District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Same Defendant, Same Bank - But Different RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Wednesday for robbing a bank that he robbed once before eight years ago, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mark Finnigin, 52, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on July 22, 2014, he robbed Emprise Bank, 2323 S. Hydraulic, in Wichita, Kan. He entered the bank about 9:40 a.m. and demanded a clerk give him $10,000. The clerk put some cash on the counter. Before she could finish, Finnigin took the money and fled the bank. From a nearby store, a surveillance camera recorded him getting in a minivan.
In 2007, he pleaded guilty to robbing the same bank. He was sentenced to 51 months in that case.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case
Cherryvale Man Convicted on Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal jury today convicted a Cherryvale, Kan., man on child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Daniel Hosier, 35, Cherryvale, Kan., was convicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on March 28, 2013, Hosier emailed images of child pornography on Yahoo. They also presented evidence that on July 18, 2013, he possessed child pornography on laptop computers and on a smartphone.
Sentencing is set for July 13. He faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the distribution count, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession count. Grissom commended the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI investigated and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Fraud Against USDA Rural DevelopmentRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to a month in federal prison and ordered to pay $38,000 in restitution to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Terry Gene Hummer, 64, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he obtained loans from USDA Rural Development for developing housing in rural areas. He provided false information to Rural Development representing there were substantial funds on deposit in reserve accounts when in fact he had converted most of those funds for his own use. In one instance in 2009, he made false representations that a reserve account contained $29,526 when in fact there was only 69 cents in the account.
Grissom comended the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Federal Indictment Alleges Former Southwest Kansas Banker Conspired in Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – The former president of a bank in Plains, Kan., has been indicted along with two customers of the bank on federal money laundering charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. Two former bank employees also are charged in the case.
The Kansas case is part of a larger investigation that has resulted in more than 20 indictments with defendants in Indianapolis, Ind.; Seminole, Texas; Boston, Mass.; El Paso, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Tulsa, Okla.; Denver, Colo.; and Mexico. The investigation in Kansas resulted in the seizure of more than 5,000 pounds of marijuana and more than $2 million in cash.
An indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court alleges a couple from Meade funneled drug proceeds through their account at Plains State Bank while the former banker failed to report on the suspicious activity, even as millions of dollars flowed through the couple’s account. The bank is located at 411 Grand Ave. in Plains, Kan.
In a 37-count indictment, the following defendants are charged:
- George Enns, 69, and his wife, Agatha Enns, 67, both of Meade, Kan., co-owners of Southwest Windmill and Waterwell, Inc.: one count of money laundering conspiracy, 34 counts of money laundering and one count of attempted money laundering.
- James Kirk Friend, 52, Plains, Kan., who was appointed President of Plains State Bank in 2005, and replaced as president in 2013 when he was made senior vice president: one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of failing to file a Suspicious Activity Report and 29 counts of money laundering.
- Matthew Thomas, 37, Plains, Kan., loan officer and officer of Plains State Bank until he left in 2014: one count of failing to file a Suspicious Activity Report.
- Kathey F. Shellman, 57, Plains, Kan., a cashier and IT officer at Plains State Bank until she left in 2014: one count of failing to file a Suspicious Activity Report.
The indictment alleges that:
- From 2011 to August 2014 deposits to the Enns’ account were more than $6.8 million, including more than $1.6 million in cash.
- The Enns also had an account at a Bank of America branch in El Paso, Texas. From 2011 to August 2014, more than $900,000 was transferred from the Enns’ account at Bank of America to their account at Plains State Bank.
- The activity in the Enns’ two accounts was not produced by Southwest Windmill and Waterwell, Inc. The monies flowing through these accounts was not reported to the Enns’ accountant or reported on their tax returns.
- From Jan. 11, 2012, to Aug. 12, 2014, the Enns crossed the U.S. border to and from Mexico at least 25 times. On at least four occasions they were stopped by customs officials and found to be in possession of large amounts of cash. For instance, on July 26, 2013, they were stopped at the Columbus, N.M., port of entry carrying $317,500 in a black trash bag.
- Defendant George Enns told law enforcement officers that the U.S. currency was to be used to buy seeds for his seed business in Mexico.
- Defendant Friend knew the Enns were bringing bulk currency from Mexico to the United States.
- Bank officials did not require the Enns to provide proof that any of the currency transported from the United States was declared at the border and did not look into the source of the currency. They did not fill a SAR report on any transactions conducted on the Enns’ account.
Upon conviction, the alleged crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy to commit money laundering: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Failing to file a report: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Money laundering: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
The following agencies investigated: The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Internal Revenue Service. 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 State Legislator Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former Kansas state legislator was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for defrauding Farmers and Merchants Bank of Colby, Kan., of more than $460,000, some of which he deposited in his campaign account, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. He also was ordered to pay $461,000 in restitution.
Trent K. LeDoux, 40, Holton, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted he applied for three loans from the bank, falsely representing that he was going to use all the funds to buy cattle that would serve as the collateral for the loans. In fact, he used some of the money to pay off existing debts and to make contributions to his political campaign account.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Jackson County Property Owner Sentenced for Violating Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A man who owns property in Jackson County, Kan., was sentenced Friday for violating the federal Clean Water Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Rodney Heinen, 38, Dawson, Neb., was fined $20,000 and ordered to complete restoration of two properties in Jackson County pursuant to a professional restoration plan that estimated the cost at more than $500,000.
Heinen pleaded guilty to one count of discharging pollutants into a stream without a permit. In his plea, he admitted he caused earthen fill and wood debris to be placed in streams flowing through properties he owns in Jackson County.
A regulatory specialist with the Corps of Engineers discovered the violations on one of Heinen’s properties on Feb. 2, 2012. Heinen refused to allow the Corps of Engineers access to the property to make an environmental assessment. The violation affected several unnamed tributaries to Straight Creek, which drains into the Delaware River, which is classified as a Traditionally Navigable Water.
In 2013, the Corps of Engineers found a similar violation on another property in Jackson County owned by Heinen. The violation affected two unnamed tributaries to North Cedar Creek, which drains into the Delaware River.
Grissom commended the Environmental Protection Agency and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Drove Getaway Car in Five Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Kansas City man pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of taking part in five bank robberies in Kansas and Missouri, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Dale Williamson, 35, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted driving a getaway car in the following bank robberies.
- April 24, 2014, UMB Bank, 6252 Raytown Road, Raytown, Mo.
- May 12, 2014, First Bank of Missouri, 7001 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, Mo.
- May 22, 2014, Bank of America, 15811 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, Kan.
- May 30, 2014, Commerce Bank, 9501 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Kan.
- May 30, 2014, Commerce Bank, 3606 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, Mo.
Sentencing is set for July 6. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 55 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Topeka Man in Bomb CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment against a Topeka man who was charged in a criminal complaint last week with plotting to explode a bomb at the Fort Riley military base near Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John T. Booker, Jr., 20, Topeka, Kan., was indicted on one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives), one count of attempting to damage property by means of an explosive and one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which is a foreign terrorist organization.
If convicted, Booker would face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, including members from the FBI’s Kansas City Division, the Topeka Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith, and Trial Attorneys Josh Parecki and Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
OTHER FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Randal H. Duncan, 57, Wichita, is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on April 6, 2015, he robbed the Emprise Bank at 237 N. Broadway in Wichita.
