Western District of Kentucky
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Louisville Man Sentenced to over 1 Year in Federal Prison for Bomb Hoax and Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 1 year and 5 months in prison for providing false information and hoaxes and for assaulting, resisting, and impeding officers and employees of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Kelly Moening of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Cameron Hyatt, 30, was sentenced to 1 year and 5 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for one count of providing false information and hoaxes and three counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer and employee of the United States. Hyatt was also ordered to pay $11,201.70 in restitution.
On April 17, 2023, Hyatt threatened to bomb an Internal Revenue Service processing facility where he previously worked as a contract employee. Additionally, on April 20, 2023, Hyatt assaulted, resisted, and impeded three TIGTA Special Agents in connection with his arrest for the conduct in which he engaged on April 17, 2023.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by TIGTA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Elver prosecuted the case.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Ohio County Felon for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on March 13, 2024, charging an Ohio County man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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.
According to the indictment, on December 12, 2023, Christopher Phillip Saunders, 29, possessed a Taurus .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Hermann Weihrauch .32-caliber revolver, a Companhia Braziliera de Cartuchos (CBC) .410-gauge single-shot break-action shotgun, and ammunition. Saunders was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On August 30, 2023, in Clark Circuit Court, Saunders was convicted of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and theft.
On July 6, 2022, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Saunders was convicted of wanton endangerment first-degree (2 counts) and criminal mischief first-degree.
Saunders was arraigned yesterday 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, Saunders faces a maximum sentence of 15 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.
The case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, 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 Trial Jury Finds Three Defendants Guilty in String of Violent Crimes, Drug and Gun Offenses, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Yesterday a federal jury convicted two Louisville men and a Louisville woman of numerous felony offenses, including kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking, and money laundering after a ten-day jury trial. Several other defendants previously pleaded guilty to 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, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on July 20, 2021, John E. Lohden, Jr., 34, and others, while impersonating United States Marshals, kidnapped and held a victim for ransom. The jury found Lohden guilty of one count of kidnapping and one count of impersonator making arrest or search.
Further, according to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on January 7, 2022, Lohden possessed three firearms. Lohden was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On November 16, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Lohden was convicted of receiving stolen property under $10,000.
On November 28, 2007, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Lohden was convicted of wanton endangerment in the first degree (three counts).
The evidence at trial revealed that the three firearms Lohden possessed had previously been stolen from members of the Louisville Metro Police Department. Additionally, one of the firearms was a short, barreled rifle. The jury found Lohden guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
Additionally, according to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 16, 2022, Lohden, Dayton Peterson, 23, and others, while impersonating a Louisville Metro Police officer, an agent with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and a United States Marshal, kidnapped and robbed adult and minor victims at a residence in Louisville. The defendants took money, jewelry, firearms, and controlled substances from the home. The jury found both Lohden and Peterson guilty of one count each of kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Also, according to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 18, 2022, Lohden fled from police in a vehicle downtown Louisville. Following his capture, Lohden was found in possession of over 12 kilograms of cocaine, over 1 kilogram of heroin, several firearms, a sting ball grenade, and stolen jewelry. The jury found Lohden guilty of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Further, according to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 19, 2022, Peterson and Samantha Trummer, 29, used proceeds from the August 16, 2022, robbery to purchase a mobile home. The jury found Peterson and Trummer guilty of money laundering, which is engaging in a monetary transaction derived from specified unlawful activity.
Finally, according to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on October 26, 2022, Peterson was found in possession of over 700 grams of cocaine, over 500 grams of heroin, and a Romam/Cugir model mini-Draco .762 caliber pistol. The jury found Peterson guilty of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Lohden, Peterson, and Trummer are scheduled for sentencing on July 22, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Lohden remains detained pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Court ordered Peterson detained pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Trummer remains released from custody pending sentencing. She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence for each defendant after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Gomez and Frank Dahl are prosecuting the case, with assistance from paralegal specialist 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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Lyon County Man Sentenced to over Four Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Paducah, Ky. – A Lyon County, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville and Lyon County Sheriff Brent White made the announcement.
According to the court documents, Taylor Glass, 34, of Kuttawa, Kentucky, was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. Glass was also ordered to pay $41,000 in restitution to multiple victims in the case.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States 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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Hopkinsville Felon Sentenced to over 4 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years and 9 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having been previously 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 Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Eric L. Clark, 42, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a RG Industries .22 caliber revolver on December 31, 2020. Clark was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On April 26, 2017, in Christian Circuit Court, Clark was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (less than 4 grams of cocaine), first offense.
On April 26, 2017, in Christian Circuit Court, Clark was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (less than 4 grams of cocaine), first offense (two counts).
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Hopkinsville Police Department and the ATF Bowling Green Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah 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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Former Fort Campbell Soldier Sentenced to Life in Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – An Illinois man was sentenced this week to life in federal prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at Fort Campbell made the announcement.
