District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Basehor Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Not Paying Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A woman who owned a home health care business in Basehor, Kan., pleaded guilty Wednesday to failing to pay more than $856,000 in federal taxes, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Elizabeth Lucero, 53, Basehor, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect or pay over employment tax. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she owned Sunshine Home Health Care in Basehor. The company had 65 to 70 employees and 1,400 patients.
From 2007 to 2011, Lucero’s company withheld payments from employee’s paychecks including federal income taxes, Medicare and Social Security taxes. Even though the company was growing and profitable, it made no payments to the Internal Revenue Service as required. Furthermore, against her accountant’s advice, Lucero had the company pay for hundreds of thousands of dollars of her personal expenses, including cash withdrawals at casinos for gambling and a $50,000 Cadillac Escalade.
In her plea, Lucero agreed to pay restitution of $856,784.
Sentencing will be set for a later time. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Indictment: Wichita Man Committed Four Bank Robberies and Robbery at Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury indicted a Wichita man Wednesday on charges of committing four bank robberies and a robbery at a jewelry store, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Terence L. Thomas, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with four counts of bank robbery, one count of robbing a commercial business, one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
The indictment alleges Thomas:
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Robbed the Fidelity Bank at 3525 E. Harry in Wichita on Nov. 3, 2015.
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Robbed the Fidelity Bank at 3101 S. Seneca on Nov. 3, 2015.
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Robbed the Fidelity Bank at 3525 E. Harry on Nov. 21, 2015.
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Robbed the Intrust Bank at 3433 E. Central on Nov. 3.
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Robbed Kim Chi Jewelry at 3038 N. Broadway on Dec. 1, 2015.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each bank robbery count and the commercial robbery count; a penalty of not less than seven years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine to $250,000 on other firearm charge. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Paul Jeffrey Gladney, 26, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of carjacking. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 31, 2016, in Topeka. The indictment alleges he threatened the driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer and stole the vehicle.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Topeka Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
Sarah J. Hopkins, 28, Newton, Kan. was charged with one count of knowingly transferring a firearm to a convicted felon. The crime is alleged to have occurred on July 30, 2015 in Harvey County, Kan.
Hopkins initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed Feb. 26 alleging she gave firearms to Cedric Ford, who she knew was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a convicted felon. Ford had the guns when he was shot and killed by police last month after they were called to a shooting incident at Excel Industries in Hesston, Kan.
If convicted, Hopkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Hesston Police Department, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department, the Newton Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind are prosecuting.
Andre S. Morgan, 52, Plano, Texas, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of a controlled substance, one count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, and one count of possession of marijuana. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 4, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the first two counts and a maximum penalty of 1 year and a fine of not less than $1,000 on the marijuana count. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Samir F. Elias, 60, Wichita, Kan., owner of GiGi’s Elite Massage in Wichita, is charged with one count of transporting an alien who is in the United States unlawfully, one count of harboring an alien who is in the United States unlawfully, one count of harboring an alien for the purpose for prostitution and two counts of money laundering.
Elias initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed Feb. 12. The indictment adds a count seeking the forfeiture of $15,115 seized from an account at Bank of America, $17,125 seized from an account at Credit Union of America, and a building located at 357 N. Hillside in Wichita.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the first three counts, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the money laundering counts. The Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kansas Department of Labor investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting
Robby Alan Murphy, aka Bruce Reynolds, 35, Wichita, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 9, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Michael J. Madden, 32, Wichita, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 28 and Sept. 9, 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 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Jason A. Farner, 32, Towanda, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 11, 2016.
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. Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Timothy M. Pope, 39, Derby, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 9, 2016, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the first two counts and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the remaining count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster 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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Wichita Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Wichita man who said in a phone call he never goes to a club unarmed was sentenced Monday to four years in prison on a federal firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. After he serves his sentenced he will serve three years on supervised release.
Dontreal D. Banks, 29, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. In his plea, he admitted that during a monitored phone conservation with an inmate at the Hutchinson Reformatory he said he never goes to a club without his “burner,” slang for a firearm. At the time, Banks was on parole on a felony conviction. Kansas Department of Corrections investigators found a Norinco AK-47 semi-automatic assault rifle in a closet at Banks’ residence. The attached magazine was loaded with ammunition. Because of his prior conviction, Banks was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Grissom commended the Kansas Department of Corrections, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Who Sold Stolen Guns Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man who sold stolen guns to undercover federal agents was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. After serving his sentence, the defendant will spend three years on supervised release.
Jeremy C. Paulsen, 32, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing stolen firearms. In his plea, he admitted selling three firearms – a 20 gauge shotgun, a .300 caliber rifle and a 16 gauge shotgun – to an agent of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who was working undercover. The firearms were reported stolen in a residential burglary investigated by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department.
Grissom commended the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for their work on the case.
Hillsboro Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Hillsboro man was sentenced Monday to 180 months in federal prison on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
David G. Nicholas, Jr., 45, Hillsboro, Kan., was convicted on three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Nicholas was a parole absconder in October 2013 when the U.S. Marshals Service arrested him in Marion County, Kan. At the time, he possessed a .22-caliber handgun and a .30-06 caliber rifle and ammunition.
Grissom commended the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Kansas Woman Charged with Transferring Firearm to Convicted Felon in Hesston ShootingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A criminal charge filed Friday alleges a Kansas woman unlawfully transferred guns to a convicted felon who was killed Thursday in a shootout with police in Hesston, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Sarah T. Hopkins, 28, Newton, Kan., is charged with one count of knowingly transferring a firearm to a convicted felon. An affidavit filed in the case alleges Hopkins knew Cedric Ford was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm when she gave him a Zastava Serbia, AK-47 type semi-automatic rifle and a Glock Model 22 40-caliber handgun.
Cedric had the guns when he was shot and killed by police Thursday after they were called to a shooting incident at Excel Industries in Hesston.
If convicted, Hopkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Hesston Police Department, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department, the Newton Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Restaurant Manger Sentenced for Harboring Undocumented WorkersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who managed a restaurant in Ottawa, Kan., was sentenced Tuesday for harboring undocumented workers, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. He was sentenced to six months in federal custody, followed by six months home confinement and a fine of $4,000. After serving his sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.
