District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Indictment: Kansas EMT Stole Morphine from VialsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An EMT in Jackson County, Kan., is charged with stealing morphine from vials, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Colby W. Vanwagoner, 32, Mayetta, Kan., is charged with two counts of tampering with consumer products and one count of making a false statement to federal investigators. A grand jury indictment returned April 26 and unsealed May 2 alleges the crimes took place while Vanwagoner was working for the Jackson County Emergency Medical Service in Holton, Kan.
The indictment alleges Vanwagoner tampered with vials of morphine sulfate. It is alleged he replaced morphine with saline solution and put the vials back into narcotic boxes on ambulances or in office stocks. Tests showed the concentration of morphine in vials that had been tampered with was low as 1 percent or less.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the on the tampering charges and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of lying to investigators. The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations 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.
Retired Highway Patrol Trooper Convicted of Lying to FBI about GamblingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A retired highway patrol trooper was convicted today on a charge of lying to the FBI during an investigation into illegal gambling in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Stephan McAllister said.
Michael Frederiksen, 53, Derby, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial on one count of making false statements to FBI investigators. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that in 2014, while Frederiksen was still a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, he was filmed taking part in an illegal cash poker game. On Feb. 23, 2017, he was interviewed by FBI agents investigating illegal gambling businesses in Wichita.
The FBI had a video of Frederiksen playing in an illegal cash poker game held Feb. 12, 2014, at 922 1/2 E. Douglas in the Old Town district of Wichita. The site was equipped with poker tables, a cabinet for valuables and poker chips, video surveillance equipment, liquor and snacks. Staff included dealers, someone serving food and a waitress serving drinks and giving massages to the players.
An undercover investigator was at the game posing as a gambler. At one point, the undercover officer tried to use his phone to take photos. The men running the game took him aside and told him he was making other players nervous. They allowed the undercover officer to continue playing, but moved the game to other locations after that night.
During an FBI interview, Frederiksen made false statements, downplaying his involvement in illegal poker and his relationship with the operator of the poker game.
Sentencing is set for July 30. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the FBI, the Wichita Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Smith and Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Indictment: Oklahoma Man Robbed Bank in Newton, Kan.Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An Oklahoma man was indicted Wednesday on charges of robbing a bank in Newton, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Martin L. Paris, 50, Yukon, Okla., was charged with the April 9, 2018, robbery of the First Bank of Newton at 1404 S. Kansas Avenue in Newton, Kan. According to court records, Paris gave a teller a note directing her to “be calm” and “start with hundreds.” The note ended with, “Thank you and have a nice day.”
Paris was identified from bank surveillance photos and arrested the day after the robbery. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Newton Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Ness County Sheriff Bryan Whipple, 47, Ness City, Kan., is charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2013, 2016 and 2017.
The indictment alleges that Whipple faxed reports to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (CPOST) falsely certifying that deputies had received training. The indictment also alleges he sold a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition to a man he knew was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.If convicted, Whipple faces up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Chaelyn Nicole Aaron, 28, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawfully possessing firearms following a felony conviction and one count of stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer. The indictment alleges that on March 28, 2018, she stole seven firearms from a display case at Atwoods Ranch & Home Store at 6235 North Broadway in Park City, Kan.
If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting. This case is being prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood program.
Anthony R. Melton, 31, who is in custody at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 26, 2017, in Rice County, Kan.
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 Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Manuel J. De La Cruz, 30, Wichita, Kan., is charged with stealing mail from the U.S. Postal Service. The indictment alleges that while he was working as a contract driver for the postal service he stole items from the mail including parts for firearms and scopes for rifles. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2016 and 2017 in Butler 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 Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Adrian Lashawn Perkins, 41, Garden City, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin (count one), one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (count two), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count three), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction (count four) and one count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (count five). The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 11, 2018, in Finney County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts one and two: Not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million.
Count three: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts four and five: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Garden City Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting. This case is being prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood program.
Hector Dominguez-Herrera, 47, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully entering the United States after having been deported. He was found in Barton 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 Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Jose Rojas, 27, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully entering the United States after having been deported. He was found in Ford 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 Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Fernando Neave-Ceniceros, 43, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully entering the United States after having been deported. He was found in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Omar Barajas-Diaz, 21, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 17, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigate. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Stormy Laflin, 48, Victoria, Kan., is charged with stealing money orders while she was an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 10, 2017, in Ellis 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 Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Reynaldo Silva-Campos, 51, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found in Wichita April 16, 2018.
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 David Lind is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man’s Appearance in Video Leads to Sentence for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man who appeared in a music video with marijuana and guns was sentenced Monday to four years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Shundell C. Barkus, 23, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances. In his plea, he admitted that he and other defendants appeared in a rap video filmed at a residence in the 1500 block of North Green in Wichita. In the video, they were seen smoking marijuana while they possessed firearms. A search warrant served at the residence found 2.5 pounds of marijuana and a variety of firearms.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Co-defendants include:
Dondre E. Broom, 23, Wichita., Kan., who was sentenced to four years in federal prison.
De’Adrian A. Johnson, 23, Wichita., Kan., who was sentenced to six months in prison.
Imanuel S. Norwood, 20, Wichita, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
Mario J. Smith, 29, Wichita, Kan.,who is set for sentencing June 27.
Keandre D. Summers, 22, Wichita, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices have been directed to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Joshua A. Haskins, 42, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of using the internet to target a 12-year-old child for sexual exploitation. In his plea, he admitted he posted child pornography on his Twitter account. Twitter reported the images to CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org), a web site where electronic service providers and the public can report child pornography.
Haskins also used his account on a photo-sharing website based in Russia to upload a picture of the Instagram account of a 12-year-old girl. He included the girl’s name and her electronic email address, urging other users to “talk her into nudes” and “send me pics if u do.”
McAllister commended Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Three Southwest Kansas Men Convicted of Plotting to Bomb Somali Immigrants in Garden CityRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three men from the southwest Kansas area were convicted today on charges of conspiring to detonate a bomb at an apartment complex in Garden City where Muslim immigrants lived, announced Attorney General Jeff Sessions; Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore; Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John Demers; U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister; and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kansas City Division Special Agent in Charge Darrin E. Jones.
