District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Wichita Man Charged with Three RobberiesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was charged in federal court today with robbing three commercial businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Willie Smith, 38, Wichita, Kan., is charged with three counts of robbery. Documents filed in court allege that Smith:
- Robbed the Express Mart convenience store at 565 S. Market in Wichita on Oct. 14. A clerk said the robber lifted up his shirt to reveal the handle of a gun.
- Robbed Peter’s Liquor store at 332 W. Harry on Oct. 15. A clerk said the robber pulled out a gun and said, “Give me the money.”
- Robbed a Quick Trip store at 1532 S. Seneca on Oct. 16. A clerk said the robber displayed a handgun and demanded money.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, investigators found Smith’s fingerprints at the Express Mart and the Quick Trip. Investigators did not find a gun.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Not Paying Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY – A Jefferson County man pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service for a medical staffing company he owned, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
David Monhollon, 61, Ozawkie, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay payroll taxes owed by First Call Medical Group, LLC. The company provided medical staffing services to health care providers. In his plea, Monhollon admitted he failed to pay a total of $68,261 for seven quarters of the company’s payroll taxes. He admitted he knew the taxes were due but paid other obligations such as payroll, utilities and telephone bills instead.
He will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended IRS – Criminal Investigation, Tax Division Trial Attorney John Mulcahy and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
License Plate Reader Helped Identify Robbery SuspectRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was indicted in federal court Wednesday on a charge of robbing a Walgreens store, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Bill Oliver Chavez, 42, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of robbing a commercial business. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 13, 2018, Chavez robbed a Walgreens store at 3696 S.W. Topeka, Blvd.
Documents filed in court allege the lifted his shirt and showed the cashier what appeared to be the butt of a gun. The cashier emptied the register and the robber left the store with the money.
Surveillance video showed the robber was driving a four-door Nissan Maxima with a sunroof. An investigator used data from a license plate reader to help narrow the search for cars of the type in the video and owners who fit the description of the robber.
If convicted, Chavez faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Lamar Ray Steele, 28, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 29, 2018, Steele possessed a 9 mm handgun.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
John Wesley Towner, Jr., 30, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 23, 2018, he possessed a 9 mm handgun.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery in LeawoodRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty Monday to robbing a bank in Leawood, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Lorenzo Moore, 48, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on July 11, 2017, he robbed the BMO Harris Bank at 8840 State Line Road in Leawood, Kan. According to documents filed in federal court, Moore was carrying a messenger-style bag when he gave a clerk a note saying: “Bomb and gun, place money on counter, no alarms, no dye packs.”
Forensic analysis of the note Moore left in the bank revealed a fingerprint that led investigators to arrest Moore. Moore told investigators that during the robbery he put a small box on the counter so the teller’s imagination would “run wild.”
Sentencing is set for Jan. 14. He faces a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison and restitution of $12,575. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Garden City Man Was Armed While Selling Fentanyl-Laced HeroinRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Garden City man Monday admitted he was armed while selling a dangerous mixture of fentanyl and heroin, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Adrian Lashawn Perkins, 41, Garden City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. The case began when Perkins sold drugs to undercover investigators. When they served a search warrant at Perkins’ apartment, investigators found packages of fentanyl-laced heroin and four guns including a 9 mm handgun on the floor, a .22 caliber pistol under a couch, a 9 mm handgun under the mattress at the foot of a bed, and a 9 mm handgun in an unlocked safe next to the bed.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is considered dangerous even in small amounts. The Justice Department has issued warnings to first responders urging them to protect themselves from exposure to it.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 3. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of seven years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Garden City Police Department, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
The case was prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
California Man Sentenced for Copyright InfringementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A California man was sentenced Monday to serve three years on federal probation for unlawfully selling copyrighted aviation data updates, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay more than $30,000 in restitution.
Craig M. Vincent, 51, Stockton, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of criminal infringement of a copyright.
In his plea, Vincent admitted he used eBay to resell aviation navigational database updates in violation of Jeppesen Company’s licensing agreement for a trademarked product called NavData. Jeppesen is a Boeing subsidiary. Jeppesen’s NavData includes airport information, runway characteristics, waypoints, arrival routes, departure routes, terminal procedures and general information that a Global Positioning System or flight management computer needs to navigate an airplane to final destination.
