District of Kansas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dickinson County Woman Sentenced for Embezzling from Credit UnionRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Dickinson County women has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for embezzling from a credit union where she worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. She also was ordered to pay $817,000 in restitution.
Pamela Emig, 48, Solomon, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. In her plea, she admitted that from 2005 to 2011 she embezzled $817,000 while she was working for Enterprise Credit at 201 Factory in Enterprise, Kan.
Emig admitted she kited checks between accounts under her control at the credit union to cover up embezzlements and increasingly larger shortages. She would make a large deposit toward the end of the month and include the deposit in the general ledger, but the actual deposit would not be sent to the corporate checking account until the middle of the next month. At that time another larger check would be drafted out of another account at the credit union.
Grissom commended the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.
Wichita Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Robbery, Shooting at PoliceRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for robbing a Kentucky Fried Chicken and shooting at police as he tried to get away, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Paul F. Sifuentez, 56, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
In his plea, Sifuentez admitted that on June 7, 2012, he robbed the Kentucky Fried Chicken at 1251 S. Woodlawn in Wichita. During the robbery, he threatened employees with a firearm. He fled the store in a car driven by co-defendant James L. Adamson of Wichita. The getaway car had a personalized tag that read “SAVOY.”
When two officers in a patrol car contacted the robbers near the store,Adamson pulled into a parking lot at the Woodlawn Baptist Church, 960 S. Woodlawn. As one of the officers got out of the patrol car, Sifuentez leaned out of his window and pointed a handgun at her. He fired three shots, shattering the glass on the officer’s car door and narrowly missing the female officer, before he and Adamson drove away.
The getaway car was found abandoned at the Governeour Manor Apartment complex at 7025 E. Lincoln. Sifuentez was arrested after he was found hiding at the apartment complex. Adamson was arrested later when he returned to his home in the 4400 block of east Boston street.
In January, co-defendant James L. Adamson was sentenced to five years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting a robbery.Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Federal Charges Filed Against Two in Deadly Manhattan, Kan., Arson CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Federal charges have been filed against two people in connection with an arson at an apartment complex in Manhattan, Kan., that killed a woman, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Patrick Martin Scahill, 20, Manhattan, Kan., and Virginia Amanda Griese, 19, Manhattan, Kan., have been indicted on one count of arson resulting in a death. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 6, 2013, Scahill and Griese were responsible for a fire at the Lee Crest Apartments, 820 Sunset Ave., in Manhattan. Vasanta Pallem, a 34-year-old postdoctoral researcher at Kansas State University who lived in the apartment complex, died as a result of the fire.
“The indictment alleges the defendants acted in reckless disregard for human life and that Ms. Pallem died as a direct result of their acts,” U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
“As demonstrated in this tragedy, arson is a violent crime that can result in devastating loss,” said Marino F. Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “The ATF is committed to utilizing our unique resources and expertise to investigate these crimes.”
Grissom said the Riley County Attorney’s office requested the case be set for federal prosecution.
“The penalty for conviction in this case could be life in federal prison without parole,” Grissom said. “Working together with our state and local partners we are prepared to prosecute this case to the full extent of federal law.”
Grissom said he would not be able to respond at this point in the case to questions about the defendants’ motive for setting the fire.
“I anticipate more details of the investigation will be made public as the case proceeds,” he said.
Grissom said ATF investigated the case along with the Riley County Attorney’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Manhattan Fire Department, the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigations and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Wilkerson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Disney are prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Overland Park Man Pleads Guilty in $16.9 Million Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man from Overland Park, Kan., has pleaded guilty to helping a drug trafficking organization distribute more than $16.9 million worth of marijuana and cocaine in Kansas, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas announced today.
Samuel Villeareal, III, 33, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and to maintain a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking. Villeareal was one of 43 defendants charged in a superseding indictment filed Oct. 31, 2011, in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan. An earlier indictment in the case had been announced July 12, 2012.
