District of Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman for drug trafficking offenses between April 2023 and May 2023. 

According to court documents, Mana E. Reyes, 48, of Wichita is charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ola Odeyemi and Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Oleg Popov, 29, was indicted on one count of failure to register as a sex offender. The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

Regan Riner, 30, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lanny Welch and Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case. 

Abram Velo, 40, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lanny Welch and Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging multiple people for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine within the state of Kansas and elsewhere between February 2020 and July 2023. 

According to court documents, Jose Roman, 43, Marcos Valencia Jr, 32, Ezequil Castro, 37, Juan Gonzalez (all of Kansas City, Kansas), Manuel Alvarez, 28, of Seneca, Manuel Faudoa, 23, of Dodge City, and Gerardo Sierra-Martinez, 21, of Kansas City, Missouri, are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Roman is also charged with five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of money laundering.

Sierra-Martinez is charged with two counts of money laundering for allegedly sending money wire transfers totaling $55,500 to a person in Mexico City, Mexico in order to promote unlawful activity. He is also charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

Gonzalez and Faudoa are charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and Alvarez is charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Jackson County, Missouri Drug Task Force, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nebraska Highway Patrol, and the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting the case.

OCDETF Strike Force Cases

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.  The specific mission of the OCDETF Kansas City Metro Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Western District of Missouri and District of Kansas. The OCDETF Kansas City Metro Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Kansas City, Missouri, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service (USMS), the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Missouri (USAO-WDMO), the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation Division (IRS/CID), the United States Secret Service (USSS), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS),  and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office -District of Kansas held an investiture ceremony at the Wichita U.S. Courthouse for U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. Chief Judge Eric F. Melgren administered the oath. 

U.S. Attorney Brubacher was officially sworn in to serve as the presidentially-appointed and U.S. Senate-confirmed U.S. Attorney on March 10, 2023, by United States District Judge Julie Robinson. An investiture is a more formal, ceremonial event to mark Brubacher’s appointment. Judges, former U.S. Attorneys, law enforcement, and community members attended on August 4, 2023, at the federal courthouse for the occasion. Brubacher is the first woman to hold the position. Seven former U.S. Attorneys gathered to celebrate the District and mark the historic event with a photo. 

“Along with expressing my gratitude for the honor of this role,” Brubacher said, “I want to assure the People of the District and this Court that fairness, equality, and impartiality are the guiding principles of the USAO in Kansas.”

Brubacher also thanked partners and the community for joining the USAO as they “protect the public in their safety and rights, and uphold the rule of law.”

United States District Chief Judge, the Honorable Eric. F. Melgren presided over the event. The ceremony also included remarks by Jon Gering, Raylene Hinz Penner and Jill Docking, who are personal and professional mentors to Brubacher. Dale Schrag gave the invocation and Brubacher’s children participated in the event as well.  

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WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a federal relief program designed to help United States business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to court documents, Timothy Dale Warren, 59, of Haysville served as owner of Titan Medical Center which offered chiropractic care, school sports physicals, and other services in Wichita. In May 2020 and April 2021, Warren submitted false documents to banks in order to fraudulently obtain two loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the CARES Act. 

In August 2020, the defendant converted $35,500.00 in criminally obtained funds into a cashier’s check then deposited money into a business bank account at another financial institution. Warren acknowledges his actions caused the SBA a total loss of $145,877.70. 

“The federal government created programs to provide economic relief to businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 related shutdowns,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Unfortunately, Timothy Warren manipulated a well-intentioned program into a mechanism of personal financial gain and must now be held accountable.”  

Warren is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Department of Defense- Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Defense Contract Audit Agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the IRS-Criminal Investigations are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting the case. 

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Kansas men were sentenced to substantial terms of imprisonment following their convictions on kidnapping, firearm, and drug charges. 

In February 2023, a federal jury found David Carr, 36, of Kansas City, and James Michael Poterbin, 47, of Edwardsville, guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. 

On July 6, 2023, a U.S. District Judge sentenced Carr to life in prison and Poterbin to 40 years’ imprisonment.

The convictions and sentences relate to the 2019 kidnapping and torture of a victim in Kansas City, Kansas. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, after Carr and Poterbin mistakenly believed a woman had stolen drug money from them, they kidnapped her boyfriend and demanded payment for his release.  

After beating, shooting, and stabbing the victim, Carr and Poterbin believed the victim was dead and left him in the house for days before he was discovered by another individual. After the victim was found alive and rescued, Carr ordered a co-conspirator to burn the house to the ground, endangering neighbors and first responders.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department investigated the case. The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department investigated the arson.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and D. Christopher Oakley prosecuted the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania presented the indictment to a grand jury and prepared the case for trial.  

OCDETF Strike Force Cases

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The Kansas City Metro Strike Force’s mission also includes targeting violent street gangs and cartel members operating in and around the metropolitan area that are engaged in violent offenses and firearms offenses.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with one count of making a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. 

