District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Southwest Kansas Men Sentenced to Prison for Plotting to Bomb Somali Immigrants in Garden CityRead the Press Release
Three men from southwest Kansas were sentenced to 25, 26 and 30 years imprisonment on charges of conspiring to detonate a bomb at an apartment complex in Garden Citywhere Muslim immigrants lived, announced Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker; United States Attorney for the District of Kansas Stephen McAllister; FBI Director Chris Wray; Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband; Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John C. Demers; and FBI Kansas City Division Special Agent in Charge Darrin E. Jones.
“The Department of Justice works every day to thwart terrorist threats to the United States," said Acting Attorney General Whitaker. "The defendants in this case acted with clear premeditation in an attempt to kill innocent people on the basis of their religion and national origin. That's not just illegal—it's morally repugnant. Today's sentence is a significant victory against hate crimes and domestic terrorism, and I want to thank everyone who helped bring the defendants to justice—the dedicated professionals with the FBI, the United States Attorney's Office in Kansas, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and our state and local law enforcement partners. Law enforcement saved lives in this case."
“These defendants planned to ruthlessly bomb an apartment complex and kill innocent people, simply because of who they are and how they worship," said FBI Director Wray. “Today, together with our law enforcement partners, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting all people in our communities from those who seek to terrorize and do harm."
“Some people have described this prosecution as a civil rights case, a domestic terrorism case or even a violent crime case,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister of the District of Kansas. “However you look at it, it is a violation of everything we stand for in America, equal rights, public safety and respect for law.”
“Today's sentencing speaks to the FBI's commitment to protect the communities we serve and our continued obligation to disrupt plots where the intent is to commit violence and harm others,” said Darrin Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Kansas City Division. “This sentencing highlights the gravity of these crimes, and that actions motivated by hatred will not be tolerated. The FBI, with our law enforcement partners will continue to work aggressively to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
On April 18, 2018 after a five-week trial, a federal jury convicted Patrick Eugene Stein, 49, of Wright, Kansas, Curtis Allen, 51, of Liberal, Kansas, and Gavin Wright, 53, of Beaver County, Oklahoma, on one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and one count of conspiracy to violate the housing rights of their intended victims. Both conspiracies stemmed from the defendants’ plot to blow up the apartment complex in an effort to kill the Somali Muslim immigrants who lived there. The jury also convicted defendant Wright of lying to the FBI in matter involving domestic terrorism.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that the defendants plotted, over the course of several months, to attack an apartment complex that contained a mosque in Garden City, Kansas, where Muslim immigrants from Somalia lived and worshipped. Evidence during trial established that the defendants held numerous meetings to plan the attack and took significant steps – including making and testing explosives – toward implementing their plan. During an eight-month-long FBI investigation, a confidential source, whom the government credited for thwarting the attack and saving the lives of innocent victims, recorded numerous conversations during which the defendants discussed and refined their plan. As the plan solidified, the defendants discussed obtaining four vehicles, filling them with explosives, and parking them at the four corners of the apartment complex to create an explosion that would be sure to level the building and kill its occupants.
During the course of the investigation, defendant Stein also met with an undercover FBI agent posing as a black market arms dealer, in an effort to obtain a bomb. During one of the meetings, Stein drove with the agent to see the apartment building that the defendants were planning to destroy.
Curtis Allen was sentenced to 25 years. Gavin Wright was sentenced to 26 years. Patrick Stein was sentenced to 30 years.
Whitaker, McAllister, Wray, Dreiband, Demers, and Jones commended the following law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for their exceptional and exemplary efforts investigating and prosecuting this important case: the FBI, the Liberal Police Department, the Seward County Sheriff’s Office, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, the Garden City Police Department, the Dodge City Police Department, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and National Security Division.
The case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi and Trial Attorneys Risa Berkower and Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division and supported by Trial Attorney David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Appellate Attorney Danielle Tarin of the Office of Law and Policy.
For more information about DOJ’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to DOJ hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Kansas Man Charged in Government Contract Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Troy L. Bechtel, 49, of Overland Park, Kan., is charged in a federal indictment with two counts of major program fraud against the United States and two counts of lying to federal investigators, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
The indictment alleges that from August 2009 to April 2013 Bechtel aided and abetted other persons unlawfully to obtain more than $12.7 million from a contract with the Department of Defense.
The indictment alleges Bechtel and other persons falsely represented that United Medical Design Builders, LLC, of Merriam, Kan., was controlled by co-defendant Joseph David Dial, Jr., a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army.
In fact, UMDB was a pass-through company that Dial did not control. The company received a contract through the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program that was awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the design and construction of healthcare facilities at Langley AFB, Andrews AFB, Hanscom AFB, and McGuire AFB.
The indictment alleges Bechtel ran the daily operations for UMDB and made project decisions without reporting to or consulting with Dial. Dial was rarely in the office. He also signed a blank sheet of paper that was scanned for use on official letters and correspondence.
