life in 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, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, Chief Randal Taylor, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Major Charles Harting, Hamilton-Boone County Drug Task Force, Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, and Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation made the announcement.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the IRS Criminal Investigations, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force, the Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Brad Blackington, who is prosecuting this case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Terre Haute Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison After Overdose Report Leads to Discovery of Methamphetamine Dealing and Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Matthew Beeler, 32, of Terre Haute, Ind., was sentenced to 183 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on Nov. 7, 2020, the Terre Haute Police Department and medics responded to a report of a possible heroin overdose of several persons in a Terre Haute residence. Beeler and another individual were found unresponsive prompting medics to administer Narcan. Medics found a large plastic bag containing methamphetamine underneath Beeler’s body while trying to revive him.
While searching for other overdose victims, officers found several firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition and additional methamphetamine, located in plain view in Beeler’s bedroom. Beeler had approximately 2,658 grams of methamphetamine in the residence. The drugs, guns, ammunition, digital scales, and packaging materials were all seized following the execution of a search warrant. All items were present in the home, left unsecured and accessible to children living in the home, putting them at substantial risk.
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; and Terre Haute Police Chief Sean Keen made the announcement.
DEA and the Terre Haute Police Department investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. As part of the sentence, Judge Sweeney ordered that Beeler 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 William McCoskey who prosecuted this case.
Remaining Members of Indianapolis Methamphetamine and Heroin Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Jovan Stewart, 33, and Dwyatt Harris, 45, both of Indianapolis, were sentenced to 250 and 120 months, respectively, in federal prison, after both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents, Stewart and Harris were members of a methamphetamine and heroin trafficking organization that operated in the Indianapolis area from the summer of 2019 through March 19, 2020. The organization was led by Christopher Tate, also a resident of Indianapolis, who coordinated the receipt of methamphetamine and heroin from different sources and organized the distribution of the controlled substances in Indianapolis. Tate was previously sentenced to 400 months in prison, by Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, following his conviction at a jury trial. Stewart served as Tate’s top lieutenant, driving Tate to distribute controlled substances, delivering controlled substances to Tate’s customers at Tate’s direction, and sometimes coordinating with Tate’s sources of supply to obtain the controlled substances. Harris was a lower-level member of the conspiracy. Harris transported controlled substances from Indianapolis to Silver Lake, Ind., for Sandra Kellogg, who served as one of Tate’s methamphetamine distributors. The investigation resulted in the indictment and conviction of thirteen defendants for their roles in the organization’s drug trafficking activity.
Other noteworthy sentences included the following:
Defendant
Charges(s)
Sentence
Robert Hinton, 35, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
121 months
Sandra Kellogg, 41, of Silver Lake, Ind.
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
288 months
Eric Poore, a/k/a Hollywood, 45, of Indianapolis
Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
215 months
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Indianapolis Field Office; Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office; and Randal Taylor, Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) made the announcement.
DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force, and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Stewart and Harris each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following their release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Blackington who prosecuted this case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Escaped Alabama Prisoner Indicted for Illegal Possession of Five Firearms in Evansville, IndianaRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – A federal grand jury in Evansville returned an indictment today charging Casey White, 38, of Florence, Alabama, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and a fugitive in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 29, 2022, White escaped from jail in Lauderdale County, Alabama. On May 9, 2022, White allegedly possessed five firearms in Evansville, Indiana, including four handguns and an AR15 rifle. White was legally prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a fugitive from justice and due to his 2019 felony convictions for attempted murder and kidnapping in Limestone County, Alabama.
White is currently detained in the custody of Alabama authorities on other charges and will make his initial appearance in the Southern District of Indiana at a later date. If convicted, the defendant faces up to ten years in federal prison on each count. 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, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Division made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley 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.
Washington, Indiana Drug Dealer Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Dealing Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Matthew V. Palmer-Coy, 26, of Washington, Ind., was sentenced late yesterday to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2021, a Washington Police Officer stopped Palmer-Coy in the vehicle he was driving after observing a traffic violation. A K-9 officer alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the car and officers searched the vehicle. During the search, officers found a lockbox containing a firearm with an altered serial number, individually wrapped baggies of methamphetamine, clear glass pipes, unused plastic baggies, a digital scale, ammunition, and a notebook that appeared to be a drug ledger. Palmer-Coy knew he was unauthorized to possess firearms or ammunition as he was previously convicted of felony charges of neglect and possession of methamphetamine in Daviess County, Ind.
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. The Washington Police Department also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Palmer-Coy be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller who is prosecuting the case.
