District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Indictment: Inmate Ran Wichita Drug Ring from A Cell in Oklahoma PenitentiaryRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A 55-count federal indictment with 24 defendants unsealed here today alleges that an inmate ran a drug ring in Wichita from a prison cell in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
McAllister said federal agents began investigating in April 2019 and reviewed thousands of intercepted messages among the alleged traffickers.
“A large scale criminal drug conspiracy operating in Kansas whose shot caller is behind bars in another state talking on a cell phone makes this a unique case in my experience,” McAllister said. “To the alleged traffickers, I think I would say: Can you hear us now?”
The indictment contains detailed descriptions of defendants going about their daily chores, negotiating prices, handling hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and trying to do business without drawing attention.
“Today’s arrests and indictments send a clear message: whether you are behind bars or on the street, you will be held accountable. Today, over a 100 federal, state and local officers, working together executed dozens of arrests. The impact of these arrests will be immediate, and our community will be safer due largely in part to the tireless work and dedication of our law enforcement partners. I applaud their dedication and commitment to the community we are sworn to serve,” said Timothy Langan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Kansas City, Missouri.
CALLING THE SHOTS
Travis Knighten, 47, who is being held at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla., is alleged to have been the brains behind a criminal organization that distributed methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine powder, crack cocaine and marijuana in Wichita.
Communicating by cell phone calls and text messages, Knighten is alleged to have directed the movements of almost two dozen conspirators. The indictment alleges Knighten used cell phones obtained while in custody to receive information and to coordinate times and locations for meetings with suppliers. Knighten put together deals with the assistance of a co-defendant who also is an inmate in the same prison, Armando Luna, 39. Knighten also worked with a treasurer outside the prison walls, co-defendant Travis Vontress, 43, Wichita, Kan., as well as other close associates who collected funds to pay suppliers. Lower ranking conspirators were responsible for maintaining stash houses, cutting, packaging and storing drugs, reselling the final products and other duties.
90-YEAR SENTENCE
Although Knighten is being held in Oklahoma, he is still under the authority of the Kansas Department of Corrections. He is serving a 90-year sentence for killing a corrections officer at Lansing Correctional Facility on May 22, 1993. The victim, Officer Mark Avery, died of head injuries received during a fight in the prison recreation building.
In text messages and in phone calls, Knighten and the co-conspirators avoided using words that anyone overhearing them might too easily recognize. They used a variety of slang terms instead. For instance, they might call methamphetamine “ice hockey.” Heroin could be called “Jordan.” Cocaine could be “soda.” Sometimes crack cocaine was “hard” and “gorilla” could be the word for marijuana.
During the conspiracy, many of the co-defendants were known to one another by their street names instead of their given names. Examples include Bizz, P-Boy, E, Booty, YT, Troub, Diablo, Wack, Shot, Leggs, Gray, Bink, Funk, Godfather and Punch.
The conspirators are alleged to have maintained five properties in Wichita as stash houses for processing and storing drugs, including 930 N. Yale, 2548 Somerset, 245 N. Chautauqua, 1411 N. Holyoke and 429 N. Green.
CHARGES AND PENALTIES
Charges and potential penalties include:
- Operating a continuing criminal enterprise (count 1): Not less than 20 years and a fine up to $2 million.
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (count 2): Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
- Conspiracy to distribute marijuana (count 3): Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin (count 4): Not less than 15 years and a fine up to $20 million.
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine powder (count 5): Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $8 million.
- Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine (count 6): Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $8 million.
- Maintaining drug involved premises (counts 7, 8, 9 and 10, 54, ):
- Unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking (counts 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47): Up to four years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Possession with intent to distribute powder cocaine (count 23): Up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million)
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 36, 39, 49): Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin (count 37): Not less than five years, not more than 40 years, and a fine up to $5 million.
- Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 50, 51, 52, 53, 55): Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
DEFENDANTS
Here is a list of the defendants:
Richard Adams, 27, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 3, 9, 48, 49 and 52.
David Bell, 46, Wichita, Kan., counts 5, 6, 40 and 50)
Frederick Collins, 47, Wichita, Kan.,counts 2, 5, 6 and 33.
Byron Fitchpatrick, 45, Wichita, Kan., counts 5 and 42.
Eric Goodwin, 53, Wichita, Kan., counts 4, 29 and 30.
Dorzee Hill, 40, Wichita, Kan., counts 3, 4, 5, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 35, and 45.
Satoria Hill, 33, Wichita, Kan., counts 5 and 45.
Orlando Hogan, 44, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 4, 9 and 27.
Derek Hubbard, 44, Wichita, Kan., counts 3 and 24.
Travis Knighten, 47, Oklahoma State Penitentiary, counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 38, 40, 44, 47 and 54.
Kevin Lewis, 56, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 17.
Armando Luna, 39, Oklahoma State Penitentiary, counts 2, 9, 18, 19, 20 and 54.
Trey Martin, 27, Wichita, Kan., counts 3 and 26.
Mario Ponds, 39, Wichita, Kan., counts 5 and 42.
Otis Ponds, 41, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 8 and 41.
Robert Richmond, 48, Wichita, Kan., counts 5, 6 and 46.
Kimberly Schmidtberger, 38, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 4, 6 and 47.
Shantus Smallwood, 46, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 43 and 44.
Travis Vontress, 43, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 4, 5, 10, 21, 22, 23 and 51.
Kevin Walker, 54, Wichita, Kan., counts 4 and 28.
Tia Ward, 40, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 3, 8, 38, 39 and 53.
Eddie Washington, 60, Wichita, Kan., counts 5, 31, and 32.
Trevor Wells, 39, Wichita, Kan., counts 2, 3, 4, 7, 35, 36 and 37 and 55.
Dallas Williams, 38, Wichita, Kan., counts 2 and 34.
The FBI and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Andrusak and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster are prosecuting. The following agencies assisted with taking defendants into custody: the FBI, the Wichita Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct,
May 27 Sentencing Hearing Set in Atchison Clean Air Act CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal judge has set a May 27, 2020, hearing for the sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., for violating the federal Clean Air Act when a cloud of toxic chlorine gas formed over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
The hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. in room 403 of the Frank Carlson Federal Building at 444 S.E. Quincy St. in Topeka before U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree.
“Many people were affected by the release of the gas in Atchison,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time of the incident.”
“I want everyone to be aware that the sentencing hearing will be open to the public,” McAllister continued.
Both companies have pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act and each has agreed to pay a $1 million fine.
