Western District of Kentucky

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

                                                                                         ###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

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.

###

Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced last week to 11 years and 6 months in federal prison for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with 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 Office, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents, Shaveon Richardson, 26, was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On May 24, 2022, and June 1, 2022, Richardson distributed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in Christian County, Kentucky. On June 9, 2022, Richardson aided and abetted another person in the distribution of 96 fentanyl pills. On June 14, 2022, Richardson provided another person with approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine to distribute. 

There is no parole in the federal system.

This 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.

###

Bowling Green, KY – A Barren County, Kentucky, man was sentenced last week to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after previously been convicted of a felony.   

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, Dwayne T. Smith, 37, of Glasgow, Kentucky, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Glock GMBH, model 19, nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol on June 7, 2022. Smith was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:

On June 25, 2019, in Barren Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, receiving stolen property, and possession of synthetic drugs–second or subsequent.

On October 7, 2019, in Barren Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.   

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Kentucky State Police and the Glasgow 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.

###

Louisville, KY – Two Louisville men were sentenced this week to 22 and 17 years in prison for a string of armed carjackings that occurred in Jefferson County, Kentucky, from May to June of 2022. 

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, 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 court documents, Fahad Alasawi, was sentenced to 22 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for four counts of carjacking and four counts of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Alasawi was also ordered to pay $14,158.33 in restitution.

Mauricio Diaz, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Diaz was also ordered to pay $13,585.33 in restitution.

There is no parole in the federal system.

From May 27, 2022, through June 2, 2022, Alasawi and Diaz stole or attempted to steal five vehicles including a Toyota Corolla, a Ford Focus, a Chevrolet Traverse, and a BMW 537xi from different victims, one of whom was 12-years old, with threats of violence and while possessing a firearm. Most of the carjackings occurred in a Louisville apartment complex. Diaz admitted to acting as a look out for the carjackings while Alisawi threatened the victims with violence. 

The case was investigated by The FBI Louisville Field Office, HSI Louisville, and the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Porter prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from

occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

###

Owensboro, KY – This week an Owensboro man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking charges.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division, and Chief Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents, Willie Watkins, 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. 

The following co-defendants have previously been sentenced in this case.

On November 10, 2023, Richard Cason, 32, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

On February 16, 2023, Keith Watkins, 30, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

On December 13, 2023, Samuel White, 30, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, and distribution of methamphetamine.

On October 24, 2022, William Harvey Duhart, 40, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

On August 10, 2022, Derrick Lamont Bullitt, 40, of Louisville, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.

On June 9, 2022, Jeremy Poiles, 41, of Owensboro, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Co-defendants Christopher McNary and Nache Moore have previously pled guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.

The DEA Evansville Resident Office and the Owensboro Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting 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.

###

Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on December 5, 2023, 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, Ryan Akeem Turner, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On September 28, 2023, Turner possessed a Ruger, model LC9S, 9-millimeter caliber pistol.

Turner was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On February 22, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (heroin), convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (heroin). 

On February 22, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of complicity to receiving stolen property under $10,000. 

On October 13, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of 3 counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (more than 2 grams of heroin) and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. 

On October 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (heroin). 

On April 6, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine). 

On December 18, 2008, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine), tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine). 

On December 18, 2008, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine) and tampering with physical evidence. 

On December 18, 2008, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Turner was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, in the first degree, first offense (cocaine).

The defendant made his initial court appearance yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains in custody pending trial. If convicted, Turner faces a mandatory minimum 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 and the LMPD. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Paducah, KY – A Livingston County, Kentucky man was sentenced to five years of probation for a Lacey Act violation involving the illegal harvesting and sale of shovelnose sturgeon roe.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark of the Southeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and Colonel Jeremy McQueary, Director of Law Enforcement for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources made the announcement.

Among other things, the Lacey Act makes it unlawful for any person to transport and sell fish that were taken in violation of any law or regulation of any state. Kentucky regulates fishing for sturgeon and its eggs, which are marketed as caviar. A violation of the Lacey Act constitutes a felony if the fish had a market value in excess of $350.

