Eastern District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Member of "the Dark Overlord" Hacking Group Extradited from United Kingdom to Face Charges in St. LouisRead the Press Release
Indictment St. Louis – A United Kingdom national appeared today in federal court on charges of aggravated identity theft, threatening to damage a protected computer, and conspiring to commit those and other computer fraud offenses, related to his role in a computer hacking collective known as “The Dark Overlord,” which targeted victims in the St. Louis, Missouri, area beginning in 2016.Nathan Wyatt, 39, was extradited from the United Kingdom to the Eastern District of Missouri and arraigned on Dec. 18 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shirley Padmore Mensah. He pleaded not guilty and was detained pending further proceedings.
A federal grand jury indicted Wyatt on Nov. 8, 2017. According to court records, beginning in 2016, Wyatt was a member of The Dark Overlord, a hacking group that was responsible for remotely accessing the computer networks of multiple U.S. companies without authorization, obtaining sensitive records and information from those companies, and then threatening to release the companies’ stolen data unless the companies paid a ransom in bitcoin. Victims in the Eastern District of Missouri included healthcare providers, accounting firms, and others. Among other things, Wyatt is alleged to have participated in the conspiracy by creating email and phone accounts that he used to send threatening and extortionate emails and text messages to certain victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Missouri.
“Today’s extradition shows that the hackers hiding behind The Dark Overlord moniker will be held accountable for their alleged extortion of American companies,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We are thankful for the close cooperation of our partners in the United Kingdom in ensuring that the defendant will face justice in U.S. court.”
“Cyber criminals who harm victims in the Eastern District of Missouri cannot hide behind international borders to evade justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen of the Eastern District of Missouri. “Today’s case demonstrates the United States’ commitment to unmasking criminal hackers and bringing them to justice, no matter where they may be located.”
“Cyber hackers may no longer use territorial borders to shield themselves from accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Field Office. “This case is another example of how the FBI successfully works with international law enforcement partners to bring alleged perpetrators to justice.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s St. Louis Field Office. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office also provided support. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs coordinated the extradition of Wyatt. The department thanks law enforcement and international cooperation authorities in the United Kingdom for their substantial assistance in the investigation.
Senior Counsel Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gwendolyn Carroll and Matthew Drake of the Eastern District of Missouri are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former St. Louis Community College Employee Sentenced for Stealing over $7.5 Million from the Missouri Job Training ProgramRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Donald L. Robison, 57, Ballwin, MO, was sentenced to 75 months in prison for wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. Robinson was fined $125,000 and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark.
According to court documents, from August 1998 through November 2018, Robison stole over $7.5 million dollars allocated for New and Retained Job Training Programs established by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Robison stole program-allocated funds from both the Missouri Department of Revenue and St. Louis Community College. Robison subsequently moved the stolen funds between bank and investment accounts to conceal their origin.
"The FBI is pleased to be able to recover the stolen money to return for restitution," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "That said, we should never forget that for 20 years, Don Robison abused his position of trust to deny Missouri workers and taxpayers' money intended for them. He will now be held to account by forfeiting his time and ill-gotten gains."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with the assistance and cooperation of St. Louis Community College and the State of Missouri. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Superseding Indictment Charges Another St. Louis Police Officer for Civil Rights Violations and False Statements to the FBIRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today against three St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) Police Officers for their conduct in connection with the arrest and assault of a fellow SLMPD police officer who was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer of a first-degree murder charge brought by the State of Missouri relating to the shooting death of a civilian.
The superseding indictment added Officer Steve Korte, 42, charging him with civil rights violations and providing false statements to the FBI. Officers Dustin Boone, 36; Christopher Myers, 28; Randy Hays, 32; and Bailey Colletta, 26, were indicted in the initial indictment filed on November 29, 2018. The charges include deprivation of constitutional rights, obstruction of justice and perjury.
During the protests, SLMPD officers were deployed throughout the area to monitor protest activity and respond if necessary. According to the indictment, on the evening of September 17, 2017, a SLMPD police officer was working in an undercover capacity in downtown St. Louis in order to document any criminal activity being committed during the protests. Around 10:00 p.m. in the area of 14th Street and Olive Street near the St. Louis Public Library, SLMPD Officers Boone, Myers, and Korte approached the undercover officer, forcefully brought him to the ground, and violently beat him causing severe injuries that have required multiple surgeries.
