District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Johnson County Man Sentenced to 17+ Years for Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Johnson County man was sentenced Thursday to 210 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jacob N. Hilton, 29, Gardner, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he traded child pornography over the Internet with a man in Australia who was arrested by the Queensland Police during a child pornography investigation. The man’s records showed he had been in contact with Hilton and the Australian police passed the information on to investigators in Kansas. Investigators obtained a warrant and found evidence in Hilton’s Gmail account that he sent child pornography to the Australian man.
Grissom commended the Queensland Police, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney for their work on the case.
Federal Sex Trafficking Charges Filed Against Two Wichita ResidentsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Federal sex trafficking charges have been filed against two people who live in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Martin D. Muldrow, Jr., 36, Wichita Kan., and Breaira S. Bland, 22, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of sex trafficking, one count of causing a person to cross state lines for purposes of prostitution, two counts of transporting a person across state lines for prostitution, and one count of traveling from Kansas to Texas for the purpose of prostitution.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion: Not less than 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Causing a person to cross state lines for prostitution: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Transporting a person across state lines for prostitution: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Traveling across state lines for the purpose of prostitution: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart are prosecuting.
Federal Charges Filed Against Lawrence Mother Who Fled the Country with Her DaughtersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence woman appeared in federal court in Kansas City, Kan., today on federal charges of fleeing to Europe in an effort to avoid losing custody of her two daughters, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Samantha Elmer, 33, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with one count of taking her children out of the United States with intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of parental rights. Elmer was arrested Dec. 8 at the airport in Kansas City when she returned with her children.
A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., alleges that on Oct. 26 Elmer and her daughters – one 11 years old and the other nine years old – boarded a flight from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to Vienna, Austria, via Istanbul, Turkey. A week earlier, Elmer’s ex-husband and father of the two girls had filed for full custody in Johnson County District Court. The court had scheduled a hearing for the first week of November. Elmer also was scheduled for a hearing on felony theft charges in Johnson County District Court.
On Oct. 29, an officer of the Lawrence Police Department went to Elmer’s house in Lawrence to do a child welfare check. Investigators determined that Elmer’s daughters had missed the past six days of school. They learned that Elmer had been driving a rented vehicle and had dropped the vehicle off at O’Hare airport before boarding the flight to Austria.
If convicted, Elmer faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. 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.
Man Arrested in Florida Indicted in Wichita Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury Tuesday indicted a man who police arrested in Florida on charges of robbing a Wichita bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Antonio Adam Smiley, 30, Zephyrhills, Fla., is charged with one count of bank robbery. In court records, it is alleged that on Nov. 28, 2015, Smiley robbed the Emprise Bank branch at 2323 S. Hydraulic. Investigators allege he entered the bank about 4:45 p.m. wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. He used a cellular telephone to try to hide his face from surveillance cameras during the robbery and fled the bank with cash. After releasing surveillance photos from the bank, police received information leading them to Smiley.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Roy E. Walls-Guiden, 28, Wichita, Kan., and Demon L. Anderson, 26, Wichita, Kan., are charged with two counts of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery and one count of carrying a firearm during a robbery.
The indictment alleges the two men were carrying guns on Dec. 4, 2015, when they robbed the Valero station at 248 S. Hillside and then the Petro America station at 2838 W. Central, both in Wichita. According to court records, a Wichita police officer saw the second robbery, leading to the arrest of the defendants.
If convicted, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Robbery (Counts 1 and 2): A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Brandishing a firearm in a robbery (Count 3): Not less than seven years, consecutive to the robbery count, and a fine up to $250,000.
Carrying a firearm during a robbery (Count 4): Not less than five years, consecutive to the robbery count, and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Cynthia K. Griffith, 57, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that while she worked as a secretary for Griffith Steel Erection, Inc., she embezzled approximately $247,000 from the company. She wrote company checks for her personal expenses.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting. The Wichita Police Department investigated.
Jon Dean Pickerill, 54, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of concealing assets from a bankruptcy court and one count of fraudulently transferring funds that belonged to a bankruptcy case. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2011 and 2012 in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Eric A. Crawley, 51, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 16, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Adrian G. Lawton, 32, Wichita, Kan., and Erica E. Johnson, 23, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of possession of counterfeit $10 bills. In addition, Lawton is charged with one count Lawton is charged with one count of making counterfeit $10 bills. The crimes are alleged to have occurred June 5, 2015, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
James L. Scaia, 36, Wichita, Kan., and Deborah S. Fantastic, 43, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of making counterfeit $20 bills and one count of passing a counterfeit $20 bill. In addition Fantastic is charged with one count credit card fraud. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August 2015 in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Jamie Santiago-Interiano, 25, Wichita, Kan., Jose Anibal Jacome-Leon, 23, Wichita, Kan., and Ivan Rodriguez-Cordova, 40, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Nov. 24, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, the defendants face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million on each count. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Christian D. Avila-Ramirez, 33, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Nov. 24, 2015, 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 Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Verlarina Ruth Collins, 48, Winfield, Kan., is charged with one count of theft of Social Security funds, three counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of making a false statement to the government and nine counts of wire fraud. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from 2006 to 2013.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Theft of Social Security funds: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutively on each count.
Making a false statement to the government: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Wire fraud: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The Social Security Administration 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.
Winfield Man Sentenced to Six Years for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Winfield man was sentenced Monday to six years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Paul Bruce Jordan, Jr., 61, Winfield, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Prosecutors told U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten that Jordan used an Internet file sharing network to download child pornography and store it on a computer at his residence in Winfield. Using the same file sharing network, investigators for the Wichita Police Department and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force downloaded images of child pornography from Jordan’s compute
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Junction City Man Re-Sentenced in Cocaine Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Junction City man was sentenced Monday to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking cocaine in Junction City and Manhattan, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Albert Dwayne Banks, 33, Junction, City, Kan. was convicted on count one (conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine), count eight (distributing crack cocaine), count 11 (distribution crack cocaine), count 12 (distributing crack cocaine), count 15 (distributing crack cocaine) count 16 (distributing crack cocaine) and count 17 (distributing crack cocaine).
Last month, Banks was sentenced to life. At Monday’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree corrected the sentence by reducing it to 30 years. He said he changed the sentence based on his consideration of aggravating factors in the sentence.
Banks was convicted in June in a jury trial in Kansas City. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that in late 2012 and early 2013 agents of Kansas Bureau of Investigation and detectives from the Junction City Police Department investigated a large crack cocaine trafficking organization in Junction City and Manhattan. The organization was led by defendants Albert Banks and co-defendant Anthony Thompson, who acquired drugs from three different suppliers and sold the drugs to distributors who resold them on the streets.
Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Junction City Police Department, the Geary County Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Elkhart Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An Elkhart man pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Daren Richard Coen, 69, Elkhart, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Prosecutors told U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten that Coen collected child pornography over the Internet using a file sharing network. A detective with the Wichita Police Department downloaded child pornography from Coen’s computer using the file sharing network. Investigators found child pornography on his computer when they executed a search warrant in May 2015 at Coen’s home in Elkhart.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 29. 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 of distributing child porn, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $9.2 Million for U.S. Taxpayers in FY 2015Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announced today that the District of Kansas collected more than $9.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2015. Of this amount, more than $6.2 million was collected in criminal actions and $3 million was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Kansas worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Justice Department to collect approximately an additional $402,000 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount, approximately $12,000 was collected in criminal actions and $390,000 was collected in civil actions.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2015. Collections in FY 2015 represent more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion of the Justice Department’s combined appropriations for the 93 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Our job is to litigate vigorously and enforce the collection of debts due to the United States and to victims of federal crimes,” U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. “We’re working hard to carry out that responsibility.”
For instance, in FY 2015 the District of Kansas entered a settlement for a payment of $700,000 from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) in a False Claims Act lawsuit. The payment was to settle allegations that a subcontractor, TECT Aerospace, improperly formed wing spars, including fracture critical parts, for use by HBC, the prime contractor in the manufacture of the Joint Primary Aircraft Trainers (T-6A) for the Air Force and Navy.
“The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to this ongoing work.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The Justice Department’s largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal financial, health, safety, civil rights and environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Kansas, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected more than $3.7 million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2015. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Junction City Man Sentenced to Life on Murder, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA KAN. – A Junction City man was sentenced Wednesday to life in federal prison for murdering a woman to keep her from giving information to federal law enforcement officers about his involvement in drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Marcus D. Roberson, 33, Junction City, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial in March 2014 on the following counts:
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One count of murder in the March 3, 2010, shooting of Crystal K. Fisher.
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One count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
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One count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Roberson lured the 25-year-old Fisher to a location near an alley in central Junction City where he shot her four times at close range. Her body was found seated in the driver’s side of her vehicle in the 700 block of West 11th Street in Junction City. She had been shot four times. The murder weapon, a .40 caliber pistol, was found in a pond behind a Walmart in Junction City.
Prosecutors also presented evidence of Roberson’s involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed powder and crack cocaine in and throughout the Junction City area.
Co-defendants include:
Virok D. Webb, who was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison.
Kennin Dewberry, who was sentenced to 240 months.
Jamaica L. Chism, who was sentenced to 84 months.
Megan N. Fuller, who was sentenced to 42 months.
Alisha A. Escobedo, who was sentenced to time served and five years on supervised release.
Caress Jackson, who was sentenced to time served and two years on supervised release.
Keishana Johnson, who was sentenced to time served and three years on supervised release.
Grissom commended the Junction City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner for their work on the case. Also assisting in the investigation were the Riley County Police Department, the Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command at Ft. Riley, the Dickinson County Drug Enforcement Unit, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Tourism and the Park City Police Department.
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Missouri Man Sentenced to 12+ Years for Overland Park Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri man was sentenced Tuesday to 155 months in federal prison for robbing a bank in Overland Park, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Allen J. Williams, 25, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of using a firearm during a robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Feb. 27, 2014, he and two co-defendants robbed Inter-State Federal Savings at 8620 Metcalf in Overland Park. They entered the bank about noon and held employees at gunpoint before fleeing with stolen money.
Co-defendant Randy A. Cornelius, 22, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 57 months, and Williams’ twin brother, Alvin J. Williams, 25, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 114 months.
Grissom commended the Overland Park Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Mexican Man Sentenced in Kansas for Laundering $4.7 Million in Drug FundsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican man was sentenced Tuesday to 70 months in federal prison for laundering more than $4.7 million in drug funds through his bank accounts in Kansas and elsewhere, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, a money judgment of more than $4.7 million was entered against him.
Franz Wiebe Rempel, 44, Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Wichita to one count of money laundering. In his plea, he admitted that from 2009 through July 30, 2013, he laundered drug funds through bank accounts at the Bank of America in Wichita, as well as accounts at Wells Fargo and J.P. Morgan Chase.
In his plea, he admitted he provided his bank account numbers so that another conspirator could distribute the information to others. Rempel had an understanding with the conspirator that third parties would deposit cash into his bank accounts. The deposits would be less than $10,000 in an attempt to avoid federal currency reporting requirements. Once Rempel received the funds, he would transfer or move the money through the U.S. financial system at the other conspirator’s direction. Rempel crossed the border from his home in Mexico almost on a weekly basis in order to move funds. Ultimately, most of the money wound up in the other conspirator’s hands.
Rempel’s accounts received funds deposited from Kansas City, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Oklahoma City; Des Moines; Amarillo, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Knoxville, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., Memphis, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta, Ga., and Albuquerque, N.M. Rempel did not know the identities of the people making the deposits but he knew the funds were being transferred for the purpose of paying for drugs.
Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Wichita Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A man pleaded guilty Tuesday to robbing a Wichita bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Frederick Aaron Cunningham, 45, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Oct. 28, 2013, he robbed the Intrust Bank branch in the Dillons grocery store at 3211 S. Seneca. He also admitted he robbed the same bank on Oct. 9, 2013.
In the Oct. 28 robbery Cunningham gave the teller a note demanding money and then left the bank with stolen cash. Once outside the bank, he discarded a shirt worn during the robbery. Investigators used the results of DNA testing on the shirt to tie the crime to Cunningham.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 18. Both parties have agreed to recommend 10 years in federal prison.
Grissom commended Wichita Police Detective David Alexander, FBI Special Agent Ryan McDonald and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 90 months in federal prison for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Myron T. Markham, 31, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on March 12, 2014, he robbed the Fidelity Bank at 100 E. English in Wichita. After leaving the bank, he threw away his sweatshirt and hat and caught a bus to his brother’s house.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Store Owner Sentenced to 57 Months for Federal Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., store owner was sentenced Monday to 57 months in federal prison for food stamp fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. He also was ordered to pay approximately $227,000 in restitution.
Sajjad S. Chaudhry, 47, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. In his plea, he admitted the crimes occurred while he owned the KC Gas Mart at 2850 State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan. The store participated in a federal food stamp program called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The store came under investigation in the summer of 2013 because it reported engaging in thousands of dollars of SNAP benefits transaction, many of which were large purchases. Undercover investigators working with the USDA exchanged SNAP benefits for cash at KC Gas Mart, receiving approximately 50 percent of the value of the SNAP benefits. The rules of the program prohibit approved vendors from trading cash for food stamps, accepting food stamps for ineligible items and accepting food stamps from people who are not authorized to use them.