McAllister said that he wants to assure that anyone impacted by the incident is afforded the right to be reasonably heard and not to be excluded from court. Due to time constraints, it may be impractical for each victim to speak at the sentencing hearing. However, anyone who would like to submit a written victim impact statement for the court’s consideration, please email those statements to [email protected] .
For updates and resources on this case, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/us-v-mgp-ingredients-inc-et-al
Kansas Clinic Agrees to Pay $775,000 to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Trina Health–Wichita NW, LLC, located in Wichita, Kan., and Jack West of Dallas, Texas, one of the company’s principals, agreed to pay the United States $775,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE.
The company submitted claims to the federal programs for what the company called “artificial pancreas treatment” for diabetes. The United States alleged that from September 2015 through May 2017, Trina and West violated the False Claims Act because the claims were actually for an outpatient insulin infusion regimen that was not medically reasonable or necessary and specifically not covered by the federal programs.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. TRICARE, formerly known as CHAMPUS, is a federal health care system administered through the Department of Defense for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families.
“This office is committed to civil health care fraud enforcement as a key component of the mission of our office,” said United States Attorney Stephen McAllister. “Medicare beneficiaries rightly expect medically appropriate treatment. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who defraud federal programs and taxpayers.”
“Medicare enrollees, as well as taxpayers, deserve nothing less than appropriate medical treatments,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Those claiming government health program funds for medically unnecessary services should expect aggressive investigation and legal action.”
“I applaud the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas for their continued efforts to hold health care providers accountable to the American taxpayer,” said Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, director of the Defense Health Agency. “The efforts of the Department of Justice to safeguard the health care benefit for our service members, veterans and their families is commendable. The Defense Health Agency continues to work closely with the Justice Department, and other state and federal agencies to investigate all those who participated in fraudulent practices.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Fleenor.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Indictment: Honduran Citizen Attacked Immigration OfficersRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A citizen of Honduras was indicted today on charges of unlawfully re-entering the United States and attacking immigration officers when they took him into custody in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Gerson Ayala-Alfaro, 27, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported and two counts of assaulting and injuring employees of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 17, 2020, in Sumner County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge and up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the assault counts. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Kyle Ellery, 19, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct, and one count of traveling across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.
The indictment alleges that on Jan. 10, 2020, Ellery traveled from Kansas to Missouri for the purpose of engaging in sex with a 14-year-old victim. Then, on Jan. 11, 2020, he transported the 14-year-old victim from Missouri to Kansas for the purpose of engaging in sex.
If convicted, he could face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation charge, and up to 30 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the traveling charge. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
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Five men in Kansas are charged in a superseding indictment with trafficking methamphetamine.
The defendants include:
Alvaro Dieguez Jr., 29, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 2).
Keith A. Goodman, 47, Arkansas City, Kan., possession of methamphetamine (count 3).
Felipe D. Luna, 26, Wichita, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (counts 1 and 6), distribution of methamphetamine (count 5), unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances (count 7), unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 8), using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 9).
Jeremy J. Snyder, 38, Dighton, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).
Obed A. Paz-Moreno, 23, Garden City, Kan., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 4).
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Count 3: Up to a year in prison and a fine of not less than $1,000.
Count 7: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts 8 and 9: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
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Marco A. Claros-Guzman, 36, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 5, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
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Vontrel Vaughn, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 21, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
California Man Sentenced for Smuggling Heroin and Meth to Kansas CityRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A California man was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for smuggling heroin and methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Allan Bryan DeJesus, 40, Bakersfield, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, he admitted he was on his way to Kansas City on Jan. 5, 2019, when the Kansas Highway Patrol pulled him over on I-70 in Thomas County. In DeJesus’ vehicle, a trooper found two pounds of heroin and 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Former Immigration Officer Sentenced for Impersonating ICE SupervisorRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former federal immigration officer was sentenced today to nine months in prison for impersonating an Immigration and Customs Enforcement supervisor, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Andrew J. Pleviak, 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty in December to falsely claiming to be an officer of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. He made the claim to a deputy with the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office. Pleviak also submitted a memo on ICE letterhead requesting the release of a man being held in the custody of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office. The man in custody was Juan Tapia-Alfaro, an acquaintance of Pleviak. Pleviak was arrested when he arrived at the jail pretending to be an ICE supervisory deportation officer.
McAllister commended the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Lawrence Developer Sentenced for Violating Asbestos Disposal LawsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Lawrence developer was sentenced today to three months imprisonment for disposing of asbestos in violation of the Clean Air Act. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay a $55,000 fine.
Thomas S. Fritzel, 54, Lawrence, Kan., was convicted on the following counts:
- Failing to notify authorities before removing asbestos (count two).
- Failing to keep asbestos wet during demolition to prevent air contamination (count three).
- Failing to dispose of asbestos in leak-tight containers (count four).
During trial, the government presented evidence that Fritzel violated federal laws for handling asbestos during demolition and renovations at the Alvamar Country Club in Lawrence. The government presented evidence to show that Fritzel knew that the roof of the country club contained 75 percent chrysotile asbestos. The previous owners, who sold the club to Fritzel in January 2016, had decided not to replace the roof because of the cost of abating the asbestos.
On October 19, 2016, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told Fritzel to get a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos from the site and dispose of it properly. On Oct. 25, 2016, KDHE inspected the site and determined asbestos debris had been removed and hauled to Hamm Landfill in Perry, Kan., which is not approved for asbestos disposal.
“The defendant was responsible for the safe – and legal – removal of material containing asbestos,” said Assistant Director Justin Oesterreich of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Kansas. “The defendant ignored regulations on the safe management of asbestos, putting workers and the general public at risk.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard commended the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Former Fredonia City Administrator Sentenced to 7+Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former city administrator of Fredonia was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison for child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Michael P. Ohrt, 40, Fredonia, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transporting child pornography. In his plea, he admitted using his Yahoo email account to establish a Dropbox storage account and then uploading videos of child pornography. Dropbox identified the material as child pornography and reported the user’s information to authorities. Investigators traced the IP address to Ohrt’s work and home in Fredonia.
McAllister commended Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling 18 Pounds of Cocaine to KSRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A California man was sentenced today to 52 months in federal prison for smuggling 18 pounds of cocaine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jesus Gonzalez-Molina, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was driving eastbound on I-70 through Shawnee County when he was stopped by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Troopers searched the 2007 Toyota 4Runner he was driving and found a hidden compartment containing the drugs.