Randy Hays pled guilty on November 8, 2018 to deprivation of constitutional rights and will be sentenced on March 17, 2020. Bailey Colletta pled guilty on September 6, 2019 to false statements to the grand jury and will be sentenced on April 10, 2020.
Officer Myers also faces a Destruction of Evidence charge for destroying the cellular phone of the beating victim on the night of September 17, 2017.
Officers Boone, Myers, Korte are each charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury, which is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. That charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.
Officer Korte is also charged with providing false statements to the FBI which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.
The evidence destruction charge carries maximum penalties of twenty years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
As is always the case, the charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Former Office Manager Indicted for Stealing Approximately $420,000 in Company FundsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Tammy Fox, 49, of Carrolton, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of wire fraud related to her former position as Office Manager of Explosive Professionals Midwest, Incorporated, also known as ExPro Midwest.
According to the Indictment, Fox served as the Office Manager for ExPro Midwest in St. Louis County, Missouri. From January, 2011 through February, 2018 Fox schemed to steal approximately $420,000 from the company. During that time, Fox issued approximately 215 unauthorized ExPro Midwest checks to herself, which she deposited into her personal bank account. Fox forged the signature of one of the owners of ExPro Midwest to those unauthorized checks. Fox spent the stolen funds on personal items and services such as clothing, automobile payments, rent payments, as well as making numerous cash withdrawals. Fox also issued unauthorized ExPro Midwest company checks to a close personal friend, and deposited those checks into her personal bank account as well. Fox also used the ExPro Midwest corporate credit card to make unauthorized purchases of personal items, such as airline tickets, general retail items, clothing, and sporting goods. As Office Manager, Fox caused the company to pay the monthly ExPro Midwest corporate credit card bills, knowing that her unauthorized personal charges were contained in the billings. In order to conceal her fraud scheme, Fox altered the company’s internal financial records which she then sent to the company’s outside accountants. Altogether, Fox’s fraud scheme netted her approximately $420,000 in funds stolen from ExPro Midwest.
If convicted, as to each charge Fox faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory.
In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Nihad Rosic, 31, of Utica, New York, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists. Rosic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for April 16, 2020.
Also charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants were charged and convicted of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists.
According to court documents, Nihad Rosic, agreed with co-defendant Ramiz Hodzic and others that they would provide material support, that being money and materials identified in the indictment, to Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others who engaged in combat against various entities and personnel in Syria and elsewhere. Such combat necessarily involved the unlawful, willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of persons abroad. In May 2014, Defendant Rosic communicated directly with Pazara concerning Defendant Rosic’s plans to travel to Syria, meet Pazara, and join him in combat against various persons and entities in Syria.
“Nihad Rosic tried twice to travel to Syria to fight with terrorists,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “On both occasions he was prevented from doing so by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He will now be held accountable for providing assistance to terrorists.”
Rosic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000, per count. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S Attorney Jensen commended the St. Louis FBI and all of the Joint Terrorism Task Force Joint partners for their commitment and tenacity in a lengthy and complex investigation as well as their dedication to this successful prosecution.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Green of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
Nihad Rosic, 31, of Utica, New York, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists. Rosic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for April 16, 2020.
Also charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants were charged and convicted of conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists.
According to court documents, Rosic, agreed with co-defendant Ramiz Hodzic and others that they would provide material support, that being money and materials identified in the indictment, to Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others who engaged in combat against various entities and personnel in Syria and elsewhere. Such combat necessarily involved the unlawful, willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing of persons abroad. In May 2014, Rosic communicated directly with Pazara concerning Rosic’s plans to travel to Syria, meet Pazara, and join him in combat against various persons and entities in Syria.
Rosic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000, per count. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S Attorney Jensen commended the St. Louis FBI and all of the Joint Terrorism Task Force Joint partners for their commitment and tenacity in a lengthy and complex investigation as well as their dedication to this successful prosecution.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Green of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York.
