Southern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Anderson Man Found Guilty of Impersonating Homeland Security Officer and Possessing Molotov CocktailsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— A federal jury has found Joshua W. Stearman, 42, of Anderson, Indiana, guilty of unlawfully possessing incendiary bombs, commonly referred to as Molotov cocktails, and falsely impersonating an officer or employee of the United States.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on December 12, 2023, at approximately 1:47 a.m., a police officer in Ingalls, Indiana, was dispatched to an address that had recently been vandalized multiple times, including with fires set in the driveway and inside the mailbox at that address. Dispatch received a report of a suspicious man walking toward the house carrying something but who ran back to his red Toyota RAV4 when the house’s security lights came on.
The officer located the RAV4 and pulled it over. As the officer approached, Stearman pressed against the window his ID as well as an unknown government identification that included a government seal at the bottom. Repeatedly, Stearman claimed he was a Homeland Security Officer returning from a “mission.” Stearman was wearing black gloves with black duct tape around his wrists.
Eventually, Stearman exited the vehicle and was placed in custody. Inside the vehicle, officers found four bottles containing a yellow-brown liquid that gave off an odor of fuel, as well as what appeared to be small pieces of wood or kindling inside of them. All four had a piece of cloth or fabric sticking out from under the cap. Officers also found a lighter in the vehicle.
During the trial, experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified about their analysis of the four bottles. An ATF Forensic Chemist testified that she had analyzed the liquid inside the bottles, and each was found to contain gasoline. Then, an ATF Destructive Device Examiner testified how each of the bottles was designed to be used as an incendiary bomb: The wick is ignited by an open flame and the device is thrown against a surface, with the intent that the ignitable liquid and wooden sticks inside will spread fire to a combustible surface against which it was thrown. Incendiary bombs, commonly known as Molotov cocktails, are a type of destructive device that is generally unlawful to possess under federal law.
The ATF and Ingalls Police Department investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by Lapel, Indiana Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt presided over the trial and will sentence Stearman at a later date.
Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who are prosecuting this case.
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Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun and Oxycodone PossessionRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Marquell T. Lockridge, 26, of Evansville, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
According to court documents, on November 1, 2024, at approximately 3:51 a.m., officers with the Evansville Police Department were dispatched to a Circle K gas station on a report of a disturbance in the parking lot. When officers arrived on scene, a woman in the parking lot claimed that Marquell Lockridge had pulled out a gun and pointed it at her.
Lockridge saw the officers walk toward him to investigate and jumped into his vehicle to flee the scene. However, he was unable to shift the car into drive. Officers commanded Lockridge to step out of the car. He eventually exited the vehicle, but then began running on foot and was quickly tased and arrested.
While officers were applying the handcuffs, Lockridge admitted that he had a loaded gun inside the front of his underwear. During a search of his person, officers located a plastic corner bag containing Oxycodone pills and approximately $20,227 in cash.
Lockridge has been previously convicted of multiple crimes, including misdemeanor domestic battery in 2019, felony pointing a firearm at another in 2019, and felony theft of a firearm in 2022. These prior felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“Illegally armed felons are a preventable source of the gun violence that threatens our neighborhoods and takes far too many lives,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “A successful return to the community from prison requires compliance with the law, including never again possessing a gun. I commend the ATF and Evansville Police Department for keeping the community safe by getting this felon off the streets.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Richmond Sexual Predator Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Moises Bojorquez, 29, of Richmond, Indiana, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and possession of matter containing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Bojorquez sexually abused a prepubescent relative, who was in his care and custody. In several instances, Bojorquez live chatted the sexual abuse. In other instances, Bojorquez recorded the sexual abuse and sent it to a woman via Telegram, an encrypted, cloud-based instant messaging service.
Bojorquez and the woman engaged in a months-long conversation via Telegram in which they described their shared sexual interest in children. Bojorquez also shared other child sex abuse material with the same woman via Telegram and with others via email. Investigators located more than 1,000 images and videos on Bojorquez’s two cell phones, some of which depicted infants or toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
“No child should suffer sexual abuse,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This predator cruelly exploited an innocent child to satisfy his criminal sexual desires with other likeminded predators. Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement officers, this defendant will now spend 40 years in federal prison, where he cannot sexually abuse another child.”
“This case is a sobering reminder of the depths of pravity some individuals will go to exploit the most innocent among us,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who prey on children. We will continue to use every available resource to protect the innocent and disrupt the networks that facilitate these horrific crimes.”
“The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force remains vigilant and committed to working with its local and federal partners to protect society’s most vulnerable to sexual exploitation: our children. Caretakers, parents, and others in positions of trust who fail in their duty to protect children but instead seek to sexually exploit them for their own selfish and devious reasons will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said Christopher D. Cecil, Commander of Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including Indiana State Police, Richmond Police Department, and Plainfield Police Department, investigated this case, with assistance from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Wood and Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
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Muncie Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Six Sentenced to a Combined 87 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Five defendants have been sentenced to a total of 70 years in federal prison for their roles in a large methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. The defendants plead guilty and were sentenced as follows:
DefendantCharge(s)SentenceJamarr Hill, 30, MuncieConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, and conspiracy to make a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm17 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release.Terry Hill, 49, MuncieConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine5 years’ imprisonment, time served, 5 years' supervised release.Lance McGee, 32, MuncieConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances15 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release.Nakevius Shannon, 33, MuncieMaking a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm3 years’ probationAccording to court documents, between May and November of 2022, Jamarr Hill, Lance McGee, Terry Hill, and others conspired together to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Jamarr Hill acted as the ringleader for the conspiracy, obtaining large quantities of drugs from Rodolfo Silva in San Diego, California for redistribution in Muncie. Terry Hill and Lance McGee served as distributors, dealing the drugs into communities in Muncie and elsewhere in central Indiana.
On November 12, 2022, Nakevius Shannon purchased two firearms from Rural King, a federally licensed firearms dealer, completing an ATF Form 4473 in connection with the purchase. At the time Shannon completed the Form 4473, he falsely stated on the form that he was the intended transferee/buyer of handguns, when in fact, he purchased the firearms for Jamar Hill in order to further Hill’s drug trafficking conspiracy.
In total, the defendants obtained and distributed no less than 2,004 grams of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of cocaine, and 203 pounds of methamphetamine.
As part of the investigation, two other defendants were charged and have been sentenced. Joseph Haskins, of Muncie, Indiana, was charged in August 2021 with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. After a two-day trial in December 2023, Haskins was sentenced as a career offender to 33 years’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. Rodolfo Silva was charged in 2024 in the Southern District of California with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Silva plead guilty and was sentenced to 17 years’ and 6 months’ imprisonment.
“Drug traffickers like these defendants, responsible for pushing poison from across the country into our neighborhoods, must be held accountable for the suffering they cause in search of quick profits,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. This case is an outstanding example of the impact we can have with the help of our state and local law enforcement partners. I commend the efforts of the FBI, and the Muncie and Anderson Police Departments to make our communities safer by getting drugs and drug dealers off our streets.”
“This is a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that send a flow of illegal drugs into our communities and threaten public safety,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure every available resource is used to disrupt these criminal enterprises and hold those responsible accountable.”
The FBI, IRS, Muncie Police Department, Anderson Police Department, and Fishers Police Department investigated this case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Barry Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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14 Charged in Federal Indictment Following Takedown of Violent Indianapolis Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— 14 individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in Indianapolis, Lafayette, and surrounding communities. The charges follow a successful law enforcement operation in which 13 total individuals have been arrested and are in federal custody. Eight individuals were arrested on March 21, 2025. The following lists the individuals indicted and the charges they face:
DefendantCharge(s)Tanesha M. Turner, 39- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Kidnapping
- Carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
- Accessory to a crime after the fact
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Distribution of methamphetamine
- Possession of a machinegun
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Causing Death by Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
- Possessing, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Retaliating against a witness
- Use of fire or explosives
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Unlawful use of a cell phone
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Unlawful use of a cell phone
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
This was a multi-agency operation, involving ten agencies who assisted with the investigation and the arrests on the morning of March 21, 2025. Law enforcement has asked the public for assistance in locating fugitive Lamar T. Browning. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Those with information are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
According to the indictment, all 14 defendants allegedly operated a drug trafficking conspiracy, selling meth, fentanyl, cocaine and heroin out of several trap houses in Indianapolis.
Some members of the conspiracy allegedly committed multiple acts of violence, including murder, firing gunshots, throwing Molotov cocktails at a home, kidnapping, and pistol-whipping in order to intimidate drug customers and rival drug dealers The violence was used as a tool to collect money owed to them by their drug customers, to protect the locations that they used to distribute drugs, and to retaliate against potential witnesses.
Specifically, Nahamani Sargent allegedly fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at the home of a customer, believing that the victim had provided information about the conspiracy to law enforcement.
Additionally, Tanesha Turner allegedly kidnapped a victim at gunpoint and held them for ransom because they owed $40. Tre Dunn then allegedly shot the same victim for owing money and providing information to law enforcement.
Tre Dunn also allegedly aided and abetted the murder of a man because he disrespected him and his associate during a failed drug deal. Tanesha Turner then allegedly aided Dunn by driving him to another location following the murder to prevent his arrest.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.
The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and recent warrant execution possible:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati SWAT)
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, SWAT
- Fishers Police Department, SWAT
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Indiana Capitol Police Department
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security
- Johnson County Sheriff’s Department
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley A. Blackington and Kelsey Massa, who are prosecuting this case.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This operation is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Violent Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Third Illegal Reentry into United States from MexicoRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Pedro Zuniga-Lopez, 35, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of an alien after deportation.
According to court documents, on September 19, 2024, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officers were notified by the Indiana Department of Corrections that Pedro Zuniga-Lopez, an illegal alien, was in custody following a conviction for domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman and scheduled to be released on October 22, 2024.
Zuniga-Lopez had previously been deported to Mexico several times, including once in 2018 and twice in 2020. He was prohibited from entering the United States at any time because he had been convicted of at least one aggravated felony. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, aliens found guilty of certain crimes may be excluded from legal reentry to the country.
Zuniga-Lopez has a lengthy criminal history, including two previous federal convictions for illegal reentry, as well as two convictions for breaking and entering, and domestic battery with bodily injury to a pregnant woman.
Most recently, in 2024, while in the United States unlawfully, Zuniga-Lopez viciously assaulted his own girlfriend, who was pregnant with his child, after she stated she did not want his drugs in her home. He swung at her face with closed fists and continued to punch her after she fell to the ground. The victim’s three young children witnessed the attack and screamed “hey mommy, stop!” The day after the victim made this report to police, Zuniga-Lopez broke a window to her home and forced himself inside. He then fled from police before he was arrested. Zuniga-Lopez was convicted and sentenced in Marion County for this offense.
“While in the United States unlawfully, this defendant has repeatedly broken the law, demonstrating time and time again a fundamental lack of respect for this country” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Additionally, this defendant is a proven menace to society, including toward some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community—women and children. Our office is committed to working with our ICE partners to charge and convict aliens that illegally re-enter the country, especially if they are a risk to public safety.”
“Our ICE Officers work tirelessly to protect the homeland through our efforts with border security, national security and our drive to keep the public safe,” said ERO Chicago’s Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson. “Criminal aliens that continue to cross into our country need to face consequences to discourage them committing crimes that endanger our communities. We will continue to work with our federal partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute violent felons like Zuniga-Lopez, who has multiple convictions and removals from the U.S.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Former Operations Manager Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Stealing over $2.5 Million from Employer, Covering up the Scheme with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Marcie Jean Doty, 47, of Evansville, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud, failure to file tax returns, and filing false tax returns. Doty has also been ordered to pay $2,517,343.05 in restitution.
According to court documents, Doty was employed as an Operations Manager for a property management business located in Evansville, Indiana. Between May 2017 and June 2022, Doty ran a five-year wire fraud scheme, stealing approximately $1,803,466.38 from her employer via unauthorized checks and Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) transfers.
During this five-year period, Doty executed 99 unauthorized ACH transfers, totaling $503,151.59 and wrote 279 unauthorized checks to herself, totaling $1,300,314.79. The funds were transferred from her employer’s bank accounts to her personal bank accounts.
In an effort to conceal the unauthorized checks, Doty entered false information in the business accounting software, representing that the checks were written to her employer instead of herself. These false entries made it appear as if the business’s funds were being moved from one account to another for a legitimate business purpose.
In January 2017, Doty agreed to purchase a 25% equity share in her employer’s business. Doty used some of the money she stole via the wire fraud scheme to make payments towards her purchase of the 25% equity share.
Additionally, for tax years 2018 through 2020, Doty willfully failed to report the income derived from her fraud scheme on those returns, as required by law. In so doing, she willfully failed to report approximately $786,280.70 in income. The returns were therefore false.
Finally, Doty failed to file tax returns for tax years 2021 and 2022. In so doing, she willfully failed to report approximately $1,006,983.84 in income.
“Through the defendant’s egregious scheme, she used her position of trust to lie, cheat, and steal from her employer and the government- helping herself to millions and cooking the books to hide the evidence,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fraud and embezzlement can have devastating effects on both individual victims and companies. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that those who commit financial crimes will pay a serious price.”
“The brazen fraud uncovered in this case is staggering and had serious consequences for those victimized by the defendant’s deceitful scheme.” said Special Agent in Charge Ike Barnes of the U.S. Secret Service Indianapolis Field Office. “I applaud the Internal Revenue Service, Evansville Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Secret Service personnel for their hard work and determination in securing the sentence imposed in this case.”
“Marcie Doty defrauded her employer for five years and now she will spend five years considering the consequences of her actions,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “In addition to harming her employer, Ms. Doty also evaded taxes she should have paid to the government. IRS-CI and our partners are committed to finding and prosecuting financial crimes in all forms.”
The U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Violent Felon Sentenced to more than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Meth and MDMA while on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Mikeal Luckett, 51, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 211 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on June 13, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Luckett’s Evansville home. Officers found a loaded stolen Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, approximately 26.2 grams of MDMA, approximately 6.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, digital scales, and $10,286 in cash. The pistol and MDMA were hidden together in an opening above the duct work in Luckett’s basement. Officers also found $1,530 in Luckett’s pockets.
In 2012, Luckett was convicted of felony Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in federal court in Kentucky and was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Luckett was on federal supervised release at the time of this most recent incident.
Luckett had been previously convicted of several violent offenses, including assault and aggravated assault.
“Drug dealers like this defendant peddle deadly substances with utter disregard for human life, seeing only dollar signs and not the faces of the many loved ones that have been lost to overdoses and drug abuse,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This prosecution and sentence demonstrate that our office will continue to work alongside DEA, ATF and local Drug Task Forces to ensure the most dangerous reoffenders are held accountable.”