Co-defendant Dial pleaded guilty to one count of major program fraud and one count of wire fraud. He is set for sentencing Jan. 28.
If convicted, Bechtel faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count of defrauding the government and up to five years on each count of lying to investigators, as well as fines and forfeiture judgment representing the amount of proceeds obtained by committing the offenses set out in the indictment. Investigative agencies include the Small Business Administration - Officer of Inspector General, General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Army CID Major Procurement Fraud Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
Former Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Geoffrey Rotich pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return and making a false bankruptcy declaration, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas.
According to documents filed with the court, Rotich owned and operated Inventax, a tax preparation business in Shawnee, Kansas. In March 2013, Rotich willfully aided and assisted in the preparation and filing of an individual’s 2012 individual income tax return that he knew contained false claims for education expenses and other deductions. Rotich also knowingly filed a fraudulent bankruptcy petition, which failed to disclose his interest in Inventax and to completely identify all of his bank accounts.
U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2019. Rotich faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for the tax count and a maximum sentence of three years in prison for the bankruptcy fraud count. Rotich also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney McAllister commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Timothy M. Russo of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Christopher Oakley of the District of Kansas, who prosecuted this case, and the U.S. Trustee’s Office in Wichita, Kansas for their substantial assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
Former Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Geoffrey Rotich pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return and making a false bankruptcy declaration, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas.
According to documents filed with the court, Rotich owned and operated Inventax, a tax preparation business in Shawnee, Kansas. In March 2013, Rotich willfully aided and assisted in the preparation and filing of an individual’s 2012 individual income tax return that he knew contained false claims for education expenses and other deductions. Rotich also knowingly filed a fraudulent bankruptcy petition, which failed to disclose his interest in Inventax and to completely identify all of his bank accounts.
U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2019. Rotich faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for the tax count and a maximum sentence of three years in prison for the bankruptcy fraud count. Rotich also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney McAllister commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Timothy M. Russo of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Christopher Oakley of the District of Kansas, who prosecuted this case, and the U.S. Trustee’s Office in Wichita, Kansas for their substantial assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
Wichita Man Charged with Laser Strike on KHP PlaneRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was indicted today on charges of striking a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft with a beam from a laser pointer, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Armando Rodriguez-Leyva, 29, Wichita, is charged with one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office are campaigning to educate the public about the dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft. When aimed at an aircraft from the ground, the powerful beam of light from a handheld laser can travel more than a mile and illuminate a cockpit, disorienting and temporarily blinding pilots. The effect is similar to a flashbulb going off in a dark car at night. Each year, thousands of laser strikes are reported, and the FBI estimates that thousands more go unreported. For more information, visit this web page: https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/laser-campaign-soundbites-for-media.mov/view
“Engaging in such activity is not a prank; it is extremely dangerous and a federal felony offense,” McAllister said. “Federal authorities are dedicated to rapidly bringing offenders to justice. The charge in this case was brought, and the defendant was arrested, within 5 days of the alleged commission of the offense.”
According to court documents, on December 15 a fixed wing aircraft owned and operated by the Kansas Highway Patrol for law enforcement purposes was flying over south Wichita to assist local law enforcement agents with a case. During the flight, a green-colored laser struck the aircraft several times and illuminated the cockpit of the aircraft, presenting a serious risk to the pilot.
The pilot tracked the laser light to a residence in the 1100 block of South Terrace in Wichita. The defendant was sitting in a car behind the residence when he was arrested.
If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas Highway Patrol, the Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Amy S. Bell, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 13, 2018, in Wichita.
If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty is prosecuting.
Roberto Equihua-Garcia, 39, who is not a United States citizen, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Nov. 16, 2018, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.
Sentence: Prison for KCK Man in Barbershop-Based Drug RingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who was part of a $4 million drug conspiracy operating out of a barbershop in Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Tuesday to 52 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason Bell, 38, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, Bell admitted he was part of a drug ring with co-defendant Edwin Pacheco. Pacheco owned Cocoliso’s Barbershop at 1201 Minnesota in Kansas City, Kan., where Bell was employed.
During the course of a federal investigation, Bell sold thousands of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine to undercover investigators. Bell was arrested when investigators served a search warrant at the barbershop. They found more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine in Pacheco’s Jeep Liberty and seized more than $15,000 from the barbershop’s closet. Investigators calculated that the conspirators sold approximately $4 million worth of illegal drugs.
McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to federal sex trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Johnell Carter, 22, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of sex trafficking. In his plea, he admitted he used physical force including punching and biting to make an 18-year-old woman perform commercial sex acts. He advertised her services online.
In the second count, Carter admitted recruiting a 15-year-old to perform commercial sex acts. He advertised her services online.
