District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Charges Filed Against Twin Brothers in Topeka RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - Federal charges were filed Tuesday against twin brothers accused of a robbery in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Charles Lamar Steele, 23, Topeka, Kan., and Lamar Ray Steele, 23, Topeka, are charged with one count of robbery. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Topeka alleges that on June 4, 2014, they robbed the Check Into Cash store at 3711 S.W. Plaza Drive in Topeka.
In court papers, it is alleged that Charles Lamar Steele entered the store brandishing a handgun. He grabbed a clerk by the wrist and forced her to the cash drawers. He demanded money and threatened to kill her if she did not comply. He struck her in the head with the gun, forced her to front door and told her to stay on the ground and keep her head down until he was gone.
Surveillance photos from the robbery showed another man talking on a cell phone while holding the front door open at the time Steele entered the store. Investigators identified the man with the phone and used phone records to determine that at the time of the robbery he was connected to Charles Lamar Steele’s phone number. Investigators also learned that Lamar Ray Steele had helped plan the robbery.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commend the Topeka Police Department and the FBI for their work on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.Former Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from A Lawrence Credit UnionRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former manager of a credit union in Lawrence pleaded guilty Tuesday to embezzling more than $93,500, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also admitted allowing a teller to steal more than $81,000 from the credit union.
Karolyn J. Stattelman, 42, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a credit union. In her plea, she admitted the crime took place while she was manager of the Jayhawk Federal Credit Union at 2901 Lakeview Road in Lawrence, Kan. She manipulated credit union accounts for money orders, share drafts, ATM and returned checks in order to conceal the thefts.
She also allowed co-defendant Christi Marie Hout, who was a teller, to write checks on Hout’s personal and business accounts when she did not have sufficient funds to cover them. Hout has pleaded guilty to one count of theft of credit union funds.
Stattelman and Hout will be set for sentencing at a later time. They each face 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 Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Abetting RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man pleaded guilty Monday to giving another man a rifle and serving as a lookout while the gun was used in a liquor store robbery U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Aaron Roy Bundy, 27, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting robbery. In his plea, he admitted that he gave a man who was staying in his apartment a .22 caliber rifle. On May 12, 2014, Bundy served as a lookout while the other man used the rifle to rob Patty’s Retail Liquor at 3705 S.W. Plaza Drive in Topeka.
Co-defendant Weston Brett Canfield is awaiting trial.
Bundy is set for sentencing Sept. 29. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Firearm Conviction, Arrest RecordSend Wichita Man to Federal Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal judge in Wichita cited a defendant’s long criminal record in sentencing him Monday to 10 years in prison on a firearm violation, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Thomas Lee Wohlford, 32, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following felony convictions.
U.S. District Court Judge Monti L. Belot said in court records that Wohlford “has been involved in the criminal justice system on a more or less continuous basis since age 15,” and “has no respect for the law.”
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
In his plea, Wohlford admitted he was arrested Feb. 11, 2014, at a Quick Trip at 1610 E. Lincoln. Police were called to the scene by a man whose car had been stolen. The man told police he had spotted Wohlford putting gas in the stolen vehicle. Police arrested Wohlford and seized a .22 caliber handgun from the car.Indiana Man Convicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Indiana man has been convicted on federal charges of using the Internet to attempt to sexually exploit a teenage girl in Lawrence, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
A federal jury in Kansas City, Kan., returned a verdict Wednesday convicting Brett J. Williamson, 37, Ft. Wayne, Ind., on three counts of attempting to produce child pornography and three counts of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Williamson posed as a 15-year-old boy on a teen dating site called Tagged.Com. He befriended the Lawrence girl and coaxed her to perform sexual acts in Skype video chats.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. He faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of attempting to produce child pornography, and not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of enticement.
Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.Former Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Evasion ChargeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Kent Price, 57, Kingwood, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. In his plea he admitted the crimes took place while he and co-defendant Donald Doleshal, 62, Driftwood, Texas, lived in Kansas and were partners and owners of Central States Underwater Contracting, Inc., (CSU), Central States Underwater, Limited (CSUL) and Pilecap, Inc. The companies inspected, surveyed and repaired underwater pipelines, piles, piers, docks and bridges.
In tax years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, Price understated his personal taxable income by a total of more than $340,000. The omission results in taxes due of $53,421.
Price also admitted CSU and Pilecap paid personal expenses for Price and Doleshal that were deducted as business expenses on corporate taxes returns and were not reported as personal income. CSU paid for a Corvette and Saab that were drive by Price and Doleshal’s respective spouses.
Price is set for sentencing Aug. 26. Doleshal pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is set for sentencing Aug. 19. In both cases, both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 36 months federal probation and full restitution of taxes owed.
Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Federal Firearm Charge Filed Against Murder SuspectRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury Wednesday returned an indictment charging a defendant in a state murder case with a federal firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Luis M. Murillo-Rosales, 25, who has been living in Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a foreign citizen who is in the United States illegally. In court records it is alleged that on May 25, 2014, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 1600 block north of Universal Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. They found a deceased victim and recovered a spent 9 mm shell casing near the body. Witnesses reported seeing a man point a gun at the victim, fire one shot and then flee the scene.
Investigators served a search warrant at Murillo-Rosales’ home in the 1200 block of Ridge Avenue in Kansas City, Kan. They recovered a 9 mm handgun that allegedly was used in the shooting.
Murillo-Rosales was charged in state court in Jackson County, Mo., in connection with the shooting.
If convicted on the federal firearm charge, Murillo-Rosales 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 and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
John Hernandez, 40, Los Angeles, Calif., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy and eight counts of distributing various amounts of methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between Dec. 5, 2013, and May 13, 2014, in Lawrence, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on the conspiracy count and some of the distribution counts. Sentences on other distribution counts range from not less than five years to not more than 20 years.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Jeremy Guy, 32, Sugar Creek, Mo., is charged with escaping from federal custody at the Grossman Community Corrections Center in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 27, 2014.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
Martin Salgado-Salgado, 39, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of using false documents, four counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of making a false statement on a U.S. passport application, one count of misusing a U.S. passport and one count of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Using false documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory consecutive two-year sentence on each count.