A criminal complaint filed in the case alleges he entered the bank about 12:50 p.m. and said to a teller, “I have a bomb, give me $40,000 cash.” He was arrested later at a laundromat at Hydraulic and Harry in Wichita.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
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Sixto Refugio Largerous-Perez, 42, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entered the United States after being deported. He was found April 1, 2015, in Olathe, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
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Carlos Byron, 59, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 30, 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 Kansas City (Kansas) Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
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James G. Martin, 40, Independence, Mo., is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit forgery one count of passing a counterfeit $100 bill and one count of possessing $570 in counterfeit bills. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from Sept. 1, 2013, to Feb. 1, 2015, in Johnson County, Kan.
f convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the conspiracy count; and a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
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Luis Gerardo-Montenegro, 21, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 2, 2015, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on the drug charge, and penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and ICE-HSI investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward is prosecuting.
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Sarah Willson, 26, Olathe, Kan., is charged with one count of destroying mail while working as a U.S. Postal Service employee. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 21, 2014, in Olathe, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.
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Matthew Williams, 46, Junction City, Kan., is charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from July 25 to August 2014.
The indictment alleges he submitted false documentation on a Veterans Affairs home loan from Pulaski Bank. He also is alleged to have used another person’s Social Security number.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on the bank fraud charge, and an additional two years on the identity theft charge. The Veterans Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.
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Bryce D. Draper, 26, Mission, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 7, 2015, in Douglas County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Lawrence (Kansas) Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.
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In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Sentenced for Trafficking More than 12,000 Pounds of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 12 years in federal prison for trafficking more than 12,000 pounds of marijuana over a period of two years, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jeremy Harris, 33, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. In his plea, he admitted obtained and distributed the marijuana in Kansas during a period from 2011 to 2013. The plea agreement states:
- On Aug. 2, 2013, Harris received a bulk marijuana shipment near Augusta, Kan. Investigators seized 35 steel containers that contained a total of more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana.
- One of Harris’ co-conspirators admitted driving a vehicle from El Paso, Texas, to Wichita more than 15 times, each time transporting more than 150 pounds of marijuana.
- Other conspirators were responsible from transporting marijuana from Texas to Kansas, and for transporting bulk cash to Texas and Mexico for payment.
- Harris paid for marijuana with bulk cash or by making wire transfers as directed. On one occasion, he asked another conspirator to deliver $70,000 in cash to Mexico to pay for marijuana. On another occasion, he asked another conspirator to deposit cash into the account of a third party to transfer drug proceeds. On another occasion, three conspirators transported $170,000 to El Paso to pay for marijuana.
Co-defendants included:
Jason Giesy, who was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.
Evan Woolsey, who was sentenced to 72 months.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs for their work on the case.
Olathe Man Pleads Guilty to Casino Money Laundering, Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Olathe man pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a scheme to launder profits from marijuana trafficking through a casino in Kansas City, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Christopher Anderson, 31, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In his plea, he admitted he and other conspirators inserted more than $470,000 in proceeds of drug trafficking into slot machines at the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kan. Then they cashed out at an ATM machine in the casino without playing. Their purpose was to convert small denomination bills into large denomination bills that were easier to transport from Kansas to California.
Anderson also admitted the following:
- The trafficking organization to which he belonged cultivated marijuana in California and transported it to the Kansas City area for distribution.
- During the early days of the organization, traffickers mailed Home Depot buckets and basketballs containing marijuana from California to Kansas. Over time, they began to drive cars carrying marijuana from California to Kansas, and money from Kansas to California.
- The conspirators also used Money Grams to send cash from Kansas to California.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later time. Anderson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $500,000 on the money laundering charge and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the drug distribution charge. Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Secret Service and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Charged in Plot to Explode Car Bomb at Military BaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Topeka man has been charged in federal court in Topeka with attempting to detonate a vehicle bomb at the Fort Riley military base near Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom, District of Kansas, and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced today. The defendant was arrested as part of an FBI investigation, and the device used by the defendant was, in fact, inert.
John T. Booker, Jr., 20, Topeka, Kan., was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today with one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives), one count of attempting to damage property by means of an explosive and one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) Booker is expected to make an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree in federal court in Topeka.
Booker was arrested this morning near Manhattan, Kan., as he completed his final preparations to detonate a vehicle bomb targeting U.S. military personnel.
“We face a continued threat from individuals within our own borders who may be motivated by a variety of causes,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. “Anyone who seeks to harm this nation and its people will be brought to justice.”
“As alleged in the complaint, John Booker attempted to attack U.S. military personnel on U.S. soil purportedly in the name of ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thanks to the efforts of the law enforcement community, we were able to safely disrupt this threat to the brave men and women who serve our country. Protecting American lives by identifying and bringing to justice those who wish to harm U.S. citizens remains the National Security Division’s number one priority.”
Booker is alleged to have spent months discussing multiple plans before deciding on a plan that involved the execution of a suicide bombing mission.
The complaint alleges Booker told another person “that detonating a suicide bomb is his number one aspiration because he couldn’t be captured, all evidence would be destroyed, and he would be guaranteed to hit his target.” Booker identified Fort Riley as a good target, “because the post is famous and there are a lot of soldiers stationed there,” the complaint alleges.
Booker allegedly produced a propaganda video in which he told the American people to get their loved ones out of the military now because, “The Islamic State is coming for them. From inside, whether it be in their homes, whether it be on a base like this, whether it be in the recruiting stations, whether it be in the streets.”
It is alleged that since March 2015, Booker plotted to construct an explosive device for an attack on American soil. It is alleged he repeatedly stated that he desired to engage in violent jihad on behalf of the ISIL. Over a period of months he took a series of actions to advance the plots. As alleged in the complaint, Booker:
-- Assisted in acquiring components for a vehicle bomb.
-- Produced a propaganda video.
-- Rented a storage locker to store components for the explosive device.
-- Identified Fort Riley as the target.
-- Talked about his commitment to trigger the device himself and become a martyr.
On Friday, Booker was arrested without incident near Manhattan, Kan., as he undertook preparations for the execution of his plan.
“I want to assure the public there was never any breach of Fort Riley Military Base. Recently the Command Staff at Fort Riley has been working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to ensure the utmost security and protection for the men and women who serve our country, and the surrounding community that supports the base,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson.
FBI Evidence Response Teams are executing search warrants related to the case.
If convicted, Booker would face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, including members from the FBI’s Kansas City Division, the Topeka Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith, and Trial Attorneys Josh Parecki and Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The charges merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Booker complaint
Second Topeka Man Charged in Connection with Car Bomb PlotRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A second Topeka man was charged Friday in connection with an alleged plot to detonate a vehicle bomb at the Fort Riley military base near Manhattan, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Alexander E. Blair, 28, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of failing to report a felony. A criminal complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Topeka alleges Blair knew of a plot by co-defendant John T. Booker, Jr., 20, Topeka, Kan., to detonate a bomb at Fort Riley.
The complaint alleges that in March 2014, the FBI began an investigation into Booker, who also called himself Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, concerning statements he made online indicating he wanted to wage jihad and to die in the process. Booker was arrested April 10, 2015, and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and two other counts.