Sentencing is set for March 4. Both parties have agreed to argue for a sentence in a range of 15 years to 25 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI, the Wichita Police Department, the Exploited and Missing Child Unit (EMCU) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Guilty Plea: Worker at Children’s Facility Distributed Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A staff member at a facility for children and adults with developmental disabilities pleaded guilty Monday to federal child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
William Bresee, 31, Fontana, Kan., pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. At sentencing, the prosecutor told the court Bresee admitted that federal agents downloaded child pornography from his computer using an online file sharing program. Bresee was a staff member at Lakemary Center in Paola, Kan., working an overnight shift when investigators tracked child pornography to an IP address at the center.
Sentencing is set for March 4. He faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the distribution charges, and not more than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count.
McAllister commended Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Kansas EMT Pleads Guilty to Stealing Morphine from VialsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An EMT in Jackson County, Kan., pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing morphine from vials, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Colby W. VanWagoner, 33, Mayetta, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining a controlled substance by deception and one count of making a false statement during an investigation.
The crimes took place while VanWagoner was working for the Jackson County Emergency Medical Service in Holton, Kan. In his plea, VanWagoner admitted he tampered with vials of morphine sulfate. He replaced morphine with saline solution and put the vials back into narcotic boxes on ambulances and in office stocks. Tests showed the concentration of morphine in vials that had been tampered with was low as 1 percent or less. The concentration of morphine should have been 100 percent.
Sentencing is set for March 12. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years on federal probation.
McAllister commended the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Driving 5+ Pounds of Meth to KansasRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to three years in federal prison for driving more than five pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Steve McAllister said.
Titus Gwess, 24, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, Gwess admitted that he was coming home from Arizona when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him for speeding in Mullinville, Kan. Troopers found about 5.8 pounds of methamphetamine in the car.
Co-defendant Eric Reyes, 22, Wichita, Kan., is set for sentencing Jan. 28. Defendant Allen R. Killion is set for a change of plea hearing Dec. 17.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Pharmacy Tech Sentenced for Stealing Fentanyl from HospitalRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former pharmacy technician was sentenced Monday to 3 years of probation for stealing fentanyl from a Kansas hospital where he worked, U.S. Attorney Steve McAllister said. In addition, he was ordered to pay more than $4,300 in restitution.
Heydon G. White, 37, Stilwell, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully obtaining fentanyl. In his plea, he admitted he stole fentanyl from the University of Kansas Hospital, where he worked as a pharmacy technician. His duties included stocking computerized cabinets known as AcuDose machines and removing expired medication for disposal. An internal audit determined White was responsible for a high number of transactions involving intravenous bags of fentanyl and saline solution. The Kansas Board of Pharmacy revoked his license, citing the theft of 483 bags of fentanyl.
McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.
Missouri Man Who Sold Guns, Marijuana Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Raytown, Mo., man who peddled marijuana and guns on the street in Wyandotte County was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Antonio Rodriguez Robertson, Jr., 21, Raytown, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, he admitted he sold marijuana and guns to investigators working undercover, including a 9 mm Glock Model 17 pistol for $450, a 9 mm Glock Model 19 pistol for $625, a Taurus 9 mm pistol for $450, a .40 caliber Glock pistol for $700, an AR rifle DPMS Model 15 rifle for $1,100. Robertson admitted he regularly smoked marijuana.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward for their work on the case. This case was a Project Safe Neighborhood prosecution.
Bank Teller in Leavenworth Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former bank teller pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling from a savings and loan where she worked, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Theresa Williams, 49, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft by a bank employee. In her plea, she admitted she embezzled $13,000 from Mutual Savings Association in Leavenworth. To cover up the crime, she made false entries in bank reports.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 25. She faces a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Man with 471 Pounds of Marijuana SentencedRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Minnesota man was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison for driving a load of 471 pounds of marijuana to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, he will serve three years on supervised release.
Mark Anthony Berg, 40, Coon Rapids, Minn., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Berg’s vehicle on I-70 in Ellsworth County. Troopers found 471 pounds of marijuana concealed in the vehicle.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
Olathe Man Fined $5,000 for Unlawfully Importing Asian Leopard CatsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas man was sentenced today to pay a $5,000 fine for unlawfully importing endangered leopard cats, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
The leopard cat is a small wild cat native to Asia. It is considered as an endangered species under federal law.
Lawrence E. Payne, 34, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Endangered Species Act. The investigation began when Payne applied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a breeding license for Asian leopard cats. When investigators served a search warrant at Payne’s home, they found three Asian leopard cats. Payne admitted importing the animals.
McAllister commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Indictment: Drug Deals Took Place Within 1,000 Feet of Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today alleging drug deals were taking place within 1,000 feet of Junction Elementary School, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Michael Pruitt, 48, who is in federal custody, was charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the school at 2570 S. 42nd Street in Kansas City, Kan.
According to court documents, three times in November 2018 investigators working undercover bought methamphetamine from Pruitt. The transactions took place at a business at 4200 Shawnee Drive. A search of that business turned up almost two pounds of methamphetamine.