“There is no place in our community for those who spread pain and destruction through the distribution of illegal drugs. That disregard for human life is compounded when firearms are used to threaten violence to protect their illegal business,” stated Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to bring offenders like the defendant to justice and make our communities safer for everyone.”
“Individuals, especially repeat offenders like Mr. Luckett, who are on probation, and recklessly distribute poisonous drugs in our communities must be held accountable for their actions,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “DEA commends the outstanding work being conducted by our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, in combating dangerous criminals.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller who prosecuted this case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Career Criminal Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Liquor Store Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— George Sisk., 47, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 26, 2020, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to the Community Spirits Liquor Store located on MLK Street, after a robbery had been reported. The robber, who was later identified as George Sisk, walked into the store, grabbed alcohol, and attempted to leave without paying. When one of the store employees noticed Sisk was stealing, he locked the store’s doors to prohibit Sisk from exiting.
Once Sisk realized that he was locked in the store, he went behind the counter and demanded the employee open the door. He then pulled a gun from his pants and fired one shot, striking the employee in the leg at close range. The employee opened the door and Sisk escaped, taking a bottle of Patron tequila with him. Sisk also fired a second shot before leaving.
That evening, Sisk was arrested, and a warrant was obtained to search the home where he lived with his mother. During the search, IMPD officers located a gun under Sisk’s mattress and the clothing that he was wearing during the robbery.
Sisk had been previously convicted of multiple felonies including two separate convictions for Dealing in Narcotic Drugs. These felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“We repeat this notion time after time; everyone deserves to feel safe at their place of work,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Sisk felt it was necessary to shoot an innocent victim standing in the way of just one bottle of alcohol. This kind of reckless behavior with no regard for the safety of human life is a threat to our entire community and deserves the serious federal prison sentence imposed today.”
"The defendant’s actions created fear and endangerment in a place where people should feel safe. His actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the law and the community,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring public safety and holding career criminals accountable for their violent actions.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter A. Blackett and Corbin Houston, who prosecuted this case.
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Indy Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison After Attempting to Purchase a Dozen Vehicles with Fraudulent ChecksRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Frank Lassen Garay, 45, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to bank fraud.
According to court documents, over a period of a little more than two weeks in November and December of 2022, Garay passed fifteen fraudulent checks, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of vehicles and jewelry.
In the fall of 2022, Frank Garay received a settlement check for $15,066.95 from a law firm. This check was for the proceeds from a legal dispute that had been settled. On November 3, 2022, Garay visited a bank and presented the $15,066.95 check to the bank for payment. In standard practice, the bank provided $10,000 in cash and issued a cashier’s check for the remaining $5,066.95. Using the banking information found on these checks, more than a dozen fraudulent checks were created. Garay then used fraudulent checks to purchase services, vehicles, and jewelry as follows:
DateItemAmountNovember 18, 2022Cleaning Services$486.93.November 18, 20222013 Lincoln MKT$12,500November 25, 20222008 BMW 335 XI$12,500November 29, 2022SRT8$23,710.13November 30, 20222010 Lincoln Navigator$13,000November 30, 2022BMW$16,000.00November 30, 20222015 BMW$19,500.79December 1, 2022Lincoln MKT$14,906.93December 2, 20222013 GMC Sierra$40,820.79.December 2, 2022White gold necklace/bracelet set$16,253.30December 3, 2022,2012 Acura TL$17,677.51December 5, 20222015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500$38,858.47.December 6, 2022,2022 Forrest River Trailer$34,885.25December 6, 2022,2019 Honda Accord$20,595.40December 7, 2022,2023 Nexus Triumph RV$107,000During each vehicle purchase, Garay did not attempt to hide his identity, using his real driver’s license, signature and fingerprints to close the deals. In one case, Garay even took a picture with his new truck in front of the dealership. In almost all instances, the companies realized the checks were fraudulent only after Garay had already left the lot with the vehicle.
Garay has been passing fake checks, stealing vehicles, and defrauding victims for over 15 years. He has amassed convictions for theft, receiving stolen property, fraud and theft of property by deception, and six counts of forgery. He has defrauded coworkers, employers, banks and businesses out of thousands of dollars.
“In less than a month, Garay went on a buying spree that would put even the most brazen car thief to shame,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Complex economic crimes such as these devastate the finances and security of businesses and individuals. The serious prison sentence imposed today demonstrates that this U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Secret Service, and all our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to hold these criminals accountable.”
“Financial fraud, like what was found in this case, does more than chip away at our nation’s financial infrastructure. It has real-life victims, and these law-abiding citizens were defrauded of thousands of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Ike Barnes of the U.S. Secret Service Indianapolis Field Office. “I commend the work of everyone who investigated this case and brought the defendant to justice. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, and all our law enforcement partners for their fine work in this case.”
The U.S. Secret Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
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Prior Felon Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison After Stealing Car and Fleeing PoliceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Brandon Lee, 35, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In July of 2024, a federal jury found Lee guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-day trial.
According to court documents, on April 26, 2023, at approximately 10:00 pm, Lee stole a 2014 gray Honda Accord that was parked near a food truck, when the car’s owner was busy ordering food. Lee fled 45 minutes to Cumberland, Indiana.
At approximately 10:55 pm, officers with the Cumberland Police Department located the stolen Honda in an apartment complex parking lot with Lee standing next to it. When Lee saw the officers approaching him, he fired a shot from a semiautomatic pistol into the air and then fled on foot.
Following a brief chase through a nearby neighborhood, Lee attempted to jump a wooden privacy fence and was then taken into custody. During a search of his person incident to arrest, officers located the keys to the stolen Honda Accord in his front pants pocket.
Officers found Lee’s gun the next day in the bed of a pickup truck that had been parked in the apartment complex parking lot the night before. DNA analysis linked Lee to that firearm.
Lee has been a convicted felon since 2010, amassing convictions for illegally possessing a firearm, theft and battery, and resisting law enforcement. These previous felony convictions prohibit Lee from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“This defendant’s reckless use of a firearm endangered officers and innocent bystanders in their own backyards. I hope this sentence will bring comfort to our citizens and those impacted knowing that Mr. Lee is behind bars and not free to terrorize others,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that there is no place in society for these violent crimes and that we are deeply committed to working closely with our federal, state and local partners to reduce gun violence in Indianapolis.”
“This sentence underscores the serious consequences for those who engage in violent and dangerous behavior that puts the community at risk,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to ensuring those who jeopardize public safety will be held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, IMPD, and Cumberland Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Wanted South Carolina Fugitive Sentenced to More than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm at Evansville Bus StopRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Argelius C. Croft, 37, of Greenville, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on January 27, 2023, Evansville Police Department officers questioned Croft at the Evansville Greyhound Bus Station after learning that he had an active arrest warrant out of South Carolina for a pending criminal charge. When confronted, Croft provided false information about his identity to the officers and ran away from the bus station on foot carrying his backpack. After a brief foot chase, Croft fell and was arrested by EPD officers.
During a search of his person, officers found a Ruger.22 Charger rifle with a partially obliterated serial number and a Ruger BX- 25 double-stack magazine loaded with 47 rounds inside of Croft’s backpack. When the officers found the firearm, Croft asked them to forget about it and just throw the gun in the river.
At the time of his arrest, Croft had been convicted of numerous felonies including burglary, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and domestic violence. These prior felony convictions prohibit Croft from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“Deadly weapons in the hands of violent criminals fuel the shootings and deaths that have devastating impacts on our families,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence should send a clear message to those who ignore their prohibition- if you choose to pick up a gun, you face a serious term in federal prison.”
“ATF’s core mission is to identify, pursue, and perfect criminal cases against individuals who unlawfully possess or use firearms in furtherance of criminal activity,” stated Acting ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who commits violence in our communities is held accountable for their actions.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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Kokomo Woman Ordered by Federal Court to Repay over $200,000 in Stolen Retirement Benefits from Deceased Husband’s AccountRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Rebecca Fields, 70, of Kokomo, has been sentenced to three years’ probation after pleading guilty to making a false statement to illegally receive Social Security benefits. Fields has also been ordered to pay $231,203.10 in restitution.
According to court documents, beginning around July 1985, Rebecca Fields’ husband, “L.F.” began receiving Social Security retirement benefits. On December 4, 2002, Rebecca requested to be added as L.F.’s representative payee, which the Social Security Administration (SSA) ultimately approved.
When a qualified retirement beneficiary lacks the capacity to manage his or her own benefits, the SSA may approve a “representative payee” to receive the beneficiary’s benefits and to use them for the beneficiary. In such an instance, the SSA requires the representative payee to annually certify a continuing relationship with the beneficiary and how the representative used the beneficiary’s program benefits on his or her behalf.
On April 10, 2006, L.F. died. Nonetheless, not only did Fields fail to report that fact to the SSA, but she also completed at least 13 Representative Payee Reports between 2007 and 2022 on which she falsely claimed that L.F continued to live with her. These reports also contained false claims that she had spent his retirement benefits on his behalf to maintain his health and well-being. The lies were aimed at deceiving the SSA into continuing to pay her money that she was not owed. As a result, Rebecca Fields received approximately $231,203.10 in L.F.’s social security benefits- of which she was not entitled after he passed away.
“For over a decade, Fields brazenly stole not only from the United States government, but also indirectly from taxpayers who diligently pay into the Social Security retirement fund. Fields’ conduct also indirectly preyed on the vulnerable, elderly beneficiaries who ultimately depend on the program’s payments upon their retirement from the workforce,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to potential fraudsters who may believe they can cheat the system- you will pay the price.”
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin D. Houston, who prosecuted this case.
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South Carolina Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Lewd Assault on TSA Officer at Indianapolis International AirportRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— George Stevens, 38, of South Carolina, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to interference with security screening personnel and assault of a federal officer.
According to court documents, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 15, 2023, Stevens was passing through Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) Checkpoint A at the Indianapolis International Airport. When he moved through a screening machine at Checkpoint A, the machine displayed an alarm indicating that additional screening of his chest, groin, and buttocks was required. A Transportation Security Officer (“TSO”) requested that Stevens step aside for a pat-down search. Stevens complied with the initial request and continued to comply while the TSO patted down his chest. However, when the TSO began patting down his outer and inner groin area, Stevens called the TSO a “freak” approximately 4 times. The TSO then requested a supervisor over the radio.
The supervisor who responded to the radio call observed that Stevens appeared intoxicated, was not complying with the TSO’s instructions, and was repeating phrases such as “I don’t have nothing” and “I’m just trying to get home.”
When the supervisor instructed Stevens to remove his belt and hold his pants up by his belt loops, Stevens dropped into a squat and shook his buttocks at the supervisor and other assisting TSOs. The supervisor then halted screening in lanes 1 and 2 of Checkpoint A, and requested that an Indianapolis Airport Police Department (“APD”) officer be dispatched to Checkpoint A. While the supervisor was doing this, Stevens squatted for a second time and shook his buttocks at the other TSOs.
When Stevens was told that APD was on its way, Stevens became agitated and stated, “I don’t have nothing” and “what do you want to see?” Stevens then pulled his jeans and underwear to his ankles and exposed his bare buttocks and genitals to the TSOs and the passengers in the vicinity.
When the APD officer arrived, Stevens continued to disrobe by removing his jeans and placing them over the supervisor’s shoulder, removing his underwear and forcibly pressing it into the supervisor’s face, and then throwing the underwear at the supervisor.
Stevens then removed his socks and – while completely naked – began advancing towards the supervisor. Stevens was then placed under arrest by APD and removed from the Checkpoint.
The entirety of Stevens’ lewd assault occurred in full view of the traveling public, including families with small children, who were attempting to navigate the security checkpoint and get to their flights.
Prior to this incident, Stevens had sustained an extensive criminal history spanning multiple years, including multiple convictions for domestic violence and firearms offenses. The sentence that Stevens received was at the very top of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range.
“Our Indianapolis International Airport is one of the finest airports in the country. TSA Officers stationed at the airport handle significant passenger traffic throughout the year with tremendous professionalism and a real dedication to the safety of the traveling public,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Let this message be heard far and wide; the lewd and violent behavior towards security staff demonstrated by Mr. Stevens in this case will not be tolerated in this district, and it will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
“TSA officers at Indianapolis International Airport work tirelessly to screen thousands of people each day and prevent dangerous items from being brought onboard aircraft, usually in full cooperation with passengers,” TSA Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt said. “We appreciate the support from local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office when our officers or members of the public face harassment and abuse at the checkpoint, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate in our joint effort to keep passengers and our nation’s transportation systems safe.”
"This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal acts against those who serve and safeguard the public,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI, in collaboration with local and federal partners, will continue its tireless efforts to identify and apprehend those who commit these lewd and unlawful acts against public servants.”
The FBI, TSA, and APD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olivier, who prosecuted this case.
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Child Predator Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison after Transporting 14-Year-Old Michigan Girl Across State Lines for Sex and Impregnating HerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Larry Goldsmith., 26, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release after pleading guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.
According to court documents, in 2020, Goldsmith began messaging a 14-year-old girl living in Michigan through the social media applications Spot-a-Friend and Snapchat. Goldsmith knew of the child’s age at the time yet engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her.
At the end of August 2020, the child got into a verbal argument with her mother and expressed to Goldsmith that she wanted to run away from home. Goldsmith drove over four hours to Michigan and picked her up at a business near her home. Goldsmith was 21 years old at the time.
On the way back to Indiana, Goldsmith engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the child at a rest stop in Michigan and then transported her across state lines to a home he rented in Indianapolis. During their time living together, Goldsmith had sex with the child numerous times and impregnated her.
After committing these offenses, Goldsmith continued his sexual abuse of minors by committing essentially the same conduct with another child in Georgia – where he drugged and raped a 13-year-old. In 2022, Goldsmith pleaded guilty to those crimes in Georgia and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, which he is currently serving.
“Goldsmith is no longer a danger to children and families in our community,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He is a manipulative, child predator who used the tools of social media to abuse a vulnerable child over and over again. I commend the outstanding work of local law enforcement agencies in Indiana and Georgia, along with the FBI, to bring the victim home safely.”
"The FBI is unwavering in our mission to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children. This case highlights the disturbing reality of sexual exploitation, and the sentence ensures this predator will remain behind bars and unable to continue to perpetrate such atrocities,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to work together to ensure no child is victimized in this way.”
“This sentence sends a clear message—those who harm children will be held accountable," said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. "The dedication and diligence of our IMPD officers, along with law enforcement agencies across the country, played a critical role in getting this predator behind bars.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Under federal law, Goldsmith must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school for life.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Federal Inmate Given Life Sentence for Brutal Murder of Cellmate at Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, IndianaRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE— Lawrence Taylor, 44, formerly of Akron, Ohio, and current inmate of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, has been sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
According to court documents, Taylor and Jan Stevens (“Stevens”) were inmates at the Federal Correctional Complex, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and housed within the Special Housing Unit (“SHU”). Taylor and Stevens were cellmates in the SHU for just three days prior to January 12, 2019.
