District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Salina Man Sentenced on Federal Child Porn ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Salina man was sentenced Monday to 108 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography on the internet, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Austin Wade Evans, 33, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing child pornography. He admitted that on June 22, 2016, he used a Samsung TracFone to distribute child pornography over an internet file-sharing program. A detective with the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force downloaded images from Evans’ phone.
On July 25, 2016, Evans gave his phone to investigators. Later, after child pornography charges were filed against him, Evans got another phone and distributed child pornography again.
After serving his sentence, Evans will be on supervised release for 15 years.
The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Child Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted.
Mail Carrier Sentenced for Stealing Gift Cards from MailRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former mail carrier in Sheridan County was sentenced Monday to six months in prison for stealing mail he was supposed to deliver, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. The defendant was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution.
James N. Stephenson, 25, formerly of Hoxie, Kan., and now living in Basehor, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was employed at the Post Office in Hoxie, Kan. He stole mail containing cash, gift cards and prepaid debit cards. He said he looked for birthday and anniversary cards that were likely to contain items of value.
After serving his sentence, Stephenson will spend two years on supervised release.
Beall commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.
Former Labette Banker Sentenced in Wire Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former Labette banker was sentenced Monday to eight months of imprisonment to be followed by four months of home confinement for a wire fraud scheme that included misappropriating funds from a bank and an insurance company, and filing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Keith L. Shaffer, 61, Altamont, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial in November on charges of misapplication of bank funds, wire fraud, misappropriation of insurance funds and making false statements on a federal tax return.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that while Shaffer was an employee of Labette Bank he diverted more than $134,000 in commissions on sales of insurance belonging to the bank into his personal account. Shaffer was managing a bank subsidiary called Labette Insurance Company. He was a salaried employee of the bank and all commissions paid on sales by Labette Insurance belonged to the bank. As part of the scheme, he submitted false information to the bank and to the Internal Revenue Service.
Beall commended the Internal Revenue Service, FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Sentenced to 11.5 Years on Federal Drug, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kan., man who sold methamphetamine and guns to undercover investigators was sentenced Wednesday to 11.5 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Eric Castillo, 28, who is citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a person who is not in the United States legally. In a series of transactions monitored by investigators, Castillo sold methamphetamine for about $500 an ounce. Along with the drugs, he sold guns including rifles and handguns made by Beretta, Browning and Smith & Wesson. One of the handguns was a .380 pistol with a built-in laser. The first transaction took place at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kansas City, Kan. Castillo offered guns for sale by asking undercover investigators if they were interested in buying some “toys.”
Beall commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.
Kansas Sex Offender Sentenced for Transporting Virginia Teen for SexRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A registered sex offender from Kansas was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in federal prison for picking up a 16-year-old girl in Virginia and taking her across state lines to have sex with him, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Logan Viquesney, 21, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity. In his plea, he admitted he communicated with the victim over the internet while she was staying with her grandparents in Virginia. On May 30, 2016, the victim was reported missing from her grandparents’ home. Investigators learned that Viquesney had driven to Virginia, picked up the girl, and taken her with him on a trip that took them from Virginia to Maryland, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. While on the trip, Viquesney had sex with the girl.
Viquesney was arrested after he arrived in Kansas City, Kan., with the girl.
Beall commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Lenexa Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Indictment: Wichita Man Was Armed in Robberies at Two HotelsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury Tuesday returned an indictment charging a Wichita man with brandishing firearms during robberies at two local hotels, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Darrell E. Black, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of commercial robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
The indictment alleges that on May 27, 2017, Black robbed the Extended Stay America at 9450 E. Corporate Hills, and on May 29, 2017, he robbed the Days Inn and Suites at 7321 E. Kellogg, both in Wichita.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Robbery: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Brandishing a firearm: Not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Felon in possession of a firearm: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Darnell F. Brown, 21, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute alprazolam (Xanax). The crimes are alleged to have occurred July 14 and Aug. 2, 2017, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute alprazolam: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The FBI and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Luis Arturo Melendez-Vargas, 36, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with two counts of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of misusing a Social Security number. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May and June 2017 in Ford and Sedgwick counties.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
False claim of U.S. citizenship: Up to three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Misusing a Social Security number: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Mario Ailon-Ailon, 33, a citizen of Guatemala, is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of unlawful re-entry after deportation, one count of misusing a Social Security number, one count of making a false written statement on a W-4 withholding form and one count of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2015 and 2017 in Ford County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Unlawful re-entry: Up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Misusing a Social Security number: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Making a false written statement to the government: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Jose Antonio Sandoval-Nava, 38, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person who is not legally in the United States. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 14, 2017, in Ford County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Blanca Maria Torres, 31, Garden City, Kan., is charged with three counts of passing counterfeit checks, two counts of theft of tax refunds obtained by fraud, two counts of misusing a Social Security number and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in July and August 2016 in Finney County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Passing counterfeit checks: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Theft of tax refunds: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Misusing a Social Security number: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Aggravated identity theft: Mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Regina Marie Razo, 42, Garden City, Kan., and Ramon Rascon-Mendoza, 59, Garden City, Kan. are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In addition, Razo is charged with four counts of distributing methamphetamine; and Rascon-Mendoza is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person not legally in the United States. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May, June and July 2017 in Finney County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Garden City Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Using Stolen Identities to Take Out Car LoansRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 28 months in federal prison for using stolen identities to obtain car loans, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. The sentence is in addition to 20 months he has already served.
Reu Charles Chamberlain, 31, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he used a stolen identity at Eddy’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Wichita to qualify for a $48,902 loan to buy a 2016 Dodge Challenger. At Midway Motors in Wichita, he used a stolen identity to qualify for a $44,746 loan to buy a 2015 Dodge Challenger.
Beall commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 90 months in federal prison for two commercial robberies, including one in which he fired a shot into the ceiling, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Gary L. Gillom, 30, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty two counts of armed robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on June 26, 2016, he brandished a firearm while robbing the Arby’s restaurant at 1187 Southwest Gage in Topeka. He ordered restaurant employees to hurry with the cash and fired a round into the ceiling of the restaurant.
