Eastern District of Kentucky

COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati, Ohio man, Edvey L. Belton, 32, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, to 216 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning, for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl.

According to his plea agreement and other court documents, Belton conspired with Elmer Toler, Virgil Blake Daugherty, Michael Leonhardt, Lauren Smith, Natisha Sanford, Britni Ettleman, and others to distribute more than a kilogram of fentanyl between June 2018 and December 2018. Belton agreed that he supplied the fentanyl that was ultimately distributed by the members of the conspiracy and that he carried a firearm while participating in the conspiracy. Belton was previously convicted for Trafficking in Heroin from Ohio in 2011.

Belton is the last defendant to be sentenced in this conspiracy. The sentencings for six other defendants are as follows:

• Lauren Smith- 42 months and 3 years of supervised release
• Michael Leonhardt- 50 months and 5 years of supervised release
• Britni Ettleman- 60 months and 4 years of supervised release
• Natisha Sanford- 78 months and 5 months of supervised release
• Virgil Blake Daugherty- 96 months and 5 years of supervised release         
• Elmer Wayne Toler- 138 months and 8 years of supervised release           

Under federal law, Belton and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Belton will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years after completion of his prison term.

“Our Office is committed, along with our law enforcement partners, to holding accountable those individuals who distribute fentanyl and other lethal poisons in our neighborhoods. The defendants, through their conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, helped further addictions and spread misery in Covington and throughout Northern Kentucky,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The lengthy sentences imposed underscore the seriousness of the crimes committed and should send a clear message – if you are caught distributing deadly drugs in the Eastern District of Kentucky you will face significant prison time for your criminal conduct.”       

U.S. Attorney Duncan; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for FBI, Louisville Field Division, and Rob Nader, Chief of the Covington Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI and the Covington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Lexington, Kentucky man, Devaun Laquis Robertson, 27, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday, to 68 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Greg VanTatenhove, for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

According to his plea agreement, at the time of the offense, Robertson was on probation for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance First Degree.  As part of his parole conditions, Robertson was subject to home visits from law enforcement.  Robertson admitted that on March 20, 2019, Lexington Police, and officers from the State Probation and Parole, were conducting a home visit and found 39.4 grams of crack cocaine and a digital scale with residue.           

Under federal law, Robertson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for FBI, Louisville Field Division; Commissioner Kathleen Keeney, Kentucky Department of Corrections; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the Lexington Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In two separate indictments, a former Kentucky-based tobacco warehouse owner and two tobacco producers were indicted Thursday, and charged with engaging in a variety of crop insurance fraud and money laundering schemes.

Roger Wilson, former owner of Clay’s Tobacco Warehouse and Ag Wood, Inc., both in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, was indicted Thursday with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by committing crop insurance fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

As charged in his indictment, Wilson agreed with others to assist numerous producers in the Central Kentucky area to conceal their tobacco production, for the purpose of filing false crop insurance claims.  Wilson allegedly assisted farmers in obtaining fake tobacco purchase documentation and fake tobacco grade sheets, which the farmers would use to submit false claims of loss on their tobacco insurance policies.  Wilson is also alleged to have assisted these farmers in laundering the proceeds from the crop sales they hid, using the fake documentation he helped to provide.

Separately, John D. and Kevin C. Watkins, farmers in Nicholas County and elsewhere, were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by committing crop insurance fraud on their federal tobacco insurance policies, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud connected to their claims of loss on their private Crop-Hail tobacco insurance policies, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  John D. Watkins was also charged with four counts of crop insurance fraud, for policies in Crop Years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

As charged in this indictment, John D. Watkins underreported the amount of tobacco he produced over these four years, when he claimed damage to his tobacco crop in claims of loss on his federal tobacco insurance policies.  The indictment further alleges that John. D. and Kevin C. Watkins conspired together to do the same for tobacco insurance policies in Kevin Watkins’s name.  The indictment also alleges that John D. and Kevin C. Watkins presented false documentation in support of claims of loss on the private Crop Hail policies in their individual names as well as the policy in their business’s name, High Point Farms. Finally, the indictment charges that John D. and Kevin C. Watkins conspired together to launder the proceeds of their crop insurance scheme, through Clay’s Tobacco Warehouse.

John D. Watkins, and Kevin C. Watkins are set to appear for their initial appearances and arraignments on March 17 at 2 p.m.  Wilson's first appearance and arraignment will be on March 17 at 2:30 p.m. All three face up to 5 years imprisonment for each count of conspiracy to defraud and up to 20 years for each count of money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.  Additionally, John D. Watkins faces up to 30 years for each count of crop insurance fraud.  However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Jason M. Williams, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and Willie Skeens, Director, Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division, jointly made the announcement.

The investigations were conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and Kentucky Department of Insurance. The United States is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Roth and Kathryn Anderson. 

Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

-END-

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Circle K, a Texas corporation that operates convenience stores nationwide, has agreed to resolve civil allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), a federal law that requires retailers of pseudoephedrine to place the product so that customers do not have direct access to it and to keep a logbook of sales, agreeing to pay $248,000. 

According to the CSA, retailers are required to place pseudoephedrine in places where the customer does not have direct access before the sale is made and to deliver the product directly into the custody of the purchaser. The CSA further requires Circle K to maintain a logbook of sales, including for each transaction: the name of the product, the quantity sold, the name and address of the purchaser, and the date and time of the transaction. The prospective purchaser must also present identification and sign the logbook to lawfully complete the transaction. Each logbook entry must be accessible and maintained for at least two years following the sale.

The United States alleged that, on November 1, 2018, Circle K Store #3253, located in London, Kentucky, knowingly or recklessly maintained “Pseudo Ephed Plus” in front of the retail sales counter; failed to deliver the product directly into the custody of a customer; failed to require a customer to present identification; and failed to require a customer to sign the logbook.

The United States further alleged that 48 Circle K stores negligently failed to maintain a logbook of “Pseudo Ephed Plus.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Melton and Christine Corndorf represented the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

– END –

LONDON, Ky. - A Berea, Kentucky man, Gary Lester Metcalf, 31, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, to 170 months in prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Wier, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Metcalf previously admitted that between March 2018 and February 2019, he conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Pulaski, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Madison Counties. Metcalf admitted that he arranged the delivery of the methamphetamine from a supplier in Nevada, to a dealer in Eastern Kentucky, using the United States Postal Service. Metcalf would then arrange the collection and delivery of the proceeds from the distribution back to the Nevada-based dealer.

A local co-defendant, Billie Jean Lunceford, 50, of Eubank, Ky., pleaded guilty in December 2019 and is scheduled for sentencing on May 26, 2020.