Making a false statement on a passport application: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Misusing a U.S. passport: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Making a false claim of U.S. citizenship: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.The U.S. Department of State investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.Former Teller Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Lawrence Credit UnionRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A former teller with a credit union in Lawrence pleaded guilty Tuesday to embezzling more than $81,000, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Christi Marie Hout, 38, Lawrence, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of credit union funds. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was a teller with Jayhawk Federal Credit Union at 2901 Lakeview Road in Lawrence, Kan. She wrote checks on her personal account, and her husband’s business account, and made ATM debits when there were insufficient funds in the accounts to cover the transactions. She used credit union funds to pay personal expenses and she knew that the credit union manager was covering up the thefts.
Sentencing will be set at a later time. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Co-defendant Karolyn J. Stattelman, 42, Topeka Kan., former manager of the credit union, is charged with one count of theft of credit union funds. She is set for a change of plea hearing June 17.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.Colorado Man SentencedFor Bank Robbery in LawrenceRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Colorado man was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for a bank robbery in Lawrence, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Matthew W. Headley, 38, Canon City, Colo., pleaded guilty to a Sept. 5, 2013, robbery at the US Bank, 1807 W. 23rd Street in Lawrence. In his plea he admitted he was wearing a golf hat and pajama pants when entered the bank and handed a teller a note saying, “100s and 50s now.” Officers of the Lawrence Police Department arrested him soon after that at a convenience store not far from the bank.
Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner for their work on the case.Indictment: Kansas Firearms Distributor Paid Bribes and Kickbacks to Glock ExecutivesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas firearms distributor was indicted today on federal charges of paying more than $1 million in bribes and kickbacks to executives of the company that manufactures Glock pistols, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John Sullivan Ralph, III, 40, Olathe, Kan., who was owner of Global Guns & Hunting Inc. of Olathe, Kan., doing business as OMB Guns, is charged with one count of conspiracy, 11 counts of wire fraud and10 counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges Ralph secretly paid executives of Glock to receive preferential treatment over other distributors of firearms, including directing potential customers to his company, giving his company priority access to limited products, steering government contracts and sales to government agencies of firearms and accessories to his company, and providing confidential Glock information to him.
The following co-defendants are charged with the same counts as Ralph:James “Craig” Dutton, 42, Acworth, Ga., who was the Assistant National Sales Manager for Glock. The American headquarters of Glock, Inc., is in Smyrna, Ga.
Lisa Delaine Dutton, 42, Acworth, Ga., who was Craig Dutton’s wife, and who formed a company called Supreme Solutions LLC. She is alleged to have concealed payments of bribes and kickbacks.
Welcome D. “Bo” Wood, Jr., 65, Oviedo, Fla., who was the Eastern Regional Manager for Glock.
Paula Ann Wood, 63, Oviedo, Fla, who was Bo Wood’s wife, and who formed a company called Tropical Marketing & Consulting LLC. She is alleged to have concealed payments of bribes and kickbacks.According to the indictment, most of Glock’s pistols are sold to independent firearm distributors who have contracts with Glock to resell its pistols. The allocation of Glock pistols was important because the demand frequently exceeded the supply.
Glock created two different sales channels for purposes of licensing its distributors. One channel was for sales to law enforcement agencies. Independent distributors were authorized to resell Glock pistols to law enforcement agencies within a specific geographic territory. The other channel was for the commercial market. Distributors of commercial market products were not restricted to a particular geographic area.
Glock used a Universal Product Code to differentiate pistols that were sold for resale to law enforcement agencies (blue label products) from pistols sold for resale to the commercial market (red label products). The price list for pistols intended for resale to law enforcement agencies is lower due to the fact law enforcement agencies routinely buy in bulk and are often subject to bidding processes.
The indictment alleges Wood and Dutton provided Ralph with equipment and software to allow him to convert firearms sold with the law enforcement discount (blue label) to firearms sold at the premium price to the commercial market (red label). Ralph is alleged to have sold at least 14,000 pistols to commercial buyers – including Cabela’s – which Glock sold to Ralph for resale to law enforcement agencies.
The indictment alleges that from 2003 to 2009 Ralph used the U.S. Postal Service to send and receive approximately 140 bribes and kickbacks that were delivered to defendants Lisa Dutton and Paula Wood. Between 2009 and 2011, the indictment alleges, Ralph used wire transfers to send approximately 80 bribes and kickbacks.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Wire fraud: A maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
Money laundering: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $50,000 on each count.The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Yong Jin Zhang, 55, who is in federal custody, and Yu Lan Su, 50, who is in federal custody, are charged with one count of transporting a person in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution, and one count of harboring a person for the purpose of prostitution at Life Long Foot Massage, also known as Asian Foot Relax Massage, at 5620 S. W. 29th Street; and 2955 S.W. McClure Road, No. 310, in Topeka, Kan. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from March 14 to May 21, 2014, in Topeka, Kan.
The defendants initially were charged in a criminal complaint filed May 22, 2014, in U.S. District Court in Topeka.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
Christopher B. Medlock, 28, who is in custody, is charged with one count of escaping from the Mirror Residential Reentry Center in Topeka, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 6, 2014.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
Juan O. Whitaker, 32, who is in custody, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun. The crimes are alleged to have occurred May 1, 2014, in Saline County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Salina Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Topeka Man Sentenced in Lawrence Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 57 months in federal prison in connection with an armed robbery in Lawrence, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Justin S. Alcorn, 30, Topeka, Kan. pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on June 1, 2013, he took part in a robbery in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant at 4911 West 6th Street in Lawrence, Kan.
The victim went to the restaurant to sell the defendants two pounds of synthetic marijuana. After one of the defendants drew a gun, there was a fight and the victim ran into the restaurant to get help. While he was inside, Alcorn and the other defendants stole the synthetic marijuana and other items belonging to the victim.
Co-defendants are:
Mario A. King, 35, Topeka, Kan., who was sentenced to 84 months.
Jesse J. Forbes, Jr., 39, Topeka, who is awaiting sentencing.Grissom commended the Lawrence Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 17+ Years for Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man with a record of felony convictions was sentenced Monday to 210 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Juan Sabino Marquez, Jr., 38, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after felony convictions. In his plea, he admitted that on July 26, 2013, officers of the Wichita Police Department stopped his vehicle for an expired tag. They found a Ruger .380 caliber handgun in the car. At the time, Marquez had eight prior felony convictions and was on parole for a gun violation.
Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Linn County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Linn County men pleaded guilty Monday to federal firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Barry Walker, 70, Mound City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of allowing a convicted felon to possess firearms and ammunition. Jeffrey Nicholas, 47, Pleasanton, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possessing firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction.
In their pleas, they admitted that Nicholas, who had been convicted of a felony drug charge in Clark County, Nevada, worked selling firearms at Big Bear’s Gifts & Pawn Shop in Pleasanton, which was owned by Walker. Walker is the former Linn County Sheriff.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives first became aware Walker was allowing Nicholas to handle firearms during a compliance inspection at Big Bear’s Gifts & Pawn Shop on Nov. 10, 2011. Walker was counseled about the violation and agreed to prevent Nicholas from having any further access to firearms.
During another compliance inspection at Big Bear’s in November 2012, Walker told investigators that Nicholas had not handled any firearms transactions and that Walker conducted all transactions related to firearms. Investigators obtained evidence, however, that Nicholas had conducted transactions involving firearms. They learned that Nicholas would handle firearms transactions and then leave the forms for Walker to sign.
At various times from May 11, 2013, to Aug. 14, 2013, undercover ATF officers purchased firearms from Nicholas at Big Bear’s.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The defendants face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.
Indictment: Bank Fraud Scheme Started with Stolen MailRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Four defendants appeared in federal Court in Wichita Friday on federal charges of conspiring to steal U.S. mail and commit bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
The indictment alleges conspirators used sticky rodent traps to steal mail from U.S. mail boxes, including checks that had been placed in the mail. Conspirators cashed the stolen checks by adding another person’s name to the payee line, removing the name of the original payee and replacing it with another name, or manufacturing counterfeit checks using account information on the stolen checks.
A federal grand jury in Wichita indicted the following defendants:
Justin Anderson, 19, Wichita, Kan., one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, five counts of theft or receipt of stolen mail and two counts of bank fraud.
Jeremy Robinson, 35, Wichita, Kan., one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, three counts of theft or receipt of stolen mail, and one count of bank fraud.Madison P. Allen, 19, Wichita, Kan., one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, one count of bank fraud.
Jennifer R. Harper, 34, Wichita, one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud: A maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
Mail theft, conspiracy to commit mail theft: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutive to any other sentence and a fine up to $250,000.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Wichita Police Department and the Derby Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Wichita Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. -- Craig E. Applebee, 59, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on May 15, 2014, he robbed the Credit Union of America at 212 S. Ridge Road in Wichita.
Court documents allege he entered the credit union at about 3:22 p.m. wearing a black ball cap and dark hooded sweatshirt. He gave a teller a note demanding money. A teller put a GPS tracking device in a bag with the money. Wichita police stopped Applebee’s car near 3700 W. Central less than 15 minutes after the robbery.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.OTHER INDICTMENTS
Weston Brett Canfield, 27, who is in federal custody, is charged with one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
The indictment alleges that on May 12, 2014, he brandished a firearm when he robbed Patty’s Retail Liquor at 3705 S.W. Plaza Drive in Topeka.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the bank robbery charge, not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm charge.
The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.Antonio Carrillo, 45, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 11, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Jorge Goerne Canales, 54, El Paso, Texas, is charged with one count of making a false statement to a federal investigator. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 8, 2014, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Zeke Mills, 32, Wichita, Kan., is charged with four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, two counts of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March and April 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of firearms: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Unlawful possession of unregistered firearms: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.The Wichita Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Robberies at Businesses in TopekaRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Two men were sentenced Tuesdayfor robberies at Topeka businesses, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Quartez Norwood, 32, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery.
Henry Lavelle Davis, 41, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery
In his plea, Norwood admitted that:
- On July 29, 2013, he robbed the EZ Payday Advance at 2613 S.W. 21st Street in Topeka.
- On Aug. 3, 2013, he robbed the Family Dollar at 2616 S.E. 6th Street in Topeka.
- On Aug. 3, 2013, he brandished a firearm during the robbery at the Family Dollar.
In his plea, Davis admitted that:
- On July 25, 2013, he robbed the Check Into Cash at 3711 S.W. Plaza Drive in Topeka.
- On July 29, 2013, he robbed the EZ Payday Advance at 2613 S.W. 21st Street in Topeka.
Co-defendants include:
Xavier Leron Sims, 26, Topeka, Kan., who was sentenced to 35 months.
Robert Wayne Redmond, 42, Topeka, Kan., who is set for sentencing July 14.
Henry Earl Sirvira, 45, Topeka, Kan., who is awaiting trial.Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former State Legislator Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A former Kansas state legislator pleaded guilty Tuesday to defrauding Farmers and Merchants Bank of Colby, Kan., of more than $465,000, some of which he deposited in his campaign account, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
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.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 11. He 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 Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Former CFO of Emporia Company Sentenced for Embezzling $265,927Read the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - The former chief financial officer for a manufacturing firm in Emporia was sentenced Tuesday to four months home confinement for embezzling more than $265,927 from the company, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also was ordered to pay full restitution.
Sandra Moore, 58, Emporia, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred beginning in 2008 while she was CFO of Sauder Custom Fabrication, Inc., in Emporia, Kan.
She devised a variety of schemes to divert money from her employer’s accounts to her own including:- Making unauthorized transfers from the company’s disbursement account to her personal account at ESB Financial in Emporia.
- Issuing unauthorized checks and depositing them into her personal account.
- Issuing unauthorized checks to repay loans she obtained from her 401K account.
Using those methods, she embezzled a total of $265,927 from the company.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.Wichita Trucker Sentenced to 12+ Years in Child Pornography CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A truck driver from Wichita was sentenced Thursday to 150 months in federal prison for transporting child pornography, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Joshua David Bellah, 40, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of child pornography. In his plea he admitted that on Oct. 22, 2013, he traveled from Oklahoma to Kansas with laptops containing several thousand images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He had previously used a variety of free email accounts to obtain and exchange child pornography while he was traveling as an over-the-road truck driver.
Grissom commended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Johnson County Man Sentenced for Tampering with Federal WitnessRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Johnson County man was sentenced Tuesday to 36 months imprisonment for tampering with a witness in a federal criminal case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
A jury found Gary Sparks, 61, Edgerton, Kan., guilty of one count of tampering with a witness. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Sparks attempted to persuade a thirteen-year-old child to lie to investigators who were investigating his daughter, Stacy Ashley, on drug charges. Ashley pleaded guilty to one count of distributing Oxymorphone. In her plea, she admitted that on July 30, 2011, she distributed Oxymorphone to Joshua Auclair, who died from a drug overdose. Ashley was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment.