Gillom also admitted that on June 27, 2016, he brandished a firearm when he robbed the Long John Silver’s restaurant at 2746 Southwest Fairlawn in Topeka.
Gillom was arrested on June 29, 2016, after investigators identified a car used in the robberies.
Co-defendant Darien E. Fulton, 25, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to six years in federal prison.
Beall commended the Topeka Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas man was sentenced Monday to 75 months in federal prison for robbing a bank in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Andre U. Randle, 37, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Feb. 1, 2017, he robbed the U.S. Bank at 10959 Parallel Parkway, in Kansas City, Kan.
According to court documents, he gave a clerk a note saying, “I have 2 guns. Don’t make me use them,” before leaving the bank with stolen cash in a purple pillow case. Officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department stopped his car in the 6900 block of Troop and arrested him.
Beall commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Former Owner of Restaurant in Lenexa Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A former owner of a restaurant in Lenexa was sentenced Monday for bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Charles R. Waits, 56, Lenexa, Kan., was sentenced to three years on supervised release and ordered to pay $10,000 within 90 days toward restitution. Waits pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was one of the owners of the Kansas City Sports Grille, which is now closed. Waits provided false financial information to Community America Credit Union when he applied for a loan. He listed assets including property he did not own and he significantly overvalued one of the properties he owned.
Beall commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Indictment: Drug Traffickers Distributed Meth in Marshall CountyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. –Nine people have been indicted on federal charges of drug trafficking in Marshall County, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
The six-count indictment unsealed on Aug. 30, 2017, alleges John Haver, 61, Waterville, Kan., and others obtained methamphetamine from California and distributed it to buyers in Marshall County, Kan. Charges in the indictment include conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to launder money and money laundering. In addition to Haver, defendants named in the indictment include:
Cally Hanshaw, 41, Waterville, Kan.
Jose Martinez, 40, Porterville, Calif.
Clayton Chase, 28, Marysville, Kan.
Philip Pagan, 38, Waterville, Kan.
Curtis Wichman, 39, Blue Rapids, Kan.
Lorinda Patton, 37, Blue Rapids, Kan.
Kimberly Krunze, 26, Waterville, Kan.
Robert Zidek, 43, Blue Rapids, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Count 1: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Count 2: Not less than 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.
Count 3-6: Up to 20 years and a fine or more than $500,000
Investigative agencies involved in this case include the Waterville, Blue Rapids, and Riley County Police Departments, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Kansas Man Sentenced for Pretending to be Blind to Qualify for Federal BenefitsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An Army veteran from Reno County was sentenced Wednesday to three years on probation and ordered to pay back $70,000 in benefits he received by pretending to be blind, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today. The man’s ex-wife was sentenced to a year on probation for helping with the scheme.
Billy J. Alumbaugh, 62, Turon, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government. His ex-wife, Debra K. Alumbaugh, 58, also of Turon, Kan., pleaded guilty to concealing the crime.
In his plea, Alumbaugh admitted he falsely represented to the Veterans Administration that he was blind and homebound in order to receive special monthly pension benefits. In fact, he was able to drive and engage in other routine life activities without assistance. His wife accompanied him to medical visits in which they pretended he was blind and depended on her for help.
Beall commend the Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Driving Getaway Car during RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty Tuesday to driving the getaway car during an armed robbery, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Jermaine Tyrell Patton, 29, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a commercial robbery and one count of aiding and abetting an armed robbery.
In his plea, Patton admitted taking part in a Nov. 5, 2016, robbery at Oakmark Convenience Store at 2518 N.E. Seward Avenue in Topeka. Patton’s accomplice, who was carrying a firearm, entered the store and demanded money. Patton was behind the wheel of a blue PT Cruiser when he and the robber fled the scene. When police stopped the car, both men fled on foot. Patton was quickly arrested.
The other man, Christopher Curtis Harris of Topeka, was arrested and charged in Shawnee County District Court with shooting Topeka Police Detective Brian Hill when Hill tried to arrest him.
Patton is set for sentencing Nov. 27. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of not less than five years and not more than 15 years. Beall commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Indictment: Former Controller Embezzled $175,000+ from Kechi CompanyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A grand jury returned an indictment here today charging the former controller of a company in Kechi with embezzling more than $175,000, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Richard H. Yust, 64, Hutchinson, Kan., is charged with five counts of wire fraud. The crimes took place while Yurst was responsible for overseeing the financial operations of F&H Insulation Sales and Service, Inc. The indictment alleges he used company credit cards to make unauthorized purchases and he made unauthorized payments to his wife and son.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jose Badilla, 33, Kansas City, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, two counts of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March and August 2017 in Wyandotte County, Kan.
The indictment alleges Badilla maintained residences in furtherance of drug trafficking in the 2800 block of North 51st Street and the 3500 block of Ohio Avenue in Kansas City, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Maintaining a drug involved premises: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million.
The Kansas Bureau of investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.
Angel D. Mora, 18, Kansas City, Kan., and Ramiro G. Whitney, 20, Kansas City, Kan., are charged with stealing pistols, rifles and shotguns from Little Joe’s Pawn and Gun in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, they face 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 David Zabel is prosecuting.
Robert M. Purinton, 69, formerly of Overland Park, Kan., is charged with three counts of filing false tax returns for 2010, 2011 and 2012 that failed to report some of his income.
If convicted, he faces up to three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Bank Employee Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $213,000+ from BankRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Labette County woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of embezzling more than $213,000 from the bank where she worked, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Debra J. Nading, 59, Oswego, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft by a bank employee. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she worked as an assistant cashier and bookkeeping supervisor for the Labette Bank in Parsons, Kan. She used her access to the bank’s credit card accounts to make false entries to cover up the theft.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 17. She faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Indictment: Topeka Man Brandished Firearm During Robbery at McDonald’sRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday on charges of brandishing a firearm when he robbed a McDonald’s restaurant, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Brendon R. Thompson, 30, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. The indictment alleged that on July 19, 2017, Thompson threatened employees with a gun when he robbed a McDonald’s restaurant at 1100 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, and not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Carlos F. Fernandez-Gonzalez, 28, Yucaipa, Calif., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute 14 kilograms of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 2.25 kilograms of heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 25, 2017, in Russell County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on each count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.