Under federal law, Metcalf must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Brett R. Pritts, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA, Louisville Field Division; Chief Travis Davis, Broadhead Police Department; Sheriff Paul Hayes, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department; and Sheriff Greg Speck, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the DE, Madison County Drug Task Force, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, and Broadhead Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - A Blacksburg, South Carolina man, Joe Barlow Owens, 44, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

Owens admitted that on February 25, 2019, in Knox County, he knowingly possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and also possessed a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime.  According to his guilty plea agreement, law enforcement officials searched the defendant’s vehicle and found the methamphetamine, cash, and a loaded firearm, that Owens admitted was to protect his drugs and drug proceeds.  Owens also admitted that he knew he had a prior felony conviction, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine..                       

Owens was indicted in July 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Brett R. Pritts, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA, Louisville Field Division; jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble. 

Owens’ sentencing date is TBD. He faces a sentence of not less than 15 years, up to life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $20 million for the drug offense, and a consecutive sentence of not less than 5 years for the firearm offense.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.          

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - An Independence, Kentucky man, Larry Coots, 54, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 207 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.           

Coots admitted that beginning in May 2017 and continuing through December 2017, he conspired with Cynthia Burkhart, 38, to distribute methamphetamine in Perry County.

According to his plea agreement, Coots admitted that, on December 20, 2017, law enforcement executed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Burkhart, with Coots as a passenger.  Coots fled on foot, but was eventually apprehended. Burkhart left the scene and was later located at a hotel, where she and Coots were staying. In their room, officers found two loaded firearms, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, pills, and six ounces of methamphetamine. Coots further admitted that he possessed one of the firearms for protection, in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Coots also had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Coots pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2019.

Under federal law, Coots must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Brett R. Pritts, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the DEA and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - A Flat Lick, Kentucky man, Jerry Cox, 70, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 18 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for distributing hydrocodone and oxycodone pills.

Cox previously admitted that, on two separate occasions in April 2018, he sold oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, from both his residence and business in Knox County. Cox pleaded guilty in September 2019. In addition to his prison sentence, Cox will serve six months of home detention.           

Under federal law, Cox must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Brett R. Pritts, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the DEA.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. – An Owenton, Kentucky, man, Patrick Voegele, 35, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, to 108 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for distributing child pornography using the internet.

According to Voegele’s plea agreement, in January 2018, KSP was investigating CyberTip reports involving the distribution of child pornography via Skype. Law enforcement officers traced the IP address to Voegele. Voegele admitted using Skype to upload both still images and videos of child pornography. A forensic investigation of Voegele’s devices revealed 2,748 images and 709 videos of child pornography. Voegele also admitted to knowingly distributing child pornography.

Voegele pleaded guilty to the charge in October 2019.           

Under federal law, Voegele must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Steven L. Igyarto, Resident Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations; and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the DHS-HIS and KSP-Electronic Crime Branch. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.– U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr., for the Eastern District of Kentucky, joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history.  This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep.  In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors.  In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.

The Eastern District of Kentucky has charged six defendants in cases of elder fraud schemes. The ongoing Elder Justice cases for our District are as follows:

• United States v. Artrip, Case No. 0:19-CR-10
• United States v. Fafunmi, Case No. 5:19-CR-169
• United States v. Inkoom, Case No. 5:19-CR-139
• United States v. Peavler, Case No. 5:19-CR-165
• United States v. Phelps, Case No. 0:19-CR-75
• United States v. Sears, Case No. 6:19-CR-25

 

With cooperation from local, state, and federal partners, the District is prioritizing combatting elder financial exploitation. An example of cooperation among law enforcement agencies is the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, which brings together the resources of federal, state, and local agencies involved in protecting the elderly.  For more information on the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, including how to report abuses, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/elder-justice-task-force.

“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”

“The explicit targeting of elderly and vulnerable populations through various schemes has become rampant and is truly disgraceful,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “We have made combatting it a top priority in our Office.  We are committed to standing with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and we will continue to prosecute criminals who shamelessly try to cheat seniors out of their money, security, and peace of mind.”

"Oftentimes elderly are seen as opportunistic targets to criminals. They tend to be trusting people with money. We see seniors as the bedrock of our nation having sacrificed for their families and for our country. The FBI vows to bring those who attempt to defraud our seniors to justice, and today’s events are just one example of how local, state, and federal partners are working together to address this problem." Special Agent in Charge Robert Brown, FBI Louisville Field Office

This interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement. 

Elder Fraud Hotline

Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud.  The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers.  Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.  When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller.  The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.

These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.

The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

# # #

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Frankfort man, Fei Guo Tang, 49, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on Wednesday, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, for knowingly receiving child pornography and knowingly failing to pay workers minimum and time-and-a-half overtime wages.

According to his plea agreement, a forensic examination of Fei Guo Tang’s telephone revealed five videos containing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Additionally, he failed to pay more than $60,000 in required overtime and minimum wages, to five of his employees.  As part of his sentence, Tang will be required to pay that amount in restitution. The Defendant was also ordered to pay $84,151.00, in lieu of forfeiture of property. Finally, Tang will pay a $20,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.

Under federal law, Tang must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for ten years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jason Crosby, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Supervisory Special Agent, Criminal Division; Matthew Utley, Assistant District Director, Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division; Rafiq Ahmad Special Agent in Charge, DOL Office of Inspector General; Rod Owens, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of State, Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hydee Hawkins, David Marye, and Dmitriy Slavin.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Scotty Dale Johnson, 48, of Richmond, Kentucky, was indicted earlier this month in federal court, for producing, receiving, and possessing sexually explicit images of children. 

The indictment alleges that, from October 2018 to April 2019, Johnson knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing visual depictions. The indictment also alleges that Johnson knowingly received and possessed sexually explicit images of minors.. Johnson appeared for arraignment, on February 25, 2020, in United States District Court in Lexington. Johnson’s trial has been scheduled for April 21, 2020 in Frankfort.          

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted jointly by the Kentucky State Police, the FBI and University of Kentucky Police Department, in coordination with the Madison County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. If anyone has additional information related to the case, they are encouraged to contact the FBI at 859-246-4700.          

If convicted, Johnson faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years each count of production, up to 20 years for each count of receipt, and a maximum of 10 years on the count of possession. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court, after its consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

            Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

                                                                                                                      

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Lexington businessman was convicted on Monday evening, by a federal jury sitting in Frankfort, of charges related to the obstruction of a federal investigation.

After approximately two hours of deliberation, following a five-day trial, the jury convicted 66-year old Timothy Wayne Wellman of 11 counts related to obstructing justice, aiding and abetting the obstruction of a federal grand jury, and aiding and abetting individuals in making false statements to the FBI.

According to testimony at trial, Wellman requested that multiple employees of CRM Companies (CRM) donate money to the campaigns of two city council members and then reimbursed them for their donation. He later asked the employees to give false information to the FBI, who was conducting an investigation into public corruption allegations, by encouraging the employees to lie about reasons for the reimbursement checks and, in some instances, asking them to create false documents (including ledgers and tax forms) to support their false stories.           

