District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Kansas City Area Men Sentenced in $93,000 Drug DealRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Two Kansas City area men who set up a $93,000 drug deal have been sentenced to federal prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Timothy Wilson, 51, Kansas City, Mo., and John Hernandez, 38, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Wilson was sentenced Wednesday to 90 months in federal prison. Hernandez was sentenced Tuesday to 57 months.
In their pleas, they admitted they arranged to buy three kilograms of cocaine at a price of $31,000 per kilogram. They were not aware that the sellers were undercover agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from El Paso, Texas. Wilson and Hernandez were arrested Sept. 3, 2015, in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant at 542 Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Kan., when they attempted to exchange the money for the cocaine.
Beall commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward for their work on the case.
Indictment: Hillsboro Man Made $7.9 Million with Oil and Gas Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Hillsboro man was indicted Tuesday on charges of carrying out a $7.9 million oil and gas fraud scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
David K. Lawson, 70, Hillsboro, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the crime occurred while Lawson was the owner and director of Sonstone Trading, LLC.
Lawson made a deal for Sonstone to sell 90 barrels a day of crude oil to Parnon Gathering, Inc. Crude oil is unrefined oil produced from oil wells. What Sonstone provided to Parnon was in fact not crude oil. It was raw gas oil (RGO), which is a mixture of various refined petroleum products with a very low vapor pressure and a lesser commercial value.
For more information on oil and gas fraud from the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, see www.stopfraud.gov/oil-gas-fwg.html
If convicted, Lawson faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and restitution. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Drew Alan Reed, 42, El Dorado, Kan., and Timothy Wayne Rosenbaum, Augusta, Kan., are charged with making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer when purchasing a gun at Cabela’s, 2447 N. Greenwich in Wichita. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 3, 2014.
If convicted, they face a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Jonathan C. Wolfinbarger, 54, Wakeeney, Kan., and Steven R. Hansen, 62, Fontana, Calif., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of using the U.S. mails in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in June and July 2015 in Trego County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the possession count, and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the mail count. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Random Shane Smith, 36, Wichita, Kan., is charged in counts one and two with aggravated sexual abuse, in count three with production of child pornography, in count four with possessing child pornography; and in count five with tampering with a witness. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2014, 2015, and 2016 at McConnell Air Force Base.
Smith initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed May 13 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. The indictment adds to the charges in the complaint one count of possession of child pornography and one count of tampering with a witness.
Upon conviction counts one and two carry a penalty of up to life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count; count three carries a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years and a fine up to $250,000; count four carries a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000; and count five carries a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI and the Air Force OSI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Vernon J. Walker, 45, Wichita, Kan., and Tabitha A. Hanchett, 35, Wichita, Kan., are charged in count one with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Walker is charged in count two with unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in count three with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and in count four with unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 15, 2016, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, count one carries a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million; count two carries a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000; and counts three and four carry a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Rhonda J. Smith, 47, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of money laundering to conceal funds from a bankruptcy trustee. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2013 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Carlos Alejandro Casas-Pulido, 33, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person unlawfully in the United States, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 23 and Feb. 24, 2016, in Ford County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of up 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge, and a penalty of up to two years and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Fidelina Morales-Escobar, 25, a citizen of Guatemala, is charged in count one with document fraud, in count two with making a false statement on an employment verification form, in count three with misusing a Social Security number, and in count four with aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2014 and 2016 in Harper County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a penalty in count one of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000; in counts two and three a penalty of up to five years and fine up to $250,000; and in count four a mandatory penalty of two years in prison consecutive to the underlying sentence and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Angel Adan Prado-Neri, 36, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found May 3, 2016, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Nicholas A. Moore, 33, who is in custody in Lyon County, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 5, 2016, in Emporia, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Credit Union Employee Sentenced for $34,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A former credit union employee in Overland Park was sentenced today to three years supervised release for embezzling from the credit union where she worked, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. In addition, she was ordered to pay $34,035 in restitution.
Susan Wooten-Robb, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she worked for Community America Credit Union at 5601 W. 95th in Overland Park, Kan. In February 2014 two account holders complained about unauthorized debits from their accounts. Investigation revealed Wooten-Robb had made unauthorized debits totaling $34,035. In one instance, she attempted to cover up an unauthorized debit by filing a false currency transaction report claiming the account holders took out the money to assist a family member with paying tuition
Beall commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement from Real Estate Firm in SalinaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - An Ottawa County woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to embezzling from a real estate company in Salina where she worked, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Janetta Marie Buttery, 42, Bennington, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen funds. A criminal information filed in March alleged Buttery embezzled more than $109,000 from her employer.
In her plea, Buttery admitted the crime occurred while she worked as a secretary, bookkeeper and executive assistant at Realty Associates of Salina. Buttery used her access to the company’s credit cards, bank accounts, books and records to divert the company’s funds to herself, her mother and her husband.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 22. She faces a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and restitution. Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy in Fort Riley Bomb PlotRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring with another man who devised a plot to detonate a vehicle bomb at Fort Riley military base near Manhattan, Kan., Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced today.
Alexander E. Blair, 30, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. During a plea hearing, Blair admitted he conspired with co-defendant John T. Booker, Jr., 21, Topeka. Asked after he was arrested about the fact Booker’s plan called for America service members to die in the bombing, Blair said: “That’s what they signed (up) for.”
In March 2014, the FBI began an investigation into Booker, who called himself Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, concerning statements he made online indicating he wanted to wage jihad and to die in the process. Booker was arrested April 10, 2015, and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and two other counts.
During the investigation of Booker, law enforcement officers learned that Blair shared some of Booker’s extremist views and loaned Booker money for the purpose of renting a storage unit that Booker used to store components for a bomb. Blair knew of Booker’s intent to detonate a bomb at Fort Riley and to “kill as many soldiers as possible.” Despite being convinced that Booker was serious about carrying out the plot, Blair chose not to report what he knew to the authorities.
Blair is set for sentencing Aug. 23. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
Booker pleaded guilty to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of attempted destruction of government property. He is awaiting sentencing.
Beall commended the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Mattivi and David Smith of the District of Kansas, and Trial Attorneys Josh Parecki and Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Violent Overland Park Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City man who threatened employees with a gun and dragged a woman by her hair during a bank robbery was sentenced Monday to 17 years in federal prison , Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Clifton B. Cloyd, 54, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. On Oct. 29, 2014, he and another man robbed the Bank of America at 9500 Mission in Overland Park, Kan. In his plea, Cloyd admitted:
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He and his accomplice held five bank employees and one customer at gunpoint.
