Eastern District of Kentucky
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Jury Convicts Lexington Man of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Money Laundering, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington man, Rollie Deshawn Lamar, 30, has been convicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Frankfort, of one count of conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, money laundering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distribution of marijuana.
According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in late 2021, law enforcement began an investigation of Lamar and others. The investigation revealed that an individual working for Lamar traveled to Detroit, once or twice a week, and brought back approximately 50 pounds of high-quality marijuana on each trip. Lamar sold this marijuana, by the pound, in the Lexington area. In March 2022, the Kentucky State Police joined the investigation and made at least one vehicle stop yielding a large quantity of high-quality marijuana.
On April 6, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Lamar’s residence, where law enforcement seized over $1.86 million in drug proceeds, four expensive vehicles that were drug proceeds, several firearms, and approximately $220,00 in jewelry that was drug proceeds. That same day, law enforcement stopped another vehicle, which led to the seizure of approximately $27,000 in additional drug proceeds. Yet another vehicle stop occurred after Lamar had been indicted, which produced an additional seizure of approximately $11,000 in drug proceeds and $10,000 in jewelry purchased with drug proceeds.
The total value of items seized by law enforcement is more than $2 million.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Detroit Field Division; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; and Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department, jointly announced the verdict.
The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, KSP, Lexington Police Department, and Frankfort Police Department.
Lamar is scheduled to appear for sentencing on June 24. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West.
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Former Boyle County Sheriff’s Deputy Found Guilty of Federal Civil Rights Charges following Multiple Assaults and ObstructionRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A federal jury in Lexington, Kentucky, on Monday found former Boyle County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Abbott, 31, guilty of criminal civil rights violations and obstruction of justice.
Evidence at trial proved that, during the first four months of 2021, Abbott willfully violated the civil rights of four people by using excessive force while arresting them, and obstructed justice by writing and directing another to write false reports to cover up his violations.
“We’re grateful to this jury of Kentucky citizens who held an officer accountable for repeatedly and violently brutalizing people he was arresting, even though they were not resisting arrest and did not pose a threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This prosecution makes clear our commitment to confronting law enforcement criminality from the bottom to the top. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and violate their public trust by preying upon those they are sworn to protect.”
“This case is a disgraceful example of betrayal of trust, a profound violation of the rights of others, and a danger to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “When those charged with enforcing the law and protecting the public turn to violating the rights of others and trying to cover it up, that does real damage. It not only injures victims, but also undermines the hard work and true dedication of so many in law enforcement. The defendant will now face the consequences of such a grave betrayal of the public trust.
“Law enforcement officers are given a gun, a badge and an incredible amount of power when it comes to protecting the communities they serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “Therefore, when the FBI learns of allegations of color of law violations, they are taken seriously and investigated rigorously. Through our thorough investigation of former Sheriff Deputy Abbott, and re-enforced by the jury’s guilty findings, it was found that on more than one occasion, he clearly abused his power and deprived individuals of their civil rights. Seeking justice for victims of police misconduct continues to be of the upmost importance to the FBI.”
According to evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 20, 2021, Abbott conducted a traffic stop on two young men driving to a restaurant in Danville, Kentucky. When the driver requested to speak with the defendant’s supervisor, Abbott punched him in the face, pulled him out of the car and struck him several more times as he lay on the ground, not resisting arrest or posing any threat. When the passenger, the driver’s brother, stepped out of the car and pleaded with Abbott to stop the beating, the defendant struck him in the face with an elbow, breaking his glasses.
On Feb. 2, 2021, Abbott was involved in another traffic stop during which the passenger of the stopped vehicle was arrested. While the passenger was being handcuffed, the defendant suddenly and without justification punched him in the face, although the passenger’s actions posed no threat to the defendant at the time. The defendant then conspired with another officer to write a report in which the other officer falsely alleged that the victim had advanced aggressively toward Abbott before being punched.
On March 31, 2021, the defendant went to a hotel in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, intending to search the room of a guest. He obtained a key to the room he wished to search by falsely representing to hotel staff that he had a search warrant, then used the key to force his way into the room, over the guest’s objection. Once inside, without consent or other lawful authority, he conducted an intrusive search of the guest’s personal property. Abbott then wrote a false report in which he claimed the guest had consented to the search.
On April 28, 2021, the defendant arrested a driver who had failed to pull over when the defendant attempted to conduct a traffic stop of his car. After the chase ended and the driver had been arrested and handcuffed, Abbott approached the driver and punched him in the face, although he was not resisting arrest and posed no threat to the defendant or anyone else.
The jury convicted Abbott of four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, one count of conspiracy, and one count of falsification of records within federal jurisdiction. Abbott was also found not guilty of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. A sentencing here is scheduled for June 7, at 10:00 AM in Lexington.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky are prosecuting the case.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 25 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking, Illegal Possession of Firearms, and Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Mexican National, residing in Lexington, Renaldo Villa Gomez, 38, was sentenced on Monday, to 25 years in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine, unlawful re-entry into the United States after a prior deportation, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to his plea agreement, following surveillance, law enforcement conducted searches of a vehicle and multiple residences in in Fayette County affiliated with the conspiracy. In all, law enforcement seized 23.7 kilograms (52 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine, 1.7 kilos of cocaine, six semi-automatic firearms, ammunition, ammunition magazines, and more than $91,000 in drug proceeds.
Gomez admitted to the possession of the drugs, firearms, and cash proceeds. Gomez further admitted that he was born in Mexico and has been deported several times, including in April 2004, August 2009, October 2015, and August 2017. Gomez has also been convicted of two prior drug felony offenses and four prior illegal reentry convictions.
Under federal law, Gomez must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon competition his prison sentence, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. He will also be processed for deportation.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; LaDeon Francis, Director, Department of Homeland Security, ICE-ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) Chicago Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, FBI, ICE- ERO, and the Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Former Kentucky Sheriff’s Deputy Found Guilty of Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Multiple Assaults and ObstructionRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Lexington, Kentucky, yesterday found former Boyle County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Abbott, 31, guilty of criminal civil rights violations and obstruction of justice.
Evidence at trial proved that, during the first four months of 2021, Abbott willfully violated the civil rights of four people by using excessive force while arresting them, and obstructed justice by writing and directing another to write false reports to cover up his violations.
“We’re grateful to this jury of Kentucky citizens who held an officer accountable for repeatedly and violently brutalizing people he was arresting, even though they were not resisting arrest and did not pose a threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This prosecution makes clear our commitment to confronting law enforcement criminality from the bottom to the top. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and violate their public trust by preying upon those they are sworn to protect.”
“This case is a disgraceful example of betrayal of trust, a profound violation of the rights of others, and a danger to our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “When those charged with enforcing the law and protecting the public turn to violating the rights of others and trying to cover it up, that does real damage. It not only injures victims, but also undermines the hard work and true dedication of so many in law enforcement. The defendant will now face the consequences of such a grave betrayal of the public trust.”
“Law enforcement officers are given a gun, a badge and an incredible amount of power when it comes to protecting the communities they serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “Therefore, when the FBI learns of allegations of color of law violations, they are taken seriously and investigated rigorously. Through our thorough investigation of former Sheriff Deputy Abbott, and re-enforced by the jury’s guilty findings, it was found that on more than one occasion, he clearly abused his power and deprived individuals of their civil rights. Seeking justice for victims of police misconduct continues to be of the upmost importance to the FBI.”
According to evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 20, 2021, Abbott conducted a traffic stop on two young men driving to a restaurant in Danville, Kentucky. When the driver requested to speak with the defendant’s supervisor, Abbott punched him in the face, pulled him out of the car and struck him several more times as he lay on the ground, not resisting arrest or posing any threat. When the passenger, the driver’s brother, stepped out of the car and pleaded with Abbott to stop the beating, the defendant struck him in the face with an elbow, breaking his glasses.
