Western District of Kentucky
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Louisville Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to a total of 27 years in federal prison for numerous felony offenses, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and escape.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
“This case demonstrates the positive impact that flows from collaborative law enforcement efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. Our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships in Louisville are key to making the community safer. I commend the work of ATF and LMPD, as well as the federal, state, and local agencies from across the country who assisted them. The result in this case - the removal of two violent individuals from the streets for a lengthy period - makes the city safer for all who live, work, and visit here.”
According to court documents, Chicoby Summers, 29, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over one kilogram of fentanyl, over 250 grams of heroin, and a mixture of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine,” possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and escape. Summers was sentenced to an additional 2 years in prison, to run consecutively with the 25-year sentence for a total of 27 years, for violation of his supervised release.
Summers and his co-defendant, Jerlen Horton, were convicted following a seven-day jury trial in July of this year.
In November of this year, Horton was sentenced to serve 29 years and a 6 months, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over one kilogram of fentanyl, over 250 grams of heroin, and a mixture of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine,” possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and LMPD investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI, DEA, United States Postal Inspection Service, Kentucky State Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Long Beach California Police Department, Verdigris Oklahoma Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter prosecuted the case, with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Former Louisville Middle School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Yesterday a former middle school teacher in Louisville, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to multiple child pornography charges.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Jordan Fautz, 40, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of child pornography, two counts of distribution of the obscene visual representation of child sexual abuse, one count of production of the obscene visual representation of child sexual abuse, and one count of possession of child pornography. According to court records, Fautz used an online chatting application to distribute child sexual abuse material to an undercover law enforcement officer. Fautz also produced and distributed photoshopped images depicting minors’ faces on the bodies of people engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Agents also found material depicting child sexual abuse on Fautz’s computer and cell phone.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2025. The minimum penalty is 5 years in prison, and the maximum penalty is 120 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. If the plea agreement in the case is accepted by the court, the defendant will be sentenced to serve 19 years and 7 months in prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness is prosecuting this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Tennessee Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in Bowling Green, KentuckyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation.
“This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant sought to cover up his crime by repeatedly intimidating a witness to lie for him. A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty of his heinous conduct, and our prosecution should make clear that we will not tolerate sex trafficking in our country. The Justice Department will use all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable, to seek justice for survivors, and to protect survivors from harm.”
“I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We are committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of human trafficking wherever it occurs in the Western District. I strongly encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.”
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “The woman was forced to engage in commercial sex while the defendant profited from her suffering. Tragically, this is a reality that unfolds far too often in our communities. The FBI is fully committed to using every resource at our disposal to identify perpetrators, hold them accountable and put an end to the devastating crime of sex trafficking.”
Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and Howard met the victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convinced her to come back to their hotel room where they recruited and enticed her to engage in commercial sex by making false promises of making good money. Govan continued his enticement attempts by taking the victim on a shopping trip to two shopping malls in Tennessee, and when they returned to Bowling Green later that night, Govan and Howard convinced the victim to participate with Howard in seeing a commercial sex customer. From that moment on, Govan’s attitude toward the victim changed, as he became demanding, intimidating and threatening. Govan ordered the victim to make eye contact with him while speaking, and even threatened to kill the victim, pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, then lowering the gun and firing a bullet across her lap, missing her body by inches. Govan further scared the victim by showing her a video of himself beating a defenseless man tied to a chair. Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim, and after his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025. Govan faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025.
The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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Tennessee Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking in Bowling Green, KentuckyRead the Press Release
Following a two-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Kentucky convicted Portier Q. Govan, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, of all counts in a five-count indictment, including sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Govan’s co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution and obstruction or interference with a sex trafficking prosecution or investigation.
“This defendant used extreme threats of violence to compel an 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to her head to terrify, control and coerce her for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant sought to cover up his crime by repeatedly intimidating a witness to lie for him. A unanimous jury has found the defendant guilty of his heinous conduct, and our prosecution should make clear that we will not tolerate sex trafficking in our country. The Justice Department will use all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable, to seek justice for survivors, and to protect survivors from harm.”
“I commend the prosecution team, FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency and the Bowling Green Police Department for their outstanding work on this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “We are committed to the aggressive investigation and prosecution of human trafficking wherever it occurs in the Western District. I strongly encourage the public to report any suspected human trafficking to law enforcement.”
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable young woman, threatening her with physical violence and even death if she didn’t comply with his demands,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The woman was forced to engage in commercial sex while the defendant profited from her suffering. Tragically, this is a reality that unfolds far too often in our communities. The FBI is fully committed to using every resource at our disposal to identify perpetrators, hold them accountable and put an end to the devastating crime of sex trafficking.”
Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and Howard met the victim at a gas station in Bowling Green and convinced her to come back to their hotel room where they recruited and enticed her to engage in commercial sex by making false promises of making good money. Govan continued his enticement attempts by taking the victim on a shopping trip to two shopping malls in Tennessee, and when they returned to Bowling Green later that night, Govan and Howard convinced the victim to participate with Howard in seeing a commercial sex customer. From that moment on, Govan’s attitude toward the victim changed, as he became demanding, intimidating and threatening. Govan ordered the victim to make eye contact with him while speaking, and even threatened to kill the victim, pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, then lowering the gun and firing a bullet across her lap, missing her body by inches. Govan further scared the victim by showing her a video of himself beating a defenseless man tied to a chair. Govan sexually assaulted the victim, and for four days compelled her to engage in commercial sex for his profit by threatening to hurt her. Upon being discovered by the police, Govan attempted to interfere with the investigation by having Howard lie for him and prevent the police from speaking to the victim, and after his arrest, he sought to obstruct the prosecution by passing letters to Howard in the jail instructing her to lie.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2025, and Howard will face a sentencing hearing on March 9, 2025. Govan faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Louisville Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced this week to 7 years and 2 months prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machine gun.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
“I commend the work of ATF and LMPD in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The combined partnership of federal and state law enforcement in the Louisville Metro area continues to pay dividends as we continue to remove the most violent individuals from the streets and send them to federal prison.”
According to court documents, Aaron Kidwell, 34, was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Glock, Model 17, 9-millimeter pistol, ammunition, and a Glock Switch device (machinegun conversion device). A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law. On February 19, 2024, Kidwell led detectives on a chase while driving a large Kubota tractor through residential areas while armed with the loaded Glock, Model 17, 9-millimeter pistol with a Glock Switch attached to it. Kidwell was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 7, 2009, in Floyd Superior Court No. 1, Floyd County, Indiana, Kidwell was convicted of criminal trespass.
On February 27, 2014, in Floyd Superior Court No. 1, Floyd County, Indiana, Kidwell was convicted of dealing in marijuana.
On February 12, 2018, in Floyd Superior Court No. 3, Floyd County, Indiana, Kidwell was convicted of strangulation.
On September 17, 2018, in Clark Circuit Court No. 3, Clark County, Indiana, Kidwell was convicted of identity deception.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is also a part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Chinese National and U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Charged for Illegal Scheme to Export Controlled Data and Defraud the Department of DefenseRead the Press Release
A four-count indictment was unsealed today charging Hang Sun, also known as Cody Sun, with conspiracy, wire fraud, smuggling, and a violation of the Arms Export Control Act for his role in an illegal scheme to send export-controlled defense-related technical data to China and to unlawfully supply the Department of Defense (DOD) with Chinese-origin rare earth magnets for aviation systems and military items.