If convicted, Pruitt faces a penalty of not less than five years on the first distribution count, and not less than 10 years on each of the other counts. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
A Kansas man is charged with selling a pound of methamphetamine to an undercover investigator in a restaurant parking lot in Kansas City, Kan.
Moises Martinez-Martinez, 31, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine. According to court documents, Martinez-Martinez agreed to sell a pound of methamphetamine to undercover investigators for $5,000. The deal took place in the parking lot of Tapatio restaurant.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
Mario Uriel-Quinones, 39, Leavenworth, Kan., is charged with escaping from custody at the Grossman residential reentry center in Leavenworth. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 18, 2018.If convicted, he faces 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.
Robert Boyles, Jr., 55, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 28, 2017, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Prison Sentence for Hutchinson Woman Who Said She Was Selling Drugs to Pay Off her BondsmanRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Hutchinson woman was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison on drug and firearm charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Kimberly R. Phillips, 35, Hutchinson, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
In her plea, Phillips admitted investigators found 64 tablets of oxycodone when they searched her residence. She also admitted that when investigators stopped her car they found her Derringer handgun and methamphetamine. She told investigators she was selling drugs to pay back her bondsman.
McAllister commended the Hutchinson Police Department and Department of Health and Human Services – OIG and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Park City Man Sentenced for Brandishing Gun During RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for brandishing a gun during a robbery at a local credit union, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Mack W. Colvin, Jr., 32, Park City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In his plea, he admitted that on Dec. 19, 2017, he robbed the Wheat State Credit Union at 1400 S. Oliver. He pointed a firearm at tellers and demanded money. Investigators identified him and issued a warrant for his arrest. Colvin turned himself in to the FBI several days after the warrant was issued.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Great Bend Man Sentenced to 13+ Years for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Great Bend man was sentenced today to 165 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Charles A. Gann, 49, Great Bend, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that an investigator with the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was able to use a file-sharing program to download child pornography from Gann’s computer. At sentencing, a prosecutor argued Gann used the internet to seek out and communicate with other people who shared Gann’s desire to have sex with children.
McAllister commended Immigration and Customs Services and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work on the case.
Hutchinson Man Sentenced to 7+ Years for Downloading Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Hutchinson man was sentenced Tuesday to 90 months in federal prison for downloading child pornography from the internet, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Shane Ragsdale, 31, Hutchinson, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he used a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to download child pornography.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Credit UnionRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty today to robbing a local credit union, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Robert Charles Frazier, 63, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Aug. 20, 2018, he robbed the Azura Credit Union at 1129 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka. He told a teller, “This is a robbery. Give me your twenties, fifties and hundreds.” After receiving the money, he left the building and sat down on a nearby wall. An off-duty Topeka police officer working security arrested him.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 26. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department and the FBI for their work on the case.
Johnson County Man Sentenced, Banned from BankingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former banker who lives in Johnson County was sentenced today to 3 years probation and banned from working as a banker, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Michael W. Yancey, 59, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements on a loan application. In his plea, he admitted the crime took place while he was working as a senior vice president and commercial lender at Farmers Bank & Trust, N.A., in Overland Park. Farmers Bank is headquartered in Great Bend, Kan.
Yancey conspired with another person to obtain and maintain a business loan of $850,000 from Farmers Bank for two companies by falsely representing the terms of a real estate purchase in Basehor, Kan. He falsely represented to the bank that the property’s purchase price was $1.1 million when in fact it was $850,000. The false information made it appear the loan conformed to a maximum 75 percent loan-to-value ratio when in truth the loan was approximately 97 percent of the purchase price. He also falsely stated that the loan involved a seller carryback of $150,000 and a borrower equity injection of $125,000.
McAllister commended SIG-TARP (Office of Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program), the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor - Employee Benefits Security Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced in Case of Guns Stolen from Sheriff’s VehicleRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 33 months in federal prison for concealing the theft of guns from a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Justin Winger, 37, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of misprision (failure to report a crime). In his plea, Winger admitted he was present when co-defendant Travis Keller broke into an undercover car and stole a 9 mm handgun, a 12-gauge shotgun and a 5.56 caliber rifle. Winger knew the co-defendant was a convicted felon who was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms.
Co-defendant Travis Keller was sentenced to 57 months.
McAllister commended the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Kansas Business Owner Sentenced for Making False Statement on Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who owned businesses in Topeka, Olathe and Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced today to 12 months and a day for falsifying a tax return, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
Fernando Tapia, 47, Eudora, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a tax return. Tapia owned meat markets in Topeka, Olathe and at two locations in Kansas City, Kan., as well as two more in Missouri. In a tax return for 2010, Tapia reported receiving $1,991 in income from a category of income that included partnership income. In fact, he received approximately $120,000 in income from that category.
McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Driving Seven Pounds of Meth to KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Colorado man was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for driving seven pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Steven McAllister said.