Jeppesen sold NavData subscriptions to Kansas-based Garmin, Inc. Doing business as Merlin Enterprises, Vincent sold NavData cards and required customers to return old data cards to him.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Charged in Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was charged in federal court today with robbing a local bank earlier this week, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Brent Allen Drees, 50, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of bank robbery. A criminal complaint and affidavit alleges that on Oct. 9 Drees robbed the Conway Bank at 121 E. Kellogg. Drees was wearing a baseball cap and jeans when he entered the bank and gave a teller a note saying, “Give me $3,000 and you won’t get hurt.”
Investigators identified Drees as a suspect and arrested him on Oct. 11.
Drees was released from Bureau of Prisons custody in July 2017 after serving a 46-month sentence for bank robbery.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force 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.
Indictment: Retired City Clerk Covered up EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A retired city clerk of Caney, Kan., was indicted today on charges of stealing more than $36,500 from the city, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Carole Sue Coker, 69, Oronogo, Mo., is charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of bank fraud. The indictment alleges that Coker, who served as city clerk for about 40 years, employed a so-called “check for cash” embezzlement scheme to conceal the crimes.
The indictment alleges Coker embezzled a portion of cash payments made to the city. She covered up the crime by recording only a portion of some checks made out to the city. In this way, Coker made the city’s books appear to balance.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the mail fraud count, and up to 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the bank fraud count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
The former operator of the water system in Garden Plain, Kan., was charged today with falsifying reports on the quality of the city’s drinking water, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Arthur Wolfe, 62, Norwich, Kan., is charged with two counts of making false statements in reports required by the Environmental Protection Agency. The indictment alleges Wolfe certified bacteriological reports in which water samples taken from some locations were represented as samples taken at other locations.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Environmental Protection Agency investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Martin Urias-Sillas, 43, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Sept. 26, 2017, in Wichita, Kan.,
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Lying to ATFRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former deputy with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department was sentenced Wednesday to a year and a day in federal prison for lying to investigators about a missing machinegun, U.S. Attorney Stephan McAllister said.
Robert W. Doty, 60, Guymon, Okla., pleaded guilty to one count of lying to a federal investigator. In his plea, Doty admitted that in March 2018 he was interviewed by an agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The agent was investigating a report by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office that an Uzi machinegun was missing from its inventory.
Doty told the agent that he had cleaned the machinegun, taken it to the range to shoot it and then returned it to the Sheriff’s office. In fact, Doty did not return the machinegun. He took it to a third party’s house and left it there.
According to the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, Doty’s certification as a law enforcement officer has been revoked.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing a Quik TripRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man pleaded guilty today to robbing a Quik Trip in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Stephan McAllister said.
Samuel L. Vliet, 26, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbing a commercial business. In his plea, he admitted that on July 18, 2018, he robbed a Quik Trip at 110 S. Rock Road in Wichita. After Vliet left the store with money from the register, investigators lifted prints from a door where the clerk saw the robber touch the glass. The prints helped investigators identify Vliet and arrest him.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 3. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
Hutchinson Man Sentenced for $145,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Hutchinson man was sentenced today to 60 days in federal prison for stealing $145,000 from a company where he worked, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay full restitution.
Richard H. Yust, 65, Hutchinson, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was working as controller for F&H Insulation Sales and Service, Inc., in Kechi, Kan. He used company credit cards to make unauthorized purchases of items for his personal use.
After serving the sentence, Yust will be on supervised release for three years.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Former Leavenworth Inmate Sentenced for Attack on Prison GuardRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A former Leavenworth inmate was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for attacking a Leavenworth prison guard with a pair of scissors, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. The defendant also was ordered to pay $18,692 in restitution.
Richard A. James, Jr., 27, who is in federal custody, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer. In his plea, he admitted he attacked Joseph Brian Wilson, a unit manager for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. James admitted he sharpened the ends of a pair of grooming scissors and stabbed Wilson. Corrections officers had to pull James off Wilson to stop the attack. James later told investigators he wanted a “change of scenery” and hoped he would be moved to another prison because of the attack.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
Coffeyville Woman Sentenced for $150,000 Mail FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Coffeyville woman was sentenced today to 60 days in federal prison for stealing $150,000 from a customer at a bank where she worked, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, she was ordered to pay full restitution.