After a four-week trial, a federal jury convicted Patrick Eugene Stein, 49, of Wright, Kansas, Curtis Allen, 50, of Liberal, Kansas, and Gavin Wright, 49, 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.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that the defendants plotted, over the course of several months, to attack an apartment complex that contained a mosque at 312 W. Mary Street 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 took the agent to see the apartment building that the defendants were planning to destroy.
At their sentencing hearing on June 27, the defendants will face up to life in federal prison.
“The Department of Justice is resolute every day in fighting terrorist threats to the United States, both foreign and domestic," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "The defendants in this case acted with clear premeditation in an attempt to kill people on the basis of their religion and national origin. That's not just illegal—it's immoral and unacceptable, and we’re not going to stand for it. Today's verdict is a significant victory against domestic terrorism and hate crimes, and I want to thank everyone who helped bring the defendants to justice—the dedicated professionals with our National Security and Civil Rights Divisions, our United States Attorney's office in Kansas, the FBI, and our state and local partners. Law enforcement saved lives in this case."
“We are fortunate that law enforcement agents thwarted the defendants’ plan to bomb and shoot innocent, peaceful Muslim immigrants,” said U.S. Attorney McAllister. “The jury’s verdicts are a vindication of outstanding investigative work and prosecution. Terrorists, whether they be foreign or domestic, must be stopped and punished according to the law. Today’s verdicts are a victory for the rule of law, civil rights, and national security.”
“As law enforcement, we are charged with and have an obligation to take action and protect the public whenever an individual expresses a desire to commit violence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Darrin E. Jones of the Kansas City Division. “Allowing an individual intent on killing people to proceed without a government response is not an option and will never be an option. Law enforcement, working with our partners, must continue to detect, disrupt and deter attacks to our nation, against our citizens and our freedom. The dedication and efforts of the FBI Agents and law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to investigate and build this case was apparent throughout the trial. Today's verdict emphasizes their commitment to keeping all of our communities safe and from harm.”
Gore, Demers, McAllister, 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 U.S. 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.
Indictment: Heroin Ring Operated in Kansas City, Kan.Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury indictment unsealed here today charges six men with conspiracy to distribute heroin in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Named in the 16-count indictment are the following defendants:
- George Bush, Jr., 28, Kansas City, Kan.
- Albert Brown, 29, Kansas City, Kan.
- Isaiah Lewis, 21, Kansas City, Kan.
- Maurice Bluett, 24, Kansas City, Mo.,
- Markelo Paden, 23, in custody in the Johnson County Jail.
- Benjamin Mims, 30, Lawrence, Kan.
All six defendants are charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Other counts include possession with intent to distribute heroin, unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy to distribute heroin: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Maintaining a drug involved premises: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.
The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Drugs, Gun Equal 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Salina man who was arrested with drugs in his possession and a gun under his pillow was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Michael Allen Carter, 29, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that on May 30, 2017, investigators who searched his residence found 80 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine and a pistol under the pillow on his bed. The pistol was a Taurus 9 mm.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.
Owner of Kansas Medical Staffing Company Indicted in Employment Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment, which was unsealed yesterday, charging a Jefferson County, Kansas, man with seven counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister for the District of Kansas.
According to the indictment, David Monhollon failed to pay over federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from the wages paid to employees of his medical staffing company, First Call Medical Group. The indictment alleges that Monhollon was the owner of First Call and was obligated to pay over to the IRS such payroll taxes on behalf of his company. Instead of remitting the money to the IRS, Monhollon allegedly used the funds to pay for personal expenses including racecar parts and equipment.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney McAllister commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton and Tax Division Trial Attorney John Mulcahy, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Owner of Kansas Medical Staffing Company Indicted in Employment Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury sitting in Kansas City, Kan., returned an indictment Wednesday charging a Jefferson County, Kan., man with seven counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, David Monhollon failed to pay over federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from the wages paid to employees of his medical staffing company, First Call Medical Group. The indictment alleges that Monhollon was the owner of First Call and was obligated to pay over to the IRS such payroll taxes on behalf of his company. Instead of remitting the money to the IRS, Monhollon allegedly used the funds to pay for personal expenses including racecar parts and equipment.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney McAllister commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton and Tax Division Trial Attorney John Mulcahy, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Landlords Who Sexually Harass Tenants Could Face Federal Lawsuits U.S. Attorney SaysRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Kansas landlords who sexually harass tenants could face federal lawsuits, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
McAllister joined the Department of Justice Thursday in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday announced a nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of reporting of sexual harassment in housing.
“The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was, and remains, landmark legislation in this country,” McAllister said. “Recently, the Act has been used to combat sexual harassment by landlords and their employees who sometimes have considerable financial influence over the lives of their tenants. Such behavior by landlords is not only reprehensible, it violates federal law. Our office is working to combat such behavior in Kansas, and victims of such misconduct should report their situation to the authorities.”
Last month in Kansas, McAllister’s office and the Justice Department filed an amended complaint alleging a Wichita landlord violated the Fair Housing Act. Thong Cao, doing business as Cao Properties and Rentals, is alleged to have sexually harassed women who lived in apartments he managed and then evicted them when they refused his advances.
The Justice Department’s initiative includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law.”
The Justice Department’s Fair Housing initiative will include a new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing that will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
U.S. Attorney for Kansas Spotlights Crime Victims’ RightsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Protecting the rights of crime victims is a high priority, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
The U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Kansas is joining advocates from across the state in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, 2018.
“As a society we must not lose sight of the costs and suffering that crime inflicts on those who are victims. Many organizations—federal, state and local—provide support and services to the victims of crime. The Constitution creates and requires recognition of several rights for those accused of crime, and rightly so. But our society also must recognize the dignity of the victims of crime, strive to ease the pain and loss many have suffered, and fully support victims’ legitimate interest in seeing justice done.”