Wellman was indicted in June 2019.

“People simply cannot obstruct federal law enforcement or grand jury investigations, because such conduct undermines the foundation of our system,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Through his actions, the defendant brazenly attempted to obstruct federal investigations into criminal conduct, by counseling others to lie and create false documents, concealing the truth from federal law enforcement and a federal grand jury. This disgraceful conduct cannot be tolerated. I commend the FBI for their hard work and dedication – without their efforts, this important prosecution would not have been possible.”

U.S. Attorney Duncan and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Ken Taylor. 

Wellman will appear for sentencing on July 1, 2020. For the most serious charges, he faces up to twenty years in federal prison.  He also faces a maximum fine of $2.75 million.  However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. — Travis Mills, 35, of Barboursville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison on Monday, by United States District Judge Robert Wier, after pleading guilty to trafficking more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  

Mills admitted that between December 2017 and September 2018, he developed access to individuals through whom he could regularly obtain methamphetamine. Mills also admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of that methamphetamine in Knox County.  

Mills pleaded guilty in July 2019. His co-defendants have already been sentenced. James Mills, 36, was sentenced to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release, in November 2019. Gretchen Delph, 23, was sentenced to 52 months in prison and four years of supervised release, in December 2019.

Under federal law, Mills and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release, Mills will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

– END –

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Versailles, Kentucky man, Danny Wayne Bedwell, 29, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Friday, by Chief United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after previously pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Bedwell previously admitted that on March 7, 2018, he trafficked crystal methamphetamine, to a cooperating witness for law enforcement. According to the plea agreement, Bedwell admitted that on April 27, 2018, law enforcement found heroin, methamphetamine, and a loaded .380 pistol. Bedwell further admitted to law enforcement that he had been distributing methamphetamine and the drugs from his house. 

Bedwell pleaded guilty in November 2019.           

Under federal law, Bedwell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Louisville Field Division; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Louisville Field Division, jointly made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and DEA.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

           

            This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Alabama man, Maxwell Hayslip, 27, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine on Friday by Chief United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after previously admitting to robbing five banks by intimidation in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

As part of his guilty plea, Hayslip and admitted that, between August 7 and November 13, 2018, he robbed banks in Lexington, Kentucky; Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Carrollton, Georgia.  Hayslip admitted that he wrongfully obtained over $14,000 over the course of his robbery spree, and he agreed to pay that total amount back in restitution. According to his plea agreement, he was captured by law enforcement in Alabama, soon after the Lexington robbery.          

In addition to the prison sentence, Hayslip must pay $14,258 in restitution and a $20,000 fine imposed by the court. Under federal law, Hayslip must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. 

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department; Michael Bowen, Chief of the Murfreesboro Police Department; Steve Anderson, Chief of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; Doug Hawkins, Chief of the Bowling Green Police Department; and Joel Richards, Chief of the Carrollton Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.

Local law enforcement agencies in each respective jurisdiction investigated Hayslip, and the federal investigation was directed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - Two men from Whitley and Laurel Counties were sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, after previously pleading guilty to kidnapping charges.

Gene Jones II, 40, of East Bernstadt, Kentucky, was sentenced to 235 months, and Nigel Medlin, 28, of Rockholds, Ky., was sentenced to 220 months.           

According to their plea agreements, on April 2, 2017, Medlin, Sean Fredrick, 33, a second defendant, and a third defendant, Eric Wayne Collins, 34, kidnapped three victims, for the purpose of assaulting one victim because of a missing truck. Medlin admitted to contacting the victim through Facebook Messenger and arranging a meeting in the Walmart parking lot in London, by pretending to buy methamphetamine. The three admitted to waiting on the victim, who arrived to the parking lot with two others. Medlin and others approached the three victims and instructed one to get in the backseat of the vehicle, then sitting on either side. They instructed one of the other victims to drive the vehicle down I-75, to Jones’ residence in Laurel County.

At Jones’ residence, Collins and Medlin took the victims to a house behind Jones’ house, where they tied and bound one victim. Collins, Fredrick, Jones, and Medlin all took turns physically assaulting the victim, breaking his jaw and hanging a metal logging chain around his neck; Collins then admitted to using pliers to pull several of his teeth.  They also forced the victim to ingest the meth that he had brought to sell.

The four defendants told the victims that, if they went to the police or told anyone about what had happened, they would kill them.           

Fredrick pleaded guilty in March 2019. Collins and Medlin pleaded guilty in July 2019.  Jones pleaded guilty in August 2019. Fredrick is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2020, and Collins is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2020.

Under federal law, the defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the ATF.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Dotson.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.           

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - Dylan Brewer, 23, of Harlan County, was sentenced Wednesday to 200 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Robert Wier for possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to the plea agreement, law enforcement stopped Brewer’s vehicle in Bell County, Kentucky, on July 13, 2019, and found nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm hidden in a speaker box in the back seat. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Brewer had been obtaining methamphetamine in Georgia and traveling to Harlan County to distribute it in the area. 

Under federal law, Brewer must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office following his release.

“Methamphetamine trafficking goes hand in hand with violent crime,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our Office is committed to holding accountable drug dealers who distribute this poison, particularly those who do so while unlawfully possessing a firearm. This prosecution should serve as a stern warning for those who peddle dangerous drugs into Eastern Kentucky- when you are convicted you will serve significant prison time for your crime.”    

U.S. Attorney Duncan; Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Division; Rodney Brewer, Commissioner of Kentucky State Police; Chief Kyle Dunn, Pineville Police Department; Sheriff Mitch Williams, Bell County Sheriff’s Department; and Sheriff Mike Smith, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by DEA, KSP, Pineville Police Department, Bell County Sheriff’s Department, and Knox County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew H. Trimble.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Tevye Jones, 21, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to 30 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possessing a firearm as convicted felon and possession of cocaine.

On August 29, 2018, Lexington Police Department was attempting to locate a known gang fugitive. An investigatory stop was conducted of a vehicle with 4 occupants, including Jones.  As officers conducted a pat-down search of Jones, they discovered a Glock pistol in his left coat pocket. He also had a plastic bag containing 3.4 grams of cocaine. Jones was on parole for a state conviction for Robbery Second Degree when the offense occurred.

Jones pleaded guilty in November 2019.           

Under federal law, Jones must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the ATF and Lexington Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Pikeville man was convicted by a federal jury on Thursday evening, for being a felon in possession of a pistol and sawed-off shotgun.

According to testimony at trial, the Kentucky State Police responded to a complaint that Richard Starghill had refused to leave another person’s residence. He was then found in possession of a loaded revolver and a sawed – off shotgun. Starghill has a lengthy criminal history involving multiple convictions for drug trafficking and a recent conviction for felony assault.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, FBI Louisville Field Office; and Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police Commissioner, jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by FBI and KSP. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Rabold. 

Starghill will appear for sentencing on June 12, 2020. He faces up to a maximum of life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

 This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.      