Phyllis Lanning, 61, Coffeyville, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. She admitted that while she worked for Condon National Bank in Coffeyville, Kan., she created and mailed falsified documents in order to conceal the fact she stole $150,000 from a customer’s account. She diverted legitimate monthly statements to a postal address in Bartlesville, Okla., that she controlled. She prepared counterfeit statements and mailed them to the owner of the account. The theft was discovered after the owner of the account died and family members took control of the account.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Stealing Guns from a Sheriff's CarRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Tuesday to 57 months in federal prison for stealing guns out of an undercover Sedgwick County Sheriff's car, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Travis J. Keller, 38, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing stolen firearms. In his plea, he admitted that he and co-defendant Justin W. Winger, took guns from the unmarked car, including a 9 mm handgun, a 12-guage shotgun and a 5.56 caliber rifle.
Co-defendant Arthur M. Mannie is scheduled for trial Jan. 8. Co-defendant Justin W. Winger is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 19.
McAllister commended the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Manhattan Man Sentenced for Viewing Child PornRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Manhattan man was sentenced Tuesday to 51 months in federal prison for viewing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. He also was ordered to pay $26,000 in restitution whose images he viewed.
John Francis Wear, 48, Manhattan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of accessing child pornography online. Wear admitted he downloaded software that masks a user’s identity online so he could view sexually explicit photos of children under the age of 18.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Four FirearmsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A convicted felon was sentenced Tuesday to 77 months in federal prison for illegally possessing four firearms, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Matthew Lee Fleming, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of firearms following felony convictions. He was on parole in a state district court case when law enforcement officers searched his home in Wichita. They found a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle, a .40 caliber handgun and a .38 caliber pistol.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Morris County Man Convicted on Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A federal jury Thursday found a Morris County man guilty of downloading child pornography from the internet, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Wesley Wagner, 54, White City, Kan., was convicted of one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. During trial, the prosecutor presented evidence that the FBI seized a server belonging to a now-defunct website called Playpen that provided users access to child pornography. The FBI used computer forensics to identify the site’s users, including Wagner. Based on that information, the FBI obtained a warrant to search the defendant’s home.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 7. Wagner faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison on the charge of receiving child pornography, and up to 10 years on possession charge.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
U.S. Attorney Announces $493,694 Grant to Wichita PoliceRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A $493,694 federal grant will support the Wichita Police Department’s program to work with gun owners and gun dealers to reduce violent crime, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
The grant to the Wichita Police Department comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood program. This week is the one-year anniversary of the revitalized Project Safe Neighborhood program, which is a centerpiece of the Justice Department’s strategy for reducing violent crime.
“The Wichita police have some innovative new ideas for reducing violent crime,” McAllister said. “Our office is working closely with them to coordinate our efforts and make our communities safer.”
Deputy Chief Jose Salcido said the department soon will be announcing a new program to educate the public on what everyone can do to help reduce violent crime by preventing guns from being stolen and used in crimes. The voluntary program also will reach out to gun ranges and gun dealers, he said.
Olathe Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Importing Asian Leopard CatsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to 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.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. He faces a penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine up to $50,000. 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: Robber Told Bank Teller to be Quiet and Hand over the MoneyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was indicted Wednesday on charges of robbing a bank in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Ralph McGinnis, 62, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 6, 2018, McGinnis robbed the Bank of Labor at 756 Minnesota Avenue. According to documents filed in the case, McGinnis told a teller, “Don’t say anything,” as he handed her a note. The note said: “This is a robbery. Give me 100’s and 50’s.” After the robbery, a security guard followed the robber to a nearby apartment building where McGinnis was living.
If convicted, McGinnis faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jose Martinez De La Cruz, 43, who has been living in Kansas City, Kan., although he is not a U.S. citizen, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported in 2010.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
Alan Lopez-Perez, 29, who has been living in Shawnee, Kan., although he is not a U.S. citizen, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after twice being deported.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
Thomas Vanlerberg, 60, Tonganoxie, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 1, 2017, in Leavenworth County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each count. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
Jason E. Valles, 37, Atchison, 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 user of controlled substances. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 14, 2018, in Atchison County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the drug charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the first firearm count and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the second firearms count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel 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 Announces $700,000 Grant to Wyandotte CountyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A $700,000 federal grant will support innovative policing programs in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
The grant to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood program. This week is the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, which is a centerpiece of the Justice Department’s strategy for reducing violent crime.
“This money will help police test promising crime prevention strategies aimed at reducing violent crime in targeted areas,” McAllister said.
The Department’s announcement said the county and the police department will use the grant to pay for high-visibility proactive policing under an initiative called Operation ICON (Impacting Crime in Our Neighborhoods). The program includes traffic enforcement, pedestrian checks, residential and business checks and positive community engagement contacts within an identified high-crime 20-square-mile geographic region of Kansas City, Kan.