During the investigation of Booker, law enforcement officers learned that Blair shared some of Booker’s extremist views and loaned Booker money for the purpose of renting a storage unit that Booker used to store components for a bomb. The complaint alleges Blair knew of Booker’s intent to detonate a bomb at Fort Riley and to “kill as many soldiers as possible.” Despite being convinced that Booker was serious about carrying out the plot, the complaint alleges, Blair chose not to report what he knew to the authorities.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The charges merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Altoona City Clerk Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former city clerk of Altoona, Kan., was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail for bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also was ordered to pay more than $47,000 in restitution to the city of Altoona.
Chrystal Scherbarth, 31, Altoona, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was employed as city clerk. She used her access to the city’s accounts at the First Neodesha Bank to commit the crime.
The city of Altoona suffered a total loss of more than $47,800. Scherbarth diverted money from the city by fraudulently increasing her own hourly pay, fraudulently paying herself for overtime, fraudulently crediting herself with unearned paid vacation and fraudulently crediting herself with unearned sick leave.
Grissom commended the FBI, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Wichita Massage Parlor Operators Indicted on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA KAN. – Two people who operated a business called Q Massage at 3833 W. 13th in Wichita were indicted Wednesday on federal charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Ping Liu, 43, Wichita, Kan., and Xingdi Lin, 48, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of attempting to persuade, induce, entice or coerce an individual to cross state lines to engage in prostitution and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of prostitution. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 13 and March 16, 2015 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on enticement charge and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The Wichita Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
OTHER FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
A man who was arrested in Kansas after escaping from a prison in Oklahoma has been indicted here on federal firearms charges.
Lance D. Colbert, 40, an inmate at the Mack Alford Correctional Center in Stringtown, Okla., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction, and one count of unlawfully possessing a .38 caliber revolver with the serial number removed.
On March 11, Colbert was arrested in Spivey, Kan. (Kingman County). He and another man had escaped from the prison in Oklahoma two days earlier.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Kansas Highway Patrol investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Walt Jasper Samuel Shrum, 48, Kingman, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction and one count of possession of methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 11, 2015, in Kingman County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the firearms charges and a civil penalty up to $10,000 on the misdemeanor methamphetamine charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Gary Dewayne Meacham, 53, Caney, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 11, 2014, in Montgomery County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Matthew T. Payton, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of manufacturing counterfeit bills and one count of possessing counterfeit bills. The crimes are alleged to have occurred at various times from September 2014 to February 15, 2015, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Wayne E. Williams, 45, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud. The indictment alleges he used a telephone to make false statements as part of his application for unemployment benefits. The indictment alleges he received more than $34,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled during a period from Sept. 26, 2009, to April 20, 2013.
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 Jason Hart is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Sentenced to 6+ Years in Federal Mail Theft, Firearm CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 78 months in federal prison in a federal mail theft case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Justin D. Anderson, 27, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft, one count of bank fraud and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. In his plea he admitted that on Oct. 22, 2013, he and another person removed mail addressed to Geico Insurance from a U.S. Postal service mail receptacle in Wichita.
On Nov. 5, 2013, he presented and cashed an altered check at the Credit Union of America in Wichita. The check originally was written in the amount of $800 and made payable to Dewen Loan Servicing. He altered the check by adding his name to the payee line. He admits the check was stolen from a U.S. Postal Service mail receptacle.
In addition, he admitted that on Oct. 7, 2013, he possessed a 9 mm pistol. At the time he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had a prior felony conviction.
Grissom commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department, the Wichita Police Department, the Derby Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Thursday to 16 years in federal prison for robbing a drug store, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Ryan B. Schmidt, 34, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of commercial robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during the robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Sept. 4, 2014, he entered Gessler’s Drug Store at 4817 E. Douglas in Wichita, brandished a gun and told an employee to give him prescription drugs. He fled the store with seven bottles of hydrocodone and three bottles of promethazine in a plastic bag.
Schmidt was involved in a high speed chase with police before hitting a utility pole and another vehicle and coming to a stop.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Wellington Man on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal jury Thursday returned guilty verdicts in the trial of a Wellington man charged with distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Steven J. Meisel, 48, Wellington, Kan., was convicted on one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on May 9, 2014, a Wichita police detective downloaded child pornography from Meisel’s computer over the ARES P2P computer network. The files included images of prepubescent children engaged in sex acts. Investigators followed an electronic trail to Meisel’s computer at his residence in Wellington.
Sentencing is set for July 1. 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 charge; and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the possession charge. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Exploited and Missing Child Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Wellington Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Trafficking in Designer DrugsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Lawrence man who helped launch a global sales and supply network for smokable synthetic cannabinoids (synthetic marijuana) and other designer drugs was sentenced Monday to federal prison for violating the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Bradley Miller, 57, Lawrence, Kan., was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of misbranding and one count of mail fraud. In his plea, he admitted he conspired with his brother, co-defendant Clark Sloan, and Sloan’s son, co-defendant Jonathan Sloan, to manufacture and sell designer drugs, including a marijuana substitute called K2 that was named after the second-highest mountain in the world.
Miller and Jonathan Sloan owned and operated Persephone’s Journey, a retail store at 1103 Massachusetts in Lawrence, Kan., and Bouncing Bear Botanicals, 14501 South U.S. 59 Highway, Oskaloosa, Kan. Both businesses ostensibly sold herbs and botanical products. Over time, the business grew to encompass a chain of suppliers, retailers, wholesalers and business associates with locations in Kansas, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Nevada and Indiana, as well as in other nations including Argentina, Latvia, Germany, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand and Uruguay. The defendants made at least $3.3 million from the sale of the drugs
Miller developed recipes for K2 and manufactured it. During the Sloans’ trial, prosecutors presented evidence that:
- The defendants manufactured and distributed K2 as an Aall natural product@ but it contained synthetic chemicals called JWH Compounds that mimic the effects of the THC in marijuana. Their products also contained solvents, either the alcohol Everclear or acetone, as well as other additives.
- They manufactured and sold at least four types of K2 products: Standard, Citron, Blonde and Summit, with Standard being the least potent and Summit being the most potent, depending on the amount of JWH Compounds that were mixed with herbs.
- The defendants manufactured the K2 without quality controls, resulting in inconsistent potencies. They intended K2 products to be smoked like marijuana by recreational drug users, but they falsely referred to K2 products as aromatic incense and falsely labeled them as Anot for consumption.@
Co-defendant Clark Sloan was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Jonathan Sloan was sentenced to 96 months.
“Protecting the public health lies at the core of FDA’s and Office of Criminal Investigation’s mission,” said Catherine Hermsen, special agent in charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigation, Kansas City Field Office. “When innocent-appearing products disguise their actual ingredients, their safety cannot be assured. We will continue to work to bring to justice those who would endanger the public health.”
Grissom commended the Food and Drug Administration - OCI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Former Banker in Great Bend Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former loan officer for a bank in Great Bend pleaded guilty Monday to a federal charge of bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Brian W. Harrison, 56, Great Bend, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred during the time from 2004 to 2012 when he was a loan officer for Farmer’s Bank and Trust in Great Bend.
His duties included reviewing, approving and disbursing loans within his lending authority without the approval of the bank’s loan committee. In furtherance of a scheme to defraud the bank, he made or caused to be made false statements to the bank to hide the poor performance of various loans he made. His false statements were intended to deflect questions from the bank about problems with the loans. He falsified credit and loan applications, promissory notes and security agreements on behalf of a purported debtor without the debtor’s proper authority.