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Cloyd, who was carrying a handgun, grabbed one of the bank employees and pulled her by the hair and scarf to the teller station. He struck her in the face with a handgun.
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Cloyd struck a customer so hard her glasses flew off and she was knocked to the floor.
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Cloyd struck a male bank employee with such force that his head started bleeding.
Co-defendant Steve A. Watts, 55, Kansas City, Mo., is awaiting sentencing.
Beall commended the Overland Park Police Department, the Prairie Village Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
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Former Army Explosives Expert Charged with Unlawful Possession of GrenadesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former Army explosive ordinance disposal technician was charged in federal court Friday with unlawful possession of grenades, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
John A. Panchalk, 42, Overland Park, Kan., was charged with one count of possessing two M-67 fragmentation grenades that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
According to an agent’s affidavit, the investigation began May 19 when police were called to the Parkville Self Storage Facility in Parkville, Mo. They found several trailers and vehicles had been vandalized. In and around one trailer, they found ammunition canisters, rocket fins, blasting caps, C-4 explosive and military grenade simulators. They determined Panchalk was the owner of the trailer.
When investigators contacted Panchalk at home in Overland Park, he was evasive when they asked him about the contents of the trailer. When they executed a search warrant at Panchalk’s home, they found 38 pounds of C-4 explosive, detonation cord, blasting caps, grenade simulators, incendiary devices and the two M-67 fragmentation grenades.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated with assistance from the FBI, the Parkville, Mo., Police Department and the Overland Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
Overland Park Couple Arrested in Bank Fraud, Citizenship Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A married couple from India who allegedly obtained U.S. citizenship by fraud have been arrested on bank fraud and immigration charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
The couple, Ajay Dave, 60, and Parul Dave, 59, who live in Overland Park, are scheduled to make an initial appearance in the case at 2:30 p.m. today in Kansas City, Kan., before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. O’Hara. A federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment against the Daves last week in which the Daves are charged with two counts of bank fraud, two counts of making false statements on their applications to become U.S. citizens, and four counts related to obtaining their U.S. citizenship by fraud.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years in prison, $1 million in fines, and forfeiture of residential real estate identified in the case. They also face revocation of their United States citizenship and possible deportation to India.
The indictment alleges that the Daves provided false financial information and bogus tax returns in April 2010 to First Federal Bank in Overland Park to obtain a $417,000 mortgage loan on an Overland Park residence. It also alleges they engaged in similar conduct in July 2010 to obtain a $238,500 refinance of a home they own in Topeka, Kan., from Topeka’s Heritage Bank.
Then, starting in 2012, when the Daves, who came to the United States in 1999, began the process of seeking naturalized citizenship, they failed to disclose their alleged false statements to the banks, according to the indictment. Parul Dave became a U.S. citizen on October 26, 2012; Ajay Dave, who before he was naturalized was known as Ajaykumar Balwantrai Dave, was sworn in as a U.S. citizen on August 23, 2013.
Beall said the case arose from a joint investigation of the Kansas Department of Revenue; the Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (Fraud Detection and National Security Office); Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation; Kansas Department of Labor Fraud Investigation Division; Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control; and the Overland Park Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson.
As in any criminal case, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. An indictment merely alleges criminal conduct and is the document by which prosecution of the case goes forward.
Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall to Speak to Wyandotte County Bar Assn.Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. -- Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Tom Beall will speak Wednesday to the Wyandotte County Bar Association.
Beall will speak at 6:15 p.m. May 18 during the association’s meeting at the Hollywood Casino at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. He will be talking about his work overseeing 50 assistant U.S. Attorneys and their support staff members in offices in Kansas City, Kan., Topeka and Wichita.
Beall took the position in April after Barry Grissom stepped down as U.S. Attorney.
More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas is available online at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks .
Former Controller of Company in Lenexa Sentenced for $135,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The former controller of a company in Lenexa was sentenced Monday to 15 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $135,000, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Alan Wenk, 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crimes occurred while he worked as the regional controller and corporate accounts payable manager for Performance Contracting Group, Inc. (PCG), headquartered in Lenexa. The company, with 50 offices throughout the United States, is made up of several companies that provide a wide range of services and products including demolition; lead and asbestos abatement; thermal, fire and acoustical insulation; and recycling processes.
Wenk caused PCG to issue fraudulent checks for payment to him and to business entities he controlled. In all, he fraudulently received 20 checks totaling approximately $135,560.
Beall commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Charged with Sexual Abuse on McConnell Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita who lived in base housing at McConnell Air Force Base was charged Friday with sexually abusing two teenage girls, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Random Shane Smith, 36, Wichita, Kan., is charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Wichita with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of producing child pornography.
According to court records, Smith used force to make the victims submit to sexual acts with him. Smith sexually assaulted the victims over a period of time while they were 12 to 17 years old. The most recent assaults occurred on the McConnell AFB. Smith used a cell phone camera to take photos of some of the assaults.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The FBI and the Air Force OSI 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.
Indictment: Two Used Stolen Identities to Buy iPhones at a DiscountRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Two people were charged Wednesday with using stolen identities to sign phone service contracts qualifying them to buy iPhones at a deep discount, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Ashley K. Lavallee, 29, Candia, N.H., and Jay Leon, 22, Englewood, N.J., were charged in separate indictments with one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. One indictment alleges Lavallee used a stolen identity to sign up for phone service at an AT&T store in Overland Park, Kan. The other indictment alleges Leon used a stolen identity to sign up for phone service at a Best Buy in Overland Park.
If convicted, each of them faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the wire fraud count, and two years consecutive to other counts and a fine up to $250,000 on the aggravated identity theft charge. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Gabriel Soto-Zamudio, 27, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 24, 2016, in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward is prosecuting.
Donta R. Tanner, Jr., 23, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 24, 2016, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Lawrence Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
Julio Cesar Perez-Madrigal, 23, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person who is not U.S. citizen, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2015 and 2016 in Wyandotte County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
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Count one, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: not less than five years and not more than 20 years, and a fine up to $5 million.
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Count two, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
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Counts three and seven, alien in possession of a firearm: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
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Counts four and eight, unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances: a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
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Counts five and six, possession and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
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Man Arrested at Nudist Park in Kansas Charged in Boston with Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man arrested at a nudist park near Leavenworth appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., Monday on child pornography charges.
Christopher Jon Saemisch, 58, Olathe, Kan., is charged in federal court in Boston with one count of distributing child pornography. He was arrested May 6 at the Gaea Retreat Center near Leavenworth, Kan.