Larry Bryan Nash, 40, of Nokomis, Illinois, formerly of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was sentenced to life in federal prison, followed by a life-term of supervised release, for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. According to court documents, while enlisted in the United States Army and stationed at Fort Campbell Military Reservation located in Christian County, Kentucky, Nash knowingly caused Jane Doe, a minor, to engage in sexual acts. Nash did so on multiple occasions on or about and between March 5, 2020, and September 16, 2021, and specifically on September 29, 2021, by using force against her. On these occasions, Jane Doe was older than 12 but younger than 16 years old and under Nash’s supervisory control. Nash had sexually abused Jane Doe for several years prior.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the United States Army CID at Fort Campbell.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jo E. Lawless 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Indiana Man for Firearms Trafficking and other Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on March 20, 2024, charging a New Albany, Indiana man with firearms trafficking, illegal possession of a machine gun, and illegal 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 Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Allen Love, 39, was charged with four counts of firearms trafficking, occurring on February 1, 5, and 17, and March 6, 2024. He was also charged with three counts of illegal possession of a machine gun, specifically six Swift Conversion Devices on February 5 and 17, and March 6, 2024. Lastly, Love illegally possessed an unregistered firearm, specifically a 9-millimeter short barreled rife, on February 1, 2024.
A Swift Conversion Device is a device that allows a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle to function as a fully automatic. A Swift Conversion Device is defined as a machine gun under federal law.
The defendant made his initial court appearance this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Love faces a maximum sentence of 100 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 Josh Porter 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.
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.
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 Returns 3 Indictments Charging 14 DefendantsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – On March 5, 2024, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged 14 Louisville and California residents in three indictments involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin trafficking and firearms and money laundering offenses.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davadowich of the Drug Enforcement Administration Louisville Division Office, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Acting Special Agent in Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the first indictment, Carl Delph, 53, of California, and Anyelle Curtley, Sr., 47, Anyelle Curtley, Jr., 26, Adrian Richie, 35, Joseph Cousins, 39, Alandro O’Neal, 50, Jeroy Boyd, 44, Ameer Ellis, 45, Paul Butler, Jr., 35, and Susan Jenkins, 41, all of Louisville, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Beginning as early as May 9, 2023, and continuing through February 21, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and over 500 grams of cocaine.
Delph and Curtley, Sr. are also charged with a money laundering conspiracy.
Delph is also charged with distributing over 500 grams of cocaine and distributing over 400 grams of fentanyl.
Curtley, Sr. is also charged with distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, attempting to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On December 28, 2023, Curtley, Sr., possessed a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber handgun. Curtley, Sr. was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted the following felony offense.
On May 19, 2010, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Curtley, Sr. was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Curtley, Jr. is also charged with distributing fentanyl and cocaine.
Richie and Cousins are also charged with distributing fentanyl.
O’Neal, Ellis, and Jenkins are also charged with distributing methamphetamine.
Boyd is also charged with distributing cocaine.
Butler, Jr. is also charged with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to the second indictment, Phillip King, Sr., 49, of California, and Norton Hazard, 55, of Louisville, are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Beginning as early as March 24, 2022, and continuing through February 21, 2024, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
According to the third indictment, Christopher Curtley, 50, and Antoyne Penick, 47, both of Louisville, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Beginning as early as January 9, 2024, and continuing through February 29, 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
Christopher Curtley is also charged with distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Penick is also charged with distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Penick is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On January 24, 2024, Penick possessed a Heritage Manufacturing Inc., Model Rough Rider, .22 caliber revolver. Penick was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On September 27, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Penick was convicted of flagrant non-support.
On October 19, 2015, in Clark Circuit Court, Clark County, Indiana, Penick was convicted of theft.
On November 1, 2010, in Clark Superior Court, Clark County, Indiana, Penick was convicted of theft, robbery (two counts), and dealing in marijuana.
All defendants except King, Sr. have been arrested and made their initial court appearances over the last two weeks before U.S. Magistrate Judges of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky and the Southern District of California. King, Sr. has not yet been arrested and is a wanted fugitive. If convicted, the defendants each face mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years, and all 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, HSI, ATF, IRS-CI, and the Louisville Metro Police Department, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police.
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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Two Henderson, Kentucky Men Charged in a Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Sean McKinney of the Henderson Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Elijah J. Roberts, 25, and Jeremy J. Frey, 49, were each charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute, and distributing, over 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture between April 2023 and August 31, 2023, in Henderson County, Kentucky.
Roberts made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky on March 8, 2024. Frey made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky on March 21, 2024. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life 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.
The FBI Owensboro Satellite Office, the Kentucky State Police, and the Henderson Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting this 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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Former Kentucky Probation and Parole Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Women Under His Supervision and Covering up His MisconductRead the Press Release
Ronald Raye Tyler, 56, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison and two years of supervised release for using his former position as a probation and parole officer at the Kentucky Department of Corrections to engage in unwanted sexual contact with women under his supervision.
In December 2023, Tyler admitted to engaging in unwanted sexual contact with three women who were under his supervision and to making false statements during an interview with the Kentucky State Police for the purpose of obstructing an investigation into allegations that he had sexually assaulted women under his supervision.
“The defendant is being held accountable for preying upon women who were under his supervision because of their probationary status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Probation officers should not use their position of authority to make unlawful and unwanted sexual advances on women, regardless of whether they are in custody or on probation. The Justice Department will continue to pursue justice for victims of sexual misconduct and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions.”
“I commend the FBI Louisville Field Office and Louisville Metro Police Department for their outstanding work in investigating this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “Citizens involved in our system of justice have every right to be treated with respect and dignity by employees within the system who exercise authority over them. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those employees who abuse their positions of trust.”