Grissom commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.Former Auburn City Clerk Charged with EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – The former city clerk of Auburn, Kan., was charged in federal court here Tuesday with embezzling from the city, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Alice Riley, 61, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen funds. A criminal information alleges the embezzlement began in 2009 while Riley was city clerk of Auburn, Kan., a town of 1,200 in Shawnee County. She issued duplicate payroll checks to herself and other unauthorized checks which she deposited into her personal accounts. She covered up the embezzlement by creating false entries in the city’s books and bank statements. She is alleged to have embezzled at least $186,000 from the city.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway is prosecuting.
Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison in Operation Broken BoneRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - Six defendants have been sentenced to prison as a result of a federal drug investigation in metropolitan Kansas City dubbed Operation Broken Bone, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
The investigation targeted a drug trafficking organization that operated from January 2006 to November 2011 to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The FBI, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and other members of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) on the case.The following defendants were sentenced May 16:
Damian Mays, 24, Kansas City, Kan., 235 months in federal prison.
Verdell Mays, 37, Kansas City, Kan., 225 months.
Christopher Holliday, 26, 114 months.
Frank Sharron Piper, III, 35, Kansas City, Kan., 135 months.
Brenton Bassett, 38, Kansas City, Kan., 84 months.
Cynthia Hatfield, 32, Kansas City, Kan. 3 months.
At the sentencing, prosecutors told the judge the defendants conspired together to distribute drugs and to maintain multiple Kansas City area residences where the drugs were stored, consumed or distributed. The investigators arranged to buy drugs from the defendants and served search warrants in which drugs, money and firearms were seized.Other defendants include:
Gregory T. Moore, 37, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Daniel Bryant, 34, Kansas City, Mo., who is awaiting sentencing.
Johnie Mitchell, 60, Kansas City, Kan., sentenced to 35 months.
Marcus M. Williams, 35, Overland Park, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Michael D. Davis, 33, Kansas City, Kan., sentenced to 40 months.
Ondre Durham, 40, Kansas City, Kan., sentenced to 30 months.
Rahmann Easley, 35, Kansas City, Kan., who is set for sentencing July 17.
Charles Easley, 38, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Joshua Jones, 28, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Raymond Cornejo, 53, Kansas City, Kan., who is awaiting sentencing.
Lamar Brooks, 38, Kansas City, Mo., who is set for sentencing Oct. 21.
Christopher Craig, 31, Kansas City, Mo., who is set for sentencing July 15.
Jacquel Cunningham, 22, Kansas City, Kan., who is set for sentencing Aug. 5.
Anthony Smith, 41, Kansas City, Mo., who is awaiting sentencing.Grissom commended the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas City, Mo., Career Criminal Division, the Riverside Police Department, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Arranging Fraudulent MarriagesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man has pleaded guilty to arranging fraudulent marriages for foreign nationals who wanted to become United States citizens, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Quong Bow Low, 75, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Topeka to one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. In his plea, he admitted that from 1992 to 2013 he facilitated fraudulent marriages between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Investigators identified approximately 40 arranged marriages in which he was involved. Foreign nationals used the marriages to obtain, or attempt to obtain, status as lawful permanent residents.
Low’s services included locating a U.S. citizen to participate in the fraudulent marriage, providing documentation in support of the marriage, and instructing the foreign national and the citizen on the immigration interviews they would face with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS.
Low provided one client with a price list including $6,000 to $7,000 to begin the process and find a U.S. citizen who would participate in the fraudulent marriage, $500 per month between the marriage and the interview to keep the U.S. citizen involved, $6,000 to $8,000 for coaching and services related to the permanent residency interview and a final lump sum of several thousand dollars when the client received permanent residence status.
Low admitted providing supporting documentation for the legitimacy of the marriages, including a lease of an apartment in the basement of his home and congratulation cards addressed to the participants in the fraudulent marriage. Investigators found records indicating Low was a witness for at least 12 marriages, served as a financial sponsor for at least four marriages, provided a lease for his basement apartment for at least four marriages, let the couples list his residence as their own on at least 13 marriages.
Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2014. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Department of Homeland Security and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
“Marriage fraud is a serious crime that exploits our nation’s immigration system and poses a vulnerability to our security,” said Special Agent in Charge Gary Hartwig, of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “HSI will continue to identify and arrest individuals whose actions violate U.S. immigration laws.”Indictment: Officer Takes Delivery Driver's Place to Break up Three-Pound Meth DealRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Two Wichita men have been charged with drug trafficking after a Wichita police officer posed as a delivery driver at a meeting in which three pounds of methamphetamine were to change hands, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Michael Ortega-Alvarez, 45, Wichita, Kan., and Manuel Bencomo-Rodriguez, 47, were charged Wednesday with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. It is alleged Wichita police stopped Ortega-Alvarez for a traffic violation on May 6, 2014. They found approximately three pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle. When investigators learned Ortega-Alvarez was on his way to make a delivery to a man he didn’t know, an officer working undercover took his place.
Using Ortega-Alvarez’s phone, the officer received instructions to drive to a convenience store at 31st and Hillside and wait for a man in a blue car. Bencomo-Rodriguez arrived driving a blue Chevrolet Lumina. He led the officer to another location, after which they returned to the convenience store and Bencomo-Rodriguez was arrested.
If convicted, the defendants face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Juan Antonio Herrera-Zamora, 30, and Jose Guadalupe Montoya-Valenzuela, 42, are charged with one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition Herrera-Zamora is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred April 17, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.The Kansas City International Airport Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Kansas City Interdiction Task Force investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Tomasic is prosecuting.
Clarence Smith, III, 31, is charged with failing to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 1, 2013, in Wyandotte County, Kan.If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.
Jose Pesina Lopez, 61, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found May 2, 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. 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.
Topeka Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Joseph Eugene Dix, 31, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug traffic king crime. In his plea, he admitted he was stopped by Topeka police Aug. 17, 2013, for a traffic violation. Officers seized two gallon-sized packages of marijuana, a baggie of methamphetamine, $900 in cash and a small black ledger containing what appeared to be records of drug transactions. They also seized a .45 caliber pistol from under the driver’s seat.