In his plea, Villeareal admitted that he bought pound quantities of marijuana from co-defendant Los Rovell Dahda and others, who were operating a marijuana and cocaine distribution ring in Lawrence, Kan. During the course of the conspiracy, the traffickers made more than $16.9 million dollars selling marijuana and cocaine. In 2007, the conspirators shifted away from buying drugs from Mexico and Canada and began obtaining high grade marijuana from indoor and outdoor grow operations in California. The marijuana would be purchased on the front end from California for between $1,800 and $2,800 a pound and then sold to others for between $3,500 to $4,800 a pound.
On May 16, 2011, investigators executed a search warrant at Villeareal's residence at 816 Crestline Drive in Lawrence, Kan. They seized $11,340 cash, four cellular phones and 44 grams of marijuana. Villeareal's residence was located within 1,000 feet of West Middle School. Investigators learned that Villeareal had removed 10 pounds of marijuana from the residence before the search warrant was served. A search of Villeareal's phones revealed text messages with numerous customers in Lawrence who Villearaeal was supplying with marijuana.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. Villeareal faces a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million.
Agencies involved in the investigation and the arrest of defendants include the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Lawrence Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Service, the Alameda County, Calif., Sheriff’s Drug Task Force, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Lenexa Police Department, the Overland Park Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and the Hayward, Calif., Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.Kansas City Woman Sentenced for Not Paying Income Taxes on Embezzled FundsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City woman has been sentenced for not paying federal income taxes on part of nearly $2 million she embezzled from an employer, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Teresa Joyce Moore, 65, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of filing false income tax returns. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was working for Big W of Kansas City, Kan., a family run business specializing in manufacturing expandable polystyrene molding, processing and cutting equipment. She was a bookkeeper and officer manager with duties that included invoicing, tracking payroll and general bookkeeping.
In late 2007, the owners of Big W realized that Moore had defrauded the company. She created false invoices from legitimate vendors and prepared checks payable to the vendors. Then she created checks for the same amount payable to herself or her credit card company. When the checks with the forged signature cleared the bank and was returned to Big W., Moore hid them and put the checks payable to the legitimate vendor in Big W’s records.
Moore used embezzled funds to purchase homes, furniture, appliances and other items. On her 2006 federal tax return she reported income of $31,990. In fact, she had received income of more than $451,000 through her embezzlement scheme. On her 2007 federal tax return, she reported an income of $30,881. She did not report more than $507,000 she received from her embezzlement in 2007. Moore embezzled a total of nearly $2 million while working for Big W.
Grissom commended IRS - Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Indictment: Manhattan Accountant Embezzled More Than $500,000Read the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – An accountant in Manhattan, Kan., has been charged with embezzling more than $500,000 from the commercial construction company where he worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Larry D. Lord, 63, Manhattan, Kan., is charged with 10 counts of mail fraud. The indictment alleges that from 2005 to 2012 he used his access to the bank accounts of Cheney Construction Incorporated in Manhattan to steal $536,179. Lord was responsible for paying the company’s bills and for issuing payroll checks to company employees. The indictment alleges he wrote checks on the company’s accounts and mailed them to pay personal credit card debts belonging to him and his wife.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Shawn Lee Smith, 41, Salina, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Cottonwood Elementary School in Salina, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 3, 2012, in Saline County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than one year and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the drug charge; a penalty of not less than five years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
The Salina Drug Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
Robert Benjamin Isaac Ewing, 27, Topeka, Kan., is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 24, 2012, 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 Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
Camona Javaughn Crowder, 28, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 30, 2011, 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 Randy Hendershot is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Colorado Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. - A Colorado man has been indicted on charges of robbing a bank in Lawrence, Kan., U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment Wednesday charging Matthew W. Headley, 37, Canon City, Colo., with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 5, 2013, Headley robbed the US Bank at 1807 West 23rd Street in Lawrence, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Keith F. Kulper, Jr., 32, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 5, 2013, 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 Mike Warner is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Kansas Girl for SexRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Canadian man has pleaded guilty to picking up a 12-year-old girl in El Dorado, Kan., and taking her out of state for the purpose of having sex with her, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Stewart Kenneth Cody McGill, 21, Bewdley, Ontario, pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. In his plea, he admitted he drove from Canada to El Dorado, Kan., to pick up a 12-year-old girl and have sex with her. Officers later found McGill and the girl parked on a country road in Michigan. They found text messages on the girl’s cell phone in which McGill indicated he intended to have sex with her and he was aware of her age.