According to court documents, Trenton Espinoza, 19, of Wichita is accused of modifying an Anderson Manufacturing rifle to an overall length of less than 26 inches and to a barrel length of less than 16 inches.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Adonis Wade Freeman, 36, and Kristie Griffin, 58, both of Kechi were indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of using or maintaining a drug premises. Freeman was also indicted on two counts possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 10 counts of money laundering. IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Barnett is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man on two counts of theft of government money or property, and one count of engaging in illegal monetary transactions. 

According to court documents, Jack Crowder, 34, of Wichita is accused of stealing $17,688.00 from the U.S. Department of Labor on September 7, 2022, and $5,412.00 from the U.S. Department of Labor on September 8, 2022.

The defendant made his initial court appearance on June 28, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne E. Birzer of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. 

The IRS- Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – United States Attorney Kate E. Brubacher encourages the citizens of Kansas to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2023, and to remain vigilant on behalf of our older family, friends, and loved ones who are at increased risk of abuse and fraud.

Older persons are at higher risk of exploitation, emotional and physical abuse, neglect, financial frauds, and scams, which can be perpetrated against them by strangers, trusted friends, and family alike. In addition to exploiting close relationships, abusers can contact older adults by phone, email, mail, social media, and the internet. Staying connected with older adults, encouraging trust and transparency regarding their relationships and contacts, and reducing social isolation are some of the most powerful tools in our community arsenal for combatting abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

These intentional and negligent acts affect millions of older adults every year, with wide-reaching implications on victims’ physical and emotional health, their finances, and their dignity and sense of trust. Unfortunately, the unprecedented challenges of the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated vulnerabilities that tend to disproportionally impact older adults.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas remains steadfastly committed to supporting and coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat abuse of our elder citizens. Schemes to defraud these citizens with tactics such as social security and tax imposter scams, tech support scams, lottery scams, and romance scams are priorities the Office continues to investigate and prosecute on an ongoing basis.

Last year, in the District of Kansas, Oyindamola Akinrinola was sentenced on November 15, 2022, to six months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to her plea agreement, Arkinrinola participated in a scheme involving Facebook messages from an individual who purported to be with FedEx. Victims were led to believe they won a $130,000 grant and that FedEx would deliver the cash if the victims paid a “case file fee”. When victims said they did not have money to pay the “fee”, they allowed the purported Facebook account holder to purchase iPhones through their Verizon account and mail them to Arkinrinola. Victims also received an image from the Facebook account claiming to be from the IRS and requesting $15,000 before the grant funds were released. The victims never received any of the grant money they supposedly won from FedEx. 

Akinrinola also admitted receiving more than $160,000 in deposits related to scams and remitting the majority of money to Nigeria after keeping a portion of the scammed proceeds for herself.

Also, last year a federal grand jury in Topeka indicted a U.S. Army service member for allegedly participating in a scheme to fraudulently obtain approximately $149,476 from at least 25 individuals.

On March 3, 2023, Innocent Ugwu, a U.S Army service member plead guilty to wire fraud to fraudulently obtain approximately $149,476 from victims.  According to the plea agreement, Ugwu engaged in a scheme to defraud and to obtain money from victims across the United States.  Specifically, Ugwu engaged in a romance and/or advanced fee scheme by falsely claiming there was money internationally that could not be accessed until the victim paid a small amount of taxes; claiming ailments or hardships to entice the victim to transfer money for life saving medical procedures; and also contacted victims pretending to be an attorney and requesting money as a retainer to pursue the fraudsters to recoup the victim's original loss.  He then transferred the money to and through multiple bank accounts opened and controlled by him.

Ugwu is scheduled to be sentenced June 20, 2023.

The Department of Justice maintains a robust set of resources to educate yourself and your loved ones about these issues at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, please call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time. Services are available for speakers of English, Spanish, and other languages. You may also report suspected elder fraud by calling the Denver FBI field office at (303) 629-7171.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in order to raise the public consciousness to these too often underrecognized and underreported violations of human rights.

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TOPEKA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a Missouri man on one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, after he was arrested in an undercover operation. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Steven E. Spradley, 58, of Kansas City, Missouri, traveled from Jackson County, Missouri, to Osage County, Kansas, in July 2021 to have sex with whom he believed to be a 17-year-old girl he met online. Spradley was actually communicating with an investigator from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office posing as a minor. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is part of the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Spradley faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“While child predators have long been a threat, the internet has greatly extended their reach to seek out victims,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “As these criminals scour for opportunities to prey on our young people, I applaud law enforcement officers for their proactive approach to catching these criminals and hopefully put them behind bars before a child falls victim.”

“This conviction holds Mr. Spradley accountable for his shameful and predatory actions. It underscores our continued commitment to have our children grow up without fear of exploitation and the importance of our state and local law enforcement partnerships in stopping those who attempt to harm the most vulnerable in our community,” said Charles Dayoub, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation  (FBI) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Walton and Stephen Hunting are prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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A Kansas man was indicted by a federal grand jury for using guns, death threats and racial slurs to intimidate Black people and interfere with multiple federally-protected rights.