Robert P. McConnell, 48, Slippery Rock, Penn., owner of Horseshoe Hill Outfitters, is charged with four counts of violating the federal Lacey Act. The indictment alleges he unlawfully took deer in 2014 and 2014 in Allen County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.
Willie Ben Jordan, Jr., 42, 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 July 21, 2017, in Shawnee County.
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.
Robert Wesley Fox, 54, Marysville, Kan., is charged with failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. He was found in Marshall County in August 2017.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
Howard Dale Burchfiel, 31, Topeka, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 17, 2017, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.
Juan Carlos Aguilar, 23, Kansas City, Mo., and Saul Lucio-Murillo, 28, Palmdale, Calif., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 30, 2017, in Saline 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 Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
Brandon Valerius, 38, William Hancock, 58, Colbie Clayton, 31, and Treasure McCall, 33, all in federal custody, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Valerius and McCall are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Hancock is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Colbie Clayton is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 4, 2017, in Riley County.
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.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Manhattan City Attorney Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former city attorney of Manhattan pleaded guilty today to federal child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Bill Raymond, 55, Andover, Kan., pleaded guilty to three counts of transporting child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Raymond admitted that he emailed child pornography to himself using a cellular telephone and a computer on Nov. 9, 2014, Feb. 28, 2015 and May 17, 2015. He also admitted that on July 30, 2015, he possessed child pornography.
The crimes occurred in Butler and Riley counties. Raymond became the city attorney in Manhattan after serving as an assistant county counselor in Sedgwick County.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 6. He faces not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each distribution count, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Indictment: Child Pornography Found on Employee’s Company PhoneRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Kansas City, Kan., man with producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Ronny D. Peters, 39, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with two counts of producing child pornography. According to court records, the investigation began when Peters’ former employers called the FBI to report finding child pornography on a company cell phone Peters turned in after he was fired. The phone belonged to Pop-A-Lock, a locksmith company based in Lafayette, La. The company has franchise operations across the United States and Canada, including Kansas City.
The indictment alleges Peters sexually exploited a minor child to produce videos that investigators found on the phone.
If convicted, he faces not less than 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Kenneth William Clark, III, 35, Scott City, Kan., is charged with receipt and possession of stolen mail. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 2, 2016, in Sedgwick County.
The indictment alleges Clark possessed stolen mail from senders including Discover Financial, Gold MasterCard, H&R Block, Bank of America, Intrust Bank, Fidelity Bank, the Kansas Department of Revenue and others. The stolen mail was addressed to recipients in Wichita and Park City.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Ran Wells, 39, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of counterfeiting U.S. currency. The crime is alleged to have occurred in March and April 2017 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Ronald L. Phillips, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred July 27, 2017, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the marijuana charge, up to 10 years on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm and not less than five years on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The FBI and the Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Jose A. Hernandez-Diaz, 23, Lucio Cabanas, Mexico, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately six pounds of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately two pounds of heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 14, 2017, in Ford County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than10 years and a fine up to $10 million on the methamphetamine charge and not less than five years and a fine up to $5 million on the heroin charge. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Anthony Carrasco, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 6, 2017, 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 David Lind is prosecuting.
Carlos Salas-Lopez, 45, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number, one count of possessing a counterfeit Permanent Resident card, and one count of making a false statement on an I-9 employment eligibility verification form. The crimes are alleged to have occurred June 8, 2016, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the Social Security count, 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the document fraud count, and five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the false statement count. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Habraham Altamirano-Jeronimo, 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found July 14, 2017, in Lawrence, 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 Leon Patton is prosecuting.
Oscar Vallejo-Tolentino, 25, Hays, Kan., a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Hays, Kan., is charged with five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. The crime is alleged to have occurred in 2017 and 2015 in Ellis County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces 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 investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Juan Carlos Jimenez-Caraveo, 26, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found July 28, 2017, 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 Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Clay Don McElroy, 40, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 16 2017, in Finney County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million on the methamphetamine charge, and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana charge. The Garden City Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Mayor of Lawrence Sentenced for Transporting Stolen FundsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former mayor of Lawrence was sentenced Tuesday to ten months in federal prison for embezzling thousands of dollars from a food bank in Douglas County, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. The defendant was ordered to pay $81,446 in restitution.
Jeremy James Farmer, 33, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of interstate transportation of stolen funds. Farmer admitted the crimes took place while he was executive director of Just Food, a food bank in Douglas County. Just Food serves more than 40 partner agencies with frozen meat and fresh produce as well as bread and food donated from community drives. The organization and its partners play a key role in fighting hunger in Douglas County.
From 2013 until Farmer resigned from Just Food and from his position as mayor of Lawrence in August 2015 he used his access to Just Foods’ bank accounts and accounting systems to steal more than $5,000 from the organization.
Beall commended the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Wichita Business Owner Sentenced in $250,000 Tax CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita business owner was sentenced Monday to two years on supervised release and ordered to pay $256,000 in restitution for withholding taxes from employee salaries that he failed to pay over to the government, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Michael J. Skladzien, 54, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over taxes. In his plea, he admitted that while he owned S&S Floor Maintenance he withheld approximately money from salaries of employees to pay federal taxes. Instead of paying the funds over to the government, he spent the money on personal expenses including gambling.