In addition, Chaudhry admitted he used another person’s electronic benefits card to purchase food items at a Sam’s Club store in Kansas City, Kan.
Grissom commended the USDA-OIG and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic for their work on the case.
Garden City Man Sentenced for Possession of 16,000 Child Porn ImagesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Garden City man was sentenced Monday to 78 months in federal prison for possessing more than 16,000 images of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
James E. McGary, 43, Garden City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that in October 2012 an investigator with the Ford County Sheriff’s Office working online identified a computer sharing pornography on a file sharing network. When investigators served a search warrant at McGary’s home, they found a laptop computer containing approximately 16,000 images of child pornography.
Grissom commended the Garden City Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
California Man Sentenced for Operating $1.6 Million Internet FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A California man was sentenced in federal court in Kansas Monday to a year and a day in prison for operating an Internet fraud scheme that cost more than 200 victims a total of more than $1.6 million, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The defendant was ordered to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution to the victims.
Anthony Renfrow, 57, Folsom, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he made fraudulent claims to entice people to pay to become “autosurf investors” with 14DailyPlus.com. The business was promoted to buyers in the Kansas City metro area.
Investors paid a membership fee and were promised a 14 percent daily return on their money for clicking on advertisers’ Web sites for a certain period of time each day. To achieve that rate of return, 14DailyPlus.com purportedly pooled the capital investments of members and purchased advertising units on the Internet with Fortune-500 type companies.
Renfrow held regularly scheduled conference calls with investors via telephone and Internet to lull them into believing the program was legitimate and returns on investments were being paid as promised. In truth, there was no investment vehicle and the promise of a 14 percent daily return was completely unrealistic.
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, the California Attorney General’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.
Junction City Man Sentenced to Life in Cocaine Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Junction City man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking cocaine in Junction City and Manhattan, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. Another defendant in the case was sentenced to more than 21 years.
Albert Dwayne Banks, 33, Junction, City, Kan. was sentenced to life. He was convicted on count one (conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine), count eight (distributing crack cocaine), count 11 (distribution crack cocaine), count 12 (distributing crack cocaine), count 15 (distributing crack cocaine) count 16 (distributing crack cocaine) and count 17 (distributing crack cocaine).
Martye Madabuti Madkins, III, 34, Junction City, Kan., was sentenced to 262 months in prison. He was convicted on count two (distributing crack cocaine), and count four (distributing crack cocaine within 1000 feet of an elementary school).
Banks and Madkins were convicted in June in a jury trial in Kansas City. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that in late 2012 and early 2013 agents of Kansas Bureau of Investigation and detectives from the Junction City Police Department investigated a large crack cocaine trafficking organization in Junction City and Manhattan. The organization was led by defendants Albert Banks and co-defendant Anthony Thompson, who acquired drugs from three different suppliers and sold the drugs to distributors who resold them on the streets. The evidence showed that Madkins was a close associate of Banks and Thompson and that he distributed crack cocaine for them.
Co-defendant Anthony Thompson is set for sentencing Dec. 4.
Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Junction City Police Department, the Geary County Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to A Bank Robbery in Overland ParkRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City man pleaded guilty Monday to taking part in a bank robbery in which his partner threatened to kill employees with a gun and dragged a woman across the floor by her hair, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Steve A. Watts, 56, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery.
In his plea, Watts admitted that on Oct. 29, 2014, he and co-defendant Clifton B. Cloyd robbed the Bank of America at 9500 Mission in Overland Park, Kan. Watts and Cloyd -- both carrying guns -- held five bank employees and a female customer at gunpoint during the robbery. Cloyd was the more aggressive of the two robbers, striking two bank employees and a customer and dragging a bank employee by the hair. Both men were arrested after they fled the bank.
Watts is set for sentencing Feb. 8. He faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.
Co-defendant Clifton Cloyd is set for sentencing Jan. 11.
Grissom commended the Overland Park Police Department, the Prairie Village Police Department, the Leawood Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Indicted in Prairie Village Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A federal grand jury Thursday indicted a Kansas City man on a charge of robbing a credit union in Prairie Village, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Tarone Hollins, also known as Tarone Shipp, 41, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 22, 2015, Hollins robbed the Community America Credit Union, 7620 State Line Road in Prairie Village, Kan. An affidavit filed in the case alleges that after photos from the robbery were made public the FBI received 11 tips via the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers identifying Hollins as the robber.
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 Tris Hunt 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 12+ Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man who used the screen name “kansas_dad” in chat rooms was sentenced Wednesday to 150 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Tucker J. Newman, 48, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea he admitted he sent child pornography to an undercover investigator in California. During an online conversation in January 2014, Newman asked the investigator to send him video of a child being sexually abused. In trade, Newman sent the investigator child pornography. When investigators served a search warrant at Newman’s home in Topeka, they found 64 child pornography video files on a DVD-R. Most of the videos showed adult men engaging in sex acts with children younger than 10 years of age.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Topeka Jewelry Store Owner Sentenced for Purchasing Stolen JewelryRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - The owner of a Topeka jewelry store was sentenced Wednesday to a year and a day in federal prison for knowingly buying jewelry that had been stolen in home invasions, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
In June, John O. Dasher, 54, Silver Lake, Kan., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Topeka to one count of transporting stolen goods. In his plea, he admitted the crimes occurred from 2010 to 2013 while he owned The Diamond House, 1801 S.W. Gage in Topeka. He knowingly purchased stolen jewelry taken in home invasions.
Dasher paid a fraction of the actual value of the jewelry, which he melted down to form scrap gold. He mailed the gold scrap via the U.S. Postal Service to gold wholesalers Pop Gems International, Gold Empire and Coinex, Inc., in Los Angeles, Calif.
As part of his plea, Dasher agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $130,000
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI, the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Former Glock Manager and Wife Sentenced for Taking Bribes, KickbacksRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former regional manager for the company that makes Glock firearms was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to take bribes and kickbacks, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The man’s wife was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for her part in the scheme.
Welcome D. “Bo” Wood, Jr., 66, Oviedo, Fla., who was the Eastern Regional Manager for Glock, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. His wife, Paula Ann Wood, 65, Oveido, Fla., pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy, too.