Hector Manuel Aguirre, 21, Edwards, Colo., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that in February 2018 the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped his car in Ellis County. Investigators found more than seven pounds of methamphetamine in the car. Aguirre was transporting the drugs from California to Wichita.
McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh for their work on the case.
Kansas Man with Island Pot Farm Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man who was growing marijuana on an island in the Neosho River was sentenced today to 65 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Scott Joseph Skibo, 55, Chetopa, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. In his plea, he admitted he was tending his marijuana garden on an island in the Neosho River in Chetopa, Kan., when investigators had him under surveillance.
When law enforcement officers moved in to arrest him, Skibo got in his boat and fled. Officers in their own boat pursued him about half a mile before catching him. They seized about 50 marijuana plants, as well as a backpack containing a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun, spare ammunition, marijuana, scissors, green twine, a water bottle and rain gear.
McAllister commended the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Charged with Eight Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday on charges of eight robberies at area businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Joseph Bryant Toole, III, 35, Topeka, Kan., is charged with the following robberies:
- Nov. 2, 2018: Lynn’s Liquor Store, 3335 Southwest Gage Boulevard, Topeka, Kan.
- Sept. 20, 2018: Lynn’s Liquor Store.
- July 16, 2018, Lynn’s Liquor Store
- March 25, 2018, Sonic Drive-In Restaurant, 1015 E. 23rd, Lawrence, Kan.
- July 17, 2018: Kwik Shop, 746 Northeast Wabash Avenue, Topeka.
- Sept. 13, 2018: Mexican Taco Shop, 3703 Southwest Burlingame Road, Topeka.
- Sept. 20, 2018: Gas Trip, 550 Southwest Croco Road, Topeka.
- Sept. 30, 2018: Super Store, 4301 Southwest 21st Street, Topeka.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Damario Deante Brooks, 36, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 18, 2018, in Topeka. Brooks was sentenced to 30 months on federal drug charges in 2016.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
This case is being prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
William F. Bivens, III, Topeka, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 18, 2018, and Oct. 12, 2018, in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
This case is being prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 12+ Years for Soliciting a Minor OnlineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence man was sentenced Wednesday to 151 months in federal prison for soliciting a 16-year-old girl to send him child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jamie Drake, 40, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. In his plea, he admitted he solicited a 16-year-old girl from Franklin County, Mo., to send him photos of herself in sexual poses. He offered to pay her bills and send her money in exchange for photos.
McAllister commended Missouri Highway Patrol and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Sentenced After DNA Found on GunRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man whose DNA was found on a handgun was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason M. Trevillion, 33, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The investigation began when members of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department’s Violent Crime Task force heard shots fired in the area of 8th and Parallel Avenue. Police attempted stop a Dodge Caravan but the vehicle fled. When police blocked the car from the front and behind, the van rammed both police cars. Trevillion was one of the defendants who eventually got out of the van.
In the van, police found a .40 caliber pistol with a 50-round drum magazine, two .223 caliber pistols, a 9 mm pistol, and a .45 caliber pistol, as well as spent shell casings and live rounds. Trevillion’s DNA was found on the 9 mm pistol. He had a 2015 conviction in Wyandotte County for aggravated assault.
Co-defendant Ernest A. Jones was sentenced to 12 months and a day. Co-defendant Taurez L. Adams is set for sentencing Nov. 13.
McAllister commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the FBI, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel for their work on the case.
Paola Man Sentenced in Federal Meth Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Miles Joseph McWhorter, 34, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. McWhorter was yelling, moving erratically and acting aggressively toward law enforcement officers when they stopped his car in Ottawa, Kan. Investigators found almost a pound of methamphetamine in the car, as well as ammunition and $2,724 in cash. After McWhorter was arrested, McWhorter’s girlfriend was arrested with 200 grams of methamphetamine and a shotgun belonging to McWhorter.
McAllister commended the Franklin County Drug Enforcement Unit, the KBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.
Merriam Restaurant Owner Sentenced for Faking Proof He Was Paying Minimum WageRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Merriam restaurant owner was sentenced Tuesday to 10 months in federal prison for falsifying records he submitted to prove he was paying his workers minimum page, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Yong Lin, 39, Overland Park, Kan., who owned the China Garden restaurant at 5860 Antioch in Merriam, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of falsifying records submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor.
In his plea, the defendant admitted that a federal investigation determined he was not complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act because he did not pay employees overtime after 40 hours. After he agreed to pay employees back wages, a subsequent investigation revealed he was feigning compliance by paying his servers with paychecks to bring their hourly pay up to minimum wage. In fact, however, he was requiring the servers to cash their payroll checks and turn the money back over to him.
McAllister commended the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, Office of Solicitor General, Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
California Man Pleads Guilty in Deadly Wichita Swatting CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A California man entered a plea agreement today in federal court in Kansas that would send him to prison for 20 years or more, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Tyler Barriss, 25, Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to causing a deadly swatting incident in Wichita on Dec. 28, 2017, as well as dozens of similar crimes in which no one was injured. In those cases, Barriss was charged in federal courts in California and the District of Columbia.