On Feb. 2, 2021, Abbott was involved in another traffic stop during which the passenger of the stopped vehicle was arrested. While the passenger was being handcuffed, the defendant suddenly and without justification punched him in the face, although the passenger’s actions posed no threat to the defendant at the time. The defendant then conspired with another officer to write a report in which the other officer falsely alleged that the victim had advanced aggressively toward Abbott before being punched.
On March 31, 2021, the defendant went to a hotel in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, intending to search the room of a guest. He obtained a key to the room he wished to search by falsely representing to hotel staff that he had a search warrant, then used the key to force his way into the room, over the guest’s objection. Once inside, without consent or other lawful authority, he conducted an intrusive search of the guest’s personal property. Abbott then wrote a false report in which he claimed the guest had consented to the search.
On April 28, 2021, the defendant arrested a driver who had failed to pull over when the defendant attempted to conduct a traffic stop of his car. After the chase ended and the driver had been arrested and handcuffed, Abbott approached the driver and punched him in the face, although he was not resisting arrest and posed no threat to the defendant or anyone else.
The jury convicted Abbott of four counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, one count of conspiracy and one count of falsification of records within federal jurisdiction. Abbott was also found not guilty of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. A sentencing here is scheduled for June 7, at 10:00 AM in Lexington.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky are prosecuting the case.
Founder of South Carolina Construction Firm Sentenced for Convictions Related to Kickback Payments, Wire Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – The founder of Berenyi, Inc., headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Antoine “Tony” Berenyi, 63, was sentenced on Friday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 30 months following his convictions for conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Berenyi was convicted by a federal jury in July 2023. According to the evidence presented at trial, beginning in late 2017, Berenyi entered into an illegal kickback agreement with Jaymin Vinson, an employee of Nucor Steel Gallatin, to deprive Nucor of both money and Vinson’s honest services as an employee. Berenyi and Vinson agreed that Vinson would help steer a $14,950,000 construction management contract, for a $650 million Nucor mill expansion project, to Berenyi’s company and provide other services on behalf of Berenyi within Nucor. This agreement was in exchange for Berenyi paying Vinson a 15% kickback on the contract and was reached without Nucor’s knowledge or approval. These secret kickback payments continued into 2019, totaling over $452,000 kicked back to Vinson.
In addition to the prison sentence, Berenyi was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine, $753,625 in restitution, and $396,500 in a money judgement.
Vinson, who has also been convicted, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, and he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Under federal law, Berenyi must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for two years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Chapman and Kyle Winslow are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Estill County Woman Sentenced to 165 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Irvine, Ky., woman, Ladonna Susan Riddell, 36, was sentenced on Monday, to 165 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to her plea agreement, on July 29, 2022, law enforcement responded to report of a suspected drug transaction. During the investigation, law enforcement located Riddell, discovered she had an active arrest warrant, and took her into custody. A search of her vehicle uncovered 163.32 grams of methamphetamine, which Riddell admitted she intended to distribute.
Under federal law, Riddell must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Chris Flynn, Estill County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Estill County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ron Walker and Brittany Baker are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Versailles Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Versailles, Ky., man, Bryan Carroll, 46, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and for carrying an explosive during the commission of a federal felony offense.
According to his plea agreement, on March 25, 2021, law enforcement was notified that Carroll was enroute to the University of Kentucky Hospital, and that had an active arrest warrant. Law enforcement then met Carroll outside the Emergency Department, where he was taken into custody. During a subsequent search of Carroll and his vehicle, law enforcement located a total of eight firearms (including a sawed-off shotgun), four explosive devices, and one improvised explosive bomb.
During his interview, Carroll admitted to having the firearms on him, when he was arrested, and acknowledged the additional firearms found in his vehicle. Carroll further acknowledged the “fireworks” in his vehicle, and admitted to constructing the metal can explosive devices, which contained nails. Carroll then told law enforcement that he had additional destructive devices at his home, and that he possessed a large quantity of explosive materials. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Carroll’s home where they located two additional firearms along with six additional improvised explosive bombs.
Carroll admitted that he possessed the firearms and explosives and that he was prohibited from doing so, based on his prior felony conviction, for complicity to traffic a controlled substance in the first degree, in the Woodford Circuit Court, from December 2015.
Under federal law, Carroll must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Chief Michael Murray, Versailles Police Department; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; and Chief Joe Monroe, University of Kentucky Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by ATF, FBI, Versailles Police Department, the Lexington Police Department, and the University of Kentucky Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was 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 Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Kenton County Man Sentenced to 181 Months for Armed Trafficking of a Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Latonia, Ky., man, Marcos A. Garcia, 25, was sentenced on Friday, to 181 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for conspiracy to distribute 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, possession of 10 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, from February 1, 2021 through March 1, 2023, Garcia conspired with Kayla Vance, his co-defendant, to distribute controlled substances, including marijuana and more than 10 grams of a fentanyl analogue. On February 2, 2023, law enforcement used an informant to purchase pressed tablets from Garcia. Those tablets contained flurofentanyl, a powerful analogue of fentanyl. After making a second purchase of pressed tablets, on March 1, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a house shared by Garcia and Vance, where they found a handgun, 67 tablets of fentanyl, a pound of marijuana, other tablets, cash, and 11 uninstalled machinegun conversion devices.
Garcia admitted to law enforcement that he and Vance had been robbed of drugs and money on a prior occasion, so the handgun was for protection of his family and the drugs located in the residence.
Kayla Vance was previously sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.
Under federal law, Garcia must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 126 Months for Trafficking LSDRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Kyle A. Vanderpool, 36, was sentenced on Thursday, to 126 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with the intent to distribute 10 grams or more of LSD.
According to his plea agreement, law enforcement received a report that an identified drug trafficker was traveling to Northern Kentucky to meet a source of supply. Law enforcement observed the individual meet with Vanderpool on July 26, 2021. A drug dog alerted for the presence of drugs in Vanderpool’s vehicle. Law enforcement then searched the car and discovered $26,642 in cash and various controlled substances, including 8100 doses of LSD on blotter paper, over 33 grams of liquid LSD, and 20.6 grams of ketamine.
Under federal law, Vanderpool must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Harlan County Man Sentenced to 178 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Cawood, Ky., man, Bethel Stewart, 61, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 178 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, following community complaints of drug trafficking at Stewart’s residence, and a tip that he was in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine, law enforcement began surveillance and observed traffic at the residence that was consistent with drug trafficking. Then, on January 19, 2022, law enforcement searched Stewart’s home, discovering approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine, which Stewart intended to distribute.
Under federal law, Stewart must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Pulaski County Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Somerset, Ky., man, Johnathan Fitzgerald Cannada, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell, to 28 years in prison, for production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, Cannada admitted to having a sexual relationship with a minor, where he persuaded the minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct, to produce visual depictions of the conduct. On at least two occasions, Cannada filmed himself engaging in sexual activity with the minor. Separately, the minor would also capture sexually explicit depictions of herself, on a device Cannada provided her, and would then send them to him, via Facebook Messenger, at his request. During the investigation, Cannada also attempted to obstruct justice in several ways, by remotely wiping the victim’s device while it was in police custody, encouraging the victim to delete evidence through Facebook Messenger, and threatening physical violence toward a family member of the victim.
Under federal law, Cannada must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office; and Chief William Hunt, Somerset Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, ,Somerset Police Department, and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. David Dalton, Commonwealth Attorney for the 28th Judicial Circuit, also provided significant assistance to the investigation and prosecution of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Eastern Kentucky Doctor and Nurse Sentenced for Conspiracy to Illicitly Prescribe Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Kentucky physician, Crystal Compton, D.O., 43, and a nurse, Kayla Lambert, 36, were sentenced on Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, to 100 months and 60 months in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to illegally prescribe controlled substances and related offenses.