Co-defendant John Sullivan Ralph, III, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy. Ralph, who owned Global Guns & Hunting, Inc., of Olathe, doing business as OB Guns, admitted he paid 140 bribes and kickbacks to Glock employees totaling approximately $900,000. Welcome Wood accepted gifts, payments and other things of value from Ralph in return for preferential treatment. Paula Wood received checks made payable to her as part of a plan to conceal the bribes.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced to 24+ Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man convicted after a jury trial of producing child pornography has been sentenced to 292 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Jonathan Kearn, 40, Topeka, Kansas, was convicted in May 2015 on one count of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the investigation began in April 2013 when Homeland Security Investigations received a report from the Queensland Police Service, Queensland, Australia. An Australian investigator received emails from Kearn in Kansas containing child pornography Kearn produced. The images included photos of a child under six years old.
Grissom commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Topeka Police Department, the Queensland Police Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Drug Courier Sentenced to Prison After 111 MPH Chase with Highway PatrolRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A drug courier who was clocked at 111 miles per hour while trying to outrun the Kansas Highway Patrol was sentenced Monday to 47 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Miguel Torres, 22, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, Torres admitted that on March 14, 2015, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop his BMW as he was driving westbound on Interstate 70 in Geary County. During the chase, the trooper measured Torres’ speed as high as 111 miles per hour. After Torres stopped, the trooper found approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine in the truck of the car. Investigators learned that Torres was paid $6,000 to drive the drugs from Riverside Calif., to the Kansas City area.
Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for their work on the case.
Wichita Attorney Sentenced on Federal Tax Evasion ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita attorney was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in federal prison for evading federal taxes, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
In July, U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren found Eldon L. Boisseau, 67, Wichita, Kan., guilty on one count of tax evasion.
In a written decision, the court found that during 1998 through 2000, 2002 through 2005 and 2007 through 2008 Boisseau attempted to evade paying federal income taxes, as well as a trust fund recovery penalty from 1999. He interfered with the government’s efforts to collect the taxes he owned by putting his law firm in the name of a nominee, terminating his own pay agreement with the law firm and then having the firm pay for his personal expenses.
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger and Sean Green, Trial Attorney with Justice Department’s Tax Division, for their work on the case.
Ellis County Man Sentenced on Federal Drug, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – An Ellis County man was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in federal prison on drug and gun charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
In July, Joseph Anthony Ransom, 30, Ellis, Kan., was convicted on count of growing marijuana plants, 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.
During trial, the prosecution presented evidence that on Sept. 25, 2014, officers with the Ellis Police Department executed a search warrant at Ransom’s residence in Ellis. They found that Ransom was growing 181 marijuana plants inside his home and that he possessed a Zastava PAP M92 PV AK47 pistol and a .223 caliber rifle. Because of prior felony convictions, Ransom was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Grissom commended the Ellis Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Co-owner of Construction Company Sentenced for Defrauding Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business ProgramRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The co-owner of a defunct Missouri construction company has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for defrauding a federal program that set aside contracts for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Thursday.
Michael J. Parker, 41, Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States, one count of major program fraud and one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted that he and his father, co-defendant, Warren K. Parker, made false claims in order for their company, Silver Star Construction LLC of Blue Springs, Mo., and Stilwell, Kan., to obtain more than $6.7 million in contracts from the Veterans Administration and more than $748,000 in contracts from the Department of Defense. The contracts were awarded under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program.
Federal agents determined that in fact Warren Parker never was classified as a service-disabled veteran by the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense.
Co-defendants include:
Warren K. Parker, who was sentenced to 87 months.
Mary Parker, who was sentenced to 20 months.
Thomas Whitehead, who is awaiting sentencing.
Grissom commended the Small Business Administration?s Office of Inspector General; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division and the General Services Administration?s Office of Inspector General; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Former Sales Manager Sentenced for Conspiracy in Bribes, Kickbacks for Glock FirearmsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former sales manager for the company that makes Glock firearms was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to take bribes and kickbacks, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
James Craig Dutton, 44, Acworth, Ga., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud Glock by accepting bribes and kickbacks from a gun dealer in return for preferential treatment.
Co-defendant John Sullivan Ralph, III, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading to conspiracy. Ralph, who owned Global Guns & Hunting, Inc., of Olathe, doing business as OB Guns, admitted he paid 140 bribes and kickbacks to Glock employees totaling approximately $900,000. Dutton, who was an assistant national sales manager for Glock, admitted he conspired with Ralph and others. Dutton received cash payments, gifts and other things of value from Ralph and he concealed those payments from Glock.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Former Public Employees Union Treasurer Charged with Embezzling $65,000 from Local 477Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former public employees union treasurer was indicted Tuesday on federal charges of embezzling $65,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Shelly Sutton, formerly known as Shelly Burngardt, 46, Augusta, Kan., is charged with one count of bank fraud. The alleged crime took place while she was the treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 477 in Wichita. The indictment alleges Sutton:
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Forged signatures on union checks.
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Made unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union’s accounts.
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Made electronic payments from the union’s account to her own creditors
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Used the union’s debit card to make unauthorized purchases.
The indictment seeks a $65,000 personal money judgment against Sutton.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Hector M. Birrueta, 31, Pasco, Wash., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately 57 pounds of methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 17, 2015, in Ellis County, Kan.
If convicted he a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting
Joshua A. Haskins, 40, Wichita, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of attempted production of child pornography, and one count of distributing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and July 2015 in Wichita.
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 the distribution count, and a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Raymundo Ochoa-Ortiz, 34, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Oct. 28, 2015, 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 and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Genaro Ruvalcaba-Sandoval, 30, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Oct. 21, 2015, 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 and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Juan Salmeron-Acevedo, 37, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Nov. 4, 2015, 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 and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Sostenes Sanchez-Isidoro, 37, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of making a false statement on a passport application, one count of misusing a passport, one count of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, two counts of misusing a Social Security number, one count of using false documents to be employed in the United States, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawful production of an identification document. The crimes are alleged to have occurred at various times from 2007 to 2013 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
False statement: A maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Misuse of a passport: A maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
False claim of citizenship: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.
Misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Using false documents: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutively and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Unlawful production of an identification document: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Kansas Department of Revenue and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Luis Mendoza-Ortiz, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with two counts of using a false document to be employed in the United States, two counts of making a false statement, two counts of misusing a Social Security number, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of a felony and deported. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2014 and 2015 in Cowley and Montgomery counties.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
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Using false documents: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
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False statement: A maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
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Misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
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Unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of a felony and deported: A maximum penalty of 10 year and a fine up to $250,000.