Alex Sanchez, Jr., 36, who was the manager of El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant in Ottawa, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of harboring undocumented workers for commercial advantage. In his plea, he admitted that in 2011 he paid a fine of $22,589 fine when Immigration and Customs Enforcement found him in violation of rules for I-9 employee eligibility verification forms.
Despite the fine, he continued to employ workers in 2012 who he knew were not legally in the United States. He provided housing for the undocumented workers and paid them in cash.
Grissom commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Wood for their work on the case.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Theft, Lacy Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri man was sentenced Tuesday to two years on federal probation during which he is banned from hunting for stealing a tractor and hunting in Kansas in violation of the federal Lacy Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, and $6,894 in restitution.
Thomas Morgan, 31, Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines and one count of violating the Lacy Act, which prohibits interstate transportation of wildlife that was illegally taken. In his plea, Morgan admitted a Rice County deputy stopped him in November 2013 after Morgan had been hunting deer in Stafford County without a license or deer permits. Morgan had been illegally hunting in the dark. Investigators found deer heads in his car. A search warrant at his home turned up heads, antlers, skulls and capes of deer.
During the investigation, agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service learned Morgan was involved in the theft of a Kubota tractor in Miami County. The tractor was found at Morgan’s residence.
Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the Rice County Sheriff’s Department, the Miami County Sheriff’s Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Indictment Unsealed Charging One More Defendant in Kidnapping, Murder of Junction WomanRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – An indictment unsealed in federal court here Thursday charges one more defendant with kidnapping and killing a Junction City woman, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Shantrell D. Woody, 26, Fort Riley, Kan., is charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death.
Three other defendants charged previously with the same count were:
Larry L. Anderson, 26, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.
Marryssa M. Middleton, 23, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.
Drexel A. Woody, 24, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.
The body of Amanda Clemons, 24, of Junction City, was found in February 2014 in Geary County, Kan.
The indictment alleges that on Feb. 7, 2014, the defendants kidnapped the victim and held her on the Fort Riley military installation. While they were holding her they killed her.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison without parole. The Junction City Police Department, the Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi are prosecuting. Grissom also thanked the Geary County Attorney for his assistance.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former State Magistrate Judge Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $24,000Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former state district magistrate judge in southeast Kansas pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling approximately $24,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Bill W. Lyerla, 64, Galena, Kan., pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud. In his plea, Lylera admitted he embezzled the money from the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association while he served as an elected treasurer for the organization. In the state system, magistrate judges conduct first appearances and preliminary examinations of felony charges and hear felony arraignments, as well as performing other judicial duties. Lyerla was a magistrate judge for the state’s Eleventh Judicial District from 1991 to his resignation in 2014.
In his plea, he admitted that as treasurer for the judges association he had authority to write checks to pay for the organization’s legitimate expenses. He used that power to fraudulently write checks payable to himself on the association’s bank account.
Sentencing is set for July 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each count. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Pittsburg, Kan., Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Pittsburg, Kan., man was sentenced Thursday to 96 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John Tyler Gariglietti, 32, Pittsburg, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he used a computer in his home in Pittsburg to access a file sharing network. He stored images of child pornography on his computer that were available to other users on the network. He told investigators he had been collecting child pornography since 2011.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart.
KCK Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kan., man was indicted Wednesday on federal drug trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Damien D. Campbell, 29, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute crack (count one), one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana (count two), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count three), and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction (count four). The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 3, 2016, in Kansas City, Kan.
An investigator’s affidavit filed in the case alleges officers of the Kansas City (Kansas) Police Department served a search warrant Feb. 3 at Campbell’s residence in the 2900 block of North 63rd in Kansas City, Kan. They seized 26 grams of synthetic marijuana, 127 grams of marijuana, 1.6 grams of crack cocaine, two .40 caliber handguns and more than $38,000 in cash.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on count one, a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on count two, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on count three, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on count four. The Kansas City (Kansas) Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Jose Robles-Trevizo, 50, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Feb. 2, 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.
Miguel Parga-Chavez, 44, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Feb. 12, 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.
Christian Robert Orr, 42, Osawatomie, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 21, 2015, in Miami 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 Terra Morehead 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 to Federal Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Tuesday to 43 months in federal prison for taking part in an armed robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Zennie Lee Vasser, II, 32, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting armed robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on June 4, 2014, he was captured on video holding open the door while co-defendant Charles Steele brandished a firearm and forced a store clerk to give him money from the cash drawer of Check Into Cash at 3711 S.W. Plaza Drive in Topeka. Investigators learned that Vasser was present with Steele and Steele’s twin brother, Lamar Steele, planned the robbery. Vasser agreed to enter the store and engage the clerk while Charles Steele committed the robbery. Lamar Steel agreed to drive the getaway car.
Charles Steele is set for sentencing June 6. Lamar Steele is set for sentencing March 14.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge of Using A Gun in A RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS, KAN. – A Topeka man Tuesday pleaded guilty to a federal charge of using a gun to commit a robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Renard Alston, 20, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm in a robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Aug. 28, 2015, he sold a 9 mm pistol with an obliterated serial number for $400 to an undercover informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Then Alston pointed a gun to the informant’s head and ordered the informant to give him everything he had. Alston kept the cash the informant had paid for the gun and took back the 9 mm pistol before fleeing the scene.
Sentencing is set for May 16. He faces a penalty of not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS, KAN. – An Overland Park man pleaded guilty Tuesday to defrauding investors in his businesses, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Richard Ballard, 67, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted that he diverted $99,649 from companies he owned and used the investment proceeds for his personal benefit.
From March 2007 to September 2008 approximately 18 individuals or couples invested approximately $1.2 million into Ballard’s business ventures, including CRB Group, LLC; CRB Springwater, LLC; CRB Biosoft, LLC; CRB Holdings, LLC; and JHS Foods, LLC. He solicited working capital from investors for CRB Springwatter, LLC, to develop environmentally friendly bottled water and CRB Biosoft, LLC, to produce environmentally friendly pet chews.
Ballard wired a total of $125,000 from an account in New York to an account he controlled in Kansas. In the next few days, he engaged in 20 debit transactions totaling $99,649 by which he diverted corporate proceeds to other companies that he owned and used the investment proceeds for his personal benefit.