Beall commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Lying to Investigators After Deadly StandoffRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 42 months in federal prison for lying to investigators in a 2016 interview following a stand-off between federal law enforcement officers and fugitive Orlando J. Collins, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Quentin Kirk Lawton, 37, pleaded guilty in May to one count of making a false statement. In his plea, he admitted that on April 23, 2016, he visited Collins in a room at the Country Club Motel at 3732 S.W. Topeka Boulevard. Lawton left the motel shortly before a standoff between Collins and federal agents. When the FBI questioned Lawton about Collins’ whereabouts, Lawton denied he had been to the motel and seen Collins. In fact, Lawton was captured on video surveillance entering and leaving Collins’ room shortly before members of a federal task force attempted to arrest Collins.
When members of a task force tried to take Collins into custody he shot two U.S. Marshals and an FBI agent. A fire ignited from inside Collins’ room during the gunfight and spread throughout the motel. After the fire, Collins’ body was found in the motel room.
Beall commended the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Topeka Police Department, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Salina Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Salina man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Michael N. Rodenbeek, 54, Salina, Kan., was sentenced Aug. 11. He pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted using an iPhone camera to surreptitiously record videos focusing on the genitals of a 10-year-old victim and a 9-year-old victim. The recordings were made without the victims’ knowledge.
Beall commended the Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Former Hospital Worker Convicted in Attack at Fort LeavenworthRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A former civilian hospital employee was convicted today on federal charges of attacking a woman who he set on fire and attacked with a straight razor, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
A jury found Clifford Currie, 55, Leavenworth, Kan., guilty on one count of assault with intent to commit murder.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on Sept. 7, 2016, Currie threw gasoline or some other inflammable liquid on his supervisor, Katie Ann Blanchard, lit her on fire and assaulted her with a straight edge razor and scissors. A co-worker came to the Blanchard’s aid when she heard screams and saw Blanchard on fire from the chest up. Currie was subdued by hospital employees and then arrested
Sentencing is set for Oct. 31. He faces a penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI and the U.S. Army Military Police investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward are prosecuting.
Wichita Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to drug trafficking and agreed to forfeit the building where his restaurant is located as well as other assets, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. Two co-defendants also entered guilty pleas.
Gerald Beasley, 62, Wichita, Kan., owner of Tiara’s Place, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Also on Monday, co-defendant Terry Beasley, 63, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Co-defendant Brandon Smith, 46, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
In his plea, Gerald Beasley admitted he stored cocaine and other narcotics in a residence in the 2400 block of North Piatt Street in Wichita, meeting with buyers both at the residence and the restaurant at 1339 N. Hillside. He carried a High Standard derringer handgun to protect himself during drug transactions.
In his plea agreement, Gerald Beasley agreed to forfeit his home in Andover, his restaurant, a number of real estate properties, more than $75,000 in cash and bank accounts with a value of more than $75,000, as well as other assets.
In his plea, Terry Beasley admitted he made money through the trafficking of controlled substances, illegal gambling and the illegal production and sale of false documents. He kept the proceeds hidden in a safe in a storage facility. The plea agreement calls for him to forfeit more than $67,000 in cash that was seized from him.
In Smith’s plea, he admitted he conspired to distribute marijuana. Investigators recorded calls in which he ordered drugs from Gerald Beasley.
Sentencing is set for Gerald Beasley on Oct. 30, for Terry Beasley on Nov. 6 and for Smith on Nov. 13. Both parties have agreed to recommend Gerald Beasley be sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and Terry Beasley be sentenced to a year and a day. Smith faces a sentence of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Beall commended the Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal revenue Service, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 11 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Brandon V. Wells, 23, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty in April to five counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery.
In his plea, Wells admitted to the following robberies:
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Jan. 27, 2017, Circle K, 1250 S. Rock Road, Wichita.
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Jan. 28, 2017: O’Reilly Auto Parts, 4818 E. Lincoln, Wichita.
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Jan. 30, 2017: O’Reilly Auto Parts, 4636 S. Broadway, Wichita.
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Feb. 4, 2017: O’Reilly Auto Parts, 4130 W. Central, Wichita
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Feb. 5, 2017: O’Reilly Auto Parts, 3220 N. Rock, Wichita.
During the robberies, Wells and an accomplice threatened employees with a weapon and demanded money. The firearm charge is tied to a Feb. 6, 2017, robbery at O’Reilly Auto Parts, 3109 E. Pawnee.
Beall commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
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Executor of Estate Sentenced for Fraudulent Sale of CondoRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Wabaunsee County woman who pleaded guilty to fraud while serving as executor of her mother’s estate was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Julie D. Woodland, 56, Maple Hill, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of funds obtained by fraud. In her plea, she admitted she served as trustee of trusts set up by her parents, Stephen W. Dibble and Elaine R. Dibble. It was her parents’ intent that proceeds of the trusts be shared equally among Woodland and her siblings, Lance A. Dibble and Stan Dibble. Woodland also was executor of her mother’s estate.
Woodland sold a condo in Texas belonging to the trust for $270,000. She distributed half the proceeds to her brother, Stan Dibble, and she kept the rest. Her brother, Lance Dibble, requested an accounting of the trust funds, but she refused to provide the information.
Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Owner of Hunting Guide Company Pleads Guilty to Lacey Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – The owner of a hunting guide company in Elk County pleaded guilty and was sentenced Wednesday for violating state and federal laws while taking clients on hunting trips, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Josh Hedges, 35, Grenola, Kan., owner of Eagle Head Outfitters, LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. He was sentenced to five years on probation and ordered to pay $15,000 restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Restitution Fund. In addition, he was forbidden to hunt, trap or guide for 12 years. Hedges also agreed to divest himself of the company.
Hedges admitted directing his guides to:
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Place corn, wheat and soybeans around ponds as bait for waterfowl.
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Help hunters to exceed their daily bag limits by offering to say they shot some of the birds the hunters shot.
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Fail to tag, process and transport birds as required by state and federal law.
In addition, Hedges admitted that he shot a hawk from his vehicle while sitting on a county road near Grenola.
Beall commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
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Two Kansas Men Plead Guilty in Master Key Mail Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Two Kansas men pleaded guilty Monday to taking part in a scheme to steal mail from Wichita mailboxes using a counterfeit mailbox master key, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Shalan D. Hiatt, 38, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft and one count of possession of a counterfeit mailbox master key. Jason A. Farner, 33, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of mail theft.