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Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutively and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The Kansas Department of Labor and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Homero Arambula, 28, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges he fraudulently collected more than $8,900 in unemployment benefits from the Kansas Department Labor. The crime is alleged to have occurred in 2013 and 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Department of Labor investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Mark D. Capps, 55, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges he fraudulently collected more than $17.000 in unemployment benefits from the Kansas Department of Labor. The crime is alleged to have occurred at various times from 2007 to 2012 in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Department of Labor investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Joseph Bussart, Jr., 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction and one of unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 7, 2015 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of felon in possession, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Pamela Randle, 37, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges she fraudulently collected more than $36,000 in unemployment benefits from the Kansas Department of Labor. The crime is alleged to have occurred at various times from 2008 to 2014 in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Department of Labor 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.
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Registered Sex Offender in Kearny County Gets 20 Years on Child Porn ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A registered sex offender living in Kearny County was sentenced Monday to 20 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mark A. Wireman, 44, Lakin, Kan., pleaded guilty in July 2015 to five federal counts of distributing child pornography.
Wireman was indicted in Kansas in February 2015. Prosecutors alleged he used his Gmail account to send a photograph of a toddler being sexually assaulted by an adult to another man in Michigan. Google identified the photo as child pornography and filed a CyberTipline report. Investigators followed an electronic trail to Wireman, who made unauthorized use of his neighbor’s wireless Internet service to send the photograph. On Wireman’s phone, investigators found more child pornography he had distributed. Investigators learned Wiremen and the man to whom Wireman sent child pornography became friends in prison while Wireman was serving time for a sex offense.
Wireman has prior convictions in 2007 and 1994 in Michigan for sex offenses.
Grissom commended the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Wichita Police Department, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Man Who Put Gun to Girlfriend’s Head Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man who was arrested after putting a gun to his girlfriend’s head was sentenced Monday to 77 months in federal prison on a firearm charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Teagan C. Gulley, 35, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. In his plea, he admitted that Wichita police officers responding to a report of domestic violence saw him pointing a gun at his girlfriend. He was arrested and officers seized a .45 caliber handgun. He was a previously convicted felon at the time and he was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Four Men Charged with Providing Material Support to Al Qaeda in the Arabian PeninsulaRead the Press Release
A four-count indictment was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio charging four men with conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Awlaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 37; Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 36; Asif Ahmed Salim, 35; and Sultane Room Salim, 40, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad both face an additional count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
“According to the allegations in the indictment, Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim and Sultane Salim conspired to provide and did provide material support to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to provide material support to terrorists.”
“The charges in this case outline a plan to send thousands of dollars to a known terrorist, a plan which came to fruition shortly before one of the most notorious attempted attacks in recent memory – an attack claimed by that same terrorist,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “This indictment is a testament to the perseverance of those who stand watch over our nation and is a clear message to those who support terrorism – we will not forget and you will face justice.”
“In today’s world, Kansas is not far removed from the battlefields of the war on terror,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom. “We will do everything in our power to prevent funding and material support from finding its way from the heart of America to terrorists in foreign lands.”
“These individuals conspired and then acted on their radical beliefs by providing support to a known terrorist organization,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The identification of their conspiracy and the subsequent investigation demonstrate how members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to work with our international law enforcement partners to mitigate terrorist’s threats in order to protect our citizens.”
Farooq Mohammad was an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004. In or around March 2008, he married a U.S. citizen. His brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, was also an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005. In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen. He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.
Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005. He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007. His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago-area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus-area.
According to the indictment, from January 2005 through January 2012, the four defendants conspired to provide money, equipment and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki. Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was designated a global terrorist in 2010. The indictment also alleges that the defendants’ support was to be used in furtherance of violent jihad against the U.S. and U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
The defendants made various financial transactions in 2008 and 2009, and communicated about raising funds for a trip to the Middle East. Allegations in the indictment charge that Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad obtained money by opening credit cards and withdrawing money with no intention of repaying the amounts obtained from the financial institutions.
The indictment further alleges that on July 22, 2009, Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen to meet Awlaki. They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates. Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki.
An indictment is only a charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Farooq Mohammad et al Indictment
Former Kansas Man One of Four Charged with Providing Material Support to Al Qaeda in the Arabian PeninsulaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A four-count indictment was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio charging four men with conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars to Anwar Al-Alwaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world. One of the men used to live in Kansas.
The indictment was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach of the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
Yahya Farooq Mohammad, 37; Ibrahim Zubair Mohammad, 36; Asif Ahmed Salim, 35; and Sultane Room Salim, 40, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to provide and conceal material support and resources to terrorists, one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad both face an additional count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
“According to the allegations in the indictment, Farooq Mohammad, Ibrahim Mohammad, Asif Salim and Sultane Salim conspired to provide and did provide material support to Anwar Al-Awlaki in response to his calls to support violent jihad,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism and we will continue to pursue justice against those who seek to provide material support to terrorists.”
“The charges in this case outline a plan to send thousands of dollars to a known terrorist, a plan which came to fruition shortly before one of the most notorious attempted attacks in recent memory – an attack claimed by that same terrorist,” said U.S. Attorney Dettelbach. “This indictment is a testament to the perseverance of those who stand watch over our nation and is a clear message to those who support terrorism – we will not forget and you will face justice.”
“In today’s world, Kansas is not far removed from the battlefields of the war on terror,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom. “We will do everything in our power to prevent funding and material support from finding its way from the heart of America to terrorists in foreign lands.”
“These individuals conspired and then acted on their radical beliefs by providing support to a known terrorist organization,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The identification of their conspiracy and the subsequent investigation demonstrate how members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continue to work with our international law enforcement partners to mitigate terrorist’s threats in order to protect our citizens.”
Farooq Mohammad was an Indian citizen who was an engineering student at Ohio State University between 2002 and 2004. In or around March 2008, he married a U.S. citizen. His brother, Ibrahim Mohammad, was also an Indian citizen who studied engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2001 through 2005. In or around 2006, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and married a U.S. citizen. He became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in or around 2007.
Asif Salim was a U.S. citizen who studied at Ohio State University between 2000 and 2005. He became a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, in 2007. His brother, Sultane Salim, is also a U.S. citizen who resided in the Chicago-area from 2006 through 2012, until he moved to the Columbus-area.
According to the indictment, from January 2005 through January 2012, the four defendants conspired to provide money, equipment and other assistance to Anwar Al-Awlaki. Al-Awlaki, a key leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was designated a global terrorist in 2010. The indictment also alleges that the defendants’ support was to be used in furtherance of violent jihad against the U.S. and U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
The defendants made various financial transactions in 2008 and 2009, and communicated about raising funds for a trip to the Middle East. Allegations in the indictment charge that Farooq Mohammad and Ibrahim Mohammad obtained money by opening credit cards and withdrawing money with no intention of repaying the amounts obtained from the financial institutions.