Sentencing is set for May 16. The parties have agreed to recommend 27 months in federal prison and restitution to be determined by the court.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Wichita Massage Parlor Owner Charged in Sex Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – The owner of a Wichita massage parlor was charged Friday in federal court with harboring a Chinese woman who worked as a prostitute, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Samir F. Elias, 60, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of transporting an alien who is in the United States unlawfully, one count of harboring an alien who is in the United States unlawfully, one count of harboring an alien for the purpose for prostitution and two counts of money laundering.
The charges allege Elias was the owner of GiGi’s Elite Massage, which operated at 357 N. Hillside in Wichita after moving from a previous location at 6611 E. Central. Elias employed a Chinese woman who used the name Angel. An undercover vice detective with the Wichita Police Department arrested the woman after she offered to perform sexual services during a massage.
Investigators learned that:
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The woman lived at the massage parlor or at times at Elias’ home.
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She usually worked seven days a week.
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She had no formal training in how to give a massage.
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Patrons paid $40 for 30 minutes and $60 for an hour of massage. She paid Elias $10 of the fee for the $40 massage and $20 of the fee for the $60 massage. She was allowed to keep her tips.
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The woman was convicted in Wichita municipal court on a charge of sale of sexual relations. She is appealing the conviction.If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on counts 1, 2 and 3, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up $500,000 on counts 4 and 5.
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The Wichita Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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.
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Indictment: Former Fort Riley Nurse Stole Fentanyl from HospitalRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former Fort Riley nurse was indicted Wednesday on charges of stealing fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Lana J. Pendergast, 56, Clay Center, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawfully obtaining a controlled substance. The indictment alleges that while she worked as a nurse at Irwin Army Hospital she began taking fentanyl for her own use, replacing the stolen fentanyl with saline to cover up the crime. The fentanyl vials containing saline were disposed of as waste.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of four years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Don Alvin Womack, Jr., 41, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of carjacking. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 14, 2016, Womack threatened the driver of a 2001 Buick Regal and stole the vehicle. The crime occurred in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
Vincent Dang, 40, Garden City, Kan., is charged with two counts of distributing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in November 2015 and January 2016 in Garden City, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Dodge City Police Department, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Wichita Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Tribal Casino Employee Charged in Federal Court with EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former tribal casino employee has been charged in federal court with embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Donald M. Collins, 32, Wetmore, Kan., is charged with one count of embezzling tribal funds.
A criminal information filed in U.S. District Court in Wichita Tuesday alleges the crime occurred while Collins worked as players club manager for the Sac and Fox Casino, which is owned by the Sac and Fox Nation of Kansas and Nebraska. He is accused of making $13,326 in counterfeit players cards. The cards allowed the bearers to play various casino games at the casino. Approximately $17,400 was fraudulently won by the users of the counterfeit cards.
If convicted, 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.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Shawnee Mission Man Sentenced in $6 Million EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Shawnee Mission man was sentenced Monday to 63 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $6 million from an Overland Park company, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Kenneth Voboril, 46, Shawnee Mission, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. In his plea, he admitted he was hired in 2005 by Commodity Specialists Company to run its subsidiary, TransMaxx. TransMaxx brokered trucking deliveries for customers and occasionally provided services to CSC.
Voboril devised a scheme to defraud CSC by creating fake companies and billing CSC for deliveries that never occurred. He caused false truck load information to be entered into TransMaxx’s computer system, resulting in invoices being created by TransMaxx’s account software program.
Over the course of time, he embezzled more than $6 million from CSC. In addition, he failed to report the income on his federal tax returns.
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Former Controller of Company in Lenexa to $135,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The former controller of a company in Lenexa pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $135,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom 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.
Sentencing is set for May 16. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count. Grissom commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Arizona Man Sentenced After Stop with 12 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An Arizona man was sentenced Monday to 5 years in federal prison for driving 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Arizona to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jose Francisco Beltran, 39, Tucson, Ariz., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, he admitted that on Aug. 27, 2015, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him on Interstate 70 in Lincoln County, Kan. Troopers discovered approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine and a half pound of powder cocaine. He told investigators he picked up the drugs in Arizona and was delivering them to Wichita, Kan.
Grissom commend the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Explode Car Bomb at Fort Riley in Manhattan, KansasRead the Press Release
John T. Booker Jr., 21, of Topeka, Kansas, pleaded guilty today to attempting to detonate a vehicle bomb on the Fort Riley military base in Manhattan, Kansas.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom of the District of Kansas made the announcement.
Booker pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia of the District of Kansas to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of attempted destruction of government property by fire or explosion. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The parties have stipulated to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
“John Booker admitted that he intended to kill U.S. military personnel on American soil in the name of ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thankfully, law enforcement was able to safely identify and disrupt this threat to the brave men and women who risk their lives to defend our country. The National Security Division’s highest priority is countering terrorist threats and protecting American lives by holding accountable those who plot to attack us.”
“If this defendant had succeeded, American soldiers would have died,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom. “The investigators and the attorneys who worked on this case were our line of defense against terrorism. They kept us safe.”
In his guilty plea, Booker admitted he intended to kill American soldiers and to assist ISIL’s fight against the United States. His plan called for constructing a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate. Booker intended to trigger the bomb himself and die in the process, and filmed a video he intended Americans to see after his death.
“You sit in your homes and think this war is just over in Iraq,” he said in the video. “Today we will bring the Islamic State straight to your doorstep.”
Unbeknownst to Booker, the bomb that he constructed was made with inert materials, and the two men working with him were undercover informants for the FBI.
The FBI began investigating Booker in March 2014 after he posted on his Facebook page that he wanted to commit jihad. Booker admitted that he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army in order to commit an insider attack against American soldiers like the one at Fort Hood in Texas, but his deadly plans were thwarted when he was denied entry into the Army. In October 2014, Booker began communicating with an undercover FBI informant. He told the undercover FBI informant that he dreamed of being a fighter in the Middle East, and proposed capturing and killing an American soldier.