Grissom commended the Topeka Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Robbery, Shooting at Leawood McDonald'sRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri man was sentenced Monday to 100 months in federal prison for a robbery and shooting at a McDonald’s restaurant in Leawood, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The sentenced is to be served consecutively to a 60-month sentence previously imposed in a case in federal court in the Western District of Missouri.
Nicholas Martell McGinnie, 26, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea he admitted that on Dec. 1, 2012, he went to a McDonald’s at 4600 W. 119th Street in Leawood to rob the restaurant. He hid in a men’s restroom and waited about half an hour for the restaurant to close. Then he confronted the store manager with a pointed handgun and demanded money. The store manager resisted and attempted to push him out a door of the restaurant. During the struggle, McGinnie fired his gun, striking the manager in the legs. The store manager was treated for gunshot wounds and recovered.
McGinnie was arrested Jan. 3, 2013, after police recovered his fingerprints from the scene of the shooting.
Grissom commended the Leawood Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner for their work on the case.Massage Parlor Manager Pleads GuiltyIn Federal Sex Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - The former manager of a Wichita massage parlor pleaded guilty Friday to a federal charge of transporting a woman from China to work as prostitute in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Yan Zhang, 50, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution. In her plea, she admitted that in 2009 she induced a Chinese woman to move to Wichita to work in a massage parlor and engage in prostitution.
In her plea, Zhang said she was married in 2004 to co-defendant Gary Kidgell. During the marriage, she worked at massage parlors in San Francisco and Phoenix, where she became familiar with the operation of massage parlors as fronts for prostitution. In 2009, she and Kidgell moved to Wichita to establish their own massage parlor. She worked giving massages and served as a manager because she was able to communicate with Chinese women who worked at the massage parlor.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 4. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of time served and five years supervised release.
Co-defendants are:
Gary Kidgell, who is set for sentencing Aug. 1.
Xinqing Tian, 44, who was sentenced to time served and two years supervised release.Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Massage Parlor Owner Pleads GuiltyTo Harboring, Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - The former owner of a Wichita massage parlor pleaded guilty Thursday to harboring an undocumented Chinese woman and threatening to harm a law enforcement officer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Gary H. Kidgell, 45, Waltham, Mass., pleaded guilty to one count of harboring an alien who was illegally in the United States and one count of attempted obstruction of justice. In his plea, Kidgell admitted that in January 2011 he interviewed a Chinese woman to work at a massage parlor he owned in Wichita. Kidgell spoke to the woman through an interpreter because she did not speak English. He made the Chinese woman stay at his residence and pay rent.
In January and February 2014 while Kidgell was in custody in the case he told other inmates at the Butler County Jail that he intended to harm a law enforcement officer who investigated the case unless his case was resolved the way he wanted.
Kidgell is set for sentencing Aug. 1. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence within in the range of 51 months and 63 months in federal prison.
Co-defendants include:
Yan Zhang, 50, Wichita, Kan., who is awaiting trial.
Xinqing Tian, 44, who was sentenced to time served and two years supervised release.Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Three Topeka Men Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesIn Unrelated CasesRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Three Topeka men were indicted Wednesday on federal gun charges in unrelated cases, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Courtney Douglas Grayson, 32, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition after being convicted of a felony. He was convicted in 2013 in Shawnee County on a felony charge of criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building. The gun crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 29, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan.
Lamont T. Keeling, 37, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a .357 caliber revolver and ammunition after felony convictions. His previous convictions include felony vehicular burglary in 2008 in Shawnee County and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2012 in Shawnee County.
Lenard Ramirez, Jr., 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition after being convicted of a felony. He was convicted in 2005 in Pottawatomie County on a felony charge of sale of narcotics. The gun crime is alleged to have occurred April 3, 2014, in Shawnee County, Kan.
If convicted, each of the defendants faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The ATF Violent Crimes Task Force and the Topeka Police Department investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jermaine A. Rayton, 31, Topeka, is charged with one count of possessing a .45 caliber pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (possession with intent to distribute cocaine). The crime is alleged to have occurred April 29, 2014, in Topeka, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Missouri Man Pleads GuiltyTo Robbing Bank in Shawnee, Kan.Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Missouri man pleaded guilty Monday to a robbery in December at a bank in Shawnee, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Scott Thario, 22, Lee’s Summit, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
A grand jury indictment filed in December 2013 alleged that on Dec. 16, 2013, Thario robbed Intrust Bank at 19501 West 65th Terrace in Shawnee, Kan. The indictment alleged he was carrying a short-barreled shotgun during the robbery.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 5. He faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. Grissom commended the Shawnee Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
Olathe Man Pleads GuiltyTo Computer FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Olathe man pleaded guilty Wednesday to computer fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Ryan Cauble, 41, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud. In his plea, he admitted he committed the crime while he worked for G.E. Consumer Finance, a saving and loan holding company with an office in Merriam, Kan. Cauble sent an email to a vice president of the company claiming there was a security breach and credit card numbers of the company’s customers had been compromised. The email – sent from an address of [email protected] – included 20 credit card numbers. The email stated, “If you want to identify the person who is responsible, message me immediately to discuss compensation for the information.”
Sentencing is set for Aug. 19. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
A review of the 20 account numbers confirmed that there were fraudulent ATM transactions on those accounts in New York and California. Cauble used various employee credentials to login to the company’s databases and transfer account numbers and information including customers’ names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers in exchange for Bitcoins. He told investigators he sold the account numbers in batches of 40 for $1,000. He said that over time he sold 250 to 300 account numbers.Indictment: Former Cabela's EmployeeStole Merchandise, AmmoRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former employee of Cabela’s in Wichita was indicted Tuesday on charges of stealing ammunition and other merchandise from the store, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Garrett T. Alley, 25, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of possession of stolen merchandise and one count of possession of stolen ammunition. The indictment alleges that from December 2012 to July 2013, Alley stole merchandise including clothing, optics and binoculars worth more than $5,000 from the Cabela’s store where he worked at 2427 N. Greenwich Road. It also alleges he stole 3,000 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, 1,000 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition, and 250 rounds of 28 gauge ammunition.
If convicted, he 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 Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Deandre A. Freeman, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. An affidavit filed in the case alleges that on April 14, 2014, Wichita police responded to a report of a disturbance in the street in the 6400 block of East Cottonwood. Witnesses said they saw Freeman beat a woman with a gun and fire shots at an unidentified man who tried to stop him.