The indictment further alleges that on July 22, 2009, Farooq Mohammad travelled with two other people to Yemen to meet Awlaki. They were unable to meet with Awlaki, so instead travelled to Sana’a, Yemen, to meet with one of his associates. Farooq Mohammad and his two fellow travelers gave the associate approximately $22,000 to be given to Awlaki.
An indictment is only a charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Christos Georgalis of the Northern District of Ohio, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Gregory Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.
Former Insurance Company Service Rep Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former insurance company service representative in Topeka pleaded guilty Monday to an embezzlement charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Erin Rebecca Thomas, 47, formerly of Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea she admitted the crime took place while she worked for American Home Life Insurance Company.
In her position, she processed death claims, policy loans, beneficiary changes and so on. Between July 2010 to July 2012, she created 22 separate fraudulent transactions for a total loss to the insurance company of $214,000. In one instance, she processed the policy of a person who died in 2010. She created a fictitious change of beneficiary request naming herself as beneficiary and had the benefit check deposited in her personal account.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 1, 2016. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Assistant Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Shawnee Man Indicted in Armed Robbery at Overland Park BankRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Shawnee man was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of armed robbery at an Overland Park bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mamoudou M. Kaba, 19, Shawnee, Kan., was charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. The grand jury indictment alleges that on Sept. 22, 2015, Kaba brandished a Ruger 9 mm handgun when he robbed U.S. Bank, 9900 West 87th Street in Overland Park, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, and a penalty of not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Overland Park Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Susan Wooten-Robb, 24, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with five counts of embezzlement and one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that while she worked for Community America Credit Union at 5601 W. 95th in Overland Park she embezzled more than $32,000. She made unauthorized debits from customers’ accounts and she removed cash from her teller drawer. To conceal the crime she entered false information in a currency transaction reporting system.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each embezzlement count, and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine u to $250,000 on the wire fraud count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.
Mikayla Kiefer, 56, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of embezzling public money and one count of bank fraud. The indictment alleges she fraudulently received more than $10,000 in unemployment benefits while she was working for the Keebler Company in Kansas City, Kan. She received the money through a Citibank Visa debit card.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the embezzlement count, and a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the wire fraud count. The Kansas Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Wanda R. Ewing, 48, Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of embezzling public money, one count of bank fraud, one count of concealing property from creditors in a bankruptcy, one count of making a false statement under oath and one count of making a false declaration in a bankruptcy filing. The indictment alleges she fraudulently received more than $19,800 in unemployment benefits while she was working for the Keebler Company in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the embezzlement count, a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the wire fraud count, and maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The Kansas Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and the United States Trustees investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
Gerren K. Love, 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 11, 2015, in Kansas City, 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.
Kansas City, Kan., Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Monday to 30 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jesus Octavio Valdez-Aguirre, 25, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The factual basis for the plea states that from January 2014 to September 2014 Valdez-Aguirre was part of drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine in the metro Kansas City area. The methamphetamine was manufactured in Mexico, smuggled to California and then to Kansas.
On Aug. 14, 2014, FBI agents were watching when Valdez-Aguirre and another man drove a white Chevrolet Astro van into an alley behind a barber shop in Kansas City, Kan. They delivered 13 pounds of methamphetamine that conspirators hid in a Jeep Liberty at 1201 Minnesota. On Sept. 5, 2014, investigators arrested Valdez-Aguirre and other conspirators at 1248 Osage in Kansas City, Kan. Among the items seized were more than $5,000 in cash and a drug ledger.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.
Justice Department Sues Kansas City, Kansas, Public Housing Agency for Sexual HarassmentRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City, Kansas, Housing Authority (KCKHA) and its former hearing officer, Victor L. Hernandez. The lawsuit alleges that Hernandez sexually harassed a female public housing applicant and a female public housing tenant, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, alleges that Hernandez subjected these two women to unwanted sexual conduct as a condition for favorable hearing decisions, including asking them sexual questions, showing pornographic pictures and videos, making explicit sexual comments and exposing himself. The complaint alleges that Hernandez engaged in this conduct while exercising his authority as an employee of KCKHA.
“No one, including those who seek public assistance for housing benefits, should be subjected to sexual harassment, particularly by the very people tasked with providing critical assistance,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue its vigorous enforcement of the Fair Housing Act against those who abuse their power and authority.”
“The Fair Housing Act is about more than providing a shelter,” said U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas. “It’s about equal opportunity and equal justice as well. Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated.”
The lawsuit arose from complaints filed by the two women about Hernandez’s conduct with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After HUD investigated the complaints, it issued a charge of discrimination and the matter was referred to the Justice Department.
“Women have a hard enough time finding a decent affordable place to live without having their access to that housing conditioned upon submitting to unwanted sexual advances,” said Assistant Secretary Gustavo Velasquez of HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office. “HUD applauds the action the Justice Department is taking in this matter and remains committed to working together to protect the housing rights of women when those rights are violated.”
The suit seeks monetary damages to compensate victims and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring additional preventive measures.
The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct. The allegations must still be proven in federal court.
Individuals who believe they were victims of the defendants’ conduct or who may have other information related to this lawsuit should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox 8, or e-mail the department at [email protected].
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Persons who believe that they have experienced unlawful housing discrimination elsewhere can contact the department at 1-800-896-7743, or e-mail [email protected] or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
KCKHA Complaint
Texan Pleads Guilty in Designer Drug Case in KansasRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Texas man pleaded guilty Friday to selling designer drugs manufactured in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Michael Myers, 36, Montgomery Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Myers was indicted in April 2014 along with co-defendants Tracy Picanso and Roy Ehrett, the owners of an Olathe-based business that produced and sold dangerous controlled substances and controlled substance analogs of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and methcathinones (stimulants). Picanso and Ehrett are scheduled for sentencing April 18, 2016.
Picanso and Ehrett sold products to distributors under names including Pump It, Head Trip, Black Arts, Grave Digger, Voodoo Doll and Lights Out. Some of the counterfeit drugs were manufactured in buckets with drill-powered immersion mixers and tried out on “testers” who helped tweak the recipes.
Myers and co-defendant Michelle Reulet lived together in Houston, Texas, and owned and operated Bully Wholesale, an independent wholesaler and distributor of products purchased from Picanso and Ehrett.