Sentencing is set for he. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of six months in prison, followed by six months home detention, as well as an order to pay more than $124,000 in restitution.
Grissom commended the FBI, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Eureka Man Pleads Guilty to ‘Washing’ BillsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Eureka man pleaded guilty Monday to making counterfeit money by “washing” old bills, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Rusty D. Banning, 35, Eureka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of counterfeiting. In his plea, he admitted that in May 2014 he manufactured counterfeit $50 bills by “washing” genuine bills of smaller denominations and using a computer and printer to print the image of a $50 bill on the “washed” bill.
Sentencing is set for May 27. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Indictment: Money Laundering Scheme Delivered $13 Million in Wages to Undocumented WorkersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Lawrence contractor and five other people have been charged with money laundering, bank fraud and harboring undocumented workers, said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. A federal indictment unsealed today alleges they were part of a scheme to convert more than $13 million in payroll checks into cash to pay crews of undocumented workers installing drywall in the Kansas City metro area.
“The indictment alleges the money flowed through an illegal pipeline,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. “At one end were contractors who wanted cheap labor. At the other end were undocumented workers who needed a job.”
Charged in the case are:
- Keith L. Countess, 55, Lawrence, Kan., owner of Plaster Masters, L.C., a drywall subcontractor for commercial and residential construction projects. The company is located at 619 N. 2nd in Lawrence.
- Marcos Lane Stubbs, 44, who is alleged to have devised the scheme to enable drywall subcontractors to use undocumented workers.
- Luis Felipe Guerrero-Guerrero, 26, who is alleged to have managed crews of workers installing drywall.
- Jose Felipe Hernandez-Calvillo, 39, who is alleged to have managed a crew of workers installing drywall.
- Mauro Papalotzi, 34, who is alleged to have managed crews of workers installing drywall.
- Isaac Gallegos, 35, who is alleged to have allowed the scheme to be operated out of his Boost Mobile telephone store. It was located in the 1300 block of Santa Fe in Olathe, Kan.
The indictment alleges the scheme revolved around another man – Jose R. Torres, 51 – who was charged and convicted in a separate case. Torres pleaded guilty to one count of harboring undocumented workers and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. He is awaiting sentencing.
The indictment alleges Gallegos and Stubbs first explained to Torres how the scheme would work and how he could make money by becoming a financial intermediary between drywall subcontractors and drywall construction crews made up primarily of undocumented workers. They told Torres that in order to pay undocumented workers someone had to serve as a financial conduit between the subcontractors and the workers. The subcontractors would contract directly with drywall crews but would use Torres as a financial intermediary.
The scheme involved Torres holding himself out as a drywall subcontractor while in fact his role was merely to receive checks from drywall construction crews, deposit the checks into his own accounts, withdraw cash from his accounts and pay the crew leaders, who in turn paid themselves and the members of the crews. Torres kept 5 percent as his fee.
To get the venture started, Torres borrowed $1,400 from Gallegos, who allowed him to work out of Gallego’s Boost Mobile store in Olathe. Drywall crews were paid weekly. The subcontractor made checks payable to “Jose R. Torres Drywall.” The checks were taken to Torres, usually at the Boost Mobile store. He would deposit the checks. Later, usually on Saturday mornings, he would withdraw cash from his accounts. He would put the cash into envelopes with the crew leaders’ names on them. The crew leaders would pick them up, usually at the Boost Mobile store.
Between October 2012 and June 2014, checks totaling about $13.2 million were deposited into Torres’ accounts at Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
- Conspiracy to harbor undocumented workers: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Harboring undocumented workers: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
- Money laundering: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
- Conspiracy to commit bank fraud: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
- Bank fraud: A maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment: Kansas City, Kan., Woman Prepared False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., woman has been indicted on charges of preparing false federal income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Prayshana Washington, 27, Kansas City, Kan., was indicted Thursday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., on 21 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of federal income tax returns containing false information.
The indictment cites tax returns filed for 15 individuals for tax years 2011 and 2012 containing false information on wages, dependents, and education credits and American Opportunity Credits that help pay college expenses. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask and Matthew Kluge, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Charles Leonhardt Haupt, 31, La Cygne, Kan., was indicted Thursday on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and March 2015 in Linn County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the methamphetamine charge, not less than five years (consecutive to other sentences) and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other two counts. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Jonathan Luis Martin, 30, of Franklin County, Kan., and Charles Bradley Grissom, 26, of Franklin County, Kan., are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of unlawful possession of a pipe bomb. In addition, Martin is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. In addition, Grissom is charged with one additional count of unlawfully making a pipe bomb and one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device (pipe bomb) after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August and December 2014 in Franklin County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
In a separate superseding indictment, Charles Bradley Grissom, 26, of Franklin County, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine, one count of unlawfully possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm while he was a user on methamphetamine, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May and August 2014 in Franklin County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the methamphetamine charge, not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Petsami Phommaseng, 34, Lawrence, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Susan Khampannha, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with unlawfully allowing a residence in the 2500 block of Ousdahl Road in Lawrence to be used for distributing methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2014 and 2015 in Lawrence.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Adam Davis, 39, Parsons, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 24, 2014, in Parsons, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Topeka Man Pleads No Contest in Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man pleaded no contest Monday to federal armed robbery charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Henry Earl Sirvira, 46, Topeka, Kan., entered a plea of nolo contendere to two counts of commercial robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. During the plea hearing, prosecutors told the judge that on July 29, 2013, Sirvira and co-defendant Quartez Norwood robbed the EZ Payday Advance at 2613 S.W. 21st Street in Topeka. Sirvira pointed a handgun at an employee and threatened to kill him unless he opened the safe.
On Aug. 3, 2013, Sirvira and Norwood robbed the Family Dollar Store at 2616 S.E. 6th Street in Topeka. Norwood pointed a gun at the clerk while Sirvira assaulted a patron in another part of the store.
Sentencing is set for June 1. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 11 years in federal prison.
Co-defendants include:
Quartez Norwood, who was sentenced to 180 months.
Henry Lavelle Davis, who was sentenced to 84 months.
Robert Wayne Redmond, who was sentenced to 60 months.
Xavier Leron Sims, who was sentenced to 35 months.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Topeka Business Owner Sentenced in Check Kiting SchemeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka business owner who pleaded guilty to writing more than 5,000 insufficient fund checks in a check kiting scheme was sentenced Monday to 37 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The defendant was ordered to pay more than $538,000 in restitution.
John Charles Humpage, III, 49, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In his plea, he admitted that in 2008 he defrauded the Educational Credit Union, Kaw Valley State Bank and Alliance Bank. Humpage did business under various names including Humpco, Inc., Crescent Limousine, Yellow Cab of Topeka and Wire and Glass Lease, LLC. He carried out a scheme to defraud the banks by exchanging and cross-depositing insufficiently funded checks between two or more of his bank accounts. In that manner, he generated artificially inflated account balances. The check kiting scheme utilized bank system Afloat@ periods for purposes of creating artificially enhanced bank account balances.
From May through August 2008 he exchanged and cross deposited more than 5,000 insufficient checks and created in excess of $78 million in aggregate deposit amounts. Those deposits falsely inflated his bank account balances by more than $600,000.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for his work on the case.