Former Manager of Heating and Cooling Company Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from her EmployerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Tracy Lee Cernicek, 48, of St. Charles, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of wire fraud. Cernicek appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for March 10, 2020.
According to court documents, Cernicek formerly worked as a credit and collection supervisor for Nortek Global HVAC and Nordyne Distributing. Between September 2016 and April 2019, Cernicek devised and executed a scheme wherein she fraudulently diverted company funds to herself. As one part of her scheme, she altered company systems in a manner that caused company refund transactions, which were properly due and owing to customers, to be paid to her own bank account. As another part of her scheme, she directed third parties to include her name on checks that were properly payable to the company, and thereafter, deposited those checks into her own personal bank account. As part of her effort to conceal the scheme, Cernicek thereafter manipulated company accounting software to write off the transactions as bad debt. In total, Cernicek attempted to embezzle $179,750.96 from her employer and their customers, and successfully embezzled $134,834.56.
Cernicek faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Felon Sentenced for Possessing and Selling Fentanyl and FirearmsRead the Press Release
St. Louis –Joseph Reed, 21, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 110 months in prison for the crimes of sale of fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Reed appeared today in front of United States District Judge John A. Ross.
According to court documents, in October 2018, law enforcement officers began an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl by Reed and his possession and sale of firearms in the St. Louis area. During the course of the investigation, Reed sold approximately 65 grams of fentanyl to an undercover police officer on six separate occasions. During two of those sales, Reed also sold a firearm to the undercover officer. Reed was eventually arrested on November 14, 2018. At the time of his arrest, Reed was armed with a .40 caliber firearm. Prior to 2018, Reed had been convicted of a felony crime and was prohibited from possessing a firearm, let alone selling one in connection with drug sales.
Reed pleaded guilty on August 28, 2019 to 10 counts – six counts of fentanyl distribution; three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.
This sentence is the result of a joint investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Thomas Mehan handled the case.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl and a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis –Jeremy L. Dickerson, 25, of St. Louis County, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possessing fentanyl and a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Dickerson appeared today in front of United States District Judge John A. Ross.
According to court documents, Dickerson was involved in two separate instances where he possessed illegal drugs and firearms. On March 17, 2017, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department observed Dickerson violate a stop sign. As the officers attempted to pull Dickerson’s vehicle over, he accelerated in an attempt to flee the officers, losing control of the vehicle and stroking cement barriers. He was taken into custody and had $1,086 in U.S. currency on his person. A 9mm semi-automatic pistol and plastic baggies with 124 clear capsules containing heroin were found in his vehicle.
On March 13, 2018, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department identified a vehicle being driven by Dickerson that had been used to conduct illegal drug activity. Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but Dickerson drove in a reckless manner and collided with another vehicle which then went airborne into a third vehicle. Dickerson was arrested and had $1,968 in U.S. currency on his person. Search of the vehicle revealed a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 173 clear capsules containing fentanyl.
These charges are a result of an investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Steven Muchnick handled the case.
Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Sending Unauthorized EmailsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Christopher Crivolio, 47, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced to a four year term of probation for knowingly using, with the intent to commit harassment, the means of identification of another person. Crivolio appeared before U.S. District Court Judge John A. Ross who ordered him to pay $44,847.76 in restitution within 15 days as well as a $2,000 fine.
According to court records, in August 2018, Crivolio sent unauthorized emails claiming to be someone else, an employee of “MH.” Crivolio was previously been employed with and terminated from MH. He sent the emails to more than 10 job applicants who had applied for positions at MH. The rejection emails were offensive in nature. Crivolio signed the emails using the full name of a nurse practitioner who still worked at MH.
Crivolio pled guilty in July 2019 to one count of identity theft.