A criminal complaint and affidavit filed in federal court in Boston alleges Saemisch, who is a registered sex offender, used the Internet to distribute child pornography to an inmate in the federal Bureau of Prisons’ custody at FMC-Devans in Ayer, Mass. The inmate has been incarcerated since 1977 following convictions for child exploitation offenses.
The affidavit alleges that in emails to the inmate Saemisch said he was collecting child pornography and wanted to travel to Europe to have sex with children. The affidavit alleges Saemisch used code words in his communication including “antiques” for child pornography and “puppies” for children.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Department of Homeland Security investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Topeka Man Charged with Lying to Investigators Shortly Before Deadly Standoff at Topeka MotelRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was charged Wednesday with lying to a federal marshal who was trying to locate fugitive Orlando J. Collins before Collins shot three law enforcement officers during a gunfight at the Country Club Motel in Topeka, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Quentin Kirk Lawton, 36, who is in federal custody, is charged with one count of making a false statement to a federal officer. The indictment alleges that Lawton 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. The indictment alleges that when marshals questioned Lawton about Collins’ whereabouts Lawton denied having been to the motel or seen 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.
If convicted, Lawton faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Austan Kinnaird, 25, Goddard, Kan., is charged with one count of bank robbery.
The indictment alleges that April 29, 2016, Kinnaird robbed the Intrust Bank at 9450 E. Harry in Wichita.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI and the Wichita Police Department investigated Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
James Baray, 30, who is in federal custody; Francisco Javair Gandarilla, 25, who is in state custody; and Chad Kleppin, 44, who is in federal custody, are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred in April and May 2016 in Topeka, 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
Jesus Salcedo, 28, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with four counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2013 in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each distribution count, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
Julie D. Woodland, 55, Maple Hill, Kan., is charged with 22 counts of interstate transportation of stolen funds and three counts of money laundering. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2012 and 2013 in Topeka while Woodland was a trustee of the Stephen W. Dibble Trust and the Elaine R. Dibble Trust.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting.
Tyler Seifert, 31, who is in state custody, is charged with 12 counts of passing counterfeit U.S. currency. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2015 in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Topeka Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting.
Thomas Noble Lathrom, 25, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 22, 2016, in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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.
Ricardo Alcaraz-Luna, 34, North Las Vegas, Nev., is charged in count one with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Co-defendant Elsy Maria Perez, 32, North Las Vegas, Nev., is charged in count two with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 22, 2016, in Dickinson County, Kan.
Upon conviction, count one carries a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. Count two carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
David Lee McKinney, 24, Junction City, Kan., is charged in count one with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in count two with unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and in count three with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 29, 2015, in Geary County, Kan.
Upon conviction, count one carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1; count two carries a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000; and count three carries a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
Gary Lee Rayburn, 47, who is in state custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 22, 2015, in Abilene, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 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.
Tanner J. Schonfeldt, 20, who is in state custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 14, 2016, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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.
Joshua S. Carpenter, 27, who is in state custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 10, 2016, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
James R. Crawford, Sr., 38, who is in state custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 29, 2016, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
Ignacio Vazquez, 25, Pomona, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 30, 2016, in Ellis County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Kansas Highway Patrol 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.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of ATM AttendantRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Wednesday to 40 months in federal prison for robbing a man whose job was to stock ATMs with cash, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Pattrick J. Towner, 26, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery. In his plea, he admitted the robbery took place Sept. 16, 2014, at the Low Cost Plus Convenience Store at 3101 S.E. 6th Street in Topeka. When the victim tried to restock the ATM machine in the store with cash, Towner entered the store wearing a mask and brandishing a firearm. Towner took the victim’s money and keys and then fled the scene driving the victim’s vehicle.
Co-defendant Ahmad Salim Salti, 21, Topeka, was sentenced to 24 months after pleading guilty to helping plan the robbery.
Beall commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Counterfeit Garmin MapsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Arkansas man pleaded guilty Tuesday to selling counterfeit Garmin maps over the Internet, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
William Yates, 26, Fort Smith, Ark., pleaded guilty to one count of copyright infringement. In his plea, he admitted selling map products that were copyrighted by Garmin. Garmin International, Inc. is located in Olathe, Kan.
Yates sold counterfeit Garmin map cards on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist. An investigator with the FBI purchased cards from Yates.
He sold at least 874 counterfeit map products for more than $23,000. The products were valued at more than $67,000.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.
Overland Park Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - An Overland Park woman pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a 13-year-old victim, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Tricia Rodarmel, 39, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. In her plea, Rodarmel admitted that in October 2013 she began a relationship with co-defendant Robert Dickson through social media. Dickson told her of his interest in having sex with minors. Rodarmel helped by putting Dickson in contact with a 13-year-old minor.
On March 16, 2014, Rodarmel took the 13-year-old from Missouri to a hotel in Kansas where Dickson was to meet them. Rodarmel knew that Dickson intended to engage in sex with the minor.
Sentencing is set for July 25. Both parties have agreed to recommend Rodarmel be sentenced to 17 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Co-defendant Dickson is set for sentencing July 11. Both parties in his case have agreed to recommend Dickson be sentenced to 25 years, followed by lifetime supervised release.
Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Butler County Woman Sentenced for Stealing $1.2 Million from Presbyterian ManorsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Butler county woman was sentenced Monday to five years on federal probation for stealing more than $1.2 million from Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. The Wichita-based company owns assisted living centers in Kansas and Missouri.
Lori A. Shryock, 51, Augusta, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. Shryock’s husband and co-defendant, Brent A. Shryock, 45, Augusta, Kan., was sentenced to 36 months.
In their pleas, they admitted the crime occurred while Brent Shryock was employed as information systems director for PMMA. He was in charge of all computers, telephones, video information and electronic equipment, including the purchase of new or replacement equipment for PMMA, Presbyterian Manor, Aberdeen and Ashfield facilities.
Brent Shryock created four fictitious companies, two of which were called Innovative Software Solutions and LGR Technologies. He directed payment to be mailed to those companies at post office boxes. Lori Shryock opened the two post office boxes where the checks were mailed. Either Brent or Lori Shryock would retrieve the payments and deposit them into the Shryocks’ personal accounts. The resulting loss to PMMA totaled $1.2 million.
Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Two Kansas Men Charged with Attacking Somali Men Because of Their Race and National OriginRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Omar Cantero Martinez, 31, and Armando Sotelo, 24, both of Dodge City, Kan., were charged with federal hate crimes for attacking three Somali men because of their race and national origin. Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, made the announcement.
