Eastern District of Kentucky
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Cincinnati Man Convicted of Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Berea Man Indicted for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
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.
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Manchester Woman Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Federal Inmate with Drug ContrabandRead the Press Release
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.
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London Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
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.
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Owsley County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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
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Laurel County Man Sentenced to Prison for Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
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
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Fort Mitchell Man Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
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.
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Ashland Man Sentenced to Prison for Representative Payee FraudRead the Press Release
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.
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Ashland Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
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.
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Montgomery County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
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.
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Lee County Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Possession of Firearm by FelonRead the Press Release
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.
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Frankfort Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Trafficking AcefentanylRead the Press Release
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.
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Boone County Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crystal MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
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.
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Montgomery County Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud & Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
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.
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Lexington Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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.
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Hazard Man Sentenced to 115 Months for Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon and Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
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.
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Jackson County Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
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.
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Mt. Sterling Man Sentenced to 360 Months for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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.
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Laurel County Man Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
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.
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Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Illicit Sexual Conduct While Traveling and Residing in CambodiaRead the Press Release
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.
Former Salyersville Resident Pleads Guilty to Illicit Sexual Conduct While Traveling and Residing in CambodiaRead the Press Release
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.
Garrard County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
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.
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Lawrenceburg Man Pleads Guilty to Wire and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, man, Joseph G. Peavler, 53, admitted, in federal court on Friday, committing wire fraud and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return.
Peavler pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves. In his plea agreement, Peavler admitted that between 2004 and 2018, he managed a warehouse owned by someone else and, during that time, he devised a plan to rent space in the warehouse to two separate entities, keeping the money for himself without knowledge or authority by the owners. That fraud scheme was furthered by interstate wire communications. Peavler also admitted to failing to declare this rent money on his tax returns, for each of the years he received the rent.
Peavler 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 for the Louisville Division of FBI; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and IRS. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Ken Taylor.
Peavler is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2020 at 10 a.m. He faces up to 23 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify and prosecute those persons who facilitate elder financial exploitation.
The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Mission, being carried out through the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, is to seek justice for victims of elder financial exploitation. Anyone who knows someone who may be a victim of an elder financial exploitation, is encouraged to contact law enforcement
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Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty to Soliciting Kickbacks, Making False Statements to Law Enforcement Agents, and Tampering with RecordsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Jackson, Kentucky, woman admitted in federal court today she solicited kickbacks from a toxicology laboratory in exchange for urine drug testing referrals, lied to law enforcement agents about the kickback she received, and then attempted to cover up the kickback by requesting the alteration of certain financial records.
Theresa C. Merced, 80, pleaded guilty today to one count of violating the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA), 18 U.S.C. § 220; one count of making false statements, 18 U.S.C. § 1001; and one count of attempted tampering with records, 18 U.S.C. § 1512, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves.
Merced, the office manager of a substance abuse treatment clinic in Jackson, Ky., admitted that between December 2018 and August 2019, she solicited kickbacks from the CEO of a toxicology lab in exchange for urine drug test referrals. According to the plea agreement, in August 2019 the CEO delivered to Merced a $4,000 check as part of a larger package of promised inducements. Merced caused the check to be cashed. When Merced was questioned about the check by law enforcement agents in September 2019, she denied knowledge of it, and stated that the $4,000 was probably a loan from the lab CEO to her husband. Shortly after her interview with the agents concluded, Merced called the lab CEO and asked that he alter the lab’s financial records so that the entry for the $4,000 check would say “rent/loan,” consistent with the lie she told the agents.
EKRA, enacted by Congress in October 2018 as part of a broader package of legislation aimed at combatting the opioid crisis, prohibits, among other things, the solicitation or receipt of kickbacks in exchange for the referral of urine drug testing services. Merced’s EKRA conviction is believed to be the first in the nation.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Field Office, and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Kentucky Office of Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey.
Merced is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 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 consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
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Knox County Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – Charles W. Warfield, 51, of Artemis, Kentucky, was convicted by a federal jury on Tuesday, for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The proof at trial established that Warfield purchased and distributed methamphetamine in Laurel and Knox Counties. Warfield and a co-conspirator traveled to Louisville and brought back 14 ounces of methamphetamine for distribution. Social media records and witness testimony also established that Warfield attempted to trade a .45 caliber handgun for methamphetamine. At the time Warfield possessed the firearm, he was a convicted felon.
Co-defendants Jonathan Harper, Derwin Julien, Lawrence Collinsworth, Cortez Evans, Tasha Wernicke, Jordan Britt, Scott Hensley, Amy Mosley, Lindsey Rose, Darryl Moore, Thorold Johnson, Bobby Hamilton, Rickie Eubanks, Eddie Hoskins, Justin Collins, and Ralph Jones have each pled guilty to their roles in the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Sheriff Mike Smith, Knox County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Col. Rusty Hedrick, Corbin Police Department, jointly announced the convictions.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and the Corbin Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna E. Reed.
Warfield is scheduled to appear for sentencing on April 24, 2020, in London. Warfield faces up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine on the methamphetamine conviction. He also faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearm conviction. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
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Maysville Man Sentenced to 199 Months for Carjacking and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Maysville, Kentucky, man, Charles Wesley Bruener III, 33, who previously admitted to carjacking and threatening two individuals with a firearm in the course of the offense was sentenced Friday to 199 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge David Bunning.