Sentencing is set for April 24. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of eight years in federal prison, followed by five years on supervised release. Grissom commended the FBI, the El Dorado Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal PrisonIn Salina Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Salina man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison in a drug trafficking case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Jon Reed Woodbridge, 23, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone with texting capabilities in furtherance of drug trafficking. In his plea, Woodbridge admitted that on Feb. 7, 2013, he used telephone texting technology to facilitate trafficking in marijuana.
Co-defendants are:
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.
Delaine Rae Romeo, who was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison.
Abigail Torres Soto, who is set for sentencing March 3, 2014.Kansas City Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Armed Robbery, Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery and firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Mark R. Davis, 35, Kansas City, Mo, was convicted in a jury trial in October 2012 on one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Co-defendant Abasi Baker was convicted in a jury trial on 21 counts including seven counts of robbery, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and seven counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. He was sentenced to 164 years in federal prison.
The jury found Davis guilty of brandishing a .40 caliber Glock pistol while robbing the Radio Shack store at 6945 W. 7th Street in Overland Park on March 3, 2011. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior felony convictions for robbery.Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals for their work on the case: The FBI and the FBI Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force; the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department; the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department; he Overland Park Police Department; the Olathe Police Department; the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department; the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department; the Mission, Kan., Police Department; and assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead, who prosecuted the case.
Indictment: Man from North Carolina Set up $72,000 Drug Deal in WichitaRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A man from North Carolina and two associates from Texas have been charged with coming to Wichita to sell more than $72,000 worth of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Jorge Castro-Cisneros, 29, Hickory, N.C.; Fabrizio Tovar-Rodriguez, 26, Houston, Texas; and Daniel Santiago-Bermudez, 37, Houston, Texas, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The men initially were charged in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 18 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. The complaint alleged that in October Castro-Cisneros talked to a Wichita Police Department detective working undercover about coming to Wichita to sell methamphetamine. Castro-Cisneros sent the detective a text indicating the methamphetamine would cost $24,000 a pound.
Castro-Cisneros arrived in Wichita Jan. 15 and the undercover detective picked him up at the Greyhound bus depot. Castro-Cisneros told the detective that the drugs would be arriving soon from Houston. On Jan. 16, a Chevy pickup with a Texas tag met Castro-Cisneros and the undercover detective at the Motel 6 at 5736 W. Kellogg. The detective told the driver of the pickup to follow him. Police stopped the pickup near Central and Ridge. They found a package hidden in the engine compartment containing more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine.
If convicted, the defendants face a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million. The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTSLlewellyn Richard, 44, Kansas City, Kan., was charged with 12 counts of robbery.
Richard initially was charged with nine counts of robbery in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 3 in U.S. District Court.
The three new robbery counts include:
– Cricket Wireless, 840 Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 29, 2012
– Russell Stover Candies, 2814 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, Kan., Dec. 30, 2012.
– Nationwide Cellular, 4314 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 31, 2012.The other robberies include:
– Boost Mobile, 3726 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 21, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2272 Quindaro, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 1251 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Quick Service gas station, 7959 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Boost Mobile, 7640 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 26, 2012.
– Cricket store, 4635 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 27, 2012.
– Sally’s Beauty Supply, 5020 Roe Boulevard, Roeland Park, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2801 S. 47th Street, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 3129 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 30, 2012.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, the first robbery at the Boost Mobile store occurred at about 1:14 p.m. Dec. 21 when Richard walked behind the counter, grabbed a clerk around the waist and demanded money. He gestured to her as if he had a gun in his jacket pocket. He fled the store with the money.In the second robbery at the Dollar General Store on Dec. 24, he walked behind the counter and pushed the clerk. The clerk stated she felt what she believed to be a gun that the robber shoved into her back. She said he threatened her, saying “Don’t look at me! Don’t turn around!”