Trial Begins in Child Porn CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A federal jury trial begins today for a Morris County man charged with downloading child pornography from the internet, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Wesley Wagner, 54, White City, Kan., is charged with one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. According to court documents, the FBI seized a server belonging to a now-defunct website called Playpen that provided users access to child pornography. The FBI used computer forensics to identify the site’s users, including the defendant. Based on that information, the FBI obtained a warrant to search the defendant’s home.
If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison on the charge of receiving child pornography, and up to 10 years on possession charge.
The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Trial Begins for Wichita Doctor Accused of Diverting Rx Opioids to the StreetsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal jury trial begins today for a Wichita doctor charged with unlawfully distributing opioid 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, is charged in the following counts:
- Conspiracy to distribute prescription drugs outside the course of medical practice (Counts 1 and 2).
- Unlawfully distributing controlled substances, including oxycodone, methadone or alprazolam (Counts 3 through 14, and 16).
- Unlawfully distributing methadone and alprazolam, resulting in the death of a victim on July 24, 2015, identified in court records as N.M. (Count 17)
- Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (Count 18)
- Falsifying patient records (Count 19).
- Obstruction of justice (Count 20)
- Money laundering (Counts 21 through 31).
As a physician, 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.
The indictment alleges Henson:
- 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.
- Wrote prescriptions in return for cash.
- Post-dated prescriptions.
If convicted, the defendant will face 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 18: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
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 21-25: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Counts 26-31: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Newton Police Department, the Wichita Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct
Wichita Man to Remain in Jail on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A convicted felon who lives in Wichita will remain in jail pending trial on a federal firearm charge, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said Monday.
Justin Mashaney, 29, Wichita, Kan., appeared in federal court Monday for a hearing on whether he would be released pending trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne E. Birzer granted the government’s motion to keep him in jail. Mashaney is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, law enforcement officers were investigating the murder of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze by Cody Greeson when they encountered Mashaney. They were investigating information they received that Mashaney and Greeson had been committing crimes together. Greeson and Deputy Kunze died Sept. 16 in an exchange of fire.
If convicted, Mashaney faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Defendant in Swatting Case Appears in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Tyler Barriss, 25, Los Angeles, Calif., was arraigned in federal court in Wichita today on a superseding indictment charging him in connection with a Dec. 28, 2017, swatting incident in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Barriss, who is being held on state charges in Sedgwick County District Court, including involuntary manslaughter, waived his right to a hearing on whether he could be released while awaiting trial on the federal charges. Trial in the state case is set for Jan. 7. Barriss is accused of making a hoax call to Wichita police. In the resulting confusion, police shot and killed 28-year-old Andrew Finch.
A superseding indictment filed in federal court charges Barriss with making false/hoax reports to emergency services, cyberstalking, making interstate threats, making interstate threats to harm by fire, wire fraud and conspiracy to make false/hoax reports. Also charged in the superseding indictment are co-defendants Casey Viner, 18, North College Hill, Ohio, and Shane Gaskill, 20, Wichita Kan.
Currently, the three defendants are scheduled for trial on the federal charges Nov. 6 before U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren, but the date is likely to change.
The FBI, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Police Department investigated. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister is prosecuting along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Park City Man Pleads Guilty to Brandishing Gun During RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Wednesday to 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. According to court records, an employee got the tag number of the car he was driving and police used the information to locate Colvin and arrest him.
Sentencing is set for Dec. 17. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of seven years in federal prison.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
$736,000 Grant Will Help Kansas Expand K-TRACS Drug MonitoringRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A $736,313 grant from the Department of Justice will help Kansas expand its K-TRACS prescription drug monitoring program, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
The Kansas Board of Pharmacy, which operates K-TRACS, will receive the money. The grant comes from a justice department program aimed at helping law enforcement and public health officials across the nation address prescription drug and opioid misuse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 72,000 Americans died last year from drug overdoses.
“We are facing the deadliest drug crisis in American history,” said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We’ve never seen anything like it.”
Stephen McAllister, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, said: “Kansans and all Americans need to understand that opioid addiction is a national public health emergency. Tens of thousands of people every year are disappearing into a whirlpool of addiction, bankruptcy, divorce and death.”
The Kansas Board of Pharmacy will use the money to develop a public awareness campaign for K-TRACS, to conduct an audit of K-TRACS records and to hire a special investigator who will use K-TRACS data to identify suspicious and harmful prescribing patterns.