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

PIKEVILLE, Ky.- A Pikeville woman, Christina Brook Mitchell, 31, was sentenced on Friday to 420 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for production and distribution of child pornography.

Mitchell previously admitted that she took explicit photographs of two minor female victims and sent the images via Facebook Messenger to Johnathan Manigault. Mitchell admitted that Manigault instructed her how to take the images and that she agreed to photograph additional underage victims for Manigault. 

Manigault, Mitchell’s co-defendant, will be sentenced on April 10.

Under federal law, Mitchell must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.  

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge for FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly made the announcement. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The investigation was directed by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenna Reed.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

ASHLAND, Ky.- Justin Huffman, 31, of Greenup, Kentucky, pled guilty in federal court on Monday, before U.S. District Court Judge David L. Bunning, to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Huffman admitted that on September 21, 2019, that he went to a victims’ residence in Greenup County, with a juvenile, and struck a victim in the face with a firearm, in order to retrieve property. Prior to being stopped by officers, Huffman admitted to giving the firearm to the juvenile, to conceal it from police. The firearm was recovered by law enforcement, who then confirmed the firearm was stolen. Huffman admitted that he knowingly possessed the firearm and that he was prohibited from possessing it, as a convicted felon.                       

Huffman was indicted in December 2019. Huffman was previously convicted, in 2013, of Second Degree Robbery, in Boyd County Circuit Court.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Matt Smith, Greenup County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and Greenup County Sheriff’s Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos II. 

Huffman is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2020. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.            

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Richard Simpson, 33, of Danville, Kentucky, pled guilty in federal court on Wednesday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, and admitted that he distributed heroin and was illegally in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. 

Simpson admitted that on August 19, 2018, he was found in his vehicle at a motel parking lot and arrested by law enforcement officers based on a warrant for a parole violation.  Upon Simpson’s arrest, officers found him in possession of 3.5 grams of heroin and $5,150 in cash, along with a .45 caliber pistol. Simpson further admitted that inside his motel room he had additional heroin, methamphetamine, and another firearm.  During a search of the room, officers located 13.066 grams of heroin, 19 grams of methamphetamine, and a .22 caliber pistol.   Simpson admitted to possessing the heroin and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and to unlawfully possessing firearms.                   

Simpson was indicted in October 2019.

Simpson was previously convicted of five felony offenses: Possession of a Controlled Substance First Degree, in 2018; Trafficking in a Controlled Substance First Degree (two counts), in 2013; Burglary Third Degree and Criminal Mischief, in 2006; and Possession of a Controlled Substance First Degree, in 2006.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Special Agent in Charge for ATF; and Sheriff Derek Robbins, Boyle County Sherriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Boyle County Sheriff’s Department.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos II. 

Simpson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2020. He faces up to 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $2.25 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

 

Respecting and enforcing the law, including criminal immigration law, is at the core of the Department of Justice’s mission.  Unfortunately, some state and local jurisdictions are attempting to impede or frustrate the Federal Government’s efforts, by enacting “sanctuary policies.”  The terms “sanctuary city” and “sanctuary jurisdiction” are not proper legal terms and actually have no consensus definitions.  Generally, a jurisdiction is considered to have “sanctuary policies” when the jurisdiction prevents or limits state and local law enforcement from working with their federal partners in some way.  While these policies vary widely in substance and scope, at a minimum, most limit the sharing of certain information between state and local police and federal law enforcement authorities. 

In truth, these “sanctuary” jurisdiction policies are the opposite of what their name suggests. When implemented, they jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from locating, arresting, and prosecuting removable aliens inside the United States, including those who have committed criminal offenses.   

To be clear, state and local governments are not compelled by federal law to participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.  That said, they are not permitted to actively obstruct federal efforts either. 

In the Eastern District of Kentucky, we do not have any recognized sanctuary jurisdictions, and only have a very small number of local entities that are uncooperative with federal law enforcement.  Overall, we are fortunate to share extremely strong working relationships with state and local government agencies and our law enforcement partners.  However, the threat to public safety is not limited to jurisdictions with these harmful sanctuary policies.  

One common way these sanctuary jurisdictions intentionally frustrate federal law is by failing to honor an immigration detainer – a formal request issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials asking federal, state, or local law enforcement authorities to simply hold an individual who is already in custody on another violation of criminal law.  The detainer is based on probable cause that an alien is illegally in the country.  ICE issues detainers to give other law enforcement agencies notice that it intends to take custody of the alien within 48 hours, before he or she is released from criminal custody. 

ICE routinely requests detainers so that it can take appropriate action, which might include deportation.  A jurisdiction that refuses to honor a detainer simply releases the individual back onto the streets.  This forces ICE agents to re-arrest the person – a situation that can create a danger to the agents and others.  Moreover, it also causes an unnecessary expenditure of time, manpower, and resources – forcing agents to lawfully re-arrest a person who has just be released from custody.  A jurisdiction that ignores detainers and releases criminal aliens undermines the law and ultimately endangers each of us.         

Our Office remains committed, along with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and other agencies, to enforcing and respecting the law.  This includes the prosecution of illegal immigration cases.    

In Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, our Office prosecuted 119 defendants for felony violations of criminal immigration laws, including cases involving defendants who had been previously deported for aggravated felony offenses.  During the same timeframe, we prosecuted 17 defendants charged with being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm. 

Our enforcement efforts also include prosecuting individuals, who are illegally in the United States, with other criminal offenses, such as drug trafficking.  One such example is the prosecution of Fernando Lara Salas, a cooperative effort led by investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DHS, ICE, and the Lexington Police Department.

Lara Salas was convicted of multiple offenses, at trial in January 2018, including drug trafficking, firearms, and immigration offenses.  His drug trafficking convictions included conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and tramadol.  Lara Salas’ firearms convictions included possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm by an alien.  Lara Salas was also convicted of unlawfully re-entering the United States after previously being deported for a felony drug offense. 

The joint investigation by federal and state law enforcement into the drug trafficking activities of Lara Salas began in August 2016, and culminated with the execution of search warrants at Lara Salas’ residence in Lexington and a cargo trailer located in a remote location in Franklin County. The search of Lara Salas’ home resulted in the seizure of 6 kilograms of cocaine, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a 9 mm firearm, and $110,000 in U.S. currency.  Evidence found in the cargo trailer revealed that Lara Salas and others utilized the trailer for the preparation of fentanyl for distribution.  Agents located packaging material consistent with kilogram quantities of controlled substances, and the packaging contained a residual amount of fentanyl – a particularly deadly Schedule II opioid.  Also located in the trailer were five kilograms of tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance that is commonly used by drug traffickers as a cutting agent for fentanyl and heroin, and boxes of latex gloves.