In March 2015, Booker was introduced to another FBI informant who he believed would help him plan an attack. Booker said he wanted to detonate a suicide bomb because he couldn’t be captured, all the evidence would be destroyed, and he would be guaranteed to hit his target. On March 10, 2015, Booker made a video filmed at Freedom Park near Marshall Army Airfield at Fort Riley in which he pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the leader of ISIL. That month, he rented a storage unit in Topeka where the bomb would be assembled.
On April 10, 2015, Booker and the informants drove to an area near Fort Riley that Booker believed to be a little-used utility gate where they could enter Fort Riley undetected. He was arrested when he made the final connections on the device that he believed would arm the bomb.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Explode Car Bomb at Fort RileyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - John T. Booker Jr., 21, of Topeka, Kansas, pleaded guilty today to attempting to detonate a vehicle bomb on the Fort Riley military base in Manhattan, Kan.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom of the District of Kansas and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin made the announcement.
Booker pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Carlos Murguia of the District of Kansas to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of attempted destruction of government property by fire or explosion. Sentencing will be set for a later date. The parties have stipulated to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
“If this defendant had succeeded, American soldiers would have died,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom. “The investigators and the attorneys who worked on this case were our line of defense against terrorism. They kept us safe.”
“John Booker admitted that he intended to kill U.S. military personnel on American soil in the name of ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thankfully, law enforcement was able to safely identify and disrupt this threat to the brave men and women who risk their lives to defend our country. The National Security Division’s highest priority is countering terrorist threats and protecting American lives by holding accountable those who plot to attack us.”
In his guilty plea, Booker admitted he intended to kill American soldiers and to assist ISIL’s fight against the United States. His plan called for constructing a bomb containing 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate. Booker intended to trigger the bomb himself and die in the process, and filmed a video he intended Americans to see after his death.
“You sit in your homes and think this war is just over in Iraq,” he said in the video. “Today we will bring the Islamic State straight to your doorstep.”
Unbeknownst to Booker, the bomb that he constructed was made with inert materials, and the two men working with him were undercover informants for the FBI.
The FBI began investigating Booker in March 2014 after he posted on his Facebook page that he wanted to commit jihad. Booker admitted that he tried to enlist in the U.S. Army in order to commit an insider attack against American soldiers like the one at Fort Hood in Texas, but his deadly plans were thwarted when he was denied entry into the Army. In October 2014, Booker began communicating with an undercover FBI informant. He told the undercover FBI informant that he dreamed of being a fighter in the Middle East, and proposed capturing and killing an American soldier.
In March 2015, Booker was introduced to another FBI informant who he believed would help him plan an attack. Booker said he wanted to detonate a suicide bomb because he couldn’t be captured, all the evidence would be destroyed, and he would be guaranteed to hit his target. On March 10, 2015, Booker made a video filmed at Freedom Park near Marshall Army Airfield at Fort Riley in which he pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the leader of ISIL. That month, he rented a storage unit in Topeka where the bomb would be assembled.
On April 10, 2015, Booker and the informants drove to an area near Fort Riley that Booker believed to be a little-used utility gate where they could enter Fort Riley undetected. He was arrested when he made the final connections on the device that he believed would arm the bomb.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Former Branch Manager of Bank in Manhattan Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - The former branch manager of a bank in Manhattan, Kan., was sentenced Wednesday to 27 months in federal prison for embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. In addition, she was ordered to pay $277,000 in restitution.
Melissa Vinsonhaler, 34, Manhattan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from a bank. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was branch manager of Kansas State Bank on East Highway 24 in Manhattan, Kan. She embezzled $277,000 from the bank and made false entries in the bank’s ledger to cover up the crime.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Topeka Woman Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of 17-Year-OldRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Tiara Jade Newman, 22, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. In her plea, she admitted that on March 21, 2015, she and her husband, co-defendant Reginald Newman, 29, Topeka, Kan., took a 17-year-old girl from Topeka to Junction City, Kan., for the purpose of prostitution.
The Newmans rented two rooms at a Value Place motel in Junction City. The rooms -- one room for performing commercial sex acts and the other where the three slept – were rented March 21 to March 25.
On March 21, Tiara Newman and the girl met a solder from Fort Riley at the Value Place motel. The soldier paid $250 to have sex with both of them.
On March 26, Tiara Newman took the girl along on an “out call” to the Fairfield Inn in Manhattan, Kan. Newman told the customer that the girl was new and she was showing her the business. The customer noticed that the girl was nervous and gave her a tip.
Reginald Newman kept all the money from the commercial sex acts. He pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing April 1.
Tiara Newman’s sentencing is set for May 2. Newman faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom thanked the following agencies for their work on the investigation: The Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Riley County Police Department, the Junction City Police Department, the Kansas Department of Revenue, the Fort Riley Police Department, the Ottawa Police Department, the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, the Pottawatomie County Attorney, the Riley County Attorney and local human trafficking victim specialists.
Mother Pleads Guilty to ID Theft When She Fled the Country with DaughtersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to forging her ex-husband’s signature on official documents when she fled to Europe with her daughters, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Tuesday.
Samantha C. Elmer, 33, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. In her plea she admitted she forged her husband’s signature on a document giving her consent to take their two daughters to Europe. She filed the document as part of the process of getting passports for the girls.
Elmer was charged in December after she returned from Europe with the girls, 9 and 11 years old.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Grissom commended the following agencies that worked on the investigation: the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, the Eudora Police Department, the Overland Park Police Department and the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley.
Indictment: Retired Wichita Police Lt. Lied About Training He Was Paid to ProvideRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A retired Wichita police lieutenant who was paid $56,400 to provide armed engagement training for law enforcement officers was indicted Tuesday on charges of embezzling federal grant funds.
Kevin P. Vaughn, 51, Wichita, Kan., who retired in March 2015 after 28 years with the Wichita Police Department, is charged with one count of embezzling U.S. Department of Homeland Security funds, one count of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
The indictment alleges Vaughn falsified reports to make it appear his company, Red Mist Tactical, had completed all of 15 eight-hour classes the company agreed to provide. The money for the training came from a grant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) to the Kansas Highway Patrol and the North Central Regional Planning Commission.