According to court documents, Charles Hopkins, 52, was sentenced to five years of probation for conspiring with others to sell shovelnose sturgeon that had been harvested in violation of Kentucky law. Hopkins was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Account and $348,613 in restitution to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

“I commend the work and collaboration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for their outstanding effort in investigating this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Those who seek to ignore laws designed to protect our natural resources should take note that our federal and state law enforcement partners will thoroughly investigate, and this office will aggressively prosecute, violations of federal law.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

###

Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned a five-count indictment on November 21, 2023, charging a Louisville man with three bank robberies, possession of a firearm during a bank robbery, 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 Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, 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, Corey D. Ware, 28, was charged with three bank robberies, possession of a firearm during a bank robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.   On September 16, 2022, Ware robbed two banks in Jefferson County. On September 22, 2022, Ware possessed a firearm and robbed another bank in Jefferson County. Ware possessed the firearm after having previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On December 20, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Ware, was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree (three counts), trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, and trafficking in marijuana with a firearm.

The defendant made his initial court appearance yesterday, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Ware remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 80 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 LMPD, FBI, and HSI with assistance from the ATF.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon 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.

###

Paducah, KY – A Christian County, Kentucky, woman was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, followed by an additional 1 year and 6 months in prison for violating a previous term of federal supervised release.

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, Ahgeana Bailey, 29, of Hopkinsville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for one count of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. At the time she committed this offense, Bailey was on federal supervised release for a 2019 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. She was sentenced to an additional 1 year and 6 months in prison for violating the terms of her supervised release.  

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.

###

Louisville, KY – Friday evening a federal jury convicted a Texas Man of fifteen criminal offenses to include transportation of a person for illegal sexual activity, transportation of a minor for illegal sexual activity, and inveigle and decoy kidnapping. To “inveigle” a person means to lure, or entice, or lead the person to do something by making false representations or promises or using other deceitful means. “Decoy” means enticement or luring by means of some fraud, trick, or temptation. He was also convicted of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and interstate threats to ransom.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in November of 2018, Bryan Douglas Conley, age 41, used an online dating website to lure and entice a minor from Ohio to travel to Tennessee to meet with him. Conley created and used a false online profile named “Bryant” and offers of money and property to lure the minor across state lines. Conley and the false profile “Bryant” offered the minor money for sexual activity in Kentucky and Tennessee. Conley ultimately abandoned the minor several days later in Texas and stole her purse and phone. 

In January of 2019, Conley used an online date website to inveigle and decoy an adult victim. Conley created the online profile “Lance Debeers” and falsely claimed to be a modeling agent. Both Conley and “Lance” engaged the victim in discussions about modeling. On January 29, 2019, Conley met the victim in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. He took the victim’s phone and provided her an unknown substance to drink as part of the modeling contract. He bound the victim and drove around Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee issuing ransom demands to the victims’ parents in Tennessee. The ransom demands included threats to physically and sexually harm the victim if his demands were not met.

On January 30, 2019, Conley retrieved a ransom placed by the FBI in Oak Grove, Kentucky. He was arrested shortly after retrieving the ransom. The victim was located in the car. Prior to the kidnapping, Conley met the victim and took her credit card and attempted to make purchases at a retail store in Oak Grove, Kentucky. He also attempted to access her credit card customer profile using the victim’s social security number. 

In June of 2019, after Conley had been arrested and released from custody and ordered to wear an ankle monitoring device, he removed the device and fled to Ohio.  He was subsequently arrested and detained.

Conley is scheduled for sentencing on March 11, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Conley remains in federal custody pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.

The FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Brentwood Tennessee Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Judd and Joel King are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal James Aaron Cooper.

###

Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green woman was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

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) Task Force made the announcement.

According to court documents, Adrienne Cauzzort, 40, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by a 4-year term of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

There is no parole in the federal system.

On June 6, 2022, Cauzzort possessed, with the intent to distribute, 30.27 grams of methamphetamine. Cauzzort also possessed two handguns after having been previously convicted of the following felony offenses. On July 20, 2015, in Warren Circuit Court, Cauzzort was convicted of wanton endangerment in the first degree and robbery in the second degree. Cauzzort was also convicted of possessing the two handguns in furtherance of her drug trafficking crime.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) 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.