The indictment alleges that between January 2012 and December 2018, the defendant conspired to send approximately 70 drawings containing export-controlled technical data to a company located in China without a license from the U.S. government, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The technical data drawings were the property of two U.S. companies and related to end-use items for aviation, submarine, radar, tank, mortars, missiles, infrared and thermal imaging targeting systems, and fire control systems for DOD.
The indictment further alleges that Quadrant Magnetics imported rare earth magnets that were smelted and magnetized by a company in China. Quadrant then sold these magnets to two U.S. companies which included them in components sold to DOD for use in the F-16, the F-18, and other defense assets in violation of the Defense Acquisition Regulations System (DFARS). Under the DFARS specialty metal clause, rare earth magnets sold to DOD must be produced in the United States or an approved country. China is not an approved country. Quadrant Magnetics and three of its employees were separately charged in a superseding indictment filed in the Western District of Kentucky on Dec. 5, 2023.
If convicted, Sun faces statutory maximum penalties of up to five years in prison for conspiracy; 20 years in prison for wire fraud; 20 years in prison for exporting technical data without a license; and 10 years in prison for smuggling goods from the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Director Kelly P. Mayo of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cincinnati Field Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud made the announcement .
The DCIS, FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Christopher Tieke for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys Alexander Wharton and Leslie Esbrook with the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced this week to 8 years and 3 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
“Mr. Bobbitt earned every day of his eight plus year federal prison sentence,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “With a criminal history of felony convictions in nine state court cases dating back to 2001, his removal from the community benefits all citizens. I commend LMPD and the ATF for their continuing work in policing our Western District communities and making them safer for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”
According to court documents, Jaron Bobbitt, 39, was sentenced to 8 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing an Anderson Manufacturing, AM-15, multi-caliber pistol, and ammunition. On November 13, 2023, Bobbitt led officers on a foot chase through residential areas while armed with the AM-15 multi-caliber pistol. He repeatedly placed the officers’ lives in danger by pointing the weapon at them while running and was only apprehended after being struck by an officer forced to fire his weapon. Bobbitt was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On November 9, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property.
On November 9, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.
On January 16, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of escape in the second degree.
On August 31, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property, theft of identity of another without consent, and criminal mischief in the second degree.
On April 29, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of felon in possession of a handgun.
On June 17, 2004, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, cocaine and tampering with physical evidence.
On June 17, 2004, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property.
On May 7, 2004, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property, receiving stolen vehicle, and tampering with physical evidence.
On December 3, 2001, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of wanton endangerment in the first degree and receiving a stolen vehicle.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced this week to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Chief Paul Humphreys of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2024, Dion Brown, 31, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Brown’s codefendants were previously sentenced.
On October 24, 2024, Raheem Richardson, 32, of Louisville, was sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Richardson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On October 28, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Richardson was convicted of wanton endangerment in the first degree (three counts).
On August 15, 2024, Jamesha Hickman, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
On August 1, 2024, Demeeko Johnson, 30, of Louisville, was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
On August 15, 2024, Samuel Keene, 35, of Louisville, was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and misprision of a felony. Keene was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On or about January 30, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Keene was convicted of assault under extreme emotional disturbance.
On August 15, 2024, Tyrece Clark, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and misprision of a felony. Clark was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On June 5, 2020, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Clark was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense - heroin.
On May 16, 2024, Hubert Brown, 54, of Louisville, was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and misprision of a felony. Brown was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On November 2, 1989, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Brown was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first offense - cocaine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The DEA, HSI, and the Louisville Metro Police Department investigated the case with the assistance from the Kentucky State Police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisville Airport Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Bowling Green Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison in Fentanyl Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – The final member of a two-man fentanyl distribution case was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2024, Faisl Alzharani, 27, of Warren County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and on April 23, 2024, Ahmed Al-Duliami, 25, of Warren County, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a fentanyl mixture. On August 11, 2022, in Warren County the defendants picked up a package which they believed contained fentanyl, but that package had previously been seized by law enforcement and the fentanyl removed.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The USPIS Louisville Domicile, Bowling Green Office, HSI Bowling Green, and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office prosecuted the case.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Heroin and Illegal Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to 7 years and 3 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and illegal possession of a machinegun.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to court documents, Tyrone Bunzy Jr., 26, was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and illegal possession of a Glock Switch Device (machine gun conversion device). A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography and Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to a total of 11 years in federal prison. The sentence included 10 years for possession of child pornography and an additional 1 year for violating a previous term of federal supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service made the announcement.
“I appreciate the outstanding work of the Secret Service and the trial team during the investigation and prosecution of this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “We will continue to prioritize the apprehension and prosecution of individuals in the Western District who sexually exploit the most vulnerable of victims.”
According to court documents, Jason Florence, 49, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for possessing child pornography after having been previously convicted of child pornography offenses. At the time he committed this offense, Florence was on federal supervised release for a 2015 conviction in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky for attempted transportation and possession of child pornography. During his term of supervised release, Florence was found to be in possession of graphic videos and images of child pornography. Florence was sentenced to an additional 1 year in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Florence was convicted following a two-day jury trial in August of this year.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Spencer McKiness and Danielle Yannelli prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 16 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced this week to 16 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphreys of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2024, Reginald Brown, 38, was sentenced to 16 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 6 years supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Brown was convicted following a five-day jury trial in August of this year. Brown’s codefendants plead guilty and were previously sentenced.
On January 11, 2024, Clarence Stott, 43, of Louisville, was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in prison, followed by 6 years supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
On December 18, 2023, Axel Diaz Hernandez, 24, of Virginia, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 4 years supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The DEA and the Louisville Metro Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Marisa J. Ford prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 29 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced last week to a total of 29 years and 6 months in federal prison for numerous felony offenses, including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphreys of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on November 14, 2024, Jerlen Horton, 30, was sentenced to 28 years in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over one kilogram of fentanyl, over 250 grams of heroin, and a mixture of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine,” possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Horton was sentenced to an additional 1 year and 6 months in prison, to run consecutively with the 28-year sentence for a total of 29 years and 6 months, for violation of his supervised release.
Horton and his co-defendant, Chicoby Summers, were convicted following a seven-day jury trial in July of this year. Summers is scheduled for sentencing on December 10, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and LMPD investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI, DEA, United States Postal Inspection Service, Kentucky State Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Long Beach California Police Department, Verdigris Oklahoma Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter are prosecuting the case, with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Bullitt County Man for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 5, 2024, charging a Bullitt County man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Walt Sholar of the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Jason Argenbright, 45, of Lebanon Junction, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered firearm. On August 20, 2024, Argenbright possessed a DPMS Arms, model A-15, .223 caliber rifle. The rifle was equipped with silencer not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Argenbright was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On January 28, 2011, in Bullitt Circuit Court, Argenbright was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine.
On March 2, 2011, in Bullitt Circuit Court, Argenbright was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, first offense and unlawful possession of a methamphetamine precursor.
On November 29, 2007, in Bullitt Circuit Court, Argenbright was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, first offense – drug unspecified.