Wichita Man Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A convicted felon who lives in Wichita was charged Tuesday in federal court with unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. Documents filed with the court said the defendant was identified during an investigation of the murder of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze.
Justin Mashaney, 29, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. According to an affidavit filed in the case, law enforcement officers were investigating Kunze’s murder by Cody Greeson when they learned Mashaney recently had been committing crimes with Greeson. Greeson and Kunze died Sept. 16 in an exchange of fire.
On Sept. 23, investigators went to a residence in the 500 block of South All Hallows to find Mashaney. In a truck registered to Mashaney they found a rifle and a 9 mm handgun. In 2015, Mashaney was convicted of burglary and sentenced to 20 months in jail.
If convicted, Mashaney faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Indictment: Junction City Contractor Sold Meth to Undercover InvestigatorsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Junction City contractor was indicted Wednesday on charges of selling more than $7,000 worth of methamphetamine to undercover investigators, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Gerald W. Etherton, 59, Junction City, Kan., is charged with six counts of distributing methamphetamine. According to court records, in April 2018 the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies began investigating Etherton, who owned Jerry’s Construction at 305 E. 8th in Junction City. Undercover agents made a series of buys from Etherton ranging in amount from an ounce of meth for $600 to a quarter of a pound for $2,000.
If convicted, Etherton faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on five of the six counts, and up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on one of the counts. The KBI investigated with the assistance of the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Attorney’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Guillermo D. Andrade, 22, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Kiamichi F. Bond, 21, Norman, Okla., are charged with possession with intent to distribute 21 pounds of methamphetamine. In addition, Bond in charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 12, 2018, in Thomas County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the drug count carries a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million. The firearm count carries a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Blake Nicol, 25, Salina, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred July 3, 2018, in Saline County, Kan.
If convicted, Nicol faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the drug charge, up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Salina Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
Taylor M. DeGarmo, 38, Wichita, Kan., Bret M. Davis, 36, Derby, Kan., and Vanessa M. Hull, 34, Winfield, Kan., are charged with drug trafficking. DeGarmo is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine (count two), one count of possession with intent to distribute meth (count three) and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count four). Davis and Hull are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute meth (count one). The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 5 and 6, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts one and two: Not less than five years, not more than 40 years, and a fine up to $5 million.
Count three: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
Count four: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Nathan J. Moss, 32, Columbus, Kan., is charged with one count of stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of a silencer. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August 2018 in Crawford and Cherokee counties.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Theft from a licensed firearms dealer: Up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a silencer: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pittsburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Indian Tribe in Kansas to Receive $805,000 in Public Safety Grants from DOJRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska will receive $805,563 in public safety grants from the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
The tribe, headquartered in Reserve, Kan., will receive the funding from the Justice Department’s Office of Violence Against Women. The money is part of $113 million in grants the Justice Department announced this week to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.“Our office is working with tribal governments to protect women in Indian Country from domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes,” McAllister said.
Nationwide, 133 tribal governments and designees received grants.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Liquor StoreRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbing a liquor store, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jamaryus Moore, 19, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbing a commercial business. In his plea, he admitted he and another man robbed F & K Liquor at 902 S. Woodlawn in Wichita. During the robbery, a clerk shot co-defendant Raquan Hill, 18, Wichita. Hill was arrested at the scene. Moore was arrested later that day at work.
Sentencing is set for Dec. 10. Moore faces a penalty up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Co-defendant Hill has scheduled a change of plea hearing for Sept. 24.
McAllister commended the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man pleaded guilty Monday to producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Ronny Peters, 40, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted the investigation began when the FBI received a report that Peters had turned in a company cell phone to his former employer containing child pornography. Investigators were able to identify the 10-year-old victim in the images.
Sentencing is set for Dec. 10. He faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.
Grand Jury Returns Criminal Immigration IndictmentsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury today returned a series of criminal indictments in separate cases charging defendants with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jose Rafael Gutierrez-Yanez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The indictment alleges he has been deported four times. He was found in March 2018 in Sumner County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Cruz Diaz-Carballo, 34, who is not a U.S. citizen, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The indictment alleges he was deported three times. He was found Aug. 13, 2018, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
Otilio Benitez-Acquirre, 39, who is not a U.S. citizen, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The indictment alleges he was deported two times. He was found Aug. 7, 2018, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
Jose Fernandez-Casas, 45, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found in August 2018 in Pratt County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Roberto Sanchez-Salas, 49, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found in September 2018 in Ellis County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Six men from Mexico were charged with drug trafficking. The indictment alleges the men conspired to distribute hundreds of pounds of marijuana. They were arrested Aug. 23, 2018, in Shawnee County, Kan.