McAllister commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs, the Kansas Highway Patrol and Drug Enforcement Administration for their work on the case.
Western Kansas Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 24+ YearsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A registered sex offender living in western Kansas was sentenced Thursday to 292 months in federal prison on child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
A federal jury convicted Wayne Benjamin Wasson, 60, Great Bend, Kan., on four counts of uploading child pornography to the internet and one count of possessing child pornography.
During trial, a prosecutor presented evidence that Yahoo and Google detected child pornography originating from Wasson’s residence. The digital trail led investigators to Wasson, who admitted he had received child pornography via Skype and had operated a number of other accounts. Investigators found child pornography within the accounts and on Wasson’s devices.
Wasson registered as a sex offender in 2007 following a conviction for possession of child pornography.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Indictment: Gun Deal in Parking Lot Went Badly for FelonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was indicted Thursday on federal charges of assaulting an undercover officer after she paid him $400 for a handgun, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Nicholas Newman, 19, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with one count of robbery, one count of assaulting a federal officer, one count of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
An affidavit filed in the case alleges that on Feb. 6, 2020, Newman met the undercover officer in the parking lot of a Sunfresh grocery store at 241 S. 18th Street in Kansas City, Kan. The agent gave Newman $400 and he gave her a .45 caliber Ruger Model P234 pistol. She asked if the gun came with a clip and he said it did. Then Newman reached for the firearm and tried to pull it away from her. During the struggle, the agent shouted for help and a second agent grabbed Newman from behind.
If convicted, Newman could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, up to 25 years on the robbery count, up to 20 years on the assault count and not less than five years on the charge of brandishing a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting. This case is being prosecuted under Project Guardian, a Justice Department initiative focused to reducing gun violence.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Cory Castro, 28, Lawson, Mo., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred July 21, 2019, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million on the methamphetamine charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The Lenexa Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka is prosecuting.
Perfecto Morales-Santiago, 42, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Jan. 27, 2020, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Huschka is prosecuting.
Stephen M. Nelson, 31, Kansas City, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and July 2019 in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.
Monta Simmons, 31, Leavenworth, Kan., is charged with escaping from federal custody at the Grossman Center on Brewer Place in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 20, 2019.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Bank Robber Did Not Get FarRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty today in federal court to robbing a bank, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Timothy B. Riggans, 57, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to committing a robbery July 30, 2018, at Emprise Bank, 257 N. Broadway in Wichita. Riggans approached a teller and demanded money. A security guard apprehended him outside the bank with the stolen money.
Sentencing is set for May 11. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Registered Sex Offender Gets 50 Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to committing child sexual exploitation crimes while still on supervised release in a previous case was sentenced today to 50 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Daniel Eric Merida, 36, El Dorado, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography, one count of transporting child pornography, two counts of possessing child pornography, and one count of sending obscene material to a minor.
In his plea, Merida admitted using the internet to contact a minor beginning in 2012 when she was 12 years old. He used the internet to sexually exploit the victim, sending her obscene material as well as child pornography. During a search in March 2018, he was found in possession of additional child pornography. After his arrest in November 2018, a second search revealed the defendant had used online storage to transport more child pornography, and he was in possession of more child pornography on his phone.
McAllister commended Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Elizabeth Township Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
U.S. Attorney: Deadly Fentanyl Causing Overdoses in KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A new round of drugs laced with deadly fentanyl is causing overdoses in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Wichita police have reported multiple overdoses in the past few days. They suspect the problem is caused by victims consuming what look like oxycodone pills. In fact, the pills are laced with fentanyl.
“I want to add my voice to those who are sounding a warning,” McAllister said. “Buying drugs on the street is gambling with your life.”
McAllister said his office has prosecuted multiple cases in Kansas of fentanyl disguised as other drugs, including heroin and oxycodone. Users face a higher risk of overdose because fentanyl is far more powerful and dangerous than the drugs they thought they were buying. He said often dealers themselves do not what is in the drugs they are selling.
“The problem is showing up right now in Wichita,” McAllister said. “The entire state should take notice, though. This is not a problem confined to one city.”
McAllister said fentanyl is being produced in large quantities in Mexico and distributed throughout Kansas and the rest of the nation. In an op-ed Oct. 3, 2019, in the Kansas City Star, McAllister cited a case in which the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle in Russell County, Kan., carrying more than 60 pounds of fentanyl, potentially enough to kill millions of people. See https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article235719492.html
Under federal law, distributing controlled substances resulting in the death or serious bodily injury of a user can lead to federal charges with a penalty of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison.
Kansas Farmer Sentenced for Crop Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas farmer was sentenced today to 30 months for federal crop insurance fraud and bankruptcy fraud, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay $604,303 in restitution.
Kevin W. Struss, 63, Wakeeney, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop insurance program, which provides government insurance against unavoidable crop losses. He made false statements in which he under-reported his total 2015 corn crop by approximately 23,524 bushels, and his total sorghum/milo crop by 31,208 bushels.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud. He falsely answered “no” to a question in his bankruptcy filing about whether he had transferred property to anyone else recently. In fact he made two transfers of $150,000 and $320,000 to another person in 2018.
McAllister commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Guilty Plea: Soldier at Fort Riley Described How to Make Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - Jarrett William Smith, 24, Ft. Riley, Kan., pleaded guilty today to unlawfully distributing instructions for making explosive devices over social media while he was a member of the U.S. Army, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction. Smith joined the Army June 12, 2017. He served as an infantry soldier and was trained in combat and tactical operations. He was transferred to Fort Riley in Kansas July 8, 2019.
The FBI received information that Smith gave out guidance to others on how to construct improvised explosive devices. He spoke to others on social media about wanting to travel to Ukraine to fight with a violent, far-right military group.
On September 20, 2019, from Fort Riley Smith sent a person working undercover for the FBI specific instructions for making an explosive device. He also provided a recipe for creating improvised napalm.
Sentencing is set for May 18. Smith could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Federal Jury Convicts KCK Man on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury today convicted a man from Kansas City, Kan., on drug and firearm charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Larry D. Johnson, 33, Kansas City, Kan., was convicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The crimes were alleged to have occurred May 15, 2017, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
Sentencing is set for May 7. The defendant could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the drug charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm charge. McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt , Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Federal Charges Filed in Newton Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Federal charges were filed today against three Wichita men in connection with an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jeremiah Urias, 18, Wichita, Kan.; Rico Montes, 27, Wichita, Kan.; and Jorge Correa, 25, Wichita, Kan. were charged with committing a robbery Feb. 4 at EZ Trip, 100 S. Main in Newton, Kan. A criminal complaint filed in the case alleges two robbers entered the store before 6 a.m. One of the robbers in a red hoodie pointed a handgun at a clerk and demanded money, which the clerk gave him. Then a second robber carrying a military style rifle demanded more money. While waiting for the money, the second robber walked around the store firing shots into the ceiling and into an ATM.