The defendant made his initial court appearance on November 13, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts Seven for Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 5, 2024, charging six men and one woman with methamphetamine and fentanyl conspiracy and distribution charges. One of the defendants was also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to the indictment, 6 defendants are all charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Beginning as early as February 22, 2024, and continuing through November 4, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The defendants charged in the first indictment are:
• Avaron Sims, 32, of Long Beach, California
• Julio Contreras, 34, of Long Beach, California
• Patrick Russo, 30, of Corona, California
• Maleek Spalding, 26, of Louisville
• Dominque Farris, 27, of Louisville
• Jaron Blincoe Robinson, 25, of Louisville
• Amanda Foley, 42, of Louisville.
Spalding is also charged with twelve counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.Farris is also charged with six counts of distribution of fentanyl and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Robinson is also charged with two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
Foley is also charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
Spalding, Farris, and Robinson made their initial court appearance this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered Spalding and Farris detained, and Farris released, pending trial.
Sims made his initial court appearance this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The Court ordered Sims released pending trial.
Contreras, Russo, and Foley have not yet been arrested and are considered federal fugitives. Anyone with information regarding their location can contact the FBI Louisville office at 502-263-6000 or tips.fbi.gov.
If convicted, each of the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, LMPD, and KSP, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Los Angeles, California Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Western District of Kentucky Men Sentenced for Murder Through the Use of a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – Freddy Manuel Gonzalez and Xavior Caine Posey were sentenced this week to 40 years and 35 years, respectively, for murder through the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
“I commend the ATF, the local law enforcement agencies who assisted in the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sewell and Weiser for their outstanding work during the investigation and prosecution of this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “As a result of the strong working relationships that exist between our law enforcement partners, these violent defendants will now spend decades in federal prison. The fight against violent crime is a top priority of this office and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute it wherever it occurs.”
“This senseless act of violence took a man from his family,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Morrow. “I commend ATF Bowling Green Field Office, our partners with the Franklin, KY Police Department, and the prosecution team for working tirelessly to bring these killers to justice. Our thoughts are with Mr. Russell’s loved ones, and we hope this sentence brings some sense of closure to his family and that it sends a very clear message that ATF and our law enforcement partners will always seek justice for violent crimes in Kentucky.”
According to court documents, Freddy Manuel Gonzalez, 40, of Bowling Green, Kentucky was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for murder through use of firearm during crime of violence. Xavior Caine Posey, 26, of Logan County, Kentucky, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the same offense.
On December 29 and 30, 2020, Gonzalez and Posey communicated by cell phone to arrange for the murder-for-hire of the victim. Gonzalez provided Posey with a firearm for the murder. On December 30, 2020, in Franklin, Kentucky, Posey shot the victim three times with that firearm and then returned to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Gonzalez later paid Posey for committing the murder.
In a related case, Andy Martin Schmucker, 37, of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, has pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to the crime of murder for hire, and is scheduled for sentencing on December 2, 2024.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and the Franklin Police Department investigated the case. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office, the South- Central Kentucky Drug Task Force, the Warren County Drug Task Force, the Kentucky State Police, the Russellville Police Department, the Bowling Green Police Department, and the Simpson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Madison Sewell and David Weiser.
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Allen County, Kentucky Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – An Allen County, Kentucky man was sentenced this week to 1 year and 3 months in federal prison for tax evasion.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, John Paul Cates, 50, was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion. The Internal Revenue Service found that Cates evaded employment taxes due and owing by Trinity Steel Works, LLC, a corporation in Scottsville, Kentucky. Cates was also ordered to pay $811,312.14 in restitution.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell prosecuted this case.
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U.S. Attorney Appoints Election Officer for the Western District of KentuckyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Raymond McGee will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for today’s general election. AUSA McGee has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Kentucky, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Bennett said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Bennett stated, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO McGee will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. Tips can be submitted through the FBI’s national tip line at 800-CALL-FBI or via www.tips.fbi.gov. The Louisville FBI field office can be reached by the public at 502-263-6000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Bennett said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Enticement and Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 17 years in federal prison for enticement and sex trafficking of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service (USSS), and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Timothy Boden, 41, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for one count of enticement of a minor victim and one count of sex trafficking a minor victim.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the HSI, the USSS, and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tieke and Danielle Yannelli prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Louisville Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – This week, a Louisville, Kentucky, man pleaded guilty to carjacking which resulted in the death of teenage motorist.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff Mark Moore made the announcement.
According to court documents, Michael Dewitt, pleaded guilty to a single count indictment charging him with carjacking resulting in death. According to court records, Dewitt committed a carjacking at gunpoint on March 1, 2021, and stole a 2011 Ford F350 from its owner in Simpsonville, Kentucky. During the immediate flight from the carjacking, and while still in possession of the stolen truck, Dewitt collided with a vehicle on Dixie Highway in Louisville, causing the death of 17-year-old.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2025. The maximum penalty is life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. If the plea agreement in the case is accepted by the court, the defendant will be sentenced to serve 29 years and 4 months in prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Bonar and Mac Shannon are prosecuting this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Five Defendants Involved in String of Violent Crimes, Drug and Gun Offenses, and Money Laundering Have Been SentencedRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A fifth defendant was sentenced this week to 30 years in federal prison for his role in numerous felony offenses, including kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Several other defendants were previously sentenced on the charges.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Sheriff Walt Sholar of the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff John E. Aubrey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Dayton Peterson, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 22, 2024, to 30 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity.
Joshua Lohden, 26, of Louisville was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 22 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and robbery.
David Langdon, 39, of Louisville was sentenced on September 11, 2024, to 11 years and 5 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On or about August 23, 2022, Langdon was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On October 14, 2015, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Langdon was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.
On October 15, 2015, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Langdon was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree greater than 2 grams of heroin.
J. Louis Nance, 34, of Louisville was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 6 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping and impersonator making arrest or search.
Samantha Trummer, 30, of Louisville was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to 4 years of probation for engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity.
John Lohden is awaiting sentencing.
Defendants Dayton Peterson, John Lohden, and Samantha Trummer were found guilty after a 10-day jury trial in March of 2024. The remaining defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI, LMPD, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with assistance from the ATF, IRS, DEA, and Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Frank E. Dahl III are prosecuting the case, with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Federal Jury Finds Princeton, Kentucky Man Guilty of Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – Last week, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Princeton, Kentucky man of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Chief Chris King of the Princeton Police Department, and Director David Thompson of the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 26 and 27, 2021, Micah Gray, 44, distributed quantities of methamphetamine on three occasions. On August 27, 2021, investigators searched Gray’s apartment and located approximately one and one-half pounds of methamphetamine and items related to methamphetamine distribution.
Gray is scheduled for sentencing on February 21, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Gray remains in federal custody pending sentencing, and he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The DEA, the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, and the Princeton Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for the 56th Judicial Circuit of Kentucky.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth A. Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Cristy Crockett.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on October 16, 2024, charging a local man with illegal possession of a machine gun.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Dashawn Sublett, 18, was charged with possessing a Glock Switch Device (machine gun conversion device) on June 26, 2024. A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law.
Sublett made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on October 21, 2024. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the LMPD and the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Porter is prosecuting this case.