During the conspiracy, Compton was a licensed physician who practiced in several medical clinics in the Pikeville area. Lambert was a nurse who also worked at these medical clinics. According to evidence presented at trial, Compton and Lambert conspired to unlawfully distribute controlled substances using prescriptions that were not written for a legitimate medical purpose, within the usual course of professional practice. Compton and Lambert issued prescriptions for significant quantities and dosages of opioid painkillers, including oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone, sometimes in combination with other controlled substances, such as alprazolam and clonazepam. For example, one individual received prescriptions for 720 methadone 10mg and 180 alprazolam 2mg pills in a single month. Another received prescriptions for 480 methadone 10mg and 300 oxycodone 10mg pills in a single month. Compton also provided multiple prescriptions to Lambert, for 180 oxycodone 30mg pills. The evidence also established that Lambert sometimes issued illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions by signing Compton’s name to prescriptions.
Under federal law, Compton and Lambert must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Smith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Campbell County Man Sentenced for Fraud Using Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Melbourne, Ky., man, Timothy Noble, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to a total of 40 months incarceration, for passing counterfeit money with the intent to defraud.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2022, an individual claiming to be “James Michaels” responded to a post on Facebook Marketplace, which was offering a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche for sale. The owner of the vehicle and “James Michaels” agreed on a sale price of $4,700, pending a test drive. After the test drive, “James Michaels” paid for the vehicle with 47 $100 dollar bills. The victim later discovered that 41 of the notes were not real, but rather movie prop notes. “James Michaels” was later identified by law enforcement as Noble.
An investigation into Noble continued and showed that, on at least three additional occasions in May 2022, Noble attempted to buy items on Facebook Marketplace using counterfeit money. When law enforcement apprehended Noble, they found over 400 counterfeit notes, an open Amazon package with a receipt for fake $20 bills inside, as well as several items still in boxes that were believed to be purchased with counterfeit money.
Under federal law, Noble must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service; and Chief Tom Grau, Florence Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Secret Service and Florence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Pulaski County Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Eubank, Ky., man, Floyd Adams, 48, was sentenced on Tuesday, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, to 20 years in prison, for receiving child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in December 2021, law enforcement began investigating Adams, after he showed up for an internet-arranged meeting with a fictitious 11-year-old girl, at a Somerset movie theatre. Law enforcement later searched his electronic devices and his residence and found images of child pornography on his devices. Adams admitted to downloading sexually explicit pictures of minors.
Under federal law, Adams must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Lexington Lab Agrees to $10.4 Million in Civil Judgments to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations; Owner and Lab Officer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington toxicology lab, LabTox, LLC, its owner, Ronald Coburn, 76, and its compliance officer, Erica Baker, 31, agreed to civil judgments totaling $10,458,933 in favor of the United States, holding LabTox, Coburn, and Baker liable for submitting false claims for urine drug testing services to the Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid programs. The agreed judgments, entered Thursday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves, follow Coburn’s and Baker’s criminal convictions for health care fraud. In December 2023, Judge Reeves sentenced Coburn to 46 months in prison, and Baker to 6 months in prison, followed by 6 months of home confinement; both are required to report to Bureau of Prisons’ custody today.
Coburn owned and operated LabTox, LLC, a clinical laboratory that performed urine drug tests and billed them to Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid. Baker was LabTox’s director of operations and compliance officer. Both knew that Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid only pay for urine drug tests that are medically necessary. In his plea agreement, Coburn also admitted knowing that urine drug tests ordered by courts for use in judicial proceedings are not medically necessary, and thus not payable by Medicare or Kentucky Medicaid. With Coburn’s knowledge and approval, however, Baker recruited a company called Blue Waters Assessment and Testing Services to refer court-ordered urine drug tests to LabTox. Coburn knew this was not medical testing, but caused LabTox to bill the tests to Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid anyway, resulting in fraudulently-obtained payments of $1,864,429 between June 2019 and March 2021. Submission of these false claims for court-ordered urine drug tests constituted criminal health care fraud and also violated the False Claims Act, triggering additional civil penalties. Coburn and LabTox’s agreed civil judgment holds them liable for $5,593,287, because under the False Claims Act, losses to the Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid programs are mandatorily trebled.
Erica Baker’s sentence and False Claims Act judgment resulted from a similar fraud scheme. According to her plea agreement, she participated in a health care fraud conspiracy with Coburn between January 2019 and January 2021. Specifically, at Coburn’s direction, Baker solicited urine drug tests from substance abuse recovery programs that did not provide medical treatment—typically faith-based residential programs or homeless shelters. Baker knew that urine drug tests for these programs’ clients were not performed for any medical reason, as would be required before Medicare or Kentucky Medicaid would pay for the tests. As part of the scheme, Baker misled sober home directors, and induced the facilities to send LabTox more tests by putting facility staff on LabTox’s payroll and compensating them based on the number of urine drug tests sent to the lab. Despite knowing that this testing was not for medical purposes, Baker and Coburn agreed to cause LabTox to bill Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for urine drug tests referred by these non-medical programs, resulting in fraudulently obtained payments of $1,621,882. Submission of these false claims for medically unnecessary urine drug tests constituted criminal health care fraud and violations of the False Claims Act, triggering additional civil penalties. Baker and LabTox’s agreed civil judgments hold them liable for $4,865,646, as mandatorily trebled damages.
“Medicare and Medicaid are meant to fund medically necessary health care benefits to millions of eligible Americans,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “When the limited resources of these programs are depleted by fraud, it defeats their purpose and diminishes their viability and effectiveness, deeply affecting us all. We will continue to do our part to prevent this destructive fraud, and to return these critical funds to their intended purpose.”
“Health care providers who cause the submission of Medicare claims for medically unnecessary services pose a significant risk to the program and the patients who rely on it,” stated Special Agent in Charge Tamala Miles of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “In this case, the two health care executives and LabTox will be excluded from participating in federal health care programs for 19- and 20-years as result of the threat they posed to the integrity of those programs by their desire to enrich themselves. Our agency will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate such health care fraud schemes.”
“This investigation revealed the subjects bilked American taxpayers for years by lining their pockets with millions of dollars of fraudulently obtained funds,” said FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury. “This case demonstrates the commitment of the FBI, HHS-OIG, IRS, and the United States Attorney’s Office to rooting out fraud and ensuring the critical healthcare funds go where they are needed most – to the health and welfare of patients.”
The agreed civil judgments resolve a lawsuit brought by a private citizen under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individual who filed the qui tam complaint will receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. The civil case is captioned United States ex rel. Caitlin Secamiglio v. LabTox, LLC, et al., Case No. 5:20-CV-00305-DCR.
United States Attorney Shier; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Miles; and Karen Wingerd, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, jointly announced the sentences and agreed judgments.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, HHS-OIG, IRS, and investigators from the United States Attorney’s Office. Support was provided by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office. The United States was represented in the criminal case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Mattingly-Williams and Paul McCaffrey, and in the civil case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Corndorf.
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Former Kentucky State Prison Sergeant Convicted of Violating Civil Rights of an Inmate and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
After a four-day trial, a federal jury yesterday convicted a former Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC) sergeant, Eric Nantell, on one count of deprivation of civil rights for his failure to intervene to stop the assault of an inmate, two counts of obstruction for misleading state investigators and one count of making false statements to a special agent of the FBI. Six other officers previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the assault and cover-up, and three of those officers testified for the government at trial.