If convicted, Freeman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Kelly Tunnell, 42, Wichita, Kan., is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in February and April 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on each drug count and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm count. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Ernesto Romo, 48, Wichita, Kan., is charged with eight counts of distributing methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2013 and 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million on each count. The Sedgwick County Sheriff and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Jose Ambriz-Lara, 20, El Monte, Calif., and Magellan Jimenez, 19, El Monte, Calif., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 11, 2014, in Thomas County, Kan.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
Jose Manuel Penuelas-Valenzuela is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred April 27, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan. The government is seeking forfeiture of $15,000 seized from the defendant.
If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Wichita Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
Jose Macario Mendoza-Saldivar, 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found April 10, 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 Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Miguel Soltero-Marin, 39, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of immigration documents, two counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of misusing a Social Security number. The crimes are alleged to have occurred at various times from 2002 to 2014 in Finney County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Unlawful possession of immigration documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory consecutive two-year sentence and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.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.
Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Salina Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A woman was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison in a federal drug trafficking case from Salina, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Abigail Torres Soto, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In April 2013, Soto was indicted along with co-defendants Jon Reed Woodbridge, 23, and Delaine Rae Romeo, 48, Salina, Kan. The indictment alleged that beginning in January 2013 the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Saline County, Kan.
In June 2013, Romeo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In her plea, she admitted that on Feb. 7, 2013, agents with the drug task force based in Salina executed a search warrant at the Koyotee lounge in Salina and seized more than $6,000 in cash, marijuana, methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. Agents had made three controlled buys of methamphetamine from the Koyotee lounge. Romeo admitted that she had been receiving methamphetamine from Soto to sell.
Co-defendants include:
Jon Reed Woodbridge, who was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.
Delaine Rae Romeo, who was sentenced to 41 months.Grissom commended the 1-70/I-35 Drug Task Force, the Salina Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to robbing a local bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
John Lee Cline, 49, Halstead, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. At the hearing, prosecutors told the judge that on Jan. 21, 2014, Cline robbed the Intrust Bank located in the Dillon’s store at 3932 West 13th in Wichita. He handed the teller a note that read: “All of the $ out of your drawr (sic), no questions asked no dye paks (sic) everyone will be fine!!! No alarms!” He left the bank in a maroon, four-door car.
He was arrested several days later after he was identified from bank surveillance photos.
Sentencing is set for July 14. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the FBI, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom to Speak to NAACP at Hutchinson Community CollegeRead the Press Release
THUTCHINSON, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak at the NAACP’s Law Day event on Thursday, May 1, at Hutchinson Community College.
Grissom’s speech will be titled, “Law Enforcement, Equal Justice and Equal Opportunity.” The presentation will begin at 6:45 p.m. on May 1 in the Shears Technology Center on the Hutchinson Community College campus.
Grissom was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2010. The U.S. Attorney has three offices in Kansas – Kansas City, Kan., Topeka and Wichita – and a staff of approximately 100 employees, including about 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom to Speak to Bar Association in El DoradoRead the Press Release
EL DORADO, KAN. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will speak to the Butler County Bar Association on Friday, May 2, at Butler Community College.
Grissom’s speech will be titled, “Law Enforcement, Equal Justice and Equal Opportunity.” The presentation will begin at noon at the Hubbard Welcome Center, Building 2000, 901 S. Haverhill in El Dorado on the Butler Community College Campus.
Grissom was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2010. The U.S. Attorney has three offices in Kansas – Kansas City, Kan., Topeka and Wichita – and a staff of approximately 100 employees, including about 50 Assistant U.S. Attorneys.Topeka Man Sentenced for Making Pipe BombRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to a year and a day for making a bomb, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Joseph E. Rogers, 36, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of making a destructive device. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 12, 2012, officers of the Topeka Police Department stopped him and co-defendant Kyle C. Roe. Roe was immediately taken into custody on an active felony warrant. Roe told police that he had a bomb in his pocket.
When Rogers was interviewed, he told investigators that he had constructed explosive devices for the entertainment value. Rogers talked about using PVC pipe, wrapped in tape and filled with smokeless powder removed from ammunition.
Co-defendant Kyle C. Roe was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.
Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Salina Man Sentenced on Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. A Salina man was sentenced Monday to 37 months in federal prison on a federal firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Kalun James Purucker, 22, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. In his plea, he admitted that the Salina Police Department stopped a car in which he was a passenger on April 9, 2012. Police recovered a .380 caliber handgun and ammunition. At the time, Purucker was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.
Grissom commended the Salina Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway for their work on the case.
Restaurant Owner and Wife Sentenced for Employing Alien Illegally in U.S.Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita restaurant owner and his wife were sentenced Monday for harboring a Chinese girl who worked at their restaurant, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
The owner, Yong “Tony” Lin, 33, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to two years supervised release. He pleaded guilty to harboring an alien unlawfully in the United States. His wife, Zhuo Mei “Mandy” Weng, 29, Wichita, Kan., was sentenced to one year on probation. She pleaded guilty to hiding the crime. Both charges are federal felonies.
As part of their guilty pleas, the couple agreed to forfeit about $8,000 in cash seized by Homeland Security agents investigating the case. The money will go to employees who are owed back wages.
In September 2013, the Exploited and Missing Child Unit (EMCU) received a report that a minor teenager from China was being housed with other restaurant workers at a west Wichita apartment complex and that she also was employed at the World Buffet Grill, 2243 N. Ridge Road. With the assistance of the Wichita Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, EMCU confirmed the reports and was able to place the minor elsewhere.
An indictment was filed in the case Sept. 11 alleging that Lin and Weng harbored and employed at least three restaurant employees they knew were unlawfully in the United States. They often paid the employees in cash, failed to follow wage and hour guidelines, and failed to maintain I-9 employment eligibility verification forms, according to the indictment.
Grissom commended the EMCU, the Wichita Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.Manhattan Woman Sentenced to ProbationFor Conspiracy in Rx Drug CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Manhattan woman who worked in a doctor’s office was sentenced Monday to two years on federal probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Sarah Harding-Huffine, 30, Manhattan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs. In her plea, she admitted that she conspired with co-defendant Dr. Michael P. Schuster while he was doing business as Manhattan Pain and Spine and New Medical Group PC at 1135 Westport Drive in Manhattan, Kan. Although the defendant was not a licensed health care provider and she did not have a drug registration number from the Drug Enforcement Administration, she distributed controlled substances to Schuster’s patients using pre-signed blank prescription pads.