###

Bowling Green, KY – An Allen County, Kentucky, man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for possession 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 Chief Darren Tabor of the Scottsville Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents, Timothy E. Austin, 50, of Scottsville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by 5 of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute 154.747 grams of methamphetamine on August 15, 2022. Austin was sentenced for possessing a total of 263.876 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The increased drug amount was based on other relevant conduct of the defendant that the Court considered when imposing the sentence.   

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Scottsville Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

###

Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County man was sentenced yesterday to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after having previously been 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 Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department  made the announcement.

Timothy Lewis, 53, was found guilty by a federal jury on March 13, 2023, for being a felon in possession of firearm. He was sentenced yesterday to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to evidence presented at trial, on June 25, 2018, Lewis illegally possessed a Smith & Wesson, Model M&P 40 PRO Series, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. Lewis had previously been convicted of the following felonies.

On January 31, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court under case number 16-CR-2203, Lewis was convicted of burglary in the third degree, receiving stolen property under $10,000, theft by unlawful taking over $500, and tampering with physical evidence.

On July 29, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court under case number 14-CR-1604, Lewis was convicted of complicity to burglary in the second degree.

On September 7, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court under case number 12-CR-0775, Lewis was convicted of complicity to receiving stolen property under $10,000 and theft by unlawful taking (two counts).

On October 19, 2007, in Jefferson Circuit Court under case number 06-CR-3183, Lewis was convicted of receiving goods by fraud, burglary in the second degree (three counts), theft by unlawful taking over $300 (twelve counts), theft by unlawful taking over $300 – auto (two counts), receiving stolen property over $300 (three counts), receiving stolen property over $300 - vehicle, criminal possession of forged instrument in the second degree, fraudulent use of a credit card (three counts), tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez prosecuted the case with the assistance of paralegal Julie Mason.

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.

xxx

Bowling Green, KY – A Russell County man was sentenced last week to 2 years and 3 months in federal prison for defrauding two Russell County area non-profit organizations.

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, Charles Davis, 57, was sentenced last week to 2 years and 3 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for two counts of wire fraud. The charges were in in connection with his thefts while working as treasurer from two Russell County non-profit organizations, ArtWorks Community Arts Education Center, a local non-profit in Jamestown, Kentucky, that provides arts education to children, and the Russell County Arts Council, another non-profit that provides arts education to children and the community. Davis was also ordered to pay $352,336.72 in restitution to ArtWorks Community Arts Education Center and the Russell County Arts Council.

This case was investigated by the FBI.

Assistant United States Attorney Madison Sewell, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

###

Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 21, 2023, charging a New Albany, Indiana 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, Demetrus Forrest II, also known as Demetrius Forrest, 22, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On November 15, 2023, Forrest possessed a Glock, model 17c, 9-millimeter handgun. Forrest was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On December 9, 2022, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Forrest was convicted of fraudulent use of a credit card under $10,000, receiving stolen property under $10,000, theft by unlawful taking from a vehicle $500 or more but under $10,000 (2 counts), theft by unlawful taking – firearm, and receiving stolen property (firearm).

The defendant made his initial court appearance last week, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The defendant remains detained pending trial. If convicted, Forrest 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 and the LMPD. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on October 18, 2023, charging a local man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.   

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, Dashawn Billingslea, 18, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On June 21, 2023, Billingslea possessed a Karri’s Guns, Model KG 15, multi-caliber rifle and a Glock, Model 22, .40 caliber handgun. Billingslea was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense. On June 12, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Billingslea was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree. 

The defendant made his initial court appearance last week, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The defendant remains detained pending trial. If convicted, Billingslea faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case is being investigated by the ATF and the LMPD.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced yesterday to 1 year and 6 months in prison for charges related to his submission of twelve fraudulent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act applications.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Kelly K. Moening, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration, Great Lakes Field Division, made the announcement. 

According to court documents, Blake Patterson, 38, was sentenced yesterday to 1 year and 6 months years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for twelve counts of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. There is no parole in the federal system.