Leavenworth Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Leavenworth man pleaded guilty Wednesday to fraudulently collecting more than $46,000 in government benefits, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Michael James Munsterman, 42, Leavenworth, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds. In his plea, he admitted he received Supplemental Security Income, food stamps and Medicaid even though he did not qualify for those benefits. In April 2011 he applied for SSI benefits claiming that he had a drug-induced heart condition that prevented him from working. He did not reveal to the government that he owned and operated a heating and cooling company and received substantial income from the business while he was receiving benefits. He also admitted that he concealed from the federal government his financial resources that far exceeded the eligibility criteria of the aforementioned needs-based programs.
He fraudulently received a total of approximately $46,367 in government funds.
Sentencing is set for June 16, 2015. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Munsterman must also pay restitution to the victim-agencies. Grissom commended the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford for their work on the case.
Lawrence Woman Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Lawrence woman was sentenced Wednesday to 24 months in federal prison for embezzlement and ordered to pay $837,000 in restitution to her former employer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Sharon Ann Holladay, 58, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she worked as an officer manager for Westheffer Company, a Lawrence business that manufactures and sells agricultural chemical spray equipment.
Holladay used her access to the company’s financial system to transfer money from the operations account to a petty cash fund she controlled. She also used her access to the payroll system to give herself unauthorized bonuses and commissions. In addition, she made unauthorized purchases on the company’s credit card.
Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Indictment: Three Defendants Kidnapped and Killed Junction WomanRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Three people were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of kidnapping and killing a Junction City woman, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Grissom said his office is prosecuting the case jointly with the Geary County Attorney in federal court.
The body of Amanda Clemons, 24, of Junction City, was found in February 2014 in Geary County, Kan.
Charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death are:
Larry L. Anderson, 26, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.
Marryssa M. Middleton, 23, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.
Drexel A. Woody, 24, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.
The indictment alleges that on Feb. 7, 2014, the defendants kidnapped the victim and held her on the Fort Riley military installation. While they were holding her they killed her.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison without parole. The Junction City Police Department, the Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi and Geary County Attorney Steven Opat are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Frederick L. Sanders, 43, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 30, 2015, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
Luis Guadalupe Leon-Aceves, 44, Cavroca, Mexico, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 8, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Owner of Overland Park Hotel Sentenced to Prison for Employing Undocumented WorkersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The owner of an Overland Park hotel was sentenced Monday to 27 months in federal prison for employing undocumented workers, who were paid less than other employees, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Last month, the defendant’s wife was sentenced to 21 months in the same case.
“I hope Kansas business owners are listening,” said Grissom. “You can go to prison for knowingly employing undocumented workers. Violating federal law is not a good business strategy.”
Munir Ahmad Chaudary, 53, and his wife, Rhonda R. Bridge, 42, both of Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to harbor undocumented aliens for financial gain. In their pleas, they admitted employing undocumented workers at two hotels they owned: A Clarion Hotel at 7000 W. 108th in Overland Park, and a Clarion Hotel at 11828 NW Plaza Circle in Kansas City, Mo.
Chaudary and Bridge lowered their hotels’ operating costs and put themselves at a competitive advantage by not paying Social Security, Workers Compensation and unemployment insurance for the undocumented workers.
“The Chaudarys sought to game the system and gain an unfair business advantage over their legitimate competitors by hiring illegal aliens at cut-rate wages,” said Gary Hartwig, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago. “Homeland Security Investigations will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to keep the playing field level for all American business owners.”
“Employers who are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay minimum wages and overtime premiums to their employees. They must not be allowed to evade these provisions by hiring undocumented workers and paying them less than the statute requires,” said Ricky Robinson, Acting District Director of the Kansas City District Office of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. “We will continue to enforce the FLSA without regard to whether an employee is documented or undocumented. Under the FLSA, the Department (or an employee) seeks back pay for hours an employee has actually worked, under laws that require payment for such work.”
According to court records, the investigation began in December 2011 when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) received information that the owners of the hotels were employing foreign nationals who were not lawfully present in the United States. In June 2012, an undercover agent posing as an undocumented worker got a job at the Overland Park Hotel. He was hired even though he told his employers he was not authorized to work in the United States.
In 2011 and 2012 the defendants filed false and fraudulent Quarterly Wage Reports and Unemployment Tax Returns with the Kansas Department of Labor in which they under-reported the number of employees at the Overland Park hotel, the amount of total wages paid and the amount of unemployment taxes due.
Chaudary is the final defendant to be sentenced in the case. Judith Vanzant, a hotel manager, and Syed Naqvi, a Pakistani native who worked as a desk clerk, already were sentenced.
The government also is seeking forfeiture of the proceeds of the crime. The judge will take up that issue at a later time.
Grissom commended Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), the Overland Park Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.
Indictment: Former Osawatomie Recreation Director Embezzled More Than $125,000Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - The former recreation director for the City of Osawatomie is scheduled to appear in court this month on a federal indictment alleging he embezzled more than $125,000 from the city, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Monday.
Ron Maring, 53, Osawatomie, Kan., is scheduled for an initial appearance March 27 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. He is charged with four counts of tax fraud and 10 counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges that from 2008 to 2011 while Maring was director of the Osawatomie Recreation Commission he embezzled approximately $125,665. He wrote checks from the recreation commission’s account to himself and to American Legion Baseball. He converted the money for his own use and not for the use of the recreation commission or American Legion Baseball.
As part of the scheme, he persuaded recreation commission board members to sign blank checks, used his own signature as an endorsement, instructed a recreation commission employee to endorse checks and forged the name of recreation commission members.
The indictment alleges he failed to report the embezzled money as income on his 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 federal income taxes. The indictment also cites 10 dates in 2011 in which Maring deposited stolen funds into his personal account.
The Osawatomie Police Department, the Kansas Department of Revenue, Office of Special Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery at Dollar GeneralRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man pleaded guilty in federal court in Wichita Thursday to a robbery charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Eric Emmanuel Dear, 23, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of commercial robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on July 27, 2014, he robbed the Dollar General Store at 2747 E. Boulevard Plaza in Wichita.
He entered the store about 10:25 a.m., approached the cash register and demanded money. He carried what appeared to be a handgun in his right hand. During the robbery, he touched the counter with his left hand. Fingerprints taken from the counter were matched to three fingers on his left hand. No firearm was recovered.
Sentencing is set for May 7. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 57 months in federal prison. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. David Lind for their work on the case.
Federal Indictment: Atchinson Man Kidnapped ChildRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Atchison man has been indicted on federal charges of kidnapping a child, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Marcas McGowan, 30, Atchison, Kan., was charged Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., with one count of kidnapping a child, one count of discharging a firearm during the kidnapping, one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask and Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson will be prosecuting the case. Mr. Thompson has been designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“This is a very serious case and my office will be working closely with the Leavenworth County Attorney to see that it gets the attention it deserves,” U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
“My office has always had a great working relationship with U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom and his staff, so I appreciate the opportunity to work with them to pursue this matter federally,” said Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. “My office always strives for what is in the best interest of the Leavenworth community, and will continue to do so through our collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s office.”
The federal indictment alleges that on July 18, 2014, McGowan kidnapped a minor victim. He traveled from Kansas to Missouri and back to Kansas with the child.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Kidnapping: Not less than 20 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000.