“When allegations of abuse of power are brought to our attention, the FBI will stop at nothing to uncover all of the relevant facts,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “In this case, these women were preyed upon by an officer whose duty it was to protect them. Our hope is that today’s sentencing will bring some semblance of closure to the victims and their families, send a message that we will not ignore such egregious behavior, and begin to restore the public’s trust in law enforcement that was once placed in this officer.”
The FBI Louisville Field Office and Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit jointly investigated the case through the Louisville Public Corruption Civil Rights Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda E. Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys Tara Allison and Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Logan County Felon for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, returned an indictment on March 13, 2024, charging a Logan County man with methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of 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 Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on February 15, 2024, in Warren County, Kentucky, Joshua O. Duncan, 39, possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture. Duncan is also charged with possessing a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver in furtherance of his drug trafficking. In addition to the revolver, Duncan also possessed a Springfield Armory .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Duncan was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On August 21, 2018, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
On August 27, 2012, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, cocaine.
On March 11, 2010, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, cocaine.
On March 21, 2024, Duncan made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison 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 the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is 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.
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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Former Kentucky Probation and Parole Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Women Under His Supervision and Covering up His MisconductRead the Press Release
Ronald Raye Tyler, 56, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison and two years of supervised release for using his former position as a probation and parole officer at the Kentucky Department of Corrections to engage in unwanted sexual contact with women under his supervision.
In December 2023, Tyler admitted to engaging in unwanted sexual contact with three women who were under his supervision and to making false statements during an interview with the Kentucky State Police for the purpose of obstructing an investigation into allegations that he had sexually assaulted women under his supervision.
“The defendant is being held accountable for preying upon women who were under his supervision because of their probationary status,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Probation officers should not use their position of authority to make unlawful and unwanted sexual advances on women, regardless of whether they are in custody or on probation. The Justice Department will continue to pursue justice for victims of sexual misconduct and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions.”
“I commend the FBI Louisville Field Office and Louisville Metro Police Department for their outstanding work in investigating this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett for the Western District of Kentucky. “Citizens involved in our system of justice have every right to be treated with respect and dignity by employees within the system who exercise authority over them. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those employees who abuse their positions of trust.”
“When allegations of abuse of power are brought to our attention, the FBI will stop at nothing to uncover all of the relevant facts,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “In this case, these women were preyed upon by an officer whose duty it was to protect them. Our hope is that today’s sentencing will bring some semblance of closure to the victims and their families, send a message that we will not ignore such egregious behavior, and begin to restore the public’s trust in law enforcement that was once placed in this officer.”
The FBI Louisville Field Office and Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit jointly investigated the case through the Louisville Public Corruption Civil Rights Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda E. Gregory for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys Tara Allison and Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Paducah Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Paducah, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography.
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.
Clint Culverhouse, 34, of Paducah, Kentucky, formerly of Franklin, Kentucky, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for producing and possessing child pornography. According to court documents, Culverhouse recorded himself sexually abusing an infant and possessed many additional images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Paducah Satellite Office with assistance from the Bourbon County Detention Center, and the Kentucky State Police.
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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Bullitt County Felon Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Bullitt County, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 2 years and 9 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony offense.
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 Colonel Marcus Laytham, Chief of the Mt. Washington Police Department, made the announcement.
According to court documents, James Nott, 41, was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing an AK-type 7.62 mm rifle, a Charter Arms .38 special revolver, and ammunition on July 11, 2023. Nott was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On November 11, 2011, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Nott was convicted of possession of an unregistered destructive device and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of marijuana.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Mt. Washington Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tieke and Stephanie Zimdahl prosecuted the case.
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Federal Trial Jury Finds Prospect Man Guilty of Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Yesterday a federal jury convicted a Prospect man of seven felony offenses to include two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering after a seven-day jury trial.
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 and evidence presented at trial, from 2013 to 2014, Jeffrey Robert Owen, age 59, conspired with his wife, Kimberly Dawn Owen, age 56, 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.
Jeffrey Owen is scheduled for sentencing on July 17, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The Court ordered Jeffrey Owen detained pending sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 180 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Kimberly Owen previously pled guilty to misprision of a felony for her conduct. Kimberly Owen is scheduled for sentencing on May 21, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. She faces a maximum sentence of 3 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 FDIC Office of Inspection General and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Gregory and Nicole Elver are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal James Aaron Cooper.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Felon for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Felon for Illegally Possessing a Firearm
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on February 6, 2024, charging a Louisville man with possession of 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 Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Eric Nyandwi, 24, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On January 10, 2024, Nyandwi possessed a Sig Sauer, Model P239, .40 caliber pistol, and ammunition. Nyandwi was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On June 7, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Nyandwi was convicted of robbery in the second degree, complicity to receiving stolen property (firearm), and complicity to tampering with physical evidence.
The defendant made his 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 the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 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 with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts 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 Indicts Louisville Felon for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on February 6, 2024, charging a Louisville man with possession of 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 Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Clarence Andrew Stiff, 42, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 17, 2023, Stiff possessed a Ruger, New Model Blackhawk, .45 caliber revolver, and ammunition. Stiff was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 22, 1999, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of assault in the first degree.