The indictment, which was unsealed today, charges Martinez and Sotelo with three counts of causing bodily injury to a victim because of actual and perceived race and national origin. The charges are filed under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which criminalizes willfully causing bodily injury to any person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
The indictment alleges that on June 19, 2015, Martinez and Sotelo caused bodily injury to three Somali men who were lawfully present in the United States and residing in Dodge City. The attackers are alleged to have used a broken glass bottle in the assault against two of the Somali men.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Indictments are merely allegations of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Dodge City Police. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst of the District of Kansas.
Two Kansas Men Charged for Attacking Somali Men Because of their Race and National OriginRead the Press Release
Omar Cantero Martinez, 31, and Armando Sotelo, 24, both of Dodge City, Kansas, were charged with federal hate crimes for attacking three Somali men because of their race and national origin. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas made the announcement.
The indictment, which was unsealed today, charges Martinez and Sotelo with three counts of causing bodily injury to a victim because of actual and perceived race and national origin. The charges are filed under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which criminalizes willfully causing bodily injury to any person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
The indictment alleges that on June 19, 2015, Martinez and Sotelo caused bodily injury to three Somali men who were lawfully present in the United States and residing in Dodge City. The attackers are alleged to have used a broken glass bottle in the assault against two of the Somali men.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Indictments are merely allegations of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Dodge City Police. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst of the District of Kansas.
Martinez and Sotelo Indictment
U.S. Attorney Statement: Reentry Week -- Beyond the Prison GatesRead the Press Release
By Tom Beall, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas
Each year, more than 600,000 individuals return to our neighborhoods after serving time in federal and state prisons, and another 11.4 million people cycle through local jails. Nearly a quarter of Americans have had some sort of encounter with the criminal justice system – mostly for relatively minor, non-violent offenses.
In law enforcement, we have a duty to make our criminal justice system fairer, more efficient, and more effective at reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their community. That is why I am joining U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch in inviting Kansans to observe National Reentry Week during April 24 through April 30.
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services offices in Kansas work to assist people who have struggled with the laws and legal system. Any person convicted of a felony understands that nearly every aspect of life will be more difficult than before. Probation officers work with people on probation or supervised release, offering substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, assistance finding housing or employment or both, educational opportunities or other life-changing programs. For anyone willing to make the effort, probation officers and staff are ready and willing to help. Likewise the federal Bureau of Prisons in Kansas works to provide drug treatment, vocational training and other programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
At the Department of Justice, supporting successful reentry is an essential part of our mission to promote public safety. By helping individuals return to productive, law-abiding lives, we can reduce crime across the country and make our neighborhoods better places to live. I am proud of the strides we have made and I will continue to support and advance reentry programs that promote opportunity and give formerly incarcerated individuals a better chance to rejoin our communities.
Tom Beall is the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Kansas.
South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Kansas GirlRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A South Carolina man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of sexually exploiting a Kansas girl, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Robert Pitya Dickson, 48, Fort Mill, S.C., pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he communicated over the Internet with a 13-year-old Kansas girl. Dickson persuaded the girl to send him send him sexual images of herself. In March 2014 he traveled to meet the girl and engaged in sex acts with her that he recorded and transported back to South Carolina.
Sentencing is set for July 11. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 300 months in federal prison. Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Former Bank Teller Sentenced for $83,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former Labette County bank clerk was sentenced Wednesday to three years on probation, including eight months home confinement, and ordered to pay full restitution for embezzling more than $83,000 from the bank where she worked, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Angela S. Littlejohn, 41, Chetopa, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she worked as a teller during 2013 and 2014 at the Chetopa State Bank in Chetopa, Kan. She stole a total of at least $83,963 from multiple accounts at the bank
Beall commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Tom Beall to Serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of KansasRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Tom Beall will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas.
Beall takes over after U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom steps down on April 15 to re-enter private practice. As Acting U.S. Attorney, Beall will be in charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, which comprises approximately 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 50 support staff members working in offices in Topeka, Kansas City, Kan., and Wichita. Beall will work mainly out of the office in Topeka.
“It makes it easier for me to go knowing the U.S. Attorney’s Office is in Tom’s capable hands,” Grissom said. “It has been a pleasure working with him.”
Since November 2013, Beall served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, making him the second in command of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He joined the office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in April 2011.
Beall is a native of Leavenworth, Kan. He served as Chief Deputy in the office of Kansas Attorney General Steve Six from March 2008 to January 2011. He was an adjunct instructor at Washburn University School of Law from August 2013 to January 2015. He was in private practice from 2000 to 2008.
Beall graduated in 2000 from the Washburn University School of Law after earning a master’s degree in public administration from Kansas State University and a bachelor’s degree from Baker University.
Kansas Business Owner Convicted on Federal Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Leawood, Kansas, business owner was convicted today of tax fraud following a month-long jury trial, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas.
The jury found Kathleen Stegman, 58, guilty of four counts of tax evasion relating to her evasion of corporate income taxes for the years 2008 and 2009 and individual income taxes for the years 2007 and 2008. Stegman and her husband, Christopher Smith, 51, were both acquitted on the charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States and Stegman was acquitted on one count of tax evasion.
Stegman owned Midwest Medical Aesthetics Center in Leawood, which provided aesthetic services including microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and anti-aging procedures and products. Smith owned Encompass Construction Group in Independence, Missouri.
“Today’s verdict is a reminder to business owners that they cannot use their companies as their personal piggy banks,” said Acting Attorney General Ciraolo. “All taxpayers must file true and accurate returns with the IRS to report their income and expenses. Those that fail to do so face significant consequences, including criminal prosecution, prison and monetary penalties.”
According to the evidence at trial, Stegman under-reported her company’s gross receipts and overstated her company’s expenses on the corporate tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Stegman also diverted income from the company for her personal use and failed to report the income on her tax returns. The government also presented evidence that Stegman and Smith agreed to fabricate a repairs and maintenance contract between Smith and Midwest Medical in order to increase the company’s business deductions and divert money from the company to their personal use. In December 2010, Stegman wrote a check in the amount of $50,575 to Encompass Construction, which was drawn on Midwest Medical’s bank account. Smith used the money to buy gold coins that were shipped to Stegman’s business address in Leawood. On Midwest Medical’s 2010 corporate tax return, Stegman fraudulently deducted this payment as a business expense for repairs and maintenance.
“Today’s verdict is an important victory for America’s taxpayers who play by the rules and have no tolerance for those who make up their own rules,” said Special Agent in Charge Karl Stiften of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “There is no such thing as free money and there are no awards or incentives for creativity when it comes to crime.”