“The jury’s verdict closes the book on an unfortunate chapter at this correctional center,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “All seven officers who participated in the brutal assault of an inmate or the coordinated cover-up that followed have now been brought to justice. The Justice Department will continue to hold law enforcement accountable for unlawful behavior that deprives those in our jails and prisons of their civil and constitutional rights.”
“Despite being a supervisor entrusted with the custody and care of others, Nantell stood by while officers beat a man, tried to cover up an investigation and lied to law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This disgraceful conduct not only caused injury to a victim but was an unqualified breach of the public trust and a grave disservice to law enforcement. Holding these officers accountable is an important step in restoring the public trust in law enforcement and protecting the civil rights of everyone.”
“Nantell not only took an oath to protect the inmates who were under his watch, but as a supervisor, he held a position of authority within the prison. By allowing this assault on an inmate to occur and then attempting to cover it up, he blatantly abused his power,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “The FBI will not stand for law enforcement officials who choose to violate the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect and, therefore, will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of wrongdoing and, ultimately, hold the perpetrators accountable.”
The evidence at trial established that the defendant was a supervisory sergeant at the facility when three officers, two of whom were members of the prison’s internal affairs department, assaulted a non-violent inmate who was lying face-down, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles and isolated in a prison shower cell. Nantell was standing at the door of the shower when the assault began, and he watched the officers repeatedly punch and kick the inmate in the head and back. After silently observing the beating for over 20 seconds, Nantell walked away while the officers continued to beat the inmate.
Within hours of the inmate reporting the abuse, supervisors of EKCC and state detectives of the Kentucky State Police opened an investigation. Nantell joined with other officers in a cover-up scheme to hide the truth. As part of that cover-up, he lied to officers of both agencies as well as a special agent of the FBI.
Six former officers have pleaded guilty in related cases. On July 26, 2023, former EKCC officer Randall Dennis pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of civil rights based on assault of the inmate and former EKCC officer Nathan Cantrell pleaded guilty to four counts of obstruction of justice for attempting to cover up the assault.
On April 10, 2023, former EKCC officer James Benish pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of civil rights based on his failure to intervene to protect the inmate and former EKCC supervisor Randy Nickell pleaded guilty to three counts of obstruction based on his efforts to cover up the same assault.
On Aug. 29, 2022, former EKCC officer Jeffery Havens pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of civil rights based on his assault of the inmate.
Finally, on July 11, 2022, former EKCC officer Derek Mays pleaded guilty to four counts of obstruction of justice based on his efforts to cover up the assault.
In a separate administrative investigation, the Kentucky Internal Investigations Branch (IIB) conducted an independent review of the inmate’s allegations. IIB determined that an assault occurred and that numerous officers had been untruthful about what they saw. As a result of their findings, numerous officers who were involved with the assault were terminated, demoted or voluntarily resigned their positions with the Kentucky Department of Corrections within a year of the incident.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10. Nantell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the deprivation of rights offense, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for obstructing state investigators and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for lying to the FBI. A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Dembo and Mary Melton for the Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted the case in partnership with Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division.
Federal Government Enters Agreement with Ashland Dermatology Practice to Ensure Effective Communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing PatientsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The United States has reached an agreement, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with Jack F. Ditty, M.D., P.S.C., a dermatology practice in Ashland, Kentucky, addressing effective communication with deaf and hard of hearing patients.
The settlement resolves a complaint filed by a patient who alleged that she was not provided an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter during an initial appointment. Through an investigation, the United States determined that the dermatology practice failed to take necessary steps to ensure effective communication with deaf or hard of hearing patients, by not providing interpreters or other auxiliary aids and services to patients, who staff knew were deaf or hard of hearing, and encouraging those patients to bring someone with them to facilitate communication.
“Adequate communication with your health care provider is absolutely essential to receiving the medical care you need,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This foundational access to communication is critically important and required by law. This settlement reflects our commitment to ensuring deaf and hard-of-hearing patients can properly participate in their important health care decisions, through essential access to adequate communication services.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the practice will advise patients and companions of their right to auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication, including a live qualified sign language interpreter, whether through video or on-site. The practice will maintain a list of qualified interpreters and establish internal procedures for ordering interpreting services. The practices will also modify its policies and practices to comply with the ADA, train its staff on the ADA and the terms of the agreement, and will periodically submit reports about its compliance with the agreement.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Pond, in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/civil-rights. ADA complaints may be emailed to [email protected] or by contacting the U.S. Attorney's Office’s Civil Rights Hotline at (859) 685-4880.
More information about the ADA is available at the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information line at (800) 514 0301 or (800) 514 0383 (TTY) and on the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
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Former Somerset Pulaski County Development Foundation Manager Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Somerset, Ky., woman, Lisa G. Gadberry, 51, pleaded guilty on Monday, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hanly A. Ingram, to wire fraud.
According to her plea agreement, from November 5, 2012, through May 15, 2019, while employed as the Secretary/Office Manager for the Somerset Pulaski County Development Foundation, Gadberry devised a scheme to defraud the organization by means of materially false and fraudulent representations and promises. Specifically, Gadberry utilized the SPCDF credit card for numerous unauthorized personal expenses, including personal vacations, retail purchases, gasoline, electricity, cell phone, restaurants, and entertainment expenses, and concealed her scheme by paying the bill out of an account the Pulaski Fiscal Court, the SPCDF Board, and the CPA for SPCDF did not regularly control or monitor. In total, Gadberry charged $142,874.69 in personal charges to the card.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Smith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Gadberry will be sentenced on a date yet to be scheduled by the Court. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Gadberry will also be required to pay a $142,874.69 money judgement. 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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Michigan Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – A Hamtramck, Mich., man, Corey J. Benton, 34, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 138 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in October 2022, the Kentucky State Police opened an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Benton. Their investigation revealed that Benton had sold illicit drugs containing fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, in Carter County. Ultimately, during the execution of a search warrant at Benton’s residence, law enforcement seized a distribution quantity of fentanyl, as well as a .45 caliber Sig Sauer firearm. Benton admitted that he possessed this firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity.
Under federal law, Benton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Greenup County Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland man, William Lucas Ferguson, 28, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 45 years in prison, for two counts of producing child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in June 2022, law enforcement was alerted that Ferguson had sexually explicit images and videos of a minor victim on his phone. Law enforcement interviewed Ferguson and, during a consensual search of his phone, located multiple images of Ferguson sexually assaulting a minor child. Ferguson admitted that he was the adult in the images and that he had produced the sexually explicit images of the minor victim, on multiple occasions.
Under federal law, Ferguson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and W. Todd Kelley, Chief of the Ashland Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, KSP, and the Ashland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Former Rowan County Teacher Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Morehead, Ky., man, Andrew Zaheri, 40, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, before U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in the summer of 2022, Zaheri began a sexual relationship with a minor student at the high school where he was employed as a teacher. The relationship continued through the school year and included Zaheri engaging in sexual acts with the victim during school hours. Zaheri admitted that, during the course of the relationship, he produced sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim using his cell phone.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by FBI and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Zaheri is scheduled to appear for sentencing on May 14 in Ashland, Ky. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Boone County Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Burlington, Ky., man, David L. Mitchell, 73, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, to 48 months in prison, for possession of child pornography. He also was ordered to pay over $20,000 in victim restitution.
According to his plea agreement, on June 29, 2022, law enforcement travelled to Mitchell’s home and requested permission to enter his residence to discuss an investigation. During a consensual search of his home, law enforcement found a USB device and hard drive that Mitchell admitted contained pornographic material of minors, and he also admitted that he had accessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the past through the Internet. It was discovered the devices contained over 100 unique digital images and over 100 unique digital videos of minors, including minors under the age of 12, engaged in sexual conduct.