She distributed controlled substances including Oxycodone to patients while Schuster was out of the office at various times traveling to Russia, South Africa, Canada, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Israel, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Co-defendant Michael P. Schuster pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Grissom commended the Riley County Police Department; the FBI; the Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham for their work on the case.
Kansas City, Kan., Man SentencedFor Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who has been living in Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. His sentence will be followed by 10 years on supervised release.
Bryan Shuck, 32, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. In his plea, he admitted that he was convicted on a charge of deviate sexual assault on July 27, 2004, in Shelby County, Mo. He later registered at an address in Missouri. In May 2013, investigators determined that he was living and working in Kansas City, Kan., without registering in Kansas.
Grissom commended the U.S. Marshals Service, the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin for their work on the case.
Soldier at Ft. Riley Pleads GuiltyTo False Statement to Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Ft. Riley man has pleaded guilty to making false material statements to the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The defendant agreed to pay $71,734 in restitution to the SSA and an additional $250 to the United States Treasury for a stimulus payment he was not entitled to receive.
James Scott Nickerson, 37, Ft. Riley, Kan., pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of making a false official statement to a federal agency. In his plea, he admitted he was paid a total of $71,734 in disability benefits by the Social Security Administration that he was not eligible to receive. Beginning in October 2009, Nickerson applied for disability benefits under the Wounded Warrior Program. He claimed he was unable to work because of “organic mental disorders” he developed while serving a deployment in Iraq.
While receiving disability benefits, he worked full time for the Army doing various duties, including serving as a platoon sergeant while he claimed to be disabled. He also supervised other soldiers during this period. Nickerson attempted to conceal his actual work activity from SSA by claiming he worked no more than 20 hours a week. On three separate occasions, the defendant completed Work Activity Reports, documents used by SSA to determine if a beneficiary is eligible for disability benefits. On each of these occasions he was asked to identify his supervisors so that SSA could verify his work activity. On all three occasions, he identified persons other than his supervisors. In the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that on a Work Activity Report he completed on Sept. 6, 2010, he falsely reported to SSA that one of his subordinates was his supervisor. He admitted that this was a false material statement to a federal agency.Sentencing is set for September 8, 2014. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford for their work on the case.
Law School Graduate Pleads GuiltyTo Conspiring to Launder Drug MoneyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A law school graduate who operated a non-profit business pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to launder drug money, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Mendy Read-Forbes, 39, Platte City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. In her plea, she admitted that in March 2012 she began meeting with an agent posing as a drug dealer. Read-Forbes, a law school graduate who was not licensed to practice law, operated Forbes & Newhard Credit Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit corporation registered in Missouri to provide educational and social welfare services.
The agent told Read-Forbes he had assets to conceal from the sale of marijuana. She boasted she could use her legal training and her connections with federal attorneys and law enforcement officers to help him launder the money. She told the agent she would launder his cash by running it through her business. She said a lot of her customers paid in cash. So it would not be suspicious for her to be doing transactions involving cash. The plan also involved her listing the agent as an employee of her business and putting him on her company’s board of directors. As part of the scheme, she created a fictitious company called Maximus Lawn Care LLC.
Over the course of the investigation she laundered a total of more than $200,000 in purported drug funds. She also agreed to invest $40,000 of her money with the agent for the purchase of marijuana.Sentencing is set for July 22. Both sides have agreed to recommend a sentence of no less than seven years and no more than 15 years.
Co-defendants are:
Grissom commended the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Ronald E. Partee, 67, Kansas City, Mo., who was sentenced to five years.
Laura Shoop, 47, Platte City, Mo., who is awaiting sentencing.Former Bank Employee in Neosho CountyPleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $180,000Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A former employee of a bank in Neosho County pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $180,000 from the bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Sherrie Landell, 42, Erie, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank employee. In her plea, she admitted that from September 2007 to May 2013 she embezzled from Exchange State Bank.
Landell worked in the bank’s branch in St. Paul, Kan. She was responsible for maintaining the bank’s general ledger account and an account designated for accounts receivable on certificates of deposit. Money she stole included interest due on certificates of deposit. She fraudulently altered the bank’s records to conceal the crime. The shortage was discovered during a bank regulatory exam and subsequent audit by an independent accounting firm in 2013.
Sentencing is set for July 14. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Grissom commended the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Canadian Citizen Sentenced for Using Deceased Brother's IdentityRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Canadian citizen who was convicted on charges of using his deceased brother’s identity was sentenced Monday to four years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. He also was ordered to pay restitution of $15,186 to a former business partner.
A jury found Leslie Lyle Camick, 58, a citizen of Canada, guilty on all charges including three counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of making a false statement to the U.S. Patent Office and one count of obstruction of justice.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that:
- Beginning in 1997 Camick used the identity of his deceased brother, Wayne Bradly Camick, who died as an infant in 1958.
- He used the stolen identity to unlawfully enter and remain in the United States for at least 10 years.
- He used the stolen identity to obtain a Canadian Social Insurance card and a driver’s license in the Cayman Islands.
- Using his brother’s identity, he signed documents for the purchase of real estate in Winfield, Kan., and documents to obtain a U.S. patent.
- He filed a federal civil rights lawsuit containing false allegations against a witness in Camick’s criminal case.
Three Indicted on Federal ChargeOf Bank Robbery in Pomona, KSRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury returned indictments here today against three people who are charged with robbing a bank in Pomona, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Caleb Jeffcoat, 26, Quenemo, Kan.; Christel Collins, 37, Quenemo, Kan.; and Robert Martin, 39, Quenemo, Kan., were charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleged that on March 19, 2014, they robbed the Goppert State Service Bank at 118 East Franklin Street in Pomona.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa Police Department, the KBI, the Franklin County Attorney’s Office and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Luis Angel Sanchez-Cruz, 32, Baldwin Park, Calif.; Daniel Flores, 34, Perris, Calif.; and Evelyn Rose Cardenas, 23, Perris, Calif., are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from April 1 to April 5, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Chester Bragg, 36, is charged with failure to register as required by the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The crime is alleged to have occurred starting in December 2013 in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshal Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.
Scott Meinert, 49, Tonganoxie, Kan., is charged with one count of possession of child pornography. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 25, 2013, in Tonganoxie, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Martin is prosecuting.