Ehrett routinely traveled from Kansas City to Houston to pick up cash from Reulet and Myers. On at least two occasions Myers met Ehrett in Oklahoma to transfer in excess of $100,000 cash to him. Investigators collected emails and text messages exchanged among the defendants. In an October 2011 email, for instance, Myers claimed the fake weed he was selling would not show up on a drug test. In a January 2012 email to Ehrett, Myers says he and Reulet were buying $600,000 to $900,000 worth of products each month from Ehrett and Picanso.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 25, 2016. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of seven years in federal prison and a civil forfeiture of more than $1.3 million.
Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the Overland Park Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Olathe Police Department, the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Federal Indictment: Topeka Man and Associates Operated Interstate Sex Trafficking BusinessRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man who was part owner of a Lawrence night club and six of his associates are charged with sex trafficking in an indictment unsealed today, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
The indictment alleges the defendants provided female commercial sex workers – including a 17-year-old girl – to clients in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas. The indictment alleges the defendants recruited females who needed money and a place to live from various places -- including homeless shelters -- to be commercial sex workers.
On Oct. 21, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment against the following defendants:
Frank Boswell, 41, Topeka, Kan., who was part owner of Club Magic in Lawrence and Magic Lawn Care in Topeka. (Club Magic is now closed.) Boswell is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business), count three (sex trafficking of a minor), counts 4, 5, 6 and 7 (using a phone in furtherance of an interstate prostitution business), count 8 (transporting a person from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution), count 9 (enticing a person to travel from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution) and count 10 (transporting a minor from Kansas to Missouri for prostitution).
Rachel Flenniken, 33, Topeka, Kan., worked for Boswell as a commercial sex worker and also managed his business operations, including Club Magic until it closed. She is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business), count three (sex trafficking of a minor), counts 4 and 5 (using a phone in furtherance of an interstate prostitution business).
Michaela Hekekia, 35, Topeka, Kan., worked for Boswell as a commercial sex worker. She recruited and trained new commercial sex workers, including at least one who was younger than 18.
Shannon Nelson, 22, Topeka, Kan., who worked for Boswell as a commercial sex worker and who filled a trusted role in Boswell’s prostitution organization. She is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business), count 8 (transporting a person from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution) and count 9 (enticing a person to travel from Kansas to Nebraska for prostitution).
Sean P. Hall, 46, Topeka, Kan., who worked for Boswell. He set up Web site advertisements and on-line reviews for commercial sex workers. He also transported sex workers to and from jobs. He In addition, he worked as a manager at Club Magic. He is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor), count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business) and count three (sex trafficking of a minor).
Andre C. Rhoiney, 47, Topeka, Kan. worked as an enforcer to keep sex workers under control. He is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor) and count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business).
Barry M. Johnson, 39, Topeka, Kan., recruited sex workers. He is charged in count one (conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor) and count two (conspiracy to operate an interstate prostitution business).
The indictment alleges Boswell relied on the Internet to promote his sex workers and kept in touch with them via mobile phones. At times while they were out of state commercial sex workers wired their earnings back to Boswell in Kansas.
Upon conviction, the crimes charged carry the following penalties:
Count one, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking: Any term of years up to life.
Count two, conspiracy to engage in interstate prostitution: A maximum penalty of five years.
Count three, sex trafficking of a minor: Not less than 10 years.
Counts 4, 5, 6 and 7: Using a phone in furtherance of interstate prostitution: A maximum penalty of five years.
Count 8: Interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution: A maximum penalty of 10 years.
Count 9: Enticing a person to travel interstate for prostitution: A maximum penalty of 10 years.
Count 10: Transporting a minor for prostitution: Not less than 10 years.
The Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI investigaged. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Mexican Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Drug Case in Kansas City, Kan.Read the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Mexican citizen who entered the United States illegally was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mario Saucedo-Avalos, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that beginning in January 2014 he was part of an organization trafficking methamphetamine in the Kansas City metro area.
On March 21, 2014, investigators watched as Saucedo-Avalos arrived at a meeting with an undercover buyer. Saucedo-Avalos was driving a white Cadillac Escalade and the meeting took place in the parking lot at a Lowe’s store in Roeland Park. Saucedo-Avalos sold the buyer methamphetamine from a cardboard box containing several pounds of methamphetamine. Four months later, on July 22, 2014, Saucedo-Avalos sold an undercover buyer half a pound of methamphetamine during a meeting in a parking lot at a Lowe’s store in Kansas City, Kansas. On August 14, 2014, Saucedo-Avalos’s drug trafficking organization delivered thirteen pounds of methamphetamine to a Kansas City, Kansas barber shop. The methamphetamine was seized by law enforcement. Investigators also seized money transfer receipts from two of Saucedo-Avalos’s drug residences which proved that Saucedo-Avalos had transferred thousands of dollars to Mexico to pay for drug shipments sent to the United States in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Grissom commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward for their work on the case.
Missouri Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business ProgramRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri woman was sentenced Tuesday to 20 months in federal prison for defrauding a federal program that set aside contracts for businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, she was ordered to pay a $30,000 money judgment.
Mary Parker,70, Blue Springs, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting wire fraud. In her plea, she admitted she assisted her husband, Warren Parker and her son, Michael J. Parker, in making false claims in order for their company, Silver Star Construction LLC of Blue Springs, Mo., and Stilwell, Kan., to obtain more than $6.7 million in contracts from the Veterans Administration. The contracts were awarded under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program.
Mary Parker admitted she was responsible for all Silver Star Construction’s finances. She accepted monies on the company’s behalf that were paid from government contracts that were fraudulently obtained. An investigation by federal agents determined that Warren Parker never was classified as a service-disabled veteran by the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense
Warren K. Parker was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.
Grissom commended the Small Business Administration=s Office of Inspector General; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division and the General Services Administration's Office of Inspector General; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Event:Training Law Enforcement Officers to Serve Victims of Hate Crimes Against Members of the LGBTQ CommunityRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak during an all-day hate crimes symposium Nov. 4 in Kansas City, Kan. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
“The public – and law enforcement – need to be more aware of the problem of hate crimes generally, and against the LGBTQ community in particular,” Grissom said. “We need more and stronger partnerships with local communities to prevent hate crimes and to enhance prosecutions against offenders when they occur.”
Featured speakers will include Dennis and Judy Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Their son was beaten, tortured and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming, in October 1998. The case helped to raise public awareness of hate crimes and led Congress to pass the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crime Prevention Act.
Other speakers will include Dave O’Malley, who investigated Shepard’s death, Kristi L. Donahue of the FBI, Kristy Parker of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Amanda Spee, FBI Special Agent, and Crystal Middlestadt an OVC Consultant /Resource Development Director, Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training.