In the Wichita case, Barriss entered guilty pleas to count one (making a false report resulting in a death), count two (cyberstalking) and count 12 (conspiracy) of a superseding indictment.
“Without ever stepping foot in Wichita, the defendant created a chaotic situation that quickly turned from dangerous to deadly,” U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. “His reasons were trivial and his disregard for the safety of other people was staggering.”
In the Kansas case, Barriss admitted making hoax calls that resulted in Wichita police surrounding an old house at 1033 W. McCormick. When officers arrived, they believed there was a man inside who had killed his own father and was holding family members hostage. A man who came outside to face police, however, had done nothing wrong and did not know about the swatting call. As he stepped onto the porch, police told him to put up his hands. When he unexpectedly dropped his hands, he was shot and killed.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
In the case from the District of Columbia, Barriss pleaded guilty to making hoax bomb threats in phone calls to the headquarters of the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C.
CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
In the case from the Central District of California, Barriss pleaded guilty to 46 counts, including making calls with false reports that bombs were planted at high schools, universities, shopping malls and TV stations. He made the calls from Los Angeles to emergency numbers in Ohio, New Hampshire, Nevada, Massachusetts, Illinois, Utah, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, New York, Michigan, Florida and Canada.
WICHITA
Two co-defendants in the Wichita case, Casey Viner, 18, North College Hill, Ohio, and Shane Gaskill, 20, Wichita, Kan., are awaiting trial.
In Barriss’ plea, he admitted he got involved with Viner and Gaskill after they had a falling out while playing the game Call of Duty online. As a result, Viner, who was in Ohio, asked Barriss, who was in California, to swat Gaskill, who was in Wichita. Gaskill found out Barriss was stalking him and in messages over the internet he dared Barriss to carry out the swat. Gaskill fooled Barriss, however, by claiming to live at 1033 W. McCormick. In fact, Gaskill no longer lived there.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 30 before U.S. District Court Judge Eric Melgren.
McAllister and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett prosecuted the case. In the Kansas case, McAllister commended the FBI, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Police Department for their work on the case. In the Middle District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorney George Emel Pence, IV, prosecuted. In the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Matthew Jones prosecuted.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Texas Man Sentenced in Cocaine Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Texas man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for driving a load of cocaine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Ricardo Daniel Ruiz, 20, El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, he admitted that a police officer in Elkhart stopped him for speeding. A search of the vehicle turned up 6.8 kilos (about 15 pounds) of cocaine wrapped in six bundles and hidden beneath the back seat.
McAllister commended the Elkhart Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Indictment: Man Tossed Guns and Meth as He Ran from Salina PoliceRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. –A convicted felon arrested after he ran from police in Salina was indicted today on federal drug and gun charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason P. Briscoe, 41, Minneapolis, Minn., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count one), one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count two), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count three), two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction (counts four and five) and four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction (counts six through nine).
Documents filed in the case allege Briscoe got out of a 2004 Chevrolet Impala and ran when police stopped the car in March for a traffic violation. During the chase, he discarded a 9 mm Beretta handgun and a nylon bag containing a 9 mm Taurus handgun, brass knuckles, methamphetamine and marijuana.
If convicted, he faces the following penalties:
Count one: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
Count two: Not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count three: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts four through nine: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Salina Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting. This case is being prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Driving Prostitutes, Robbing Customers Were Part of the Job for Wichita ManRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to carrying a gun during a robbery of a man who was going to meet with a prostitute, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Christian L. Dixon, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. In his plea, he admitted he worked with another man who was running a prostitution business. Dixon’s job included obtaining drugs and driving prostitutes to meetings with customers. In a meeting in a vacant apartment in the 1200 block of Longfellow, Dixon and the other man robbed a customer of his wallet, money and cell phone at gunpoint. Dixon carried a gun during the robbery.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 28. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years in federal prison.
Co-defendant Johnell Carter, 22, Wichita, Kan., is set for a change of plea hearing Nov. 26. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Driver of SUV with 11 Illegal Immigrants Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty Monday to unlawfully driving himself and 10 other illegal aliens from Arizona to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Alex They Maya-Dimas, 37, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of transporting illegal aliens. In his plea, he admitted he was driving a 2002 GMC Yukon when a Ford County deputy stopped him. Maya-Dimas and 10 other occupants of the vehicle were Mexican citizens who were in the United States illegally. The passengers told investigators Maya-Dimas drove them from Arizona to Kansas City through Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 24. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced in Pizza Parlor Drug RingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to seven years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking organization that operated out of a pizza parlor, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Michael Price, 43, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted he was part of a drug trafficking ring headed by co-defendant Adolfo Barragan-Rodriguez, who ran the operation from a Pronto Pizza restaurant he owned in Topeka.