Investigators used surveillance footage to identify a license tag number of the getaway vehicle. After a high speed pursuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested the three defendants. Urias was driving. Montes was wearing a red hoodie and sitting in the front passenger seat. Correa was sitting in the back seat with a rifle.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Newton Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Sentenced for CarjackingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison on a federal carjacking conviction, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Zachary Ausdemore, 30, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking. In his plea, he admitted that on Sept. 10, 2019, he confronted an elderly couple and threatened to kill them unless they gave him the keys to their car.
The incident began earlier that day when Wichita police responded to a report of a stolen Jeep. Ausdemore was a passenger in the stolen jeep with two other people. When police tried to stop the Jeep, the driver accelerated toward an officer. An officer fired at the car, wounding Ausdemore and the driver. When the car stopped, Ausdemore fled on foot. He ran to the house of the elderly couple, who were outside watching the chase, and took the keys to their Honda CRV. Police pursued Ausdemore until he ran the car into a muddy ditch.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty today to two armed robberies at local hotels, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Darrell E. Black, 26, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on May 27, 2017, he robbed the Extended Stay America at 9450 E. Corporate Hills, and on May 29, 2017, he robbed the Days Inn and Suites at 7321 E. Kellogg, both in Wichita.
In both robberies, he held a clerk at gunpoint while demanding money from the hotel cash drawer.
Sentencing is set for May 1. Black could face a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Harcros Chemicals Pleads Guilty to Violating Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Harcros Chemicals, Inc., of Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty today to violating a federal clean air law in connection with a toxic chlorine gas cloud that formed over Atchison, Kan., in 2016, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
According to the company’s plea agreement, Harcros is expected to pay a $1 million fine. The co-defendant in the case, MGP Ingredients, Inc., of Atchison pleaded guilty in November in the same case. That company also is expected to pay a $1 million fine.
Harcros pleaded guilty to negligently violating the federal Clean Air Act. In its plea, the company admitted that on Oct. 21, 2016, a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud formed when 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid were mistakenly combined with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite. The Atchison County Department of Emergency Management ordered community members to shelter in place and to evacuate in some areas. Approximately 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention.
“The chemicals involved in this case posed serious public health and environmental dangers,” said Assistant Director Justin Oesterreich of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Kansas. “EPA and its law enforcement partners are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for actions that put an entire community at risk.”
Harcros is set for sentencing May 27.
McAllister commended the Environmental Protection Agency and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Victims can get more information on US v. Midwest Grain Products, Inc., by visiting https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/victim-witness and filling out a victim questionnaire, leaving a message on a designated phone line at 913-551-6543 or emailing questions to [email protected]
Reno County to Receive up to $750,000 for Response to Opioid EpidemicRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON– Twenty-one rural American communities that have borne the brunt of the opioid epidemic will receive $14.8 million in funding to develop tailored and innovative responses to gaps in prevention, treatment and/or recovery services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
The Rural Responses to the Opioid Epidemic Initiative is co-funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Justice Institute (SJI).
The new initiative will integrate public safety and public health approaches and blend interagency expertise and funding to address the epidemic. It will enable rural areas to implement evidence-based solutions and promising practices in a way that utilizes the unique assets of their communities. Its goal is to reduce opioid overdose deaths in high-risk rural communities, and to support and promote a shared understanding of the patterns and characteristics of local opioid use.
“While no corner of the country has gone untouched by the opioid epidemic, rural America has been hit particularly hard. A challenge of this magnitude requires a response in kind, one that marshals resources, data and innovative approaches in the service of the most effective local responses. The Rural Responses Initiative enables these 21 rural communities to take control of their individual battles against opioid use disorder,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan.
Each site will receive up to $750,000 to establish or enhance public safety, public health and behavioral health collaborations. Sites may also leverage funding to expand peer recovery and recovery support services.
The 21 sites, selected as a result of a competitive, nationwide grant process, represent several regions of the country:
- Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (AR)
- County of Rio Arriba (NM)
- Ellenville Regional Hospital (NY)
- Franklin County Sheriff's Department (MA)
- Grays Harbor Public Health & Social Services (WA)
- Marcum and Wallace Hospital (KY)
- Marshall University Research Corporation (WV)
- Memorial Regional Health (CO)
- Mohave Substance Treatment Education & Prevention Partnership (AZ)
- Northern Kentucky University (KY)
- Northumberland County (PA)
- Porter-Starke Services Inc. (IN)
- Portsmouth City Health Department (OH)
- Prisma Health–Upstate (SC)
- Project Lazarus (NC)
- Reno County Health Department (KS)
- SMA Healthcare, Inc. (FL)
- Mary's Regional Health Center (MN)
- Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency (TN)
- WestCare Tennessee, Inc. (TN)
- Whitley County Health Department (KY)
The Rural Responses Initiative is the latest demonstration project supported by BJA’s Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP), which supports effective local, state and tribal responses to the opioid epidemic.
BJA’s other demonstration projects, which may be found at https://www.coapresources.org/Program/DemoProjects, are:
- ODMAP Statewide Expansion and Response Initiative
- Partnerships to Support Data-driven Responses to Emerging Drug Threats Initiative
- Planning Initiative to Build Bridges Between Jail and Community-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
BJA, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, helps to make American communities safer by strengthening the nation's criminal justice system. Its grants, training and technical assistance, and policy development services provide state, local and tribal governments with the cutting edge tools and best practices they need to reduce violent and drug-related crime, support law enforcement and combat victimization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the leading national public health institute in the United States, and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The State Justice Institute, a non-profit corporation, was established by federal law in 1984 to award grants to improve the quality of justice in state courts and foster innovative, efficient solutions to common issues faced by all courts.