McAllister said victim assistance staff members will be participating in the 21st Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Topeka, April 11 and 12. In coming months, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be co-hosting the 2018 Indian Country Conference in Omaha, Neb., May 9-10, and hosting the 2018 Human Trafficking Conference in Manhattan, Kan., July 10-11.
Events across the nation this week recognize the Crime Victim’s Rights Act, which guarantees victims protection from an accused, accurate and timely information about court proceedings and the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices take part in events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s theme is Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 13, 2018, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at https://ojp.gov/. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas’ Victim Witness Program at 316-269-6481.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Bonner Springs Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbing a bank in Bonner Springs, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Timothy Karpovich, 39, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. An affidavit filed in the case alleged that Karpovich robbed the KCB Bank at 13010 Commercial in Bonner Springs. He gave the teller a handwritten note and kept his right hand in his pocket as if he had a gun. He fled the bank on foot.
Police received a tip that the robber gambled regularly at Harrah’s Casino in North Kansas City, Mo. Casino employees identified Karpovich from a bank surveillance photo. He was arrested without incident at the casino.
Sentencing is set for July 2. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the FBI, the Bonner Springs Police Department, the Missouri Highway Patrol Gaming Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Bank in Manhattan, Kan.Read the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Colorado man pleaded guilty Monday to robbing a bank in Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Kenneth Wayne Fisher, Jr., 42, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Fisher admitted that on Aug. 26, 2015, he robbed Sunflower State Bank at 2710 Anderson Ave. in Manhattan. He gave a teller a note saying, “Give me the money and no tricks.”
A few months after the Manhattan robbery, Fisher was arrested in California. He was extradited to Arkansas to face charges of robbing a bank in Bentonville, Ark., on Aug. 28, 2015. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to more than eight years for the Arkansas robbery.
Sentencing in this case is set for July 9. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. McAllister commended the Riley County Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Chinese Scientist Sentenced to Prison in Theft of Engineered RiceRead the Press Release
A Chinese scientist was sentenced to 121 months in a federal prison for conspiring to steal samples of a variety of rice seeds from a Kansas biopharmaceutical research facility.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas made the announcement.
Weiqiang Zhang, 51, a Chinese national, and U.S. legal permanent resident residing in Manhattan, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Carlos Murguia in the District of Kansas. Zhang was convicted on Feb. 15, 2017 of one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Evidence at trial established that Zhang worked as a rice breeder for Ventria Bioscience in Junction City, Kansas. Ventria develops genetically programmed rice to express recombinant human proteins, which are then extracted for use in the therapeutic and medical fields. Zhang has a master’s degree in agriculture from Shengyang Agricultural University in China and a doctorate from Louisiana State University.
According to trial evidence, Zhang acquired without authorization hundreds of rice seeds produced by Ventria and stored them at his residence in Manhattan. The rice seeds have a wide variety of health research applications and were developed to produce either human serum albumin, contained in blood, or lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found, for example, in human milk. Ventria spent millions of dollars and years of research developing its seeds and cost-effective methods to extract the proteins, which are used to develop lifesaving products for global markets. Ventria used locked doors with magnetic card readers to restrict access to the temperature-controlled environment where the seeds were stored and processed.
Trial evidence demonstrated that in the summer of 2013, personnel from a crop research institute in China visited Zhang at his home in Manhattan. Zhang drove the visitors to tour facilities in Iowa, Missouri and Ohio. On Aug. 7, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found seeds belonging to Ventria in the luggage of Zhang’s visitors as they prepared to leave the United States for China.
“Weiqiang Zhang betrayed his employer by unlawfully providing its proprietary rice seeds to representatives of a Chinese crop institute,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the significant consequences awaiting those who would steal trade secrets from American companies. The Criminal Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to work closely with companies like Ventria to protect American intellectual property—which is essential to our economy and way of life—against all threats both foreign and domestic.”
“Cross-border intellectual property theft not only hurts victim companies, it also threatens our national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “FBI’s vigilance stopped Ventria’s intellectual property from leaving our country in the nick of time, but it was Ventria’s cooperation that allowed us to hold Zhang accountable for his crimes.”
“Ventria invested years of research and tens of millions of dollars to create a new and beneficial product,” said U.S. Attorney McAllister. “It is vital that we protect such intellectual property from theft and exploitation by foreign interests. We all benefit when American companies continue to drive socially valuable advancements in food, medicine and technology.”
The FBI’s Little Rock, Arkansas, Field Office and Kansas City, Missouri, Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas investigated the case. Trial Attorney Matt Walczewski of the National Security Division, Trial Attorneys Brian Resler and Evan Williams of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas prosecuted the case.
Chinese Scientist Sentenced to Prison in Theft of Engineered RiceRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Chinese scientist was sentenced today to 121 months in a federal prison for conspiring to steal samples of a variety of rice seeds from a Kansas biopharmaceutical research facility.
U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Justice Department’s National Security Division made the announcement.
“Ventria invested years of research and tens of millions of dollars to create a new and beneficial product,” said U.S. Attorney McAllister. “It is vital that we protect such intellectual property from theft and exploitation by foreign interests. We all benefit when American companies continue to drive socially valuable advancements in food, medicine and technology.”
Weiqiang Zhang, 51, a Chinese national, and U.S. legal permanent resident residing in Manhattan, Kan., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Carlos Murguia in the District of Kansas. Zhang was convicted on Feb. 15, 2017, of one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Evidence at trial established that Zhang worked as a rice breeder for Ventria Bioscience in Junction City, Kansas. Ventria develops genetically programmed rice to express recombinant human proteins, which are then extracted for use in the therapeutic and medical fields. Zhang has a master’s degree in agriculture from Shengyang Agricultural University in China and a doctorate from Louisiana State University.
According to trial evidence, Zhang acquired without authorization hundreds of rice seeds produced by Ventria and stored them at his residence in Manhattan. The rice seeds have a wide variety of health research applications and were developed to produce either human serum albumin, contained in blood, or lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found, for example, in human milk. Ventria spent millions of dollars and years of research developing its seeds and cost-effective methods to extract the proteins, which are used to develop lifesaving products for global markets. Ventria used locked doors with magnetic card readers to restrict access to the temperature-controlled environment where the seeds were stored and processed.