Stegman faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count of tax evasion. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Grissom thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case and Trial Attorneys Ryan R. Raybould and John T. Mulcahy from the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari B. Wamble of the District of Kansas, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom to Step DownRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Barry Grissom announced today that he will step down as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas effective April 15.
“Serving the American people and the citizens of Kansas is the best job in world,” Grissom said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the attorneys and staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Kansas.”
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch thanked Grissom for his service: “Since taking office in 2010, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom has rendered exemplary service to the Department of Justice, the citizens of Kansas, and the American people,” Lynch said. “Throughout his tenure, Barry worked tirelessly to build new partnerships with state and local law enforcement; to strengthen relationships between police officers and the communities they serve; and to uphold the nation’s civil rights laws. From establishing an innovative working group on human trafficking to lending his sound advice as a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Council, Barry has served with energy, with commitment, and with steadfast devotion to our highest ideals. Ultimately, Barry has helped to make his beloved state of Kansas – and the entire United States – a safer and more just place. I thank him for his outstanding contributions, and I wish him the very best in his next endeavor.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Beall will serve as acting U.S. Attorney.
Grissom was nominated by President Barack Obama in April 2010 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2010. He served as a member of the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, which provides advice and counsel to the U.S. Attorney General. He served on the Justice Department’s subcommittees focusing on civil rights, community issues, Native American issues, health care fraud, local government coordination and veterans’ rights.
As U.S. Attorney Grissom led an office of approximately 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 50 support staff working in three offices located in Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City, Kan.
During his tenure, Grissom made civil rights enforcement and community outreach top priorities. Among other accomplishments, Grissom:
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Founded the Kansas Civil Rights Symposium, bringing law enforcement officers and civil rights advocates together from across Kansas together annually for a day-long conference.
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Promoted efforts to build better relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
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Founded the District’s first Human Trafficking Working Group. The group’s mission was to coordinate the work of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as nonprofit agencies and victim service providers, to fight human trafficking.
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Established the District’s first criminal prosecutor position assigned to carry out the Justice Department’s Smart on Crime Initiative. Objectives included reducing penalties for low-level, non-violent drug offenders, as well as pursuing new and innovative ways to promote public safety.
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Directed the District’s Project Safe Neighborhood program, targeting for federal prosecution felons who unlawfully possessed firearms.
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Oversaw the District’s Project Safe Childhood program, targeting child sex offenders for long federal prison sentences.
Major cases during Grissom’s tenure included a federal racketeering case targeting gang members in Dodge City, the conviction and 20-year sentencing of a man who attempted to explode a bomb at an airport in Wichita, the prosecution and conviction of business owners who knowingly employed undocumented workers, and the prosecution of physicians and other health care providers who diverted prescription medications.
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Indictment Unsealed Charging Wichita Police Lieutenant with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - An indictment unsealed here today charges a Wichita police lieutenant with making fraudulent reports so she would be paid for working a part-time job while she was on duty, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Heather D. Bachman, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with seven counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal investigator.
The indictment alleges Bachman defrauded the Wichita Police Department by working part time for Orion Security Services while on duty and being paid by the police department. She is alleged to have committed wire fraud by emailing timesheets to Orion.
In count four, she is accused of sending an email to Orion making a claim for mileage. The indictment alleges that in fact she used a marked Wichita Police Department patrol car owned by the City of Wichita. In count six, she is accused of electronically reporting to the city that she worked from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 2, 2015, which was not true. In count seven, she is accused of electronically filing a tax return to the Kansas Department of Revenue that did not accurately report her earnings from part-time jobs. In count eight, she is accused of making a false statement to an FBI investigator that she never used a Wichita Police Department vehicle to transport a person for her part-time job. In fact, she transported a jewelry company representative and jewelry in her marked patrol car on Feb. 17, 2015.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each wire fraud count and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of making a false statement. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI 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.
Guard, Inmates Charged with Smuggling Drugs into CCA Leavenworth Detention CenterRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom Monday announced federal charges alleging a guard joined with two inmates and four people outside prison to smuggle methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, and alcohol and cigarettes to inmates in the CCA Leavenworth Detention Center.
The Leavenworth Detention Center is a detention facility with 1,126 beds located at 100 Highway Terrace in Leavenworth, Kan. It is operated by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), a private company that contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service.
A criminal complaint filed Sunday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleges the conspirators built an elaborate system for getting contraband into the prison and moving money from inmates behind bars to a man outside the prison who obtained the contraband that he gave to the guard to smuggle into the prison. Outside the prison, inmates’ friends and family members participated by helping to move money from buyers to sellers by wire transfers and other means.
“The criminal complaint alleges that inside the prison methamphetamine and other contraband was delivered to inmates during meetings of the 12 Step Program, in the prison library and during church services,” Grissom said.
Federal charges in the criminal complaint include:
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Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (count one).
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Providing methamphetamine to CCA inmates (count two).
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Providing synthetic marijuana to CCA inmates (count three).
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Providing tobacco products to CCA inmates (count four).
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Possessing methamphetamine in CCA (count five).
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Possessing synthetic marijuana in CCA (count six).
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Possessing tobacco products in CCA (count seven).
The following defendants are charged:
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Anthon Aiono , 28, Platte City, Mo., a correctional officer at CCA: counts one, two, three and four.
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Stephen Rowlette, 35, an inmate at CCA: Counts one, five, six and seven.
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Karl Carter, 41, an inmate at CCA: Counts one, five, six and seven.
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David Bishop, also known as Mr. Green, 68, Sedalia, Mo.: Counts one, two, three and four.
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Alica Tackett, 29, Independence, Mo., Stephen Rowlette’s wife: Counts three and four.
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Catherine Rowlette, 59,Sedalia, Mo., mother of Stephen Rowlette: Counts one, two, three and four.
Among the allegations in the criminal complaint and affidavit are these:
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The investigation began in 2015 after federal investigators learned that drugs and other contraband were regularly entering the CCA.
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Inside the prison, inmates took deliveries of contraband during meetings of the 12-step program, in the law library and during church services.
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During phone calls from CCA, inmates gave family members and friends instructions on how to get money to the people who provided the contraband. In some cases, they argued over the phone about how to purchase Wal-Mart money grams.
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During one phone conversation, inmates talked about getting “blistered” on drugs and walking around like “zombies” behind bars.
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In one phone call from behind bars, an inmate directed family members to try “Superflea,” a flea market in Kansas City, Mo., to find synthetic marijuana for sale.
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Inmates devised a scheme for disguising money arriving in incoming mail by using large manila envelopes with the names of law firms and concealing the money beneath a letter-sized white envelope affixed to the front of the envelope.