Bruener previously admitted that, on March 2, 2018, he fled from police in Falmouth, Kentucky, in a Ford Taurus. According to his plea agreement, officers pursued Bruener, and he eventually crashed the vehicle, breaking the hip of his girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson, who was a passenger in the Taurus. Bruener admitted that following the crash, he approached a nearby home, entered without permission, and waved a firearm at the home’s two occupants in order to steal their GMC truck and continue his flight from police. According to his plea agreement, Bruener admitted that when one of the victims in the home initially refused to comply, Bruener struck her, causing minor injuries. Bruener then pointed the gun to threaten a second occupant of the home and obtained the keys to the truck. Bruener and Thompson fled in the stolen truck and crashed it during a second police pursuit, further injuring Thompson’s broken hip. After Bruener and Thompson were arrested, officers recovered two stolen firearms and methamphetamine from the crime scenes.
Bruner pleaded guilty in September 2019. According to documents filed in the case, Bruener has previously been convicted of felony offenses, including receiving stolen property and robbery.
Under federal law, Bruener must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years after his release from prison. The court ordered that the federal sentence run consecutively to the 17 year Kentucky prison term that Bruener is presently serving for other state charges.
Thompson pleaded guilty in October of 2018 to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Thompson has prior convictions for felony drug trafficking and drug possession. She was sentenced in February 2019 to 78 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Pendleton County Sheriff Craig Peoples, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office and ATF. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/ag/about-project-guardian.
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Laurel County Woman Sentenced to 168 Months for Two Armed Bank Robberies and CarjackingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A London woman, Jennifer L. Moore, 51, was sentenced Monday to 168 months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Robert E. Wier, for carjacking, two armed bank robberies, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to Moore’s guilty plea agreement, Moore asked someone for a ride outside of St. Joseph Hospital in London; and during the ride, she pulled out a loaded handgun and demanded the van. Moore then drove the van to Forcht Bank in London, disguised herself, and demanded that the tellers provide her all their $100 dollar bills from their drawers. In her plea agreement, Moore further admitted to keeping her handgun displayed and repeatedly telling employees she would kill them. Moore left Forcht Bank with $16,088.00.
Moore then drove the stolen van to Cumberland Valley National Bank, where she once again demanded the bank tellers’ cash and threatened their lives. Similarly, Moore motioned to her loaded firearm while demanding the employees move faster. Moore left CVNB with $14,481.00. Moore brandished and carried a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol throughout the robberies and then led law enforcement on a brief high speed chase, which ended with her attempt to run on foot.
Moore pled guilty to the offenses on July 1, 2019. Under federal law, she must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence; and upon her release, she will be under the supervision of the United States 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, FBI Louisville Field Division; and Darrel Kilburn, Chief of Police London Police Department (PD), jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI London Office and London Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna Reed.
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Fayette County Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Illegal Firearm Possession While Fleeing from PoliceRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. –A Lexington man, Marcellis Means, 24, was sentenced Friday to 57 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
According to Means’ guilty plea agreement, on July 10, an officer made contact with him and another occupant of a parked vehicle, outside of a business near Patchen Drive in Lexington. Means admitted that, when the officer made contact, he quickly exited the vehicle and began to flee on foot. During the foot pursuit, Means removed a firearm from his waistband, resulting in the officer discharging his firearm. Means was apprehended by law enforcement shortly thereafter, and then admitted he was attempting to get rid of the firearm during the pursuit. Officers were able to locate the firearm discarded by Means. The firearm was found loaded and chambered with ammunition, and confirmed to be stolen. Means was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of Assault Second Degree in 2015, and was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
Under federal law, Means must serve 85 percent of his sentence. Upon completion of his imprisonment, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for a period of three years.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Lexington Police Department, in conjunction with the Kentucky State Police.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Lawrence Weathers, Chief of Police, Lexington Police Department; and Chad White, Deputy Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Versailles Man Sentenced to 190 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Damon Bristol Hardy, of Versailles, Kentucky, was sentenced on Friday to 190 months in federal prison, by Chief United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
In his guilty plea agreement, Hardy admitted that on April 2, 2019, in Woodford County, he possessed and intended to distribute 6.8 grams of a mixture that contained fentanyl and heroin. Hardy also agreed to abandon $587 in cash and various drug paraphernalia seized from him. Hardy admitted that he threw the controlled substances away, as he fled from the police.
Due to his prior criminal history, which included convictions for third-degree assault (police / probation officer) and first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (heroin), Hardy was subject to an enhanced sentence.
Under federal law, Hardy must serve a minimum of 85 percent of his prison sentence. He will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for six years after being released.
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 Chief Mike Murray, Versailles Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was directed by the Versailles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The United States was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman.
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Shelbyville Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Shelbyville, Kentucky, man, Elder Rene Carrillo-Cruz, 28, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison on Thursday, by United States District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, for distributing child pornography.
Carrillo-Cruz previously admitted that in March 2018, he knowingly distributed at least one video containing child pornography over the Internet. The investigation was the result of a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). As a result of the Cyber Tip, the Kentucky State Police conducted an investigation, which led them to obtain a search warrant that revealed evidence of the distribution of child pornography by Carrillo-Cruz.