The indictment alleges that, on July 27, 2022, Austin Schoemann, 30, of Wichita, brandished a firearm and used racial slurs in order to threaten two Black juveniles, Victims 1 and 2, while they were entering a QuikTrip gasoline station. In addition to intimidating and interfering with the two young men, Schoemann used his firearm to threaten a Black adult, Victim-3, who intervened in support of the juveniles’ federally-protected right to be free from racial discrimination when visiting a gasoline station. The indictment also charges Schoemann with using a firearm during and in relation to these crimes of violence.

The indictment further alleges that beginning in January 2022 and continuing through August 2022, Schoemann interfered with the federally-protected housing rights of a white woman, Victim-4, by making threats to hurt or kill any Black people who visited her home. The indictment alleges that Schoemann made many of these threats in-person, and that he would stand outside of Victim-4’s house and shout threats and racial slurs on occasions when he believed she had Black visitors in her house or planned to do so. Schoemann is also charged with two violations of using the internet to distribute videos and messages to Victim-4’s family members and others in which he repeatedly threatened to shoot and kill Black people.  

Schoemann faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearms charges, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for distribution of threating messages online and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. 

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office made the announcement. 

The FBI Kansas City Field Office investigated the case.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A Kansas man was indicted by a federal grand jury for using guns, death threats and racial slurs to intimidate Black people and interfere with multiple federally-protected rights.

The indictment alleges that, on July 27, 2022, Austin Schoemann, 30, of Wichita, brandished a firearm and used racial slurs in order to threaten two Black juveniles, Victims 1 and 2, while they were entering a QuikTrip gasoline station. In addition to intimidating and interfering with the two young men, Schoemann used his firearm to threaten a Black adult, Victim-3, who intervened in support of the juveniles’ federally-protected right to be free from racial discrimination when visiting a gasoline station. The indictment also charges Schoemann with using a firearm during and in relation to these crimes of violence.

The indictment further alleges that beginning in January 2022 and continuing through August 2022, Schoemann interfered with the federally-protected housing rights of a white woman, Victim-4, by making threats to hurt or kill any Black people who visited her home. The indictment alleges that Schoemann made many of these threats in-person, and that he would stand outside of Victim-4’s house and shout threats and racial slurs on occasions when he believed she had Black visitors in her house or planned to do so. Schoemann is also charged with two violations of using the internet to distribute videos and messages to Victim-4’s family members and others in which he repeatedly threatened to shoot and kill Black people.  

Schoemann faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearms charges, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for distribution of threating messages online and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. 

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas and Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayoub of the FBI Kansas City Field Office made the announcement. 

The FBI Kansas City Field Office investigated the case.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 262 months in prison for creating pornographic images of children.

In February 2023, Marquis Williams, 31, of Shawnee pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. 

According to court documents in May 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent information to the Shawnee Police Department about possible child pornography or solicitations over the Internet. The Shawnee Police Department is a partner in the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The tip stated 230 child pornography images had been uploaded into a Dropbox account.

An investigation led to Marquis Williams, and with a search warrant for his residence, officers retrieved a cell phone that included 550 images of suspected child pornography. Some of the images were of Williams molesting two children under the age of 12. Williams admitted to investigators that the Dropbox account was his and admitted to the sexual assaulting the children.

“The United States Secret Service is proud of the effective partnerships it maintains with the Shawnee Police Department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the United States Attorney’s Office, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in seeing justice served in this case,” said Kansas City Field Office Special Agent in Charge Brandon Bridgeforth.  “We can think of no greater outcome than this sentence in protecting our children from predators such as Marquis Williams.”

The Shawnee Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in a Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man on drug trafficking charges.

According to court documents, Noel Carias Marin, 47, of Wichita was indicted on four counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intention to distribute methamphetamine. Marin has been known to also go by the name Ruben Gonzalez Lopez. 

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ola Odeyemi and Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Cody McCormick, 27, of Wichita was indicted on three counts of making a threat against the President of the United States. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Treaster and Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

Kenny Rivera-Colon, 28, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Treaster and Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a Missouri man with robbing a bank in Kansas.

According to court documents, in February 2023, Troy Robbins, 53, of Smithville, Missouri, is accused of entering a Chase Bank in Leawood, Kansas, and using force to take U.S. currency from a bank employee.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a woman and a man from Kansas with drug trafficking crimes. 

According to court documents, Regan Viner, 29, and Abram Velo, 41, both of Wichita, are charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intention to distribute and one count of possession of fentanyl with intention to distribute. Velo is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Jomarion E. Nelson, 19, and Dornayja D. Acon, 19, both of Wichita were indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Goddard Police Department, and the Mesa, Arizona Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging six people with conspiring to smuggle contraband into a federal prison in Kansas. 

Dale Gaver III, 35, Dale Gaver II, 54, Joshua Hamilton, 37, and Rex Hill, 33, all of Omaha, Nebraska, are charged with one count of conspiracy to provide and possess contraband in prison. Additionally, Melvin Edwards, 44, and Tamarae Hollman, 36, of Riverside, California, are charged with one count of conspiracy to provide and possess contraband in prison.