Trial evidence demonstrated that in the summer of 2013, personnel from a crop research institute in China visited Zhang at his home in Manhattan. Zhang drove the visitors to tour facilities in Iowa, Missouri and Ohio. On Aug. 7, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found seeds belonging to Ventria in the luggage of Zhang’s visitors as they prepared to leave the United States for China.
“Weiqiang Zhang betrayed his employer by unlawfully providing its proprietary rice seeds to representatives of a Chinese crop institute,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the significant consequences awaiting those who would steal trade secrets from American companies. The Criminal Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to work closely with companies like Ventria to protect American intellectual property—which is essential to our economy and way of life—against all threats both foreign and domestic.”
“Cross-border intellectual property theft not only hurts victim companies, it also threatens our national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “FBI’s vigilance stopped Ventria’s intellectual property from leaving our country in the nick of time, but it was Ventria’s cooperation that allowed us to hold Zhang accountable for his crimes.”
The FBI’s Little Rock, Arkansas, Field Office and Kansas City, Missouri, Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas investigated the case. Trial Attorney Matt Walczewski of the National Security Division, Trial Attorneys Brian Resler and Evan Williams of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas prosecuted the case.
Former Pratt School Secretary Indicted on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former Pratt school secretary was indicted Tuesday on federal firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Claudia Rodriguez-Oviedo, 33, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted on two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. The indictment alleges that on Nov. 8, 2017, she possessed a Remington handgun and 35 rounds of ammunition.
Rodriguez-Oviedo currently is serving a 12-month sentence after she was convicted in Pratt County District Court on charges of placing a fake bomb threat to USD 382 in Pratt.
If convicted, she faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jerry A. Anderson, Jr., 32, Hutchinson, Kan., is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on March 8, 2018, he robbed the Meritrust Credit Union at 2900 S. Oliver in Wichita.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Javier Pichardo, 55, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of illegal re-entry after being deported (count one), one count of unlawful production of an identification document (count two), one count of misuse of a Social Security number (count three) and one count of aggravated identity theft (count four). The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2017 and 2018 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, he faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on count one, up to 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on count two, up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on count three, and a mandatory two years (consecutive) on count four. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Cindy Hernandez, 33, Moreno Valley, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 11, 2018, in Wabaunsee County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
John Johnson, 41, Canal Winchester, Ohio, and Catherine Boyd, 36, Grove City, Ohio, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 8, 2018, in Wabaunsee County Kan.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
Donya Swayden, 34, Medicine Lodge, Kan., is charged with three counts of embezzlement from the U.S. Postal Service and three counts of making false entries in postal records. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2017 in Pratt County, Kan.
The indictment alleges she issued three postal orders to customers who did not pay for them.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A load of methamphetamine that investigators followed from Amarillo, Texas, to Kansas City, Kan., is sending a Guatemalan man to federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jose Adrian Cua-Garcia, 30, was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The investigation began when law enforcement officers stopped an SUV near Amarillo, Texas, and found more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire. Investigators arranged for part of the load to be delivered while they kept it under surveillance.
Co-defendant Jorge Vazquez-Rodriguez, 30, Kansas City, Kan., met the load in a hotel parking lot near I-70 and 78th Street. He took the drugs to a house in Kansas City, Kan., where he met Cua-Garcia. Later, Cua-Garcia left the house carrying the tire in the back of his truck. Investigators pulled him over after a chase and arrested him.
Vazquez-Rodriguez pleaded guilty and sentencing is set for June 4. McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Sentenced for Trafficking Meth in TopekaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas City man was sentenced Tuesday to 24 years and six months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Marco Antonio Cortes-Gomez, 42, Kansas City, Mo., was found guilty in a jury trial on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that over a three-year period Cortes-Gomez distributed no less than 66 pounds of methamphetamine to buyers in Topeka.
The investigation began in 2015 when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a car in Ellis County that was bound for Topeka carrying about five pounds of methamphetamine. Investigators set up a controlled delivery at a Walmart parking lot in Topeka, where Cortes-Gomez was arrested when he attempted to pick up the load.
At trial, prosecutors presented testimony from witnesses who said Cortes-Gomez delivered one-pound and two-pound quantities of methamphetamine to them on a regular basis.
McAllister commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Topeka Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
Federal Probe in Kansas Ties Drug Traffickers to International Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal investigation in Kansas has tied drug traffickers to an international money laundering scheme, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister announced today.
In San Diego today, federal prosecutors announced charges against 40 alleged members of an international money-laundering scheme that laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug money from drug dealers in the United States to suppliers in Mexico. Two of those defendants in the California case already were indicted by a grand jury in Kansas after being targets of a federal investigation here. Their case is pending in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan.
“Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt and his team of investigators in Kansas has been working on this for two years,” McAllister said.
The indictment in California charges Juan Duarte-Tello, 44, Kansas City, Mo., and Diana Aurora Holguin-Gallegos, 30, Kansas City, Mo., with working as money couriers who transported large amounts of cash generated from drug trafficking. The California indictment is part of a nationwide takedown stemming from a multi-year investigation led by the FBI San Diego Cross Border Violence Task Force, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
In addition to the indictments unsealed today in San Diego, dozens of other defendants have been charged across the United States with crimes ranging from drug distribution to money laundering stemming from this investigation, including defendants in Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky and Washington.
According to the indictments and other publicly filed court documents, Jose Robert Lopez-Albarran, a significant money broker for a Mexican based international money laundering organization along with other members of the organization, allegedly laundered tens of millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds from the United States to Mexico between 2015 and 2018. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $6 million in United States currency.
In the Kansas case, Duarte-Tello and Holguin-Gallegos are awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other counts including renting a residences in Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas City, Mo. for the purpose of storing and distributing methamphetamine. The Kansas investigation resulted in seizures of more than 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, three kilograms of cocaine and more than $100,000 in cash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI investigated the case in Kansas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
Federal Charges Filed Against Topeka Man in Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday against a Topeka man who is accused of driving a getaway car in two armed robberies, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Justin Alexander McClelland, 30, Topeka, Kan., is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting robbery and two counts of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a robbery. The first robbery count alleges McClelland took part in a robbery on Jan. 6, 2017, at Plato’s Closet, 1580 S.W. Wanamaker Road in Topeka. The second robbery count alleges he took part in a robbery on Jan. 20, 2017, at Kentucky Fried Chicken, 1812 N.W. Topeka Boulevard in Topeka.