On January 12, 2019, at approximately 1:25 a.m., a SHU staff member walked by Taylor’s and Stevens’s cell and observed Stevens lying on the lower bunk, partially covered with a sheet, with his head at the foot of the bed. Taylor was also inside the cell, standing in front of the door window. Upon a second glance, the staff member saw a laceration to Stevens’s neck, along with blood spattered against the wall and pooling on the floor. The next day, a forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy of Stevens and found his cause of death to be 43 stab wounds to his body, most significantly to the neck area, leading him to bleed out. During an interview with FBI agents, Taylor admitted to killing Stevens with a weapon he had possessed for the previous three months.
At the time of the murder, Taylor was serving a 284-month sentence for a series of bank robberies in 2009. Prior to the murder of Stevens, Taylor was projected to be released from the Bureau of Prisons in September 2031.
“This murder extends beyond the taking of a life – it shatters the lives of those closest to the victim. Taylor’s act was heinous; well justifying the imposition of a life sentence,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the FBI, Corrections Officers and our federal prosecutors who handled this case with such a determination for justice.”
“This life sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to justice for all victims including those who are incarcerated in federal correctional facilities. The brutality of this violent murder deserves the maximum penalty allowed under the law,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work closely with the Bureau of Prisons and all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and apprehend those who commit violent acts and hold them accountable.”
"Today's sentencing sends a clear message - those who threaten or harm others will be held accountable,” said a Federal Bureau of Prisons Spokesperson. “The safety and security of our facilities will always be the FBOP’s top priority in our mission to ensure public safety."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case.
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Evansville Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to a Combined Decade in Federal Prison for Manufacturing Counterfeit Drugs Using a Pill PressRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Ethan Parker, 31 and Joshua Harvey 33, of Evansville, have been sentenced for their parts in a fentanyl trafficking scheme. Parker was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession and distribution of a tableting machine. Harvey was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, between January 1, 2022, and April 4, 2022, Parker and Harvey conspired together to manufacture and distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl laced pills to individuals in and around the city of Evansville.
In the furtherance of the conspiracy, on multiple occasions in February and March of 2022, Harvey sold fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in Evansville, Indiana, and Henderson, Kentucky. On March 23, 2022, Parker, communicating through an encrypted messaging application, agreed to sell Harvey 100 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills for $350. On April 4, 2022, Harvey possessed approximately 31.9 grams of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills with the intent to distribute them to dealers.
On August 25, 2021, Parker sold a blue pill press, along with an Alprazolam imprinting die, for $1,400, knowing that the pill press would be used to manufacture a controlled substance. The die could be used to manufacture counterfeit Alprazolam (Xanax). On April 4, 2022, Parker was found in possession of another pill press and pill imprinting dies of various shapes and imprints for use in the manufacture of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.
“Fentanyl dealers value their profits far more than the lives of our families and neighbors,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We must fight to save lives by investigating and prosecuting criminals who exploit the epidemic of substance use disorder to satisfy their own greed. Our office, the DEA, and the Evansville Police Department are committed to holding fentanyl traffickers accountable for pushing deadly poison on our streets.”
“The charges against Mr. Parker and Mr. Harvey were necessary and justified. This case exemplified high level investigative work conducted by the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force in collaboration with the DEA Evansville HIDTA Task Force," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. "Mr. Parker and Mr. Harvey were responsible for distributing significant quantities of fake pills containing fentanyl. In addition, the investigation led to the seizure of two pill presses capable of manufacturing fake Xanax pills and fentanyl pills. Taking two pill presses off the streets is a major win for our community. The DEA remains committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to hold reckless drug dealers, who peddle poison to our communities, accountable for their actions and make our community safer.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. This prosecution is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Trio Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Mail Theft and Card Cracking SchemeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Three individuals have been sentenced to a combined 16 years in federal prison for their roles in a multi-year mail theft and bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents, between October 2021 and April 2022, Cortez Venable, Ephraim Aung, and Brooke Bryan conspired together to commit bank fraud using financial documents such as checks and money orders, which were stolen from U.S. Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. These collection boxes can only be opened by special “arrow keys” that belong to USPS letter carriers. In order to obtain the arrow keys, Venable and other unknown individuals robbed postal workers at gunpoint while they were on their daily routes delivering mail. Venable robbed a letter carrier on October 4, 2021. Prior to the robbery, Venable and Aung had been in contact via text message. Aung told Venable to take the letter carrier’s mail bag, in addition to their arrow keys, and to look for checks in the stolen mail.
On December 6, 2021, Bryan and Aung served as lookouts while other unknown men attempted to rob a letter carrier of her arrow key in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The letter carrier ran to Bryan and Aung’s vehicle for help, unaware that they were involved in the scheme.
Aung again served as a lookout during an armed robbery of a letter carrier that occurred on December 21, 2021.
Using the arrow keys taken during the robberies, Venable and Aung stole mail, checks and money orders from USPS blue collection boxes in the Indianapolis area. Next, they used the stolen checks and money orders to obtain real cash by either (1) creating fraudulent checks and money orders using some or all of the information found on the stolen checks and money orders; or (2) altering the payee information on the stolen checks and money orders. Venable and Aung recruited others to deposit the fraudulent checks and money orders into their personal bank accounts, a scheme that has come to be known as “card cracking.” Bryan also deposited stolen financial instruments into her personal account.
Card cracking is a form of fraud where bank account holders respond to an online solicitation for “easy money” and provide a debit card for withdrawal of fake check deposits. Criminals use social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, or Telegram to solicit account holders. Those who respond to these solicitations - now accomplices - provide their debit card, PIN, password, and other personal identifying information to give the criminal direct access to their account, as well as payment of sometimes $15,000 for the service. The fraudster deposits the worthless checks and either immediately withdraws the funds at an ATM or transfers it out of the account via money transfer applications like Zelle or CashApp. The criminal sometimes provides the customer with a cut of the money withdrawn using worthless checks – or, in other cases, takes all funds out of the customer’s account.
During a search of Venable’s car and home, U.S. Postal Service Investigators recovered 247 pieces of stolen mail, three arrow keys, $70,121.44 in stolen checks and four firearms. As a convicted felon, Venable was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Investigators also searched the apartment that Bryan and Aung shared and located several stolen checks, altered money orders, laptops, a printer, a scanner, and blank check stock, along with other items commonly used to alter checks, including razor blades and white out. Multiple firearms were also recovered in their residence.
In total, more than 150 people were victimized by this scheme, losing a total of approximately $104,747.09.
Aung, Bryan and Venable were convicted and sentenced as follows:
DefendantChargesSentenceEphraim Aung, 23, Indianapolis- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Bank Fraud, 2 Counts
- Mail Theft
5 years imprisonment
3 years supervised release
$807 in restitution
$500 fine
Brooke Bryan, 22, Indianapolis- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Bank Fraud
18 months imprisonment
2 years supervised release
$807 in restitution
$500 fine
Cortez Venable, 27, Lawrence- Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud
- Bank Fraud
- Robbery or Mail
- Brandishing a Firearm In Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
- Mail Theft
- Keys or Locks Stolen
130 months imprisonment
3 years supervised release
$807 in restitution
$500 fine
“Not only did this scheme victimize and traumatize letter carriers – it also victimized ordinary citizens who rely on the United States mail to send important correspondence or pay bills,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Letter carriers should not have to live in fear of gun violence simply for doing their jobs. Americans should not have to fear that their important financial documents will be stolen and exploited by fraudsters who wreak financial havoc. The serious federal prison sentences in this case demonstrates that the Department of Justice, working with our federal partners, will ensure there will be serious consequences for violence against public servants and fraud against the public.”
“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents, the U.S. Postal Inspectors and the Beech Grove and Lawrence Police Departments, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation. Substantial sentences such as these are a staunch reminder of the severity of stealing from the U.S. Mail,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination. The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”
“The sentencing of these three individuals shows the utmost importance we place on the safety of U.S. Postal Service employees and the sanctity of the U.S. mail,” said Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George. “We will not stop pursuing those who seek to harm our employees and victimize postal customers. We will bring them to justice to account for their violent and selfish crimes. The partnerships we’ve established with our USPS OIG counterparts, local police departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office allowed us to work jointly to pursue and hold these individuals accountable. Let this serve as reminder to those who want to make a quick dollar by traumatizing our letter carriers and financially preying on the American public: We will find you and bring you to justice.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Beech Grove Police Department, and the Lawrence Police Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Massa and Meredith Wood and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
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Indy Man Sentenced to 3 Years Probation for Manufacturing and Mailing 30,000 Fake IDsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— James Watt, 26, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 3 years of probation after pleading guilty to unlawful production of document or authentication feature and money laundering.
According to court documents, between March 13, 2019, and February 16, 2023, James Watt worked for a public website that allowed customers to purchase fake driver’s licenses, paid for mostly by Bitcoin. The website’s tag line boasted “Your #1 Trusted Source for Fake IDs.”
Over the course of four years, Watt manufactured more than 30,000 fraudulent driver’s licenses and other forms of false identification. Customers would upload photos of themselves and an address to which to send the new I.D. Watt then mailed the false identifications via U.S. Postal Service collection boxes throughout Indianapolis, usually late at night to avoid detection.
In exchange for this work, Watt was paid more than 14 Bitcoin. As of January 16, 2025, 14 bitcoin was worth more than $1.3 million.
Although many of the fake IDs were purchased by underage college students, many IDs were purchased by adults far older than 21, implying their use for another nefarious purpose. Identification is needed to board a plane, buy cough medicine, rent a car, open a bank account, apply for government assistance, pick-up a prescription, visit a casino, and purchase a firearm. Through Watt’s help, his customers were able to get fake identifications for all these purposes.
“Watt nearly became a millionaire simply through the manufacturing and mailing of thousands of fake IDs, essentially running a one-man BMV,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “While Watt was not the operator of the website, he had a far more critical role, utilizing equipment and skill to manufacture quality fake identifications and brazenly violate the law thousands of times over. I commend the IRS-CI and USPIS for their thorough investigative work leading to today’s outcome.”
“I am proud of our inspectors who work so diligently to protect the mail from being utilized to further illicit activities,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George. “Thanks to our collaborative investigative efforts with IRS-CI, we were able to identify and take down part of a large-scale operation, while also seizing the proceeds of it from our area of responsibility. I would like to thank the inspectors, agents, and AUSA Eakman for their hard work on this case.”
The U.S. Postal Investigation Service and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
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29 Individuals Sentenced to 378 Combined Years in Federal Prison for Running Armed Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- 29 defendants have been sentenced to a combined 378 years in federal prison for their roles in a large methamphetamine and fentanyl drug trafficking organization that operated in Southern Indiana.
According to court documents, between January 2020 and November 2021, the following 29 individuals conspired together to distribute a total of nearly 500 pounds of methamphetamine and over three kilograms of fentanyl. This investigation led to the seizure of over 80 pounds of methamphetamine, over 560 grams of fentanyl, and $240,000 in United States currency.
Jeramey Smith served as the leader of the drug trafficking operation. Smith began obtaining multiple pound quantities of crystal methamphetamine from Julian Green in early 2020 until April of 2021 when he changed his source of supply to a cartel linked individual based in Houston, Texas. In June of 2021, Smith was robbed of a large amount of cash and was unable to pay his supplier for the lost product. Smith resorted back to Green to obtain the crystal methamphetamine.
DeJarnett was one of Smith’s top methamphetamine customers, often purchasing up to 20 pounds at a time. After Smith obtained the methamphetamine from either Green or his Mexican source of supply, he then distributed the methamphetamine to mid -level distributors in Indianapolis and Evansville.
In September 2021, Smith branched out to also begin selling large quantities of fentanyl-laced pills. Smith would obtain fentanyl powder from Markey and/or Moore, who would then press the powder into pills. Smith then used his same distributors to distribute the fentanyl throughout Southern Indiana. Law enforcement seized an automated pill press during the course of the investigation. Smith also used violence and intimidation to further his drug business by having his distributors robbed of their drug proceeds at gun point.
Additionally, several members of the drug trafficking used firearms to protect themselves and their profits. In total, law enforcement officers seized over 30 firearms from the defendants during court-authorized searches at multiple locations in Indianapolis and Evansville.
The charges and sentences are described below:
DefendantCharge(s)Prison SentenceJeramey Smith, 35
Indianapolis, INConspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery
240 months (20 years)
5 years supervised release
Julian Green, 36
Indianapolis, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
210 months (17.5 years)
Indianapolis, IN
Hannah Kissel, 28
Indianapolis, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
97 months (8 years)
3 years supervised release
Jordan Wilson, 41
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
216 months (15.7 years)
5 years supervised release
Timothy Rice, 35
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine204 months (17 years)
5 years supervised release
Archilles Johnson, 40
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Deonte Howard, 36
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Julie Hunt, 37
Petersburg, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
60 months (5 years)
3 years supervised release
Torrance Mimms, 34
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Keisha Jewell, 40
Princeton, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl
108 months (9 years)
3 years supervised release
Davion Hays, 38
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine144 months (12 years)
5 years supervised release
Jason Mitchell, 43
Henderson, KY
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine204 months (17 years)
5 years supervised release
Denny Taylor, 49
Princeton, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Aaron Hardiman, 42
Princeton, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl120 months (10 years)
5 years supervised release
Roman Wills, 43
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Michael Sanders, 48
Owensboro, KY
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine168 months (14 years)
5 years supervised release
Gregory Snyder, 62
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine36 months (3 years)
4 years supervised release
Joshua Gahagan, 41
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Gregory Markey, 35
Indianapolis, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl168 months (14 years)
5 years supervised release
L.C. Moore, II, 31
Indianapolis, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl120 months (5 years)
5 years supervised release
Dominique Baquet, 31
Indianapolis, IN
Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery57 months (4.7 years)
3 years supervised release
Antonio DeJarnett, 36
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine264 months (22 years)
5 years supervised release
Ryan Pinkston, 42
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Felon in Possession of Ammunition
240 months (20 years)
5 years supervised release
Robert Embry, 46
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine60 months (5 years)
5 years supervised release
Becky Edwards, 39
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine120 months (10 years)
5 years supervised release
Edward Meredith, 59
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine120 months (10 years)
5 years supervised release
Joshua Wilson, 33
Evansville, IN
Use of a Communication Facility with the Intent to Commit or Facilitate the Distribution of Methamphetamine30 months (2.5 years)
No supervised release
Tabitha Seabeck, 32
Henderson, KY
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine180 months (15 years)
5 years supervised release
Zachary Addison, 42
Evansville, IN
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
300 months (25 years)
5 years supervised release
“The members of this conspiracy will spend decades in federal prison for pumping pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl onto our streets,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Drug use devastates so many families and kills hundreds of Hoosiers every year. That’s why we will work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to dismantle armed organizations trafficking in deadly drugs. The sentences imposed in this case demonstrate our continued commitment to protecting the public from these dangerous criminals.”