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Inside CCA, contraband was expensive. In one conservation, an inmate described a pack of cigarettes costing $150 in CCA.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry following penalties:
Count one (methamphetamine conspiracy): A maximum of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Counts two and five (providing or possessing methamphetamine in prison): A maximum of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts three, four, six and seven (providing or possessing contraband in prison): A maximum penalty of six months and a fine up to $100,000.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
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Kansas City, Kan., Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The owner of a tax preparation business in Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty today to preparing false income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom and Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced.
Antoine Dorsey, 38, Kansas City, Kan., owner of Day-1 Tax Service, pleaded guilty to one count of preparing false tax returns. In general, Dorsey falsely inflated taxpayers’ incomes by falsifying gross receipts listed on Schedule C. As a result, taxpayers appeared to qualify for the Earned Income Credit that increased their tax refunds.
Dorsey caused fraudulent refund claims of approximately $74,487 to be made to the Internal Revenue Service and approximately $13,980 in fraudulent claims to be made to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Sentencing is set for June 27, 2016. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and an order of restitution. Grissom commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask and John Mulcahy from the Justice Department Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Indictment: Topeka Man’s Gun Crime Came Within Months of Release from PrisonRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday on a federal firearm charge that is alleged to have occurred within months of his release from federal prison in a similar case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Brandon E. Derr, 31, who is being held in the Shawnee County Jail, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. According to the federal Bureau of Prisons, Derr was released Sept. 18, 2015, after serving a 24-month sentence. In that case he was indicted in 2012. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2013.
In the new indictment, it is alleged Derr possessed a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol on Nov. 12, 2015, in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Jason D. Bulger, 35, who is being held in the Shawnee County Jail, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 26, 2016, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
Vondel S. Johnson, 32, who is being held in the CCA facility in Leavenworth, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 3, 2016, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service 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.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was sentenced Monday to 12 years in federal prison for his part in a drug trafficking organization that is alleged to have distributed large amounts of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Joshua Thomas Alvarez, 26, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that in July 2012 the FBI identified a major drug trafficking ring operating in Kansas City, Kan. During the investigation, agents made 15 controlled purchases of methamphetamine from members of the organization. Five search warrants were executed at locations where methamphetamine and firearms were stored. Alvarez was identified as one of the conspirators who purchased methamphetamine from the leader of the organization and resold it.
Co-defendants include:
Vicencio Olea-Monarez, 38, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
Gabriel Agustin Lopez, 30, who is set for sentencing June 27.
Rosalio Chinchilla, 45, Kansas City, Kan., who is set for sentencing June 15.
Jose Luis Silva-Cardona, 26, Kansas City, Mo., who is set for sentencing June 13.
Lee Thomas Faulkner, 41, Topeka, Kan., who is set for sentencing July 5.
Omar Francisco Orduno-Ramirez, 37, who is awaiting trial.
Hector Javier Valdez, 36, who is awaiting trial.
Juan Carlos Alvarez, 28, who is set for sentencing June 15.
Herbert Lee Saysoff, 54, who is awaiting trial.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
Federal Jury Returns Guilty Verdicts in Wichita Massage Parlor Prostitution CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A federal jury today returned guilty verdicts on all counts against a Wichita man in a massage parlor prostitution case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
They found defendant Kay Tee, 51, Wichita, Kan., guilty on one count of attempting to entice a person to cross state lines to engage in prostitution, one count of using a telephone in furtherance of prostitution and one count of money laundering.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Tee was arrested May 28, 2015, at the airport in Wichita when he drove there to pick up a person he believed was buying a Wichita massage parlor. In fact, the person Tee had talked with several times on the phone was one of two undercover informants working with federal investigators.
Tee tried to collect fees from both undercover informants – one posing as a buyer and the other as a seller – in return for helping to arrange the sale. He also offered to provide additional services including filing city paperwork and doing taxes for the massage parlor. Tee talked with the agents about the fact employees of the massage parlor would be performing sex services for customers.
Sentencing is set for July 13. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the money laundering charge, a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the phone charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the enticement charge. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom Announces Elder Justice Task Force in KansasRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announced today he is launching an Elder Justice Task Force in Kansas. The task force in Kansas – one of 10 across the country -- will bring federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies together with state and local agencies to target nursing homes that provide grossly substandard care to residents.
“We already have one investigation open,” Grissom said. “We’re not wasting time.”
Grissom said the members of the task force at this time include the Department of Justice Civil Fraud Section, Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and the Kansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Later, he said, he expects to invite state agencies that work with long term care, public health and aging to join.
Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Regional Office of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, stated, “Our office is excited to join forces with our federal, state, and local partners to identify nursing homes that are providing substandard quality of care to our elderly beneficiaries.”
In Washington, D.C., Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart F. Delery said, “Millions of seniors count on nursing homes to provide them with quality care and to treat them with dignity and respect when they are most vulnerable. Yet, all too often we have found nursing home owners or operators who put their own economic gain before the needs of their residents. These task forces will help ensure that we are working closely with all relevant parties to protect the elderly.”
Elder Justice Task Forces also are being launched by U.S. Attorneys in the following districts: Northern District of California, Northern District of Georgia, Western District of Kentucky, Northern District of Iowa, District of Maryland, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Tennessee and the Western District of Washington.
Kansas was chosen, Grissom said, because we have expertise in investigations and prosecutions of nursing homes and we made a commitment to working together with stand and local agencies.
The Elder Justice Task Forces reflect the Justice Department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, spearheaded by the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative. The Elder Justice Initiative coordinates and supports the Department’s law enforcement efforts and policy activities on elder justice issues. It plays an integral role in the Department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Elder Justice Initiative will be providing litigation support and training to the Elder Justice Task Forces. Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Bank in Prairie VillageRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to robbing a bank in Prairie Village, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Tarone Hollins, 41, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Oct. 22, 2015, he robbed the Community America Credit Union at 7620 State Line Road in Prairie Village, Kan. After surveillance of the robbery was made public, eleven callers to the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers identified Hollins as the robber.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. Both parties have agreed to recommend five years in federal prison. Grissom commended the Prairie Village Police Department, the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Indictment: Clerk Stole $13,000 from Post OfficeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A postal clerk was indicted today on a federal charge of stealing more than $13,000 from the Rock, Kan., post office where she worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Micah E. Hutchinson, 25, Arkansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of employee theft from the U.S. Postal Service.