Joshua Alexander Musgraves, 24, Topeka, was charged in the same robberies. He pleaded guilty and he is set for sentencing May 14. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Dominic M. Bosworth, 24, who is in custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 16, 2017, in Shawnee County, Kan.
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.
Gwyndell B. Declerck, Jr., 31, who is in custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 27, 2017, in Shawnee County, Kan.
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.
Kenneth Lee Wade, 29, 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. 28, 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 Jared Maag is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Topeka man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 105 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jeremy M. Schwerdt, 41, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted using the internet to send child pornography to another user. Investigators found 350 images and eight videos containing sexually explicit images of children on Schwerdt’s electronic devices.
This case was prosecuted under the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Parsons Woman Sentenced for Embezzling MillionsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Parsons woman was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison for embezzling millions of dollars from a credit union where she worked, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. She was ordered to pay more than $10 million in restitution.
Nita Rae Nirschl, 66, Parsons, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, one count of money laundering and one count of attempted tax evasion. In her plea, she admitted the crimes occurred while she was an officer and employee of Parsons Pittsburg Credit Union headquartered in Parsons, Kan. She withdrew money from the assets of the credit union and deposited the money into accounts she controlled. She used the stolen money to buy a car, a house and other items.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Olathe Man Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man pleaded guilty Monday to filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. The defendant agreed to pay more than $450,000 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.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. He faces a penalty of up to three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Wichita Man and Woman Charged with String of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
UPDATE
A federal judge dismissed the indictment against the defendant, Jazmin Manuel, in the case described in the press release below.
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man and woman were charged Tuesday in a string of armed robberies at local businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
A federal grand jury indictment charged Savannah Cole, 20, Wichita, Kan., and Kenneth W. Cade, 28, Wichita, Kan., with four counts of robbery and four counts of using firearms to commit robberies. In addition, Cade was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
The indictment alleges Cole and Cade committed the following robberies:
- Dollar General Store, 915 S. Glendale in Wichita, Nov. 22, 2017.
- C-Store, 837 S. Oliver in Wichita, Feb. 7, 2018.
- Arby’s, 4308 E. Harry in Wichita, Feb. 14, 2018.
- Circle K Store, 515 N. Seneca in Wichita, Feb. 14, 2018.
If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each robbery count, and no less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of using a firearm in a robbery. In addition, Cade faces up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of unlawful possession of a firearm. The FBI and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting the case as part Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative targeting violent crime.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Three Wichitans are charged with the sex trafficking of a minor.
Johnell Carter, 22, Wichita, Kan., Christian L. Dixon, 27, Wichita, Kan., and Jazmin Manuel, 21, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of sex trafficking a minor.
According to an affidavit filed in federal court, in June 2017 the Wichita Police Department interviewed a 16-year-old girl who had been the victim of sex trafficking starting at the age of 15. It is alleged Carter and Dixon arranged for the victim to engage in commercial sex acts, including approximately 50 encounters with men who paid to have sex with her. The defendants used Web-based advertising to offer the minor, including transporting the minor to San Antonio, Texas, where men paid to have sex with the minor.
If convicted, the defendants face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI, the Wichita Police Department and the Exploited and Missing Child Unit (EMCU) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Nehemiah K. Jackson, 37, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. It is alleged he stole cell phones that were being mailed to Assurion. The crime is alleged to have occurred in December 2017 in Sedgwick 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 investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Javier Guerrero-Garcia, 21, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person illegally in the United States. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 2, 2018, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations 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.
Kansas Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Holcomb, Kansas, tax return preparer pleaded guilty today to filing a fraudulent income tax return and aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister for the District of Kansas.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Marcelino Almaraz owned Accounting Services, a business that provided tax preparation and other services. Almaraz admitted that he fraudulently sought to obtain refunds for individuals by including false filing statuses such as head of household and adding phony dependents in an effort to trigger and inflate child tax credits. Almaraz also admitted to falsifying his own income tax returns for 2010 and 2011 by underreporting his income. Almaraz agreed to pay $397,552 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the tax losses he caused.
U.S. District Court Judge Julie A. Robinson scheduled sentencing for May 14. Almaraz faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count. He 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, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble, who are prosecuting the case, and former Tax Division Trial Attorney Ryan R. Raybould, who previously worked on the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Finney County Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A tax preparer from Finney County pleaded guilty Thursday to filing false federal tax returns, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. The defendant agreed to pay restitution of more than $397,000.
Marcelino Almaraz, 60, Holcomb, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return and one count of filing a false tax return. Almaraz, who owned La Popular, a convenience store in Holcomb, also owned Accounting Services, a business that provided tax preparation and accounting services. In 2016, he was charged in an indictment alleging that customers came to him because they had heard he prepared income tax returns that generated large federal income tax refunds.
In his plea, Almaraz admitted providing false information on tax returns. In one case, he prepared a return for a client claiming four grandchildren as dependents. In fact, the grandchildren lived with the man’s wife in Mexico. In another case, Almaraz filed a false return substantially understating his own business income.
Sentencing is set for May 14. He faces a penalty of up to three years in federal prison and fine up to $250,000 on each count. McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble, John Mulcahy and Ryan Raybould of the Justice Department’s Tax Division for their work on the case.
U.S. Attorney McAllister Announces His Management TeamRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Newly appointed U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister Tuesday announced the members of his management team.
“I have spent the past few weeks getting to know our personnel,” said McAllister, who was sworn in Jan. 25. “This team has my full confidence and support and I believe the members will put us in a strong position to pursue the priorities of our office.”
Tom Beall, who served as interim U.S. Attorney, will become First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Metzger will be chief of the district’s civil division and civil coordinator in the Wichita office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard will take over as chief of the criminal division for the district and criminal coordinator in the Topeka office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett will serve as criminal coordinator in the Wichita office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask will be criminal coordinator in the Kansas City, Kan.