Patterson filed six fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and six applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans between August 7, 2020, and May 11, 2021, seeking more than $740,000 and resulting in the theft of $133,802. Patterson utilized the entities et Propellente, LLC, Darke Rose LLC, and Link, LLC. Patterson organized all three entities after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He then exaggerated the number of employees, revenue, cost of goods sold, and payroll expenses of those entities in the fraudulent applications. Further, every EIDL and PPP application included a question asking whether any individual owning 20% or more of the equity of the applicant was subject to an indictment or other means by which formal criminal charges are brought in any jurisdiction at the time of the application. Patterson’s applications falsely omitted that he had criminal charges pending against him in Jefferson County Circuit Court at the time he submitted the applications.

Patterson was also ordered to pay $133,802 in restitution.

This case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Elver and Christopher Tieke prosecuted the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

###

Louisville, KY – Today, a local man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury, distribution of fentanyl, and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

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 Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents, Dalton Hayes, 21, was sentenced to 13 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hayes was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On March 31, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Hayes was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, schedule II oxycodone less than 10 dosage units, receiving a stolen firearm, and receiving stolen property over $500 but less than $10,000.

There is no parole in the federal system.

The DEA Louisville Field Division and LMPD investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Dahl.

###

Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 21, 2023, charging a local 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, Jaron Bobbitt, 38, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On November 13, 2023, Bobbitt possessed an Anderson Manufacturing, AM-15, multi-caliber pistol, bearing serial number 19221737, and ammunition. Bobbitt was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On November 9, 2021, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of two counts of receiving stolen property, possession of controlled substance in the first degree, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

On January 16, 2019, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of escape in the second degree.

On August 31, 2018, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property, theft of identity of another without consent, and criminal mischief in the second degree.

On April 29, 2011, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

On June 17, 2004, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, cocaine, tampering with physical evidence, and receiving stolen property.

On May 7, 2004, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of receiving stolen property, receiving a stolen vehicle, and tampering with physical evidence.

On December 3, 2001, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Bobbitt was convicted of wanton endangerment in the first degree and receiving a stolen vehicle.

The defendant remains in state custody on charges related to a November 13, 2023, incident in which he brandished a firearm at LMPD police officers. He will make made his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Bobbitt 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 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.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Louisville, KY – A former Jefferson County Public Schools teacher was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for attempted online enticement.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron made the announcement.

According to court documents, Kevin O’Donnell, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for attempted online enticement of a minor. There is no parole in the federal system.  O’Donnell used the internet to communicate with an undercover law enforcement officer who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl for the purposes of engaging in sexual contact.  O’Donnell then traveled to meet the undercover agent to engage in sexual conduct.     

This case was the result of a joint federal, state, and local operation called Operation Angel, aimed at making federal arrests of individuals who preyed upon children.  The United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General investigated the case.

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.”

###

Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced today to 2 years and 9 months in federal prison for a downtown Louisville bomb threat hoax. 

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 Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

According to court records, Jimmy Smith, Jr., 50, was sentenced today to 2 years and 9 months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for providing false information and a bomb threat hoax. On August 12, 2022, Smith rode a bicycle in downtown Louisville while carrying a backpack. He placed an item in a high-traffic, business area of downtown Louisville near the riverfront. The package was labeled “bomb.” The Louisville Metro Police Department bomb squad dismantled the “device” and determined that it was not operational. However, a significant area of downtown Louisville had to be shut down for several hours to clear the device.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case.

  ###

Louisville, KY – Yesterday, a local man was sentenced to federal prison for a carjacking that resulted in death. He was also sentenced for the use, possession, and discharge of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence, resulting in murder.

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, Ashton Clay Nally, 23, of Louisville was sentenced to 30 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for carjacking resulting in death, and the use, possession, and discharge of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence, resulting in murder. These charges stem from a carjacking resulting in the death of the victim that occurred on November 23, 2020, at 2135 Crittenden Drive in Louisville.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“I commend the FBI Louisville Field Office, LMPD, and the prosecutors for their work in this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Fighting violent crime remains a high priority of this office and together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to actively investigate and aggressively prosecute those who commit violence and place the safety of our citizens at risk.”  