The indictment alleges that from October to December 2015 Hutchinson issued to herself money orders worth approximately $13,780. She cashed the money orders and used the money for her own benefit.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service – OIG investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Lindsay Lee McElfresh, 39, Le Roy, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred June12, 2014, in Coffey County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years on the distribution charge, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession charge. The Wichita Police Department and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Steven Alfaro (alias Felipe Alfaro), 27, Wichita, Kan., and Danielle K. Blaes, 27, are charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by users of controlled substances.
In addition, Alfaro is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction.
The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2015 and 2016 in Sedgwick County, 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.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition following a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm by users of controlled substances: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Gabriel Romero-Miramontes, 36, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition while unlawfully in the United States. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 2, 2016, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted he faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Arturo Garcia-Olivas, 25, a citizen of Mexico, in charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found March 25, 2016, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Randy J. Johnson, 30, Wichita, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 13, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Trucking Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – The former owner of a trucking company in Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty Monday to evading federal income taxes, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Clifford C. Copp, 47, Overland Park, Kan., who owned Copp Trucking Co. in Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. In his plea, he admitted he filed reports to the Internal Revenue Service in 2001 indicating the company owed approximately $939,408 in employment taxes for that year. However, the company did not pay the employment taxes due.
In February 2004 Copp was assessed trust fund recovery penalties of $669,037. When the IRS began collection efforts he concealed income. He filed a false statement to the IRS concealing his ownership interest in assets including livestock, life insurance and farm equipment. He also formed Wildcat Limo, LLC, and concealed his ownership interest in the company.
Sentencing will be set for a later time. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, restitution, and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Former Insurance Company Service Rep Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former insurance company service representative in Topeka was sentenced Monday to a year and a day in federal prison for embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, she was ordered to pay $215,000 in restitution.
Erin Rebecca Thomas, 47, formerly of Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea she admitted the crime took place while she worked for American Home Life Insurance Company.
In her position, she processed death claims, policy loans, beneficiary changes and so on. Between July 2010 to July 2012, she created 22 separate fraudulent transactions. In one instance, she processed the policy of a person who died in 2010. She created a fictitious change of beneficiary request naming herself as beneficiary and had the benefit check deposited in her personal account.
Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Assistant Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Overland Park Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Overland Park business owner has pleaded guilty to a federal tax charge. She agreed to pay $28,037 in restitution.
Becky L. Harper, 48, Overland Park, Kan., who owned and operated the Double Take Salon and Spa in Overland Park, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of making a false statement to the Internal Revenue Service. The company was an S Corporation and she was the sole shareholder. In her plea, Harper admitted her business had gross receipts in 2007 of approximately $973,219, including more than $24,000 in cash. She did not deposit the cash receipts into the bank account for the business. Instead she spent a portion of the cash for business expenses and the remainder for personal expenses. She did not report any wages or salary in 2007.
Sentencing is set for June 13. Both parties have agreed to recommend she serve a year on federal probation and pay restitution. The Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley worked on the case.
United States Files Enforcement Action Against Kansas Food ManufacturerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A civil complaint was filed today in the U.S. District Court for Kansas against Native American Enterprises LLC, of Wichita, Kansas; its Vice President and part-owner, William N. McGreevy and is production manager, Robert C. Conner, to stop the distribution of adulterated food, the Department of Justice announced today.
Native American Enterprises LLC (NAE), manufactures and distributes food, namely ready-to-eat (RTE) refried beans and sauces. The complaint alleges that the company’s RTE refried beans and sauces are adulterated in that they have been prepared, packed and/or held under insanitary conditions whereby the food may have become contaminated with filth or have been rendered injurious to health. According to the complaint, the insanitary conditions include the presence of Listeria Monocytogene (L. mono) in NAE’s facility and insanitary employee practices. The department filed the complaint at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Insanitary conditions at food processing facilities can present significant risks to consumers and food manufacturers must take steps to minimize those risks,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work aggressively with the FDA to combat and deter conduct that leads to the distribution of adulterated food to consumers.”
According to the complaint, FDA inspected NAE’s facility, located at 230 N. West Street in Wichita, in August 2015 and collected environmental samples and observed numerous insanitary practices, including the defendants’ failure to manufacture and package food under conditions necessary to minimize microorganism growth, take necessary precautions to protect against contamination and maintain buildings in good repair. Specifically, according to the complaint, FDA observed rain water leaking through the roof in the packaging room, directly above where NAE employees packaged RTE refried beans. In addition, FDA observed cracks and holes in the walls and floor junctures that allow water and debris to collect, prohibit adequate cleaning and could harbor Listeria, according to the complaint.
FDA inspected NAE’s facility twice in 2014. As alleged in the complaint, FDA collected environmental samples during RTE refried bean production during each of the 2014 inspections and found Listeria in the facility. In addition, as alleged in the complaint, FDA also observed a failure to maintain equipment in an acceptable condition through appropriate cleaning and sanitizing.
As alleged in the complaint, L. mono thrives in moist environments, such as food-manufacturing environments. Unless proper precautions are taken, L. mono may become established and grow, and it is difficult to eliminate once it becomes established in a food-manufacturing environment. It is capable of surviving and growing at refrigerated temperatures and in high-salt environments. The complaint alleges that L. mono is a significant public health risk in RTE refried beans and sauces.
The government is represented by Trial Attorney Heide L. Herrmann of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Metzger of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Sonia W. Nath of the Food and Drug Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services.
A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ks.
Former Johnson County Restaurant Owner Indicted on Bank Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A former Johnson County restaurant owner was indicted Wednesday on charges of fraudulently obtaining $605,000 in loans, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Charles Waits, 54, Lenexa, Kan., was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of bank fraud and two counts of making false statements to a lender. The indictment alleges Waits, a partner in Kansas City Sports Grille, Inc., obtained two commercial loans through Community America Credit Union. He gave the lender a financial statement with false statements regarding his personal assets and net worth.
The indictment seeks a monetary judgment of $605,000, representing the proceeds of the crimes.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Abbie Jo McClellan, Topeka, Kan., 65, is charged with two counts of making false statements to the Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in in 2014 and 2015, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Social Security Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.
Jose Juvenal Jimenez-Delatorre, 27, who is not a citizen of Kansas, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found Feb. 20, 2016, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Mario Ulises Moreno-Ayala, 28, who is not a citizen of the United States is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found Feb. 20, 2016, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Stephanie R. Minor, 34, Columbus, Ind., and Matthew L. Hudson, 43, Hope, Ind., one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of traveling from Indiana Kansas in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 6, 2016, in Liberal, Kan.