Lara Salas had previously been convicted of felony possession of cocaine, in 2014, and deported to Mexico.  He illegally reentered the country after his deportation and resumed his drug trafficking activities.  For his most recent conviction, Lara Salas was sentenced to nearly 30 years in federal prison.  

Lara Salas’ prosecution demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships across local, state, and federal law enforcement. It is imperative that we continue working together to enforce the law.   

Respecting and enforcing the law, including criminal immigration law, is at the core of the Department of Justice’s mission.  Unfortunately, some state and local jurisdictions are attempting to impede or frustrate the Federal Government’s efforts, by enacting “sanctuary policies.”  The terms “sanctuary city” and “sanctuary jurisdiction” are not proper legal terms and actually have no consensus definitions.  Generally, a jurisdiction is considered to have “sanctuary policies” when the jurisdiction prevents or limits state and local law enforcement from working with their federal partners in some way.  While these policies vary widely in substance and scope, at a minimum, most limit the sharing of certain information between state and local police and federal law enforcement authorities. 

In truth, these “sanctuary” jurisdiction policies are the opposite of what their name suggests. When implemented, they jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from locating, arresting, and prosecuting removable aliens inside the United States, including those who have committed criminal offenses.   

To be clear, state and local governments are not compelled by federal law to participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.  That said, they are not permitted to actively obstruct federal efforts either. 

In the Eastern District of Kentucky, we do not have any recognized sanctuary jurisdictions, and only have a very small number of local entities that are uncooperative with federal law enforcement.  Overall, we are fortunate to share extremely strong working relationships with state and local government agencies and our law enforcement partners.  However, the threat to public safety is not limited to jurisdictions with these harmful sanctuary policies.  

One common way these sanctuary jurisdictions intentionally frustrate federal law is by failing to honor an immigration detainer – a formal request issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials asking federal, state, or local law enforcement authorities to simply hold an individual who is already in custody on another violation of criminal law.  The detainer is based on probable cause that an alien is illegally in the country.  ICE issues detainers to give other law enforcement agencies notice that it intends to take custody of the alien within 48 hours, before he or she is released from criminal custody. 

ICE routinely requests detainers so that it can take appropriate action, which might include deportation.  A jurisdiction that refuses to honor a detainer simply releases the individual back onto the streets.  This forces ICE agents to re-arrest the person – a situation that can create a danger to the agents and others.  Moreover, it also causes an unnecessary expenditure of time, manpower, and resources – forcing agents to lawfully re-arrest a person who has just be released from custody.  A jurisdiction that ignores detainers and releases criminal aliens undermines the law and ultimately endangers each of us.         

Our Office remains committed, along with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and other agencies, to enforcing and respecting the law.  This includes the prosecution of illegal immigration cases.    

In Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, our Office prosecuted 119 defendants for felony violations of criminal immigration laws, including cases involving defendants who had been previously deported for aggravated felony offenses.  During the same timeframe, we prosecuted 17 defendants charged with being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm. 

Our enforcement efforts also include prosecuting individuals, who are illegally in the United States, with other criminal offenses, such as drug trafficking.  One such example is the prosecution of Fernando Lara Salas, a cooperative effort led by investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), DHS, ICE, and the Lexington Police Department.

Lara Salas was convicted of multiple offenses, at trial in January 2018, including drug trafficking, firearms, and immigration offenses.  His drug trafficking convictions included conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and tramadol.  Lara Salas’ firearms convictions included possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm by an alien.  Lara Salas was also convicted of unlawfully re-entering the United States after previously being deported for a felony drug offense. 

The joint investigation by federal and state law enforcement into the drug trafficking activities of Lara Salas began in August 2016, and culminated with the execution of search warrants at Lara Salas’ residence in Lexington and a cargo trailer located in a remote location in Franklin County. The search of Lara Salas’ home resulted in the seizure of 6 kilograms of cocaine, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a 9 mm firearm, and $110,000 in U.S. currency.  Evidence found in the cargo trailer revealed that Lara Salas and others utilized the trailer for the preparation of fentanyl for distribution.  Agents located packaging material consistent with kilogram quantities of controlled substances, and the packaging contained a residual amount of fentanyl – a particularly deadly Schedule II opioid.  Also located in the trailer were five kilograms of tramadol, a Schedule IV controlled substance that is commonly used by drug traffickers as a cutting agent for fentanyl and heroin, and boxes of latex gloves.

Lara Salas had previously been convicted of felony possession of cocaine, in 2014, and deported to Mexico.  He illegally reentered the country after his deportation and resumed his drug trafficking activities.  For his most recent conviction, Lara Salas was sentenced to nearly 30 years in federal prison.  

Lara Salas’ prosecution demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships across local, state, and federal law enforcement. It is imperative that we continue working together to enforce the law.   

LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Mexican National illegally in the U.S., Roberto Bernal Salas, also known as Enrique Navarrette Salas, 43, was sentenced on Tuesday to 66 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for distributing cocaine.

Salas admitted that on July 2, 2019, he agreed to sell two kilograms of cocaine to a cooperating witness. On the same day, after the exchange, Salas admitted that officers found an additional 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, as well as $33,000 in cash.

Salas pled guilty in October 2019.           

Under federal law, Salas must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Louisville Field Office; John Condon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation was directed by the FBI, HSI, and LPD. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Lexington, Kentucky, man, Eddie Tapia, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday, before U.S. District Court Judge Karen Caldwell, to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.             

Tapia admitted that on June 5, 2019, officers located approximately 9 ounces of cocaine and several firearms in his vehicle. According to his plea agreement, Tapia admitted that in a search of his residence, officers located 4 kilo wrappers with cocaine residue, a money counter, and a kilo press. Tapia further admitted that between December 1, 2018 and June 5, 2019, he agreed with one or more persons to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.    

Tapia was indicted in December 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Daniel Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.

Tapia is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2020. He faces up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Afghan man was convicted Friday, by a federal jury sitting in Lexington, of conspiring to commit kidnapping and murder-for-hire, targeting a victim and his minor son.

Following a five-day trial, the jury convicted 32-year-old Fnu “John” Sadiqullah of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Fnu “John” Sadiqullah believed that the victim owed him tens of thousands of dollars.  After repeated attempts to try to get his money back, through persistent visits to the victim’s place of business, Sadiqullah contacted Mahmoud Shalash to help him get his money back.  Shalash had been working with a confidential human source, for whom Shalash had laundered approximately $100,000.  Shalash introduced the confidential source to Sadiqullah as an individual who could collect debts, by any means necessary.

Evidence at trial demonstrated that Sadiqullah and the confidential source proceeded to agree to kidnap the victim or his son; attempt to retrieve the money; and then, if necessary, kill the victim. Three days later, when Sadiqullah learned that the victim was in Lexington, Sadiqullah, along with other friends, cornered the victim at his place of business and called the confidential source to carry out the plan. The confidential source, who had been working for the FBI during this entire period of time, reported the incident to the FBI, which then took the victim and his son into protective custody.