On Jan. 1, 2013, officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department stopped a 1997 red GMC pickup. The driver pulled over and then drove away when the officers approached the truck. A pursuit ended when the truck crashed and Richard was arrested.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
Ramiro Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported and two counts of making a false claim of U.S. citizenship. He was found Jan. 18, 2013, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge and a maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the other counts. The Kansas Department of Revenue and ICE Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Jeremy L. Smith, 41, Wichita, Kan. and Brandee L. Rimer, 31, Wichita, Kan., are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession of stolen mail, two counts of producing a false identity document, two counts of using an unauthorized credit card and three counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition, Smith is charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of forging an endorsement on a savings bond and one count of possession of a false identification document with intent to commit fraud.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession of stolen mail: A maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Production of false identity documents: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years to run consecutive to any other sentence and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Using an unauthorized credit card: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Forging an endorsement on a bond: A maximum penalty of one year and a fine up to $100,000.
Possession of a false identification with intent to defraud: A maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000.The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Julius T. Williams, 33, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and six counts of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 19, 2012, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. 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.Mexican Man Sentenced to 12+ Years for Drug Trafficking in WichitaRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican citizen has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Juan Arellano Padilla, 36, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of distributing methamphetamine.
Beginning in late 2009, the Wichita Police Department began conducting an investigation into suspected drug trafficking involving a number of persons, some of who had ties to Mexico. During the investigation:
– Oklahoma City Police stopped a van in Norman, Okla., and seized 137.5 pounds of marijuana bound for Wichita.
– Investigators obtained wiretaps to monitor traffickers’ phones.
– Investigators monitored global positioning devices on specified cell phones.
– Investigators arranged to buy drugs from conspirators.In his plea, Padilla admitted that in 2010 he was part of the trafficking organization and conspired with others to distribute drugs.
Co-defendants include:
Carlos Ramirez, who was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison.
Alejandro R. Hernandez, who was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.
Ponciano Munoz-Meraz, who was sentenced to 70 months.
Guillermo Amparan, who was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.Grissom commended the Wichita Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
Man from Liberal Sentenced to 18 Months for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A man from Liberal, Kan., has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. In addition, he was ordered to $188,097 in restitution and fined $20,000.
Sule Braimah, 52, Liberal, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. In his plea, he admitted that in April 2008 he filed a joint tax return falsely reporting that in 2007 he and his wife had a taxable income of $631,166. In fact, he failed to report another $185,229 in income.
Grissom commended IRS Criminal Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Johnson County Man Sentenced on Bank Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Johnson County man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on bank fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Kevin M. Mahoney, 44, Stilwell, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted he conspired with co-defendant Paul Hartfield and others to make false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain funds from mortgage lenders.
Hartfield owned two businesses: Hart Investments, Inc., and Diamond Mortgage, both in Overland Park, Kan. Kevin Mahoney was a loan officer for Diamond Mortgage.
Hart Investments purchased depressed properties in order to rehabilitate them and sell them at a profit. Hart Investments obtained loans to rehabilitate homes on a “subject to appraisal” basis that allowed the company to withdraw money as rehabilitation progressed. Starting in October 2006, Hartfield stopped rehabilitating houses. Instead, Hartfield, Mahoney and others made false representations to lenders in order to fraudulently obtain loan funds.
Mahoney made false statements on loan applications and submitted them to mortgage lenders to fraudulently obtain loan funds for the following properties: 11339 Sycamore Terrace, Kansas City, Mo.; 3401 Tauromee Avenue, Kansas, City, Kan; 48 Z Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Mo.; 58 T Lake Shore Drive, Lake Lotawana, Mo.; 4132 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Mo.; and 3921 Wyoming Street, Kansas City, Mo.
Co-defendants included:
Paul Hartfield, who was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.6 million restitution.
Brian D. Jaimes, who was sentenced to 24 months.
John T. Bradfield, who was sentenced to 15 months.Grissom commended the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the FDIC- Office of Inspector General, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Smith for their work on the case.
Gang Member Sentenced for Assault in Dodge City Racketeering CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A member of a Dodge City street gang targeted in a federal racketeering case has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for assaulting what he thought were members of a rival gang, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Humberto Ortiz, 20, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. In his plea, Ortiz admitted that on Aug. 27, 2011 in Dodge City, he and other gang members assaulted what they thought were members of the Sureno street gang. At the time, Ortiz was a member of Los Carnales Chingones, a street gang in Dodge City associated with the Norteno street gang. He was accompanied by members of the Diablos Viejos, who also were associated with the Norteno gang.