The case was investigated by the F.B.I. offices in St. Louis and Milwaukee with assistance from the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant United States Attorney Gwen Carroll handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Steelville Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Johnathan K. Esparza, 27, of Steelville, MO, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm stemming from a police chase from Illinois into Missouri. Esparza appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge John A. Ross who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for March 13, 2020.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2018, Brooklyn, Illinois Police Officers responded to a call regarding shots fired from a Nissan vehicle. As Brooklyn police officers attempted to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop, the driver of this vehicle accelerated and drove at a high rate of speed from Illinois into Missouri. Officers observed Esparza, the front seat passenger, throw a pistol out of the window of the vehicle in St. Louis and were able to recover and seize the pistol. The Nissan was eventually stopped and Esparza was apprehended. A computer check revealed that he was a convicted felon.
Esparza faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of not more than a $250,000. He may be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence greater than described. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Brooklyn, Illinois Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Muchnick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Saint Louis County Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Antonio Bright, 37, of St. Louis, MO, was charged by a federal complaint for possession of firearms and drugs.
According to the complaint, a federal search warrant was executed today by FBI SWAT St. Louis and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 6526 Leschen Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63121. Law enforcement located twelve firearms in the residence, two plastic bags containing suspected heroin and one plastic bag containing multiple large chunks of rock-like substance suspected to be heroin, two plastic bags containing multiple pills of suspected ecstasy and multiple bags and containers of marijuana.
Bright has been charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; felon in possession of a firearm; and possessing one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bright is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
These charges are the result of a joint investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Nauman Wadalawala is handling this case.
St. Louis County Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to the Social Security Administration and Defrauding Meredes BenzRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Tayon Hutchins Fowler, 42, of Florissant, MO, pled guilty to one count of making a false statement to the Social Security Administration and one count of wire fraud regarding a scheme to defraud Mercedes Benz. Hutchins Fowler appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted her plea and set sentencing for March 11, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, Hutchins Fowler submitted an application to the U.S. Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for disability payments in which she claimed to be disabled and unable to work because of major depression and other conditions. In reliance on her representations, SSA paid Hutchins Fowler periodic disability payments from November 2012 through March 2019. These SSA payments totaled approximately $200,000.
During 2012-17, Hutchins Fowler owned a home health care business and annually received over $100,000 in income from this business during 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2018, Ms. Hutchins Fowler made a series of false statements to SSA in order to continue to receive disability payments from SSA, telling the agency that she had not worked, had not received income from working, and had difficulty with shopping, driving, understanding directions, remembering, and getting along with people.
Hutchins Fowler also pled guilty to committing wire fraud. During December 2017, Ms. Hutchins Fowler purchased a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 43 automobile at a dealership located in St. Louis, Missouri, using falsified monthly bank statements, checks, corporate records, and tax materials to fraudulently obtain financing for the vehicle.
The false statement charges carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both imprisonment and a fine. The wire fraud charges carry a maximum possible penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 16 years in Prison for Four Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Carlos Robinson, 28, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 192 months in prison for four separate armed store robberies committed in early 2017 and ordered to pay $1,077.24 in restitution. Robinson appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, on February 6, 2017, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Robinson entered the Conoco Gas Station located at 3600 Big Bend Boulevard in St. Louis County. He pulled a bandana over his mouth and pointed a silver firearm at the clerk. Robinson instructed the clerk to open the cash register and demanded money before exiting the service station.
On February 10, 2017, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Robinson entered the Mobil on the Run gas station located at 9371 Olive Boulevard, also in St. Louis County. He pointed a small silver firearm at the clerk, told her to open the cash register drawer and give him the money.
On February 13, 2017, at approximately 1:39 p.m., Robinson entered the BP gas station located at 7003 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis City. He entered the store wearing sunglasses and asked to use the bathroom key, which the cashier provided. Robinson returned the key, walked inside the Plexiglas partition and revealed a firearm to the cashier, demanding money. The cashier was able to physically push Robison out of the secure cashier area, close the door, and push the alarm.
On February 15, 2017, at approximately 7:01 p.m., Robinson entered the Family Dollar located at 4344 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, also in St. Louis City. He approached the register and asked for a pack of Newport cigarettes. Robinson displayed a firearm, demanded money, and threatened to hurt the cashier if she did not comply.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maplewood Police Department, the Olivette Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Major Marijuana Distributor Sentenced for Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Cedric T. Davis, Jr., 21, of American Canyon, California, was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to launder drug proceeds via Moneygrams. Davis appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, from January 2016, and continuing through February 21, 2018, Cedric Davis’s co-defendants Jack Huck, Joey Hope, and others imported to the Eastern District of Missouri multi-pound amounts of marijuana from Davis, who acted as the source of the supply located in California. Upon receipt of the marijuana, Davis’s co-defendants and others distributed it within the Eastern District of Missouri and elsewhere.