The indictment alleges Vaughn:
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Falsely reported conducting training in McPherson, Kan., on May 27 and May 28, 2015. In fact, the training sessions took place on June 3 and 4, 2015, after the deadline for the training to be completed. In addition, the training sessions were four hours long, not the eight hours Vaughn’s company had agreed to provide. Vaughn submitted falsified sign-up sheets with forged officers’ signatures.
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Falsely reported conducting eight hours of training on May 22, 2015, during the Wichita Police Department Ladies Range Day. In fact, the training lasted four hours and it was not approved by the police department.
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Falsely reported offering training in Sumner County on April 27 and May 1, 2015. In fact, there was no training on those days. Vaughn submitted fabricated sign-up sheets for those dates.
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Falsely reported offering training in Sumner County on April 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, 2015. In fact, there was no training on those days. He submitted fabricated sign-up sheets for those dates.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Count 1 (embezzlement): A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count 2 and 6 (mail fraud): A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts 3, 4 and 5 (wire fraud): A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Count 7 (Money laundering): A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The FBI and the Wichita Police Department 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.
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Wichita Massage Parlor Owner Sentenced on Federal Prostitution ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita massage parlor owner was sentenced Wednesday to time served (10 months) for trying to recruit a Chinese-speaking woman to perform sexual services at a massage parlor in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also will serve five years on federal supervised release.
Ping Liu, 44, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement to prostitution. In her plea, she admitted that during a phone conversation conducted in Mandarin Chinese she arranged for a woman posing as a job applicant from New York to come to Wichita to work at Q Massage, 3833 W. 13th in Wichita. Liu told the applicant that the job included providing sexual services to customers. Liu told the applicant she would pick her up at the airport in Wichita.
In her plea, Liu also admitted twice offering to perform sexual services for undercover Wichita police officers who came to the massage parlor posing as customers.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Former Credit Union Employee Pleads Guilty to $34,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A former credit union employee pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzling more than $34,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
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.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns Using Names of Inmates, OthersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City tax preparer has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns using the names of prison inmates and others, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Wednesday.
Prayshana Washington, 28, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of preparing false income tax returns and one count of aggravated identity theft. In her plea, she admitted that from 2012 to 2015 she was in the business of preparing individual income tax returns for clients, who generally paid between $500 and $1,000 for her services. She admitted:
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Filing tax returns for clients containing false claims about dependents, household help income, education credits and American Opportunity Credits.
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Directing the IRS to deposit fraudulent returns onto prepaid debit cards and mail them to addresses she controlled.
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Obtaining names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers for prison inmates and preparing fraudulent income tax returns in their names.
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask and Matthew Kluge, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, for their work on the case.
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Indictment: Olathe Woman’s Schemes Included False Tax Returns, Mail Fraud and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe woman was charged in an indictment unsealed today with devising a series of schemes to steal public funds by means of tax fraud, mail fraud and bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Three other people also were charged in the case.
The indictment alleges Raquel Odegbaro, 39, owner of Cokeza Styles, an online business that sold hair products, created a series of fictitious companies and filed tax returns in the names of so-called employees that included false information about wages earned, amounts withheld and refunds due.
In addition to tax fraud charges, Odegbaro is accused of making fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits, student loans and food stamps.
Odegbaro is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States (count one), making false claims (counts two through seven), theft of public money (counts 8 and 9, and counts 24 and 25), aggravated identity theft (counts 10, 11, 20 to 22), conspiracy to commit mail fraud (count 12), mail fraud (counts 13 through 15), making false statements (count 23), theft of public money (counts 16 through 19, and counts 24 and 25), and bank fraud (count 26 and 27).
Also charged are:
Abdirizak Aden, 32, Kansas City, Mo., who is alleged to have rented a UPS mailbox where he received loadable debit cards containing tax refunds that were obtained by fraud. He is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States (count one), making false claims (counts two through seven), theft of public money (counts 8 and 9, and 16 through 19), aggravated identity theft (counts 10 and 11, and 20 through 22), conspiracy to commit mail fraud (count 12), and mail fraud (counts 13 through 15).
Alexander Limihagati, 33, Overland Park, Kan., who is alleged to have received tax refunds mailed to his address that were obtained by fraud. He is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States (count one), making false claims (counts two through seven), theft of public money (counts 8 and 9), and aggravated identity theft (counts 10 and 11).
Zia Mkubi Kajanja, 40, Overland Park, Kan., who is alleged to have provided Odegbaro with Social Security numbers and personal information on individuals needed to file tax returns. He is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States (count one), making false claims (counts two to seven), theft of public money (counts 8 and 9), and aggravated identity theft (counts 10 and 11).
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy to defraud the government (count one): A maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Making false claims (count two through seven): A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Theft of public money (counts 8, 9, 24 and 25): A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft (counts 10 and 11, and 20 through 22): A mandatory two years (consecutive).
Conspiracy to commit mail fraud (count 12): A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Mail fraud (counts 13 through 15): A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Theft of public funds (counts 16 through 19): A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
False statements (count 23): A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Bank fraud (counts 26 and 27): A maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Kansas Department of Children and Families, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor and Racketeering and Fraud Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Kansas Man Sentenced in Struggle That Exposed Marshals to PCPRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for causing a struggle in which U.S. Marshals were exposed to the drug PCP, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Frederick E. Pendleton, 32, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal employee. In his plea he admitted the incident occurred Dec. 30, 2014, when U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest him for violating supervised release in a criminal case. The marshals went to Liberty Fruit Co., in Kansas City, Kan., where Pendleton was working. Pendleton resisted arrest, struggling with the marshals. During the struggle, a vial of PCP Pendleton was carrying in his waistband leaked, soaking his groin in the chemical. Two marshals suffered injuries on their hands that came into contact with the PCP. They were treated at a hospital for exposure to the drug.
PCP, also known as angel dust, can cause numbness, loss of motor control, convulsions and hallucinations.
The 24-month sentence will be consecutive to an 18-month sentence in the previous case.
Grissom commended the U.S. Marshals Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.
Indictment: Topeka Man Filed False ReturnsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka tax preparer was charged in an indictment unsealed today with filing false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Maurice L. Stewart, 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with 13 counts of filing false tax returns and 13 counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the government paid more than $479,000 in refunds to Stewart’s customers based on returns containing false information.