Under federal law, Carrillo-Cruz must serve a minimum of 85 percent of his prison sentence. He will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 20 years after being released.
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); and Rick Sanders, KSP Commissioner, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DHS-HSI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney David Marye.
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Justice Department Awards More Than $333 Million to Fight Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.– The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs today announced awards of more than $333 million to help communities affected by the opioid crisis. $9,980,656 will help public safety and public health professionals in the Eastern District of Kentucky combat substance abuse and respond effectively to overdoses. OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan made the announcement during a visit with local, state and federal officials in West Virginia, one of the states hardest hit by the epidemic.
“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said PDAAG Sullivan. “This epidemic—the most deadly in our nation’s history—is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice is here to support them during this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”
With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids—including heroin and fentanyl—a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities—from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research—to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
“The opioid crisis is one of the most acute problems we face in the Eastern District of Kentucky, and solving it will take a coordinated response by all stakeholders, including law enforcement, the healthcare and treatment community, and many others,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “We are grateful for the support of the Department of Justice, as these awards will undoubtedly assist law enforcement and public health efforts in our District, and throughout the Commonwealth.”
The awards announced today support an array of activities designed to reduce the harm inflicted by these dangerous drugs. Grants will help law enforcement officers, emergency responders and treatment professionals coordinate their response to overdoses. Funds will also provide services for children and youth affected by the crisis and will support the nationwide network of drug and treatment courts. Other awards will address prescription drug abuse, expand the capacity of forensic labs and support opioid-related research.
The following awards were made to organizations in the Eastern District of Kentucky
- Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet- $4,990,407
- Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts-$2,500,000
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services- $990,249
- Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, Inc.- $750,000
- Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet- $750,000
Information about the programs and awards announced today is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov
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Fayette County Man Sentenced to 300 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lawrence Westbrook III, 41, of Lexington, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison on Friday, by Chief United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for offenses involving methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearms possession.
Westbrook previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to his plea agreement, on June 23, 2018, Lexington Police made contact with Westbrook during a traffic stop in Lexington, where officers located approximately 159 grams of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded firearm he used to further his drug trafficking activity. After being released from custody, by posting a state issued bond, Westbrook admitted to being arrested again in August, where he was found in possession of additional methamphetamine for sale. Officers located approximately $11,000 in U.S. currency, on top of a stolen, loaded firearm used in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Westbrook had prior felony convictions, having previously been convicted of Assault with a Firearm on a Person in 2001 and of being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm in 2015.
Under federal law, Westbrook must serve 85 percent of his sentence. Upon completion of his imprisonment, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for a period of five years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Tommy Estevan, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of Police, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Boyle County Woman Sentenced to 270 Months for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jacquolyn S. Walls-Land, 37, previously of Junction City, Kentucky, was sentenced to 270 months in federal prison, on Monday, before Chief United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for the production of child pornography.
According to the evidence at the trial of her co-defendant Richard Derringer, Jacquolyn Walls-Land, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, took videos of the minor female victim while Derringer sexually abused the victim. The sexual abuse, and recording of it, occurred on March 11, 2018. The evidence established that Derringer forced the minor victim to smoke methamphetamine with him, on multiple occasions, during an approximate 3-hour period while the sexual abuse occurred. Derringer even took hits of the methamphetamine himself and then exhaled into the minor victim’s mouth. The minor victim reported the sexual abuse and forced drug use to her mother, approximately 8 hours after the abuse ended, and the minor victim was taken to a local hospital, where she tested positive for methamphetamine.
Walls-Land’s co-defendant, Richard Derringer was sentenced to 100 years in federal prison earlier this month. Under federal law, Walls-Land must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Walls-Land will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 30 years, following her release.
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 Richard Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Mary Melton represented the United States.
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Former FMC Lexington Inmate Sentenced to 28 Months for Making False Allegations against Prison Staff and Possessing MorphineRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. –Timothy Carl Ling, a former FMC Lexington inmate, was sentenced in federal court to 28 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for making false allegations against prison staff and illegally possessing morphine.
In his plea agreement, Ling admitted that, over the course of several months in 2016 and 2017, he knowingly made false accusations against members of FMC Lexington’s staff. Specifically, Ling admitted to falsely alleging that a nurse provided him with an un-prescribed morphine pill, and he admitted to falsely accusing an accountant of accepting prepaid credit cards or money orders in exchange for providing contraband to inmates. Ling’s misrepresentations wrongfully caused the staff members to be subject to internal investigations, when, in reality, they had done nothing wrong. Related to Ling’s fraudulent accusation against the nurse, Ling admitted to illicitly purchasing an un-prescribed morphine pill from another inmate and providing it to a prison official under the guise of having obtained the pill from the nurse.
Ling admitted in his plea agreement that his motives for creating false and fictitious stories about prison staff included attempting to gain consideration for a reduction of his sentence. Instead, as a result of his false reports, Ling must now spend an additional 28 months in prison, consecutive to his prior sentence.