This case is part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Cumberland County Man for Burning Burkesville, Kentucky City HallRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on October 9, 2024, charging a Cumberland County, Kentucky man with setting fire to the Burkesville, Kentucky City Hall.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Nathan Riddle, 47, was charged with arson of a building receiving federal funds, and arson of a building affecting interstate commerce. On October 25, 2020, Riddle, maliciously damaged by means of fire, the Burkesville City Hall, which was owned by the City of Burkesville, Kentucky. The City of Burkesville received federal funding and the building was involved in business which affected interstate commerce.
Riddle made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on October 17, 2024. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Riddle faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the United States Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Ten Defendants Associated with “Everybody Shines Together” Street Gang Sentenced in Federal Drug and Gun ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – This week the last of ten defendants, each of whom were associated with the “Everybody Shines Together” street gang (also knowns as “EST”), was sentenced as part of a conspiracy involving federal drug and firearms offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
“I commend the outstanding work of our prosecutors, federal law enforcement agents, and our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful prosecution of the defendants in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “These are significant federal prison sentences for serious violations of the law. Together, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who seek to flood our streets and neighborhoods with drugs while illegally using and possessing firearms.”
"With the sentencing of Mr. Mosley comes the conclusion of a years-long collaborative effort across all levels of law enforcement to put some of Louisville's most hardened criminals behind bars and disrupt one of the area's most consequential street gangs," said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury. "With multiple significant federal prison sentences, we hope this case serves as a warning sign. As long as you continue to exploit the young and vulnerable and fill our neighborhoods with senseless gun violence and harmful drug operations, the FBI will use every available resource to identify and dismantle your operation."
“This sentencing highlights the result of countless hours of dedicated effort from officers and investigators from LMPD and our partner agencies,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey. Each day they place their life on the line to remove criminals such as these from the streets, making Louisville a safer, better place. The men and women of LMPD will not stop fighting against the scourge of violence and gang activity in our city. There is more work to do, but this particular group of criminals being sentenced and removed from our community is a move in the right direction.”
According to court documents, Eric D. Mosley, 33, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Mosley was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 1, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, enhanced possession of drug paraphernalia, enhanced possession of marijuana, and enhanced possession of heroin.
On December 1, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mosley was convicted of enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, less than 4 grams of cocaine, receiving stolen property (firearm), enhanced possession of marijuana, and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense (less than 2 grams of heroin).
Zaman Taylor, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to 20 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Darrian Toogood, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on June 6, 2024, to 6 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Devonzo Summers, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 21, 2024, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Barry Reed, 27, of Louisville, was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, distribution of controlled substances, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Dazaray Rice, 30, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, to 3 years of probation, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.
Aerion Cook, 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Khasi Jones, 31, of Louisville, was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and six counts of distribution of fentanyl.
Cedric Palmer, 28, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 12, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and distribution of methamphetamine.
Ricos Mosley, 36, of Louisville,was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the ATF, IRS-CI, DEA, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from Paralegal Aaron Cooper.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Four Men Charged with Violating Export and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Haitham Al-Dulaimi, 30, Haider Lazem, 41, Hasan Wasak, 27, and Abdullah Alsajee, 30, all of Louisville, Kentucky, were arrested today pursuant to a now-unsealed indictment. They were charged with conspiracy to: violate the Export Control Reform Act, smuggle goods from the United States, engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, make false statements in the purchase of firearms, and defraud the United States government. The indictment also charges Alsajee, Lazem, and Wasak with making false statements in the purchase of firearms.
According to the indictment, from February 2023 through September 2024, Al-Dulaimi, Lazem, Wasak, and Alsajee conspired to export firearms, including Glocks, Rugers, Sig Sauers, and Smith & Wessons, from the United States to Iraq, without obtaining the required export licenses. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Wasak, Alsajee, and Lazem, procured firearms from federal firearm licensees and at gun shows in the Louisville area. Wasak, Alsajee, and Lazem then delivered the firearms to Al-Dulaimi, who arranged them for the export to Iraq. Thirty-eight firearms were detained by law enforcement from a shipment sent by Al-Dulaimi intended for Iraq.
If convicted, Al-Dulaimi, Lazem, Alsajee, and Wasak face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for violations of export control laws, and five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Lazem, Alsajee, and Wasak also face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Al-Dulaimi faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for smuggling and five years in prison for dealing in firearms without a license. The indictment also notifies defendants that the United States intends to forfeit firearms alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Field Office, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch, and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office announced the case.
The ATF, HSI, and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Leslie C. Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Four Men Charged with Violating Export and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
Haitham Al-Dulaimi, 30, Haider Lazem, 41, Hasan Wasak, 27, and Abdullah Alsajee, 30, all of Louisville, Kentucky, were arrested today pursuant to a now-unsealed indictment. They were charged with conspiracy to: violate the Export Control Reform Act, smuggle goods from the United States, engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, make false statements in the purchase of firearms, and defraud the United States government. The indictment also charges Alsajee, Lazem, and Wasak with making false statements in the purchase of firearms.
According to the indictment, from February 2023 through September 2024, Al-Dulaimi, Lazem, Wasak, and Alsajee conspired to export firearms, including Glocks, Rugers, Sig Sauers, and Smith & Wessons, from the United States to Iraq, without obtaining the required export licenses. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Wasak, Alsajee, and Lazem, procured firearms from federal firearm licensees and at gun shows in the Louisville area. Wasak, Alsajee, and Lazem then delivered the firearms to Al-Dulaimi, who arranged them for the export to Iraq. Thirty-eight firearms were detained by law enforcement from a shipment sent by Al-Dulaimi intended for Iraq.
If convicted, Al-Dulaimi, Lazem, Alsajee, and Wasak face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for violations of export control laws, and five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Lazem, Alsajee, and Wasak also face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Al-Dulaimi faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for smuggling and five years in prison for dealing in firearms without a license. The indictment also notifies defendants that the United States intends to forfeit firearms alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Field Office announced the case.
The ATF, HSI, and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Leslie C. Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Terre Haute Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Today, a Terre Haute, Indiana, man pleaded guilty to illegally transferring a firearm to a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Derek Polston of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Shawn Michael Kays, 41, pleaded guilty to an information charging firearms trafficking. According to the plea agreement, between November of 2023 and January of 2024, Kays transported and transferred a Smith & Wesson, Model SD9VE, nine-millimeter pistol to a convicted felon. A criminal complaint filed on September 19, 2024, alleged that firearm was later used to kill a Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy on September 16, 2024. Kays is not charged with or alleged to have been involved in the shooting.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 10, 2025. The maximum penalty is fifteen years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF Louisville Field Division, Bowling Green Branch Office, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the ATF Columbus Field Division, The ATF Indianapolis Field Division Office, and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting this case.
This case was 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.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Bowling Green Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Domestic Violence Offense at Mammoth Cave National ParkRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced today to over 3 years in federal prison for committing a domestic assault in Mammoth Cave National Park.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Scott L. Larson, Regional Chief Ranger of the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers made the announcement.
“I commend the effort of the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers for their outstanding work in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Working in partnership with the rangers, we will continue to aggressively enforce violations of the law on federal lands located throughout the Western District.”
According to court documents, Rakan F. Elsalem, 40, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing a domestic assault as a habitual offender on May 1, 2023, within the Mammoth Cave National Park, a place within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
At the time Elsalem committed the domestic assault, he had two prior convictions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse or intimate partner. These included convictions of assault in the fourth degree on September 22, 2020, and on January 24, 2022, in Warren District Court.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Bowling Green Felon Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Michael Delaney of the Bowling Green Police Department made the announcement.