A third defendant, Hadi Abdul, was acquitted at the trial.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the verdict.  The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew T. Boone and Kathryn M. Anderson.

Sadiqullah will appear for sentencing on June 11, 2020.  He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.  Shalash had previously pleaded guilty for his role in these offenses, and others, on January 27, 2020.  His sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2020.  He also faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.  However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence

– END –

 

 

COVINGTON, Ky. - A Cincinnati man was convicted yesterday, by a federal jury in Covington, for participating in an extensive conspiracy to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl.

After two hours of deliberation, following a three-day trial, the jury convicted 37-year old Quintin Tyler Brian Davis of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one kilogram or more of heroin. They also found him guilty of possessing fentanyl and heroin with the intent to distribute it.

According to testimony at trial, Davis conspired with Ronnie Teets and Donald Hoffman to distribute multiple kilograms of fentanyl and heroin received through delivery services, cut the substances with lactose, and distributed them in the Greater Cincinnati area. Agents seized more than $100,000 in currency, a loaded handgun, and several quantities of heroin and fentanyl from locations in Cincinnati and Florence, Kentucky, in August of 2018.             

Davis, Teets, and Hoffman were indicted in December 2018. Davis’ co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. Hoffman pleaded guilty in December 2018, and Teets pleaded guilty in April 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; Director Christopher Conners, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force; and Chief Eliot Isaac, Cincinnati Police Department, jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, and Cincinnati Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke. 

Davis will appear for sentencing on May 21, 2020. He faces up to a maximum of life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- Larry Dale Foley, 48, of Berea, Kentucky, was indicted on Thursday in federal court for receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that, on December 17, 2018, Foley received images of child pornography. Foley is also charged with distributing child pornography on December 30, 2018.  The indictment alleges that on January 6, 2020, Foley possessed images of child pornography.  The indictment seeks forfeiture of Foley’s interest in several cellphones, tablets, laptop computers and flash drives.           

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Berea Police Department. If anyone has additional information related to the case, they are encouraged to contact the FBI at (859) 254-4038.

Foley’s next appearance before the United States District Court in Lexington is TBD. If convicted, Foley faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.                                                                        

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - Keisha Pelote, 33, of Manchester, Kentucky, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to introduction of contraband to an inmate in federal prison.  

Pelote admitted that on September 14, 2019, she went to FCI Manchester to visit her husband, an inmate at the prison. According to her plea agreement, she told facility staff that she wished to change in her car, and a correctional officer observed her engaging in suspicious activity in the car. A K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in the car; and upon search, the officers found 270 unopened buprenorphine and naloxone strips in the car. Pelote admitted that she also had 20 unopened strips of the same substances on her person.                       

Pelote was indicted in September 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and John Gilley, Warden of FCI Manchester, announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Prisons with the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Rabold. 

Pelote is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2020. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky.- Wilma Thompson, 41, of London, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to obtaining a controlled substance through the registration of another and identity theft.  

In her guilty plea, Thompson admitted that she was employed as an office manager for a physician, that prescription tablets repeatedly went missing from the office, and that she was observed on multiple occasions taking Xanax at the office.  Thompson’s employment with the office ended in October 2017; but in her plea agreement, she admitted that, in May 2018, she attempted to obtain 180 Hydrocodone tablets, using a forged prescription bearing her previous employer’s name and DEA registration number.           

After obtaining a search warrant, officers seized 582 forged prescriptions, bearing the physician’s name and DEA registration number, and 23 empty prescription bottles. Thompson admitted that she had been forging prescriptions, monthly, since January 14, 2016, and she had obtained a total of 8,370 hydrocodone tablets and 2,358 alprazolam (Xanax) tablets.                            

Thompson was indicted in November 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Darrell Kilburn, London Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and London Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Rabold. 

Thompson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2020. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky.- James Everett Smith, 51, of Booneville, Kentucky, admitted in federal court Monday, before U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, that he possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.             

Smith admitted that on September 23, 2018, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired near his residence.  Officers approached Smith as he attempted to get in his van and found him in possession of 19 grams of methamphetamine and two pistols.  Smith gave officers permission to search his residence, where they found approximately 685 grams of methamphetamine, two additional pistols, two shotguns, $1,170, and digital scales.  In his plea agreement, Smith acknowledged possessing the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and to possessing the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to the plea agreement, Smith was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions, including two 2006 Manufacturing Methamphetamine convictions from Owsley County.                       

Smith was indicted in June 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Louisville Division of ATF; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by KSP and ATF. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman. 

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison, up to life in prison, and a maximum fine of $20 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

This is a case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

COVINGTON, Ky.- Joshua E. Tippett, 19, of Florence, Kentucky, pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, before U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning, and admitted that he knowingly transported child pornography.

Tippett admitted that, from July to December 2018, he used internet based programs and accounts to upload on a computer approximately 50 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.                       

Tippett was indicted in February 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Steve Igyarto, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Michael Helmig, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by HIS, Kentucky State Police, and Boone County Sheriff’s Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Weinhold. 

Tippett is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years

— END —

LONDON, Ky. – Harold Arnold, 69, of London, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 31 months in prison for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) and committing aggravated identity theft.

Arnold previously admitted that, after escaping from custody in Georgia in 1979, he unlawfully assumed the identity of his deceased cousin and moved to Kentucky, where he worked under the assumed identity from 1981 to 2009.  He then applied for and received Social Security benefits, from October 2010 through July 2016.  Arnold failed to truthfully disclose his own identity, applied for benefits using a fraudulent identity; and was a fugitive from justice, rendering him ineligible for the payments that he received.  According to his plea agreement, the total loss to the SSA was $83,561.90, which Arnold has been ordered to repay.

Under federal law, Arnold must serve, at a minimum, 85 percent of his prison sentence.  He will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for one year after being released.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Rod Owens, Special Agent-in-Charge, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Atlanta Field Division—Nashville, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was directed by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.  The United States was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years

 

– END –

 

 

COVINGTON, Ky. - A Fort Mitchell, Kentucky man, Joseph Shockey, 53, pleaded guilty to bank fraud in federal court Friday, before U.S. District Court Danny C. Reeves.          

In his guilty plea agreement, Shockey admitted to applying for and receiving a one-year line of credit for from Stock Yards Bank and Trust Company. Prior to receiving the line credit, Shockey executed loan documents and personally guaranteed the line of credit, failing to inform the bank that a default judgment had been entered against him in Salt Lake County, Utah and that he was liable for a judgment $579,428, plus interest. This material omission led the bank to extend the line of credit to him, ultimately resulting in a loss to Stock Yards Bank and Trust.  Shockey will be required to repay $449,496.07.

Shockey was indicted in October 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Leonhard. 