On December 22, 1999, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of assault under extreme emotional disturbance and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
On September 4, 2007, in Clark Superior Court, Indiana, Stiff was convicted of dealing in cocaine and resisting law enforcement.
On December 20, 2007, in Oldham Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of promoting contraband in the first degree.
On September 5, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree (two counts), burglary in the first degree, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, wanton endangerment in the first degree, and tampering with physical evidence.
On August 15, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of robbery in the second degree (two counts), assault in the second degree, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
On August 15, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of torture of a dog/cat with serious physical injury/death.
On April 10, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Stiff was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, and receiving stolen property (firearm).
The defendant made his 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 the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 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 with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts 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 Indicts Metcalfe County Felon for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky returned an indictment on February 14, 2024, charging a Metcalfe County man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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.
According to the indictment, on November 23, 2023, Damien N. Wilson, 29, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, possessed a Ruger, model SR9, 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol. Wilson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 16, 2022, in Casey Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense.
On January 13, 2022, in Casey Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense.
On February 20, 2019, in Russell Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
On March 28, 2018, in Adair Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense.
Wilson was arraigned on February 21, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 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.
The case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, 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 Indicts Louisville Felon for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned a six-count indictment on February 6, 2024, charging a Louisville man with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, between January 11, 2022, and July 26, 2023, Marcus Allen Crook, 32, conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. On July 26, 2023, Crook possessed a Glock, model 17 Gen 4, nine-millimeter pistol, a Glock, model 20 Gen 4, ten-millimeter pistol, and a FN, model 509, nine-millimeter pistol, in furtherance to his drug trafficking. Crook was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On December 7, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, in Case Number 09-CR-3791, Crook was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree (not vehicle related).
Cook made his initial court appearance on February 21, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains detained pending trial. If convicted, he 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 advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the HSI and the KSP, with assistance from the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon is 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.
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 Edmonton Felon for Illegally Possessing a HandgunRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, returned an indictment on September 13, 2023, charging a Metcalfe County resident with possession of a handgun 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 Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on February 23, 2023, Aaron Dale McKinney, 47, possessed a Springfield Armory (HS Produkt), model XD-45, 45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and ammunition. McKinney was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On May 25, 2021, in Metcalfe Circuit Court, McKinney was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, third or more offense (methamphetamine).
On September 26, 2017, in Metcalfe Circuit Court, McKinney was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense.
McKinney made his initial appearance on February 21, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 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 Bowling Green Field Office with assistance from 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 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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Nelson County Man Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Nelson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 9 years and 2 months in prison for charges related to bank fraud and money laundering.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Vince Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Sheriff John Aubrey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Wavy Curtis Shain, 42, was sentenced yesterday to 9 years and 2 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,455,755 in restitution, for one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering.
There is no parole in the federal system.
From July 2019 to August 11, 2020, Shain engaged in a scheme to defraud two federally insured financial institutions by attempting to fraudulently refinance real property without the knowledge and approval of the true property owner, conducted sham real estate sales where the buyer and seller were unaware of the real estate transactions, and purchased real estate in the names of other individuals without their knowledge and permission. Shain also knowingly engaged in a monetary transaction in criminally derived property, specifically the fraudulent loan proceeds, by wiring the funds to a nominee company he controlled.
This case was investigated by the IRS CI, the FDIC OIG, the USPS, the FBI, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd, Erin Bravo, and Amy Sullivan prosecuted the case.
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Joint Investigation Results in Federal Indictment for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky returned an indictment on February 13, 2024, charging a Hopkinsville, Kentucky man with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
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, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Jason Stewart, 35, was charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Stewart made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky on February 21, 2024. If convicted, Stewart faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendant remains in federal custody pending further proceedings. 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 DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Hopkinsville Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the ATF Bowling Green and Paducah Field Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Investigations Service, the Kentucky State Police, the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, and the Madisonville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting this 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Bowling Green Felon for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, returned an indictment on February 14, 2024, charging a Bowling Green man with possession of 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 Mike Delaney of the Bowling Green Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Christopher B. Cornell, 40, possessed a Taurus PT111 Millennium G2, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol, and ammunition. Cornell was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On February 18, 2019, in Warren Circuit Court, Cornell was convicted of third-degree burglary.
On October 19, 2015, in Warren Circuit Court, Cornell was convicted of third-degree assault and third-degree burglary.
The defendant appeared for his arraignment yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The defendant remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, Cornell faces a maximum sentence of 15 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 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, is 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.
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 Louisville Teacher for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on February 21, 2024, charging a former Louisville school teacher with distribution and possession of child pornography.
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 the indictment, Jordan A. Fautz, 39, was charged with distribution of child pornography, distribution of obscene visual representation of child sexual abuse, and possession of child pornography between March 31, 2022, and February 2, 2024.
The defendant is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on February 26, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The defendant was previously arrested on a criminal complaint and was ordered detained on February 6, 2024. He remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 120 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 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.”
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 Paducah Man for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on February 12, 2024, charging a Paducah man with distributing methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis of the DEA St. Louis Field Division, Director Brendan F. Kelly of the Illinois State Police, and Chief Brian Laird of the Paducah Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Cameron D. Shumpert, 31, was charged with distributing methamphetamine in McCracken County, Kentucky on December 11, 2023, December 14, 2023, January 4, 2024, and January 18, 2024.