“Dismantling a major drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing multi-hundred-pound quantities of methamphetamine and kilogram quantities of fentanyl onto the streets of Indiana was a big win for law enforcement. Because of the exceptional collaborative efforts by law enforcement, we were able to achieve this remarkable outcome,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon. “This investigation was a wonderful victory for all Hoosiers and sends a crystal-clear message to major drug dealers we will continue working together with our partners to dismantle their illicit operations.”
“This sentencing is a significant victory in the relentless fight against the trafficking of deadly drugs and underscores the FBI’s commitment to pursue those who wreak havoc on our communities through their illegal drug trade,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who endanger public safety and contribute to this crisis are held accountable.”
“I would like to thank the dedicated Evansville Police Officers and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Deputies as well as our federal partners in the DEA and US Attorney’s Office for their roles in getting these individuals off our streets. The manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl have brought death and destruction to our communities and have done irreversible damage to families in the worst way possible. This community will not tolerate that kind of behavior and illegal activity, and we will use every resource available to us to stop it and put dealers behind bars.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Evansville Resident Office, with the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Evansville Vanderburgh County Joint Task Force, DEA Indianapolis and Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force providing valuable assistance. The sentenced were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Wheatley and Jeremy Kemper, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Serial Fraudster Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $3 Million and Five Indianapolis HomesRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— James Henley, 35, of Greenwood, Indiana, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, two counts of money laundering, and eight counts of wire fraud. Henley has also been ordered to pay $1,887,426.63 in restitution.
According to court documents, over the course of three years, Henley orchestrated multiple large and complex fraud schemes, resulting in a total loss of $2,927,758.95 to individual homeowners, an Indiana attorney, a bank, and ten state governments. As part of his fraud schemes, Henley registered five fake businesses (OnTrack Real Estate Solutions, LDI Investments Corp, Lucario Investments, 317 Traffic, and Henley Real Estate Solutions) with the states of Indiana and Kentucky, claiming to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for most of them. None of the businesses were legitimate. Instead, Henley used the businesses to mask his identity, make his schemes appear more credible, and launder the stolen money.
Henley’s schemes are broken down as follows:
COVID-19 Fraud:
Between May 2020 and March 2021, James Henley, his wife Jameka Henley, and his associate Jimmie Bickers used the stolen personally identifiable information of 76 real individuals to submit 120 unemployment insurance applications to ten states during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the applications were approved, the trio used 65 unemployment insurance debit cards to make purchases at retailers and withdraw cash at ATMs in the Evansville and Indianapolis areas. The states paid a total of $1,119,426.63 in unemployment benefits in connection with the group’s fraudulent applications. In July 2020, Henley used funds withdrawn from ATMs to buy a Chevrolet Camaro for $22,801.
Bickers and Jameka Henley have been formally charged for their roles in this scheme but have not pleaded guilty.
Home Title Fraud:
Between December 2021 and May 2023, Henley stole five homes in Indianapolis by filing fraudulent deeds with the Marion County Recorder’s Office. Through the filings, Henley claimed that the homeowners had sold their homes to his fake businesses, but, in reality, he had never even spoken with the homeowners. Unbeknownst to the victims, Henley filed these fraudulent deeds and then sold the homes for significantly less than their market value, pocketing more than $260,000 in profits.
Henley also attempted to steal and sell an additional 14 homes in Indianapolis and Evansville. With one exception, the individuals who bought the homes from Henley took possession and ultimately kept the homes.
For one homeowner, the property Henley stole was her childhood home. She purchased the home while her mother was in the hospital with the hope that, when her mother’s condition improved, her mother would be able to live out her remaining years in the house.
Mortgage Fraud:
In November 2021, an associate of Henley’s purchased a home in Indianapolis, using a mortgage loan from a bank. In April 2022, Henley filed a fraudulent document with the Marion County Recorder’s Office to make it seem as if the mortgage loan had been paid off, when it had not been paid. Henley then filed a deed naming himself a joint owner of the home. Henley and his associate subsequently sold the property for $255,000, pocketing all the proceeds, even though the bank should have received the majority of the funds.
Auto Loan Fraud:
In March 2023, Henley purchased a Dodge Durango in Indianapolis for $71,479, using an auto loan from Everwise Credit Union. A few months later, in June 2023, Henley purchased a Chevrolet Silverado in Plainfield for $54,270, using a second loan from Everwise Credit Union.
In October 2023, Henley connected a JPMorgan Chase bank account to his auto loans, via Everwise’s online payment portal. Henley falsely represented that the Chase account belonged to Jimmie Bickers, and that he had authority to make payments on his loans using funds from the Chase account.
The Chase account was actually an Indiana attorney’s Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA), which is a highly regulated bank account used by lawyers to hold client funds. The interest earned on IOLTA accounts is used to fund grants for nonprofit groups that promote pro bono and access to justice programs. Henley did not have the attorney’s permission to access or withdraw funds from the IOLTA account.
Between October and November 2023, Henley used the IOLTA account to make two payments, totaling $98,000, toward his auto loans.
Henley has prior felony convictions for financial crimes, including theft, forgery, and fraud.
“James Henley went to great lengths to coordinate exceptionally greedy, complex schemes that exploited hard-working families and state government programs,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Undeterred by prior felony convictions for the same conduct, this defendant stole over a million dollars, wreaking financial and logistical havoc on hundreds of victims. The Department of Justice will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of fraud and seek prosecution as appropriate.”
"James Henley filed fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims in the names of identity theft victims in order to receive UI benefits to which he was not entitled. He enriched himself by defrauding a program that was intended to assist struggling American workers during an unprecedented global pandemic," said Megan Howell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. "We and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the integrity of the UI system from those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program."
“This lengthy prison sentence sends a clear message: individuals who attempt to exploit and commit financial crime and identity theft will be brought to justice,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation and our fellow law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the integrity of our financial institutions and will continue to hold criminals like James Henley accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
"This case should serve as a powerful reminder that individuals with a history of financial crimes will face significant consequences when they demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and continue to exploit and deceive others for personal gain,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold those who perpetuate such offenses accountable and protect the public from those who manipulate the system for their own benefit.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General, and the Indiana Attorney General’s Office Homeowner Protection Unit investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew B. Brookman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller, who prosecuted this case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID‑19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID‑19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over Twenty Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine Charges After High-Speed Police ChaseRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Lamone Lauderdale, 37, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 248 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 19, 2022, a Zionsville Police Department K9 officer pulled Lamone Lauderdale over for speeding. A K9 sniff indicated the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle. When Lauderdale was asked to step out of the car, he fled and led officers on a high-speed pursuit down US-421. Lauderdale eventually came to a stop after striking two other vehicles and popping his tire on a median near Michigan Road in Indianapolis. Lauderdale then fled on foot carrying a black bag.
Lauderdale was eventually found and arrested but was no longer carrying the black bag. Officers located the abandoned bag, which contained 170 grams of methamphetamine, 60 grams of fentanyl, 111 grams of cocaine, a pill press, a digital scale, a 9mm handgun, and 11 rounds of live ammunition.
A later search of Lauderdale’s vehicle recovered an additional 22 grams of methamphetamine, another digital scale, another handgun and five rounds of ammunition.
“Traffickers of deadly drugs, armed with deadly weapons, are a poison in our communities,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Those who choose to endanger our families to further their own greed will be identified and prosecuted. With our federal, state, and local partners, we are committed to ensuring dangerous criminals are taken off our streets and held accountable for their actions. I commend the talented professionals at the Zionsville Police Department and ATF, and our federal prosecutor, for their efforts to apprehend and successfully prosecute this dangerous criminal.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Zionsville Police Department and investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress 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.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking of U.S. Postal Service TruckRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Robert Powell, 23, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 79 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to robbery of mail.
According to court documents, on the morning of June 15, 2022, a United States Postal Service worker was in a Postal truck delivering mail at an apartment complex in Avon. At approximately 10:15 a.m., Powell approached the postal worker on foot, wearing a mask over his face and displaying a firearm. Powell ordered the carjacking victim to get out of the truck and leave her belongings inside.
Powell stole the truck and drove it out of the apartment complex at a high rate of speed for about a mile before pulling over to meet with another person waiting in a Mazda 6 sedan. Another letter carrier in the area saw the victim’s mail truck speed by and noticed that something was amiss. The second letter carrier followed the stolen truck and saw Powell and the other individual take mail and parcels from the postal truck and put them in the Mazda. The pair noticed the second mail truck and fled the scene, leaving the stolen postal vehicle behind as the second carrier called 911.
As the investigation continued, U.S. Postal Inspectors located Powell’s Facebook account, “Syko Bob.” On this account, Powell regularly solicited bank account information from other users, in furtherance of a type of fraud called card cracking, even going as far as attempting to recruit a USPS mail carrier into his scheme. Card cracking is deceptive practice where scammers convince individuals to share their bank account information, so the scammer can use their account to deposit fraudulent checks or other financial instruments. Scammers obtain these stolen checks by either stealing mail (as Powell did in this case) or purchasing stolen checks from other criminals. The scammer then alters the stolen checks, deposits them into the other individual’s account, and withdraws the funds as quickly as possible, sometimes splitting the profit with the account holder.
“This criminal chose to threaten the life of a letter carrier at gun point, engaging in gun violence to facilitate the fraud scheme he perpetrated against countless victims. Fortunately, the letter carrier was not physically harmed, but the lasting trauma he inflicted is palpable,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Letter carriers should not have to live in fear of gun violence simply for doing their jobs. Americans should not have to fear that their important financial documents will be stolen and exploited by fraudsters who wreak financial havoc. The serious federal prison sentence in this case demonstrates that there will be serious consequences for violence against public servants and fraud against the public. I commend the Postal Inspection Service, the Avon Police Department, and our federal prosecutor for their commitment to seeking justice for letter carriers and the public who depend upon them.”
“As postal inspectors, we are committed to ensuring the safety of USPS employees and the sanctity and security of the mail. Thanks to the hard work of our inspectors and the Avon Police Department, Mr. Powell can no longer threaten these,” said Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins. “I would also like to extend my appreciation to AUSA Massa for ensuring justice was served in this case.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Avon Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
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Anderson Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm Following Drunk Driving CrashRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Jonathon Jerald Ashley Jr., 30, of Anderson, Indiana, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 22, 2023, an Anderson Police Department officer was called to a vehicle crash in the vicinity of 20th and Noble Streets. The officer arrived to find a heavily intoxicated Jonathon Ashley walking away from the accident.
During a search of Ashley’s person, officers located a loaded Glock handgun in his front right pocket. At the time of arrest, Ashley had been previously convicted of domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, invasion of privacy, dealing in a narcotic drug, and pointing a firearm. His felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“This defendant has repeatedly demonstrated his utter disregard for the law or the safety of others, including those closest to him,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Many illegally armed perpetrators of gun violence in the home and in the community have a prior history of domestic violence. That’s why our office is working together with the FBI, through the LEATH initiative, to protect the public from these offenders and save lives.”
“This dangerous combination of impaired driving and illegal possession of a firearm had the potential to lead to devastating consequences and this sentence underscores the seriousness of the defendant’s actions,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who show such reckless disregard for the law and the safety of others will be held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Anderson Police Department and investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Childress 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.
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Indianapolis Drug Dealer Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Crimes, Including Possession of a Murder WeaponRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Marvin T. Golden Jr., 26, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to thirteen years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, on October 26, 2022, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies observed Marvin Golden, Jr. sell 55 grams of methamphetamine while his children were sitting in the back seat of his car. On November 3, 2022, Golden sold another 20 grams of methamphetamine and a gram of fentanyl in Shelby County.
In the early hours of March 25, 2023, Anthony Shelman was shot to death in Marion County. At approximately 3:25 a.m., Shelman was driving east on I-70 with a passenger in his car. As they approached the Emerson Avenue exit, multiple rounds were fired at their vehicle. Shelman was shot in the chest, his passenger was shot in the hand, and the vehicle crashed into a light pole at the intersection after the Emerson Avenue exit, and two other nearby vehicles fled the scene at high speed. Shelman was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital, and his passenger survived. Police later identified multiple gunshot holes in the windshield and passenger side of the vehicle.
The Indiana State Police began an extensive investigation of the killing, including extensive review of video evidence from traffic and surveillance cameras. Troopers discovered that Shelman, his passenger, Marvin Golden, and another individual were all at the Sunset Strip Club in Indianapolis, immediately prior to the shooting. Golden and the other individual were waiting outside the club when Shelman and his passenger drove away. Golden and the other individual each followed Shelman in their own vehicles. The two vehicles followed Shelman for more than ten minutes and over seven miles before exiting I-70 at Emerson Avenue at the same time the shots were apparently fired, and fled at high speed after the shooting. At approximately 7:00 that same morning, Golden is seen on video extensively cleaning his car for ten minutes in the pouring rain, including moving the seats and shining a light in an apparent effort to locate objects in the car.
On May 3, 2023, Troopers conducted a court-authorized search of Golden’s home and seized a .40 caliber Glock 27 handgun. The gun was previously possessed by a relative of Golden’s, and forensic testing found that it was the gun used to kill Shelman. DNA testing identified Golden’s DNA on multiple parts of the gun. At Golden’s federal sentencing hearing, the judge enhanced his advisory sentencing range after finding that Golden possessed the murder weapon in connection with a felony offense related to Shelman’s murder.
On August 28, 2023, Indiana State Police Troopers and two Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Golden and seized a loaded Glock 9mm handgun from his person.
Unsealed court records demonstrate that Golden was previously a member of a street gang referred to as the Mob. He was charged as a juvenile in federal court for his role in a series of armed robberies of pharmacies committed when he was 17 years old. Golden and his co-conspirators stole drugs from the pharmacies at gunpoint and then sold the stolen drugs. Golden brandished firearms and pointed them at victims’ heads during multiple robberies. At one of the robberies Golden participated in, two members of the conspiracy got into a dispute, and one shot the other in the head, killing him. The following day, Golden robbed another pharmacy at gunpoint.
In 2019, Golden was sentenced as a juvenile to time served, the maximum penalty available under the law, and given one year of juvenile probation. His co-conspirators were charged and convicted in federal court under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
He was later convicted of additional drug and gun offenses as an adult and was a felon when he conducted both drug deals and possessed both firearms, including the murder weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Golden was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
“Anthony Shelman should be alive today, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who loved him,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Marvin Goldman has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a violent, vicious criminal who has an utter disregard for the law. As we work to urgently reduce gun violence, investigation and federal prosecution of the most dangerous armed criminals is a top priority. We are grateful to our partners at ATF, ISP, and in Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, as well as our federal prosecutor, for ensuring that this measure of justice is done and this menace to our community will be off of our streets for years to come.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Indiana State Police, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Warehouse Supervisor Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing $2 Million Worth of Fitbits from Amazon and Selling Them on eBayRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Dwight Oliver, 40, of Grand Prairie, Texas, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to mail fraud. Oliver has also been ordered to pay $1,435,954.62 in restitution.