“This sentence should serve as a stark warning to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky who choose to commit armed carjackings and other senseless acts of violence. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not stand for violent offenders who recklessly terrorize innocent lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Stansbury. “In partnership with the Louisville Violent Crime Task Force, FBI Louisville will continue to work tirelessly to ensure violent criminals are removed from our streets.”

The FBI Louisville Field Office and LMPD investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Mac Shannon.

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.

###

Louisville, KY – This week, the third and final local man was sentenced to federal prison for fentanyl and heroin trafficking related offenses. One man was also sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm as a previously 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 Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

On July 27, 2023, Ramontez Bell, 23, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture and a mixture of heroin, possessing with the intent to distribute a fentanyl mixture, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bell was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense. On August 22, 2019, Bell was convicted in Jefferson Circuit Court of complicity to tampering with physical evidence.

Also on July 27, 2023, Duane Johnson, 33, was sentenced to 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture and a mixture of heroin.

On November 2, 2023, Keidrick Grinstead, 33, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture and a mixture of heroin.

There is no parole in the federal system.

The FBI Louisville Field Office Safe Streets Task Force and LMPD investigated the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Dahl.

###

Louisville, KY – The Department of Justice joined survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide as it recognized October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (“DVAM”). This was a time to center the experiences of survivors; to honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; to express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and to raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As its monthlong observance of DVAM ends, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (“OVW”) awarded $782,036 to organizations working in Western Kentucky to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The announced OVW grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.

Specifically, organizations providing services for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in the Western District of Kentucky received the following funds for the 2023 fiscal year:

OVW awarded $340,618 to two Western Kentucky organizations under the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. Under this initiative, ZeroV, Inc., formerly the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, received $108,034, and the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs received $232,584. These organizations provide support for programs and shelters across Kentucky, including locations in Louisville, Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Bowling Green, and Somerset.

OVW awarded $441,418 to Women Aware, Inc., a non-profit in Paducah, Kentucky, under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Program (Transitional Housing Program) to provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing or housing assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Western District of Kentucky U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett stated, “I am thrilled to share these funding awards from the Office on Violence Against Women which benefit organizations and service providers advocating for victims and helping survivors throughout the Western District of Kentucky escape abuse, heal from trauma, and rebuild their lives. These awards will support their ongoing commitment to providing essential services in our communities and empowering survivors and their families to realize a life free from abuse.”

“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

###

Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced yesterday to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking offenses and for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

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 U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the U.S. Marshals Service, Western District of Kentucky, made the announcement.

According to court documents, Brandon Keeling, 39, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Keeling was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On February 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, he was convicted of complicity to trafficking methamphetamine, fleeing or evading police in the first degree, wanton endangerment in first degree, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On January 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, he was convicted of complicity to trafficking cocaine. 

This case was investigated by the DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service with assistance from the ATF.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert B. Bonar prosecuted the case.

###

Bowling Green, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on October 11, 2023, charging a Bowling Green, Kentucky man with committing domestic assault.   

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Scott L. Larson, Regional Chief Ranger of the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Rakan F. Elsalem, 39, was charged with one count of domestic assault by a habitual offender. On May 1, 2023, Elsalem committed a domestic assault within the Mammoth Cave National Park, a place within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. At the time Elsalem committed the domestic assault, he had two prior convictions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, assault against a spouse or intimate partner.  These included convictions of assault in the fourth degree on September 22, 2020, and on January 24, 2022, in Warren District Court.

Elsalem made his initial court appearance on October 19, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Elsalem faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case is being investigated by the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers.

Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Louisville, KY – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced yesterday for the illegal possession of a firearm.  

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Chief Sue Mudd of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement. 

According to court document, Javier Michael Vega, 30, was sentenced to 4 years in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On June 29, 2021, in Washington County, Kentucky, Vega kidnapped a woman at gunpoint and ordered her into his vehicle by threatening to shoot her. At some point while Vega and the victim were driving around in Vega’s vehicle, Vega became angry and fired a round from one of the firearms. The Springfield Police Department, who had been given a description of Vega’s vehicle, initiated a traffic stop. During a search of the vehicle, police recovered two handguns. Vega was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. 