Under federal law, Mitchell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Mitchell was also ordered to pay $23,000 in victim restitution.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HSI Northern Kentucky. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Johnson County Man Convicted of Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Hagerhill, Ky., man, Gary Warick, 57, was found guilty on Tuesday, by a federal jury sitting in London, of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to evidence presented, on April 26, 2022 and again on May 3, 2022, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving Warick in Johnson County. Thereafter, on May 4, 2022, the execution of a seach warrant on Warick’s residence uncovered additional methamphetamine. Collectively, the purchases and search resulted in the seizure of more than 130 grams of methamphetamine. Warick had previously been convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree in state court, in 2010.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, announced the conviction.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship.
Warick is scheduled to appear for sentencing on a date yet to be determined. He faces a minimum of 15 years, up to life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.
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Federal Jury Convicts Former Commonwealth’s Attorney in Wire Fraud and Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Late Friday, a federal jury sitting in Lexington convicted Ronnie Goldy, 51, the former Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bath, Rowan, Menifee, and Montgomery Counties, of honest services wire fraud, use of an interstate facility with the intent to carry on unlawful activity, and bribery concerning a program that receives federal funds. Goldy was convicted of all 14 counts alleged in his indictment.
According to evidence presented, Goldy maintained a personal relationship with a woman, which was sexual in nature, that included encounters and solicitations and acceptance of sexually explicit images and videos of the woman. On multiple occasions during the scheme, Goldy used his position as the Commonwealth’s Attorney to perform official actions, or to exert pressure and influence on other public officials to perform official actions, benefiting the woman. Goldy knew these sexually explicit images and periodic sexual encounters were provided in exchange for his willingness to perform, or pressure others to perform, official actions benefitting the woman with whom he had the relationship.
“Instead of doing the job he was elected to perform, Mr. Goldy chose to victimize a vulnerable individual and exchange his law enforcement authority for things that benefitted him,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Whenever law enforcement officials violate their obligation to uphold the law, it does grave damage to victims and to the Justice system itself. This prosecution is a first step in restoring the public’s faith in the system and in holding him accountable for his disgraceful conduct.”
United States Attorney Shier and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the jury’s verdict.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Boone.
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Former Fayette County High School Teacher Sentenced to 30 Years for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Kevin Daniel Lentz, 49, was sentenced on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Karen C. Caldwell, to 30 years in prison, for the production and possession of child pornography.
Lentz admitted in his plea agreement that he began an online conversation with a 9-year-old victim, on March 19, 2023. Within minutes, the chat became sexual. Lentz sent the victim 85 images or videos of adult pornography, including sexually explicit images and videos of Lentz. Lentz also persuaded the victim to create multiple sexually explicit videos and images of himself, and to send them to Lentz via the internet. Lentz acknowledged that, at the time, he knew the victim was a minor. The conduct was discovered after the victim’s parents located the sexually explicit conversations and images on the victim’s phone. The parents then contacted law enforcement.
A search warrant was executed at Lentz's residence in Lexington, on August 8, 2023. The search resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices, including a computer, a cellular phone, and multiple hard drives. A search of these devices revealed several hundred additional images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Lentz obtained from the internet.
Under federal law, Lentz must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. Lentz was also ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution and $22,000 in special assessments.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Boone County Man Sentenced to 136 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Union, Ky., man, Paul Marcus Sitavich, 42, was sentenced on Thursday, to 136 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to his plea agreement, in January 2023, Sitavich sold approximately 3.495 grams of methamphetamine to an informant, which was observed by law enforcement. Then, on February 14, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Sitavich. After a drug dog indicated that narcotics were present, law enforcement searched the vehicle and found approximately 58.1 grams of pure methamphetamine, as well as a digital scale, empty bags, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia. Sitavich later admitted to selling controlled substances to make money, during a recorded video visit while in the Boone County Jail.
Under federal law, Sitavich must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Tom Grau, Florence Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Florence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Kentucky Lab Agrees to $4.9 Million Civil Judgment and Drug Treatment Center Enters Settlement to Pay $2.2 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky has entered an agreed judgment for $4.9 million, in favor of the United States and against AccuLab, LLC d/b/a Thoroughbred Diagnostics (“Thoroughbred”), holding the lab liable for submitting false claims for urine drug testing services to the Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid programs.
Relatedly, the United States entered into a settlement agreement with Edgewater Recovery Center, LLC (“Edgewater”), the drug rehabilitation facility that caused the submission of those false laboratory claims, to resolve its own False Claims Act liability. Pursuant to that settlement agreement, Edgewater will pay the Government $2.2 million.
Edgewater operates residential and outpatient drug rehabilitation facilities in multiple locations in Kentucky. The Government alleged that Edgewater requested the same complex panel of urine drug tests for all its patients on a weekly basis, without considering whether individual patients needed them. In typical cases, Edgewater did not even use the results of these expensive tests for the patients’ medical diagnosis or treatment.
Thoroughbred is a clinical laboratory based in Bowling Green, Ky., that performed urine drug tests for Edgewater’s patients. The Government alleged that Thoroughbred performed the urine drug tests requested by Edgewater and billed them to Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid, despite knowing the tests were not typically used for patients’ medical diagnosis or treatment. The Government further alleged that Thoroughbred billed for urine drug screens – a less complex test – performed on Edgewater specimens without a proper medical order requesting the test. As a result, Thoroughbred improperly received substantial payments from Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid.
The False Claims Act is a federal law that prohibits the submission of false or fraudulent claims for payment to the federal government. Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid only authorize payment for laboratory testing that is individualized to each patient, is used for medical diagnosis or treatment, and is supported by a proper medical order. As federally-funded health care programs, Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid require all tests and procedures to be medically necessary and in compliance with program rules and applicable law.
Under the terms of its Settlement Agreement with the United States, Edgewater agreed to pay $2,249,632.92 to resolve allegations that it caused the submission of false claims. Edgewater also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, requiring the business to appoint a Compliance Officer – who will be tasked with implementing policies to ensure compliance with federal health care program requirements and monitoring Edgewater’s day-to-day compliance activities – and retain an independent compliance expert to review their compliance program.
Thoroughbred separately agreed to entry of an Agreed Judgment in the case, in favor of the United States, in the amount of $4,925,441.42. To satisfy this judgment, Thoroughbred will immediately pay the United States $450,000 and then remit the proceeds resulting from its ceasing of lab operations. Thoroughbred must pay to the United States 100% of the net proceeds of the sale of its assets, 70% of its reimbursements from healthcare payors for one year, and any funds received pursuant to an Employee Retention Tax Credit.
“Medicare and Medicaid are intended – and funded – to provide medically necessary health care benefits to millions of eligible Americans,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “When the valuable and limited resources of these programs are depleted, by fraud, waste, or abuse, it has a profound impact on us all. We simply must prioritize taking the steps available to us to prevent inappropriate billing like this, and to return the funds to their proper purpose – providing necessary medical care.”
“Providers who participate in federal health care programs must follow the law governing the integrity of federally funded health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,” said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the people they serve. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to address allegations brought under the False Claims Act.”
The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought by a private citizen under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individual who filed the qui tam complaint will receive a portion of the settlement proceeds.
This case was investigated by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Long and Katherine Sheridan represented the United States.
This case is captioned United States ex rel. Katharine Coale v. Edgewater Recovery Center, LLC, et al., Case No. 3:21-CV-00056-GFVT. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Two Floyd County Men Indicted for Illegally Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky.- Two local men, Wayne Tackett, 64, of Harold, Ky., and Carlos Hall, 72, of Prestonsburg, Ky., were indicted on Thursday, by a federal grand jury sitting in London, for illegally selling firearms.