Shockey is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2020. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. - An Ashland, Kentucky man, Michael Allen Artrip, 68, was sentenced in federal court on Friday, to 13 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for unlawfully utilizing representative payee funds, which were received on behalf of individuals living in the Artrip Personal Care Home in Ashland.           

Artrip admitted in his plea agreement that, in his role as part owner of Artrip Personal Care home, he received representative payee benefits from the Social Security Administration, on behalf of certain individuals living in his personal care home.  According to the plea agreement, between November 2013 and November 2017, Artrip received representative payee funds for more than twenty individuals, totaling $241,142.  Artrip admitted he spent a total of $97,806 of those representative payee funds on expenses unrelated to the use and benefit of the beneficiaries, including on his two rental properties and personal farm.

Artrip pled guilty in August 2019. As part of his plea agreement, Artrip agreed pay $97,806 in restitution to the victims. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Artrip also agreed to sell the personal care home and withdraw as the representative payee for any current Social Security beneficiaries.           

Under federal law, Artrip must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Wayne R. Warren, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Division of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, jointly made the announcement. 

The investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative and was assisted by the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement and government agencies working together to protect the Commonwealth’s elderly population from fraud and abuse.

The investigation was directed by the SSA-OIG.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate K. Smith.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

ASHLAND, Ky. - An Ashland man, Danny P. Chaffin Jr., 38, admitted to bank robbery in federal court Friday, before U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning.           

According to Chaffin’s plea agreement, he admitted that on April 5, 2019, by intimidation, he took money from the Bluegrass Community Federal Credit Union in Ashland. Chaffin admitted to wearing a black mask and running into the Credit Union and demanding the teller to “Give me all the money now!” The teller complied, and Chaffin was able to take $12,506. Chaffin was arrested the following day in possession of $10,256 of the bank’s money.  

Chaffin was indicted in October 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Todd Kelley, Ashland Police Department; jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Ashland Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Moynahan. 

The investigation was conducted by the Ashland Police Department and the FBI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Moynahan. 

Chaffin is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Jeffersonville, Kentucky man, Ryan Keith Herndon, 29, admitted in federal court on Thursday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, that he sold a firearm to a convicted felon, possessed a firearm as a convicted felon, and distributed a mixture of various controlled substances.           

In his plea agreement, Herndon admitted that, on May 9, 2019,he sold a Walther .40 caliber pistol to a confidential informant working on behalf of the Appalachian High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Gateway Drug Task Force and ATF.  Then, on May 10, 2019, Herndon sold the confidential informant another firearm, a Century Arms 7.62 x 39 rifle.  Herndon was a convicted felon and was prohibited from lawfully possessing or selling firearms.  At the time Herndon sold the firearms, he knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the confidential informant was a convicted felon. 

Additionally, on May 21, 2019, Herndon sold a substance containing the drugs heroin, valerylfentanyl, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for the Mt. Sterling Police Department.  Then, on May 22, 2019, Herndon sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant.                        

Herndon was indicted in June 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; and Chief Wayne Green, Mt. Sterling Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the AHIDTA Gateway Drug Task Force, ATF and the Mt. Sterling Police Department.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos II.

Herndon is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2020.  He faces up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $2.5 million.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.          

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

— END —

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A Beattyville, Kentucky, man, Howard Kirk Hall, 57, who previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove.

In his plea agreement, Hall admitted that on January 17, 2019, law enforcement officers responded to a “shots fired” call at his residence, where he exited the residence and told officers that he was shooting at others inside.  Hall advised officers he had firearms in the home. After entering the residence, officers determined that no one else was inside the home, observed drugs and weapons in plain view, and obtained a search warrant.  During the execution of the search warrant, officers discovered 352 grams of methamphetamine, 20 firearms, and a substantial amount of ammunition.  Hall admitted that he was knew he had been previously convicted of a felony offense and he was not allowed to possess a firearm.

Evidence from that search warrant led to a search of a second residence maintained by Hall.  Officers obtained a second search warrant for this location and located a marijuana grow operation with plants in various growth stages and two pounds of processed marijuana ready for distribution.

Hall pled guilty in July 2019. Hall previously was convicted of cultivating/manufacturing marijuana in 1999 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and received a sentence of 60 months. As part of his plea agreement, Hall agreed to forfeit his interest in the firearms and ammunition.    

Under federal law, Hall must serve 85 percent of his/her prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Additionally, Hall will have to pay a $2,500 fine.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by Kentucky State Police, ATF, and DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

FRANKFORT, KY- A Frankfort, Kentucky, man, Leonard Glover, 32, was sentenced to 135 months on Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, after previously admitting to possession with the intent to distribute 10 grams of more of acefentanyl.

According to the plea agreement, Glover admitted that on June 11, 2019, he sold 13 grams of acetylfentanyl to a confidential informant in Midway, Kentucky. Glover was apprehended immediately after the exchange.

Glover pleaded guilty in October 2019.           

Under federal law, Glover must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA-Louisville Field Division; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.

 The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

COVINGTON, Ky.- A Petersburg, Kentucky man, Craig Jeremy Harp, who was previously convicted of possession of crystal methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning.

According to court documents, on November 30, 2018, Harp was a driving a car in Covington, when officers stopped him for a traffic violation. Officers found crystal methamphetamine and digital scale on his person, and also recovered seven bindles of crystal methamphetamine from the vehicle. The total amount of methamphetamine was approximately 27 grams.    

Harp was indicted on the charge in June 2019. Harp has prior felony convictions for trafficking in a controlled substance.

Under federal law, Harp must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.           

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- Steven Ray Williams, 58, of Hope, Kentucky, admitted to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft involving fraudulent representations to a financial institution on Wednesday, before U.S. District Court Judge Karen K. Caldwell.           

In 1999, Williams borrowed a series of loans from the Farm Services Agency (FSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. To pledge collateral for the loans, Williams listed farm equipment that he owned, as well as cattle and other livestock. In April 2012, the Williams failed to make a loan payment to the FSA and in May 2012, he declared bankruptcy.

According to the plea agreement, from March 2012 through June 2015, Defendant Williams regularly sold off the cattle at various stockyards in central Kentucky, and because they had been previously pledged as collateral to the FSA, the Defendant sold the cattle in the name of others and not in his own name. Upon receiving payment for the cattle sold in the form of a check, the Defendant would forge the signature of the person the check was made out to, and then add his own signature below, enabling him to deposit the funds into his own bank account. Because he was in default on his FSA loans, Williams’ actions brought about a financial gain and deprived the FSA any chance at recovering proceeds from livestock that had been pledged as collateral.                       

Williams was indicted in September 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Jason M. Williams, Special Agent in Charge, for USDA OIG, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Moynahan. 

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2020. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

 

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky.- Paige Cagle, 26, of Lexington, admitted to using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, on Wednesday, before U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell.   