According to court documents, between August 2020 and May 2021, Edwards, Gaver II, Gaver III, Hamilton, Hill, and Hollman are accused of conspiring to smuggle prohibited items into Leavenworth Penitentiary by allegedly using a drone to drop contraband such as cellular phones, K2 (synthetic cannabinoid), marijuana, and tobacco into the yard. 

Hill is also charged with one count of attempting to provide prison contraband. Gaver III, an inmate at Leavenworth Penitentiary during the conspiracy time frame, is also charged with one count of attempted possession of prison contraband and one count of possession of prison contraband.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man admits to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program of approximately $1 million intended to help elderly and low income residents with rental housing expenses. Perry Johnson, 55, of Ozawkie pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on loan or credit applications.

Rural Development works with rental property owners to subsize rent and maintenance repair expenses on behalf of low income and elderly tenants. Rural Development has a policy requiring all properties to submit Identity of Interest (IOI) disclosures concerning any personal relationships with vendors performing work on properties.

According to court documents, between 2014 and 2017, Johnson worked as the regional manager of a company that managed 47 properties in Kansas. He was responsible for each property’s budget and approval of contracts. Johnson ignored the IOI policy and created approximately $1 million in vendor maintenance and repair invoices in the names of relatives and friends from which he financially benefited. Johnson also created false worksheets claiming his son resided at three different rural housing apartments although his son was never a tenant at any of those properties.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The USDA – Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A former nurse was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison for stealing fentanyl from two hospitals where she worked. 

Faith Naccarato, 42, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to two counts of tampering with a consumer product and two counts of possession of fentanyl by deception and subterfuge. 

According to court documents, between January 2020 and April 2020, Naccarato, used her fingerprint to remove vials of fentanyl from an automated dispensing cabinet in the surgical specialty unit at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park. She replaced the fentanyl with saline solution before placing the vials back in the cabinet.

Between February 2020 and April 2020, Naccarato took vials of fentanyl from an automated dispensing cabinet in the noninvasive cardiology unit at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Meriam. She replaced the fentanyl with saline solution and then placed the vials back in the cabinet.

Naccarato told investigators she stole the fentanyl for personal use. 

“Our medical facilities are not immune from the effects of the growing fentanyl addiction crisis in our country, and as a result, the District of Kansas prosecutes a growing number of cases against health care providers accused of stealing medication intended to go to patients,” said Kate E. Brubacher,

U.S. Attorney. “The Justice Department believes stopping these abuses is paramount to guarding the public trust: people must have confidence in the integrity of their health care.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Trent Krug prosecuted the case.

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KANSAS CIY, KAN. – A Kansas man who led police on a high-speed chase was sentenced to 195 months in prison for drug trafficking. 

According to court documents, in October 2022, Russell Loomis, 50, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

In September 2019, Loomis went to a home in Kansas City, Kansas, to deliver approximately 86 grams of methamphetamine in what was a controlled buy set up by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Loomis drove away from the residence, and a short time later the Kansas City, Missouri police attempted to pull him over. Loomis refused to stop and initiated a chase in which multiple law enforcement agencies and an aerial unit joined in the pursuit. Loomis struck two DEA vehicles, a Kansas Highway Patrol vehicle, and a Kansas Department of Transportation dump truck before eventually losing control and crashing. He was then taken into custody. Law enforcement officers found 150.6 grams of methamphetamine and guns in his vehicle.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Olathe Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra, Trent Krug, and Michelle McFarlane prosecuted the case.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with stealing gift cards from the mail as an employee of United States Postal Service.

According to court documents, Paula Kendall, 39, of Haysville was indicted on three counts of theft of mail by postal employee for allegedly stealing mail between November and December 2022. 

The U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Clifton Ray Weatherspoon, 30, and Antonio Dawayne Knight, 24, both of Wichita were indicted on one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Weatherspoon was also indicted on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deb Barnett and Ola Odeyemi are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas is warning the public about phone scams in which callers spoof or fraudulently display themselves as having numbers belonging to government agencies in attempt to defraud victims of money. 

Anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from a government or law enforcement agency while demanding payment is encouraged to immediately hang up. Scammers will do everything they can to keep you from ending the call. Since spoofed phone numbers belong to a legitimate agency, please take the next step by directly calling the agency in question. 

A legitimate caller will encourage you to take the time to verify the information.  

“If the first time you hear about supposedly owing the government money that must be paid immediately is through a phone call, it’s more than likely a scam. That’s not how the government does business, so please take the time to find out if the number in your Caller ID actually belongs to the person with whom you are speaking,” said Duston Slinkard, First Assistant.

If you are a victim of a phone or an online scam, immediately contact the bank you used to try to recall the wire transfer. Then file an online complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.IC3.gov).

###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 18 months in prison and his nursing license forfeited after stealing controlled substances from his employer.

According to court documents, in March 2021, Alec Ramirez, 32, of Overland Park removed vials of fentanyl and hydromorphone from an automated dispensing cabinet at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park and replaced the substances with an alternate liquid before returning the vials to the cabinet.

In December 2022, Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of possession of fentanyl by deception and subterfuge.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Trent Krug prosecuted the case.

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for bank fraud and tax fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud her former employers of millions of dollars.  