There is no parole in the federal system.  

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Springfield Police Department and with assistance from the ATF. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Tieke 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.

###

Paducah, KY – Two members of a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy were sentenced yesterday for their roles in the conspiracy. Both were also convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on two occasions. 

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, Sheriff Matt Hillbrecht of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

According to court documents, Angela Dawn Moore, 43, of Marshall County, Kentucky, and Kevin Bellamy, 44, of Paducah, Kentucky, were sentenced for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Western District of Kentucky. Both defendants were also sentenced for possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine based upon seizures made by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2021 and the Kentucky State Police in March of 2021.

Moore was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Bellamy was sentenced to 4 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah post of duty, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kentucky State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

###

Bowling Green, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced today to 10 years and 1 month in prison for illegally possessing a handgun on two separate occasions.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Sheriff Tracy White of the Todd County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. 

According to court documents, Marquez Penman, 30, was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On May 17, 2022, in Logan County, Kentucky, Penman possessed a Taurus handgun. Nine days later, on May 26, 2022, in Todd County, Kentucky, Penman possessed a Ruger handgun. Penman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On October 7, 2015, in Christian Circuit Court, Penman was convicted of two counts of first-degree robbery. On August 1, 2012, in Christian Circuit Court, Penman was convicted of second-degree robbery.

There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office, the Kentucky State Police, and the Todd County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted 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.

###

Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of children and attempted online enticement.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the United States Secret Service, and Jeffersontown Police Chief Richard W. Sanders made the announcement.

According to court documents, Steven B. Earnest, 35, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by a 30-year term of supervised release, for attempted sex trafficking of children and attempted enticement of a minor. There is no parole in the federal system.

Earnest used the internet to communicate with an individual to negotiate to pay to engage in sexual conduct with a 12-year-old child. Earnest then traveled to an agreed upon location, with money, to engage in the sexual conduct, where he was arrested.

“I commend the work of the Secret Service, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the Jeffersontown Police Department for their outstanding work during the investigation of this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The protection of our most vulnerable citizens is a top priority of this office. Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to identify, apprehend, and aggressively prosecute those who seek to sexually exploit our children.”

This case was the result of a joint federal, state, and local operation called Operation Angel, aimed at making federal arrests of individuals who preyed upon children. The United States Secret Service, the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, and the Jeffersontown Police Department investigated the case. 

Assistant United States 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.”

###

Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison for federal drug and firearm offenses.

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, 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, Matthew Lewis, 39, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Lewis was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On July 21, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, he was convicted of attempted kidnapping, assault in the second degree, wanton endangerment in the first degree, and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. On January 19, 2006, in Bullitt Circuit Court, he was convicted of 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance in the first degree. On September 23, 2005, in Jefferson Circuit Court, he was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree. 

This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and Louisville Metro Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez 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.

###

Owensboro, KY – A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on October 11, 2023, charging a Greenville, Kentucky man with firearms trafficking and dealing in firearms without a license.

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, from June 1, 2023, to September 14, 2023, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, David Smith, 57, engaged in firearms trafficking when he transferred or otherwise disposed of 13 handguns to a person whose possession of the firearms Smith knew, or had reasonable cause to know, would constitute a felony.

Additionally, Smith is also charged with dealing in firearms without a license when from June 1, 2023, to September 14, 2023, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, Smith willfully engaged in the business of dealing in firearms when he did not have a license to do so.

Smith will make his initial court appearance on October 26, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Yurchisin, 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.

###

Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on September 19, 2023, charging several Hopkinsville, Kentucky residents with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and 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, 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, Jay Brown, 54, Joseph Brown, 34, Vanchaize Brown, 39, Deerrica Finch, 34, Jane Majors, 43, and Tapaulda Hancock, 41, all of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, were charged with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The defendants recently made their initial court appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, the defendants each 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 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 Field Office, HSI, USPIS, 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.

###

Louisville, KY – Two Chicago men were each sentenced today to 2 years and 6 months in prison for conspiring to steal U.S. Mail and for illegally using and possessing a key to access U.S. Postal Mail receptacles.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division made the announcement.