Plea Agreement: Lenexa Company Lost More than $685,000 to FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to a fraud in which a Lenexa company he worked for spent more than $685,000 to buy electrical and wire cable that the man sold to another company and pocketed the money, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Coe Downing, 48, Charlotte, N.C., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime took place while he worked as a project manager for Lenexa-based Wachter, Inc. Downing placed orders for electrical and wire cable from Anixter, Inc., one of Wachter’s suppliers. Wachter paid for the materials by sending a check to Anixter in Texas. Meanwhile, Downing sold the cable to another company, Cabling Systems Supply, Inc. (CSSI) and kept the money.
In the plea agreement, Downing agreed to pay restitution of $25,000 to Wachter, Inc., and $660,323 to Wachter’s insurer, Federal Insurance Company.
Sentencing is set for April 21. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Office of Inspector General, investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Grand Jury Returns Indictments in Project Guardian Gun CasesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A grand jury in Wichita returned two indictments today charging federal gun crimes under the Justice Department’s new initiative called Project Guardian, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute gun crimes as part of Project Guardian,” U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Project Guardian calls for strict enforcement of federal firearms laws, as well as improved information sharing on denials of firearms transfers in an effort to disrupt potential mass shootings. Project Guardian also emphasizes the use of modern intelligence tools and technology such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to investigate and prevent gun crime.
More information about Project Guardian is available at https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian
Today’s firearms indictments include the following:
Rigoberto Ferrel Jr., 27, Garden City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 20, 2019, in Finney County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 and not less than five years and a fine up to $5 million on the drug charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Vario Jesus Portillo-Salinas, 26, Liberal, Kan., is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in July and August 2019 in Seward County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each of the drug counts, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Gonzalo Sandoval-Vizcaino, 45, Oxnard, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 2, 2019, in Ellis County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting.
Miguel Angel Ramirez, 29, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 2, 2019, in Seward County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Kimberly A. Kirchner, 37, Atlanta, Kan., is charged with embezzling funds from the U.S. Postal Service while she was an employee. The crime is alleged to have occurred during a period from Sept. 23, 2019, to Jan. 3, 2020, in Cowley County, Kan.
If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Child Porn Charges Added to Threat Charge Against Salina ManRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Salina man who was charged with posting a threat against the president on social media is now facing child pornography charges, too, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Aaron McDowell, 24, Salina, was charged in a criminal complaint today with one count of presenting and distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. In the earlier case, McDowell faces one count of making a threat against the president. A criminal complaint filed Jan. 21, 2020, alleges McDowell posted on his Facebook page, “I’m going to kill Trump in the white house tomorrow at 7 p.m.”
In the new case, an agent’s affidavit alleges that while investigating the threat case investigators found child pornography on McDowell’s cellular phone containing children performing sex acts. A total of 152 files of child pornography were found on the phone.
Further searches found 2,800 child pornography images in McDowell’s account on Mega, a cloud storage and file hosting service. Investigators also found chats in which child pornography was distributed. McDowell is alleged to have sent a link to another user on a messaging application called Chatous that connected to child pornography in online storage.
If convicted, the defendant could face not less than five years and not more than 20 years on the presenting and distributing count and up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession charged. The U.S. Secret Service, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Woman from Mexico Sentenced After Arrest with 21 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A woman from Mexico who was stopped in Kansas with 21 pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced today to 85 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Maria Alonso-Espinoza, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car on Feb. 26, 2019, on Interstate 70 near Russell, Kan. Her brother was driving and she was riding as a passenger. She was the registered owner of the car.
Troopers found 21 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the driver’s side rear quarter panel. Investigators learned Alonso-Espinoza was taking the methamphetamine from Colorado to Wichita for distribution.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Guilty Plea: Male Enhancement Pills Were Not “All Natural” SupplementsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to importing and selling misbranded pharmaceutical-grade erectile dysfunction drugs from China and marketing them as herbal remedies for men, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Rick Shepard, 60, Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import misbranded drugs. In his plea, he admitted he was doing business as Epic Products when he sold a product called Euphoric to adult novelty stores in multiple states. He marketed Euphoric as “all natural herbal supplements for male enhancement.” In fact, the product contained prescription drugs Tadalafil and Sildenafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis. Shepard purchased the drugs from a supplier in China. He repackaged the capsules, applied his own labels and distributed them to stores in Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.
Sentencing is set for April 20. He could face a sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Food and Drug Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.
Former Cruise Line Call Center Rep Pleads Guilty to Threatening CustomerRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former cruise line service representative pleaded guilty today to threatening a customer over the phone, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Allison C. Dixon, 32, Wichita, Kan. pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting a threatening communication. Dixon worked for Celebrity Cruise Line as a customer service representative in a call center in Wichita. In April 2018, she took a call from a Celebrity customer in Illinois who became dissatisfied with her service and hung up on her. About three minutes later, Dixon called the customer back. Dixon told the customer she knew where the customer lived and she intended to come to Illinois and kill the customer and the customer’s family.
Sentencing is set for April 10. She could face a sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Justice Department Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owners and Manager of Wichita Rental PropertiersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that Thong Cao and his wife, Mai Cao, will be obligated to pay $160,000 in damages and civil penalties to resolve a Fair Housing Act lawsuit alleging that Thong Cao sexually harassed numerous female tenants since at least 2009 at residential properties he owned or operated in Wichita, Kansas. Mai Cao is named as a defendant in this lawsuit because she owned or co-owned certain rental properties at which harassment took place.
Under the consent order in United States of America v. Thong Cao, et al., which was entered today by the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, defendants are required to pay a total of $160,000, which includes $155,000 in monetary damages to eleven former tenants who were harmed as a result of the sexual harassment, and a $5,000 civil penalty. The consent order also bars the defendants from participating in the rental or management of residential properties in the future.
“Sexual harassment of women in their homes is indecent, destructive, and illegal,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “The Fair Housing Act protects the right of women and their families to live in peace and security and without the fear that deviant people will intimidate and bully them for sexual favors. This department will continue tirelessly to pursue landlords and others who abuse their authority by preying upon vulnerable women.”
“Access to fair housing is every person’s right,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister for the District of Kansas. “Landlords, property managers and their employees are legally prohibited from making sexual favors a condition of obtaining or maintaining a place to live.”
The department’s lawsuit, filed in 2017, arose from two complaints that former tenants filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The lawsuit alleged that Thong Cao sexually harassed multiple female residents at the rental properties from at least 2009 to 2014. According to the complaint, Thong Cao engaged in harassment that included, among other things, making unwelcome sexual advances and comments, engaging in unwanted sexual touching, and terminating the tenancies of women who refused to engage in sexual conduct with him.