In May 2022, Nancy Martin, 78, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aid or assist filing a false tax document. Martin defrauded Mid-Kansas Wound Specialists and Emergency Services P.A. for whom she worked as a bookkeeper, business manager, and chief operating officer. Between 2012 to 2017, Martin embezzled approximately $3.1 million by fraudulently obtaining money from her employers’ banks meanwhile falsifying accounting entries to disguise the embezzlement as payments or transferred funds between entities. Martin spent the stolen funds on personal expenses, travel, and investments.

From 2013 to 2016, Martin either filed tax returns or caused tax returns to be filed to the Internal Revenue Service that omitted income.

In addition to the 48 months in prison, a federal judge ordered Martin to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution to the victims and approximately $670,000 in restitution to the IRS.

“For years Nancy Martin abused her employment position and betrayed the trust of her employers to steal millions of dollars from them, and for that reason she is going to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “The role of the prosecution was to seek justice and try to help victims recover their financial losses.” 

“IRS Criminal Investigation was able to see through Ms. Martin’s sophisticated embezzlement scheme in order to bring justice to the victims involved,” said St. Louis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock.  “Ms. Martin’s prison time sends a clear message that bank fraud and tax fraud have serious consequences.”  

The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith prosecuted the case. 

###
 

WICHITA, KAN.– A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with sex trafficking. 

According to court documents, Markeece Anderson, 30, of Wichita is charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Anderson allegedly coerced a woman to engage in commercial sexual acts.

The Wichita Police Department is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Veronica Mora-Medero, 48, of Ontario, California, was indicted on one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted two Kansas men of kidnapping, drug, and gun charges in connection with the 2019 torture of a victim in Kansas City, Kansas.   

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, David Carr, 36, of Kansas City, and James Michael Poterbin, 46, of Edwardsville, supplied methamphetamine that was sold in the Kansas City metropolitan area.  In April 2019, Carr and Poterbin kidnapped the boyfriend of a woman whom they mistakenly believed had stolen drug money from them.  

Carr and Poterbin bound the victim with zip-ties and duct-taped a shirt to his head, pistol-whipped him multiple times, smashed his fingers and beat him with a blunt object, shot him in the legs, and forced a co-conspirator to stab him in the leg. They then wrapped him in plastic and left him alone in the house.  During the torture, Carr and Poterbin used the victim’s phone to contact his girlfriend and demand money in exchange for his release.  

A few days after the victim was released, Carr ordered a co-conspirator to burn the house to the ground, which he did.  

A jury found Carr and Poterbin guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

Sentencing hearings are scheduled for Carr and Poterbin on May 1, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively, before U.S. District Judge Julie A. Robinson.  They each face a maximum of penalty of life imprisonment.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department investigated the case.  The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department investigated the arson and has provided invaluable assistance.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and D. Christopher Oakley are prosecuting the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania presented the indictment to a grand jury and prepared the case for trial.  

OCDETF Strike Force Cases

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The Kansas City Metro Strike Force’s mission also includes targeting violent street gangs and cartel members operating in and around the metropolitan area that are engaged in violent offenses and firearms offenses.

###

KANSAS CITY, KAN. –  A Kansas man was sentenced to 96 months in prison time followed by five years of supervised release after he admitted to possessing child pornography images. 

In September 2022, Justin Packham, 34, of Shawnee pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Based on a cybertip, the Shawnee Police Department launched an investigation that revealed dozens of child pornography images had been uploaded into Google Drive using an email account in Packham’s name. Using a subsequent search warrant for Packham’s residence, Shawnee investigators found more than 1,000 child pornography photos and videos on various electronic devices and thumb drives. 

The U.S. Secret Service and the Shawnee Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A California man was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for child pornography distribution.

According to court documents, in August 2022, Bradley Wiley, 29, of Chico, California, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. 

In August 2021, while Wiley was a member of U.S. Air Force stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, he used a Whatsapp account to send another user images of prepubescent children made to engage in sexual acts.

The Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging two people with transporting methamphetamine across state lines.

According to court documents, Orlando Payan-Parra, 39, and Erika Cardona-Carrizales, 43, both of Coachella, California, are charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in air of racketing enterprises. Payan-Parra and Cardona-Carrizales allegedly traveled from California to Kansas with intent to distribute controlled substances. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Miguel Ordonez-Ramirez, 29, was indicted on one count of unlawful entry after deportation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. 

According to court documents, Javyn Johnson, 24, of Wichita sold Chanelle Pratt, 29, of Wichita, what she thought to be two Percocet pills in August 2019. Later the same day, Pratt was found dead in her home after ingesting one of the pills. An autopsy determined her cause of death to be Fentanyl toxicity. In his plea agreement, Johnson claims he didn’t know the tablets contained Fentanyl, however, he acknowledges giving her the Fentanyl that caused her death. 

“Our nation is in the midst of a crisis where lives are lost every day due to Fentanyl poisoning,” said U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “This case is an example of how the Department of Justice will hold people who distribute Fentanyl accountable.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Wichita Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak are prosecuting the case.