Under federal law, Ling must serve, at a minimum, 85 percent of his prison sentence. He will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years after being released.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and William Hannah, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Chicago Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was directed by the DOJ OIG Chicago Field Office. The United States was represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Chapman.
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Ten Former NFL Players Charged in Alleged Nationwide Fraud on Health Care Benefit Program for Retired NFL PlayersRead the Press Release
Ten former National Football League (NFL) players have been charged in the Eastern District of Kentucky for their alleged roles in a nationwide fraud on a health care benefit program for retired NFL players.
The alleged fraud targeted the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan (the Plan), which was established pursuant to the 2006 collective bargaining agreement and provided for tax-free reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical care expenses that were not covered by insurance and that were incurred by former players, their wives and their dependents – up to a maximum of $350,000 per player. According to the charging documents, over $3.9 million in false and fraudulent claims were submitted to the Plan, and the Plan paid out over $3.4 million on those claims between June 2017 and December 2018.
“Ten former NFL players allegedly committed a brazen, multi-million dollar fraud on a health care plan meant to help their former teammates and other retired players pay legitimate, out-of-pocket medical expenses,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Today’s indictments underscore that whoever you are, if you loot health care programs to line your own pockets, you will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”
“The defendants are alleged to have developed and executed a fraudulent scheme to undermine a health care benefit plan established by the NFL – one established to help their former teammates and colleagues pay for legitimate medical expenses,” said U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr., for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The defendants allegedly submitted false claims to the plan and obtained money for expensive medical equipment that was never purchased or received, depriving that plan of valuable resources to help others meet their medical needs. We have prioritized the investigation and prosecution of health care fraud in our office, and we appreciate the partnership we share with the Criminal Division and the FBI in pursuing these important matters.”
“This investigation serves as an illustration of the rampant and deliberate scams against health care plans occurring daily throughout the country,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the Miami Field Office. “In this case, these fraudsters pocketed money from the Gene Upshaw National Football League Health Reimbursement Account Plan that was intended for former NFL players who are ill or infirm. Over 20 FBI field offices participated in this investigation which demonstrates the level of commitment we have to rooting out this type of fraud.”
Two separate indictments filed in the Eastern District of Kentucky outline two alleged conspiracies involving different players related to the same scheme to defraud the Plan. Those charged in the indictments are the following:
- Robert McCune, 40, of Riverdale, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and nine counts of health care fraud.
- John Eubanks, 36, of Cleveland, Mississippi; Tamarick Vanover, 45, of Tallahassee, Florida; and Carlos Rogers, 38, of Alpharetta, Georgia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of health care fraud.
- Clinton Portis, 38, of McLean, Virginia; Ceandris Brown, 36, of Fresno, Texas; James Butler, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia; and Fredrick Bennett, 35, of Port Wentworth, Georgia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of health care fraud.
- Correll Buckhalter, 41, of Colleyville, Texas, and Etric Pruitt, 38, of Theodore, Alabama, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud.
In addition, the government has filed notice that it intends to file criminal informations charging Joseph Horn, 47, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Donald “Reche” Caldwell, 40, of Tampa, Florida, with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
The indictments charge that the scheme to defraud involved the submission of false and fraudulent claims to the Plan for expensive medical equipment – typically between $40,000 and $50,000 for each claim – that was never purchased or received. The expensive medical equipment described on the false and fraudulent claims included hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy machines, ultrasound machines designed for use by a doctor’s office to conduct women’s health examinations and electromagnetic therapy devices designed for use on horses.
According to allegations in the indictments, McCune, Eubanks, Vanover, Buckhalter, Rogers and others recruited other players into the scheme by offering to submit or cause the submission of these false and fraudulent claims in exchange for kickbacks and bribes that ranged from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 or more per claim submitted. As part of the scheme, the defendants allegedly fabricated supporting documentation for the claims, including invoices, prescriptions and letters of medical necessity. After the claims were submitted, McCune and Buckhalter allegedly called the telephone number provided by the Plan and impersonated certain other players in order to check on the status of the false and fraudulent claims.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The investigation included efforts by various FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies, including: Augusta, Georgia; Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Columbia, South Carolina; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Jackson, Mississippi; Lexington, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida; Newark, New Jersey; Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Newport Beach, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Washington, D.C.
Trial Attorneys John (Fritz) Scanlon, Alexander J. Kramer and Thomas J. Tynan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. McCaffrey and Andrew E. Smith of the Eastern District of Kentucky are prosecuting the cases.- Robert McCune, 40, of Riverdale, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and nine counts of health care fraud.
Boyle County Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Prision for Production of Child Pornography and Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Richard Eugene Derringer, 47, previously of Junction City, Kentucky, was sentenced to 100 years in federal prison, on Wednesday, before Chief United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for the production of child pornography and distribution of methamphetamine.
In August 2019, Derringer was convicted by a jury of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing child pornography; conspiracy to use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, for the purpose of producing child pornography; possession of child pornography; and distribution of methamphetamine. Derringer was acquitted of one count of attempted distribution of child pornography.