Once distributed, the co-defendants and others at their behest collected the proceeds of the marijuana sales. Those individuals, including co-defendants Jack Huck, Joey Hope, and others, then wired or caused to be wired the proceeds to Cedric Davis in California via MoneyGrams purchased at various outlets, including Wal-Mart stores. The MoneyGrams were payment for previously shipped marijuana as well as for pending marijuana shipments. Davis, or others acting as his direction, then cashed the MoneyGrams in California. In some instances, Davis had other individuals cash the MoneyGrams on his behalf in order to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the cash proceeds.
All other co-defendants charged as part of the conspiracy have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Missouri Highway Patrol, Ste. Genevieve Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Casey is handling the case.
Three Former Employees of Anheuser-Busch In-Bev Plead Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Former employees of Anheuser-Busch In Bev, James Williams, 68, of St. Louis County; Gary Belcher, 64, of St. Louis County; and, Gregory Vieth, 63, of Columbia, IL; pleaded guilty to conspiring with a licensed Missouri chiropractor to fraudulently obtain disability insurance payments from the Social Security Administration and Prudential Insurance Companies of America. Each appeared this morning in front of United States District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted the guilty pleas and set sentencing for March 5, 2020.
According to court documents, the chiropractor and the defendants exaggerated the defendants’ medical conditions and ability to care for themselves in order to qualify for the disability benefits. The chiropractor also required defendants to undergo excessive medical treatments and diagnostic evaluations beyond what was medically necessary to pad their medical records. Beginning as early as 2011, the defendants sought the chiropractor’s assistance because it permitted them to fraudulently obtain Social Security disability insurance benefit payments; a long-term disability insurance payment of $100,000.00 from Prudential Insurance Companies; and short-term disability benefits through other private insurance companies. In exchange, defendants paid the chiropractor as much as $3,000.00 for each of the types of disability payments they were seeking, among other forms of compensation to the chiropractor
As a result of the false and fraudulent statements to the Social Security Administration and Prudential by the chiropractor, James Williams, Gary Belcher and Gregory Vieth each received in excess of $150,000.00 from the Social Security Administration and Prudential.
Conspiracy to defraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment for each count and a fine of $250,000 or both. Restitution to the victims is also mandatory.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Tracy Berry and Dorothy McMurtry are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Because the Social Security Administration provides benefits through the Disability Insurance Benefit Program to more than 8.4 million individuals a year at a monthly rate of more than $10.4 million, the Social Security Administration accepts reports of those suspected of committing fraud against the program through the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General Hotline at: 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report/.
Chinese National Who Worked at Monsanto Indicted on Economic Espionage ChargesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS– Haitao Xiang, 42, formerly of Chesterfield, Missouri, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to commit economic espionage, three counts of economic espionage, one count of conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets, and three counts of theft of trade secrets.
According to the indictment, Xiang was employed by Monsanto and its subsidiary, The Climate Corporation, from 2008 to 2017, where he worked as an imaging scientist. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation developed a digital, on-line farming software platform that was used by farmers to collect, store, and visualize critical agricultural field data and increase and improve agricultural productivity for farmers. A critical component to the platform was a proprietary predictive algorithm referred to as the Nutrient Optimizer. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation considered the Nutrient Optimizer a valuable trade secret and their intellectual property.
“The indictment alleges another example of the Chinese government using Talent Plans to encourage employees to steal intellectual property from their U.S. employers,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Xiang promoted himself to the Chinese government based on his experience at Monsanto. Within a year of being selected as a Talent Plan recruit, he quit his job, bought a one-way ticket to China, and was caught at the airport with a copy of the company's proprietary algorithm before he could spirit it away.”