Kentucky Drug Dealers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Evansville and HendersonRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – James Shultz, 37, of Louisville, Ky., was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On Jan. 5, 2021, codefendant Sheena Garrett, 35, of Henderson, Ky., was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, from Jan. through Sept. 2018, Shultz and Garrett conspired to distribute more than 4.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Shultz regularly supplied three to six pounds of methamphetamine at a time to Garrett, who distributed the methamphetamine in Evansville, Henderson, and surrounding areas.
On Sept. 1, 2018, Shultz was driving on I-69 in Vanderburgh County when he was stopped by law enforcement officers following a traffic violation. Officers searched the vehicle after a drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. Officers seized approximately 1,425 grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of U.S. currency from the vehicle. In his guilty plea, Shultz admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to Garrett for further distribution.
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; and the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force (EVCDTF) made the announcement.
DEA and the EVCJDF investigated the case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young following the defendants’ guilty pleas. As part of the sentences, Judge Young ordered that Shultz and Garrett each be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years, following their release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley who prosecuted this case.
Boonville Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $400,000Read the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Kyle D. Hollman, 33, of Boonville, Ind., was sentenced late yesterday to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Hollman was employed as a purchasing agent for ProLift Toyota Material Handling, and his job was to procure equipment for Aleris Rolled Products. Hollman used funds belonging to his employer and Aleris to fraudulently purchase hundreds of items for his own personal use, including, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a tractor, firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, tools, tactical gear, and camping equipment. Hollman made around 847 unauthorized purchases, totaling $346,608.65, from Feb. 20, 2018, to Nov. 12, 2020.
Hollman perpetrated his fraud scheme by billing Aleris for products that ProLift never purchased, providing inflated invoices, altering receipts, and using company credit cards for unauthorized purchases. Hollman defrauded Aleris of more than $422,693.40.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Jeffrey Adams, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service made the announcement.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Hollman pay restitution of $164,702.65, forfeit all illicitly purchased items, and 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 Matthew Miller who is prosecuting the case.
Evansville Sex Offender Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE – Michael Crane, 24, of Evansville, Ind., was sentenced today to 14 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to the crime of failure to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on December 1, 2017, Crane was convicted of felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse and felony indecent solicitation of a child in Perry County, Ill. Both convictions require Crane to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Following Crane’s release from prison on July 17, 2020, for the above sex offenses, Crane submitted his initial registration for the Illinois Sex Offender Registry by completing an Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act form. Crane provided an address in DuQuoin, Illinois on his registration form. The form contains several paragraphs advising him of the duty to register, including the following: “If you move to another state, you must register within 3 days. You must notify the agency with whom you last registered in person of your new address, at least 3 days before moving.” Crane acknowledged this requirement by initialing next to it and signing the form.
In June 2021, Crane relocated to Evansville, Indiana. Crane failed to register with the state of Indiana or update his Illinois registration. Crane was arrested in Evansville on July 29, 2021.
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 Court Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Crane be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison. Crane must also register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller who is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Domestic Abuser and Repeat Felon Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Delvarez Long, 38, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 51 Months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents and evidence presented in court, in March 2021 law enforcement officers learned there was an outstanding warrant to arrest Long for domestic battery. Long was also wanted for questioning in a homicide. Long was located by detectives on April 2, 2021, at a hotel on east 21st Street, in Indianapolis. Investigators saw Long exit the hotel with a firearm in his waistband and get into a vehicle. Long was taken into custody. Detectives recovered the gun from Long and determined that it had been reported as stolen.
Long was subsequently charged with violations of Indiana law in state court and released on bond pending trial. After he was released on bond, Long was arrested and charged with felony intimidation in June of 2021 after he threatened to “body” or kill a woman with what appeared to be a handgun.
At the time he possessed the gun in April 2021, Long was legally prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including a 2016 conviction for battery resulting in bodily injury to a pregnant woman, after his violent assault on the mother of his child.
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) Chief Randal Taylor made the announcement.
ATF and IMPD investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Long be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Massa who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Career Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses Following High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Santana Kendall, 30, of Indianapolis, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on August 11, 2021, Kendall led police on a high-speed chase after police attempted to stop him for speeding. Kendall ran a red light, drove on the wrong side of traffic, and ran several stop signs during the chase. After evading police, Kendall parked the vehicle at a residence and fled on foot. Kendall discarded a backpack he was carrying, which was later recovered by police. The backpack contained a loaded firearm, sizeable amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine, oxycontin pills, syringes, marijuana, a digital scale, and $5,517 in U.S. currency. Kendall was later found by police and arrested. Kendall admitted in his guilty plea that he possessed the controlled substances with the intent to distribute them and possessed the gun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Kendall is a career offender as a result of his multiple prior felony drug-dealing 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 (ATF), Columbus Field Division, made the announcement.
ATF investigated the case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department also provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon following Kendall’s guilty plea. As part of the sentence, Judge Hanlon also ordered that Kendall 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 Peter Blackett 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.