According to the evidence at trial, Jacquolyn Walls-Land, who previously pleaded guilty to one count of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, took videos of the minor female victim while Derringer sexually abused the victim. The sexual abuse, and recording of it, occurred on March 11, 2018. The evidence established that Derringer forced the minor victim to smoke methamphetamine with him, on multiple occasions, during an approximate 3-hour period while the sexual abuse occurred. Derringer even took hits of the methamphetamine himself and then exhaled into the minor victim’s mouth. The minor victim reported the sexual abuse and forced drug use to her mother, approximately 8 hours after the abuse ended, and the minor victim was taken to a local hospital, where she tested positive for methamphetamine.
Derringer’s co-defendant, Jacquolyn Walls-Land, will be sentenced on December 16, 2019. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison, and up to 30 years, 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 statutes.
“The production of child pornography is one of the most despicable crimes that law enforcement investigates and our Office prosecutes,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The facts of this case are particularly egregious and the defendant’s abuse of the victim certainly warrants the life sentence he received. It should present a clear message that we are committed to holding accountable those who commit acts of abuse and who manufacture child pornography. Because the victim showed remarkable bravery in reporting the crime, law enforcement was able to prevent the defendant from preying on others.”
United States Attorney Duncan; James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Richard Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Mary Melton represented the United States.
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Former Owner of Trailblazers, Inc. Sentenced to 18 Months for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Barry E. Sanders, 64, the former owner and CEO of Trailblazers, Inc., an auto and truck parts supply business formerly located in Lexington, was sentenced today, by Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph M. Hood, to 18 months imprisonment for bankruptcy fraud.
Sanders had previously admitted in U.S. District Court that, while Trailblazers, Inc. was in the process of contemplating bankruptcy in the summer of 2013, he transferred $315,000 from the business to his personal banking accounts, using four cashier’s checks. Sanders then knowingly concealed the receipt of those funds, by failing to report the cash transfers on Trailblazers’ corporate bankruptcy filings in August 2013, as required by federal bankruptcy law.
Under federal law, Sanders must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Sanders will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years, following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation leading to Sanders’ conviction was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Will Moynahan.
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Fleming County Magistrate Pleads Guilty to Crop Insurance Fraud and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Christopher G. Hickerson, a Fleming County Magistrate and tobacco farmer, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Monday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to charges of conspiracy to commit crop insurance fraud and tax fraud.
According to his plea agreement, Hickerson admitted that from Crop Year 2009 to Crop Year 2016, he made material misrepresentations on his federal crop insurance paperwork, for the purpose of getting money from the federal government that he was not entitled to receive. He admitted that he produced more tobacco crop than he reported to his insurance company, hiding that tobacco by selling it in other people’s names or simply not reporting it to his insurance adjuster.
In his plea agreement, Hickerson acknowledged that in Crop Year 2014, he accomplished this through an agreement, with Debra Muse and another individual identified as R.W., to obtain fake grade sheets and tobacco sales receipts from Clay’s Tobacco Warehouse, which he could submit to his insurance adjuster. Hickerson admitted that the grade sheets – which showed that his tobacco was no-grade or low-grade – were for tobacco that either did not exist or did not belong to him. Hickerson further admitted to failing to report all of his tobacco sales on his tax returns in 2012, 2013, and 2015.
Hickerson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2020. He faces up to five years in prison on the conspiracy to commit crop insurance fraud conviction and three years in prison on the tax fraud conviction. He faces a $250,000 fine on each charge. Before imposing a sentence, the Court will take into consideration the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal sentencing statutes.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Bethanne Dinkins, Acting 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; Heather Manzano, Deputy Administrator for Compliance, United States Department of Agriculture-Risk Management Agency; and Willie Skeens, Director, Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division, jointly announced the conviction. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Kathryn Anderson.
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Detroit Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking Resulting in an Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Detroit man, Shannon D. Hixon, 43, was sentenced to life in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after previously being convicted of conspiring to distribute oxycodone and fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl resulting in an overdose death.
Hixon was convicted at trial, in July 2019. According to the evidence, Hixon supplied thousands of Oxycodone 30 mg tablets to two individuals in Lexington, which were then transported to Morehead, Kentucky (Rowan County) and Salyersville, Kentucky (Magoffin County), and sold to local dealers and drug users. Additionally, the evidence established that Hixon had supplied heroin and fentanyl to a group of users in Lexington, which included supplying a lethal quantity of fentanyl that was distributed to K.F., an Army veteran in rehab, causing K.F.’s overdose death.
Hixon has a prior conviction for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance First Degree, imposed by the Fayette Circuit Court, in May 2004.
“The defendant, and other drug dealers who illegally distribute opioids, help fuel addictions and spread misery and death. Our Office has no greater priority than holding drug traffickers, particularly repeat offenders like the defendant, accountable for their criminal conduct. Because of his prior drug trafficking conviction, and because his drug dealing caused an overdose death, the defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison,” said Robert M. Duncan Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The sentence imposed should send a clear message – if you are of convicted of dealing drugs and causing a death you face a substantial punishment for your actions. We remain committed, along with our law enforcement partners, in pursuing these important cases to help vindicate the interests of the victims’ families and keep our communities safe.”
United States Attorney Duncan; Daniel Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; Chief Derrick Blevins, Morehead Police Department; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Morehead Police Department, and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger W. West.