In the civil division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Allman will be civil coordinator for the Kansas City, Kan., office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackie Rapstine will be civil coordinator in the Topeka office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Brown will serve as appellate chief. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Capwell will serve as senior litigation counsel.
McAllister was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He is in charge of a staff of more than 100, including 50 attorneys, who work in offices in Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City, Kan.
KCK Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man who stored hundreds of child pornography photos on his computer was sentenced Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jesus H. Salcedo, 29, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that investigators downloaded child pornography from his computer using a file sharing program. The photos included prepubescent boys engaged in sex acts. Investigators found 480 images and 73 videos containing child pornography on Salcedo’s computer.
McAllister commended the Overland Park Police Department, the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood program see https://www.justice.gov/psc .
Wichita Man Charged with Operating Gambling BusinessesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was charged Monday in federal court with operating illegal gambling businesses, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jack Oxler, 41, Wichita, Kan., was charged with one count of operating an illegal poker gambling business and one count of operating an illegal sports betting business.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI, the Wichita Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst are prosecuting.
Getaway Driver Sentenced in Village West RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Illinois man was sentenced Monday to 73 months in federal prison for driving the getaway car in a $53,000 holdup at a Verizon store in Village West, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. The robbers held store employees at gunpoint and bound them with zip ties.
Terry Curtis, 34, Rockford, Il., pleaded guilty to one count of commercial robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Sept. 14, 2016, he was involved when four men robbed the Verizon Wireless store at 10621 Village West Parkway. Two of the robbers entered the store, followed two minutes later by the other two. The robbers locked the door and ordered the employees and a customer into a break room. The robbers ordered them to lay face down on the floor and tied their hands behind their backs. The robbers forced an employee to open a safe before they fled the store with phones and cash worth $53,000. Eventually, an employee managed to get loose and call police.
Investigators used surveillance photos from the robbery to tie the Kansas City robbery to a similar robbery weeks earlier at an AT&T Store in Rochester, Minn. They also received an anonymous call that led them to one of the co-defendants who was on parole in Illinois.
During the investigations, agents learned that some of the defendants in the Verizon robbery were part of a group involved in dozens of similar robberies in several states.
Co-defendants who are awaiting trial include:
Mario Lambert, 33, Rockford, Il.
Sir T. Love, 32, Rockford, Il.
Domonique V. Walker, 26, Rockford, Il.
Sharod Pitts, 35, Chicago, Il.
McAllister commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their work on the case.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Babysitter Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita woman pleaded guilty Friday to producing child pornography while she was babysitting a seven-year-old girl in her home, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Stefanie Larsen, 46, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. In her plea, she admitted she allowed a man to produce a series of videos in which he masturbated in the presence of the sleeping child. When the child awoke and cried out, Larsen told her she had just had a bad dream. The man paid Larsen to let him make the videos.
Sentencing is set for April 25. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 17.5 years. Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Charged with Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Morton County man is facing federal sex trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
Timothy Joe Rogers, 31, Elkhart, Kan., is charged with two counts of the sex trafficking of a minor. The indictment alleges he solicited a victim under 18 years old to engage in commercial sex acts.
If convicted he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Kansas Man Charged with Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Reno County man is facing federal charges of distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today.
Shane Ragsdale, 30, Hutchinson, Kan., is charged with four counts of distributing child pornography via the internet and one count of possession of child pornography.
If convicted he faces a penalty of not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each distribution count, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Paying No Taxes on Gambling IncomeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man who made hundreds of thousands of dollars from illegal bookmaking pleaded guilty Monday to failing to report the income on his federal income taxes, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Daniel Dreese, 65, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements on income tax returns. In his plea, he admitted that in tax year 2011 he received $89,078 from illegal bookmaking, and in tax year 2012 he received $136,985 from illegal bookmaking. He did not report that income.
In addition, he admitted that in 2010, he failed to report $383,684 in income.
In the plea agreement, Dreese agreed to pay $214,540 in restitution.
Sentencing is set for April 23. He faces up to three years in federal prison and a fine up to $100,000 on each count. McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Pennsylvania Outfitter Pleads Guilty to Violating the Lacey Act in KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Pennsylvania man who owns a company called Horseshoe Hill Outfitters pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Kansas to violating the Lacey Act, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Robert P. McConnell, 48, Slippery Rock, Penn., pleaded guilty to four counts of importing deer into Kansas in violation of the Lacey Act, which regulates the trade in wildlife, fish and plants that has been illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold. Horseshoe Hill Outfitters advertises what it calls “trophy North American big game hunting adventures” in Kansas, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Ontario.
In two counts, McConnell admitted importing deer that were not from an accredited heard, were not officially identified and did not have a certificate of veterinary inspection. In two other counts, he admitted importing domesticated deer.
Sentencing is set for May 21. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years on probation during which McConnell is prohibited from doing business in Kansas, and a fine of not less than $10,000.
McAllister commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.
Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Wichita Tax Return PreparerRead the Press Release
A tax return preparer in the Wichita, Kansas, area prepares fraudulent tax returns for her customers, according to a new civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department today. The suit, filed in federal court in Wichita, Kansas, asks the court to permanently bar Ma Guadalupe Valenzuela (a/k/a Maria Guadalupe Valenzuela a/k/a Lupe Valenzuela, individually and doing business as Servicio de Income Tax) from preparing federal tax returns for others. The government also asks the court to order Valenzuela to turn over the names of customers for whom she has prepared federal tax returns since 2012.
The complaint alleges that the defendant unlawfully understates her customers’ income tax liabilities and overstates these customers’ refunds. According to the complaint, Valenzuela unlawfully prepares federal tax returns that lowers her customers’ federal tax liabilities by claiming bogus child tax credits, improper dependency exemptions, and false filing statuses.