In their pleas, they admitted they were members of a group of people in Wichita who stole mail containing checks and forms of identification by using stolen and counterfeited mailbox keys. They obtained checks and forged checks that they passed, or attempted to pass, at Wichita banks.
Hiatt admitted to using a counterfeit mailbox key to steal money orders from a mailbox at Pawnee and Elizabeth streets. The victim mailed money orders to pay for rent and other bills.
Farner admitted obtaining money orders mailed at a collection box at 2510 S. Elizabeth. He wrote his name over the payee’s name in order to cash the money orders.
Sentencing for both defendants is set for Oct. 19. Hiatt faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the mail theft count and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. Farner faces up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on both counts.
Beall commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. for their work on the case.
Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug BusinessRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Two Kansans were sentenced Thursday for operating a synthetic drug business that generated $16 million in sales in less than two years, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Tracy Picanso, 61, Olathe, Kan., and Roy Ehrett, 59, Olathe, Kan., were sentenced to 54 months in federal prison. Picanso and Ehrett each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of producing and selling misbranded drugs, one count of producing and selling counterfeit drugs and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
An indictment returned in 2014 alleged Picanso and Ehrett owned an Olathe-based business producing and selling dangerous controlled substances and controlled substance analogues of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and methcathinones (stimulants).
They sold products under exotic names including Pump It, Head Trip, Black Arts, Grave Digger, Voodoo Doll and Lights Out. Some of the drugs were manufactured in buckets with drill-powered immersion mixers and tried out on “testers” who helped tweak the recipes by reporting on the drugs’ effects.
The operation stretched from Kansas to Missouri, California, Texas, Georgia and Colorado, involving more than 15 companies with more than 40 financial accounts at more than 10 financial institutions. Businesses owned and operated by the defendants included Retailing Specialists, Innovative Products 4U, The Outer Edge, Lakeridge Holdings, Monster Warehouse, Monster Distribution, Monster, 3P Distribution and Life Source.
“Without FDA oversight, unapproved and counterfeit drugs that are produced and marketed outside the Federal system present the prospect of serious harm to the public’s health,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer E. Morrison, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “FDA-OCI appreciates the coordinated efforts of DEA and other law enforcement agencies to bring to justice all those who evade federal drug laws.”
Beall commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the Overland Park Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Olathe Police Department, the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway, and Michael Varrone, associate chief counsel at the Food and Drug Administration for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka tax preparer pleaded guilty Tuesday to filing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Maurice L. Stewart, 39, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to 13 counts of filing false tax returns causing a tax loss of $93,402.
Stewart filed returns in clients’ names, falsely claiming the returns were self-prepared. He fraudulently reported that clients had suffered business losses. He filed returns electronically using the IP address of a Topeka business where he formerly was employed as an online IT technical services coordinator. He prepared returns using an online program where he had opened an account using another person’s name.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 30. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of two years in federal prison and full restitution. Beall commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Sentenced in Leawood Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City man was sentenced Monday to more than five years in federal prison for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Terry Lovelady, 58, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 70 months. Lovelady pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. He admitted that on Aug. 24, 2016, he robbed the Central Bank of the Midwest at 4801 Town Center Drive in Leawood and fled in a getaway car driven by a co-defendant. The robbers led police on a high-speed chase, running red lights and cutting off other drivers. Eventually, the getaway car jumped a curb, rolled down a hill and came to a stop in a parking lot at St. Joseph Medical Center in Missouri. The robbers fled the car on foot and were soon arrested.
Co-defendant Chad English, 43, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced in May to 52 months.
Beall commended the FBI, the Leawood Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Former Soldier Sentenced for Child Abuse at Fort RileyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former Army soldier was sentenced Thursday to 17 years in federal prison for child abuse, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Eugene Cleaver, 30, Bonham, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was stationed at Fort Riley where he lived with four minor females and their parents. He received free room and board in exchange for caring for the children and the house. After the children were removed from their parents’ home and placed in foster care, investigators learned that Cleaver had molested the children and warned them not to say a word or he would get into trouble.
Beall commended the U.S. Army, Criminal Investigation Division, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney.
Hunting Guide from Elk County Pleads Guilty to Lacey Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Kansas hunting guide pleaded guilty and was sentenced Tuesday for routinely violating state and federal hunting laws while taking clients on $300-a-day hunting trips, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Jerad Stroot, 26, Colwich, Kan., an employee of Eagle Head Outfitters, LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. In his plea, Stroot said his work included transporting hunters and their equipment to the field, directing hunters when to shoot, retrieving birds killed by hunters and keeping track of the number of birds killed by hunters and daily bag limits.
Stroot admitted:
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Placing corn, wheat and soybeans around ponds as bait for waterfowl.
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Helping hunters to exceed their daily bag limits by offering to say he shot some of the birds they shot.
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Failing to tag, process and transport birds as required by state and federal law.
Stroot was sentenced to five years on probation during which he may not hunt, trap or guide and a $5,000 fine
Co-defendant Josh Hedges, 35, Grenola, Kan., owner of Eagle Head Outfitters, is set for a change of plea hearing July 31.
Beall commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
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Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Operating Interstate Sex Trafficking BusinessRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man who owned a Lawrence nightclub has pleaded guilty to a federal sex trafficking charge, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Frank Boswell, 43, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty July 21 to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. In his plea, Boswell admitted he and co-defendants employed female commercial sex workers who served clients in Kansas and other states. Boswell used the Internet, cell phones, texting and social media to keep in touch with conspirators, track the movements of sex workers and advertise sexual services.
Boswell’s organization looked for women who needed money and a place to live wherever they found them - including homeless shelters - to recruit as commercial sex workers. They targeted single mothers and women with drug problems. The conspirators used drugs well as the threat of violence to make the women compliant. The women turned the money they made over to Boswell and he paid for their rent, utilities and cell phones.