Discharging a firearm in a crime of violence: Not less than 10 years and not more than life, consecutive to any other sentence, and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Atchison Police Department, the Platte County (Mo.) Sheriff’s Office, the Weston (Mo.) Police Department, the Leavenworth Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the FBI investigated.
Drug Indictment in Kansas Began with Traffic Stop in UtahRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An investigation that began with a traffic stop in Utah led to a federal indictment in Kansas City, Kan., Wednesday charging five people with drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Ana Claudia Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 39; Sergio Lopez, 41; Migel Lopez-Lopez, 22; Daniel Rivera, 32; and Andres Marquez, 22, are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Rodriguez-Rodriguez was stopped by the Utah Highway Patrol Jan. 21, 2015, driving a red 1991 Jeep Cherokee. Troopers found approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine in the car. Investigators determined that she was headed to the Kansas City area to deliver the drugs. In Kansas City, Kan., officers set up a sting operation and arrested the other defendants when they attempted to take delivery of the drugs.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million. The Utah Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Derick Allen Spicer, 34, is charged with failing to register as required by the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred Dec. 12, 2014.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.
Andrew J. Denning, 23, Wichita, Kan., and Tyler W. Lewis, 22, Wichita, Kan., are charged with one count of distributing marijuana and one count each of unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 3, 2015, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana count and a penalty of not less than five years on the gun charges. The Wichita Police Department 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.
Two Kansas Men Sentenced for Trafficking in Designer DrugsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A father and son from Kansas who launched a global sales and supply network for smokable synthetic cannabinoids – also called synthetic marijuana -- and other designer drugs were sentenced Tuesday to federal prison for violating the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Clark Sloan, 55, Tonganoxie, Kan., was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. His son, Jonathan Sloan, 34, Lawrence, Kan., was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison. In September 2014, they were convicted in a federal jury trial on 20 counts including one count of conspiracy, two counts of misbranding, 15 counts of mail fraud, one count of smuggling and one count of money laundering.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the men conspired to manufacture and sell designer drugs, including a marijuana substitute called K2 that was named after the second-highest mountain in the world. The business, which began in a shop in Lawrence, Kan., grew to encompass a chain of suppliers, retailers, wholesalers and business associates with locations in Kansas, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Nevada and Indiana, as well as in other nations including Argentina, Latvia, Germany, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand and Uruguay. The defendants made at least $3.3 million from the sale of the drugs
Prosecutors presented evidence that Jonathan Sloan was co-owner of two businesses, Persephone's Journey, a retail store in Lawrence, Kan., and Bouncing Bear Botanicals, ostensibly a wholesaler of herbs and botanical products, with co-defendant Bradley Miller of Wichita, Kan. Bouncing Bear Botanicals was located in the basement of Persephone's Journey and then moved to a warehouse in Oskaloosa, Kan. Clark Sloan, who was Miller’s brother, developed and monitored the Web site for Bouncing Bear Botanicals and worked in marketing and Internet technologies.
Miller developed recipes for K2 and manufactured it. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that:
- The defendants manufactured and distributed K2 as an "all natural product" but it contained synthetic chemicals called JWH Compounds that mimic the effects of the THC in marijuana. Their products also contained solvents, either the alcohol Everclear or acetone, as well as other additives.
- They manufactured and sold at least four types of K2 products: Standard, Citron, Blonde and Summit, with Standard being the least potent and Summit being the most potent, depending on the amount of JWH Compounds that were mixed with herbs.
- The defendants manufactured the K2 without quality controls, resulting in inconsistent potencies. They intended K2 products to be smoked like marijuana by recreational drug users, but they falsely referred to K2 products as aromatic incense and falsely labeled them as "not for consumption."
“Consumers must always be aware that they put their health at risk when they buy drugs from unknown sources online and in stores,” said Catherine Hermsen, Special Agent in Charge, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “OCI is committed to working to protect the U.S. public health.”
Co-defendant Bradley Miller is set for sentencing March 16.
Grissom commended the Food and Drug Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.
Co-Owner of Overland Park Hotel Sentenced to Prison for Employing Undocumented WorkersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The co-owner of an Overland Park hotel was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in federal prison for employing undocumented workers, who were paid less than other employees, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also agreed to forfeit her interest two hotels and funds derived from the crime.
Rhonda R. Bridge, 42, and her husband, Munir Ahmad Chaudary, 53, both of Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to harbor undocumented aliens for personal gain. In their pleas, they admitted employing undocumented workers at two hotels they owned: A Clarion Hotel at 7000 W. 108th in Overland Park, and a Clarion Hotel at 11828 NW Plaza Circle in Kansas City, Mo. Chaudary and Bridge lowered their hotels’ operating costs and put themselves at a competitive advantage by not paying Social Security, Workers Compensation and unemployment insurance for the undocumented workers.
According to court records, the investigation began in December 2011 when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) received information that the owners of the hotels were employing foreign nationals who not lawfully present in the United States. In June 2012, an undercover agent posing as an undocumented worker got a job at the Overland Park Hotel. He was hired even though he told his employers he was not authorized to work in the United States.
In 2011 and 2012 the defendants filed false and fraudulent Quarterly Wage Reports and Unemployment Tax Returns with the Kansas Department of Labor in which they under-reported the number of employees at the Overland Park hotel, the amount of total wages paid and the amount of unemployment taxes due.
Bridge is the third person to be sentenced in the case. Judith Vanzant, a hotel manager, and Syed Naqvi, a Pakistani native who worked as a desk clerk, already were sentenced. Co-defendant Munir Ahmad Chaudary is awaiting sentencing.
Grissom commended Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), the Overland Park Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.
California Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Meth Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A California man who was convicted on federal methamphetamine trafficking charges in Kansas was sentenced Friday to 146 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Tino Soriano, 33, Coachella, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted that on March 22, 2012, he was one of the occupants of a car that fled from a house in the 800 block of South 72nd Street in Kansas City, Kan., after investigators made a controlled delivery of a package containing almost two pounds of methamphetamine. Investigators had seized the package at a FedEx facility in Kansas City after a drug dog alerted to the contents. Soriano and two co-defendants left the package behind because they realized they were under surveillance.
Officers pursued Soriano’s vehicle, eventually finding it abandoned at a residence in the 16000 block of 182nd Street in Tonganoxie, Kan. A birth certificate and other documents belonging to Soriano were found in the car. In addition, investigators learned that on March 21, 2012, Soriano was present with co-defendant Leslie Kingsley during a drug deal at a strip club off K-7 Highway in Bonner Springs, Kan. Kingsley fronted 14 grams of meth to co-defendant Kristy Sherley so she could provide samples to other buyers.
Co-defendants include:
Leslie Kingsley, who is awaiting sentencing.
Kristy Sherley, who was sentenced to 60 months.
Michael Loveland, who was sentenced to 92 months.
Jose Del Refugio Sanchez, who was sentenced to 38 months.
Grissom commended the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Robinson of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Riverside, Calif., and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.
Johnson County Deputy Sheriff’s Work Brought Down Synthetic Drug RingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Tireless investigative work by a Johnson County deputy sheriff was the key to bringing down a drug trafficking ring in Olathe that sold more than $16 million worth of designer drugs in just 14 months, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Deputy Christopher Farkes received the U.S. Attorney’s 2015 Guardian of Justice Award Wednesday. Farkes led a three-year investigation that resulted in federal indictments against 13 individuals including the owners of an Olathe-based business, Tracy Picanso and Roy Ehrett.