In October 2017, the Justice Department launched a new initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing. In April 2018, the Department of Justice announced the nationwide rollout, including three major components: an outreach toolkit to leverage the department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices, a public awareness campaign, including the launch of a national Public Service Announcement, and a new joint Task Force with HUD to combat sexual harassment in housing.
Since launching the initiative, the Department of Justice has filed 13 new lawsuits alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing. The Justice Department has filed or settled 18 sexual harassment cases since January 2017, and has recovered over $2.7 million for victims of sexual harassment in housing.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or through its website at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Topeka Men Sentenced on Federal Carjacking ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Two Topeka men were sentenced today on federal carjacking charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Chauncey Elliott Lyles, 20, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Co-defendant Mathdaniel Squirrel, 23, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 72 months. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking.
In their pleas, the defendants admitted that on Jan. 30, 2019, in Topeka, they threatened the driver of a 2007 Cadillac SUV and stole the driver’s vehicle.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
Wichita Woman Had Guns, 20 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman pleaded guilty today to federal firearms and drug charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Wendy L. Scearce, 36, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In her plea, Scearce admitted she was in her residence in the 300 block of North Seneca when Wichita police served a search warrant. Police found a .380-caliber Beretta handgun in the house. In the garage, police found 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 11 firearms. Scearace admitted she kept the gun to protect herself while she was engaged in drug trafficking.
Sentencing is set for April 6. She could face a sentence of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the drug charge and not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.
McAllister commended the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
New Indictment: KU Researcher Concealed Being Recruited for Chinese ‘talent’ programRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Feng “Franklin” Tao, 47, of Lawrence, Kan., was charged today in a superseding indictment with two counts of wire fraud and one count of program fraud. The indictment alleges Tao concealed from University of Kansas officials work he was doing for China while employed full time as an associate professor at KU’s Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis. Some of Tao’s research at KU was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The superseding indictment elaborates on an indictment a grand jury returned in August 2019. It describes how China offered competitive salaries, state-of-the-art research facilities and honorific titles to researchers who joined talent programs and urged them to recruit others.
If convicted, the defendant could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the wire fraud counts and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the program fraud count.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the assigned judge.
The University of Kansas cooperated and assisted in the FBI’s investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi and Nathan Charles, trial attorney for the Counterespionage and Export Control Section (CTS) of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Lance Ashley is charged with four counts of failing to pay over employment taxes. The crimes are alleged to have occurred during 2014 through 2017.
Ashley owned Ashley Home Care Services, LLC, which was a Kansas corporation with a registered office in Overland Park. It is alleged he withheld employment taxes from employees’ paychecks without fully paying those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. The indictment alleges he failed to pay more than $13,386 for tax year 2013, $48,847 for 2014, $63,933 for 2015 and $78,055 for 2016.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton is prosecuting.
Roberto Gallegos-Garcia, 43, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Dec. 19, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Department of Homeland Security, Enforcement and Removal Operations, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Leo Carlos Pacheco-Santos, 20, Passaic, N.J., is charged with failing to appear for a court hearing on charges including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He failed to appear in federal court in Kansas City, Kan., on Oct. 7, 2019.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Los Angeles Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting 60 Pounds of Meth to KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A woman from Los Angeles pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to transporting 60 pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro, 46, Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In her plea, she admitted that the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car Feb. 12, 2019, in Ellis County, Kan. A trooper found the methamphetamine in heat-sealed bags hidden in a real quarter panel and in both rear doors.
Sentencing is set for April 16. She could face a sentence of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery at Family DollarRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to committing an armed robbery at a Family Dollar in south Wichita, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Toney D. Williams, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Oct. 1, 2019, he displayed a handgun when he robbed a Family Dollar at 2301 S. Seneca.
Sentencing is set for April 13. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 84 months in federal prison.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Wichita Police Department, the Safe Streets Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Drove Getaway Car in Series of RobberiesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty today to driving the getaway car in a series of commercial robberies, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Shaiquille Harris, 26, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In his plea, Harris admitted participating in robberies at the following stores:
- Kwik Shop, 710 W. 29th, Wichita, Kan.
- Kwik Shop, 3959 S. Hydraulic, Wichita, Kan.
- Kwik Shop, 3601 E. 47th South, Wichita, Kan.
- QuikTrip, 2821 E. 31st South, Wichita, Kan.
Harris admitted that in each case he drove and a co-defendant entered the store to commit the robbery.
Co-defendant Brelen VonFange, 28, Wichita, Kan., is awaiting trial.
Sentencing for Harris is set for April 13. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each robbery count and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Mail Truck Driver Sentenced for TheftRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A contract mail truck driver for the U.S. Postal Service was sentenced today to two years on federal probation for stealing money from the mail, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, he was ordered to pay more than $3,000 restitution.
David A. Logan, 51, Fort Scott, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of mail theft. In his plea, he admitted stealing money from pieces of mail on his route. In one count, he admitted stealing two pieces of mail containing $50 and $675. In the other count, he admitted stealing three pieces of mail containing $100, $130 and $70. The crimes occurred in Chanute, Kan.
McAllister commended the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Two Men Indicted in Topeka Bank Robbery CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Two men were indicted Wednesday on federal charges arising from an armed bank robbery at a Topeka bank in December, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Shawn Lamar Whitmore Jr., 21, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. Mylus Michael Oneal Jr., 36, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of accessory after the fact and one count of possessing stolen money.
One indictment alleges Whitmore brandished a firearm on Dec. 28, 2019, when he robbed Intrust Bank at 1035 Southwest Topeka Blvd. The other indictment alleges Oneal became an accessory after the fact to the robbery and on Jan. 2, 2020, was found with money stolen from the bank.
If convicted, Whitmore could face up 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge and not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the brandishing charge. The Topeka Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Antonio Duane Simpson, 43, currently in custody in Missouri, is charged with one count of count of carjacking and one count of discharging a firearm during the crime. The indictment alleges that on Dec. 3, 2018, in Topeka, Kan., Simpson stole a 2013 Toyota Tacoma from the owner.
If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the carjacking charge and not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The FBI and the Topeka Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
Sergio Martinez-Carlos, 21, Monahan, Ariz., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute almost 32 pounds of methamphetamine. The defendant initially was charged Dec. 27 in a criminal complaint alleging the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office stopped the defendant’s vehicle and discovered the drugs hidden in speakers in the vehicle.
If convicted, the defendant could face a sentence of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Kingman County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Andrusak is prosecuting.