“I appreciate the excellent work of ATF and the Bowling Green Police Department in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “It showcases the ongoing collaboration between our federal and local law enforcement partners. And the result of the combined effort - sending a defendant with a lengthy criminal history to federal prison for 15 years - makes the community safer for all who live, work, and visit here.”
According to court documents, Jedidiah Martin, 44, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute 221.4 grams of methamphetamine, and illegally possessing a Springfield Armory XDS .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol by a convicted felon. Martin had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On February 13, 2017, in Warren Circuit Court, Martin was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
On February 13, 2017, in Warren Circuit Court, Martin was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school.
On May 5, 2003, in Warren Circuit Court, Martin was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first-degree, first offense, and possession of a controlled substance, first-degree, first offense.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Bowling Green Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Madisonville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to over 29 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A Madisonville, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 29 years and 6 months in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville made the announcement.
According to court documents, Steven Ray Buchanan, 46, was sentenced to 29 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, on four counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Buchanan possessed over 1,200 images and 4 videos of child pornography. Buchanan also took lascivious videos and pictures of two young girls while they were in his bedroom. Upon his release, Buchanan will be required to register as a sex offender. Buchanan was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI Bowling Green, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police, the Madisonville Police Department, and the FBI Owensboro Satellite Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Doctor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Illegally Using a Drug Enforcement Administration Registration Number Issued to AnotherRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY– Yesterday, a Louisville Anesthesiologist pled guilty to conspiring with others in his medical practice to issue pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodwich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Tamala Miles of the United States Department for Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Atlanta Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Regional Director L. Joe Rivers, Cincinnati Regional Office, United States Department of Labor EBSA, Special Agent in Charge Darrin K. Jones of the Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Southeast Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Acting Inspecting General Tricia Steward of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department and Director Juan Garrett of the Kentucky Department of Insurance made the announcement.
According to court documents, Dr. Lawrence Peters, 62, pled guilty to an Information charging conspiracy to illegally use a Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) registration number issued to another. According to the plea agreement, Dr. Lawrence Peters knowingly and intentionally conspired with others in his medical practice to issue pre-signed and unsigned prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances and further directed his staff to fill the prescriptions at his physician’s owned pharmacy.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2014. The maximum penalty is four years in prison. The United States is recommending probation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the FBI, the HHS, the IRS-CI, the DOL, the DCIS, the KSP, the Kentucky CHFS OIG, the LMPD and the Kentucky DOI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Ansari and Chris Tieke prosecuted the case.
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Ballard County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Ballard County man was sentenced last week to 5 years in federal prison for child pornography charges.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Kyle J. Ratta, 34, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of attempted receipt of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Ratta communicated online with an undercover law enforcement agent he believed to be 14 years old, and during those communications, he attempted to receive a sexually explicit image. Law enforcement subsequently recovered over 200 images of child pornography that were saved in file folders on a computer Ratta used.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Child Sex Offender Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Offense and Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to a total of 11 years and 6 months in federal prison. The sentence included 10 years for possession of child pornography and an additional 1 year and 6 months for violating a previous term of federal supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement.
According to court documents, William Joseph Popp, 56, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for possessing child pornography after having been previously convicted of possessing child pornography and first-degree sexual abuse of a minor. At the time he committed this offense, Popp was on federal supervised release for a 2014 conviction in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky for possession of child pornography. During his term of supervised release, Popp was found to be in possession of prohibited cellular telephones with internet capabilities that contained searches for and images and videos of child pornography that had been downloaded from the internet. Popp was sentenced to an additional 1 year and 6 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI Louisville.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Zimdahl prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for CarjackingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Corey M. Buford, 23, was sentenced to 10 years and 5 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegally carjacking a 2014 BMW on April 14, 2022. Buford’s sentence included his conviction for brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, a crime that carries a mandatory sentence of 84 months consecutive to the sentence imposed for the carjacking.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Ford and Emily Lantz prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
“Outstanding investigative work by ATF, LMPD, and KSP,” said, U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The collective focus of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is on the identification, apprehension, and full prosecution of those who traffic poison on our streets and illegally possess firearms. It will be 15 years before the defendant is released from federal prison and Louisville is a safer place as a result.”
“Drug dealers with guns have a terrible impact on our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Morrow. “A fifteen-year federal prison sentence sends a clear message to repeat offenders that the law enforcement community in Kentucky is working together to keep the commonwealth safe. I commend the excellent work of ATF Louisville, LMPD, KSP, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
According to court documents, Charles Jermaine Gore, 40, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Between July 20, 2021, and February 9, 2022, Gore possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. On October 22, 2021, Gore distributed fentanyl to another person. Between July 20, 2021, and February 9, 2022, Gore possessed several firearms, including a Glock .45 caliber pistol, a Ruger 5.7X28 caliber pistol, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39 caliber pistol, and ammunition. Gore was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On January 12, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense – cocaine (2 counts), trafficking in a controlled substance in the second degree, first offense – drug unspecified, criminal mischief in the first degree, and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
On March 7, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (cocaine), and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (MCMA).
On March 28, 2019, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of trafficking in marijuana, more than eight ounces.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD with assistance from the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Louisville Men for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on July 17, 2024, charging two Louisville men with illegal possession of firearms. One of the men was also charged with receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Hassan Mohamed, 20, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm that had an overall length of less than twenty-six inches, and with a barrel of less than sixteen inches in length. Between March 27, 2024, and April 23, 2024, Mohamed possessed a Smith & Wesson, model M&P15-22P, .22 LR AR variant style pistol, an Aero Precision, model M4E1, 5.56 caliber rifle, a Smith & Wesson, model SD9, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Mohamed was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On April 23, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mohamed was convicted of complicity to robbery in the first degree (two counts), robbery in the first degree (3 counts), complicity to assault in the first degree, and tampering with physical evidence.
On January 4, 2022, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mohamed was convicted of robbery in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and criminal attempt rape in the first degree.
According to the indictment, Jrome Fitch, 22, was charged with receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. Between April 11, 2024, and March 22, 2024, Fitch possessed a Smith & Wesson, model M&P15-22P, .22 LR AR variant style pistol, a Smith & Wesson, model SD9, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Fitch was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was under felony indictment for the following offenses.
On March 25, 2022, in Clark Circuit Court, Clark County, Indiana, Fitch was arraigned on an indictment for criminal recklessness, resisting law enforcement, auto theft, and theft of a firearm (four counts).
The defendants made their initial court appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendants detained pending trial. If convicted, Hassan faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. However, if he is found to be an Armed Career Criminal, then he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. Fitch faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Prospect Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY –A Prospect, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 11 years and 4 months in federal prison for seven felony offenses which include conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The man’s wife was sentenced to three months for misprision of a felony.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Vince Zehme of the FDIC Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Jeffrey Robert Owen, age 60, was sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. Jeffrey Owen’s wife, Kimberly Dawn Owen, age 56, was sentenced to three months in federal prison for one count of misprision of a felony. Jeffrey Owen and Kimberly Owen were convicted following a jury trial in March of 2024.