###

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced to 33 months in prison for bank fraud. 

According to court documents, Stephenie Stites, 52, of Overland Park worked as the accounts payable clerk for Norbrook Inc. In 2020, Norbrook noticed accounting discrepancies and when confronted, Stites admitted to making approximately $72,000 in unauthorized charges on the company’s credit card. A full review showed she’d embezzled more than $712,000 from Norbrook by creating two fake companies and manipulating invoices. As indicated in her plea agreement, Stites spent the stolen money to pay for personal expenses such as home and vehicle expenses, travel, hotels, real estate, and other disbursements. 

A federal judge sentenced Stites to 33 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $712,890.27 in restitution to the victim company. 

Charles Dayoub, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Office of the FBI said, “Stites perpetuated a scheme, misappropriating funds to fake companies and misusing company credit cards for personal gain.  Her actions resulted in the embezzlement of over $700,000 and violated the trust placed in her by her employer.  This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigate financial fraud and to hold those individuals accountable for their actions.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan J. Huschka prosecuted the case.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man today for making death threats against a United States congressman. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Chase Neill, 32, of Lawrence was found guilty of one count of threatening to murder U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner of Kansas. 

Neill is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2023 at 9 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Capitol Police  and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Skip Jacobs and Steve Hunting are prosecuting the case.

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WICHTA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with crimes related to drug trafficking and firearms.

According to court documents, Clinton Bruner, 49, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Annali L. Vanarsdale, 19, of Wichita was indicted on one count of bank robbery. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mona Furst and Jason Hart are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of defrauding federal and state agencies by a total of $355,550 in COVIID-19 business recovery funds.  

Michael Capps, 44, of Wichita was found guilty of submitting false and fraudulent documents on behalf of his companies to Emprise Bank for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans, as well as to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Business Working Capital grants.

The jury convicted Capps of: •    one count of false statement to a bank for a PPP loan,  •    one count of bank fraud – PPP loan,  •    two counts of false statement to the SBA for EIDL loan,  •    two counts of wire fraud SBA,  •    two counts of wire fraud Kansas Department of Commerce, and
•    four counts of money laundering.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Metzger and Molly Gordon prosecuted the case.

###

TOPEKA, KAN.– A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with producing, receiving, and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, Andrew Joseph Greeve, 20, of Topeka was indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – distribution of child pornography, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – receipt of child pornography, one count of sexual exploitation of a mnor – possession of child pornography, and two counts of commission of sex offense by registered offender.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton is prosecuting the case.

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation please contact the FBI Topeka Office at 785-231-1700 or tips.fbi.gov.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - PharmScript of KS, LLC, a long-term care pharmacy in Lenexa, Kansas, has agreed to pay $3 million to resolve allegations that it violated federal law by dispensing controlled substances to residents in nursing and long-term care facilities without valid prescriptions and that the company was wrongfully reimbursed by the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

PharmScript of KS, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of PharmScript Holdco, LLC and provides medication and pharmaceutical services to patients in skilled nursing facilities and to residents in assisted living facilities in Kansas and Missouri.  PharmScript of KS, LLC self-reported violations of the Controlled Substances Act to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which conducted its own investigation.

“This resolution sends a message that there are rules to be followed when dispensing controlled substances,” said Duston Slinkard, United States Attorney for the District of Kansas. “This office makes it a priority to protect patients from being supplied drugs without valid prescriptions and to ensure that the limited federal program resources are spent according to federal law.”
Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis heads the Drug Enforcement Administration division that leads DEA investigations in Kansas and Missouri.

“Because opioids are highly addictive, doctors and pharmacies have a duty to ensure they are prescribing controlled medications according to law to protect their patients’ health and safety,” said Davis. “PharmScript’s dispensing practices were so egregious, it warranted a significant civil penalty.” 

“Improperly dispensing opioids undermines critical measures to address the opioid crisis and puts vulnerable patients at serious risk of overdose and harm,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to ensure that bad actors are held accountable for disregarding the safety and well-being of patients.” 

In nearly all circumstances, Schedule II controlled substances require a written prescription by a physician, and refills are not permitted by law. The Controlled Substances Act allows pharmacists to dispense Schedule II controlled substances, such as opioid pain medications, without a written prescription only in true emergency situations. When allowed for emergencies, it is only for the quantity of drugs necessary to treat the patient during the emergency period. Emergency prescriptions must promptly be reduced to writing and signed by an authorizing physician within seven days of issuance. Failure to meet these requirements results in an illegal dispensing of controlled substances without a valid prescription.  

The federal government alleged that between October 1, 2019, through March 31, 2021, PharmScript of KS, LLC dispensed Schedule II controlled substances for purported emergencies when quantities of the controlled substances dispensed were greater than what was adequate for the emergency period and that PharmScript of KS, LLC failed to obtain written prescriptions within seven days after a verbal authorization.  The government also alleged that other controlled substances were dispensed without a written prescription and when no verbal authorization was received from a physician.

The government also resolved claims that PharmScript of KS, LLC was improperly paid by the Medicare and Medicaid programs for dispensing controlled substances without valid prescriptions.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division, Kansas City Field Office, the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.