The following defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana:
Rene Josefat Yanez Coronado, 31, Hermosillo, Mexico.
Cesar Ignacio Valencia Casillas, 19, Hermosillo, Mexico.
Carlos Gabriel Rubal Nieblas, 20, Hermosillo, Mexico.
Angel Joel Gallegos Oviedo, 23, Hermosillo, Mexico.
Eduardo Antonio Mijangos Loustaunau, 18, Hermosillo, Mexico.
Jesus Antonio Mijangos Loustaunau, 26, Lopes Del Castillo, Mexico.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million on each count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Man Arrested with 4.5 Pounds of Heroin Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Mexican man who was arrested in Kansas with 4.5 pounds of heroin was sentenced Monday to 41 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Elesvan Garcia-Matinez, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. In his plea, he admitted the Geary County Sheriff’s Office stopped his car on I-70 in Geary County. In the trunk, they found a modified fire extinguisher containing about 4.5 pounds of heroin.
McAllister commended the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
Wellington Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Wellington woman was sentenced today to six months in prison and ordered to pay more than $86,000 in restitution for fraudulently collecting Social Security benefits, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Amy D. McLain, 50, Wellington, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of Social Security fraud. In her plea, she admitted that from April 2008 to May 2014 she worked for Kreifels Communications, Inc., while receiving Social Security disability benefits. She fraudulently reported to Social Security that she was not working and had no income.
Co-defendant Scott Kreifels, 58, Wellington, Kan., was sentenced to two years on probation and ordered to pay more than $49,900 in restitution. McLain’s husband, co-defendant Jeffrey L. McLain, 49, Wellington, is set for sentencing Nov. 1.
McAllister commended the Social Security Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Olathe Man Sentenced for Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay more than $454,000 in restitution.
Daniel Forster, 58, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to causing a false tax return to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was one of three shareholders who owned an S corporation located in Olathe. Forster was responsible for the financial operations of the business, including overseeing corporate books and records and submitting tax information to a professional tax preparer.
Forster used funds belonging to the business to pay personal expenses such as credit card payments and then falsely represented those payments as deductible expenses.
McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Arrested and Charged with Murdering Girlfriend on Board Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
A Topeka, Kansas man made his initial appearance Thursday on an indictment charging him with murdering a woman on board a cruise ship 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 Charles P. Spencer of the FBI Jacksonville, Florida Field Office made the announcement.
Eric Newman, 53, was charged with murder in the second degree. The initial appearance was held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters.
The indictment alleges that on or about Jan. 19, Newman was travelling on board the Carnival Elation, a foreign vessel registered in Panama, on a voyage with both a scheduled departure from and arrival in Jacksonville, Florida. During the voyage, Newman is alleged to have killed Tamara Tucker, 50, of Lawson, Missouri.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Jacksonville Field Office with the assistance of the FBI Topeka Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by 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.
Kansas Man Arrested and Charged with Murdering Girlfriend on Board Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
A Topeka, Kansas man made his initial appearance earlier today on an indictment charging him with murdering a woman on board a cruise ship 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 Charles P. Spencer of the FBI Jacksonville, Florida Field Office made the announcement.
Eric Newman, 53, was charged with murder in the second degree. The initial appearance was held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters.
The indictment alleges that on or about Jan. 19, Newman was travelling on board the Carnival Elation, a foreign vessel registered in Panama, on a voyage with both a scheduled departure from and arrival in Jacksonville, Florida. During the voyage, Newman is alleged to have killed Tamara Tucker, 50, of Lawson, Missouri.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Jacksonville Field Office with the assistance of the FBI Topeka Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by 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.