Both Jeffrey Owen and Kimberly Owen were ordered to pay $587,345.07 in restitution.
There is no parole in the federal system.
From 2013 to 2014, Jeffrey Owen conspired with Kimberly Owen to apply for four commercial real estate loans from three financial institutions using personal financial statements that omitted liabilities and judgments. After the loans at one of the banks went into default, Jeffrey Owen and his wife took steps to block the collection through fraud, including filing a fraudulent bankruptcy petition to stay foreclosure proceedings on one of the properties. To obtain escrowed insurance proceeds, Jeffrey Owen also provided the bank with invoices from a fake business and identified an acquaintance who had been dead for several years as one of the people who worked at the business. To thwart the bank and other creditors, Jeffrey Owen and his wife filed a lawsuit on behalf of one of their entities against Jeffrey Owen’s wife in her individual capacity. Jeffrey Owen used the lawsuit to garnish his wife’s wages, so another creditor would be unable to garnish them. They then spent the money from the garnishment on their household expenses such as the mortgage on their $750,000 home and tuition for their two children at a local private school.
The FDIC Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Gregory and Nicole Elver prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal James Aaron Cooper.
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Justice Department Finds Kentucky Unnecessarily Institutionalizes Louisville Residents with Serious Mental Illness in Psychiatric HospitalsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reasonable cause to believe that the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Kentucky) is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro area by unnecessarily segregating adults with serious mental illness in psychiatric hospitals, rather than providing care in integrated community settings.
“People with serious mental illnesses in Louisville are caught in an unacceptable cycle of repeated psychiatric hospitalizations because they cannot access community-based care,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank Kentucky for its full cooperation with our investigation, including readily providing access to staff, documents, and data. We also recognize that Kentucky has already begun taking important steps to expand access to a range of key services, including crisis response services; medication management supports; and housing and employment supports. Our goal is to work collaboratively with Kentucky so that it implements the right community-based mental health services and complies with the ADA. The Justice Department will continue to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities to ensure that they can fully participate in and contribute to their communities.”
“These findings demonstrate that the Commonwealth of Kentucky fails to provide adequate community-based mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness in the Louisville Metro area,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “Beyond the violations, however, these findings are also about recognizing the dignity and potential of every individual who has mental illness.”
The department’s investigation found Kentucky fails to provide access to community-based mental health services for many people with serious mental illness who need them, including services such as: mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization and crisis respite, case management, Assertive Community Treatment, Permanent Supportive Housing, supported employment and peer support. Instead, Kentucky relies unnecessarily on psychiatric hospitals in violation of the ADA. Each year, thousands of people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals in Louisville, and more than a thousand people experience multiple admissions to these restrictive and often traumatizing settings. With the right community-based services, many of these hospitalizations could be prevented. Kentucky can remedy this violation by expanding community-based services and implementing processes to ensure that individuals can receive those services.
The lack of community-based services has also left law enforcement as routine responders to mental health crises, contributing to avoidable law enforcement encounters and incarceration.
Deficiencies in Louisville Metro Government’s emergency response system also contribute to these outcomes. In a separate investigation, the Justice Department concluded, in March 2023, that the Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department violated the ADA by subjecting people with behavioral health disabilities to an unnecessary police response. The department and Louisville are currently negotiating a consent decree to resolve these and other issues.
Individuals with information relevant to this matter can contact the department by emailing [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available at www.justice.gov/crt/rights-persons-disabilities and www.ada.gov.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky’s Civil Rights Program is available at www.justice.gov/usao-wdky/civil-rights-program.
Justice Department Finds Kentucky Unnecessarily Institutionalizes Louisville Residents with Serious Mental Illness in Psychiatric HospitalsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reasonable cause to believe that the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Kentucky) is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro area by unnecessarily segregating adults with serious mental illness in psychiatric hospitals, rather than providing care in integrated community settings.
“People with serious mental illnesses in Louisville are caught in an unacceptable cycle of repeated psychiatric hospitalizations because they cannot access community-based care,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank Kentucky for its full cooperation with our investigation, including readily providing access to staff, documents, and data. We also recognize that Kentucky has already begun taking important steps to expand access to a range of key services, including crisis response services; medication management supports; and housing and employment supports. Our goal is to work collaboratively with Kentucky so that it implements the right community-based mental health services and complies with the ADA. The Justice Department will continue to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities to ensure that they can fully participate in and contribute to their communities.”
“These findings demonstrate that the Commonwealth of Kentucky fails to provide adequate community-based mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness in the Louisville Metro area,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “Beyond the violations, however, these findings are also about recognizing the dignity and potential of every individual who has mental illness.”
The department’s investigation found Kentucky fails to provide access to community-based mental health services for many people with serious mental illness who need them, including services such as: mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization and crisis respite, case management, Assertive Community Treatment, Permanent Supportive Housing, supported employment and peer support. Instead, Kentucky relies unnecessarily on psychiatric hospitals in violation of the ADA. Each year, thousands of people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals in Louisville, and more than a thousand people experience multiple admissions to these restrictive and often traumatizing settings. With the right community-based services, many of these hospitalizations could be prevented. Kentucky can remedy this violation by expanding community-based services and implementing processes to ensure that individuals can receive those services.
The lack of community-based services has also left law enforcement as routine responders to mental health crises, contributing to avoidable law enforcement encounters and incarceration.
Deficiencies in Louisville Metro Government’s emergency response system also contribute to these outcomes. In a separate investigation, the Justice Department concluded, in March 2023, that the Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department violated the ADA by subjecting people with behavioral health disabilities to an unnecessary police response. The department and Louisville are currently negotiating a consent decree to resolve these and other issues.
Individuals with information relevant to this matter can contact the department by emailing [email protected].
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available at www.justice.gov/crt/rights-persons-disabilities and www.ada.gov.
Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky’s Civil Rights Program is available at www.justice.gov/usao-wdky/civil-rights-program.
Scottsville Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $873,107 in Restitution for Defrauding Former EmployerRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY –A Scottsville, Kentucky, woman was sentenced yesterday to two years in federal prison for engaging in a scheme to defraud her former employer.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court records, Reda W. Tabor, 67, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for one count of wire fraud. The charges in this case stemmed from Tabor’s scheme in which, from 2014 to 2020, while employed as Vice President in Charge of Finance/Accounting and Human Resources at Beneke Wire Company in Louisville, Kentucky, Tabor used her position to access the company’s bank accounts and make unauthorized transfers of company funds to her personal bank account.
Tabor was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $873,107 and a fine in the amount of $10,000.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Gregory prosecuted the case.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced today to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville made the announcement.
John Christopher Cecil, 40, was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for four counts of distribution, two counts of receipt, and one count of possession of child pornography. According to court documents, Cecil was an active participant in online child pornography chat groups focused on trading and chatting about child pornography.
Cecil was also ordered to pay $58,000 in restitution to multiple victims in the case.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI Louisville.
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Owensboro Man Federally Indicted for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A federal grand jury sitting in Bowling Green, Kentucky, returned a nine-count indictment on August 14, 2024, charging an Owensboro, Kentucky man with numerous offenses related to the sexual exploitation of children.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Matthew D. Constant, 52, was charged with two counts of online enticement of a minor, three counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.