The case was handled by Jon Fleenor, Assistant United States Attorney and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Coordinator.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs office.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. 

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KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A Kansas man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $537,000 in restitution for defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of disability benefits. 

In August 2022, a federal jury convicted Bruce Hay, 54, of Greeley, a U.S. Army veteran, of six counts of wire fraud and 10 counts of theft of government funds. Hay misrepresented and exaggerated the extent of symptoms related to a purported conversion disorder diagnosis to receive more than $500,000 in VA disability benefits to which he was not entitled.

“Misrepresenting symptoms to the VA to fraudulently obtain benefits takes resources from deserving veterans and will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office.  “The VA OIG will continue to vigorously investigate those who would steal from VA benefits programs and taxpayers.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General and the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and D. Christopher Oakley prosecuted the case.

###

TOPEKA, KAN.– A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman and three Florida residents in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare.

According to court documents, Steven A. Churchill, 36, of Boca Raton, Florida, Samson K. Solomon, 25, of Margate, Florida, Elaine J. Balsamo, 58, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Fawn J. Lickteig, 42, of Lawrence, Kansas, are charged with: 

•    one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud;  •    eight counts of health care fraud;  •    six counts of mail fraud; and 
•    four counts of wire fraud. 

Churchill and Balsamo are also charged with four counts of money laundering.

Despite claiming to be a retail pharmacy, the defendants are accused of establishing a fraudulent mail order pharmacy.  Between February 2020 and February 2021, the defendants allegedly used Freestate Pharmacy to submit false claims to Medicare for prescriptions for patients who had not spoken with the doctor and who had not requested the medication. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Kenney and Skip Jacobs are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 345 months in prison for conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child (production of child pornography).

According to court documents, Dillon Everman, 30, of Parsons admitted in pleading guilty that he encouraged and requested co-defendant Dustin Strom to sexually abuse two young children and send him images of the abuse. Everman then saved the images and created a shareable link that he made available to Strom and others.

In October 2022, Dustin Strom, 26, of Parsons and was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child (production of child pornography). 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Gordon and Jason Hart prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for engaging in sexual acts with a child and taking nude pictures and videos of the child. 

According to court documents, in September 2022, Joshua Courtney, 35, of Bonner Springs pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and four counts of possession of child pornography.

Acting on cybertips submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement agents found dozens of pornographic images in Courtney’s Google photos. Courtney admitted to investigators to taking nude photos of a 10-year-old child, filming while he engaged in sexual acts with the child, and sending these materials to others. He also admitted receiving child pornography of other children on his cell phone.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

Joel Cypert, 35, of Columbus is accused of creating sexually explicit images of a prepubescent, minor victim.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

 Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a federal inmate with an assaulting two correctional officers.

According to court documents, Warren Richardson, 46, of Leavenworth Penitentiary is charged with two counts of attempted murder of a correctional officer, two counts of assaulting a correctional officer with a deadly weapon and inflicting bodily injury, two counts of assault of a correctional officer, and one count of possession of contraband in prison. On February 6, 2021, Richardson is accused of using a handmade weapon with a 1.5-inch sharpened metal point to stab two prison guards.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN.– A Kansas businessman was sentenced to one year and a day in prison for his involvement in falsifying his company’s financial statements. 

In January 2022, K. Kevin James, 65, of, Lenexa pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. James was a co-owner of KC United LLC, a holding company for multiple construction companies in Kansas City, Kansas, including Miller Paving LLC. According to court documents, James admitted that from 2008 to 2010, he coordinated with his accountant to manipulate Miller Paving’s quarterly financial records to falsely reflect profit to maintain the company’s banking and bonding relationships. 

Also, James failed to make the payroll taxes payments for three of his companies to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) totaling approximately $5,282,509. 

As part of his sentence, the court ordered James to pay more than $6 million in restitution to the IRS and the Bank of Blue Valley

“Employment taxes are an essential part of doing business. Business owners and their advisors have a responsibility to collect and turn over all taxes withheld to the IRS,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Murdock.  “Mr. James willfully conspired to falsify financial statements to avoid paying his share of his company’s employment taxes. The sentence reinforces the commitment of IRS-CI and its law enforcement partners to bringing tax cheats to justice.” 

IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIG-TARP) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble prosecuted the case.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas priest and a New York businessman in connection with a scheme to defraud a foster care organization of $10 million. 

According to court documents, Robert Nelson Smith, 50, of Salina is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering.

William Byrd Whymark, 50, of Mount Kisco, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering. 

Saint Francis Ministries (SFM) is a 501c(3) faith-based organization in Salina, Kansas, that provides foster care and social services in the states of Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 2018, the SFM board agreed to upgrade its IT systems, hardware, and software programs. As the SFM Chief Executive Officer, Robert Smith, an ordained Episcopal priest, entered into an agreement on behalf of SFM with a company owned by William Whymark. Smith is accused of approving and authorizing payments of fraudulent, overinflated invoices submitted by Whymark.

Smith is also accused of using SFM credit cards for personal, unauthorized expenditures.