“Chris Farkes is very intelligent, with great intuition and a great passion for law enforcement,” Grissom said. “He was born to do the work he does.”
In December, Picanso and Ehrett each pleaded guilty to producing and selling misbranded and counterfeit drugs and conspiring to launder the proceeds. They admitted producing and selling dangerous controlled substances and controlled substance analogues of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and cocaine-like stimulants. The products sold under exotic names such as Head Trip, Black Arts, Pump It, Grave Digger and Voodoo Doll. The operation stretched from Kansas to Missouri, California, Texas, Georgia and Colorado, involving more than 15 companies with more than 40 financial accounts at more than 10 financial institutions.
“Chris has great analytical skills and an incredible memory,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway, who is prosecuting the case. “He has the tenacity and the ability to review mountains of documentary evidence and to weave together an evidentiary chain we can rely on at trial.”
Ryan Williams and Joseph Daneff Receive Guardian Awards for Operation Broken Bone
Also receiving the Guardian of Justice Awards on Tuesday were FBI Special Agent Ryan Williams and Detective Joseph Daneff of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. They worked on Operation Broken Bone, an investigation and successful prosecution of a drug trafficking ring that distributed more than $1.6 million worth of cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in the Kansas City metro area.
The traffickers employed couriers for transporting drugs and money, and maintained multiple residences where drugs were stored and distributed. Part of the investigation required tracking drug proceeds that were laundered through gambling casinos.
“Investigators overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their quest for justice, leaving no stone unturned and no avenue unexplored,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken, who prosecuted the case.
Agencies involved in the joint investigation included the FBI, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
“These law enforcement officers help set the standards for the men and women who safeguard our neighborhoods and protect the citizens of Kansas,” Grissom said.
The Guardian of Justice Awards recognizes law enforcement officers who did outstanding work on cases that were successfully prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office. Since 2002, the award has been given to state and local law enforcement officers, as well as federal agents, who were nominated by federal prosecutors for their outstanding work.
Former Insurance Company Service Rep Indicted on Embezzlement ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former insurance company service representative in Topeka was indicted Wednesday on federal embezzlement charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Erin Rebecca Thomas, 46, formerly of Topeka, Kan., is charged with five counts of embezzlement. The indictment alleges that the crimes took place while she was an employee of American Home Life Insurance Company.
The indictment alleges:
On July 26, 2010, she embezzled a $5,177 death claim.
On Dec. 27, 2010, she forged a loan request for $9,500.
On May 18, 2011, she forged a loan request of $18,500.
On Oct. 18, 2011, she changed the name of a policy owner and fraudulently caused a check to be issued for $19,000.
On Feb. 16, 2012, she forged a loan request for $25,000.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Hinds Thomas Jones, 46, Vicksburg, Miss., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 9, 2010, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot are prosecuting.
Collin Graham Bicknell, 22, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 11, 2015, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
William D. Gross, 59, who is in custody in the Osage county Jail, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 11, 2014, in Osage County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former Altoona City Clerk Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former city clerk of Altoona, Kan., pleaded guilty Wednesday to bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Chrystal Scherbarth, 30, Altoona, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was employed as city clerk. She used her access to the city’s accounts at the First Neodesha Bank to commit the crime.
The city of Altoona suffered a total loss of more than $47,800. Scherbarth diverted money from the city by fraudulently increasing her own hourly pay, fraudulently paying herself for overtime, fraudulently crediting herself with unearned paid vacation and fraudulently crediting herself with unearned sick leave.
Sentencing is set for April 29. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced in Mail Theft Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 15 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme to steal mail from postal boxes and cash counterfeit checks, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jeremy S. Robinson, 36, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to steal mail. In his plea, he admitted that in 2013 and 2014 he and his co-defendants entered an agreement to steal mail from U.S. Postal Service blue boxes.
In some cases, the defendants removed the name of the original payee and replaced it with another name in order to cash the checks. In other cases, they manufactured counterfeit checks using account information from the stolen checks.
Co-defendants include:
Justin Anderson, who is set for sentencing March 30.
Jennifer R. Harper, who is set for sentencing March 23.
Madison P. Allen, who is set for trial March 27.
Grissom commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department, the Wichita Police Department, the Derby Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Linn County Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Linn County man was sentenced Monday to 41 months in prison for a federal firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jeffrey Nicholas, 48, Pleasanton, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction.
In his plea, Nicholas admitted the investigation began in November 2011 when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a compliance inspection at Big Bear’s Gifts & Pawn Shop in Pleasanton. The owner of the store, co-defendant Barry Walker, was at that time Linn County Sheriff. Walker was allowing Nicholas, who had a prior felony conviction, to handle, sell and possess firearms, in violation of federal law. Walker was counseled on the violation and agreed to prevent Nicholas from having any further access to firearms.
Despite the warnings from ATF, Nicholas continued to be involved in handling, selling and possessing firearms at the store during 2012 and 2013.
Co-defendant Barry Walker was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.
Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Embezzling from Cleaning CompanyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Lawrence man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for embezzling from his company and his business partners, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. He was ordered to pay $619,000 in restitution.
Mark W. Elzea, 55, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen funds.
In his plea, Elzea admitted the crime occurred while he was controller and part owner of Pur-O-Zone, a janitorial and cleaning equipment business located in Lawrence. In 2004, Elzea began embezzling funds from Pur-O-Zone and his three business partners who also owned part of the business. The crime came to light in May 2014 when one of the partners was contacted by a vendor about not having received a check. The partners discovered numerous unauthorized checks signed by Elzea and made payable to Cardmember Service Chase Bank in Illinois.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to 16 Counts of Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty Monday to 16 counts of assisting in the preparation of false federal income tax returns.
Marcus Lovelle Blockmon, 42, Kansas City, Mo., entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan. He was indicted Oct. 8, 2014. The indictment alleged that during 2008 through 2011 he assisted 10 taxpayers in preparing false tax returns. The returns contained false information about filing status, wages, rental loss, self-employment expenses, itemized deductions, tax credit, taxable refund, annuities and exemptions.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later time. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Kearny County Man Indicted on Federal Child Porn ChargesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kearny County man was indicted Tuesday on federal child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mark A. Wireman, 44, Lakin, Kan., was charged with five counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
According to court records, the investigation began in October 2014 when Google made a report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline. The report was about a file containing child porn that had been uploaded on a Google email server. Investigators followed an electronic trail to Wireman, who was a previously convicted sex offender.
Wireman allegedly was exchanging emails containing child pornography with a man who he met in prison. The emails included photos of young children including toddlers in sexual situations. In one of Wireman’s emails, he urged the other man to take pornographic photos of a child to whom the man had access.
If convicted, Wireman faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 40 years on the distribution charge and not less than 10 years and not more than 20 years on the possession charge. Homeland Security investigations, the Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Child Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jeffrey L. Becklund, 56, Bellflower, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 24, 2015, in Thomas County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the possession charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the interstate travel charge. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Israel Guevara-Garcia, 36, and Walter Calderon, 35, Freemont, Neb., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 31, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Luis Arturo Garcia Gomez, 37, Phoenix, Ariz., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 28, 2015, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years and a fine up to $2 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Juan F. Morales, 62, Garden City, Kan., Victor Linares, 57, Lamar, Colo., and Filiberto Escobedo-Colon, 54, Garden City, Kan., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in December 2014 in Kearny County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of four years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and fine up to $1 million.
Interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Finney County Sheriff’s Office, the Garden City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Justin John Michael Cook, 32, Hutchinson, Kan., is charged one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 17, 2014, in Sterling, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Sterling Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Nathaniel S. McGrew, 39, Daytona, Ky., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Oct. 30, 2014, in Logan County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million on the marijuana charge, and a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
Tremain Vaughn Scott, 33, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 21, 2015, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Topeka Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
Dean L. Johns, 49, Abilene, Kan., is charged with one count of wire fraud in connection with fraudulent unemployment benefit claims totaling $11,856. The crime is alleged to have occurred from March 2, 2013, to Aug. 24, 2013.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Department of Labor investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Alfredo Huerta-Guerrero, 37, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Dec. 12, 2014, 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 Homeland Security Investigations 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.
Hunting Guides Sentenced for Violating Migratory Bird Act in Reno CountyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - Two hunting guides were sentenced Wednesday for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act during hunts in Reno County, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Each of them pleaded guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by exceeding the daily bag limit. They were sentenced to one year unsupervised probation and a fine of $1,000. In addition, they are prohibited from hunting, fishing, trapping or accompanying anyone in those activities for one year.
Both men were working for Misty Morning Outfitters of Haven, Kan., at the time they violated federal law.
Sentenced were:
Lane Hensley, 28, Liberal, Kan.
Tanner Cox, 25, Wichita, Kan.
In his plea, Hensley admitted the crime occurred Dec. 15, 2011, when he took two undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents on a hunt in Reno County, Kan. He exceeded the daily bag limit of three Canada geese.
In his plea, Cox admitted the crime occurred Sept. 1 and 2, 2011, on a hunt in Reno County. He exceeded the daily bag limit of 15 mourning doves.
Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Four Hunters Sentenced for Violating Migratory Bird Act in Ellis CountyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - Four hunters were sentenced Wednesday for violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act when they took more than 260 mourning doves during a hunt in Ellis County, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Each of the four pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves. They were sentenced to two years unsupervised probation, a $1,000 fine and $1,000 in restitution. In addition, they are prohibited from hunting, fishing, trapping or accompanying others during those activities for two years.
Sentenced were:
Harold C. Amrein, 59, Ellis, Kan.
Randy L. Amrein, 38, Fremont, Neb.
Morris H. Russell, 48, Omaha, Neb.
Tyrel S. Simpson, 33, Council Bluffs, Iowa
In their pleas, they admitted the crimes took place Sept. 2, 2014, during a hunt in the opening weekend of dove season. Following the hunt, a warden with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism found them in possession of more than 260 mourning doves. The daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15.
Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 9+ Years for Overland Park Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri man was sentenced Tuesday for robbing a bank in Overland Park, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Alvin J. Williams, 24, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 114 months in federal prison.
Williams pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of using a firearm during the 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, 21, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 57 months, and co-defendant Allen J. Williams, 24, Kansas City, Mo., is awaiting sentencing.
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.
Johnson County Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax Return, Wire FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A tax preparer in Johnson County was sentenced Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns that cost a Kansas company more than $744,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John M. Moore, 53, Lenexa, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted a company he owns, Accent Payroll Services (APS), was hired to provide payroll processing services for Tytan International L.L.C. of Lenexa, Kan. From 2008 to 2010, APS was responsible for paying the wages of Tytan’s employees, withholding employment taxes, filing Tytan’s employment tax returns on Internal Revenue Service form 941 and paying withheld employment taxes to the IRS.
Moore transferred more than $2 million in employment tax withholdings from Tytan’s bank account to his company’s bank account. However, he only paid the IRS approximately $1.3 million. To keep Tytan from receiving notices from the IRS that taxes were not paid, Moore gave the IRS an address for Tytan at a post office box he controlled.
“These victims trusted Mr. Moore to properly remit their taxes, but instead he used their funds for his own purposes. Unfortunately, these victims are left holding the bag,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Businesses who utilize a third party for paying their payroll taxes must realize that if the taxes aren’t paid, they are ultimately responsible for the tax liability. The IRS will work with victims to set up payment plans or possibly reduce penalties.”
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Texas Man Arrested in Kansas Charged in Federal Court with KidnapingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Texas man was charged with kidnapping in federal court in Wichita Monday, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Joseph Andrew DeRusse, 24, Austin, Texas, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Wichita.
The complaint alleges that on Jan. 23, 2015, DeRusse kidnaped a victim identified as HMM. He intended to force her to spend three weeks with him at a bed and breakfast in Narka, Kan., during which time he intended to convince her to marry him. He is alleged to have abducted her at gunpoint in Austin. He handcuffed her and blindfolded her before driving her from Texas to Kansas. It was not until later she learned that the weapon was a BB gun.
DeRusse’s car was tracked by GPS during the drive to Kansas. On Friday, the Newton Police Department used the GPS information to find his car and pull him over on northbound I-135 at milepost 41, where they freed the victim. In the car, they found an engagement ring DeRusse had purchased.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The Newton Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct
Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty in Kansas in Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri woman pleaded guilty Friday to being part of a conspiracy to operate an Olathe-based business that sold at least $16 million worth of synthetic forms of marijuana and other street drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Cindy McRoberts, 49, Lees Summit, Mo., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and analogues of controlled substances.
According to court records, McRoberts was an employee who worked for co-defendants Tracy Picanso and Roy Ehrett, who owned Olathe-based businesses that produced and sold dangerous controlled substances and controlled substance analogues of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and methcathinones (stimulants). They used the Internet to market their products under exotic names including Pump It, Head Trip, Black Arts, Grave Digger, Voodoo Doll and Lights Out. Some of the drugs were manufactured in buckets on warehouse floors.
McRoberts worked as the office manager at the office in Olathe and at warehouses in Kansas City, Mo. She answered phones, handled online orders, leased post office boxes, picked up shipments of illegal substances and chemicals, and transported illegal substances and chemicals between warehouses.
She is set for sentencing April 27. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million. Co-defendants Picanso and Ehrett are set for sentencing April 13.
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 and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway for her work on the case.
Federal Prosecutors Will Recommend 20 Years for Wichita Man Arrested with Thousands of Child Porn Images and VideosRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Federal prosecutors will recommend a 20-year sentence for a Wichita man who pleaded guilty to collecting thousands of images and videos of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
James Paul Bettes, Jr., 47, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Wichita to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. In his plea, he acknowledged that the investigation began in May 2014 when a detective with the Wichita Police Department downloaded child pornography that Bettes was distributing on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. The images included prepubescent children being sexually molested.
When investigators served a search warrant at Bettes’ home they found thousands of images and videos of child pornography on various devices. They determined that Bettes had been collecting child pornography since 1995 and was using a computer, external drives and other storage devices to preserve his collection.
Sentencing is set for April 9. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 20 years in federal prison. In addition, prosecutors will recommend restitution of $3,000 per victim to any victim who may be identified and requests restitution prior to sentencing. The total is not to exceed $50,000.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.