Stewart filed returns in clients’ names, falsely claiming the returns were self-prepared. He fraudulently reported that clients had suffered business losses. He filed returns electronically using the IP address of a Topeka business where he formerly was employed as an online IT technical services coordinator. He prepared returns using an online program where he had opened an account using another person’s name.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of filing a false return, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each wire fraud count. Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Man Who Shot at KCK Police Charged in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man who shot at police in Kansas City, Kan., was indicted Wednesday on federal charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
A grand jury returned an indictment charging Ashawntus S. McCambry, 27, Kansas City, Kan., with one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
McCambry initially was charged in a criminal complaint alleging the crimes occurred Dec. 22, 2015, when officers from the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department served a search warrant at McCambry’s residence in the 800 block of Quindaro Boulevard. When police tried to enter, McCambry fired three rounds in their direction. After surrendering to officers, he said he didn’t know they were police and he thought he was being robbed.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the crack cocaine charge; a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana charge; not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the remaining charge. The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Nathaniel N. Germany, Jr., 26, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of carjacking, one count of brandishing a firearm during the carjacking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 1 and Sept. 8, 2015, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the carjacking charge, not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the brandishing charge, and a maximum penalty of 10 years on the remaining count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
Samuel Below, 28, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 15, 2016, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to$2 million on the methamphetamine charge and a penalty of not less than five years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Brandon Matthew Mounce, 38, who was living in Hutchinson, Kan., is charged with failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 26, 2015.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment: User Died When Wichita Doctor Diverted Rx Drugs to the StreetsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal indictment unsealed here today alleges a Wichita doctor diverted prescription drugs to the streets, resulting in one of his patients dying from an overdose, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Eight people who got prescriptions from the doctor also are charged with unlawfully distributing prescription drugs.
Dr. Steven R. Henson, 54, Wichita, Kan., who operated Kansas Men’s Clinic at 3636 N. Ridge Road in Wichita, is charged with:
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Conspiracy to distribute prescription drugs outside the course of medical practice (Counts 1 and 2).
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Unlawfully distributing oxycodone (Counts 3 through 15).
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Unlawfully distributing oxycodone, methadone and alprazolam (Count 16).
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Unlawfully distributing methadone and alprazolam, resulting in the death of a victim on July 24, 2015, identified in court records as N.M. (Count 17)
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Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (Count 18)
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Presenting false patient records to investigators (Count 19).
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Obstruction of justice (Count 20)
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Money laundering (Counts 21 through 31).
Also charged are:
Kimi Harper, 50, Kansas City, Mo. (Count 1).
Amanda Terwilleger, 33, Topeka, Kan., (Counts 1, 3, 7 and 9)
Jeremy Wojack, 35, Topeka, Kan., (Counts 1, 3, 7 and 9)
Jordan Allison, 27, Shawnee, Kan., (Counts 1 and 7).
Grant Lubbers, 29, Whitewater, Kan., (Count 2, 4 and 12)
Joel Torres, Jr. 28, Newton, Kan., (Counts 2, 4 and 5).
David Montano, 32, (Count 2 and Count 15)
Keith Attebery, 20, Newton, Kan., (Count 2, 8 and 15
According to the indictment, Henson was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispense prescription controlled substances. His registered addresses included the Kansas Men’s Clinic and a location at 1861 N. Rock Road, Suite 201.
The indictment alleges Henson:
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Wrote prescriptions in return for cash.
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Post-dated prescriptions.
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Wrote prescriptions without a medical need.
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Wrote prescriptions without a legitimate medical exam.
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Wrote prescriptions for people other than the ones who came to see him
If convicted, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts 1-16: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
Count 17: Not less than 20 years and not more than life and a fine up to $1 million.
Count 18: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count 19: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count 20: A maximum penalty of one year and a fine up to $100,000.
Counts 21-25: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Counts 26-31: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Newton Police Department, the Wichita Police Department and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs are 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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Three Men Who Were Arrested in Saline County Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - Three men who were arrested earlier this month in Saline County were indicted Wednesday on federal drug charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
A grand jury in Topeka returned indictments against:
Adrian Ayala-Garcia, 23, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Abilene, Kan., one count of possessing approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count of unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Eduardo Ponce-Serrano, 28, Salina, Kan., four counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 18 pounds of methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Francisco Javier Carrillo-Elias, 25, who is not a citizen of the United States and who has been living in Salina, three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 18 pounds of methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute 18 pounds of methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million.
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, the Salina Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Arthur Martin Rodriguez, 52, who is in custody in Dickinson County, and Daniel Gutierrez, 29, who is in custody in Dickinson County, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 19, 2015 in Dickinson County.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
Andre J. Wallace, 40, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 19, 2015, 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.
Royelle Lamont Miller, 35, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 5, 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.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Woman Gets 10 Years After Trying to Flush CashRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A woman who tried to flush thousands of dollars in drug funds down a cellblock toilet was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Marisela Ramirez, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In her plea, she admitted she helped arrange for 16 pounds of methamphetamine to be transported by car from California to Kansas. She had $3,880 in drug funds on her person when she was arrested. It was seized in the U.S. Marshals’ cellblock after she attempted to flush it down a toilet.
Co-defendants include:
Jorge Rodriguez-Maciel, who was sentenced to 12 years.
Victor Diaz, who is set for sentencing Jan. 15.
Manuel Torres Arevalo, who is awaiting trial.
Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Indicted on Federal Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Wichita man with sex trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Gerald L. Brown, Jr., 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of sex trafficking of a minor. In a second count, he is charged with sex trafficking of an adult by force, fraud or coercion.
In count one, the indictment alleges that in June and July 2015 Brown recruited a 17-year-old girl to travel from Kansas to Oklahoma and Texas to engage in prostitution. He advertised the girl’s sexual services on an adult Web site.
In count two, the indictment alleges that from August to Oct 2015 Brown used force, fraud or coercion to cause an adult victim to engage in prostitution. He advertised the woman’s sexual services on an adult Web site.
At the time of the alleged crimes, Brown was a registered sex offender as a result of a 2006 conviction in Sedgwick County District Court for indecent liberties with a child.