The IRS has a list of steps on their website that you can take now in anticipation of filing your 2017 federal income tax return. Return preparer fraud was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2017 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Man from Liberal Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A man from Liberal was sentenced Thursday to 72 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Michael Martin, 50, Liberal, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. Martin admitted that a detective with the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force downloaded child pornography from Martin’s computer over a file-sharing network. The images depicted a prepubescent girl engaged in sex acts with an adult. Investigator also found child pornography on Martin’s smartphone.
McAllister commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Federal Drug Charges Filed Against Southeast Kansas Man Who Was Arrested After Boat ChaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A southeast Kansas man was indicted Tuesday on federal drug and firearm charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Scott Joseph Skibo, 54, Chetopa, Kan., was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 18, 2017, Skibo possessed fifty or more marijuana plants and a .40 caliber Glock 22 handgun.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced in September that agents arrested Skibo for cultivating marijuana on an island in Elmore Park within the city limits of Chetopa, Kan. He attempted to flee law enforcement in a boat before he was arrested.
If convicted, Skibo faces not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge, and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana charge. The KBI, the Labette County Sheriff’s Department and the Chetopa Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Danny Acosta-Zavala, 32, and Cecilia Ann Rios, 36, are charged with one count of possession of more than 12 pounds of heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 1, 2018, in Thomas County, Kan.
If convicted, they face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
Manuel Hernandez, 43, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of escaping from custody at the Mirror, Inc., in Wichita.
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 Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Rodolfo Moreno-Banuelos, 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. He was found Jan. 13, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Jesus Benito Vergara-Gonzalez, 24, of Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 21, 2017, in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the Social Security charge and a mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on the identity theft charge. The Kansas Department of Revenue investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
William Daniel Wycoff, 32, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 13, 2018, in Sedgwick 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 Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper James Carson pleaded guilty in federal court to violating an individual’s civil rights by using excessive force, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore, United States Attorney for the District of Kansas Stephen R. McAllister, and Special Agent in Charge for the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Darrin E. Jones.
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on June 25, 2013, the Defendant, James Carson, was acting under color of law as a Trooper for the Kansas Highway Patrol when he used unreasonable force against an arrestee, R.T. According to the documents, Carson conducted a lawful arrest and then transported R.T. to the Labette County Jail, where at least five other law enforcement officials were present. As Carson removed R.T. from the patrol vehicle and escorted him into the booking area, R.T.’s hands were cuffed behind his back. Without warning, Carson kicked the legs out from underneath R.T., causing R.T. to crash down on his back onto the floor. Carson admitted in court that he used force against R.T. for the purpose of punishment and not for a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
As part of the plea agreement, Carson has agreed to surrender his law enforcement credentials and never again accept any employment related to law enforcement.
“Any law enforcement official who uses excessive and unreasonable force against an arrestee violates the Constitution and its provision to provide for the safety and security of all citizens,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute officer misconduct and protect the integrity of our civil rights laws.”
This case was investigated by the Topeka Resident Agency of the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case was initially investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag of the United States Attorney’s Office and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper James Carson pleaded guilty in federal court to violating an individual’s civil rights by using excessive force, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore, United States Attorney for the District of Kansas Stephen R. McAllister, and Special Agent in Charge for the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Darrin E. Jones.
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on June 25, 2013, the Defendant, James Carson, was acting under color of law as a Trooper for the Kansas Highway Patrol when he used unreasonable force against an arrestee, R.T. According to the documents, Carson conducted a lawful arrest and then transported R.T. to the Labette County Jail, where at least five other law enforcement officials were present. As Carson removed R.T. from the patrol vehicle and escorted him into the booking area, R.T.’s hands were cuffed behind his back. Without warning, Carson kicked the legs out from underneath R.T., causing R.T. to crash down on his back onto the floor. Carson admitted in court that he used force against R.T. for the purpose of punishment and not for a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
As part of the plea agreement, Carson has agreed to surrender his law enforcement credentials and never again accept any employment related to law enforcement.
“Any law enforcement official who uses excessive and unreasonable force against an arrestee violates the Constitution and its provision to provide for the safety and security of all citizens,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute officer misconduct and protect the integrity of our civil rights laws.”
This case was investigated by the Topeka Resident Agency of the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case was initially investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag of the United States Attorney’s Office and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Stephen McAllister Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Stephen R. McAllister was sworn in Thursday as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas.
The Honorable Clarence Thomas of the United States Supreme Court administered the oath in a private ceremony today on the University of Kansas campus.
McAllister was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He will be in charge of a staff of more than 100, including 50 attorneys, who work in offices in Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City, Kan. Tom Beall, who has served as U.S. Attorney on an interim basis since former U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom resigned in April 2016, will return to his position as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“I am honored to serve,” McAllister said. “I accept the duty to follow the law and to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality and equal justice for all.”
McAllister has served as the Solicitor General of Kansas and the E.S. & Tom W. Hampton Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas. He argued nine times before the Supreme Court of the United States and he has taught constitutional law and federal civil rights law at KU. He clerked for Justice Thomas as well as the Honorable Byron R. White of the United States Supreme Court, and the Honorable Richard A. Posner at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He received a bachelor’s degree in 1985 from the University of Kansas, and a law degree in 1988 from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse on McConnell Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man who lived in base housing at McConnell Air Force Base was sentenced Monday to 30 years in federal prison for sexually abusing two teenage girls, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Random Shane Smith, 38, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual abuse. In his plea, Smith admitted using force to make the two 16-year-old victims have sex with him. The assaults took place in base housing.
Beall commended the FBI, Air Force OSI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Missouri Man Charged with Bonner Springs Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City man has been charged with robbing a bank in Bonner Springs, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Timothy Karpovich, 39, Kansas City, Mo., was charged with one count of bank robbery. An investigator’s affidavit filed in the case alleged that on Monday morning Karpovich robbed the KCB Bank at 13010 Commercial in Bonner Springs. He gave the teller a handwritten note and kept his right hand in his pocket as if he had a gun. He fled the bank on foot.