Specifically, the indictment alleges that Tackett and Hall, who were not licensed firearms dealers, aided and abetted each another to engage in the business of dealing firearms. Separately, the indictment charges Tackett with six counts of knowingly selling firearms to a convicted felon and one count of trafficking in firearms. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of more than 80 firearms.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by ATF. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Trimble.
A date for Tackett and Hall to appear in court has not yet been determined. They each face a maximum of five years in prison for the engaging in the business with firearms without a license. Tackett also faces a maximum of 15 years for each additional charge. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
This case is being prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
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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Lexington Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering Related to COVID-19 ReliefRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington woman, Sandybell Fierro, 23, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for wire fraud and money laundering.
According to her plea agreement, on April 5, 2021, Fierro submitted a materially false application to the Small Business Administration (SBA), to obtain an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fierro falsely stated in the application that she established a personal services business, “Sandybell Fierro” in 2018, that the business had 17 employees, that she had sold $94,000 worth of goods in the last 12 months, and that the business had a gross revenue of $197,000. However, no such business existed.
As a result of Fierro’s misrepresentations in the application, she was awarded a EIDL in the amount of $206,000, which she used for her own benefit. As part of her sentencing, Fierro was ordered to pay $206,000 in restitution to the SBA.
Under federal law, Fierro must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Mattingly Williams and Brittany Dunn-Pirio prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Shelby County Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Shelbyville, Ky., man, Clinton Lyon Mayes, 51, was sentenced on Wednesday, January 10, to 120 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, for possession of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, Mayes appeared for a reporting day with the Kentucky Probation and Parole department. He admitted that he had a smart phone that contained “young” pornography. The Parole Officer searched the phone and located images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Under federal law, Mayes must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Robert Holman, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Filed Division; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Timothy Mark Moore, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Secret Service, ATF, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
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Michigan Man Sentenced to 280 Months for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Detroit man, D’Angelo S. Yarbrough, 31, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to Yarbrough’s plea agreement, on September 22, 2022, Yarbrough was arrested by law enforcement for an outstanding arrest warrant at the Bluegrass Airport. During a search of Yarbrough’s vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 60 grams of pressed fentanyl pills, along with narcotics trafficking equipment including a blender, a press, and a large quantity of cutting agents. In addition to these items, officers also located a loaded firearm, which was determined to be machinegun.
Yarbrough pleaded guilty to the charges in August 2023.
Under federal law, Yarbrough 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 five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was 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 Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Lexington Man Sentenced to 38 Years for Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington man, Mayank Patel, 58, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, to 38 years in federal prison, for production and distribution of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, Patel admitted producing images and videos of himself sexually assaulting a minor victim and possessing those depictions on his electronic devices. Patel also admitted to being a part of at least 30 online communities that specifically existed to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material. Patel received, distributed, and possessed hardcore and violent child sexual abuse material that included serious bodily harm to infants as part of his participation in these various online communities.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentencing.
Under federal law, Patel must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
The investigation was conducted by HSI, KSP, and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Missouri Man Sentenced to 123 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Bonne Terre, Mo., man, Michael Ray Landness, 35, was sentenced on Friday, to 123 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Landsness is a trucker who lives in Missouri, but routinely travels through Kentucky as part of his employment. In his plea agreement, Landsness admitted to chatting with undercover law enforcement agents posing as a minor on two different occasions. In May 2022, Landsness connected with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. Landsness engaged in chats with the purported minor via the internet and text, during which he discussed engaging in various sexual acts with the minor. Although the Defendant talked about meeting the purported 14-year-old for sexual purposes, he failed to show up at the arranged meet and then stopped all communications with the purported minor.
On July 17, 2023, law enforcement located an ad placed by Landsness in which he was looking for young women to have sex with him in his truck during his travels as a truck driver. Law enforcement responded, this time posing as a 15-year-old minor girl. Landsness again engaged in sexual chats with the purported minor. During these chats, Landsness attempted to entice the purported minor to engage sexual activity with him. The Defendant also scheduled a time to meet with the purported minor at a truck stop in Woodford County for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. On July 27, 2023, law enforcement found Landsness at the planned meeting location and he was taken into custody.
Under federal law, Landsness must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Dustin Bowman, Frankfort Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HSI, KSP, and Frankfort Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Former Teacher’s Aide Pleads Guilty to Attempting Online Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Danville, Ky., woman, Ellen Phillips, formerly known as Ellen Shell, 38, pleaded guilty on Friday, before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Phillips, who at the time of her offenses was employed as a teacher’s aide, was conducting sexual relationships with numerous teenage boys in the Boyle and Garrard County areas. Phillips would communicate with the victims via Snapchat, Facebook, or text messaging and, in many instances, would meet the victims for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. According to Phillips’ plea, she engaged in sexual activity with multiple minors at the same time.
In her plea agreement, Phillips specifically admitted that on December 20, 2022, she attempted to entice a 15-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity. In this conversation, Phillips messaged the victim using Facebook and repeatedly attempted to get the victim to sneak out of his house for sexual activity. When the victim said he could not leave, Phillips offered alcohol and oral sex to the minor and offered excuses the victim could tell his mother as to why he needed to leave his home.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); Willie Skeens, Garrard County Sheriff; and Chief Tony Gray, Danville Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the HSI, KSP, Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, and Danville Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
Phillips is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26. She faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Boyd County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland man, Jonathan Michael Whitt, 35, was sentenced on Monday, to 30 years in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on May 8, 2022, law enforcement discovered sexually explicit photos of Whitt and a minor victim. Subsequent investigation revealed that Whitt and the minor had a sexual relationship, from 2011 to 2013, and that Whitt had taken sexually explicit images of the victim during that time. During a separate investigation, law enforcement also discovered that Whitt was trading child sexual abuse material with others, by joining online groups and sending and receiving links to hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
Under federal law, Whitt must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Todd Kelley, Ashland Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, HSI, KSP, and Ashland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Louisville Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking a Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Louisville woman, Autumn Leslie Childress 42, was sentenced on Friday, to 10 years in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession of 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue with intent to distribute.
According to her plea agreement, law enforcement received information that Childress would be transporting controlled substances from South Carolina to Louisville, and then to Cincinnati to distribute. On November 16, 2022, law enforcement stopped Childress in Boone County and located over a kilogram of a fentanyl analogue divided into multiple packages prepared for distribution. A subsequent search of her residence uncovered additional drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia. In all, she possessed more than 1.5 kilograms of illegal drugs.
Under federal law, Childress must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Texas Woman Sentenced to 80 Months for Money Laundering and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A San Antonio woman, Shimea Maret McDonald, 25, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison on Thursday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft. She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,690,870.81.
According to her plea agreement, McDonald conspired with Nana Kwabena Amuah to launder the proceeds obtained from business email compromise scams. Specifically, their coconspirators targeted business or municipal entities, which had ongoing financial relationships with other vendors who were owed current or future payments by the entities. Then, these coconspirators impersonated the vendors in email communications with the targeted entities and requested wire payments to a new bank account. McDonald opened these bank accounts, using fake identity cards in the names of real people and the names of fake companies she established with secretaries of state. McDonald would then attempt to withdraw the funds in a variety of payment methods, to quickly move the funds elsewhere at the direction of Amuah, retaining a sizeable cut for herself.