According to court documents, Brandon King, 21, and Angel Martin, 25, were each sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to steal mail matter from U.S. Postal Mail receptacles and for the illegal use and possession of a key used to open U.S. Postal Mail receptacles.

There is no parole in the federal system. 

As part of the conspiracy, King and Martin illegally used the key to access U.S. Postal Mail receptacles in the Louisville area and to steal items deposited in the mail receptacles. During the conspiracy, they fraudulently negotiated and attempted to negotiate stolen checks. The total intended loss caused by their conduct was $179,540.30. In June of 2022, King and Martin were arrested after attempting to flee from local law enforcement in the Louisville area.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Jeffersontown Police Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel King, formerly with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky and now with the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Calhoun prosecuted the case.

###

Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky returned an indictment on August 8, 2023, charging an Oklahoma man with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud involving the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES  Act) financial assistance program.

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 Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at Fort Campbell made the announcement.

According to the indictment, between February 2021 and April 29, 2021, Kendarian Quentrell Dixon, 23, of Yukon, Oklahoma, conspired with unnamed persons to file a fraudulent application for a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a financial assistance program established by the CARES Act. At the time, Dixon was a soldier in the United States Army stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Dixon received $20,833 from the loan, which he transferred to associates and spent on personal expenses.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses who were in operation on February 15, 2020, to keep their workers on the payroll. PPP loan proceeds were required to be used by the business on certain permissible expenses. Interest and principal on PPP loans could be entirely forgiven if the business spent the loan proceeds on the allowable expenses within a designated period and used a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.

Dixon made his initial court appearance today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Dixon faces a maximum sentence of 40 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 FBI Paducah Satellite Office and the United States Army CID at Fort Campbell are investigating the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses.

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, Jimmy Norris, 46, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute 23.456 grams of methamphetamine, illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun that was not registered under the National Firearms Act, and possessing three handguns, two rifles, and a sawed-off shotgun as a convicted felon. Norris was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On August 24, 2016, in Warren Circuit Court, Norris was convicted of first-degree promoting contraband. On August 24, 2016, in Warren Circuit Court, Norris was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. On October 17, 2012, in Warren Circuit Court, Norris was convicted of first-degree wanton endangerment. On September 6, 2006, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Norris was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm.

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 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.

###

Owensboro, KY – Yesterday, a federal jury in Owensboro, Kentucky convicted two local men of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Sheila G. Lyons of the DEA Chicago Field Division, and Chief Art Ealum of the Owensboro Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cedric Swanagan, 37, and Courtland Reed, 32, were convicted of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine between September 2021 and April 4, 2022, in Daviess County, Kentucky and elsewhere. The jury also convicted both Swanagan and Reed of possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on February 22, 2022, in Daviess County and elsewhere. The evidence presented at trial included recorded phone calls between the defendants that were intercepted during a federal wiretap investigation and evidence involving approximately 876 grams of pure methamphetamine associated with the defendants.

The jury further found that Swanagan had committed one serious drug felony and that Reed had committed one serious drug felony and one violent felony prior to committing the offenses in this case. These findings increased the mandatory minimum sentences for both defendants.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2024, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky.  Swanagan and Reed both remain in federal custody pending sentencing.  Swanagan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. Reed faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years a maximum 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 DEA and the Owensboro Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Indiana State Police, the Kentucky State Police, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, and the Owensboro-Daviess County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter are prosecuting the case, with assistance from paralegal specialist Aaron Cooper.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.

###

Bowling Green, KY – A former Park City, Kentucky mental health counselor was sentenced today to 8 years and 4 months in prison for receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual exploitation materials.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement.

According to court documents, Carl Anthony Puleo, 55, was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for one count each of receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual exploitation materials. Puleo was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution. During an investigation, an HSI Agent downloaded child sexual exploitation materials from Puleo through a file-sharing network. There is no parole in the federal system.  

The case was investigated by HSI Bowling Green.

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.”

###

Bowling Green, KY – The former City of Columbia Chief of Police was sentenced today to 5 months in federal prison for stealing city funds.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

According to court documents, between February 2020 and February 2021, Jason Dewayne Cross, 46, of Columbia, Kentucky, the Columbia Chief of Police at the time, stole over $25,000 from the Columbia Police Department evidence room and drug purchase fund. 