Adrian Vargas-Ramirez, 38, of Paramount, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct., 17, 2019, in Ellsworth County, Kan.
If convicted, the defendant could face a sentence of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Lawrence Contractor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy in Oread Hotel Tax CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas building contractor pleaded guilty today to conspiring to deprive the city of Lawrence of sales tax revenues in connection with the development of a seven-story hotel adjacent to the University of Kansas campus.
Thomas S. Fritzel, 54, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy. Fritzel, part owner and manager of Oread Inn LC, was a party to an agreement with the city to finance the more than $40 million hotel project, including $11 million worth of street repairs and a public parking garage.
Oread Inn LC was to pay all costs up front and to be repaid $11 million for public improvements. The money to repay Oread Inn LC was to come from an incremental increase in property tax, a sales tax and an additional 1 percent tax on sales within a portion of the redevelopment district.
In his plea, Fritzel admitted that he and others caused false monthly Kansas sales tax returns to be submitted to the state of Kansas. The reports classified certain sales as occurring within the redevelopment district when in fact they occurred outside the district. As a result, the city of Lawrence lost a portion of sales taxes it was due.
The city of Lawrence filed a civil lawsuit against Fritzel seeking the lost revenue and the parties settled that case in 2017.
Sentencing in the criminal case is set for May 4. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 12 months and a day in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI and the Lawrence Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway prosecuted.
Computer Programmer Sentenced in Cyberattack Threat CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita computer programmer was sentenced today to three years federal probation and a $2,000 fine for threatening cyberattacks against two web sites that posted criticism of Wichita lawyer Brad Pistotnik, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
David Dorsett, 37, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of making extortionate threats via the internet. In his plea, Dorsett admitted he contacted Pistotnik in September 2014 offering reputation management services. Pistotnik met with Dorsett and showed him postings on the internet that Pistotnik wanted removed, including a Kansas Supreme Court disciplinary opinion for Pistotnik and a negative consumer review. Email communications between Dorsett and Pistotnik showed Postnik saying, “Any luck removing that bad website I showed you?” and “tell me how we get rid of it.”
Dorsett sent a barrage of emails to two web sites, leagle.com and RipoffReport.com demanding they remove information critical of Pistotnik. The emails read in part, “If you don’t remove it we will begin targeting your advertisers and explain that this will stop happening to them once they pull their ads…” Dorsett billed Pistotnik for sending the threats and Pistotnik paid him by check the same day.
Co-defendant Pistotnik was sentenced in October 2019 to pay a $375,000 fine and $55,200 in restitution.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Retired City Clerk Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A retired city clerk of Caney, Kan. was sentenced Thursday to three years on federal probation for embezzling city funds, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. The defendant also was ordered to pay more than $150,000 in restitution.
Carole Sue Coker, 70, Oronogo, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. Coker, who served as city clerk for about 40 years, admitted she took money from payments made to the city in the form of cash and checks.
In some cases, she did not deposit cash payments from customers into the city’s accounts. In other cases, she deposited only a portion of payments made in the form of checks.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced in Theft of 75+ Cell PhonesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced today to 71 months in federal prison for a robbery in which more than 75 cell phones were stolen from a Sprint store, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Xavier Lopez, 26, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted he served as a lookout while co-defendant Camarin McPherson, 26, Wichita, Kan., robbed a Sprint store at 530 S. West St. in Wichita. McPherson brandished a firearm and hog-tied a clerk with zip ties before taking 54 Apple iPhones and 24 Samsung Galaxy phones with a total estimated value of more than $60,000.
The robbers were arrested after a chase ended in a wreck at Kellogg and Meridian.
McPherson was sentenced last month to 162 months in federal prison. McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing BankRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man pleaded guilty today to robbing a bank, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jeremy Vos, 21, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on July 23, 2019, he robbed Intrust Bank at 5500 E. Harry. He gave the teller a handwritten note saying, “This is a robbery. No (dye) bags. I have a gun.” Police arrested Vos the same day as the robbery.
Wichita police reported Vos had made a false report to 911 shortly before the robbery.
Sentencing is set for March 6. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Kansas Man pleads Guilty to Murder for Killing a Woman on a Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to murdering his longtime girlfriend during a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas in January 2018.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Rachel L. Rojas of the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office made the announcement.
Eric Duane Newman, 55, of Topeka, Kansas, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson of the District of Kansas to one count of murder in the second degree for killing Tamara Tucker with malice aforethought.
According to the admissions made in connection with the plea, Newman and Tucker boarded the Carnival Elation cruise ship on Jan. 18, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida, to take a round-trip voyage to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Newman and Tucker were staying together in a cabin room on the 13th deck of the cruise ship.
Before midnight on Jan. 18, Newman became involved in a verbal argument with Tucker inside their cabin room. At approximately 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 19, Newman physically attacked Tucker, and strangled her by placing both of his hands around her neck. In the process of strangling her, Newman pushed Tucker over the cabin room balcony railing causing her to fall to her death onto the 11th deck. Ms. Tucker died from blunt force trauma as a result of the fall. At the time, the cruise ship was sailing on the high seas in international water, approximately 30 nautical miles from New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Sentencing has been scheduled for March 18, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson.
The FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI’s Topeka Field Office. Trial Attorney Rami S. Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine E. Kenney of the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Office of the Attorney General also provided assistance.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Murder for Killing a Woman on a Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to murdering his longtime girlfriend during a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas in January 2018.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Rachel L. Rojas of the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office made the announcement.
Eric Duane Newman, 55, of Topeka, Kansas, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson of the District of Kansas to one count of murder in the second degree for killing Tamara Tucker with malice aforethought.
According to the admissions made in connection with the plea, Newman and Tucker boarded the Carnival Elation cruise ship on Jan. 18, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida, to take a round-trip voyage to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Newman and Tucker were staying together in a cabin room on the 13th deck of the cruise ship.
Before midnight on Jan. 18, Newman became involved in a verbal argument with Tucker inside their cabin room. At approximately 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 19, Newman physically attacked Tucker, and strangled her by placing both of his hands around her neck. In the process of strangling her, Newman pushed Tucker over the cabin room balcony railing causing her to fall to her death onto the 11th deck. Ms. Tucker died from blunt force trauma as a result of the fall. At the time, the cruise ship was sailing on the high seas in international water, approximately 30 nautical miles from New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Sentencing has been scheduled for March 18, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson.
The FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI’s Topeka Field Office. Trial Attorney Rami S. Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine E. Kenney of the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Office of the Attorney General also provided assistance.
Metro Kansas City Among Seven Cities in Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities – including the combined metropolitan area of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas - through a surge in federal resources.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources in Kansas City, Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister in Kansas and U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison in the Western District of Missouri, along with the federal law enforcement heads based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, announced their participation immediately following the Attorney General’s press conference.
“I am excited about this opportunity for the Kansas City metro area to take part in a program that will provide us more manpower and more money to fight crime,” McAllister said. “Relentless Pursuit will help us reach our goal of making everyone in our community safer. As the name of the operation indicates, we won’t stop until we achieve the goal of reducing violence in Kansas City.”
“Kansas City, which has been wracked by too much violence for too long, is participating in this national initiative to focus more federal law enforcement resources where they are needed most,” Garrison said. “Operation Relentless Pursuit will deploy more agents and officers with additional resources to confront the epidemic of violent crime in our community. The very name of this operation – Relentless Pursuit – is a warning to violent criminals: We will not stop until you are behind bars.”
“Driven by crime-gun intelligence, including the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, firearms tracing data and our experience and expertise in investigating violent gun crime, ATF, as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit, will continue to identify and hold accountable the trigger pullers and firearms traffickers that expose our neighborhoods to violence,” said Marino Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division.
“This operation will allow the DEA to enhance our existing forces in an effort to disrupt and dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations operating in the Kansas City metro area,” said Special Agent in Charge William Callahan. “These traffickers - including cartels and street gangs - will stop at nothing to turn a profit, often using violence and intimidation to expand their network.”
“The FBI remains committed to combatting violent crime throughout our city,” said Timothy R. Langan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Kansas City Division. “Through Operation Relentless Pursuit we will enhance existing forces to direct additional manpower and resources to target the hierarchy of criminal gangs and enterprises. Along with our federal, state and local partners we remain steadfast in our pursuit to dismantle and incapacitate the worst offenders responsible for violence in our community.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service will provide focused relentless pursuit of the most violent fugitives impacting the greater Kansas City area,” said U.S. Marshal Mark James of the Western District of Missouri. “We appreciate Attorney General Barr’s commitment of resources to help us in this fight.”
“Reducing violent crime in Kansas City will take a partnership involving law enforcement and the community,” said U.S. Marshal Ron Miller of the District of Kansas. “The U.S. Marshals Service is proud to work with our community every day, removing the most violent criminals from our streets.”
Operation Relentless Pursuit will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
Indictment: Items Thrown from Car Included Methamphetamine, HandgunRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Shaun Salazar, 59, Bonner Springs, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 15, 2018, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
According to documents filed in court, when Bonner Springs police attempted to stop the defendant’s car officers saw several objects being thrown from the car. Items recovered included a ziplock bag of methamphetamine, a .45-caliber handgun and a magazine containing ammunition. Inside the car, officers found a .380-caliber pistol and two baggies of methamphetamine.
If convicted, he could face not less than five years and not more than 40 years on the drug charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession by a felon. The Bonner Springs Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jesus Labrado, 27, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 16, 2019, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
Joshua A. Chase, 35, is charged with escaping from federal custody at the Grossman Community Corrections Center in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 13, 2019.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
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Wichita Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason E. Silcott, 30, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In his plea, he admitted that on May 27, 2018, Wichita police stopped him with a short barreled shotgun in his vehicle. The shotgun was not registered as required by federal law. On Dec. 5, 2018, Wichita police stopped him and found a .380 caliber handgun in a glove compartment of his vehicle. Because of a prior felony conviction, Silcott was prohibited from having a firearm.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Montgomery County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Cherryvale, Kan., man pleaded guilty today to federal charges of sexually exploiting minors, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Austin Ballew, 21, Cherryvale, Kan., pleaded guilty to five counts of sexually exploiting a child and three counts of sex trafficking of a minor. In his plea, Ballew admitted he used Facebook to pose as an African-American teenager or young man to communicate with minor females in southeast Kansas towns. An investigation began when a victim’s parents contacted the Independence (Kansas) Police Department. Investigators learned that Ballew, calling himself Deandre Johnson, was soliciting other minor females for sex acts and child pornography.
Ballew offered victims money and marijuana to send him sexually explicit videos of themselves. He also threatened victims that he would make their videos public unless they kept cooperating with him.
Sentencing is set for March 23. The parties have agreed to ask the court for a sentence somewhere in a range of 15 years to 25 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Independence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Former Vice President Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $100,000+ from BankRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former vice president of the First National Bank of Harveyville, Kan., pleaded guilty to a federal charge of embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today. The defendant also agreed to make restitution of approximately $107,175
Debra Kay Converse, 60, Harveyville, Kan., pleaded guilty Monday to one count of embezzlement. In her plea agreement, Converse admitted that in April 2019 the president of First National Bank reported to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff that he believed Converse had embezzled from the bank while she was vice president. The bank’s investigation focused on what Converse claimed were glitches in software. On March 29, 2019, Converse resigned from the bank and the bank initiated an audit. The bank also learned that Converse, while serving as City Treasurer for Harveyville wrote $5,700 in checks payable to First National Bank for processing residents’ utility payments. Rather than crediting the revenue to the bank, she cashed the checks.
Sentencing is set for March 9. She could face up to 30 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Indictment: Woman Who Ran Massage Parlors Allowed Employees to Perform Sexual ServicesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Overland Park woman is scheduled to appear in court this week on a federal interstate prostitution charge, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
Chunqui Wu, 61, Overland Park, Kan., is charged with one count of transportation with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. An indictment alleges Wu owned or operated three massage parlors: Alpha Massage at 116 S. Clairborne, #A, in Olathe, Kan.; A Plus Massage at 527 N. Mur-Len Road, in Olathe, Kan.; and King Spa at 13104 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan.
Documents filed in federal court say investigators worked with an undercover confidential source who contacted Wu and asked for a job working in Wu’s massage parlors. An investigator’s affidavit alleges Wu made statements indicating she allowed her employees to perform sexual services for tips. Other investigators working undercover confirmed that employees in Wu’s massage parlors were offering sexual services to customers.
Wu was arrested when she went to the Kansas City International airport in Kansas City, Mo., to meet the undercover confidential source and transport her back to Kansas to work in one of Wu’s massage parlors.
Wu is scheduled for an arraignment Dec. 20 in federal court in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, Wu could face up to 10 years in federal prison. The Olathe Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.