Indictment: Homeless Man Robbed Credit Union in TopekaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A homeless man was indicted today on a federal charge of robbing a credit union in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Robert Charles Frazier, 63, is charged with one count of robbery. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 20, 2018, he robbed the Azura Credit Union at 1129 South Kansas Ave. An off-duty Topeka police officer working security at the credit union arrested Frazier.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Ruth M. Eidson, formerly known as Ruth M. Moler-Dotter, 27, White City, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with three counts of theft by a postal employee. The indictment alleges she stole DVDs from the mail on Feb. 3, March 3 and March 25, 2016. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Wabaunsee County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
Kyle L. Eidson, 32, White City, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of theft by a postal employee. The indictment alleges Eidson took gift cards and Netflix DVDs from the mail. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 11, 2016, in Wabaunsee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to five 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 Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
Travis Eugene Sims, 28, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 14, 2018, in Shawnee 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 Greg Hough is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Man with 471 Pounds of Marijuana Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A man who was arrested with 471 pounds of marijuana in his van pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Mark Berg, 41, Coon Rapids, Minn., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. According to court documents, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper noticed the van and two other vehicles traveling with it on Interstate 70 in Ellsworth County. Although one of the escort vehicles attempted to distract him, the trooper stopped the minivan Berg was driving. Berg told the trooper he had been in Las Vegas and had driven through Denver on his way home to Minnesota. After a drug dog sniffed the vehicle, investigators searched the van and found the marijuana.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 19. He faces a penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
Architect Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Payless ShoesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – An architect who worked for Payless ShoeSource was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $425,000 in restitution for defrauding the company, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Manuel Francisco Ruiz-Lacayo, 38, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he worked for Payless as a project manager for store planning. His work included designing exteriors and interior floor plans for new stores in Central and South America. He coordinated with Ordonez Architecture and Construction in Bogata, Columbia, and Christian Heins Finkenstaedt in Barranquilla, Columbia, on the projects.
Without the knowledge of his employer, Ruiz-Lacayo told the contractors that 3D renderings of storefronts were required for all projects. He told them to use a firm he said was located in Costa Rica. In fact, the address he gave them was his mother’s and no renderings were produced. Ruiz-Lacayo submitted invoices from the fictitious firm to Payless for payment.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Post Office Supervisor Sentenced for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A woman who worked as a supervisor in the post office in Shawnee Mission was sentenced Monday for stealing mail, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Stacey L. Kampfer, 40, Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced to a year on probation and ordered to pay about $785 in restitution.
Kampfer pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft. In her plea, she admitted that while she was employed as a supervisor of customer services she opened mail and stole gift cards and debit cards. Investigators identified 214 people whose mail was opened and property stolen.
McAllister commended the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Meth User Dreamed of Getting Even by Becoming a RobberRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A methamphetamine user from Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Steven K. Kolojaco, 27, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a user of controlled substances. In his plea, he admitted he bought at least nine handguns from Cabela’s and Bass Pro stores in Kansas City, Kan., and Olathe. His plan was to use the guns to rob people who he thought had mistreated him. Before he could carry out the plan, however, the guns were stolen from him.
Kolojaco admitted that he used meth daily and he was under the influence of methamphetamine when he bought some of the guns.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
After Four Deportations, Mexican Citizen SentencedRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Mexican citizen who has been deported four times, Jorge Carrillo-Hernandez, 36, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for unlawfully returning to the United States, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. He was also sentenced to an additional term of 24 months in prison, to be served consecutively, because he was still on supervised release in another case when he unlawfully returned.
Records filed in court prior to his sentencing showed that between 2003 and 2013, he was convicted of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, domestic battery, three times for driving under the influence, and twice in federal court for unlawful re-entry following deportation subsequent to convictions for aggravated felonies.
In the present case, he came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after his fourth arrest for DUI in April 2017.
McAllister commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Woman Sentenced for Supplying Heroin That Caused OverdoseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas City woman was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for selling heroin to a user who suffered a near-fatal overdose, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Loretta Gilliard, 35, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. The investigation began when a user from Overland Park, Kan., bought heroin from Gilliard and then overdosed and lost consciousness. Emergency medical technicians responded and saved the user’s life by administering an opioid reversing agent called Narcan. Investigators learned that Gilliard had sold heroin to the user more than 100 times, usually two to four times a week. Investigators made controlled buys from Gilliard.
McAllister commended the Overland Park Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Texas man pleaded guilty today to 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.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 6. He faces a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Elkhart Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Overland Park Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Overland Park man was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Richard Armenta, 57, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to a Nov. 24, 2017, robbery at Capital Federal Savings Bank, 9001 E. Santa Fe in Overland Park. Armenta left the bank with cash, but investigators had two clues: a tattoo of a spider web on his left hand and a blue bicycle he rode to the bank.
On Dec. 2, Overland Park Police officers were called to a disturbance involving Armenta. They identified him from video surveillance of the bank robbery, the tattoo on his hand and a blue bicycle in the back of his pickup.