According to Cagle’s plea agreement, on March 1, 2019, officers were informed from a third party that he had received pornographic images from Cagle involving children. Cagle admitted to officers that on 4 to 5 occasions, she had sexually abused a minor child from the age of 9 months to approximately 1.5 years old. Cagle further admitted that she made two videos of the sexual abuse while in Joplin, Missouri, and three videos of the sexual abuse while in Clark County, Kentucky. Cagle admitted to sharing the videos she made with others via Dropbox. Cagle further admitted that she possessed additional images of child pornography, specifically images of female children ages 4 to 13 years of age, in her Dropbox account and admitted that she would give out her Dropbox password, so that others could upload images into her account.

Cagle was indicted in April 2019.

 “There is no matter of greater importance to law enforcement than protecting innocent children from being violated and abused during the production of child pornography,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “This investigation and prosecution ensures for the foreseeable future that the defendant will not be able to continue to physically victimize children.”

United States Attorney Duncan, and Steven L. Igyarto, Resident Agent in Charge for Homeland Security; and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and KSP. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dmitry Slavin and Lauren Tanner Bradley. 

Cagle is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2020. She faces a mandatory 15 years in prison, up to a maximum of 30 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - Robert Dale Terry, 53, of Hazard, Kentucky, was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison on Wednesday, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in furtherance of taking money by force, violence, and intimidation, by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Weir.             

According to Terry’s plea agreement, he admitted that, on May 21, 2018, he entered the Hyden Citizen’s Bank in Leslie County and gave a teller a note that instructed employees to fill a green money bag and that “know {sic} one would get hurt.” Terry admitted to stealing $16,080 from the bank.  After Terry left the bank, several dye packs exploded; he spent the unaffected money and burnt the affected money.

On June 22, 2018, Terry also admitted to entering the First National Bank of Manchester, in Clay County, and presenting another handwritten note that directed bank employees to fill a money bag and that “know {sic} one will get hurt.” The Defendant stole $3,340 from the second bank.  Terry also admitted to knowing that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, based on his prior felony convictions.           

Terry pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2019.  Terry was previously convicted in Perry County Circuit Court of possession and trafficking of a controlled substance, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison.

Under federal law, Terry must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the sentences.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenna E. Reed and Rajbir Datta.

— END —

LONDON, Ky.- A Gray Hawk, Kentucky, man, Mitchell Peters, 36, who previously admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to 130 months on Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Wier.           

According to his plea agreement, Peters admitted that on April 6, 2018, he was stopped by Kentucky State Police personnel in Jackson County, and found in possession of approximately 100 grams of a methamphetamine mixture, scales, baggies, and a loaded .380 caliber pistol. Peters is a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Peters pleaded guilty in September 2019.  

Under federal law, Peters must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

“Methamphetamine trafficking and firearms are a recipe for violence,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Prosecuting armed methamphetamine dealers, like the defendant, helps protect the public and is a focused priority for our Office.”         

United States Attorney Duncan; Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police; and Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ATF, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and Kentucky State Police. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.        

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

 

— END —

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, man, James E. Woosley, 49, who previously admitted to coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, was sentenced Friday to 360 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves.          

Woosley previously admitted that, in May 2018, he produced images of child pornography, and he admitted that he used KIK and Drop Box to receive and distribute child pornography images, including some images that he produced of a minor relative. According to his plea agreement, Woosley used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct, and he knew or had reason to know that the visual depiction would be transmitted using any means or facility of interstate commerce.

Woosley pleaded guilty in May 2019.          

Under federal law, Woosley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years after his release from prison.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations Nashville; and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by HSI and the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch.  The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END —

LONDON, Ky. - A Laurel County man was convicted today by a federal jury in London for possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.   

After two hours of deliberation following a two day trial, the jury convicted 58-year-old Timmy L. Fields of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.           

According to testimony at trial, on April 21, 2019, a Kentucky State Police Trooper stopped Fields’ vehicle and found Fields in possession of over 985 grams of methamphetamine. Fields has prior felony drug convictions for unlawful possession of a methamphetamine precursor and trafficking in a controlled substance.      

Fields was indicted in June 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the conviction.

The investigation was conducted by KSP and DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna E. Reed. 

Fields will appear for sentencing on May 8, 2020. He faces a statutory minimum of 25 years in prison, up to a maximum of Life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

— END —

A Kentucky resident pleaded guilty in federal court today that he, a U.S. citizen, engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jerry Templet of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Nashville, and Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer made the announcement.

Micky Rife, 36, formerly of Salyersville, Kentucky, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove.  In his plea agreement, Rife admitted that between Sept. 3, 2012, and Dec. 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013 and Dec. 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia, and that during those periods he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion.  He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred. 

Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019.  He pleaded guilty to a single-count information filed today.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 7, 2020.   

The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police.  Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye prosecuted the case. 

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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A former resident of Salyersville, Kentucky, Micky Rife, 36, admitted in federal court on Thursday, that he, a U.S. citizen, engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.         

Rife pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. In his plea agreement, Rife admitted that between September 3, 2012, and December 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013 and December 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia, and that during those time frames, he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion. He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred.  

Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019. He pleaded guilty to a single count Information filed on January 16, 2020.                  

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security- Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), SAC Nashville, and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye and Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Child Obscenity and Exploitation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Rife is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2020. He faces up to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lancaster, Kentucky, man, Arthur Eugene Butler, 41, admitted in federal court Friday, before U.S. District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves, to possessing and distributing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.           

Butler had previously plead guilty to receiving child pornography in United States District Court, in 2010. After finishing his five-year prison sentence, Butler was serving a five-year period of supervised release. According to his plea agreement, prior to his final release, law enforcement received information that, in April 2019, he was sending sexually explicit images of children to his Google photos account. A search of his house found a Google Pixel phone that contained hundreds of images and videos of children engaged in various forms of sexually explicit conduct, including the rape of prepubescent children.                       

Butler appeared for revocation of his supervised release in November 2019.  Friday, he entered a guilty plea to new charge. 

 “The defendant acknowledged to possessing over 600 images of child pornography, including images that portrayed acts of violence and abuse. Even more troubling, the defendant committed his crimes while serving a period of supervised release for a conviction for another child pornography offense,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Because of his recent actions, the defendant is deservedly facing a lengthy sentence of imprisonment for being a recidivist offender. I commend the law enforcement officers involved, including investigators from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, for their work on this investigation.” 

U.S. Attorney Duncan; Steve Igyarto, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); and Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky, jointly announced the guilty plea.

“A strong partnership with federal officials is essential as we work to protect Kentucky’s children from sexual exploitation,” said General Cameron. “Our Cyber Crimes Unit within the Department of Criminal Investigations works closely with federal law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of complex cases to ensure that the voiceless are not forgotten.”

The investigation was conducted by DHS-HIS and the Cyber Crimes Branch of the Office of the Attorney General.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.  

Butler is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2020. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, and a maximum of up to 60 years, as well as a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes. 

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

— END—