Robert Smith is scheduled for his initial court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Kenney and Skipper Jacobs are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced on November 8, 2022 to 24 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm. On August 22, 2022, William McGold, 47, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

In April 2021, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies pulled McGold over in a traffic stop. McGold was unable to produce a driver’s license, and deputies discovered that the vehicle he was driving had been reported as stolen.  McGold was arrested, and the vehicle was searched.  During the search, deputies discovered a safe under the driver’s seat, and a key to the safe was located on McGold’s key chain.  When the safe was opened, deputies found a loaded firearm, which McGold admitted was his.  

McGold was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony conviction.  

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger prosecuted the case.

OTHER SENTENCINGS

Raul Galindo-Martha, 41, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to re-entry of a removed alien and was sentenced to 46 months. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger prosecuted the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri man has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery.

According to the complaint, Lucas John Royce Spies, 27, of Harrisonville, Missouri, allegedly used an intimidating note in an attempt to rob Bank Midwest on West 119th Street in Olathe, Kansas, on November 7, 2022. Spies is also accused of robbing U.S. Bank on West 119th Street in Olathe, Kansas, a short time later the same day.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Olathe Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan is prosecuting the case.

A complaint or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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MADISON, WIS. – An indictment has been returned today by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, charging a Windsor, Wisconsin man with two counts of making threats to injure an individual.  The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

The indictment charges Michael A. Yaker, 52, with sending electronic communications threatening to injure a Wisconsin citizen and with posting messages on Facebook threatening to injure a Wisconsin citizen.  The indictment alleges that Yaker sent the electronic communications and posted the messages on Facebook on October 27, 2022.

Yaker was charged with these offenses in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Madison on Friday, November 4.  Yaker was arrested in Syracuse, Kansas on November 4 and he made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Wichita, Kansas on Monday, November 7.  He was ordered held in custody.  His initial court appearance in Wisconsin has not been scheduled.   

If convicted, Yaker faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count.  The charges against Yaker are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Capitol Police, Hamilton County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney O’Shea is handling the prosecution.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon handled Yaker’s appearance in Kansas. 

You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with one count of sexual exploitation of a child -production of child pornography, three counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, Jimmy Lynn, 50, of Wichita is accused of using a young child to create sexually explicit images, and he’s accused of distributing child porn.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and Wichita Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Matthew Albretch, 31, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of aggravated identity theft. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting the case.

Brian Shrout, 56, of Wichita was indicted on one count of failure to register as a sex offender.  The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man and a Kansas woman were both sentenced to 60 years in prison for committing sexual crimes against children after prosecutors requested the statutory maximum for each count, to run consecutive to each other. 

In June 2022, Dustin Strom, 26, of Parsons pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child (production of child pornography). 

In July 2022, Thommie-Lyn Stansky, 28, of Parsons pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child (production of child pornography).

According to court documents, Strom and Stansky admitted that while living together as a romantic couple in February 2021, Strom expressed to Stansky his sexual interest in children. Stansky then created an image of herself sexually abusing a four-year-old victim and another image of herself sexually abusing a two-year-old victim. She shared these images with Strom. Strom also created images of himself sexually abusing the two -year-old and the four-year-old victims. 

In August 2021, a social media platform reported Strom to law enforcement after some images were sent to other people via the Internet. Federal agents examining Stansky and Strom’s cell phones and social media accounts found communications between them in which they discussed the sexual abuse of children and child pornography. 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Gordon and Jason Hart prosecuted the case.

Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two Kansas men have been charged through criminal complaint in Kansas City, Kansas, on charges related to alleged firearms thefts. Deldrick Bryant, 19, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Benjamin Custis, 19, are charged with two counts of burglary of a licensed firearms dealer.

According to a criminal complaint, on October 16, 2022, the Basehor Police Department responded to a commercial burglary at Free State Gun Company. The business owners told officers an estimated 50 firearms were missing including rifle platforms, shotguns, and pistols. 

Also according to the complaint, on October 17, 2022, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at Up In Arms, a gun shop in De Soto. After reviewing their inventory, the owners estimated 25 pistols were taken.

Surveillance videos from both scenes show a white Ford pickup was used to breach the businesses by ramming the front doors. On October 18, the pickup truck was spotted in Kansas City, Kansas and investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began tailing the vehicle. When law enforcement officers attempted to make contact, the driver hit a parked car and fled into Kansas City, Missouri where Kansas City, Missouri police officers were able to apprehend the occupants in the vehicle. Several firearms reported stolen from the businesses were recovered inside the pickup.

ATF agents searched the home where Bryant resides and recovered more stolen weapons. 

The Basehor Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    United States Attorney Duston Slinkard announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Jared Maag will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.  AUSA Maag has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the U.S. Attorney’s Office - District of Kansas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

    U.S. Attorney Slinkard said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

   The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

    Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

    U.S. Attorney Slinkard stated that, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Maag will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (785) 295-2850.”

    In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in field offices and resident agencies throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 816-512-8200.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

    U.S. Attorney Slinkard said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

    Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. 

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