Also, in her plea, McDonald admitted that she laundered money arising out of a business email compromise scam targeting the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (the “City”) in August of 2022. In the course of this scheme, coconspirators impersonated a nonprofit organization having business with the City through email and convinced a City official to wire funds owed to the nonprofit organization, to a bank account at Truist Bank in the name of Gretson Company LLC. The City wired a total of $3,905,837.05 to the Gretson Company LLC bank account at Truist Bank. Prior to the August 2022 wire transfer, McDonald, using the identity of K.N., had requested eight counter checks from Truist Bank, which would be funded from wires fraudulently received from the City. Then, when the money was placed in the Gretson Company account at Truist Bank, McDonald assigned payees and amounts to the counter checks and forged the signature K.N., and attempted to deposit a portion of these funds herself, while sending the remaining counter checks to other members of the conspiracy. Ultimately, Truist Bank and the City were able to recover all the funds that were transmitted.
In total, court records show that 70 businesses and individuals fell victim to the business email compromise scheme conducted by this conspiracy, with 40 of those victims suffering financial losses they have yet to recover. An additional 24 victims had their identities stolen by McDonald.
McDonald’s co-defendant, Nana Kwabena Amuah, was sentenced in November 2023 to 86 months in prison and was ordered to pay $4,695,442.81 in restitution.
Under federal law, McDonald must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence; and upon their release, both McDonald and Amuah will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentences.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI and Lexington Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 52 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, James Stratman, 23, was sentenced on Thursday, to 52 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for bank robbery.
According to his plea agreement, on September 26, 2022, Stratman entered a bank in Covington and showed the bank teller a note that indicated he was robbing the bank. The teller gave Stratman $1,583, and after receiving the money, he retrieved the note and fled from the bank on foot. Approximately, one hour after the bank robbery, law enforcement located Stratman in the vehicle, and he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Covington and into Cincinnati. At sentencing, it was determined that the Defendant created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury during his flight from law enforcement.
Under federal law, Stratman must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Col. Brian Valenti, Chief of Police, Covington Police Department.
The investigation was conducted by FBI and the Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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Nicholasville Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Nicholasville, Ky., man, Cory Johns, 42, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison Wednesday, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Johns was identified, in November 2015, when the Lexington Police Department connected with him via a file sharing program and downloaded images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Thereafter, on April 16, 2016, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) also connected with the Johns via a file sharing program and downloaded images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. KSP then obtained a search warrant for the location associated with the IP address from the downloads, which led to the home where Cory Johns was living. A forensic exam of various electronic devices located in his residence uncovered additional images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the KSP, and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the HSI, KSP, and the Lexington Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Mary Melton.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Cincinnati Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Carlos Edward Thurman, Jr., 40, was sentenced on Thursday, to 210 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
According to court documents, from May 1, 2020 through June 2, 2021, Thurman conspired with his co-defendants, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Law enforcement made several controlled purchases from Thurman and his co-defendants and found two firearms and more than $17,000 in cash from residences connected to Thurman.
Thurman had previously been convicted in July 2016 of Trafficking in Heroin in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Under federal law, Thurman must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Thurman’s co-defendants, Mario Renard Baker, 44, Edward Allen Mashburn Jr., 49, Maurice Lamont Raysor, 45, Romeo Jawan Richardson, 33, and Antoine Martez Williams, 38, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
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Former EKU Professor Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Richmond, Ky., man, Kyle Knezevich, 36, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, to attempting to produce child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on September 7, 2023, an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student located a hidden camera in a men’s bathroom on campus. An investigation revealed that the camera had been placed in the bathroom by Knezevich, who at the time was a professor at the University. After the discovery, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Knezevich's home and electronic devices.
A search of those devices revealed that Knezevich knowingly produced surreptitious recordings of both adult and minor males, from approximately 2009 through 2023. The videos were recorded in bathroom settings, including locker rooms, urinals, and the bathroom of his personal residence. In these videos, minor males can be seen in various states of nudity, including using the restroom, undressing, and showering. As part of his plea, Knezevich admitted that his intent in creating the videos was to capture the minor males engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Phillip J. Burnett, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police (KSP); and Chief Brandon Collins, EKU Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, KSP, and EKU Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
Knezevich is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2024. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Ohio Man Sentenced for Interstate ProstitutionRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – An Ohio man, Leon Sims, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 37 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for a violation of the Mann Act, which is the engagement of interstate prostitution.
According to his plea agreement, on December 14, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to an advertisement for prostitution services posted on a sex-advertisement website. Law enforcement observed Sims transport a victim to a hotel room and proceed to wait for her in the car. Subsequent investigation revealed that, from at least October 2020 through January 2021, Sims arranged prostitution activities for the victim using online advertisements, managed those activities, communicated with prostitution customers and kept the profits from the prostitution appointments. During the course of managing the victim’s prostitution activities, Sims transported the victim from Kentucky to both Ohio and California for the purpose of prostitution. At sentencing, it was determined that Sims used fraud or coercion to get the victim to participate in prostitution including verbal threats, withholding basic necessities, and false promises.
Under federal law, Sims must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Daniel Cameron, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Michael A. Helmig, Boone County Sherriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, Kentucky Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigation, and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Winslow and Erin Roth are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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
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Detroit Man Sentenced to 200 Months for Armed Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Detroit man residing in Lexington, Kenneth Hinton, 43, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 200 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and money laundering.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in March 2022, law enforcement began investigating Hinton. Ultimately, law enforcement executed search warrants on Hinton’s vehicle, Lexington residence, and storage unit. In these searches, law enforcement seized over five kilograms of cocaine and numerous firearms and ammunition, including an AR-15 rifle and several loaded handguns. A joint financial investigation between the IRS and DEA also established that Hinton was using proceeds from the sale of cocaine, which had been deposited into bank accounts, to then purchase several pieces of real estate in Detroit.
As part of Hinton’s plea agreement, he was required to forfeit $23,100 in drug proceeds, five firearms with assorted magazines and ammunition, as well as a Mercedes.
Hinton has a prior drug-related felony conviction from 2021, in Fayette Circuit Court.
Under federal law, Hinton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by DEA, IRS, and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Cyberstalking and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Philadelphia man, Austin Genay, 30, has been sentenced to 22 months in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for cyberstalking and wire fraud.
According to his guilty plea agreement, Genay and the victim initially engaged in a consensual sexual relationship online. Without the knowledge or permission of the victim, Genay took screenshots and still images of some of their online communications of a sexually explicit nature. Initially, the victim made voluntary payments to Genay; but thereafter, Genay began making numerous financial demands of the victim. Specifically, Genay sent messages seeking money from the victim, which threatened to expose the communications and contained promises to delete them to induce the payments. The victim then paid Genay substantial sums.
When the victim informed Genay that he did not have sufficient funds to continue to pay him and attempted to block his phone number, Genay used threats to expose the intimate information. During the scheme, Genay fraudulently lied about a variety of things, such as being evicted, having vehicle expenses, and legal fees, to induce the victim to pay him. Despite the victim’s pleas to stop, Genay sent harassing communications and demands for money that he knew would and did cause substantial emotional distress and pecuniary harm to the victim. As part of his sentence, Genay was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim, in the amount of $338,602.00.
Under federal law, Genay must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Tashena A. Fannin.
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Kentucky Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Richmond, Ky., man, Mark Edward Morris, 46, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for failure to register as a sex offender.
Morris was convicted on September 05, 2006, in Cass County, Iowa for Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse Causing Bodily Injury. The conviction requires that Morris register as a sex offender for life. After his conviction in Iowa, Morris moved to Kentucky and was classified as a lifetime registrant in the state of Kentucky. While living in Kentucky, Morris registered or completed numerous verification address forms from 2016 through 2019. On many of these forms Morris provided false addresses, even using a Wal-Mart address as his residence. During that period, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) issued Morris several warnings and/or Notifications of “Non-Compliance” with the KSP Sex Offender Registry. Morris then moved out of Kentucky for a period of time before moving back to Kentucky in 2022. Morris admitted in his plea agreement that he was residing and working in Kentucky from at least 2022 until the time of his arrest and that, during that time, he knowingly failed to register or update his registration information as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Under federal law, Morris 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 five years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jeremy Honaker, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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Final Defendant Sentenced in Large-Scale Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Somerset, Ky., man, Dennie Smith, 50, was sentenced to 217 months on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Smith is the last of six defendants sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.