According to court documents, from May 2021 to August 2022, Dwight Oliver worked as a facility supervisor for a company that operated a warehouse in Plainfield, Indiana.
Between June 2021 and September 2021, approximately $2 million worth of Fitbit devices went missing in transit to multiple Amazon fulfillment centers across the United States. Through an internal investigation, Amazon discovered that the missing devices were associated with bulk purchase orders that had transited at one time through the warehouse where Oliver worked.
In June of 2021, Oliver began stealing Fitbits devices from the warehouse. He disabled the GPS tracker of his employer’s sprinter van, allowing him to transport the stolen merchandise from the warehouse without detection by his employer. Oliver posted the stolen devices for sale on eBay, representing himself as a legitimate third-party seller.
Oliver used the United States Post Office to mail one hundred stolen Fitbit devices to buyers across the country. In total, Oliver received approximately $687,540.53 for the sale of the stolen Fitbits.
“Modern eCommerce depends modern logistics and supply chains, including many businesses in the Southern District of Indiana. Criminals who abuse their positions of trust to steal from customers and their employers cause harm to our economy and raise prices for everyone,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend our partners at the FBI and our federal prosecutor for their commitment to this case and ensuring that the individual responsible was held accountable. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that financial crimes can cause serious harm and can result in serious consequences.”
“Today’s sentence should serve as a strong reminder that the exploitation of online platforms won’t be tolerated. Theft of merchandise not only disrupts the digital marketplace but undermines the trust consumers place in e-commerce platforms,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Danny Youmara. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those participating in such schemes are held accountable.”
FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin Houston, who prosecuted this case.
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Eleven Defendants Sentenced to a Total of 123 Years in Federal Prison as Law Enforcement Dismantles Cartel-Linked Drug Trafficking Ring that Used Train Cars in the Midwest to Smuggle Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— The following eleven defendants have been sentenced for their roles in a large methamphetamine trafficking ring:
DefendantCharge(s)Prison SentenceErick Apolinar Romero, 35Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Distribution of Methamphetamine
Attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
19 years
5 years supervised release
Matthew Wright, 47
Palestine, IllinoisPossession with intent to distribute methamphetamine19 years
5 years supervised release
Julian Islas-Lozada, 37Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Distribution of Methamphetamine
Unlawful use of a communication facility
19 years
5 years supervised release
Zachary Polk, 46
Vincennes, Indiana
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine188 months (15.7 years)
5 years supervised release
Junior Castillo, 36Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Unlawful use of a communication facility
170 months (14.1 years)
5 years supervised release
Kevin Josue Patino-Romero, 21Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Distribution of Methamphetamine
140 months (11.7 years)
5 years supervised release
Alexander Franco-Lopez, 21Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
80 months (6.7 years)
3 years supervised release
Jesus Alberto Casillas-Martinez, 28Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
Attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
65 months (5.4 years)
3 years supervised release
Eduardo Perez-Martinez, 30Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
65 months (5.4 years)
3 years supervised release
Eduardo Abel Torres De Leon, 31Unlawful use of a communication facility4 years
1 year supervised release
Richard Michael Moore, 56Unlawful use of a communication facility3 years
1 year supervised release
According to court documents, between September 2021 and November 2022, the defendants conspired together to distribute a total of nearly 400 pounds of methamphetamine, and over seven kilograms of fentanyl.
Romero supervised the organization, and throughout the course of the conspiracy, he and other members assisted the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a Mexican drug cartel to the United States. The methods ranged from delivery by the United States Postal Service, commercial land vehicle smuggling, and the use of trains. Romero, Islas-Lozada, and Patino-Romero then supplied the drugs to De Leon, Moore, Polk, and Wright for redistribution to various communities, including out of state. On multiple occasions, Franco-Lopez, Castillo, Perez-Martinez, and Casillas-Martinez assisted Romero by traveling to Iowa, Nebraska, and other locations in the Midwest to smuggle drugs from various trainyards for later circulation.
In late October 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration agents learned that the traffickers were traveling to Nebraska to locate a rail car loaded with drugs by the Mexican cartel. Romero directed the entire operation, which was unsuccessful due to interception by DEA agents. The agents seized over 68 kilograms of methamphetamine and over seven kilograms of fentanyl hidden in a top-side void of the rail car that had been wielded shut.
On December 13, 2022, DEA agents arrested Islas-Lozada and Castillo in their Indianapolis home and located nine black PVC pipes and plastic bags filled with 56 kilograms of methamphetamine. The PVC pipes bore the stamp “HECHO EN MEXICO” (“Made in Mexico”). Erick Romero, the ringleader of the operation, was also arrested that day at his home in Indianapolis. Officers located 10.7 kilograms of methamphetamine and thirteen firearms in the home.
Additionally, several members of the trafficking ring used firearms to protect themselves and their profits. In total, law enforcement officers seized 20 firearms from the defendants during court-authorized searches at multiple locations in Indianapolis.
“International cartels have flooded our communities with poisons, using planes, trains, automobiles, and even the U.S. Mail to smuggle fentanyl and meth into our communities right here in Indiana for local distribution,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Every link in this chain fuels the death and misery touching far too many of our families—and must be dismantled. Thanks to the hard work and cooperation of the DEA, US Postal Inspection Service, IRS-CI, and many other federal, state, and local agencies, this significant drug trafficking organization is out of business and its members are off our streets.”
“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding work that was done by the DEA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Metropolitan Drug Task Force in this investigation. Additional collaboration with the DEA Special Operations Division assisted agents with the highest levels of investigative techniques allowing agents to fully unravel a sophisticated international drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa Cartel,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “This operation has had a significant impact on Indianapolis, Indiana, and the broader Midwest region, resulting in the seizure of hundred-pound quantities of methamphetamine kilogram quantities of fentanyl, and the removal of numerous firearms from our streets. These actions are a big win for all Hoosiers. I deeply appreciate the strong partnerships that made this critical investigation possible.”
“Every day, Postal Inspectors work to prevent the mail from being misused by criminals, including large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins. I want to acknowledge the contributions of the officers and agents with our partner agencies, whose relentless efforts not only help us protect the mail, but also our communities from the dangers of these organizations. I also want to thank the Assistant United States Attorneys who supported this investigation.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided valuable assistance. The sentences were imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jayson W. McGrath and Lindsay Karwoski, who prosecuted this case.
This case was part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers Announces His DepartureRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers announced today that he has tendered his resignation to the President and the Attorney General and will conclude his service effective January 18, 2025.
“It has been a privilege to lead this office of talented professionals who strive every day to make the public safer, hold lawbreakers accountable, and ensure that our rights are protected,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “The rule of law is not self-executing. It requires the hard work and sacrifice of public servants acting with dedication and fairness. Alongside our outstanding law enforcement partners, we sought to maximize our impact for the public’s benefit and always strove to do the right thing the right way. I am so very proud of all we accomplished together and know that the office will continue to do extraordinary work on behalf of the people we serve. I am deeply grateful to the President for nominating me, and to the Attorney General, Senator Young, Former Senator Braun, and Congressman Carson for their support. Serving on behalf of the United States has been the professional honor of a lifetime.”
Under Myers’ leadership, the United States Attorney’s Office successfully implemented his strategic plan, focused on maximizing the impact of the office by bringing cases against the most serious offenses and offenders, expanding the office’s resources, working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and increasing community outreach:
Combatting Gun Violence and Other Violent Crimes
Combatting gun violence has been a top priority for the office throughout U.S. Attorney Myers’ tenure. The office has focused on bringing impactful cases against offenders who engage in serial gun crimes and who continue to illegally arm themselves notwithstanding a significant, violent criminal history.
During Myers’s tenure, the office has successfully prosecuted the murders of a mail carrier during the pandemic, a victim of a series of online marketplace robberies, and fellow inmates at the federal prison in Terre Haute. The office has focused on gun trafficking as a source of violence, prosecuting two brothers who manufactured and distributed machine guns intended for ISIS, and offenders who illegally trafficked guns to violent criminals in Indianapolis, Chicago, and allegedly Mexico. The office responded to the illegal proliferation of “Glock switches” and “ghost guns,” securing significant federal prison sentences against criminals who illegally manufactured and trafficked the weapons in Evansville, Franklin, and Indianapolis. U.S. Attorney Myers secured a partnership with the City of Indianapolis to create three Special Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to increase the resources available to federally prosecute armed, violent criminals in the city.
U.S. Attorney Myers prioritized the office’s LEATH Initiative, a partnership initiated in 2020 to focus federal prosecution resources on illegally armed domestic abusers in honor of IMPD Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call. Over the past three years, the office has brought significant cases, securing serious federal prison sentences for illegally armed domestic abusers. U.S. Attorney Myers and prosecutors in the office have increased outreach to better inform domestic violence service providers, law enforcement, and local prosecutors and judges about federal gun laws and the office’s commitment to addressing domestic gun violence through federal prosecution.
Disrupting the Trafficking of Deadly Drugs
The acceleration of drug overdoses caused thousands of deaths and tremendous suffering in Indiana and nationwide, largely fueled by the explosion in the availability of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, manufactured by cartels based in Mexico and smuggled into the United States. Under U.S. Attorney Myers, the office has focused its efforts on disrupting the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other deadly drugs by targeting the traffickers causing the most harm in our communities. Working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the office successfully dismantled prolific drug trafficking conspiracies, took down a drug trafficking outlaw motorcycle gang, and prosecuted traffickers responsible for pumping poisons into neighborhoods from Kokomo, to Indianapolis, to Evansville. The office targeted significant traffickers who were responsible for bringing fentanyl from Mexico into our communities, armed themselves with arsenals including with machineguns, and engaged in violence including dog fighting.
Working closely with our partners at the DEA and other law enforcement agencies, the office sought justice for deaths resulting from fentanyl trafficking, including drugs sold through social media, and allegedly causing the death of a toddler and near-fatal overdose of an infant. U.S. Attorney Myers worked closely with our community and law enforcement partners on numerous community outreach and engagement efforts to spread awareness of the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills, and that “One Pill Can Kill.”
Fighting Hate and Discrimination
As U.S. Attorney, Myers prioritized protecting federal civil rights, significantly expanding staffing and outreach to prosecute hate crimes and stop illegal discrimination. Myers and the office’s civil rights attorneys have led the United Against Hate initiative, educating communities across the district about the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts and how to report hate and bias incidents. Under U.S. Attorney Myers, the office successfully prosecuted a violent hate crime against an Asian-American student and antisemitic death threats against offices of the Anti-Defamation League. The office also secured court orders halting unlawful discrimination against a police officer with HIV and a Muslim group seeking to build a religious seminary and residential housing.
Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking
U.S. Attorney Myers prioritized prosecution of heinous criminals who sexually exploited and trafficked our children. Under his leadership, the office worked closely with Indiana’s nationally-renowned Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the predators who seek gratification through abuse of the most vulnerable. Under U.S. Attorney Myers’ leadership, the office prosecuted pedophiles who identified and groomed their victims using online platforms and games including Roblox, Snapchat, Instagram, and Kik. The office secured decades-long prison sentences against a man who solicited a hitman to murder his child victim and her family, two predators who conspired to sexually exploit a child they drugged with methamphetamine, parents who recorded themselves sexually abusing their baby, and a couple who conspired with Jared Fogle to sexually exploit children.
U.S. Attorney Myers and the office’s prosecutors also worked to expand the office’s efforts to fight human trafficking, bringing impactful prosecutions against pimps and abusers who trafficked children for sex, and investing significant resources in outreach including hosting a two-day training seminar for law enforcement and victim organizations.
Holding Public Officials Accountable for Violations of Public Trust
Government officials who engage in corruption betray the public’s trust in furtherance of personal gain. Law enforcement officers who violate Hoosiers’ civil rights betray the public’s trust and erode support for their sisters and brothers who serve honorably. Under U.S. Attorney Myers, federal prosecutors successfully disrupted a culture of public corruption in Muncie’s City Hall and held three former Indiana state legislators accountable for taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions from casino companies.
U.S. Attorney Myers’ significantly increased the resources dedicated to investigating and prosecuting law enforcement officers engaged in police brutality, and under his leadership the office secured serious prison sentences for five Muncie police officers responsible for a series of illegal beatings and their attempted coverup, an IMPD Sergeant who stomped on the head of a defenseless arrestee on Monument Circle, and a New Castle police Lieutenant who assaulted three defenseless men causing serious injuries, including a fractured spine.
Combatting Frauds Against Individuals, Businesses, and the Government
Under U.S. Attorney Myers’ leadership, the office prioritized criminal prosecution and civil enforcement of fraud and abuse targeting government programs, small businesses, and vulnerable individuals. The office worked with its law enforcement and Justice Department partners to bring indictments in an alleged $45 million fraudulent virtual school scheme, dismantle a nationwide “grandparent scam,” hold an insurance broker accountable for a multi-million dollar “Ponzi” scheme, and aggressively pursue civil enforcement including recovering $345 million from a hospital system alleged to have illegally overpaid doctors to incentivize referrals.
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During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Myers served in additional leadership roles including as chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Cyber and Intellectual Property and as a member of various committees and working groups developing policy and addressing issues relating to cybercrime and technology. Myers regularly spoke to public and private sector groups about cybercrime, cybersecurity, and the importance of working with federal law enforcement in responding to a critical cyber incident.
Before assuming office as U.S. Attorney, Myers spent more than a decade as an AUSA in the Southern District of Indiana and the District of Maryland focused on cyber- and technology-facilitated offenses. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University, graduate degree from George Washington University, and law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Myers worked in the private sector and on Capitol Hill. Myers grew up in Indianapolis and is the first Black person to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the district.
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Upon U.S. Attorney Myers’ departure, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Childress will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney under the Vacancies Reform Act.
Mr. Childress first joined the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2001. He previously served as both First Assistant United States Attorney and Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and the Central District of Illinois.
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Evansville Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison After Leading Police on a Foot Chase while Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Arties Dushawn Brown., 35, of Evansville, Indiana, has been sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on April 2, 2023, Evansville Police officers were called to a residential area in response to a report of shots being fired. The 911 caller claimed that a man wearing a black jacket, white hat, white shoes, and a camouflage jacket was walking down the street and fired a gun into the air. When officers arrived on scene, they found a spent shell casing at the same location the caller claimed the shot was fired from.