The defendant made an initial court appearance on August 19, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Constant faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by FBI Owensboro and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The FBI Louisville Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims of Mathew D. Constant. If you are your minor dependent(s) have information about Constant, please contact the FBI at [email protected]. Your responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation in identifying you or your child as a potential victim. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Nationwide Home Healthcare and Hospice Provider to Pay $3.85M to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Intrepid U.S.A. Inc., headquartered in Dallas, and various wholly-owned subsidiaries (Intrepid) have agreed to pay $3,850,000 to resolve allegations that Intrepid violated the False Claims Act in connection with two lines of its business: first, that Intrepid knowingly submitted claims to Medicare for home healthcare services for patients who did not qualify for the Medicare home healthcare benefit or where services otherwise did not qualify for Medicare reimbursement; and second, that Intrepid knowingly submitted claims to Medicare for patients who did not qualify for the hospice benefit. The settlement is based on Intrepid's ability to pay.
The United States alleged that, between 2016 and 2021, 19 Intrepid home healthcare facilities submitted claims to Medicare for home healthcare services for patients who did not qualify or were not properly certified as eligible for the Medicare home healthcare benefit, where the services provided were not reasonable or medically necessary, where the services were provided by untrained staff, or where services were not performed. Separately, the United States alleged that, between 2016 and 2021, three Intrepid hospice facilities admitted patients to hospice care who were ineligible for the Medicare hospice benefit because they were not terminally ill or continued providing services to patients who should have been discharged because they no longer met the requirements for the Medicare hospice benefit.
“Medicare’s hospice and home healthcare benefits provide critical services to vulnerable patient populations across the country,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reflects our commitment to ensuring that these benefits are used to care for those who need them and not just to enrich those who seek to provide them.”
“The Medicare Program provides vital health insurance to the elderly and disabled population,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “Our office will vigorously pursue unscrupulous providers who choose to illegally and improperly bill the Medicare Program.”
“Businesses who engage in improper Medicare billing practices undercut the legitimate provision of healthcare services for patients in need,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota. “This settlement reinforces the importance of holding accountable health care providers who seek financial gain above quality patient care.”
“Home health is designed to increase health care access for our most vulnerable populations with mobility limitations, while hospice care aims to provide comfort and relief for the terminally ill. Exploiting these systems for financial gain is intolerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue health care providers who jeopardize the integrity of these services by prioritizing profit over medically necessary palliative care.”
The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act in two different lawsuits. One qui tam action was brought by Jennifer Jones, a former travel nurse, and Pamela Joffe, a former Director of Quality Assessment Performance Improvement and New Business Development, for Intrepid. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Jones v. Intrepid USA Healthcare Inc., No. 19-sc-2973 (D. Minn.). The second qui tam action was brought by Marsha Rigney, a former Director of Clinical Excellence and Integrity, and Janet Watts, a former Regional Manager of Clinical Excellence, for Intrepid. This qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Rigney v. Intrepid U.S.A. Inc., No. 3:20-cv-95-RGJ (WDKY). Under the provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Relators Jones and Joffe will receive $333,985 from the settlement proceeds, and Relators Rigney and Watts will receive $359,014 from the settlement proceeds.
The resolution of these matters was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. HHS-OIG assisted in the investigations.
The investigation and resolution of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney Anthony Gill of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schecter for the Western District of Kentucky and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rau for the District of Minnesota investigated the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Settlement
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Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Returns 5 Indictments Charging 37 Defendants with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Charges Include Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Fentanyl
Louisville, KY – On August 6, 2024, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged a total of 37 defendants from across Kentucky and California in five separate indictments involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking offenses and firearms offenses. The indictments were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted as part of the Organized Crime and Drug and Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila G. Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon of the DEA Indianapolis District Office, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Chief Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the first indictment, 14 defendants are all charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Beginning as early as March 2023 and continuing through August 5, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. The defendants charged in the first indictment are:
- D’Andre Williams, 40, of Adelanto, California,
- Djuan Truss, 42, of Louisville,
- Rayshawn Spearman Sr., 39, of Louisville,
- Elmondo Elliott, 55, of Los Angeles, California,
- Desmond Knox, 50, of Menifree, California,
- Rayshawn Spearman Jr., 26, of Louisville,
- Brandan Arnold, 42, of Louisville,
- Antonio Arnold, 44, of Louisville,
- Dwayne Evans, 35, of Louisville,
- Melanie Surrell, 45, of Louisville,
- Antionio Evans, 42, of Louisville,
- Davonte Hoskins, 28, of Louisville,
- Gardner Webb, 31, of Louisville, and
- Tanaja Lee, 23, of Louisville.
Williams, Truss, Spearman Sr., and Elliott are also each charged with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. According to a federal criminal complaint filed in relation to these charges on July 7, 2024, members of the DEA Evansville Resident Office and Louisville Division Office received information from a confidential source regarding the possible distribution of large quantities of crystal methamphetamine and cocaine. Through follow up investigation, members of the surveillance team observed a transaction between Williams and Truss at a Love’s gas station in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. According to the complaint affidavit, members of the Kentucky State Police made contact with Williams and Truss and conducted further investigation. Law enforcement ultimately seized cardboard boxes containing approximately 252.9 pounds of methamphetamine and 12 kilograms of cocaine.
According to the second indictment, 8 defendants are all charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Beginning as early as March 2023 and continuing through August 5, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants charged in the second indictment are:
- Richard Boarman, 48, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Joshua Estap, 40, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Justin Riley, 41, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Bobby Douglas, 56, of Lexington, Kentucky,
- Jamie Voyles, 44, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Gregory Nuckols, 61, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Zachariah Nance, 44, of Utica, Kentucky, and
- Hope Warsinsky, 39, of Owensboro, Kentucky.
According to the third indictment, 3 defendants are all charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Beginning as early as March 2023 and continuing through August 5, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants charged in the third indictment are:
- Cameron Jackson, 24, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Damone McGuire, 29, of Owensboro, Kentucky, and
- Tyler Vinson, 32, of Owensboro, Kentucky.
Jackson is also with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to the indictment, on May 1, 2024, Jackson possessed a Trail Blazer Arms .22 caliber pistol, a Taurus 9-millimeter pistol, a Zastava Arms .762 caliber pistol, and ammunition. Jackson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 16, 2019, in Daviess Circuit Court, Daviess County, Kentucky, Jackson was convicted of manslaughter in the second degree, receiving a stolen firearm, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense (methamphetamine).
According to the fourth indictment, 8 defendants are all charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Beginning as early as March 2023 and continuing through August 5, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants charged in the fourth indictment are:
- Jason Salyer, 50, of Louisville,
- Julia Parrish, 53, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Jonathan Hawkins, 43, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Jeramey Hawkins, 46, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Timothy Roach, 37, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Charles Nelson, 41, of Utica, Kentucky, and
- Joe Turner, 46, of Owensboro, Kentucky.
According to the fifth indictment, 4 defendants are all charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Beginning as early as May 2023 and continuing through August 5, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants charged in the fifth indictment are:
- Diana Miranda, 38, of Owensboro, Kentucky,
- Deandre Williams, 27, of Louisville,
- Timothy Roberts, 46, of Owensboro, Kentucky, and
- Shalonna Slaughters, 57, of Owensboro, Kentucky.