Sentencing is set for Oct. 23. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 51 to 63 months in federal prison.
Co-defendants include:
Barry M. Johnson, who was sentenced to 46 months.
Michaela Hekekia, who is awaiting sentencing.
Shannon Nelson, who is awaiting sentencing.
Sean P. Hall, who is awaiting sentencing.
Rachel Flenniken, who is awaiting sentencing.
Beall commended the Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Plot to Explode Car Bomb at Fort RileyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John T. Booker Jr., 22, of Topeka, Kan., was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for attempting to detonate a vehicle bomb on the Fort Riley military base in Manhattan, Kan. On Feb. 3, 2016, Booker pleaded guilty to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of attempted destruction of government property by fire or explosion.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Darrin E. Jones of the FBI’s sKansas City Division made the announcement.
“With this sentence, John Booker is being held accountable for his plan to kill U.S. military personnel on American soil in the name of ISIS,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is countering terrorist threats and protecting American lives by bringing to justice those who plot to attack us. I want to thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who made this result possible.”
“Violent extremism is a threat to America and all its people,” Acting U.S. Attorney Beall said. “Our goal is to prevent violent extremists and their supporters from inspiring, financing or carrying out acts of violence.”
“The investigation leading to today's sentencing illustrates the FBI's commitment to disrupting acts of terrorism,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “If Mr. Booker had been successful in detonating a car bomb, the results could have been dozens, if not hundreds, of casualties. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting the citizens of the United States and thwarting acts of terrorism.”
In his guilty plea, Booker admitted he intended to kill American soldiers and to assist ISIS’s (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) fight against the U.S. His plan called for constructing a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate. Booker intended to trigger the bomb himself and die in the process, and filmed a video he intended Americans to see after his death.
“You sit in your homes and think this war is just over in Iraq,” Booker said in the video. “Today we will bring the Islamic State straight to your doorstep.”
Unbeknownst to Booker, the bomb that he constructed was made with inert materials, and the two men working with him were undercover informants for the FBI.
The FBI began investigating Booker in March 2014 after he posted on his Facebook page that he wanted to commit jihad. Booker admitted that he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army in order to commit an insider attack against American soldiers like the one at Fort Hood in Texas, but his deadly plans were thwarted when he was denied entry into the Army. In October 2014, Booker began communicating with an undercover FBI informant. He told the undercover FBI informant that he dreamed of being a fighter in the Middle East, and proposed capturing and killing an American soldier.
In March 2015, Booker was introduced to another FBI informant who he believed would help him plan an attack. Booker said he wanted to detonate a suicide bomb because he couldn’t be captured, all the evidence would be destroyed, and he would be guaranteed to hit his target. On March 10, 2015, Booker made a video filmed at Freedom Park near Marshall Army Airfield at Fort Riley in which he pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS. That month, he rented a storage unit in Topeka where the bomb would be assembled.
On April 10, 2015, Booker and the informants drove to an area near Fort Riley that Booker believed to be a little-used utility gate where they could enter Fort Riley undetected. He was arrested when he made the final connections on the device that he believed would arm the bomb.
Mr. Boente and Mr. Beall commended the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force for their investigation of this case. They also thanked Assistant Trial Attorneys Josh Parecki and Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi of the District of Kansas, who prosecuted this case.
Kansas Man Sentenced 30 Years in Plot to Explode Car Bomb at Fort RileyRead the Press Release
John T. Booker Jr., 22, of Topeka, Kan., was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for attempting to detonate a vehicle bomb on the Fort Riley military base in Manhattan, Kan. On Feb. 3, 2016, Booker pleaded guilty to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of attempted destruction of government property by fire or explosion.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Darrin E. Jones of the FBI’s sKansas City Division made the announcement.
“With this sentence, John Booker is being held accountable for his plan to kill U.S. military personnel on American soil in the name of ISIS,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is countering terrorist threats and protecting American lives by bringing to justice those who plot to attack us. I want to thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who made this result possible.”
“Violent extremism is a threat to America and all its people,” Acting U.S. Attorney Beall said. “Our goal is to prevent violent extremists and their supporters from inspiring, financing or carrying out acts of violence.”
“The investigation leading to today's sentencing illustrates the FBI's commitment to disrupting acts of terrorism,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “If Mr. Booker had been successful in detonating a car bomb, the results could have been dozens, if not hundreds, of casualties. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting the citizens of the United States and thwarting acts of terrorism.”
In his guilty plea, Booker admitted he intended to kill American soldiers and to assist ISIS’s (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) fight against the U.S. His plan called for constructing a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate. Booker intended to trigger the bomb himself and die in the process, and filmed a video he intended Americans to see after his death.
“You sit in your homes and think this war is just over in Iraq,” Booker said in the video. “Today we will bring the Islamic State straight to your doorstep.”
Unbeknownst to Booker, the bomb that he constructed was made with inert materials, and the two men working with him were undercover informants for the FBI.
The FBI began investigating Booker in March 2014 after he posted on his Facebook page that he wanted to commit jihad. Booker admitted that he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army in order to commit an insider attack against American soldiers like the one at Fort Hood in Texas, but his deadly plans were thwarted when he was denied entry into the Army. In October 2014, Booker began communicating with an undercover FBI informant. He told the undercover FBI informant that he dreamed of being a fighter in the Middle East, and proposed capturing and killing an American soldier.
In March 2015, Booker was introduced to another FBI informant who he believed would help him plan an attack. Booker said he wanted to detonate a suicide bomb because he couldn’t be captured, all the evidence would be destroyed, and he would be guaranteed to hit his target. On March 10, 2015, Booker made a video filmed at Freedom Park near Marshall Army Airfield at Fort Riley in which he pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS. That month, he rented a storage unit in Topeka where the bomb would be assembled.
On April 10, 2015, Booker and the informants drove to an area near Fort Riley that Booker believed to be a little-used utility gate where they could enter Fort Riley undetected. He was arrested when he made the final connections on the device that he believed would arm the bomb.