If convicted, Brown faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of sex trafficking of a minor, and a penalty of not less than 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Crystal Bayliff, 28, Wichita, Kan.; Leslie Elam, 30, Wichita, Kan.; Michael Eubanks, 32, Wichita, Kan.; and Joshua Scott, 38, Wichita, Kan., are charged with drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 5, 2015, in Trego County, Kan.
In count one, Bayliff, Elam and Eubanks are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In count two, Bayliff and Elam are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In count three, Scott is charged with using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts one and two: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million.
Count three: A maximum penalty of four years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the WaKeeny Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Tarah Nietfeld, 24, Wichita, Kan., and Joshua Scott, 38, Wichita, Kan., are charged in count one with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, in count nine with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in count 10 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in count eleven with possession with intent to distribute heroin, and in counts 12, 13 and 14 with unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, Scott is charged in counts 4, 6, 7, 15, 16 and 17 with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction; and Nietfeld is charged in counts 2, 3, 5, 8, 18, 19 and 20 with unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred at various times during 2015 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
The indictment seeks to forfeit $26,703 in cash, representing proceeds of the crimes.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Count one: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
Counts two through eight and 15 through 20: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts nine through 11: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Counts 12 through 14: Not less than five years, consecutive to other penalties, and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Azucena Garcia-Ferniza, 21, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States, one count of accessory to a crime after the fact, and one count of having knowledge of a felony that she did not report to law enforcement. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 7, 2015, in Saline County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge, and a maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000 on the misprision charge. On the charge of giving to knowingly giving aid to a person who committed a crime she faces a maximum sentence of half of the sentence for the person who committed the crime.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Jose Alvarez-Galvan, 32, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition while unlawfully in the United States, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Dec. 18, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the firearm charges and a maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Luis Antonio Mendez-Perez, 38, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Dec. 30, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Octavio Martinez-Rabelo, 32, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Nov. 3, 2015, in Sedgwick County.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000. Immigrations 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.
Kansas Couple Sentenced for Fraud on SBA LoansRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas couple was sentenced Monday for fraudulently obtaining loans from the Small Business Administration, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Justin Johnson, 40, Wellsville, Kan., was sentenced to six months house arrest, followed by three years supervised release, and restitution of $53,000. His wife, Penny Johnson, 39, Wellsville, Kan., was sentenced to three years on probation and $53,000 restitution.
The defendants pleaded guilty to one count each of making false statements to the Small Business Administration and one count each of money laundering. Justin Johnson owned and operated several construction–related businesses including J-Right, Midland Concrete, A-Vision Landscape, Stucco Masters, Kingdom Homes and Timberview Construction. Penny Johnson was the bookkeeper for her husband’s businesses.
In their pleas, the Johnsons admitted they received a loan through the SBA Express loan program they claimed was for the purchase of equipment. In fact, the loan funds were used to pay off equipment loans and to make payments on construction loans held by Johnson’s various businesses. Loan funds also were used by the Johnsons for their personal use.
Grissom commended the Small Business Administration, the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Topeka Woman Sentenced for $416,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka woman was sentenced Monday to 18 months for embezzling from her employer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She was ordered to pay $416,000 in restitution.
Lisa M. Davenport, 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of embezzled funds. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was an officer manager for Kansas Associates, Inc., which was the Prudential Real Estate franchise in Topeka. She embezzled money from KAI by taking proceeds from the company’s commissions and depositing them into her personal account. A forensic audit determined she embezzled $416,000 from the company
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man pleaded guilty Monday to a federal gun charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Dallas L. Schnegelsiepen, Jr., 42, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. In his plea, Schnegelsiepen admitted that in 2008 he was convicted in Shawnee County District Court on a felony charge of attempted aggravated battery, which is a felony. As a result of the conviction, he was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. On Sept. 11, 2015, police detectives who were investigating a shooting went to the house of Schnegelsiepen’s girlfriend to speak to her. While there, they arrested Schnegelsiepen, who was carrying a .25 caliber pistol in his waistband.
Sentencing is set for April 11. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Man Who Pushed Woman Out of Car Sentenced for Carjacking, Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kan., man who pointed a gun at a woman and pushed her out a driver’s side door before stealing her car was sentenced Monday to 180 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. The sentence is to be served consecutively to a 10-year sentence in another federal case.
John Michael Devosha, 25, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of carjacking.
In his plea, he admitted that on Oct. 22, 2013, was already under federal indictment in another case when he wrecked a stolen pickup truck near 59th and Leavenworth Road in Kansas City, Kan. He abandoned the car and fled on foot in search of another car.
A woman who was driving a 2002 Cadillac Deville was stopped in traffic congestion created by the wreck. Devosha used the handle of his gun to break the woman’s front passenger window and enter her car. He pointed a gun at the woman and told her to drive away fast. Before she could do it, he pushed her out the driver’s side door and onto the road, where she stumbled and injured herself. Then he drove away in her car.
Three days later, Pottawatomie Tribal Police arrested him in Jackson County, Kan., after a 45-mile high speed chase on U.S. Highway 75.
Grissom commended the Pottawatomie Tribal Police, he Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic, as well as agencies that participated in the arrest including officers from Brown, Jefferson and Jackson counties, as well as police from Holton and Sabetha and the Kickapoo and Sac and Fox tribes.
Chemical Manufacturer in Rice County Pleads Guilty to Violating Safe Water ActRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A chemical manufacturing company in Rice County pleaded guilty Tuesday to unlawfully disposing of hazardous waste into a salt water disposal well and paid a $1 million fine.
JACAM Manufacturing, LLC, of Sterling, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of violating the federal Safe Water Drinking Act and one count of violating the Resource Conservation Recovery Act. In the plea, the company admitted to disposing of hazardous wastes in an injection well permitted only for the disposal of salt water. JACAM admitted it was unlawfully disposing of acetone, benzene and other hazardous chemicals into a salt water disposal well.
The Safe Water Drinking Act identifies salt water disposal wells as a potential source of pollution to the nation’s underground aquifers. The Resource Conservation Recovery Act created a “cradle-to-gave” regulatory scheme to track hazardous wastes from their point of generation to their final disposal.