If convicted, the face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the interstate travel charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Sentenced for CarjackingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for carjacking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Michael Min Koy, 25, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking. In his plea, he admitted that on Jan. 12, 2015, he and a co-defendant physically assaulted a Topeka man and stole the keys to the victim’s 1999 Ford Mustang. The assault occurred in the 1800 block of Michigan Avenue in Topeka. The victim didn’t get his car back until March 29, 2015. The car had suffered extensive damage.
Co-defendant Marcus Anthony Montoya was sentenced to three years in federal prison.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarred Maag for their work on the case.
Dodge City Woman Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. B A Dodge City woman pleaded guilty Monday to making a video of herself engaged in a sex act with a child under five years old and uploading the video to the Internet, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Ashley Marie Kelly, 25, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. In her plea, she admitted she used a smartphone to record the act and posted the video to her Google Drive account. Google discovered the photographs and sent reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Sentencing is set for June 1. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 300 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Dodge City Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Dodge City man pleaded guilty Monday to transporting child pornography across state lines, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Joel Edward McClure, 36, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that in May and August 2015 he used his laptop computer to download and share child pornography with other users via a file sharing network. Investigators followed an electronic trail to McClure’s home in Dodge City, Kan., where they served a search warrant. They learned McClure had left Dodge City with his laptop and gone to Denver. Investigators found McClure with the laptop containing the child pornography.
Sentencing is set for June 1. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 77 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Two Men and a Woman Charged with Robbing Stilwell, Kan., BankRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Two men and a woman were charged here today in a federal criminal complaint alleging they robbed a bank, engaged in a high-speed chase with a 19-month-old child in their car, and fired at police officers who were pursuing them, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jacob L. Smith, 18, Kansas City, Kan.; Gary Jordan, 39, Kansas City, Kan.; and Danille Morris, 26, Kansas City, Kan.; are charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing firearms during the robbery
A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleges Jordan and Smith were armed with handguns on March 9 when they entered the First National Bank at 7460 W. 199th Street in Stilwell, Kan. Morris and her 19-month-old daughter waited outside in the getaway car. Morris had helped to case the bank before the robbery.
Smith and Jordan held the tellers at gunpoint before fleeing with cash stuffed in a backpack. Jordan took the wheel of the getaway car. During the next 25 minutes, the robbers were pursued by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department and other law enforcement agencies as they fled across the Kansas/Missouri state line. During the chase, Smith fired at officers from the car. After the car overturned on a sharp turn, the defendants were arrested. Throughout the chase, the child was in a car seat fastened to the back seat of the defendants’ car.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 25 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and not more than life on the brandishing charge. Agencies assisting in the investigation include the FBI, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department and the Kansas City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Woman Pleads Guilty in Sex Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita woman pleaded guilty Wednesday in a sex trafficking case in which a 17-year-old girl was the victim, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Natasha L. Harper, 33, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of transporting the girl across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. In her plea, Harper admitted she transported the girl from Kansas to Michigan, Illinois and Iowa and back to Kansas so the girl could engage in sex acts for money. Harper, who placed ads on an adult Web site offering the girl’s services, received part of the money.
Sentencing is set for July 7, 2016. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 90 months in federal prison followed by 10 years on supervised release. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for his work on the case.
Indictment: California Truck Driver Transported 15 Pounds of Meth to WichitaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A truck driver from California was indicted Wednesday on a federal charge of transporting 15 pounds of methamphetamine to Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Arnoldo Perez-Ortega, 33, Fontana, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, police stopped Perez-Ortega’s truck on March 6, 2015, near I-235 and Central. In the truck, officers found approximately15.75 pounds of methamphetamine.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Scott L. Kemble, 44, who is being held in the Shawnee County Jail, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 3, 2016, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
Kyler D. Hubert, 24, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 6, 2016, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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 Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
Maximo Corral-Garcia, 38, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found March 4, 2016, in Butler County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 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.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Topeka Store Clerk Sentenced in Armed Robbery of ATM AttendantRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former Topeka store clerk was sentenced Tuesday to 24 months in federal prison for helping to plan an armed robbery of a man whose job was to stock ATMs with cash, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Ahmad Salim Salti, 21, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was a clerk at the Low Cost Plus convenience store at 3101 S.E. 6th in Topeka. On Sept. 16, 2014, Topeka police were called when a masked gunman brandishing a firearm entered the store just as the victim was beginning to fill an ATM. The gunman – later identified as Pattrick J. Towner, assaulted the victim and took the money. He also took the keys to the victim’s van and escaped in the vehicle.
Investigators learned that Salti had helped to plan the robbery. Salti gave Towner the date and time the victim would come to fill the ATM.
Co-defendant Pattrick J. Towner has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Arizona Man Texted His Way into Federal Drug Conviction in KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An Arizona man who didn’t realize he was texting with a Wichita police officer pleaded guilty Monday to driving five pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Mark McFarland, 31, Phoenix, Ariz., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court records, McFarland thought the texts he received while planning to travel with drugs to Kansas were coming from his former girlfriend. In fact, the girlfriend had been arrested in another case and a Wichita police officer had seized her cell phone.
Two days after the girlfriend was arrested, McFarland sent a text to the girlfriend’s number saying, “Hi.” The officer texted back: “Hi.” What followed was a series of texts in which they arranged for McFarland to drive to Wichita to visit the girlfriend and to deliver five pounds of methamphetamine. McFarland was arrested when he arrived in Wichita with the drugs.
Sentencing is set for July 7. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Former Tribal Casino Employee Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former tribal casino employee pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Donald M. Collins, 32, Wetmore, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization. In his plea, he admitted the crime took place while he worked as a Players Club Representative for the Sac and Fox Casino, which is owned by the Sac and Fox Nation of Kansas and Nebraska.
Collins made counterfeit player cards and placed unearned free play on player cards belonging to his friends. Collins and others played the cards. The value of the counterfeit cards, along with winnings generated by the cards, caused a total loss to the casino of $30,766.
Sentencing is set for July 7. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas State Gaming Agency investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Topeka Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Carjacking, RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Wednesday to federal prison for carjacking and robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Wesley Lavern Harris, Jr., 26, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 86 months in federal prison. Harris pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of commercial robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on June 7, 2015, he took a man’s keys, money and car and left the victim in a bathtub at the Econo Lodge Motel at 2950 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Harris and others had placed an ad on a Web site advertising sexual services in order to lure a victim to a hotel room and rob him. Harris left the motel driving the victim’s 2002 Hyundai Sonata.
In his plea, Harris admitted that on June 8, 2015, he entered the back door of the Heartland Perma Column store at 1841 E. 1450 Road in Lawrence, Kan. He threatened to kill an employee and forced her and another employee to give him money from a box in the front office.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.