On February 15, 2024, Shumpert made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Shumpert faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendant remains in federal custody pending further hearings. 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 DEA Carbondale, Illinois Post of Duty Office, the Illinois State Police, and the Paducah Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting this 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Daviess County Felon for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on February 14, 2024, charging a Daviess County felon with false statements made in acquisition of a firearm, receipt of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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.
According to the indictment, on January 3, 2024, Ronald Joseph Philpot, 53, made false written statements intended to deceive a licensed firearms dealer, on a Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record. Specifically, Philpot stated he was not under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was not a convicted felon, when in fact as he knew he was a convicted felon currently under indictment for another felony offense.
On January 9, 2024, Philpot then received, and was in possession of, a Taurus 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Philpot was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On May 1, 2018, in Ohio Circuit Court, Philpot was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first offense, (methamphetamine).
On April 28, 2015, in Ohio Circuit Court, Philpot was convicted of flagrant nonsupport.
On April 14, 2008, in Ohio Circuit Court, Philpot was convicted flagrant nonsupport.
On May 16, 1990, in Ohio Circuit Court, Philpot was convicted of burglary in the third degree.
Philpot was previously arrested on a criminal complaint and will make his initial court appearance on the indictment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky later. He remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, Philpot faces a maximum sentence of 30 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.
The case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, 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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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced this week to 5 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense and money laundering.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charles Birch of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Steven Meredith, 46, was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony offense and for laundering monetary instruments by transferring $40,000 in checks and cash to purchase real property located on Woodruff Avenue in Louisville, knowing the funds involved the proceeds of dealing in controlled substances. Meredith was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000.
Meredith was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:
On December 19, 1996, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Meredith was convicted of burglary in the second degree and receiving stolen property over $300.
On August 25, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Meredith was convicted of complicity to receiving stolen property over $1000, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA and the IRS-CI, with assistance from the FBI Laboratory and IRS-CI Center for Science and Design.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Bonar and Amy Sullivan prosecuted the case.
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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Hickman Felon for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on February 13, 2024, charging a Hickman man with possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
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 Chad Parker of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on November 1, 2023, Maurice Thorpe, 44, of Hickman, possessed a Jennings Firearm 9-millimeter pistol. Thorpe was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:
On March 27, 1998, in Fulton Circuit Court, Thorpe was convicted of trafficking in cocaine.
On January 13, 2000, in Fulton Circuit Court, Thorpe was convicted of possession of cocaine.
On November 12, 2024, in Fulton Circuit Court, Thorpe was convicted of trafficking in marijuana over 8 ounces.
On October 26, 2005, in Calloway Circuit Court, Thorpe was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance and first-degree fleeing or evading police.
On April 10, 2014, in Fulton Circuit Court, Thorpe was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance – second or greater offense.
On May 25, 2017, in Fulton Circuit Court, Thorpe was convicted of second-degree criminal abuse.
Thorpe made his initial court appearance today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Thorpe faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. With three prior qualifying felony convictions, Thorpe could face no less than 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. The Defendant remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the ATF Paducah Post of Duty and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is 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.
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 Marshall County Woman for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment today charging a Marshall County woman with six counts of wire fraud.
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 Sheriff Matt Hilbrecht of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, from May 2020 to May 2023, Amanda S. Robertson, 33, used her position as a bookkeeper to unlawfully obtain funds and services totaling over $1,000,000 from her employer’s account. By accessing the company’s bank accounts, she scheduled unauthorized electronic payments and issued company checks to pay her personal expenses.
Robertson will make her initial appearance at a future date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Robertson faces a maximum sentence of 120 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 FBI and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Calloway County Man for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on January 9, 2024, charging an Almo, Kentucky man with possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Robert William Grundy, 52, was charged with possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on June 14, 2023.
On February 5, 2024, Grundy made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendant remains in federal custody pending trial. 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 DEA Paducah Post of Duty Office and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting this 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of a Machinegun, and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned a four-count indictment on February 6, 2024, charging a local man with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, between October 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, Tyrone Bunzy Jr. conspired to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Additionally, between October 23, 2023, and January 31, 2024, Bunzy Jr. possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
On January 31, 2024, Bunzy Jr. possessed a machinegun, that is a Glock Switch, which was attached a firearm he possessed. A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law.
Finally, between January 16, 2024, and January 31, 2024, Bunzy Jr. carried and possessed firearms in furtherance of and in relation to his drug trafficking.
Today Bunzy Jr. was arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the DEA and USPIS, with assistance from the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari is 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.
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 Teacher Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY –A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued today charging a Louisville school teacher with distributing obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse and distributing child pornography.
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, in December 2023 and January 2024, Jordan A. Fautz, 39, while employed as a 7th and 8th grade religion teacher at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic School in Louisville, Kentucky, distributed child sexual abuse materials to a law enforcement officer working online undercover. Certain of these materials had been manipulated by morphing or photoshopping original child sexual abuse materials with other, non-explicit images of minors. For example, in one such instance, the nude image of a minor victim depicted her face transposed by means of photoshop or morphing technology onto a different nude female’s body, effectively generating child sexual abuse material.