Police received a tip that the robber gambled regularly at Harrah’s Casino in North Kansas City, Mo. Casino employees identified Karpovich from a bank surveillance photo. He was arrested without incident at the casino.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The FBI, the Bonner Springs Police Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol Gaming Division investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Defendant Pleads Guilty in Scam Targeting Homeowners Facing ForeclosureRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. B A Missouri man pleaded guilty Monday to charges he and his accomplices swindled homeowners facing foreclosure with false promises to help them save their homes, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Tyler Korn, 28, St. Ann, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. In his plea, he admitted he and co-defendants used the address of a UPS store in Overland Park, Kan., to form Reliant Home Financial Group, a company they operated out of the St. Louis metro area.
The indictment alleges the defendants took money from victims and fraudulently promised to:
- Lower their interest rates.
- Lower their monthly payments.
- Help them obtain loan modifications.
When victims received foreclosure notices, the defendants advised them not to worry about it.
Other defendants include:
Amjad Daoud, 33, Lutz, Fla., who is awaiting trial.
Ruby Price, 73, Bonner Springs, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Korn will be scheduled for sentencing later. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each count. Beall commended the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General, the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emilie Burdette and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Cherokee County Man Sentenced for Unlawful Hazardous Waste DisposalRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Cherokee County man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Jack E. Smith, 37, Scammon, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful disposal of hazardous waste. In his plea, he admitted he bought a truck that was loaded with urethane flooring materials, paints and other chemicals. He knew the materials were hazardous and flammable when he bought the truck.
Smith transported the truck to his residence and then to a rural location in Crawford County. Before he had unloaded all the containers, they caught fire. The United States calculated the cost of cleaning up the site at more than $19,000.
Beall commended Environmental Protection Agency and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Retired Highway Patrol Trooper Charged with Lying to FBI about GamblingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A retired highway patrol trooper was charged Thursday with lying to the FBI during an investigation into illegal gambling in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Michael Frederiksen, 52, Derby, Kan., is charged with two counts of making false statements to FBI investigators. A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Wichita alleges that in 2014, while Frederiksen was still a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, he was filmed taking part in an illegal cash poker game. On Feb. 23, 2017, he was interviewed by FBI agents investigating illegal gambling businesses in Wichita.
The FBI had a video of Frederiksen playing in an illegal cash poker game held Feb. 12, 2014, at 922 1/2 E. Douglas in the Old Town district of Wichita. The site was equipped with poker tables, a cabinet for valuables and poker chips, video surveillance equipment, liquor and snacks. Staff included dealers, someone serving food and a waitress serving drinks and giving massages to the players.
An undercover investigator was at the game posing as a gambler. At one point, the undercover officer tried to use his phone to take photos. The men running the game took him aside and told him he was making other players nervous. They allowed the undercover officer to continue playing, but moved the game to other locations after that night.
The FBI also knew that Fredericksen had frequent contact with one of the organizers of the poker game, identified in the charges as J.S.
During the FBI interview, Fredericksen made false statements, downplaying his involvement in illegal poker and his relationship with the operator of the poker game.
If convicted, Fredericksen faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI, Wichita Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Smith and Mona Furst are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment: Three Kansas Residents Made Illegal Firearms PurchasesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – An indictment unsealed Thursday alleges three Kansas residents lied on forms they filled out to purchase firearms, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. All three defendants were soldiers stationed at Fort Riley.
Johny Perez, 26, Junction City, Kan., is charged with six counts of making false statements on ATF Form 4473 when he purchased firearms from licensed dealers, and one count of dealing firearms without a federal license. Jorge Flores, 26, Fort Riley, is charged with two counts of making false statements when he purchased firearms. Maya George, 22 Fort Riley, is charged with one count of making a false statement when she purchased firearms.
All three defendants are accused of falsely denying that they were acquiring the firearms on behalf of other buyers. The firearms were purchased from Jack and Dick’s Jewelry and Loan in Junction City, Godfrey’s Indoor Shooting and Archery Ranges in Junction City and Quantico Tactical Supply in Junction City.
If convicted, they face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of making a false statement. Dealing guns without a license carries a penalty of up to five years and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment: Police Officers Tried to Out Undercover Investigator at Poker GameRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Two Wichita police officers and a gambling operator tried to out an undercover investigator at a poker game, a federal indictment unsealed today alleges.
Three men are charged with obstructing a criminal investigation, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. Bruce Mackey, 45, Goddard, Kan., a Wichita police officer, Michael Zajkowski, 50, Wichita, Kan., who is no longer a Wichita police officer, and Brock Wedman, 48, St. Marys, Kan., are charged with one count of obstructing law enforcement. In addition, Wedman is charged with lying to the FBI about the incident.
The indictment alleges that Wedman and a co-conspirator operated a gambling business and sponsored an illegal poker game on Feb. 12, 2014, in Wichita. When Wedman began to suspect there was an undercover officer at the game, he wanted to know if the car the man was driving belonged to the city of Wichita.
Wedman and a co-conspirator asked Zajkowski and Mackey, both of whom were Wichita police officers at that time, for help. Zajkowski and Macey made a series of calls and sent texts attempting to use police resources to determine who owned the car. They gave Wedman reason to believe an undercover officer was present and they confirmed his car was registered to the City of Wichita and in service to the Wichita Police Department.
When the FBI interviewed Wedman in February 2017, he falsely denied he gave the co-defendants the license plate number and VIN number of the car and asked them to find out who owned it.
Upon conviction, both counts carry a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department. the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduc
Owner of Kansas Tax Preparation Firm Sentenced to Prison for Eight Years for Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A former resident of Overland Park, Kansas, was sentenced to 96 months in prison today for aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false income tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Beall for the District of Kansas.
According to documents filed with the court, Alfred Reece, 58, owned and operated a tax preparation business in Kansas City. From approximately 2013 through 2015, Reece prepared federal tax returns for individuals, claiming false business income and losses, medical and dental expense deductions, job-related expenses, charitable donations and other fraudulent items. Reece also concealed himself as the preparer on these fraudulent returns by falsely claiming that they were self-prepared. Reece admitted to causing a tax loss of between $550,000 and $1.5 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Julie A. Robinson ordered Reece to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $648,442 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Reece pleaded guilty in October 2017 to aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false and fraudulent tax returns.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Beall commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott C. Rask of the District of Kansas, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.