According to his guilty plea agreement, between November 2021 and May 2022, Smith developed a relationship with a methamphetamine supplier from Pulaski County and regularly obtained pound quantities of methamphetamine, for resale. Smith also assisted this supplier in obtaining multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine from another source for drugs, in Fayette County.
In February 2022, law enforcement seized a safe from a residence Smith shared with his co-defendants and located more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, three loaded firearms, and a large amount of cash. Smith admitted that these items belonged to him, that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine, and that he possessed the firearms to protect his drug trafficking operation. Then, in May 2022, Smith travelled to Fayette County to obtain methamphetamine. On his return, he was stopped by law enforcement, who seized more than nine kilograms of high purity methamphetamine.
Smith’s co-defendants have previously received the following sentences:
- Wesley Calhoun: 240 months and five years of supervised release;
- Timothy Grundy: 235 months and five years supervised release;
- Michael Henderson: 104 months and three years of supervised release;
- David Upchurch: 78 months and three years of supervised release; and
- Autumn Smith: 76 months and three years of supervised release.
Under federal law, Smith and his co-defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, Smith will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief William Hunt, Somerset Police Department, announced the sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Somerset Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was 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 Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Kenton County Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Florence, Ky., man, Ryan Stivers, 30, was sentenced on Tuesday, to 78 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in 2017, law enforcement began investigating suspicious packages being mailed from California to multiple addresses in Northern Kentucky, which were associated with Stivers. During the investigation, law enforcement seized significant amounts of marijuana and cash proceeds of drug trafficking. Stivers admitted to his participation in the marijuana distribution conspiracy and that he was responsible for distributing at least 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Under federal law, Stivers must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Lesley Allison, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pittsburgh Field Division; and Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Detroit Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by USPIS and DEA.
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Former Kentucky Federal Corrections Supervisor Sentenced to 66 Months for Leading Cover-Ups of Inmate Assaults and Making False ReportsRead the Press Release
A former Bureau of Prisons supervisor, Kevin X. Pearce, 39, was sentenced yesterday to 66 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for leading two cover-ups of assaults of inmates held at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy. Pearce was convicted after a six-day trial. His co-defendants, former corrections officers Samuel Patrick and Clinton Pauley, previously pleaded guilty and were respectively sentenced to 36 and 40 months in prison.
“As a supervisor, this defendant was responsible for safeguarding the rights of thousands of inmates, but he abused his authority by leading cover-ups of two violent assaults of inmates in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officials who violate federal civil rights laws or who cover up violations. We will protect the rights of all people, including those held inside our jails and prisons.”
“Not only did Pearce have a profound responsibility to protect people in his custody and care, he had an even greater one – to ensure that those under his supervision also protected them,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “He fell well short on both counts. Instead of honoring his obligations, he acquiesced in the abuse by his subordinates and then tried to cover it up. He now faces the consequences of this betrayal of the public trust placed in him.”
“Identifying and investigating law enforcement officials who deliberately violate the oath they take to protect and serve is of utmost importance at the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “Pearce not only carried a badge, but he was responsible for ensuring those under his supervision protected the civil rights of all inmates in their facility. FBI Louisville will continue to aggressively pursue public officials who choose to abuse their position of authority.”
“As a supervisor, Pearce had a duty to hold accountable Patrick and Pauley for assaulting inmates in their custody and care,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Hannah of the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Midwest Region. “Instead, Pearce lied repeatedly to try to cover up these horrific crimes. The Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of abuse in federal prisons and any efforts to conceal these heinous acts.”
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial and sentencing, Pearce, who at that time held the rank of Operations Lieutenant, covered up assaults committed by his co-defendants, Patrick and Pauley, on March 30 and April 29, 2021. On March 30, Patrick and Pauley assaulted an inmate by spraying him in the face with pepper spray and kicking him in the head and upper body. Witnesses, including those who assaulted the inmates, testified that the inmate was not a threat and was compliant, and was assaulted for walking too slowly to his cell, rather than for any legitimate penological purpose. Pearce tried to cover up what happened by writing a false report and pressuring lower-ranking corrections officers to join the cover-up.
On April 29, 2021, Patrick and Pauley assaulted a second inmate by elbowing him in the head and punching him in the body. The victim of that assault had requested protection from other inmates. When the victim, who is white, revealed that he used to affiliate with Black gangs, Patrick referred to him as a “race traitor,” after which Patrick and Pauley both repeatedly struck him in the head and body. Pearce once again tried to cover up what happened by writing a false report and pressuring lower-ranking officers to join the cover-up. Pearce continued to stick with the cover-ups over a year later by making false statements to OIG and FBI agents who were investigating the assaults.
DOJ OIG and the FBI Louisville Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky and prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Agreement to Ensure Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder at Big Sandy Regional Detention CenterRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, announced Monday that the federal government has reached an agreement with the Big Sandy Regional Jail Authority, which operates the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center (BSRDC), to ensure that people with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive medically appropriate treatment with any FDA-approved medication for OUD, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and protects people in recovery from OUD, including individuals who are taking OUD medication at the direction of a medical provider.
“Eastern Kentucky has long been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and our office remains committed to a comprehensive approach to fighting this public health crisis, including enforcement of the ADA’s requirements safeguarding treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Shier. “Considering the impact this crisis has had on our area, treatment must be a critical tool in our efforts to fight back. Access to medications that treat opioid use disorder saves lives, and we are pleased we were able to reach a settlement with the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center to better ensure access to this important treatment for the people in its custody.”
The settlement agreement requires BSRDC to revise its policies to provide access to all three forms of FDA-approved medications to people with OUD and ensure that decisions about treatment are based on an individualized determination by qualified medical personnel. Specifically, BSRDC will medically evaluate all individuals for OUD at the start of their incarceration. It will ensure that individuals who were receiving OUD medication from a licensed treatment provider before their incarceration are continued on that medication. The facility will also offer all individuals with OUD booked into the jail the option to receive treatment with any FDA-approved medically appropriate OUD medication, even if they were not being treated with that medication before their incarceration.
BSRDC will not change or discontinue an individual’s use of a particular OUD medication unless doing so is based on an individualized determination by a qualified medical provider. The jail also will not use incentives, rewards, or punishments to encourage or discourage individuals at the facility from receiving any particular OUD medication.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Pond as part of an ongoing effort by the Justice Department to combat the opioid epidemic, including by eliminating discriminatory barriers to treatment for OUD. For more information about the Justice Department’s work to address discrimination against individuals with opioid use disorder, please visit www.ada.gov/topics/opioid-use-disorder/. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/civil-rights. More information about the ADA is available at the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information line at (800) 514 0301 or (800) 514 0383 (TTY) and on the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
ADA complaints may be submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by emailing [email protected] or by contacting the Office’s Civil Rights Hotline at (859) 685-4880.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Mexican national, illegally residing in Lancaster, Ky., Ernesto Mendez-Lopez, 37, was sentenced on Monday, to 30 years in federal prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, for production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on February 22, 2023, law enforcement received a call from a minor victim stating that Mendez-Lopez had sexually assaulted her and that she was afraid it was going to happen again. Law enforcement responded to investigate and discovered videos of Mendez-Lopez sexually assaulting the minor, on his phone. Mendez-Lopez admitted to sexually assaulting the minor, and to doing so with the intent of producing visual depictions of the conduct.
Under federal law, Mendez-Lopez must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Tim Davis, Garrard County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and Garrard County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
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