Fautz will be scheduled to make his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, Fautz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and maximum potential penalties of 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. 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 FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness is prosecuting the case.
The FBI Louisville Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims of Jordan Fautz. If you or your minor dependent(s) have information about Fautz, 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.
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.”
A criminal complaint 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 14 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years and 7 months in federal prison for receipt 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 (HSI) Investigations Nashville made the announcement.
According to court documents, Rudy Osorio-Rodas, 38, was sentenced to 14 years and 7 months in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for three counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In December 2022 and January 2023, Osorio-Rodas knowingly received child sexual abuse material on his cellular phone when he downloaded it from multiple online chat applications that specifically existed to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material. Osorio-Rodas also possessed thousands of images and thousands of videos of child sexual abuse material on his phone.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Osorio-Rodas was also ordered to pay $39,000.00 in restitution to multiple victims in the case.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), assisted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Jeffersontown Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Tieke 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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U.S. Attorney’s Office Asks the Public to Turn Human Trafficking Awareness into Action Throughout the YearRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY - As Human Trafficking Awareness month concludes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky asks the public to remain vigilant and continue to shed light on this devastating crime that too often goes undetected. Everyone can play a role in detecting and preventing human trafficking. “Join our office in this important mission by turning awareness into action,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. “Know the red flags and when you see them, report. Your tip could be the lifeline a victim desperately needs and the first step in bringing traffickers to justice.”
Look for the signs. Human trafficking is widespread, and no community is immune, including those within the Western District. Trafficking occurs all around us, in our urban cities and across our rural farm communities. Situations can be found in the shadows of the legal businesses we frequent and the service industries we rely on everyday. Trafficking also increases around major events and trade shows that attract large numbers of tourists to our towns, including the Kentucky Derby, basketball tournaments, and farm shows. Learn who is most vulnerable to trafficking and how to spot the signs around you at: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs.
Report suspected activity. If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know one, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733), or local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Call Center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Reporting makes a difference. Tips, no matter how small, could be the critical piece that unlocks an investigation. Recently published Bureau of Justice statistics show an increase in human trafficking suspects referred to and prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. Nationwide, a total of 2,027 persons were referred for federal prosecution for human trafficking offenses in fiscal year 2021, a 49% increase from the 1,360 persons referred in 2011. The number of persons actually prosecuted for human trafficking more than doubled from 2011 to 2021 (from 729 persons to 1,672 persons, respectively).
Reporting also allows law enforcement to join forces with trauma-informed service providers and connects those being exploited to the support and resources they need to escape from their traffickers, end the cycle of exploitation, and rebuild their lives. Direct help is available to survivors by calling or texting the VictimConnect Hotline at 1-855-4VICTIM. Live chat and the VictimConnect Resource Map identifying local service providers are available at https://victimconnect.org/get-help/.
“Every individual deserves a life of freedom and human dignity, so human trafficking awareness must continue throughout the year,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “And while raising awareness is important, we must also turn awareness into action in order to dismantle trafficking networks and support survivors. I encourage the public to join forces with us in our continuing fight to end human trafficking and empower survivors.”
Additional resources and information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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Bowling Green Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and the illegal possession of 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 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, Steven Phelps, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and the illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On August 3, 2022, in Warren County, Kentucky, Steven Phelps possessed with the intent to distribute 2,433 grams of methamphetamine and provided 8.734 grams of methamphetamine to another person for resale. On that same day Phelps also possessed a nine-millimeter handgun. Phelps was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On April 24, 2015, in Edmonson Circuit Court, Phelps was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, first offense.
On August 15, 2011, in Edmonson Circuit Court, Phelps was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense.
On November 15, 2004, in Warren Circuit Court, Phelps was convicted of 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/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force.
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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U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky Collects over $17 Million in Fiscal Year 2023Read the Press Release
Louisville, KY- U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office collected more than $17.17 million in Fiscal Year 2023, including $11,887,384.70 in civil actions, $3,786,402.45 in criminal cases, and $1,456,855 in asset forfeiture matters. The District also worked with other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $39,419.63 in jointly-pursued criminal cases.
“Our pursuit of justice does not end when the court proceedings are over,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Our Office is committed to collecting restitution for victims of crime and monies owed to federal, state, and local agencies. That commitment is evidenced by our tremendous recoveries in the last fiscal year. I commend the work of our collection teams and their dogged dedication to uncovering every possible dollar for crime victims and federal agencies.”
Notable criminal restitution recoveries within the Western District of Kentucky include $250,100 from the voluntary liquidation of real property in United States v. Mackie Shelton, Case No. 1:21-cr-16-2 and $204,817.69 in forfeited funds in United States v. Hatem Kaisi, Case No. 3:18-cr-215.
Significant civil recoveries include the collection of over $1,750,000 from providers who received kickbacks for ordering medically unnecessary lab tests and a final $6 million settlement payment in a False Claims Act settlement in United States, ex rel. v. Agendia, Inc., Case No. 5:15-cv-50.