Officers located Arties Brown wearing the same clothes as the reported shooter and with a black firearm hanging out of his pants pocket. Officers ordered Brown to show his hands. Instead, Brown disregarded the orders and fled through an outdoor apartment hallway. Brown tossed the firearm away, jumped a residential fence, entered a backyard and approached the homeowner while repeating “change of clothes.” The homeowner gave Brown a change of clothes.
After a short time, officers located and arrested Brown wearing the new change of clothes. The firearm Brown threw was found lying in a neighbor’s backyard and was still loaded.
At the time of this arrest, Brown had sustained multiple felony convictions, including three separate counts of burglary and battery by means of a deadly weapon, as well as a misdemeanor conviction for domestic battery. These convictions prohibit Brown from ever legally possessing a firearm again.
“Illegally armed domestic abusers pose a significant danger to everyone close to them, our law enforcement officers, and our communities as a whole,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “That’s why we have prioritized federal prosecution of illegally armed individuals with a history of domestic violence. Our office will continue to partner with the ATF and local task forces in Evansville and all across our district to ensure that the most dangerous armed offenders are taken off our streets.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, 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.
James M. Warden, Longest-Serving Assistant U.S. Attorney in the History of the Southern District of Indiana, Retires After Nearly 40 Years of Public ServiceRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana issued the following statement on the retirement of Assistant United States Attorney, James M. Warden.
“Jim Warden is one of the finest and most dedicated public servants I’ve had the privilege to know. Throughout his career he has demonstrated tremendous commitment to the protecting the public, and holding offenders accountable for the harm they cause in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “Jim took on many of the most complex and serious prosecutions our office handled, working to master technical issues while representing the United States with unfailing civility and wit. Several generations of prosecutors, professional staff, and agents have benefited from his mentorship, wise counsel, and generosity with his time. I wish Jim and his family nothing but the best in his next chapter and am fortunate to call him a friend.”
Mr. Warden is a native of Bloomington and began serving as an U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana on May 20, 1985, after being selected by then-U.S. Attorney John D. Tinder. Warden retires as the longest-ever serving attorney in the Office’s ninety-seven-year history. His tremendous career spanned seven different Presidentially appointed U.S. Attorneys and twelve Presidentially appointed Attorneys General.
As a federal prosecutor, Warden led investigations and prosecutions of a wide variety of offenses, specializing in prosecution of criminal tax violations, complex frauds, violent crime, and public corruption. Throughout his illustrious career, James Warden has led the Office in prosecuting many ‘firsts,’ including the office’s first money laundering and currency transaction structuring cases.
In 1999, Warden secured the district’s first car-jacking conviction. Warden prosecuted numerous bank robbers, including the Curry Brothers, who robbed four Indiana banks in 2008 and stole over a million dollars before being convicted and sent to federal prison—Daniel Curry was sentenced to 90 years after his conviction at trial.
Warden secured major convictions against many public officials, including former Marion County Chief Deputy Prosecutor David Wyser, who accepted a $2,500 bribe in exchange for approving the early release of a convicted killer in 2013. Warden also served for many years as the office’s lead prosecutor for criminal offenses arising from the Bureau of Prisons’ Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, including murders, assaults against staff, official corruption, and trafficking of weapons and other contraband offenses.
In addition to his accomplishments as a federal prosecutor Warden founded and chaired the Indiana Bank Fraud Working Group for 35 years, led several other financial crime task forces, and mentored and trained many colleagues and investigators along the way.
Warden earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1974, and his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis in 1977. He began his legal career as a municipal court public defender in Marion County, before serving for two years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Hancock County. He served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Marion County from 1979 until joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he held several supervisory and leadership positions, including as lead prosecutor for the white-collar crime unit and grand jury division. Warden proudly and honorably served his country for over thirty years in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Captain and serving as a military judge.
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Former Office Manager Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $1 Million from a Family-Owned Business in GreenfieldRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Jennifer Lynn Horton., 49, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2022, Jennifer Horton worked as the office manager for a family-owned contracting company located in Greenfield, Indiana. In that role, Horton was responsible for managing payroll, customer invoices, and company credit cards.
Beginning around January 2016, and continuing through December 2022, Horton devised and executed multiple schemes to brazenly defraud her employer of over a million dollars. First, by inflating her salary on 466 separate occasions, for a total of $515,000, without approval. In addition, in December 2020, Horton added her husband to the company’s payroll even though he had not been hired as a salaried employee. During that time, Horton stole an additional $107,000 under the guise of her husband’s name.
To conceal her conduct, Horton edited the company’s payroll data to make it appear that she was being paid her agreed-upon salary and to delete the payments to her husband. After the edited data was approved, Horton reverted the payroll system to make the unauthorized payments to herself and her husband. Horton misled her boss about the company’s financial reports, resulting in significant financial strain on the company when the true information was discovered.
Horton also redirected credit card payments made by the company’s customers into her own personal bank account over 185 times. She concealed the theft by altering the company’s accounting records to delete invoices or falsely mark them as being paid in full to the company.
Finally, Horton abused the company credit card to pay personal bills and make personal purchases, including a house, cars, and clothes. In total, Horton stole approximately $1,116,258 from her employer.
In addition to her prison sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of her interest in four vehicles—a 2022 Ford F350, a 2022 Ford Mustang, a 2021 Ford Mustang, and a 2020 Ford EcoSport—and that she pay a judgment of $1,002,2680.
“This criminal abused her friendships and position of trust to swindle a family-owned company out of over a million dollars,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Family entrepreneurs are a critical driver of our economy, and fraud schemes against them harm those companies, their employees, and our community as a whole, and this serious federal prison sentence should send the message that this conduct will not be tolerated. My thanks to our partners in Hancock County and at the FBI for ensuring that there is accountability for economic crimes.”
“Holding individuals accountable for financial crimes like this is essential to protecting the integrity of our businesses and communities,” said Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton. “This case serves as a reminder that accountability for the defendant and justice for the victim are crucial in preventing fraud. I would like to thank the dedicated staff of the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Detective Douglas Cook for their exceptional work and collaboration on this case.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin Houston, who prosecuted this case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $33 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, announced today that the Office Asset Recovery Unit collected $33,855,363 in asset forfeiture and financial litigation debt in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $18,840,034.68 was collected through enforcement of criminal restitution debts and civil collections, and $15,015,329 resulted from criminal and civil forfeiture actions.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the public and recovering funds for the victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We are proud to have partnered with so many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to compensate victims and hold criminals financially accountable.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to crime victims in federal cases. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelese Woods, Chief of the Office’s Civil Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Rota, Chief of the Office’s Asset Recovery Unit, as well as the Office’s outstanding support professionals and attorneys for their diligent efforts to uphold the law, hold wrongdoers accountable, and recover funds for victims of crime.
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Former Indiana Congressional Candidate to Plead Guilty to Falsifying Campaign ContributionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- 2024 Indiana congressional candidate, Gabriel Whitley, 27, of Indianapolis, has agreed to plead guilty to lying to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by fabricating contributions purportedly made to his campaign, “Honest Gabe for Congress,” for the purpose of falsely portraying that his campaign had significantly greater support and financial resources than it actually did.
According to court documents, Gabriel Whitley ran in the primary election for Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District and served as the treasurer of his campaign committee. Whitley admitted that he lied to the FEC in three separate reports about hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from supporters and loans from himself. Specifically, Whitley admitted that in October 2023, he falsely claimed that 67 people, whose biographical details he made up, had contributed approximately $222,690 to Honest Gabe for Congress. In January 2024, Whitley again falsely reported contributions from individuals whose biographical details he fabricated. Finally, in April 2024, Whitley falsified a $100,000 loan to his campaign.
Whitley faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He will have a change-of-plea hearing and a sentencing hearing to be scheduled at later times. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Brent Wible, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; First Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Childress for the Southern District of Indiana; and Special Agent in Charge Herbert Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Preston of the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until they plead guilty or are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former New Castle Police Lieutenant Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Federal Prison for Repeatedly Using Excessive Force and Attempted CoverupRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Aaron Jason Strong, 47, a former Lieutenant with the New Castle Police Department, was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for using excessive force against people in custody and obstructing justice by attempting to deceive investigators.
On Oct. 4, 2024, a federal jury convicted Strong of three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering. At trial, evidence introduced by the government established that Strong had intentionally used excessive force against people in police custody on multiple occasions.
“The severe sentence imposed on this former law enforcement official should send a clear message: ‘street justice’ has no place in 21st-century policing and violators will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The vicious and lawless abuse that Aaron Strong perpetrated has no place in modern law enforcement. This sentence reflects the senseless cruelty of the defendant’s conduct, the serious physical injuries inflicted on victims and the harms to society when those entrusted with public authority arrogate to themselves the power to mete out summary punishment.”
“Aaron Strong viciously beat, stomped, and shot three defenseless men with no lawful justification—causing serious injuries including a fractured spine,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “After good officers horrified by these abuses reported his actions, Strong lied in an attempt to cover up his crimes. The vast majority of police serve the public honorably, and when criminals like Aaron Strong violate their oaths and brutalize the public, an already difficult and dangerous profession grows even more so. Our U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, together with our partners at the FBI and Indiana State Police, are committed to doing the work necessary to earn and keep the trust of the public. The serious prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that there are consequences for police brutality, because no one is above the law.”
Evidence presented at trial established that, in August 2019, then-Lieutenant Strong responded to another officer’s report of a foot chase. As Strong arrived, the suspect stopped running, put his hands up, said “I’m done” and lowered himself to the ground. As another officer approached to take the suspect into custody, Strong ran up and struck the suspect at least twelve times with a metal police baton, nearly striking a fellow officer. Other involved officers promptly reported the incident, and the Indiana State Police were called in to conduct an independent criminal investigation. During a meeting with the State Police investigator, Strong gave a false account of the incident in which he minimized his own use of force and exaggerated the danger posed by the suspect.
Strong was also convicted of using excessive force against two men being detained pending trial in a low-security annex of the Henry County, Indiana, jail. While assisting correctional officers with a dormitory search, Strong stomped on the head of a detainee who was complying with commands to lie on the ground. A few moments later, Strong approached a second inmate, who was kneeling, not moving, with his back to Strong, and shot him point-blank in the back with a less-lethal “beanbag” round, which Strong had been trained could cause death or serious bodily injury when used at short ranges. The impact from the round fractured the detainee’s spine.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Indiana State Police investigated the case, with assistance from the New Castle Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, who prosecuted this case.
If you have concerns regarding Civil Rights violations in the Southern District of Indiana, you can now report them to our office via email [email protected] or using our online form.###
Former Indiana Police Lieutenant Sentenced for Federal Excessive Force and Obstruction of Justice ChargesRead the Press Release
A former Lieutenant with the New Castle, Indiana, Police Department was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for using excessive force against people in custody and obstructing justice by attempting to deceive investigators.
On Oct. 4, 2024, a federal jury convicted Aaron Jason Strong, 47, of three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of witness tampering. At trial, evidence introduced by the government established that Strong had intentionally used excessive force against people in police custody on multiple occasions.
“The severe sentence imposed on this former law enforcement official should send a clear message: ‘street justice’ has no place in 21st-century policing and violators will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The vicious and lawless abuse that Aaron Strong perpetrated has no place in modern law enforcement. This sentence reflects the senseless cruelty of the defendant’s conduct, the serious physical injuries inflicted on victims and the harms to society when those entrusted with public authority arrogate to themselves the power to mete out summary punishment.”
“Aaron Strong viciously beat, stomped, and shot three defenseless men with no lawful justification — causing serious injuries including a fractured spine,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “After good officers horrified by these abuses reported his actions, Strong lied in an attempt to cover up his crimes. The vast majority of police serve the public honorably, and when criminals like Aaron Strong violate their oaths and brutalize the public, an already difficult and dangerous profession grows even more so. Our U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department, together with our partners at the FBI and Indiana State Police, are committed to doing the work necessary to earn and keep the trust of the public. The serious prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that there are consequences for police brutality, because no one is above the law.”
“This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding law enforcement officers accountable when they violate the rights of individuals,” said Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to serve and protect the public and when that trust is violated, it erodes the integrity of those who serve honorably every day. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the civil rights of the public and ensure those who abuse their power are held responsible.”
Evidence presented at trial established that, in August 2019, then-Lieutenant Strong responded to another officer’s report of a foot chase. As Strong arrived, the suspect stopped running, put his hands up, said “I’m done” and lowered himself to the ground. As another officer approached to take the suspect into custody, Strong ran up and struck the suspect at least 12 times with a metal police baton, nearly striking a fellow officer. Other involved officers promptly reported the incident, and the Indiana State Police were called in to conduct an independent criminal investigation. During a meeting with the State Police investigator, Strong gave a false account of the incident in which he minimized his own use of force and exaggerated the danger posed by the suspect.
Strong was also convicted of using excessive force against two men being detained pending trial in a low-security annex of the Henry County, Indiana, jail. While assisting correctional officers with a dormitory search, Strong stomped on the head of a detainee who was complying with commands to lie on the ground. A few moments later, Strong approached a second inmate, who was kneeling, not moving, with his back to Strong, and shot him point-blank in the back with a less-lethal “beanbag” round, which Strong had been trained could cause death or serious bodily injury when used at short ranges. The impact from the round fractured the detainee’s spine.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Indiana State Police investigated the case, with assistance from the New Castle Police Department.
Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced to over Thirteen Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Indianapolis Gas Station and Shooting of an EmployeeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— George Tracy, 21, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 159 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on November 22, 2022, George Tracy robbed the Mobile gas station located on Central Ave in Indianapolis, Indiana. During the robbery, Tracy shot his firearm on three occasions in the direction of the employee behind the counter and stole approximately two-hundred dollars from the register. The final shot fired hit the employee in the left upper leg, resulting in hospitalization. After shooting the victim, Tracy told him to “have a good day bro.”
The robbery and shooting were recorded on video surveillance. Officers conducted a search of Tracy’s home and located the firearm that was used during the robbery and the clothes Tracy was seen wearing in the surveillance footage.
“Our hearts go out to the victim of this senseless shooting, who will carry the scars and trauma from this vicious crime for the rest of their life,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, violent criminals like this man rob the entire community of our sense of safety and security in our workplaces. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these crimes will not be tolerated by federal law enforcement. Working closely with our partners at the FBI, IMPD, and all of our law enforcement partners, our federal prosecutors will continue to bring cases targeting these serious offenders as we seek to reduce gun violence.”
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Evansville Domestic Abuser Sentenced to More Than Sixteen Years in Federal Prison After Shooting Ex-GirlfriendRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Ronald Jeremy McCallister, 51, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on August 23, 2023, Evansville Police Department officers were called to a home in Evansville in response to a report of gunshots in the area. The officers were later advised that a woman had been shot by her ex-boyfriend, Ronald McCallister.