During a confrontation at a party at 703 9th Avenue in Dodge City, Ortiz and four associates accused the victims of being Surenos, which the victims denied. When a fight began, two victims were stabbed. One of the victims received life-threatening injuries and was flown to a hospital in Wichita for treatment.
In his plea, Ortiz admitted that while he was an associate of the Nortenos the gang was engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise that employed acts of violence including murder and robbery to protect and expand the gang’s operations.
Co-defendants awaiting trial include Jason Najera, 28, Dodge City; Fabian Neave, 25, Dodge City; Jesus Torres, 28, Dodge City; and Jose Neave, 23, Dodge City. They were among 23 defendants indicted in May who were charged under the federal RICO Act (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.) The indictment marked only the second time federal prosecutors in Kansas have filed charges under RICO and VICAR (Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering).
Grissom commended the Dodge City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch 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.Owners of Gun Store/Beauty Shop Plead Guilty to Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Butler County couple who ran a combined beauty shop and gun store have pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Jeffrey Eberhart, 51, Augusta, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license. His wife, Tracey Eberhart, 42, Augusta., Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to keep records of firearms transactions.
The Eberharts operated Traceys Dream Weavers Salon And Sporting Goods at 431 State Street in Augusta, Kan. The store advertised that it was “Where Beauty and Bullets Collide.” In his plea, Jeffrey Eberhart admitted that he bought and sold hundreds of firearms at the store and at gun shows from Oct. 1, 2009, to Aug. 22, 2012. Throughout that time, he was not licensed as a federal firearms dealer because he was a previously convicted felon.
In her plea, Tracey Eberhart admitted that while she held a license as a federal firearms dealer she failed to keep records and make reports to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on at lease 33 firearms transactions.
Sentencing is set for April 15. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of five years in federal prison for Jeffrey Eberhart and three years probation for Tracey Eberhart.
Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Indictment: Credit Counseling Firm Laundered Cash from Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two people have been charged with laundering cash from marijuana trafficking through a non-profit credit counseling agency in Kansas City, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Mendy Read-Forbes, 37, Platte City, Mo., and Laura Shoop, 46, Platte City, Mo., are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In addition, Read-Forbes is charged with 16 counts of money laundering and Shoop is charged with eight counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges that Forbes and Newhard Credit Solutions was registered as a nonprofit organization that provided credit counseling services to people who were in bankruptcy proceedings. Forbes held herself out as the owner and operator of the agency. Shoop was an acquaintance of Forbes who worked at various times for the agency.
In March and April 2012, Forbes was introduced to an undercover officer posing as a marijuana dealer. Forbes offered to devise a scheme to launder the dealer’s drug proceeds. As part of the scheme, Forbes offered to deposit money given to her by the drug dealer into the bank accounts of Forbes and Newhard Credit Solutions or related companies and then to return the money to the dealer via checks, money orders or wire transfers. The bank accounts were in Kansas.
To make the transactions appear legitimate, Forbes gave the drug dealer a contract titled “Purchase and Sale of Business Agreement.” The contract, bearing the signature of the drug dealer and another person known to the grand jury, made it appear that the marijuana dealer was purchasing assets of FCP, Inc., a corporation controlled by Forbes and another person.
To make it appear that the drug dealer was engaged in business as a certified credit counselor with Forbes and Newhard Credit Solutions, Forbes gave the drug dealer a certificate saying he had completed training as a bankruptcy specialist.
In addition, Forbes created a company called Maximum Lawn Care, LLC, and opened bank accounts where cash from the drug dealer was deposited.
Forbes agreed not to charge a fee for laundering the drug dealer’s money until she had laundered $170,000 so that the dealer could use the funds to purchase more marijuana. Forbes also agreed to let the drug dealer store 40 pounds of marijuana at her house.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering and each of the money laundering counts; and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each of the two marijuana counts.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Housing and Urban Development investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Sean C. Costa, 24, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 9, 2012, in Wichita, Kan.