The Office also recovered more than $2.6 million for federal agencies in bankruptcies and judicial foreclosures and worked to forfeit $1,270,163 to the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund, which will be used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid directly to victims, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
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Henderson Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Two Overdose Deaths and Faces a Minimum of 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – Today, a Henderson, Kentucky man pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Chief Sean L. McKinney of the Henderson Police Department, and Sheriff David Crafton of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Elijah Lovell, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Between December 27, 2021, and January 31, 2022, Lovell distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person, “J.H.” Additionally, on or about May 5, 2022, Lovell distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person, “C.G.”
Lovell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2024. He faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life 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.
The Henderson Police Department and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man for Carjacking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on November 7, 2023, charging a local man with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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 Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Octavius Long, 46, was charged with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, all of which occurred on May 8, 2023. Long was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On February 16, 2016, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Long was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, second offense.
On May 22, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Long was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, less than 4 grams of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, cocaine.
On August 29, 2003, in Grant Circuit Court, Long was convicted of assault in the third degree, corrections officer.
On November 2, 2000, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Long was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and possession of a controlled substance, cocaine.
On June 16, 1999, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Long was convicted of escape in the second degree.
On January 24, 2024, Long made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 7 years in prison 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 the LMPD, HSI, and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Porter is prosecuting this 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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Hart County Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Hart County, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 4 years and 9 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 and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to court documents, Lawrence T. Carter, Jr., 50, of Munfordville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun, and ammunition, on August 16, 2022. Carter was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On March 2, 2005, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Carter was convicted of attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of an unregistered shotgun less than 26 inches in length.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Cave City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II and R. Nicholas Rabold, 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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Former Mayor of Plum Springs, Kentucky Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – Today, Shedrick Johnson of Bowling Green plead guilty to an information filed by the United States Attorney on January 2, 2024, charging him with wire fraud.
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 the information, Shedrick Johnson, 45, was charged with devising a wire fraud scheme beginning on March 23, 2020, and continuing to November 30, 2022, in which he exceeded his authorized access by withdrawing funds belonging to Plum Springs, which is in Warren County, and utilizing for his personal benefit and conducting unauthorized transactions with the Plum Springs debit card with the total amount of loss being approximately $38,168.96.
On January 18, 2024, Johnson made an initial court appearance before a U.S. District Court Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, and he entered a guilty plea in which the parties agree to recommend 5 years of probation. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 25, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. 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 Bowling Green Post of Duty Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting this case.
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Christian County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Christian County, Kentucky man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby made the announcement.
According to court documents, Morgan Hancock, Jr., 46, of Hopkinsville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Hancock was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On September 18, 2009, in Christian Circuit Court, Hancock was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – cocaine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Franklin Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Franklin, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and the illegal possession of firearms 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 Roger Solomon of the Franklin Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 13, 2021, in Simpson County, KY, Corey Kaiser, 27, knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 193.2 grams of methamphetamine. On that same day Kaiser also knowingly possessed three handguns. Kaiser was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On January 23, 2020, in Sumner Circuit Court, Tennessee, Kaiser was convicted of possession of a schedule II-controlled substance to sell, methamphetamine, greater than .5 grams.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Franklin 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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U.S. Attorney's Office for Western District of Kentucky Calls for Public Awareness During Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to educate ourselves and raise awareness in our communities about this devastating crime that violates the most basic of human rights - freedom. Whether it’s forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking of children and adults, human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings for profit and has no place in any community. Yet every day, these horrific crimes are happening across the United States and worldwide, stripping victims of their dignity, forcing them into a life of fear and a state of servitude.
That’s why in January and throughout the year, the Department of Justice, and dedicated prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with victim witness coordinators and support personnel, work with law enforcement partners to prevent human trafficking and bring offenders to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins forces with trauma-informed service providers to protect survivors and connect them with the resources and support they need and deserve.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages the public to join in this important mission to help shed light on this horrific crime that too often goes undetected. “The first step in combatting human trafficking is identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “This crime often occurs in plain sight. Labor and sex trafficking situations can be found in both legal and illegal labor industries, including childcare, elder care, massage parlors, nail and hair salons, restaurants, hotels, factories, construction, landscaping, farming, escort services and the drug trade.”
Know the below indicators that can help identify a potential human trafficking situation:
Does the victim have freedom of movement?
Has the victim or their family been threatened with harm if they attempt to leave?
Is the victim in possession of their own travel documents?
Is the victim coached on what to say to community members, workers, law enforcement or immigration officials? Does someone else communicate for the victim?
Has the victim been threatened with deportation or criminal charges?
Is the victim recruited for one purpose but forced to engage in other work?
Has the victim been harmed, deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities?
Is the victim living in substandard housing?
Are the victim’s wages being unlawfully garnished to pay off a debt or fee? (Paying off a smuggling free alone is not considered trafficking.)
Is the victim free to contact friends or family without being coached or monitored?
Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services?
Is the victim forced to perform commercial sex acts?
Is the victim under the age of 18 and engaged in commercial sex?
The public can make a difference by being aware of these red flags and acting. U.S. Attorney Bennett emphasized, “Report what you see and together, we can stop human trafficking.”
If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know one, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733), or your local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Call Center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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Tennessee Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm in HopkinsvilleRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Ripley, Tennessee, man was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Hopkinsville.