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Lexington Man Sentenced to 142 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. - A Lexington, Kentucky, man, Michael Tutt, 51, was sentenced to 142 months on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for trafficking methamphetamine.
According to Tutt’s plea agreement, he admitted that from November 2016 to July 2017, he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Laurel and Fayette Counties. Tutt further admitted to importing and distributing between 3 and 10 ounces of methamphetamine per week, every week for at least six months. According to his plea agreement, the drugs came from various sources based in the Louisville area and Atlanta area. Tutt admitted to selling the methamphetamine to various drug dealers, as well as users. The criminal conspiracy to distribute the drugs involved a number of co-defendants.
Tutt was indicted on the charges in July 2017 and was the final member of the conspiracy to be sentenced. His co-defendants have received the following sentences: Ashley A. Evans (63 months); Alfredo Martinez (192 months); Katherine Miller (33 months); Rachell D. Peppers (92 months); Jacqueline M. Robinson (15 months); Brandon M. Rush (144 months); Christian Omar Torres (168 months); Marco Antonio Valencia-Fiesco (20 months); Lajoyia Whitney (31 months); Sandy Leon Whitney (5 months); and Abdul M. Wilkerson (66 months).
Under federal law, Tutt and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Tutt 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, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Samuel Dotson.
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Two Madison County Residents Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and CocaineRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – On November 27, a federal jury sitting in Lexington found Richard C. Duerson and Jennifer G. McFarland, both of Richmond, Kentucky, guilty of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, both were also found guilty of individual counts of possession with intent to distribute the drugs.
According to the evidence at trial, on March 2, 2019, officers with the Richmond Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant on Duerson’s apartment in Richmond. During the search, in Duerson’s bedroom, officers located quantities of cocaine and over 50 grams of methamphetamine, including 661 pills containing methamphetamine, as well as approximately $10,000 in cash wrapped in a sock in the bedroom closet.
After Duerson’s arrest, officers investigated several recorded phone calls he made to McFarland from the Madison County Detention Center, discussing the removal of various items from his apartment. On March 8, 2019, officers obtained a second search warrant, for McFarland’s Richmond residence. During this search, officers located approximately 303 grams of methamphetamine, 679 grams of cocaine, several firearms, and multiple items used for mixing and preparing narcotics for sale.
Duerson and McFarland will appear for sentencing on March 6, 2020. On the conspiracy conviction, Duerson faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison, while McFarland faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison. Duerson also faces 5 to 40 years for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and up to 20 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. McFarland faces 5 to 40 years in prison for each conviction for possession with the intent to distribute. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and any applicable federal sentencing statutes.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Daniel Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, and James Ebert, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department, jointly made the announcement. At trial, the United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Francisco Villalobos II.
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Danville Man Sentenced to 282 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Danville, Kentucky, man, Lamar M. Ford, 32, was sentenced to 282 months in federal prison on Monday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for trafficking 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
In his plea agreement, Ford admitted that, on September 20, 2018, he trafficked 15 grams of fentanyl, from his residence in Danville. He further admitted that law enforcement seized an additional 56.7 grams of fentanyl from his residence and vehicle. The total amount of fentanyl seized was approximately 72 grams.
Ford pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2019. Ford has seven prior felony convictions, including two prior drug trafficking conviction, which qualified Ford as a “Career Offender” under federal law.
Under federal law, Ford must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 8 years, following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Daniel Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville; and Sheriff Derick Robbins, Boyle County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Boyd County Sheriff’s Office. The United States was represented by Roger West.
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Newport Man Sentenced to 156 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Crystal MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – Timothy Fairless, 51, of Newport, Kentucky, was sentenced today to 156 months in federal prison, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning. Fairless was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release, following completion of his prison term.
Fairless previously admitted to conspiring with numerous others to distribute more than 1.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, between August 2016 and March 2018. According to the plea agreement, numerous packages of crystal methamphetamine were sent through the mail from California by J. James Alarcon to Fairless, at various addresses in northern Kentucky. Fairless admitted to then distributing the methamphetamine to multiple individuals engaged in retail-level trafficking. Agents also seized seven firearms from conspiracy members in the course of the investigation.
Fairless was indicted in May 2018 and was the final member of the conspiracy to be sentenced. The following individuals were previously sentenced: Walter Nash received 240 months in prison; J. James Alarcon received 168 months; Dawson Hendricks received 138 months; Christopher Shouse received 120 months; Ryan Dawson received 60 months; Alisha Jones received 46 months; Cassie Scrivner received 39 months; Jennifer Ramos received 25 months; and Wanda Nash received 21 months. Under federal law, each Defendant must serve at least 85 percent of their prison sentence.
“Methamphetamine trafficked in the United States today is more potent and more dangerous than ever before. It is most frequently manufactured in Mexico and smuggled across the Southwest Border, from where it is shipped or transported across the country,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Robert M. Duncan Jr. “The defendants’ illegal receipt of shipments of methamphetamine in the U.S. mails contributed to methamphetamine use in northern Kentucky.”
U.S. Attorney Duncan, Eastern District of Kentucky; Christopher White, Assistant Inspector in Charge, Pittsburgh Division, Cincinnati Field Office, of the United States Postal Inspection Service; Chief Tom Grau, Florence Police Department; and Chief Robert Nader, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentences.