Cross was sentenced to 5 months in prison, followed by a 1-year term of supervised release, for violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), which makes it a federal offense for a city employee to steal more than $5,000 from a city that received over $10,000 in federal assistance in a calendar year. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was investigated by the Kentucky State Police and the Columbia Police Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser prosecuted the case.

###

Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky returned an indictment on September 12, 2023, charging a Paducah woman with eight counts of filing false tax claims and one count of wire fraud involving the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) financial assistance program.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, Natasha Harris-Johnson, 49, made a claim against the United States for payment of a refund of taxes on eight separate occasions in various amounts which she knew to be false, fictious, and fraudulent, and to which she knew she was not entitled. Additionally, between March 2020 and June 2020, Harris-Johnson filed a fraudulent application for a CARES Act financial assistance program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and fraudulently obtained over $159,000 by way of this program. EIDLs provided loan assistance (including $10,000 advances) for small businesses and other eligible entities for loans up to $2 million. The EIDL proceeds could be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. In the false EIDL applications Harris-Johnson submitted, she made false claims about the gross revenue and cost of goods sold by her company, HJ&J Development LLC. 

 Harris-Johnson will make her initial appearance on October 19, 2023, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Harris-Johnson faces a maximum of 60 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.

The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel is prosecuting the case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

Louisville, KY –  United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett joins the United States Department of Justice, and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), in commemorating of the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

VAWA’s signature program is the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, which awards funds to every U.S. state and territory to promote a coordinated community response among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, victim services organizations, and other community services to ensure the safety of survivors. OVW is awarding $2,445,428.00 under the STOP Program to the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet to enhance the capacity for communities across the country to develop programs to end gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable. 

The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is the second largest cabinet in state government with more than 7,000 employees. The cabinet oversees five departments, including the Kentucky State Police, Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Criminal Justice Training, and the Department of Public Advocacy. The cabinet also administers the Office of the State Medical Examiner and the Office of Drug Control Policy.

“Prior to the enactment of VAWA, survivors were primarily left to fend for themselves, often cycling in and out of dangerous environments with little help from legal systems or service providers,” OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo said. “VAWA has changed this landscape by supporting a coordinated community response to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a more comprehensive manner. It emphasizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory.”

“The violence goes beyond the victim and the abuser. Children, friends, relatives, and the entire community suffer,” stated United States Attorney Bennett. “Through this important financial support of our state partners, we continue to use all the tools at our disposal to ensure victims have a viable path to safety and justice.”

###

Louisville, KY– This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, hosted its first “United Against Hate” Community Outreach Event, bringing together law enforcement and Louisville’s Faith Community to discuss effective strategies to prevent, report, and respond to hate crimes and incidents.

“United Against Hate” is a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to combat unlawful acts of hate. “We are excited to bring this initiative to the Western District and thankful to our law enforcement partners and community faith leaders for uniting with us to combat hate and protect civil rights, especially in our faith communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett.

The event, held Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the Louisville Public Library Main Branch, featured presentations from Assistant U.S. Attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Louisville Metro Police Department on identifying hate crimes and incidents, the importance of reporting, and strategies to protect places of worship.

 “Combating hate crimes and bias incidents is one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice and our office,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “People in the Western District, and across the country, deserve to live without fear of being attacked or harassed because of where they are from, what they look like, whom they love, how they worship, or what they believe.”

As part of its United Against Hate Program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to engage with diverse communities across the Western District to further education and prevention efforts and encourage reporting of hate crimes, bias incidents, and discrimination to local and federal authorities. By convening community forums and providing education about civil rights statutes and incident reporting mechanisms, we will build relationships and root out hate in the district.

If you believe you are the victim of a hate crime or that you witnessed a hate crime, immediately report the crime to your state or local police by dialing 9-1-1, then quickly report the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You can report to the FBI online at tips.FBI.gov or by phone by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). If you believe a bias incident or act of discrimination may not involve a hate crime, you should still report such incident to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at civilrights.justice.gov or by contacting the Civil Rights Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

###