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 Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Nicholas Bryant Starks, 44, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 24, 2021, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Starks possessed a Taurus, model PT 738, .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
Starks was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2002 felony conviction for Armed Bank Robbery out of the Western District of Tennessee at Memphis.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah 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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Larue County Couple Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Sell Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Stolen from PharmacyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Larue County, Kentucky, couple was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in federal prison today for conspiring to steal hydrocodone and oxycodone from a pharmacy to sell.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Acting Inspector General David T. Lovely of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General made the announcement.
According to court records, Ashley Ramsey-Wilmoth, 41, and Stephen Troy Wilmoth, 46, were both sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, fined $2500.00 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,728.59 for one count of conspiracy to commit theft of medical products and one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Ashley Ramsey-Wilmoth, an employee of Century Medicines, a retail pharmacy in the supply chain for oxycodone and hydrocodone, took unopened bottles of oxycodone and hydrocodone from Century Medicines prior to the oxycodone and hydrocodone being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. She then provided the oxycodone and hydrocodone to her husband, Stephen Troy Wilmoth, to sell and distribute.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the Kentucky State Police, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General. This case was part of the Department of Justice’s 2023 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action announced in June 2023.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case.
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Former Bullitt County Master Commissioner Sentenced to 2 Years and 11 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding VictimsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – The former Bullitt County Master Commissioner was sentenced today to 2 years and 11 months for defrauding two trusts originally held by senior beneficiaries.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court records, John Anthony Schmidt, 67, an attorney and the Former Bullitt County Master Commissioner, was sentenced to 2 years and 11 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, with a special condition of 100 hours of community service, for one count of wire fraud and two counts of bank fraud. There is no parole in the federal system.
The charges in this case were in connection with Schmidt’s scheme to steal over $435,000 while he was serving as the court appointed trustee for two trusts, the beneficiaries of which relied on Schmidt to manage the trusts’ assets. As part of his scheme, Schmidt stole from the trusts to pay for his own personal expenditures, including to pay debts he incurred to individuals he had represented or purported to represent in the course of his legal practice and to replace missing funds from the Bullitt County Master Commissioner bank account.
Schmidt was also ordered to pay restitution to multiple victims in the case.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Zimdahl prosecuted the case.
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Owensboro Felon Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – An Owensboro man was sentenced yesterday to 9 years and 10 months in federal prison for the illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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 Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Skylar Chase Riney, 37, was sentenced to 9 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 18, 2022, in Daviess County, Kentucky, Riney possessed three firearms, an Armscor, model 206, .38 caliber handgun, a Smith and Wesson, model M&P 9 M2.0, and a Kimber, model K6S Combat, .357 caliber revolver. Riney was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On June 3, 2019, in Daviess Circuit Court, Riney was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, Lortab, possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia while in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On June 3, 2019, in Daviess Circuit Court, Riney was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, less than or equal to 2 grams methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense, opiates.
On August 9, 2017, in Daviess Circuit Court, Riney was convicted of burglary in the third degree, possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, methamphetamine, and theft by unlawful taking or disposition, $500 but less than $10,000.
On April 20, 2016, in Daviess Circuit Court, Riney was convicted of theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $500 but less than $10,000 (shoplifting).
On July 1, 2010, in Daviess Circuit Court, Riney was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On December 19, 2005, in Ohio Circuit Court, Riney was convicted of theft by unlawful taking or disposition.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Owensboro Police Department and FBI Owensboro, with assistance from the ATF.
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 Returns Indictment Charging Convicted Sex Offender with Failing to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on November 15, 2023, charging a local man with failure to update his Sex Offender Registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and United States Marshal Gary B. Burman of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.
According to the indictment, sometime before October 13, 2023, Kelly Lamont Mason, 52 of Bowling Green, Kentucky, failed to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Mason was required to register by reason of a conviction under state law and knowingly failed to update a registration as required by the Act.
The defendant made his initial court appearance yesterday. If convicted, Mason faces a maximum sentence of 10 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.
The case is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold is prosecuting 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.”
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 Paducah Woman for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment on December 12, 2023, charging a Paducah woman with six counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
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 Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment, from September 2019 to February 2023, Nichole M. Lawrence, 34, used her position as office manager to unlawfully obtain funds and services totaling over $400,000 from her employer in McCracken County, Kentucky. By accessing the company’s bank account, Lawrence scheduled electronic payments for her personal expenses that had been charged to various accounts and charge cards. She also used a stamp with the signature of the company’s general manager to issue unauthorized company checks to herself.
The defendant made her initial court appearance yesterday, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Lawrence faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud followed by a mandatory 24 months in prison for identity theft. 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 and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah 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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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Felon for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 21, 2023, charging a local man with 2 counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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, and Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on June 3,2023, Daiquan Walker, 28, possessed a Springfield, Model XD-9, 9-millimeter caliber pistol and ammunition, and on October 19, 2023, he possessed a Glock, Model 19GEN5, 9-millimeter pistol, an Anderson, Model AM-15, multi-caliber pistol, and ammunition. Walker was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:
On January 3, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Walker was convicted of robbery in the second degree (2 counts), tampering with physical evidence, and criminal mischief in the first degree.
On December 27, 2023, Walker made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Walker remains detained pending trial. If convicted, Walker faces a maximum sentence of 15 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 HSI and LMPD with the assistance ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is 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.
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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