“People who use the mail to distribute dangerous drugs cause great harm to our communities, and they also place USPS employees at risk of exposure, not only to dangerous substances, but also to the violent crimes associated with drug dealers,” said Assistant Inspector in Charge for USPIS, Christopher White.
“The sentences imposed by the Court reflect the severity of the conduct and underscore the seriousness of the methamphetamine threat we face. I commend the work conducted and the cooperation exhibited by personnel from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Covington Police Department, and the Florence Police Department,” said US Attorney Duncan. “Because of the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement personnel involved, the defendants are being held accountable for their actions.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florence Police Department, and the Covington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke.
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Detroit Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. - A Detroit man, Aaron Smith, 46, who previously admitted to possessing over 300 grams of heroin with the intent to sell it, was sentenced Wednesday to 90 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning.
According to Smith’s guilty plea, he admitted to possessing 308 grams of heroin in route from Detroit, with the intention to deliver and distribute the heroin in Lexington, Kentucky. He was stopped on Interstate 75 by law enforcement, who seized the drugs which were hidden behind the dashboard of the vehicle.
Smith pleaded guilty in May 2019. Smith was previously convicted in 2012, for trafficking in heroin and codeine, in the Jefferson Circuit Court.
Under federal law, Smith must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years.
Robert M. Duncan Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Commissioner Richard Sanders, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Thomas Napier.
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United States Attorneys Announce $72.4 Million in Grants Received from the Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – To close the 2019 Fiscal Year, the United States Department of Justice awarded 51 grants, amounting to more than $72.4 million to support public safety and crime fighting initiatives throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, announced Western District United States Attorney Russell Coleman and Eastern District United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr.
“These are significant federal resources coming to Kentucky for one purpose, to keep families safer in all 120 counties of our Commonwealth,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky Russell Coleman.
“We appreciate the Department’s support in funding these important public safety and criminal justice initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Robert Duncan Jr. “These grants help make the entire Commonwealth a safer place.”
The 51 grants cover cities in both the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, six cities (Bowling Green, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Paducah, Radcliff) alongside five counties (Christian County, Daviess County, Madison County, Kenton County, Warren County) are receiving funding through the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. Under the JAG program, the cities will receive a total amount of $968,160 to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based for their own state and local needs and conditions. The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet also received $2.1 million in funding under the JAG program. JAG funds will be used to support all components of the criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces, to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, justice information enforcement, and programs aimed at reducing crime and/or enhancing public/officer safety.
The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet will also receive $30,568,043 from the Office for Victims of Crime VOCA (Victims of Crime Act Formula Program) Victim Assistance Formula. The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet was also awarded grants through the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) through the United States Attorney’s offices Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for state Prisoners Program, State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers, and Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Formula.
The Kentucky Department for Corrections (KYDOC) was awarded $923,138 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance Innovations in Supervision Initiative (ISI): Building Capacity to Create Safer Communities. ISI funds will be used to develop place-based supervision strategies to reduce distances between clients, supervision offices and treatment centers.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services will receive $990,249 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site Based Program: Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) aimed at enhancing KASPER. The Cabinet will use the grant funds to engage one full time grant law enforcement liaison, and one full time grant criminal epidemiologist who will support law enforcement requests for PDMP data and assistance. The grant liaison will work with five pharmacist consultants already employed by KASPER to provide knowledge of criminal investigations and prosecutions of offenders violating state and federal control substances laws.
The Catholic Charities of Louisville Inc. has been awarded $919,476 under the Sustaining Capacity to Provide Comprehensive Services through the Office of Victims of Crime. Catholic Charities will implement the Central Kentucky Comprehensive Services Project to sustain capacity to provide services to survivors of human trafficking through implementation of a comprehensive services model. The initiative will include in-house services, and collaborations with community partners for housing, mental health services, medical services, and education services.
A full list of OJP Award Data is available at this link: https://ojp.gov/funding/Explore/OJPAwardData.htm
###Richmond Man Sentenced to 156 Months for Trafficking in Cocaine and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky.— Lamar Anthony Martin, 36, of Richmond, Kentucky, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison on Friday, by United States Federal Judge Gregory F. VanTatenhove, for his convictions on trafficking in cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
According to Martin’s plea agreement, he admitted to trafficking cocaine on four separate occasions, from January to April 2018. Martin also admitted to illegally owning firearms, which he stored at both his and his mother’s residence.
Martin pleaded guilty in June 2019. Martin was previously convicted of Trafficking a Controlled Substance First Degree, by the Madison Circuit Court, in February 2003.
Under federal law, Evans must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for six years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by ATF. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia T. Rieker.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Burlington Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. - Jeremy Garey, 44, of Burlington, Kentucky, has been indicted on federal charges of Production and Distribution of Child Pornography.
The indictment alleges that, over the course of several months during 2017, Garey 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 Garey knowingly distributed child pornography. Garey appeared for his arraignment on November 15, 2019, in United States District Court.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted jointly by the Ft. Wright Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If anyone has additional information related to the case, they are encouraged to contact the FBI, at 859-341-3901.