“The revolutionary technology at the core of this case represents both the best of American ingenuity and why the Chinese government is so desperate to steal it for themselves” said Assistant Director John Brown. “The FBI is committed to working with a host of partners to stop individuals, like the defendant in this case, from engaging in economic espionage to acquire information and technology for a foreign government that is either unable or unwilling to compete on a level playing field. Our country’s economic security is our national security, and the FBI will always do everything in our power to protect it.”
“Stealing trade secrets can destroy a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “When done at the behest of a foreign government, it threatens our nation’s economic security because it robs our companies of their market share and competitive advantage.”
In June 2017, the day after leaving employment with Monsanto and The Climate Corporation, Xiang bought a one-way plane ticket to China. Before he could board his flight, Xiang was intercepted at the airport by federal officials who seized copies on the Nutrient Optimizer.
If convicted, each espionage charge carries up to 15 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. Each theft of trade secrets charges carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake and Trial Attorneys Heather Schmidt and Heather Alpino in the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division are handling this case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Chinese National Who Worked at Monsanto Indicted on Economic Espionage ChargesRead the Press Release
Haitao Xiang, 42, formerly of Chesterfield, Missouri, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to commit economic espionage, three counts of economic espionage, one count of conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets and three counts of theft of trade secrets.
According to the indictment, Xiang was employed by Monsanto and its subsidiary, The Climate Corporation, from 2008 to 2017, where he worked as an imaging scientist. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation developed a digital, on-line farming software platform that was used by farmers to collect, store, and visualize critical agricultural field data and increase and improve agricultural productivity for farmers. A critical component to the platform was a proprietary predictive algorithm referred to as the Nutrient Optimizer. Monsanto and The Climate Corporation considered the Nutrient Optimizer a valuable trade secret and their intellectual property.
“The indictment alleges another example of the Chinese government using Talent Plans to encourage employees to steal intellectual property from their U.S. employers,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Xiang promoted himself to the Chinese government based on his experience at Monsanto. Within a year of being selected as a Talent Plan recruit, he quit his job, bought a one-way ticket to China, and was caught at the airport with a copy of the company's proprietary algorithm before he could spirit it away.”
“The revolutionary technology at the core of this case represents both the best of American ingenuity and why the Chinese government is so desperate to steal it for themselves,” said Assistant Director John Brown. “The FBI is committed to working with a host of partners to stop individuals, like the defendant in this case, from engaging in economic espionage to acquire information and technology for a foreign government that is either unable or unwilling to compete on a level playing field. Our country’s economic security is our national security, and the FBI will always do everything in our power to protect it.”
“Stealing trade secrets can destroy a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “When done at the behest of a foreign government, it threatens our nation’s economic security because it robs our companies of their market share and competitive advantage.”
In June 2017, the day after leaving employment with Monsanto and The Climate Corporation, Xiang bought a one-way plane ticket to China. Before he could board his flight, Xiang was intercepted at the airport by federal officials who seized copies of the Nutrient Optimizer.
If convicted, each espionage charge carries up to 15 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. Each theft of trade secrets charges carries up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake and Trial Attorneys Heather Schmidt and Heather Alpino in the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division are handling this case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
St. Louis County Man Indicted for His Role in a Romance ScamRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Hammed Akande, 39, of St. Louis County, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.
According to the Indictment, Hammed Akande, identified as “L.T.,” targeted a victim identified in court documents as “M.C.” under the guise of a romantic relationship through the online dating website “Our Time.” During the course of the romance scam, L.T requested financial assistance from victim M.C. for the purposes of, among other things, assisting with a business opportunity in Ukraine. In response, victim M.C. sent money pursuant to L.T.’s instructions. Items requested by L.T. were sent to Akande’s residence and eventually received by law enforcement from Akande’s residence.
Victim M.C., who was over 60 years of age, was defrauded of over $20,000 between September and November 2019.
If convicted, Akande faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes targeting older adults. The Eastern District of Missouri Identity Theft Task Force is a group of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat identity theft and its related crimes across the St. Louis Community.