When officers arrived at the house, they found the woman in the backyard, near a tent, with a gunshot wound to her left ankle. The woman told officers that McCallister had been sending her suicidal messages through Facebook Messenger. After receiving the suicidal messages, she drove to the house where McCallister had been living in a tent in the backyard, hoping to offer him support. The conversation quickly escalated into an argument, at which point McCallister pulled out a gun and placed it next to the woman’s head. McCallister fired one round next to her face, and then pointed the gun at her foot and fired. He then went inside the house, leaving the woman on the ground in the backyard.
During a search of the home, officers found McCallister hiding in a bedroom. They also located McCallister’s gun, a loaded 9mm handgun.
McCallister has a lengthy criminal record, including felony convictions for domestic battery, robbery resulting in bodily injury, battery by means of a deadly weapon, and armed robbery. These previous felony convictions prohibit McCallister from ever legally possessing a firearm ever again.
“We have prioritized federal prosecution of armed domestic abusers because of the extreme danger they pose to those in their homes and the public at large,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The victim in this case will be protected from her abuser for many years, because of the excellent work of EPD, the ATF, and our federal prosecutor. This sentence should serve as a warning anyone who is involved in domestic violence and illegally armed: get rid of the guns or risk a long term in federal prison.”
“It unfortunately bears repeating that we all deserve to be safest with our closest partners, but for too many that is not the case,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute domestic abusers who possess firearms to ensure our communities are safe from these offenders.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Washington, Indiana Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $1 Million Dollars and Dodging over $300,000 in TaxesRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Brandon Alford, 47, of Washington, Indiana, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and five counts of tax evasion. Alford has also been ordered to pay $1,006,500 in restitution to the victim, and $319,793.02 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents, between 2017 and 2023, Alford was employed as a service writer for a heavy equipment supplier located in Indiana. In this role, he acted as a liaison between customers and service providers, one of which was a machine parts retailer located in Indiana that occasionally sold parts to Alford’s employer.
In 2017, Alford devised a scheme to defraud his employer by creating a fake company, A&D Distributing LLC. He convinced a manager at the retailer to sell machine parts to his employer through A&D Distributing, positioning the retailer as a middleman. Alford claimed he would handle all logistics, including shipping the parts to his employer, while the retailer would simply invoice the employer for the parts, plus a profit margin.
Between December 2017 and January 2023, Alford submitted 25 fraudulent invoices to the retailer for parts that were never ordered or delivered. The retailer paid Alford $939,500 through 22 wire transfers to A&D Distributing’s account. The retailer then invoiced Alford’s employer based on these false invoices, resulting in the employer paying a total of $1,006,500 for non-existent parts.
Alford exploited his position at the company where he worked to ensure the fraudulent invoices were approved and paid, despite no parts ever being delivered.
Additionally, Alford attempted to cover his tracks by willfully failing to report the income derived from the fraud scheme for tax years 2017 through 2022, thereby causing a tax loss of $253,459.00. For each tax year, Alford took affirmative actions to evade the government, including preparing, signing, and filing false federal income tax returns, using a business bank account in the name of A&D Distributing to receive the fraud proceeds, and structuring transactions to avoid the filing of certain transaction reports.
“This defendant abused his position of trust and professional relationships to steal a million dollars from his unsuspecting employer, cheat on his taxes, and cover up his crimes,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Trusted insiders can cause tremendous damage to businesses large and small when they choose to lie and steal. Combatting economic crimes on behalf of Hoosier businesses and individuals is a top priority of federal law enforcement, and the serious prison sentence imposed here demonstrates the commitment of IRS-CI, FBI, and our federal prosecutors to aggressively prosecute financial offenses and hold fraudsters and tax cheats accountable.”
“Tax evasion and financial fraud undermine trust and hurt real people,” said Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “Brandon Alford’s fraudulent scheme caused significant harm to his employer and evaded taxes owed to the government. IRS-CI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
“These are not victimless crimes. The defendant chose to intentionally create a false business and abuse his position of trust with his employer for his own personal gain and this sentence should serve as a deterrent to others,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to defraud others and ensure they are held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Indiana Woman Sentenced for Racially Motivated Attack Against a Woman of Chinese DescentRead the Press Release
An Indiana woman was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release for committing a federal hate crime.
On Sept. 17, Billie Davis, 57, pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim, identified in court papers only by her initials, Z.F., through the use of a dangerous weapon (a knife), because of Z.F.’s actual and perceived race and national origin.
“Racially motivated violence has no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant pulled out a knife and viciously attacked a young woman who was simply riding a public bus to school, seriously injuring her because she was of Chinese descent. The sentence imposed for this heinous hate crime should send a strong message that perpetrators of hate-fueled violence will be held accountable. The Justice Department is committed to protecting every American from hate crimes by investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who carry out such heinous attacks.”
“Every person deserves to feel safe in their own community, and no one should be made to fear violence on their way to school simply because of who they are,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Violent hate should have no safe harbor in Indiana or anywhere in our great country. That’s why our Justice Department has prioritized prosecution of hate crimes and community outreach through our United Against Hate initiative. In recent years we’ve sadly seen an increase of bias crimes targeting people of Asian descent, and the serious federal prison sentence imposed here should demonstrate our commitment to stopping this hate. Anyone who has suffered a potentially hate-based violent incident should call 911 to address immediate safety issues, and then report the event to the Justice Department or FBI. Together we can make our community safer for everyone.”
“The FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all individuals and this case should serve as a reminder that hate fueled actions will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert “Alex” Middleton of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and ensure those who perpetrate such acts of hate are held accountable.”
According to documents filed in connection with this case, on Jan. 11, 2023, Z.F., a woman of Chinese descent who was enrolled at Indiana University at Bloomington, was riding a Bloomington Transit bus on her way to school. Davis boarded the bus, sitting behind Z.F. As Z.F. stood to exit the bus at her stop, Davis reached for a folding knife from inside her pocket and stabbed Z.F. in the head approximately seven to 10 times. Davis later admitted to the police that she attacked Z.F. because she was Chinese and because Davis believed Z.F. was the “enemy.” Davis used racist slurs when referring to Z.F.
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office, Bloomington Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett for the Southern District of Indiana, Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Pigeon Township Trustee and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Stealing Thousands of Dollars from Local Taxpayers in Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Mariama Wilson, 52, and Terrance Hardiman, 34, both of Evansville, have each been sentenced for their roles in a years’ long kickback scheme resulting in a $38,000 loss to taxpayers.
Mariama Wilson, the former Pigeon Township Trustee, has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Terrance Hardiman was previously sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wilson and Hardiman were also ordered to pay $38,000 in restitution, to be split among co-defendants.
A third defendant, William Payne, 51, is scheduled to enter a plea and be sentenced in January 2025.
The Pigeon Township Trustee’s Office, located in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is responsible for providing emergency financial assistance to residents in need, including help with rent, utilities, and prescriptions. According to court documents, in February 2020, then-Trustee Wilson and Payne, Wilson’s Director of Community Relations, orchestrated a kickback scheme with Hardiman and his company, Hardiman Construction LLC. The scheme involved inflating invoices for remodeling a homeless shelter and developing a food pantry.
Wilson and Payne approved inflated invoices submitted by Hardiman, who then paid them kickbacks totaling approximately $38,000. Hardiman would deposit checks from the Trustee’s Office, withdraw the cash, and hand-deliver it to Wilson or Payne in envelopes. The fraudulent invoices were inflated by $1,000 to $2,000 per project, with Wilson and Payne pocketing the excess funds.
In total, between February 11, 2020, and May 16, 2022, the Trustee’s Office paid Hardiman approximately $215,371 for the homeless shelter and food pantry projects. As a result of the kickback scheme, Wilson and Payne received approximately $38,000 in total, or approximately $19,000 each.
Wilson resigned as Trustee in June 2023, shortly after being charged in this case. See previous release here.
“Large or small, kickback schemes like the one carried out by Ms. Wilson and the other defendants damage public’s confidence in government,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Township officials owe their constituents the same duty of honesty and integrity they have the right to expect from public servants at every level. This prosecution should send a message to all bad actors who seek to line their pockets at the expense of taxpayers. Thanks to our partners at the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Board of Accounts, IRS-CI, FBI, and our federal prosecutor, these criminals have been held accountable for their actions.”
“There are consequences when public officials illegally use public funds for their own personal benefit. In this case, the defendants prioritized their greed over the interests of the citizens they were supposed to serve,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will always work together to investigate allegations such as this and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
“We should all expect our public officials to act with integrity,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. “When these officials violate the trust we have placed in them, there should be consequences. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to support our law enforcement partners in ensuring that public funds are spent in the taxpayers’ best interests.”
“I’m proud that we have honest individuals willing to report corruption when they see it, knowing that silence in the face of misconduct is not an option,” said Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson. “The crimes committed by these officials are a slap in the face to the community in which we live. This corrupt behavior runs counter to the oath they took, and certainly not what was promised to this community.”
The FBI, IRS-CI, Indiana State Board of Accounts, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Bloomington Woman Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Stabbing of 18-Year-old IU Student of Asian DescentRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Billie Davis, 57, of Bloomington, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for committing a federal hate crime. The sentence comes after Davis pleaded guilty to willfully causing bodily injury to a victim with a knife, because the victim was of Chinese descent.
According to court documents, on January 11, 2023, an 18-year-old woman of Chinese descent enrolled at Indiana University at Bloomington, was riding a Bloomington Transit bus. Davis boarded the bus and sat behind the student. As the student stood to exit the bus, Davis reached for a folding knife from inside her pocket and stabbed the student in the head approximately seven to ten times. The victim exited the bus screaming in pain. Davis’ attack against the victim caused multiple stab wounds and cuts, requiring medical attention including sutures and staples.
After the attack, Davis sat back down on the bus, where she remained until other passengers confronted her. When Davis exited the bus, another passenger followed and confronted her about the stabbing. Davis used racist slurs when referring to the victim and claimed the victim posed a threat to the bus because she was Asian. Davis was arrested by Bloomington Police. Davis described the victim to police as “some Asian f*cking c*unt” and said she attacked the victim because she was of Chinese descent and so that there was “one less enemy.”
“Racially motivated violence has no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant targeted a young woman, who was simply riding a public bus to school, solely because she was Chinese. The sentence imposed for these vicious hate crimes should send a strong message that perpetrators of hate-fueled violence will be held accountable. The Justice Department is steadfast in its commitment to investigating and prosecuting hate crimes wherever they occur in our country.”
“Every person deserves to feel safe in their own community, and no one should be made to fear violence on their way to school simply because of who they are,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Violent hate should have no safe harbor in Indiana or anywhere in our great country. That’s why our Department of Justice has prioritized prosecution of hate crimes and community outreach through our United Against Hate initiative. In recent years we’ve sadly seen an increase of bias crimes targeting people of Asian descent, and the serious federal prison sentence imposed here should demonstrate our commitment to stopping this hate. Anyone who has suffered a potentially hate-based violent incident should call 911 to address immediate safety issues, and then report the event to the Department of Justice or FBI. Together we can make our community safer for everyone.”
“The FBI remains committed to protecting the civil rights of all individuals and this case should serve as a reminder that hate fueled actions will not be tolerated,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert “Alex” Middleton. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and ensure those who perpetrate such acts of hate are held accountable.”
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and Bloomington Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Blackett, Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, and Trial Attorney Barry Disney of the Criminal Division’s Mental Health Litigation Unit, who prosecuted the case.
If you have concerns regarding Civil Rights violations in the Southern District of Indiana, you can now report them to our office via email [email protected] or using our online form.
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Career Criminal Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Two Indianapolis BusinessesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Alonzo Wiatt Sansbury, 56, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to commercial robbery and attempted commercial robbery.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2024, Sansbury committed an attempted robbery at a Dollar Tree near North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana. During the attempted robbery, he used fear and threatened force to attempt to rob the establishment. The robbery was captured on video surveillance.
Just a few hours later that same day, Sansbury committed an armed robbery at Big Lots near North Allisonville Road. Sansbury robbed the establishment using an object he insinuated was a gun, threatened violence, and obtained an unspecified amount of cash. The robbery was also captured on video surveillance.
Sansbury has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1989, including convictions for burglary, theft, and robbery. He was discharged from parole for a prior robbery conviction less than a year before he committed the robberies charged in this case.
“For more than two decades, this criminal has repeatedly demonstrated his utter disregard for the law or the safety and security of others,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Repeat, violent criminals are a top target for federal prosecution, and face significant punishment in federal court. I commend the FBI, IMPD, and our federal prosecutor for ensuring this menace to Indianapolis neighborhoods will be off our streets for the next decade.”
FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Heavily Armed Sellersburg Career Criminal Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Selling Methamphetamine and GunsRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY— Todd Nance, 40, of Sellersburg, has been sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, armed drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Todd Nance was a known drug dealer and was observed by law enforcement selling at least 263 grams of methamphetamine and various firearms out of his residence located in Sellersburg, Indiana. During a portion of that time, Nance was on pretrial release for multiple drug charges in state court, including felony possession of methamphetamine.
On April 29, 2024, Nance sold a .38 revolver and approximately 115 grams of methamphetamine to another person in exchange for $1,550 cash. During the transaction, Nance was carrying a 9mm handgun in his waistband.
On May 30, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a court-authorized search of Nance’s residence. Investigators found and seized 50 grams of methamphetamine and seven firearms, including a 12-gauge sawed off shotgun, a Ruger 9mm with an extended magazine, cocaine, fentanyl, and assorted pills. Nance is prohibited from ever legally possessing firearms due to his previous felony convictions for Possession of Methamphetamine and Residential Entry.
“This violent felon sold guns, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs in our community—all while illegally armed with an arsenal that included a sawed-off shotgun and a semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Deadly drugs and deadly weapons in the hands of repeat offenders cause tremendous damage to every community, large and small. Every neighborhood deserves to be safe from career criminals like Nance, and I commend the FBI, Clarksville Police Department, and our federal prosecutors for their efforts to take him off our streets. The fifteen-year federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these very serious crimes will result in very serious consequences.”
“The defendant threatened the safety of the community and endangered lives through his choice to engage in the illegal sale of guns and drugs. This sentence sends a very clear message – those who choose to profit from violence and drug addiction will find themselves facing lengthy prison time,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to ensuring those who engage in this illegal and destructive behavior will be held accountable for their actions.”
The FBI and the Clarksville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Oliver, who prosecuted this case.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to Fifty Years in Federal Prison for Four Violent Online Marketplace Robberies, Including a Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Demetris Campbell, 29, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to fifty years in federal prison, followed by the maximum period of supervised release, following his convictions for commercial robbery conspiracy, four counts of aiding commercial robbery, and three counts of aiding the brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Campbell was convicted by a federal jury in June 2024.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between July 19 and 28, 2020, Campbell orchestrated at least four armed robberies of victims he lured to an apartment complex via the online marketplaces LetGo and OfferUp under the false premise that they were meeting to complete a sale. Campbell conspired with others to execute the robberies, including Angel Montano.