Garey’s next appearance before the United States District Court is scheduled for January 10, 2020; his trial is currently scheduled for January 21, 2020. If convicted, Garey faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. 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.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Traveling to Engage in Sexual Activity with MinorsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gregory Lee Hruby, 65, of Brazoria, Texas, was sentenced on Friday to 30 years in federal prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, for crossing state lines to engage in sexual acts with minors who had not attained the age of 12 and for possessing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to trial testimony, Hruby communicated with an undercover law enforcement agent, who responded to a post that Hruby had placed on the Whisper Application. In the communications, the undercover officer portrayed herself as the mother of 9 and 11 year-old daughters, who was willing to permit Hruby to engage in sex with them. Hruby engaged in text and telephone conversations with the undercover officer, indicating his interest in engaging in sexual intercourse with the fictitious minors. Hruby was arrested after law enforcement officers met him at the airport in Lexington, on October 19, 2018, following his arrival on a flight from Houston, Texas. Hruby also had child pornography images on his phone.
Hruby was previously convicted of all three charges in July 2019.
Under federal law, Hruby must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for the remainder of his life.
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); and Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by DHS-HSI and the Cyber Crimes Branch of the Office of the Attorney General of Kentucky. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Marye and Tashena A. Fannin.
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Anderson County Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threatening Communications, Cyber-Stalking, and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Dylan Lee Jarrell, 22, of Anderson County, Ky., admitted in federal court that he transmitted a threatening communication in interstate commerce, committed cyberstalking, made a false statement to federal law enforcement officers, and possessed a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Jarrell pleaded guilty to the charges today, before U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove.
According to his plea agreement, Jarrell admitted that in 2018 he began to plan and prepare to conduct an act of violence against occupants of Shelby County High School, which Jarrell had previously attended as a student. Over time, Jarrell also developed an alternative plan to kill an individual identified as D.B., and then kill himself, in a murder-suicide. Jarrell took several actions in furtherance of the plans, including acquiring a firearm.
In May 2018, using a Reddit account and user screen name later confirmed to be his, Jarrell posted public messages about previous mass school shootings, which evidenced a serious expression of his intent. Based on the Reddit posts, on May 30, 2018, a special agent from the FBI questioned Jarrell at his residence in Anderson County. Jarrell was warned it was a crime to lie to an FBI special agent. During the interview, Jarrell claimed not to have any knowledge about the Reddit posts or the user screen name. At the time Jarrell made these statements, he knew them to be false.
From July to September 2018, Jarrell made posts on Instagram using an account he created. On September 24, 2018, Jarrell transmitted a communication, via Instagram, to an account used by D.B., in which Jarrell threatened to commit an act of violence upon D.B.
On August 22, 2018, Jarrell purchased an American Tactical Omni Maxx P3 Hybrid 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle. Throughout August and September 2018, Jarrell obtained other items, including a bump stock for the rifle, large capacity magazines, ammunition, and body armor. In his plea agreement, Jarrell acknowledged obtaining these items in furtherance of his planned school shooting, or alternatively, the murder-suicide.
Jarrell also created and used an account under his own name on Facebook. On October 17, 2018, using Facebook, Jarrell sent two harassing messages to an account associated with K.B. The Defendant understood those communications would reasonably be expected to cause substantial emotional distress to K.B.
On October 18, 2018, personnel from the FBI and Kentucky State Police responded to Jarrell’s residence in Anderson County, and questioned him about his Reddit and Facebook activities. This time, Jarrell admitted he composed and sent the Reddit and Facebook messages. Jarrell provided the law enforcement officers his cell phone, which revealed Jarrell’s plans to attack Shelby County High School and D.B. Jarrell admitted to investigators that he formulated these plans and that he acquired the firearm in furtherance of the plans.
Jarrell was indicted in May of 2019.
“Dylan Jarrell manifested a clear intent to commit horrific acts of violence on innocent persons in our District and elsewhere,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Fortunately, because of the thorough work of dedicated law enforcement officers, Jarrell’s plans were thwarted and lives were almost certainly saved. I commend the law enforcement personnel involved in this investigation for their professionalism and commitment to keeping the public safe from harm. We are proud to stand with them in this continued fight.”
“The FBI takes credible threats of violence seriously, and preventing mass causality events is a top priority. As the Jarrell investigation indicates, the FBI will work closely with the Kentucky State Police and our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who issue these threats,” said James Robert Brown Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office. “I want to encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report this behavior to law enforcement immediately. In this instance, with the public’s help, the FBI and KSP saved lives.”
“The Kentucky State Police commends our trooper and all the other officers and law-enforcement agencies involved in apprehending this dangerous criminal before he was ever able to harm a single individual,” said Commissioner Richard Sanders, Kentucky State Police. “If trooper Satterly had not looked beyond the initial complaint of online misconduct by Jarrell, it is not hard to imagine what atrocities may have been committed by this individual.”
U.S. Attorney Duncan, James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Commissioner Sanders, Kentucky State Police jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by FBI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Boone.
Jarrell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2020 at 11 a.m. He faces up to 5 years in prison on the threatening communication, cyberstalking, and false statement charges, and at least 5 years on the firearms charge, consecutive to the other offenses. He also faces 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.
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