In his plea, Price admitted he bought methamphetamine from co-defendant Michelle Belair and then sold it. He also assisted Belair and Barragan-Rodriguez with distributing methamphetamine.
Barragan-Rodriguez and Belair already were sentenced. He was sentenced to 180 months and she was sentenced to 156 months.
McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
KCK Man Who Sold a Pound of Meth a Week Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man who admitted selling a pound of methamphetamine a week was sentenced Monday to 13 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Joseph L. Cornejo, 30, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. When investigators served a search warrant at his home in the 5000 block of Parkview, they found methamphetamine, almost $2,000 in cash and nine firearms including handguns and rifles. Cornejo told investigators he had been selling about a pound of methamphetamine a week and sometimes he traded meth for guns.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for their work on the case.
Felon Called to Say He Was in A Bind, Now He’s Charged with Escaping CustodyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A convicted felon who was under house arrest was indicted today on a federal charge of escaping custody, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Joaquin Florez, 42, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of escaping federal custody. According to documents filed in the case, Florez was sentenced to federal prison in 2015 after being convicted on a drug charge. He was transferred from federal prison to home confinement in Kansas City, Kan.
On Sept. 13, 2018, the Bonner Springs Police Department notified the U.S. Probation Office that Florez was involved in a police chase in Bonner Springs. On the same day, Florez called the Grossman Residential Reentry Center in Leavenworth to say he was in a bind. He said he had purchased a vehicle and allowed a friend to drive it. He said the friend was involved in a chase with police. The director of the center ordered Florez to return to the center immediately. Florez did not report as required.
If convicted, he faces 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.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Joseph Holbrook, Jr., 34, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 26, 2018, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Will Monitor Federal Election Complaints in KansasRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal prosecutor will be on duty on election day to respond to complaints of possible election fraud or voting rights violations in federal elections in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” McAllister said. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag will be available to the public at 785-295-2858 while the polls are open on Nov. 6.
McAllister said he does not expect any problems during voting, but warned that there are penalties under federal law for any efforts to fraudulently influence the outcome of an election or to improperly prevent another person from exercising the right to vote.
As election officer, Maag will join other federal prosecutors across the nation as part of the election-day program of the U.S. Department of Justice. They will be responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department headquarters.
The FBI’s Kansas City Field Office will also have Special Agents available to receive allegations of election fraud, intimidation, suppression, and other election abuses. The public can provide information regarding possible election crimes to the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office’s toll-free hotline, 1-855-527-2847, or email [email protected] .
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC, by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
Any questions involving state or local issues may be referred to the Elections Division of the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office at 785-296-4561 or to the pertinent county election office.
U.S. Attorney Assigns Staff Member to Observe Election in Dodge CityRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister will send a member of his staff to observe in-person the voting in Dodge City, McAllister said today.
McAllister said: “As Attorney General Jeff Sessions emphasized in a release earlier today, ‘Voting rights are constitutional rights, and they’re part of what it means to be an American. The Department of Justice has been entrusted with an indispensable role in securing these rights for the people of this nation.’ In light of the concerns recently raised with regard to the polling place situation in Ford County, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas will have one or more lawyers present in Dodge City on Election Day to observe the election process. To be clear, the U.S. Attorney’s office has not intervened in pending litigation, nor is it taking any position regarding that litigation. At this time, we are simply taking a basic step to observe the election with the hope that all goes smoothly in Ford County, so that each and every voter’s constitutional right to vote is honored and fully protected.”
McAllister’s office filed a notice with the court today announcing his intentions to the court and the parties involved in a civil lawsuit filed by the League of United Latin American Citizens against the Ford County Clerk’s Office.
Leawood Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Federal Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Leawood attorney was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for concealing his assets and income in an effort to keep the Internal Revenue Service from collecting more than $132,000 in taxes he owed, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. The defendant also was ordered to pay restitution of slightly more than $202,000, which includes penalties and interest.
David B. Mandelbaum, 58, Leawood, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. In his plea, he admitted he owed more than $132,000 from the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 tax years. He concealed his assets and income from the IRS by setting up bank accounts under other identities and making false statements. He also kept personal money in a trust account that was supposed to include only funds belonging to clients, in order to hide that money from the IRS.
McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Former Wichita Police Officer Sentenced for Not Reporting Illegal GamblingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former Wichita police officer was sentenced Friday to a year on supervised probation for failing to report what he knew about illegal poker games, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Bruce Mackey, 46, Goddard, Kan., pleaded guilty to one felony count of misprision of a felony. Mackey admitted that while he was a police officer he knew and did not report individuals who were conducting a gambling business. During an illegal poker game in February 2014, Mackey confirmed for organizers of the game that one of the gamblers was a Wichita police officer, after organizers of the game attempted to identify that person.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Sentenced for Stealing Guns from Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was sentenced Wednesday to 51months in federal prison for stealing 14 guns from a pawn shop, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Angel D. Mora, 20, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of stealing guns from a licensed firearms dealer. At a sentencing hearing, a prosecutor said Mora and accomplices broke into Joe’s Pawn and Gun in Kansas City, Kan. They took seven rifles, five shotguns and two handguns. When police arrived during the burglary, Mora fled on foot. Investigators found him hiding along a creek bed and arrested him.