Javier Zambrano-Sanchez, 39, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, nine counts of distributing various amounts of methamphetamine and five counts of distributing various amounts of cocaine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2012 and 2013 in Johnson and Wyandotte counties.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on the conspiracy charge. Sentences on the other counts vary: Not more than 20 years, not less than five years, not less than 10 years, depending on the count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Miguel Lozoya-Serrano, 40, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found March 18, 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 Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Roberto Martinez-Bahena, 43, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Liberal, Kan., is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found March 27, 2014, in Seward County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Vincente Diaz-Gomez, 21, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully transporting aliens who were in the United States illegally, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The indictment alleges that on April 5, 204, he transported six such aliens in Seward County, Kan.If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation charge, and a maximum penalty of two years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Oscar Sanchez-Valencia, 27, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of making a false statement to the government, three counts of misusing a Social Security number, seven counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, and one count of using false documents. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in Barton County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Making a false statement, misusing a Social Security number: A maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory consecutive two years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Making a false claim of citizenship: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.
Using false documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Howard D. Franks, 59, Osage City, Kan., is charged with one count of theft of Social Security benefits. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2010 to 2013 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 Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Ladonna I. Hensley, 44, Americus, Kan., is charged with one count of Social Security benefits fraud. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2007 to 2011 in Lyon County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Former City Clerk in Havana, KSSentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. A former city clerk for the city of Havana, Kan., was sentenced Wednesday to two years supervised release, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. She also was ordered to pay a total of more than $59,000 in restitution to the city of Havana, Cross Point Baptist Church and an insurance company
Diana L. Cox, 67, Havana, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of wire fraud. In her plea, she admitted embezzling $14,658 from the city of Havana while she was working as city clerk. On Aug. 18, 2011, she presented documents to the Arvest Bank in Caney, Kan., falsely stating that the Havana City Council had voted to change its policy to require only one signature on checks written for city business.
She also admitted that while she was treasurer of the Cross Point Baptist Church she devised a scheme to defraud the church of approximately $44,568. On Dec. 30, 2011, she caused the church to electronically transfer approximately $2,536 to Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance to make a mortgage payment due on her daughter’s home.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Sending Obscene Material to A MinorRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. A registered sex offender pleaded guilty Monday to sending obscene material to a minor while he was a patient at Larned State Hospital, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Christopher M. Case, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of transferring obscene material to a minor. In his plea, he admitted that he resided in the Sexual Predator Treatment Program of Larned State Hospital when he committed the crime. In mid-2011 he obtained access to a smartphone, which he shared with other residents. In December 2011 and January 2012 he learned that another resident of the program was using the smartphone to communicate with a 13-year-old female via email and chat. The girl was in Montana.
On January 16, 2012, Case used the smartphone to send the girl video of himself masturbating.
Sentencing is set for June 30. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Kansas Attorney General's office, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart and Steve Karrer of the Kansas Attorney General's Office for their work on the case.
Junction City Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. A Junction City man pleaded guilty Monday to a federal child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Scott Deppish, 43, Junction City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of accessing child pornography with intent to view. In his plea, he admitted that that on Feb. 12, 2013, investigators served a search warrant and seized his desktop computer and two lose hard drives. They found images depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexual conduct. They also found images of a known victim in what is referred to as the “Abby” series, which were taken in the state of Idaho. They depict a very young prepubescent female engaged in sexual conduct with an adult male.
Sentencing is set for July 7. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the Junction City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.Indictment: Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Were Key to $16 Million in SalesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An indictment unsealed here today alleges the owners of an Olathe-based business produced and sold dangerous controlled substances, and controlled substance analogues of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) and methcathinones (stimulants) to rack up at least $16 million in sales in less than two years, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
The indictment alleges the conspirators sold products under exotic names including Pump It, Head Trip, Black Arts, Grave Digger, Voodoo Doll and Lights Out. Some of the drugs were manufactured in buckets with drill-powered immersion mixers and tried out on “testers” who helped tweak the recipes by reporting on the drugs’ effects.
The indictment alleges the conspiracy 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.
“The indictment alleges the defendants were aware of – and even discussed – the potential harmful effects of the illegal substances they manufactured and distributed, including extreme physical reactions, overdoses and deaths,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
Charged in the indictment are:
Tracy Picanso, 58, Olathe, Kan. and Roy Ehrett, 55, Olathe, Kan., who lived together in Olathe and were owners and operators of businesses including Retailing Specialists, Innovative Products 4U, The Outer Edge, Lakeridge Holdings, Monster Warehouse, Monster Distribution, Monster, 3P Distribution and Life Source.
Michelle Reulet, 34, and Michael Myers, 34, Montgomery, Texas, who owned Bully Wholesale, which was a large-scale independent wholesaler for The Outer Edge.
Michael Meyers, 34, Montgomery, Texas, who lived with Reulet in Houston.
Terrie Adams, 63, Denver, Colo., who packaged, marketed and distributed substances for Picanso and Ehrett.
Craig Broombaugh, 29, formerly of Huntington Beach, Calif., who worked as a “cook,” manufacturing synthetic cannabinoids.
Cindy McRoberts, 48, Lees Summit, Mo., who worked as an office manager in Olathe and Kansas City Mo., warehouses.
Christopher Freemyer, 46, Adrian, Mo., who worked as a delivery driver, accounts manager and warehouseman. He kept retail stores stocked.Charges in the indictment include: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues; distribution of Buphedrone, a controlled substance; distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, which are controlled substance analogues; distribution of Pentedrone, a controlled substance analogue; selling mislabeled drugs; selling misbranded drugs; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges conspirators marketed their products at trade shows held throughout the country that cater to the smoke shop industry. In addition, conspirators are alleged to have sold misbranded and counterfeit drugs including substances called “Swing Her,” and “Swing Him,” which they claimed had effects similar to Viagra. They are alleged to also have sold counterfeit Viagra and Cialis.
“Selling illegal prescription drugs, such as counterfeit Viagra and Cialis, to an unsuspecting public that believes them to be part of the legitimate drug supply chain, overseen by the FDA, places at risk the public’s health,” said Catherine A. Hermsen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation. “We commend our colleagues at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Attorney’s Office for their contributions in unraveling the multiple components of this complex case.”
Investigating agencies include 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.