Grissom commended the Environmental Protection Agency, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Indictment: Kansas-based Scam Cost Turkish Investor MillionsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Olathe man was indicted Thursday on federal charges of devising a fraud scheme that cost a Turkish investor millions of dollars, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Nagy Shehata, 55, Olathe, Kan., and Laura Lee Sorsby, 62, Texarkana, Texas, are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. In addition, Shehata is charged with two counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges the crimes occurred while Shehata was the president and registered agent for Premier Investment Group, Inc., and Sorsby was president of Can Am International, LLC, headquartered in Dallas. They offered an investor in Turkey investments in building a shopping mall in Turkey and a hospital in Syria. The investor transferred 6 million Euros (more than $8 million) for the hospital project. The defendants diverted the money to their own use. Shehata bought an $855,000 house and an $111,000 auto. Sorsby bought a $77,000 car and a $163,000 house. They promised the investor to return his money but they never gave the money back.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the conspiracy count and each of the wire fraud counts, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the money laundering counts. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Samantha C. Elmer, 33, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with one count of international parental kidnapping, one count of making a false statement on a passport, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Elmer initially was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed Dec. 9 that alleged she took her two daughters to Europe to prevent her former husband from lawfully taking custody of the children.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the parental kidnapping charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of making a false statement on a passport, and a mandatory two years (consecutive to other counts) on the identity theft charge. The following agencies worked on the investigation: the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, the Eudora Police Department, the Overland Park Police Department and the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Omar Martinez, 31, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Dec. 8, 2015, in Ford County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment: Teller in Coffey County Embezzled $700,000 from BankRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former teller for a bank in Burlington has been indicted on charges of embezzling approximately $700,000 from the bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Denise Christy, 47, Burlington, Kan., is charged with one count of embezzlement, six counts of making false bank entries, six counts of filing false tax returns and 10 counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges the crimes were committed while Christy worked as a retail financial services representative and backup vault teller for the Burlington branch of Central National Bank. One of Christy’s duties was to sell cash in the bank’s vault to the Federal Reserve Bank. In May 2014 auditors determined that more than $700,000 was missing from the vault. Christy falsely claimed the money was shipped to the Federal Reserve Bank via the Garda security company. An investigation showed Christy falsified bank records to cover up the embezzlement and failed to report the embezzled funds as part of her income. In addition, she unlawfully conducted financial transactions in order to spend more than $77,000 in embezzled funds to pay off loans that she and her husband maintained at Farmers State Bank in Aliceville, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Embezzlement: A maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Making false bank entries: A maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
False tax returns: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $100,000 on each count.
Money laundering: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine u8p to $50,000 on each count.
The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Richard Alan Watson, 57, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of attempted bank robbery.
The indictment alleges that on Dec. 1, 2015, Watson attempted to rob U.S. Bank at 3600 S.W. Topeka Boulevard in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
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James Carter Heard, Jr., 44, Opelika, Ala., is charged with one count of failing to register as required by the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred from March 2 to December 3, 2015, in Kansas.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
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Jeremiah L. Johnson, 37, Topeka, Kan., is charged with escaping from custody at the Mirror, Inc., Residential Reentry Center in Topeka, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 22, 2015.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
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Juan Manuel Vasquez-Montalvo, 48, Topeka, Kan., and Francisco Javier Villalobos-Citalan, 40, are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Villalobos-Citalan is charged with five counts of distributing methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged have occurred at various times from Aug 2015 to December 2015 in Shawnee County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the conspiracy count carries a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million. The distribution counts carry a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million on each count. The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
U.S. Attorney Statement: Fear No Reason for Backlash Against MuslimsRead the Press Release
By Barry Grissom, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas
The Paris attacks, and then San Bernardino, have raised people’s anxieties and concerns about terrorism. But as Americans we must not let fear drive us to hateful and divisive acts toward Muslims in this country.
As U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, keeping the American people safe is my top priority. At the same time, I urge Kansans not to turn against one another by letting this fight be defined as a war between America and Islam. That is what the terrorists want and it is the only way they can succeed -- by manipulating us into betraying our own values.
Just as it is the responsibility of Muslims around the world to root out misguided ideals that lead to radicalization, it is the responsibility of all Americans of every faith to reject discrimination. At the Department of Justice, we always have a concern when we see rhetoric cross the line and become threats or violence. So we are monitoring any potential backlash and will respond where we see action that violates our country’s protections against hate crimes.
Let me also make this clear: Decisions as to the resettlement of refugees within the United States are part of the federal government’s constitutional and statutory authority over immigration. Various federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of national origin, and the Department of Justice takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure that those laws are enforced in appropriate circumstances.
Barry Grissom is the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas.
Leaders of $28.5 Million Drug Conspiracy Sentenced to 13+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Missouri men who were leaders of a $28.5 million drug trafficking organization in the Kansas City metro area were sentenced Tuesday to 162 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Eduardo Perez-Alcala, 32, Independence, Mo., and Hector Aguilera, 36, Sugar Creek, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In their pleas, they admitted they were part of a drug trafficking organization that in October 2010 became the target of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Aguilera was the recipient of shipments of cocaine from Perez-Alcala as well as two other Mexican sources of supply
During the investigation more than $2 million in cash, 194 firearms, 29 vehicles, 26 kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of crack were seized and forfeited.
Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for CarjackingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to three years in federal prison for carjacking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Marcus Anthony Montoya, 23, 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 Michael Minh Koy, 25, Topeka, Kan., is set for sentencing March 14.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarred Maag for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to three years in federal prison for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Kirk Mychale Sexton, 27, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Jan. 9, 2015, he robbed the Equity Bank at 3825 S.W. 29th Street in Topeka. He entered the bank wearing a blue hoodie with the words “Topeka Water” on the back and handed a clerk a note demanding money. He left the bank with the cash. Police stopped him nearby after seeing red dye from a dye pack on his clothes.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge in KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A California man pleaded guilty Monday to a federal money laundering charge in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Andris Cukurs, 69, Glendale, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 14, 2014, he was carrying $314,855 in cash in his car when he was stopped on I-70 by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department. Cukurs had an agreement with another person to deliver the money, which he knew was derived from the distribution of drugs.
Sentencing is set for March 3. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 30 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.