Costa initially was charged in a criminal complaint filed Jan. 17 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. The complaint alleged that on Jan. 9 the Wichita Police Department was called to a report of shots fired at the McDonald’s restaurant at 6350 W. Kellogg in Wichita. The victims reported that the disturbance had begun when another car tried to cut in front of them in the drive thru. They said a male in the other car had stepped out of the vehicle and fired a shotgun at them. The blast struck the post between the driver’s side front and back doors of the victims’ car.
While investigating the case, Wichita police officers served a search warrant at 2440 Newell in Wichita. Costa was arrested and police recovered a Mossberg pump action shotgun from a crawl space next to Costa’s bed. Costa denied shooting the gun at McDonald’s.
Because had a prior felony conviction on a charge of aggravated assault in 2011 he was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
Carin Leon-Pacheco, 38, who is not a citizen of the United States, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of a felony an deported. He was found Sept. 25, 2012, in Wyandotte County, 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 investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken is prosecuting.
Brandon Milhouse, 27, Overland Park, Kan., is charged with possession of 43 counterfeit $100 bills and nine counterfeit $20 bills. The crime is alleged to have occurred Nov. 27, 2012, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Immigration Document FraudRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A woman from Mexico has pleaded guilty to immigration document fraud in a case that made national headlines, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Benita Cardona-Gonzalez, 32, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing fraudulently obtained identification documents including a Social Security card and a Texas birth certificate in the name of another woman. Cardona-Gonzalez used the documents to obtain employment and credit.
The case made national headlines in October when a Houston school teacher told the story of how her identity had been stolen. She recounted how she learned that her identity had been used to take out a mortgage loan and even to get medical care for the birth of two children.
Sentencing is set for March 25. Prosecutors and the defendant have agreed to recommend a sentence of 18 months in federal prison with the understanding that Cardona-Gonzalez will be deported after serving her sentence.
Grissom commended the Kansas Department of Revenue, the Social Security Administration, Office Inspector General, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson for their work on the case.Sentence: 8 Years in Federal Prison for Convicted Felon with GunRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Hutchinson man with a felony conviction record including involuntary manslaughter has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Joshua W. Whitehurst, 35, Hutchinson, Kan., was sentenced Monday to 96 months in federal prison. Whitehurst pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. He unlawfully possessed a Highpoint 9 mm handgun when he was arrested Jan. 3, 2012, in Harvey County.
“Kansas was third in the nation last year for the number of federal firearms prosecutions,” Grissom said. “The fight against gun violence is a top priority.”
Whitehurst was prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions, including a 2003 conviction in Harvey County District Court on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.Indictment: California Man Drove to KansasWith Four Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A federal grand jury today returned an indictment against a California man who was arrested in Thomas County, Kan., charging him with possession with intent to distribute four kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Patrick Yarborough, 35, Lawndale, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of interstate travel in furtherance of drug trafficking. The indictment alleges he had traveled from California to Kansas for the purpose of drug trafficking when he was arrested Oct. 11, 2013.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on the possession with intent to distribute charge, and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the interstate travel charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Costel Neicu, 33, a citizen of Romania, is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of possessing false passports, two counts of possessing false immigration documents, two counts of producing false immigration documents and one count of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 1, 2012, in Ellis 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 first four counts of possessing false documents, a maximum penalty of 15 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count of producing false documents, and a mandatory two years to run consecutive to other sentences and a fine up to $250,000 on the aggravated identity theft count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Marcos Salvatierra-Martinez, 25, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Dec. 12, 2013, in Wichita, 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 Wichita Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Jaime Ollarzabal-Lopez, 28, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. He was found Dec. 4, 2013, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison without parole and a fine up to $250,000 on the re-entry charge, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Wichita Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.
Darrin Kebert, Jr., 28, Cherryvale, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 23, 2013, Montgomery County, Kan.If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million on methamphetamine charge, not less than five years consecutive to the sentence on the drug charge and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm charge. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation 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.
Three Defendants Convicted in $28.5 Million Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. A federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against three men convicted for their roles in a $28 million drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Marvin Lee Ellis, 36, Kansas City, Kan., was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, three counts of distributing crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking at 921 Haskell in Kansas City, Kan., one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Robert Vasquez, 40, Socorro, Texas, was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering.