Mr. Boente and Mr. Beall commended the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force for their investigation of this case. They also thanked Assistant Trial Attorneys Josh Parecki and Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi of the District of Kansas, who prosecuted this case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Marijuana Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal marijuana trafficking charge, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Antoine Beasley, 37, Wichita Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances.
In his plea, Beasley admitted that he and co-defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization that imported marijuana and distributed it to buyers in Wichita. Wichita police seized more than $250,000, checks and drug paraphernalia during a search of Beasley’s home. They also seized marijuana and a DPMS model A-15 rifle from a stash house Beasley controlled.
Beasley is set for sentencing Oct. 4. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 63 months in federal prison.
Co-defendants include:
Gerald Beasley, 62, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Charlotte Akogun, 55, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Carlos Beasley, 43, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Terry Beasley, 63, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Herbert Jones, 56, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Stephen Smallwood, 69, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Brandon Smith, 46, Wichita, who is awaiting trial.
Helen Beasley, 59, Wichita, who is set for sentencing Sept. 11.
Larry Reed, 58, Wichita, who was sentenced to 24 months.
Gerald Wilson, 46, Wichita, who is set for sentencing July 19.
Beall commended the Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal revenue Service, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case.
Olathe Woman Sentenced in Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Olathe woman was sentenced Tuesday for a scheme to collect income tax refunds by creating companies that existed only on paper, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. In addition, a co-defendant in the case pleaded guilty Tuesday.
Raquel Odegbaro, 44, Olathe, Kan., was sentenced Tuesday to 75 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $894,000 in restitution. She had pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of mail fraud.
Co-defendant Abdirizak Aden, 33, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
In their pleas, Odegbaro and Aden said they operated Cokeza Styles, an online business that sold hair products. They admitted creating a series of fictitious companies and filing tax returns in the names of so-called employees by providing false information about wages earned, amounts withheld and refunds due. The false tax returns directed the Internal Revenue Service to deposit refunds electronically to reloadable credit cards controlled by the conspirators. The individuals whose names appeared on the refunds never actually worked for the fictitious companies.
In addition, the conspirat ors used stolen Social Security numbers to apply for unemployment benefits from the Kansas Department of Labor. They created more than nine fictitious companies and registered them with the labor department. They filed false claims in the names of employees who purportedly were terminated without fault.
Aden is set for sentencing Oct. 2. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 18 months and restitution of approximately $541,000.
Co-defendants include Alexander Limihagati, 35, Overland Park, Kan., who is set for sentencing Aug. 14, and Zia Mkubi Kajanja, 42, Overland Park, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
Beall commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor and Racketeering and Fraud; the Kansas Department of Children and Families; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; the Kansas Department of Labor; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble 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.
Salina Man Sentenced to 20 Years on Federal Drug, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Salina man was sentenced Monday to 20 years in federal prison on drug and gun charges, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Jason Lars Sheets, 36, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of brandishing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, he admitted he was a member of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Salina area in 2016. He admitted that he and his co-defendants jointly possessed 18 firearms including pistols and rifles.
Co-defendants include:
Seth Allen George, 26, Salina, who was sentenced in June to 18 years.
Tyler Lee Shea, 21, Salina, Kan., who was sentenced in June to 15 years.
Kyle Allen Palmer, 30, Salina, Kan., who was sentenced in April to 15 years.
Beall commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Salina Police Department, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.
Overland Park Man Sentenced to 8+ Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Overland Park man was sentenced Monday to 97 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography on the Internet while posing as a 46-year-old woman, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Frank Joseph Kurtz, 70, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that an investigation by the Israeli National Police first identified emails in which Kurtz used the alias “Lisayearning46” to send child pornography to another person. The FBI in Kansas tracked the emails to Kurtz, who registered with Yahoo under the name “Lisa Lewis” and used photos he found on the Internet as his profile picture.
Beall commended the FBI, the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Former Running Store Employee Sentenced for $275,000 TheftRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Olathe man was sentenced Monday to a year and a day in federal prison for stealing more than $275,000 in merchandise while he was working for a store that catered to runners, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. In addition, he was ordered to pay back the full amount.
Craig W. Sullivan, 41, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he worked for Garry Gribble’s Running Sports, which has five locations in the Kansas City area. Sullivan oversaw merchandise arriving at the main store in Overland Park. He was responsible for distributing merchandise to the other locations.
In his plea, Sullivan admitted he stole merchandise – primarily Garmin GPS devices – and sold them to a buyer in California via Craigslist. The buyer used PayPal to send Sullivan 51 payments totaling $275,780.
The crime was discovered when Garmin wrote a letter saying Gary Gribble’s Running Stores was being terminated as a retailer. Garmin said devices sent to the store had been sold on eBay for less than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
Beall commended the U.S. Postal Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Indictment: California Man Had More Than 60 Pounds of FentanylRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A California man appeared in federal court today on charges he possessed more than 60 pounds of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Carlos Fernando Fernandez-Gonzalez, 28, Yucaipa, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 25, 2017, when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him in Russell County, Kan.
If convicted he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Kansas Highway Patrol investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.
Find more information about fentanyl on the DEA’s website at https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/fentanyl.shtml .
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Cyber Crime That Cost Sedgwick County $566,000+Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Georgia man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges he was part of an e-mail spoofing scheme that cost Sedgwick County more than $566,000, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
George S. James, 49, Brookhaven, Ga., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
In his plea, James admitted that on Oct. 7, 2016, Sedgwick County sent approximately $566,088 to his bank account at a Wells Fargo bank in Georgia. James transferred part of the money he received from Sedgwick County to a bank account in Shanghai, China, and part of the money to an account at Deutsche Bank in Bremen, Germany. James also spent some of the money.
In his plea, James denied that the fraud scheme was his idea. He said that on Sept. 23, 2016, he was contacted by a person identified in court records as A.H., who asked to deposit some money into James’ account at Wells Fargo. James said he knew A.H. was engaged in fraud, but James denied knowing that Sedgwick County was the victim.