Thirty-one of the 37 defendants have been arrested or are otherwise in custody. Twenty-six defendants have made their initial court appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky or the Central District of California. Six defendants, Jackson, Williams, Truss, Jeramey Hawkins, Hoskins, and Bermudez are currently in state custody and will make an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at a future date.
The following defendants have not yet been arrested: Brandan Arnold, Webb, Lee, and Williams.
If convicted, each of the defendants except Jackson face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Jackson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The cases are being investigated by the DEA, IRS-CI, and the Owensboro Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, the Kentucky State Police, the Indiana State Police, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Evansville Police Department, the DEA Evansville Resident Office River City Drug Task Force – Indiana HIDTA, and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter are prosecuting the cases.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping an Adult Victim and Transportation of a Minor Across State LinesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Texas man was sentenced today to 35 years in federal prison for 14 criminal offenses, including, among others, kidnapping an adult victim and transportation of a minor across state lines.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
“I commend the excellent work of the trial team and that of our law enforcement partners, the FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Brentwood Tennessee Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, for their combined investigative effort in bringing the defendant to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The lengthy sentence imposed by the Court reflects the outrageousness of the defendant’s criminal conduct toward the victims in this case and ensures he will not reoffend for decades to come.”
“The victims in this case never thought using an online dating service would subject them to the type of horrendous actions that this defendant inflicted upon them," said Special Agent in Charge Stansbury. “Today’s sentence affirms the FBI’s steadfast commitment to protecting our community from acts of violence and intimidation and is an important reminder to remain vigilant and cautious as we use the internet in our everyday lives to avoid predators, like this defendant, who wish to harm us all.”
According to court documents, Bryan Douglas Conley, age 42, was sentenced to 35 years in prison, followed by a 25-year period of supervised release, for 14 criminal offenses to include transportation of a minor for illegal sexual activity, and inveigle and decoy kidnapping. To “inveigle” a person means to lure, or entice, or lead the person to do something by making false representations or promises or using other deceitful means. “Decoy” means enticement or luring by means of some fraud, trick, or temptation. He was also convicted of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and interstate threats to ransom.
The defendant was convicted of these counts following a jury trial in December of 2023. At trial evidence was presented that in November of 2018, Conley, used an online dating website to lure and entice a minor from Ohio to travel to Tennessee to meet with him. Conley created and used a false online profile named “Bryant” and offers of money and property to lure the minor across state lines. Conley and the false profile “Bryant” offered the minor money for sexual activity in Kentucky and Tennessee. Conley ultimately abandoned the minor several days later in Texas and stole her purse and phone.
In January of 2019, Conley used an online date website to inveigle and decoy an adult victim. Conley created the online profile “Lance Debeers” and falsely claimed to be a modeling agent. Both Conley and “Lance” engaged the victim in discussions about modeling. On January 29, 2019, Conley met the victim in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. He took the victim’s phone and provided her an unknown substance to drink as part of the modeling contract. He bound the victim and drove around Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee issuing ransom demands to the victims’ parents in Tennessee. The ransom demands included threats to harm the victim if his demands were not met physically and sexually.
On January 30, 2019, Conley retrieved a ransom placed by the FBI in Oak Grove, Kentucky. He was arrested shortly after retrieving the ransom. The victim was located in the car. Prior to the kidnapping, Conley met the victim and took her credit card and attempted to make purchases at a retail store in Oak Grove, Kentucky. He also attempted to access her credit card customer profile using the victim’s social security number.
In June of 2019, after Conley had been arrested and released from custody and ordered to wear an ankle monitoring device, he removed the device and fled to Ohio. He was subsequently arrested and detained.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Brentwood Tennessee Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Joel King prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal James Aaron Cooper.
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Hart County Company Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation and Fined $100,000 for Federal Criminal Violation of the Safe Drinking Water ActRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – Yesterday, Logsdon Valley Oil, Inc., a/k/a Hart Petroleum, a Hart County, Kentucky, company was sentenced to 3 years of probation and fined $100,000 for violating the Safe Drinking Water Act.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Leslie Carroll of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division covering Kentucky made the announcement.
According to court documents, in 2019 Logsdon Valley Oil, Inc., a/k/a Hart Petroleum, illegally discharged produced fluid also known as brine water from oil and gas production into sinkholes without a permit in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Logsdon Valley Oil, Inc. was previously convicted of violating the Safe Drinking Water Act in 2013.
“The enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act is vital to keeping Kentucky’s groundwater safe,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “We will continue to pursue, in partnership with the EPA, those who violate federal environmental laws in order to keep our citizens safe and to protect Kentucky’s natural resources.”
“Illegally injecting brine water into an unpermitted well violates the Safe Drinking Water Act and threatens the quality of groundwater,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carroll. “Our nation’s environmental laws are designed to protect public health and safety, and the sentencing of Logsdon Valley Oil demonstrates that the EPA and its law enforcement partners will take action to protect communities and their local water supplies.”
This case was investigated by the Environment Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Judd prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury in Louisville Finds Man Guilty of Drug Offenses Involving CocaineRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Today a federal jury convicted a Louisville man of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek G. Davodowich of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphreys of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Reginald Brown, age 38, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. On September 23, 2022, the Louisville Metro Police Department executed a search warrant at 8805 Beulah Church Road. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered approximately seven (7) kilograms of cocaine, and evidence consistent with drug trafficking. Brown was one of the individuals present during the execution of the warrant, and the evidence revealed he was a member of the conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Brown is scheduled for sentencing on November 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered Brown remain detained pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisville Metro Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Marisa J. Ford are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Federal Jury in Louisville Finds Repeat Sex Offender Guilty of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Yesterday a federal jury convicted a Louisville man of one count of possession of child pornography after a two-day jury trial.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, during a home visit on September 1, 2022, by a United States Probation Officer, Jason Florence, age 49, possessed an unauthorized and unmonitored cellular telephone that contained images and videos of child pornography. At the time of the home visit, Florence was on supervised release for a prior conviction of attempt to transport child pornography and possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky in 2015.
Florence is scheduled for sentencing on November 19, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered Florence remain detained pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The United States Secret Service is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Spencer McKiness and Danielle Yannelli are prosecuting the case, with assistance from paralegal Julie Mason.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Henderson Kentucky Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Child-Related Sex OffensesRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A Henderson, Kentucky, man was sentenced last week to 30 years in federal prison for numerous child-related sex offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, and Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service, made the announcement.
“I commend the work of the prosecutors assigned to this case as well the outstanding investigative effort conducted by Kentucky Attorney General Coleman’s Department of Criminal Investigations and the Secret Service,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel in this case is indicative of the ongoing work of our Western District law enforcement personnel and absolutely crucial as we identify and prosecute individuals who exploit our most vulnerable citizens.”
“The zealous collaboration among local, state and federal partners put this predator behind bars, where he belongs,” said Attorney General Coleman. “I’m grateful to everyone who played a role in protecting Kentucky’s children from horrific exploitation.”
According to court documents, Collin Marshall Newton, 25, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a 30-year period of supervised release, for one count of sex trafficking of children, two counts of online enticement of a minor, three counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of attempted online enticement of a minor, and one count of distribution of child pornography. Newton was also ordered to pay $3,042.14 in restitution.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and the St. Matthews Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo Lawless and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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