McAllister commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case. The was prosecuted under the U.S. Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
$848,459 Federal Grant to Help Kansas Fight MethRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will receive an estimated $848,459 in federal grant funds to fight methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
“Methamphetamine is closely tied in Kansas with violent crimes and property crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Methamphetamine is ranked as the top drug threat in Kansas, according a 2018 assessment by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. Other states to receive funding include Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The award will come from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP). CAMP funding may be used to locate or investigate illicit activities, including precursor diversion, laboratories or methamphetamine traffickers.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to assuming his brother’s identity to get a loan and buy a car, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
John Nolan, Jr., 64, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In his plea, Nolan admitted he fraudulently used his brother’s Social Security number to purchase a Chevrolet Suburban from a car dealership in Merriam, Kan. Nolan filled out a Wells Fargo credit application using his brother’s name, date of birth and Social Security number. He also provided a driver’s license with Nolan’s picture and his brother’s identifying information. Nolan’s brother was living in Saudi Arabia and had not communicated with the defendant for years.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 24. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 30 months in federal prison. McAllister commended Virgil Reichle, U.S. Secret Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Wichita Woman Sentenced for Stealing Guns to Pay Drug DebtRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita woman was sentenced Monday to 110 months in federal prison for prying open a display case and stealing guns from a local store, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Chaelyn Nichole Aaron, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty of one count of theft of firearms. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred March 28, 2018, at an Atwoods store at 6235 N. Broadway. Aaron went into the store and used a small red crowbar to pry open a display case. She took seven handguns from the case and left the store. According to documents filed in court, she gave the guns to a drug dealer to pay off her debt.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case. This case was prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
Verdict: Wichita Doctor Guilty of Diverting Rx Drugs to the StreetsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal jury today convicted a Wichita doctor of unlawfully distributing prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Dr. Steven R. Henson, 57, Wichita, Kan., who operated Kansas Men’s Clinic at 3636 N. Ridge Road in Wichita, was convicted on the following counts:
- Conspiracy to distribute prescription drugs outside the course of medical practice (Counts 1 and 2).
- Unlawfully distributing oxycodone (Counts 3 through 15).
- Unlawfully distributing oxycodone, methadone and alprazolam (Count 16).
- Unlawfully distributing methadone and alprazolam, the use of which resulted in the death of a victim on July 24, 2015, identified in court records as N.M. (Count 17)
Presenting false patient records to investigators (Count 19). - Obstruction of justice (Count 20)
- Money laundering (Counts 26 through 31).
Henson was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispense prescription controlled substances. His registered addresses included the Wichita Men’s Clinic and a location at 1861 N. Rock Road, Suite 201.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Henson:
- Wrote prescriptions in return for cash.
- Post-dated prescriptions.
- Wrote prescriptions without a medical need.
- Wrote prescriptions without a legitimate medical exam.
- Wrote prescriptions for people other than the ones who came to see him.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. He faces the following penalties:
Counts 1-16: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
Count 17: Not less than 20 years and not more than life and a fine up to $1 million.
Count 19: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count 20: A maximum penalty of one year and a fine up to $100,000.
Counts 26-31: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Newton Police Department, the Wichita Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division investigated, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh for their work on the case.
Spent Shell Casings Tied Suspect to Shots Fired, Stolen GunRead the Press Release
TOPEKA – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 40 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a stolen gun, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Robert M. Glasscox, 47, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a stolen firearm. The investigation began when a Topeka police officer stationed in a parking lot at 2622 S.E. 6th Avenue heard three gunshots nearby. When he stopped Glasscox’s car, he found two spent shell casings and a box of ammunition in the car. Investigators found a third spent shell casing at the corner of 6th and Golden, which was identical to the spent casings in Glasscox’s car.
Investigators found a 9 mm handgun at S.E. 10th Avenue and California, near where Glasscox was stopped. The ammunition in the gun was identical to the spent shell casings and the ammunition in Glasscox’s car. The gun had been reported stolen.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
This case was prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Ness County Sheriff Pleads Guilty, Agrees to ResignRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – The Sheriff of Ness County pleaded guilty Monday to a federal firearm charge and agreed to resign, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Sheriff Bryan Whipple, 48, Ness City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly selling a gun to a person who was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm. In his plea, Whipple admitted he arranged to sell a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition to a man he knew was a convicted felon.
The plea agreement calls for Whipple to resign his position as sheriff and to surrender his law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training. Both parties will recommend Whipple be sentenced to probation. Sentencing is set for Jan. 17.
McAllister commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.