On July 19, 2020, a fifteen-year-old boy and his father agreed to purchase an iPhone from Campbell, who was using the account “Man with a Plan” on Offer Up. Campbell lured the victims to an address in Indianapolis to complete the fake transaction. When the victims arrived, three people, including Campbell and Angel Montano, approached the vehicle, and showed the victims what appeared to be an iPhone. The robbers then brandished pistols and demanded the victims’ money, striking the fifteen-year-old child in the face with a pistol. The robbers ultimately stole the victims’ cash for the purchase and from their wallets, as well as the Nike Air Jordan tennis shoes the child was wearing.
The next day, Campbell used the same Offer Up account to lure a mother and her two young children to the same apartment complex. When these victims arrived, Montano reached into her vehicle and placed the muzzle of a pistol against her body, while her two children were still in the car. He then stole the victims’ iPhones and cash.
Two days later, on July 22, 2020, Campbell used a LetGo account under the name of “Simone” to lure a woman to the same apartment complex under the false premise that she was going to be able to purchase an iPhone. Upon her arrival, Angel Montano brandished a pistol and stated “I’ll shoot you! Give me the cash!” She complied by giving him $560 in cash that she had brought for the transaction, as well as her Samsung cell phone.
Between July 21 and 28 of 2020, another victim participated in ongoing contact with Campbell who was using an account in the name of “Tony Reed” on OfferUp regarding the advertised sale of two iPhones for $1400. They ultimately arranged to meet on July 28 at a location near Adams and 21st Street in Indianapolis. This victim brought his brother with him to meet and complete the transaction. Upon their arrival, the brothers felt uneasy and attempted to leave. Angel Montano then blocked them with his car, approached their vehicle, and fired into it killing the purchaser’s brother and seriously wounding the purchaser. Campbell was present with Montano, and watched the shooting occur.
The following morning, on July 29, 2020, IMPD officers arrested Campbell after tracing his name and location to the fake usernames used in the robberies. It was later discovered that Campbell was coordinating the schemes with Angel Montano, then selling the stolen phones and splitting the profit.
In February 2023, Montano was sentenced to forty years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of commercial robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“The man who was taken from his family by these vicious criminals should still be here today. His brother should never have been shot, and the other victims—including multiple children—should never have suffered the traumas inflicted on them by these men,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “For years, violent criminals have been using online marketplaces like OfferUp and LetGo to lure victims to armed robberies, resulting in multiple shootings and deaths. Most local police departments will allow people to use their properties as a safe place to meet when buying and selling online, which can help keep everyone safe during these transactions. You often don’t know who is on the other end of an online communication, or what their intentions might be, and exercising caution with these transactions could save your life. I want to thank the FBI, U.S. Marshals, IMPD and our federal prosecutors for their work to secure a measure of justice for the victims and ensure that these violent offenders will never again menace our community.”
“This lengthy sentence sends a clear message that any form of violence or exploitation on online marketplaces will not be tolerated. This string of crimes and the senseless death resulting from them are an unfortunate reminder of the real-world consequences that can result from crimes committed in the digital space,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding those who exploit online marketplaces for criminal activity accountable. No one using legitimate online services should ever have to fear for their safety.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany J. Preston and Carolyn A. Haney, who prosecuted this case, as well as the Victim Witness Coordinators and Paralegal Specialist who supported this trial.
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Violent Felon Sentenced to Nine and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm While on Community CorrectionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Brandon Williams, 39, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 115 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Williams must also pay a $1,000 fine.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2022, Brandon Williams began serving a home detention sentence through Marion County, Indiana, Community Corrections, following felony convictions for Dealing in Methamphetamine and Battery Against a Public Safety Official. On October 18, 2023, officers from Community Corrections and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department searched Williams’ home to ensure his compliance with home detention rules.
In one of the drawers of William’s kitchen, officers located thirty-two grams of fentanyl, eighteen methamphetamine pills, three grams of crystal methamphetamine, and multiple THC vape cartridges and edibles. Officers also found drug paraphernalia, including scales and multiple types of baggies for packaging narcotics for sale. In another kitchen drawer, officers located $8,280 in cash.
In Williams’ bedroom, officers found a plastic tote with a .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number. Prior to possessing the gun, Williams was convicted of multiple felonies including Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon. As a convicted felon Williams is permanently prohibited from ever again legally possessing a firearm under federal law.
“Illegally armed, repeat violent criminals are responsible for a disproportionate share of the gun violence suffered in Indianapolis and all of our communities These offenses will not be tolerated,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Every offender returning to our community has a choice. There are many services and supporters dedicated to keeping you safe, alive, and successful, and turning your life around. If instead, you choose to illegally carry a firearm, you risk serving a serious sentence in federal prison with no possibility of parole.”
IMPD and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
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.
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Eleven Charged in Federal Indictment Following Takedown of Indianapolis Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Eleven individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Indianapolis and elsewhere. The charges follow a successful law enforcement operation in which 10 of the 11 individuals were arrested and federal agents and local officers seized eight firearms and quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The following lists the individuals indicted and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine:
- Matthew R.P. Fishman, 38, Bloomington
- Megan L. Gaskin, 29, Indianapolis
- Joseph A. Grubb, 37, Bloomfield
- Amanda N. Hornaday, 40, Indianapolis
- Candace L. Rich, 44, Indianapolis
- Ashley N. Russell, 38, Indianapolis
- Colton K. Shorkey, 33, Franklin
- James M. Sublett Jr., 39, Westfield
- James L. Tyus Jr., 39, Indianapolis
- Kelly A. Willis, 52, Indianapolis
- Thomas R. Winkley, 45, Indianapolis
This was a multiagency operation, involving 16 agencies, who executed 22 arrest and search warrants at 11 locations in Central Indiana on the morning of November 20, 2024. Ten individuals were arrested and are in federal custody. Joseph A. Grubb still remains a fugitive.
According to the indictment, from February 2024 through November 14, 2024, all eleven defendants allegedly conspired together to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. James L. Tyus Jr. allegedly acted as the leader of the operation and was supplied methamphetamine by James M. Sublett Jr. The remaining nine defendants allegedly served as dealers and distributers.
The alleged meth deals took place at several locations across Indianapolis including parking lots, gas stations, apartment complexes, motels, and a gentleman’s club.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.
The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and recent warrant execution possible:
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Internal Revenue Service
- Metropolitan Drug Task Force
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
- United States Marshal’s Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Lawrence Police Department
- Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force
- Franklin Police Department
- Indiana State Police
- Beech Grove Police Department
- Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
- Brownsburg Police Department
- Indiana National Guard
- Bloomington Police Department
- Greene County Sheriff’s Department
“Getting deadly drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl off our streets is a top priority for our office,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “That is why working with our partners at DEA, IMPD, and all across federal, state, and local law enforcement is so important. We are committed to identifying drug traffickers and holding them accountable in federal court.”
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Blackington and Jeremy Fugate, who are prosecuting this case.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Evansville Drug Dealer Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison After Investigators Locate 2,000 Fake Pills Laced with FentanylRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE— Andre Lamont Wright Jr., 29, of Evansville, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, prior to December 2022, law enforcement officers received information that Wright was selling large quantities of fentanyl-laced counterfeit “M30” oxycodone pills. On December 7, 2022, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Evansville Police Department observed Wright conduct a drug deal outside of his Evansville home. Officers stopped the buyer for a traffic violation after leaving Wright’s home and recovered approximately eighteen counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills.
Officers conducted a court-authorized search of Wright’s home and found approximately 2,000 counterfeit “M30” pills containing fentanyl, a digital scale, a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, 9mm ammunition, plastic bags, and $453 in cash.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.
“Fentanyl traffickers are responsible for incalculable damage to our families and communities, peddling deadly pills with utter disregard for human life,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Just one of these fake pills can kill, that’s why we prioritize federal prosecution of the criminals who push this poison. Together with the Evansville Police Department and the DEA, our federal prosecutors will continue working to remove fentanyl and fentanyl dealers from our neighborhoods.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Illegally Armed Anderson Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to over 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS— Kennley Johnson, 43, of Anderson, has been sentenced to 250 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to three counts of methamphetamine distribution and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on three separate occasions in March and April of 2024, Johnson was observed selling a total of 131.8 grams of methamphetamine, a Colt pistol, and a Manuel Escodin revolver to a person in Anderson. Officers conducted a court-authorized search of Johnson’s Anderson residence and found over 380 grams of additional methamphetamine, ammunition, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Johnson was arrested during the search and officers found $5,857 in cash in his pocket.
Johnson is a career criminal—since turning eighteen he has been convicted of five prior drug-related offenses and one for failing to return to lawful detention after absconding from work release. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was still on probation. As a convicted felon, Johnson is permanently prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.
“Illegally armed drug dealers do tremendous harm to communities in every part of our state,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Numerous prior convictions and prison terms were not enough to convince this career criminal to change his ways. Thanks to the efforts of the Anderson Police Department, the ATF, and our federal prosecutor, the community will now be protected from his crimes as he serves a significant term in federal prison.”
“There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes and spread drugs through our community,” said Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to bring those individuals to justice.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Anderson Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Gibson, who prosecuted this case.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to more than Fifty-Four Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ToddlerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS—Joshua Sims, 38, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to fifty-four and a half years in federal prison, followed by supervised release for the rest of his life, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, possession of child sexual abuse material, and committing a sex offense while required to register as a sex offender. Sims was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victim.
On May 1, 2006, Sims was convicted of Child Molesting in Dekalb County, Indiana, and was sentenced to seven years in prison. As a result of his conviction, Sims was required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. After he was first released from prison, Sims repeatedly failed to register as a sex offender over the next twelve years. He was convicted of failing to register as a sex offender and sentenced to additional time in prison three separate times. He was convicted of several other felonies as well, including strangulation, battery, and criminal confinement.
According to court documents, between February 23 and March 7, 2023, Sims was responsible for a child under the age of two years old. Sims forced the toddler to engage in sexually explicit conduct recorded himself sexually abusing the child. Sims also forced a relative who was under his care, custody, and control watch Sims sexually abuse the toddler. Sims sent videos and images of himself sexually abusing the toddler to others over the internet.
When investigators arrested Sims, they recovered and were able to access the data stored on his smartphone. Investigators recovered more than 5,000 images and 300 videos of children being sexually abused and raped, some depicting children as young as toddlers as well as depictions of children being subjected to bestiality and sadomasochistic conduct.
“Undeterred by multiple prison sentences, this pedophile subjected a toddler to horrific sexual abuse, and trafficked in recordings of children being sexually traumatized for his own sick gratification,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We must do all we can to protect our children from sexual predators, including aggressive federal prosecution and imprisonment. Children are safer today, thanks to our partners at the U.S. Secret Service, IMPD, the outstanding Indiana ICAC Task Force, and our federal prosecutor, because this dangerous criminal will almost certainly spend the rest of his days behind federal prison walls.”
The U.S. Secret Service, IMPD, and the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about their efforts.
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.
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Louisville Teaching Assistant Sentenced to over Thirty-Six Years in Federal Prison for Grooming and Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY—Shawn Riedesel, 29, of Burnsville, Minnesota, has been sentenced to 440 months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Riedesel must also pay $69,000 in restitution to his victims. Upon his release from federal prison, he must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school, as required by law.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2022, Shawn Riedesel enticed and coerced at least three underage girls to produce and send sexually explicit images and videos. He also met at least one child in person for sex on multiple occasions. While he was committing these crimes, Riedesel began a teacher preparation program through Teach Kentucky and stayed in a dorm room on Bellarmine University's campus, while also living at another residence in Louisville. Riedesel was not enrolled as a student at Bellarmine University.
In late June of 2022, a witness learned of inappropriate electronic communications between an Riedesel and a 15-year-old Indiana girl over a school computer. The child told Riedesel she was fifteen, and she initially believed he was a 19-year-old boy. In fact, he was a 29-year-old man who used an end-to-end encrypted email program to communicate.
The witness used the child’s email account to continue the conversation. Riedesel indicated that he and the child had previously had sex in person, and that he would help the victim run away from home so that they could meet and engage in specific sex acts. He was concerned the victim’s parents might know what he looked like, and that he would be in trouble for having sex with a child. The witness contacted the Indiana State Police to investigate.
Investigators learned that Riedesel had crossed state lines on multiple occasions to have sex with the child, including over multiple days at an Indiana hotel, her parents’ house in Indiana while they were away, and a church. Riedesel also picked the child up from her home in Indiana and transported her across state lines to his dorm room in Louisville to have sex.
On July 2, 2022, Riedesel was arrested when he arrived to meet the child at her parents’ house. Investigators seized his iPhone and conducted court-authorized searches of the device as well as his dorm room and residence. Investigators found printed sexually explicit images of the Indiana child affixed to a wall in his dorm room, arranged in the shape of a heart.
State Police collected an additional iPhone, an iPad, and multiple computers and digital storage devices during the searches. Investigators were able to access the data contained on some of Riedesel’s devices, including thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of children obtained online, and images of Riedesel engaged in sex acts with his Indiana victim. The child later informed investigators that he forced her to watch the “huge collection” of child sexual abuse material he kept hidden on his computer, including recordings of the sexual abuse of prepubescent children and infants. While staying at a hotel to have sex with the Indiana victim, Riedesel saved a “shopping list” on his iPhone that included condoms, sex toys, a pacifier, coloring books, and crayons.
Investigators found sexually explicit conversations between Riedesel and other underage girls on his iPhone, including sexually explicit video calls with another underage girl he recorded engaged in sex acts. His iPhones also showed that he coerced and enticed a 13-year-old girl to send him images and sexually explicit videos of herself. He told her he’d like to have sex with children even younger than her, and that “they should warn kids about guys like me. Cause we turn innocent underage girls into sex toy for us using their insecurities to lure them into trusting us. Then once they trust us they will do anything sexual for us…I mean that’s what grooming is.” He further stated that, “[s]ome pedos try to hide the fact that their grooming a girl, but she only feels betrayed when she finds out. I like to be open an honest with what I’m doing . . . I’m doing these things to turn you into my sex slave.”
“Pedophiles like this would-be teacher use technology to find, groom, and exploit our children—from across the river and across the country,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This time, investigators were able to accesses the digital evidence needed to identify additional victims and secure a serious federal prison sentence. However, many companies are designing their technology to make it impossible to conduct court-authorized searches—hampering our ability to rescue children and hold sexual predators accountable. Together with our law enforcement partners at the FBI and Indiana State Police, our office will continue to do all we can to secure necessary evidence and make our children safer by removing these heinous offenders from our communities.”
“The protection of our children must be a priority - every child deserves an environment safe from exploitation and abuse,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Partnerships between the FBI and other agencies create effective responses to such heinous crimes to ensure offenders are held accountable and can never hurt another innocent child.”
“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.
The FBI and Indiana State Police investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina M. Korobov, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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