Vernon Brown, 36, Kansas City, Kan., was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.A fourth defendant, Kyle Stephen, was acquitted.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization that in October 2010 became the target of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Investigators worked to identify both suppliers and customers of co-defendant Djuane Sykes.
The investigation yielded the seizure and forfeiture of more than $2 million in cash, 194 firearms, 29 vehicles, 26 kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of crack.
Prosecutors presented evidence that the traffickers employed a group of couriers who would transport cocaine and marijuana from Mexico to Kansas City, and U.S. currency from the Kansas City area south to be smuggled into Mexico. Robert Vazquez was one of those couriers. On Jan. 13, 2012, investigators were watching when Vasquez met other conspirators at the Swift commercial trucking center in Edwardsville, Kan., and placed a bag inside his semitrailer truck. Investigators followed him to the area of Pratt, Kan., where the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped him and seized a black duffel bag containing $549,495 in U.S. currency.
During trial, prosecutors also presented evidence that members of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department’s narcotics unit working undercover were able to buy crack cocaine several times in February and March 2012 from Marvin Ellis at 921 Haskell and at other locations in Kansas City, Kan. In addition, prosecutors presented evidence that Vernon Brown purchased quantities of crack cocaine from Sykes for several years and he sold it to individuals who came to the 2200 block of Russell to purchase drugs.
Ellis, Vasquez and Brown will be set for sentencing at a later date. They face the following potential penalties:
- Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million.
- Distributing crack cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
- Maintaining a drug involved residence: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering: A maximum penalty of 10 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.
Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.
Kansas City Man Charged with Nine Robberies in Less Than Two WeeksRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., was charged today with committing robberies at nine stores in less than two weeks, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Thursday.
Llewellyn Richard, 44, Kansas City, Kan., was charged in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., with nine counts of robbery.
Court records identified the robberies as:
– Boost Mobile, 3726 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 21, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2272 Quindaro, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 1251 Central Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Quick Service gas station, 7959 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 25, 2012.
– Boost Mobile, 7640 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 26, 2012.
– Cricket store, 4635 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 27, 2012.
– Sally’s Beauty Supply, 5020 Roe Boulevard, Roeland Park, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Dollar General, 2801 S. 47th Street, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 28, 2012.
– Family Dollar, 3129 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan., Dec. 30, 2012.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, the first robbery at the Boost Mobile store occurred at about 1:14 p.m. Dec. 21 when Richard walked behind the counter, grabbed a clerk around the waist and demanded money. He gestured to her as if he had a gun in his jacket pocket. He fled the store with the money.In the second robbery at the Dollar General Store on Dec. 24, he walked behind the counter and pushed the clerk. The clerk stated she felt what she believed to be a gun that the robber shoved into her back. She said he threatened her, saying “Don’t look at me! Don’t turn around!”
On Jan. 1, 2013, officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department stopped a 1997 red GMC pickup. The driver pulled over and then drove away when the officers approached the truck. A pursuit ended when the truck crashed and Richard was arrested.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Saline County Man Sentenced to 11+ Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Saline County man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Shane Curtis Sheets, 33, New Cambria, Kan., was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison. Sheets pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted to conspiring with co-defendants Lisandro Clara-Fernandez, Kevin Dale Ashcraft and Dennis Augustine to distribute methamphetamine in the metropolitan area of Salina, Kan.
The investigation began when the 1-35/I-70 Drug Task Force based in Salina developed information that Augustine and Ashcraft were operating a drug trafficking organization. Investigators learned that on Nov. 27, 2011, Ashcraft was meeting Clara-Fernandez on I-70 in Wabaunsee County, Kan. At the meeting approximately 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine was transferred to Ashcraft. Shortly afterwards, law enforcement officers arrested Ashcraft with the drugs.
Investigators learned that Ashcraft regularly received methamphetamine from Clara-Fernandez and that for every pound of methamphetamine he received he distributed a quarter pound to Sheets on credit. Sheets was distributing to other dealers and users down the line.
Co-defendants included the following:
Lisandro Clara-Fernandez, who was sentenced to 54 months.
Kevin Dale Ashcraft, who was sentenced to 94 months.
Dennis Augustine, who was sentenced to 240 months.Grissom commended the 1-35/I-70 Drug Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.