The event is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 2015, at the Reardon Civic Center at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 North Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan. Registration is required. A registration form is available online at http://www.continuinged.ku.edu/register/n/event_details.php?pn=LE160244 or email [email protected] for a form.
Garden City Man Sentenced to 9+ Years for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA KAN. – A Garden City man was sentenced Tuesday to 110 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Alfredo Franco, Jr., 33, Garden City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. He admitted that from June 2012 to November 2013 he used a file-sharing program to download and share child pornography over the Internet. In September 2013, law enforcement downloaded images of child pornography from his shared files via the Internet. When investigators served a search warrant at his residence, they found child pornography with creation dates spanning a year’s time on his computer.
Grissom commended the Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Wichita Woman Charged with Sex Trafficking 17-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita woman was charged in federal district court in Wichita Friday with the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Natasha L. Harper, 32, Wichita, is charged with one count of providing a 17-year-old girl for commercial sex. In court documents investigators allege Harper was arrested in a sting operation conducted by the Wichita Police Department. On Oct. 8, 2015, officers arranged for the 17-year-old girl to meet them at Springhill Suites by Marriott at 6633 W. Kellogg in Wichita. Harper transported the victim to the hotel, where Harper was arrested.
Investigators learned that Harper had been advertising on the Internet that the victim would perform sexual services for $150 to $200 a session. Part of that money -- $20 to $50 a session – went to Harper. Harper paid the rent for the hotel rooms.
If convicted, Harper faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Indictment: Chanute Man Manufactured Silencers in Violation of Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Chanute man was indicted Tuesday on charges of manufacturing silencers in violation of federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Shane Cox, 44, Chanute, Kan., who owned an Army surplus store called Tough Guys, is charged with 12 counts. The charges include making a false statement during a federal investigation, possession of an unregistered firearm, conspiracy, transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act, making a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act and engaging in business as a dealer and manufacturer of firearms.
The indictment alleges Cox:
- Advertised for sale silencers that were not registered as required by federal law.
- Manufactured silencers without paying federal taxes.
- Possessed silencers that were not manufactured, sold or registered as required by federal law.
- Manufactured a silencer that was not identified by a serial number as required by federal law.
The indictment alleges that on April 21, 2015, Cox made false statements to agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
- Making a false statement: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Possession of an unregistered firearm: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
- Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $10,000 on each count.
- Making a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Engaging in business as a dealer and manufacturer of firearms: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Danielle E. Lewis, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with three counts of bank fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in July, August and September 2015 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each bank fraud count, and a mandatory two years (consecutive) on each identity theft count. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service 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.
Former Manhattan City Attorney Indicted on Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The former city attorney of Manhattan, Kan., is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., today on charges of distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Bill D. Raymond, 53, Andover, Kan., is charged with three counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in November 2014, February 2015 and May 2015 in Butler and Riley counties.
A federal grand jury indicted Raymond on Sept. 30, 2015.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years on each distribution count, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession charge. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Driver from Pennsylvania Sentenced After Arrest with 13 Pounds of CocaineRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Pennsylvania man stopped on a highway in Kansas with more than 13 pounds of cocaine was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jamal Shareef Williams, 37, Homestead, Penn., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was driving a rented pickup on July 23, 2014, when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him on I-70 near exit 322 in Shawnee County. Investigators found the cocaine in metal compartments attached to the rims inside spare tires.
Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced in Junction City Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 20 years for supplying crack cocaine to a drug trafficking operation in Junction City and Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Johnny Lee Ivory, III, 29, Topeka, Kan., was convicted after a jury trial in June on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that in late 2012 and early 2013 agents of Kansas Bureau of Investigation and detectives from the Junction City Police Department investigated a large crack cocaine trafficking organization in Junction City and Manhattan. The organization was led by co-defendants Albert Banks and Anthony Thompson, who acquired the drugs from Ivory and two other suppliers. Banks and Thompson sold the drugs to distributors who resold them on the streets.
Ivory’s co-defendants include:
Albert Dwayne Banks, 33, Junction, City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Oct. 26.
Martye Madabuti Madkins, III, 34, Junction City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 23.
Anthony Caryle Thompson, 33, Junction City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Nov. 23.
Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Junction City Police Department, the Geary County Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Pilot of Plane Loaded with Marijuana Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Denver man who flew a plane loaded with marijuana into an airport in Iola, Kan., was sentenced Monday to a year in federal prison followed by a year on supervised release, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Administration administratively forfeited his plane, more than $450,000 in cash and two cars.
Kenneth E. Weaver, 59, Denver, Colo., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In his plea, he admitted that on July 11, 2014, he flew his plane into the Iola airport carrying 207 pounds of medical grade marijuana.
The Drug Enforcement Administration administratively forfeited his plane (a 1979 Israel Aircraft Industries Model 1124 jet) $457,580 in cash, a 2007 Bentley Continental auto, and a 2010 BMW X auto.
Grissom commended the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 16+ Years in Marijuana Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence man was sentenced Tuesday to 201 months in federal prison in a marijuana trafficking case. He also was sentenced to a consecutive 30 months on a supervised release violation in a prior case.
Roosevelt Rico Dahda, 33, Lawrence, Kan., was convicted in a jury trial in July 2014 on conspiracy (count 1), using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking (counts 42, 45, 53, 55, 70) possession with intent to distribute marijuana (counts 43, 49, 73) possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of Holcomb Sports Complex in Lawrence (count 56).
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence Dahda was a member of a drug trafficking organization that was responsible distributing $16.9 million worth of marijuana in the Lawrence area. Starting in 2008 law enforcement agencies began receiving information that Dahda’s brother and co-defendant, Los Rovell Dahda, was distributing marijuana in the Lawrence area. When Roosevelt Dahda was released from prison in November 2010 in a prior case, he joined his brother in the trafficking organization.
The Dahdas used a business they owned in Lawrence, Gran-Daddy’s BBQ at 1447 West 23rd Street, as well as other properties to receive, store and process marijuana for distribution.
The Dahdas bought marijuana from suppliers in California for $1,800 a pound to $2,800 a pound and sold it in the Lawrence for $3,500 to $4,800 a pound. It is estimated the traffickers distributed more than 8,000 pounds of marijuana from 2005 to 2012.
Co-defendant Los Rovell Dahda is awaiting sentencing.
Agencies involved in the investigation and the arrest of defendants include the Douglas County Sheriff=s Office, the Johnson County Sheriff=s Office, the Lawrence Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Service, the Alameda County, Calif., Sheriff=s Drug Task Force, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Lenexa Police Department, the Overland Park Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Hayward, Calif., Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.