McAllister commended the Overland Park Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Haysville Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Haysville man was sentenced Friday to 130 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Daniel I. Miller, 35, Haysville, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he used a file sharing program on his computer to obtain and share videos depicting children engaged in sex acts. A detective working with the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force downloaded child porn from Miller’s computer via the Internet.
McAllister commended Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Wichita Pharmacy Owner Indicted in Rx Opioid CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita pharmacist was indicted today on charges of unlawfully dispensing prescription opioids, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Ebube Otuonye, 45, Bel Aire, Kan., pharmacist and owner of Neighborhood Pharmacy at 2251 E. 21st North in Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of conspiracy unlawfully to dispense prescription drugs, one count of unlawfully dispensing prescription drugs, and two counts of health care fraud.
The indictment alleges Otuonye unlawfully distributed 21,681 tablets of Oxycodone, 48,683 tablets of Methadone, 18,049 tablets of Hydromorphone and 7,890 tablets of Alprazolam. The prescriptions, written by Wichita physician Steven R. Henson, were issued outside the usual course of professional medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, the indictment alleges. Henson is set for trial Oct. 2 on charges of unlawfully prescribing prescription drugs.
Today’s indictment alleges Otuonye filled large numbers of prescriptions in return for cash payments. He filled prescriptions for multiple patients presenting at one time or back-to-back and patients from the same family with identical prescriptions. The large quantities should have put him on notice as a pharmacist of the potential danger to customers of abuse or overdose. The indictment alleges Otuonye filled prescriptions that one of his fellow pharmacists refused to fill. It also alleges Otuonye posted a sign at the pharmacy telling customers that they had to have three non-narcotic prescriptions filled in order to have their narcotic prescriptions filled.
The indictment alleges Otuonye defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by submitting claims for illegally filling prescriptions.
The indictment seeks to forfeit more than $122,000 in proceeds from the crimes, as well as Utuonye’s retail pharmacy license and his DEA registration number.
If convicted, Otuonye faces penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $1 million on the drug charges and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the health care fraud charges.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Timothy B. Riggans, 55, is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on July 30, 2018, he robbed the Emprise Bank at 257 N. Broadway in Wichita. According to court records, Riggins was taken into custody by a bank guard immediately after the robbery.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Addison Lewis, 39, a U.S. Army veteran, and Brandi Lewis, 25, both of Hutchinson, Kan., are charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and two counts of theft of government funds.
The indictment alleges Addison Lewis pretended to be blind in order to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration and Social Security. While receiving benefits, he maintained a Kansas driver’s license and was seen operating motor vehicles, a tractor and a lawn mower. It is alleged Brandi Lewis accompanied him to a vision exam and pretended to be guiding him.
If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the theft charges. The Veterans Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Juan Carlos Carmona, 36, Houston, Texas, is charged in a superseding indictment with five counts of producing child pornography. The new counts are in addition to an indictment in May that charged him with one count of traveling from Texas to Kansas to have sex with a minor and one count of transporting a minor from Kansas to Texas to have sex with her.
If convicted, Carmona faces a penalty of not less than 15 years on each production count, up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the travel count and not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Ashley N. Wilson, 27, Wichita, Kan., is charged with deliberately failing to deliver mail that was in her custody while she worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. The crime is alleged to have occurred during March through May 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces up to five 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 Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Corey R. Detter, 27, Great Bend, Kan., and Adrian N. Boeck, 32, Great Bend, Kan., are charged with one count of counterfeiting. In addition, Detter is charged with two counts of possessing counterfeit currency. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 3 and 4, 2018, in Barton County, Kan.
Upon conviction, each count carries a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Alejandro Aguilar-Montespioca, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully transporting illegal aliens within the United States and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The crime is alleged to occurred July 7, 2018, when his car was stopped in Haskell County Kan. Three passengers including Julio Castaneda-Ruiz, 34, Mateo Lucas-Pablo, 33, and Cesar Lopez-Perez, 18, are charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported.
Upon conviction, the transportation count carries a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000, and the other counts carry a penalty of up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Pleads Guilty to Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man pleaded guilty Monday and admitted he was arrested with almost 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine found in both his car and residence, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Edgar Martinez-Quintana, 36, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted the Kansas City Kan., Police Department stopped his car on Aug. 25, 2017. They found methamphetamine hidden in a roof console and more than $1,900 in cash. A later search of Martinez-Quintana’s residence by officers uncovered more methamphetamine.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 29. Both parties have agreed to recommend 10 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.