In his plea, James said it was A.H. – or someone working with A.H. – who sent an email to Sedgwick County on Sept. 23, 2016, purporting to be from Cornejo and Sons, LLC, and requesting the county send future payments to a new account number at Wells Fargo. On Oct. 7, 2016, the county sent $566,088 to James’ account at Wells Fargo. The county learned later that Cornejo did not request the change of account and did not receive the payment.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 21. He faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Beall commended the FBI, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to robbing a bank in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Andre U. Randle, 37, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Feb. 1, 2017, he robbed the U.S. Bank at 10959 Parallel Parkway, in Kansas City, Kan.
According to court documents, he gave a clerk a note saying, “I have 2 guns. Don’t make me use them,” before leaving the bank with stolen cash in a purple pillow case. Officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department stopped his car in the 6900 block of Troop and arrested him.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 11. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Beall commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Indictment: Former Highway Patrol Trooper Used Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A federal grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday charging a former Kansas Highway Patrol trooper with violating an individual’s civil rights by using excessive force.
The indictment was announced by Thomas E. Wheeler, II, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Tom Beall, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas and Darrin E. Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI.
The indictment alleges that James Carson, 43, Independence, Kan., while acting under color of law as a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol, used excessive force amounting to punishment against a victim identified in court records as R.T. The indictment further alleges that Carson’s use of excessive force resulted in bodily injury to R.T. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 25, 2013, in Labette County, Kan.
If convicted on the civil rights charge, Carson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Richard A. James, Jr., 26, an inmate in custody of the Bureau of Prisons, is charged with assaulting a BOP unit manager. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 1, 2017, in Leavenworth County, Kan.
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 David Zabel is prosecuting.
Joshua R. Sawyer, 27, who is in custody in the Shawnee County Jail, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 9, 2017, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he 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 Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
Michael Louis Lipp, 63, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 25, 2016, in Lawrence, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
Michael Allen Carter, 29, Salina, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 30, 2017, in Salina, Kan.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Used Stolen Identities to Take Out Car LoansRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges of using stolen identities to obtain car loans, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Reu Charles Chamberlain, 30, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he used a stolen identity at Eddy’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Wichita to qualify for a $48,902 loan to buy a 2016 Dodge Challenger. At Midway Motors in Wichita, he used a stolen identity to qualify for a $44,746 loan to buy a 2015 Dodge Challenger.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 11. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count, a fine up to $250,000 and restitution. Beall commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Was Wearing Monitoring Device While He Took Part in RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Topeka man admitted Monday that he took part in a robbery while he was wearing a monitoring device, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Christopher Allen Bush, 26, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a commercial robbery. In his plea, Bush admitted he picked up co-defendant Marsoleno Devon Ryland after Ryland robbed Casey’s General Store at 600 S.E. Rice Road.
At the time of the robbery, Bush was wearing a monitoring device because he was on post-release supervision in a criminal case in state district court. Data from the GPS device verified that Bush picked up Ryland just south of Casey’s General Store and drove him to the 2300 block S.E. Bellview, where police located the two men shortly after the robbery.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 25. Both parties have agreed to recommend Bush be sentenced to 36 months in federal prison. Co-defendant Ryland is set for sentencing Sept. 18.
Beall commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Mother Who Fled Country with Daughters Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence woman who pleaded guilty to forging her ex-husband’s signature on official documents when she fled to Europe with her daughters was sentenced Tuesday to three years on probation including six months home confinement, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Samantha C. Elmer, 34, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. In her plea she admitted she forged her husband’s signature on a document giving her consent to take their two daughters to Europe. She filed the document as part of the process of getting passports for the girls.
Elmer was charged after she returned from Europe with the girls, who were 9 and 11 years old.
Beall commended the following agencies that worked on the investigation: the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, the Eudora Police Department, the Overland Park Police Department and the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley.
Six Indicted in Wichita Identity Theft CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - Six Wichita area residents were indicted Tuesday on federal identity theft charges, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
The indictment alleges the defendants used stolen mail to produce fraudulent documents including Kansas driver’s licenses, student ID cards and other forms of identification. The fraudulent IDs were used to pass forged checks at stores including Dillons and Walmart.
Named in the superseding indictment were the following:
Chanel K. Wiseman, 28, Wichita, Kan., four counts of possession of fraudulent documents, two counts of receiving stolen mail, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances.
John C. McMillan, 45, Wichita, Kan., one count of possession of fraudulent documents and one count of receiving stolen mail,
Shane A. Pitman, 31, Wichita, Kan., one count of possession of fraudulent documents, one count of receiving stolen mail, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Brent A. Slover, 33, Wichita, Kan., one count of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of possession of fraudulent documents and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances.
Keri A. Tunnell, 41, Wichita, Kan., one count of possession of fraudulent documents and one count of receiving stolen mail.
Raina N. Zeiner, 22, Belle Plain, Kan., one count of possession of fraudulent documents and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession of fraudulent documents: Up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Receiving stolen mail: Up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Wire fraud: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Abraham Xavier Lopez, 25, Chino Hills, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately 4.4 pounds of marijuana. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 25, 2017, in Minneola, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years and up to $4 million in fines on the methamphetamine count and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana count. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Maurice Pitman, 34, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 15, 2017, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on each of the distribution counts, up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm count. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery at Casey’s General StoreRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Topeka man pleaded guilty Monday to robbing a Casey’s General Store, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Maroleno Devon Ryland, 34, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to as charged to one count of commercial robbery. On Feb. 2, 2017, an employee of Casey’s General Store at 600 S.E. Rice Road in Topeka reported a man with a gun threatened to kill him unless he turned over store deposits he was taking to the bank. Soon after the robbery, a Topeka police officer saw Ryland and co-defendant Christopher Allen Bush, 26, Topeka, Kan., sitting in a vehicle together. Later, police stopped another car in which Ryland was a passenger. They arrested Ryland and seized cash from the robbery.
Co-defendant Bush is set for a change of plea hearing June 26.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 18. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Beall commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag 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.