Mental Health Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to Making a False Claim to MedicaidRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Naim Muhammad, 56, of St. Charles, MO, pled guilty to one count of making a false claim to Medicaid. Mr. Muhammad appeared today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted his plea and set sentencing for February 28, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, Mr. Muhammad was the President of Community Behavioral Health (“CBH”). CBH maintained an office in the City of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Muhammed had no psychiatric training or license.
Mr. Muhammed billed the Missouri Medicaid program for mental health therapy services to a patient identified by initials W.W. Mr. Muhammad told Medicaid that a licensed provider with the initials D.P. had provided the therapy to W.W. on June 21, 2017. However, Mr. Muhammad’s statements were false and fraudulent in that patient W.W. was not treated by the licensed provider D.P. on June 21, 2017, the date of service shown in defendant’s therapy records for W.W. Mr. Muhammad’s statements were material to the Missouri Medicaid program because the program does not pay for services not actually provided to the patient and does not pay for mental health services provided by unlicensed individuals.
The Indictment in this case further alleges that Mr. Muhammad repeatedly billed the Missouri Medicaid program for therapy services allegedly provided on dates when the patient was actually deceased, and, therefore, unable to receive any services. For example, W.W. died on June 8, 2017, before the alleged June 21, 2017 session.
This charge carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both imprisonment and a fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Office of Inspector General investigated this case for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, with assistance from the Division of Professional Registration of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, aka Siki Ramiz Hodzic, 45, of St. Louis County, Missouri, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and providing material support to terrorists. Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, between May 2013 and continuing to Feb. 5, 2015, Ramiz Zijad Hodzic conspired with others to support the activities of Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others, including a conspiracy to commit outside the United States an act that would constitute the offense of murder or maiming if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Hodzic intended to and did provide support and resources to Pazara, knowing that he and his co-conspirators would use the support and resources in furtherance of their combat against Syrian government forces and others. Hodzic’s support consisted of money, which was used by his co-conspirators to purchase supplies such as U.S. military uniforms, rifle scopes, combat boots, tactical gear, clothing, firearms accessories, range finders, and other supplies useful to fighters engaged in combat in Syria and elsewhere.
“In addition to eight years in federal prison, Ramiz Hodzic will also be deported," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Hodzic was the mastermind and primary facilitator of this conspiracy to fund and support terrorists."
Co-defendant Sedina Unkic Hodzic is awaiting sentencing; Nihad Rosic is awaiting trial; Jasminka Ramic, Mediha Medy Salkicevic, and Armin Harcevic were sentenced to 36, 78, and 60 months in prison, respectively.
The St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments investigated this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorneys Joshua Champagne, Danielle Rosborough, and David Smith of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, aka Siki Ramiz Hodzic, 45, of St. Louis County, Missouri, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and providing material support to terrorists. Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, between May 2018 2013 and continuing to Feb. 5, 2015, Hodzic conspired with others to support the activities of Abdullah Ramo Pazara and others, including a conspiracy to commit outside the United States an act that would constitute the offense of murder or maiming if committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Hodzic intended to and did provide support and resources to Pazara, knowing that he and his co-conspirators would use the support and resources in furtherance of their combat against Syrian government forces and others. Hodzic’s support consisted of money, which was used by his co-conspirators to purchase supplies such as U.S. military uniforms, rifle scopes, combat boots, tactical gear, clothing, firearms accessories, range finders, and other supplies useful to fighters engaged in combat in Syria and elsewhere.
Co-defendant Sedina Unkic Hodzic is awaiting sentencing; Nihad Rosic is awaiting trial; Jasminka Ramic, Mediha Medy Salkicevic, and Armin Harcevic were sentenced to 36, 78, and 60 months in prison, respectively.
The St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments investigated this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorneys Joshua Champagne, Danielle Rosborough, and David Smith of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former Velda City Treasurer Indicted for Stealing Approximately $400,000 in City Funds, and Stealing Approximately $150,000 from a CharityRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Venita Sedodo, 32, of St. Charles, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of wire fraud related to her former position as Treasurer of Velda City, Missouri, and four counts of mail fraud related to her former position as Trust Secretary for the Travelers Protective Association of America, Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired.
According to the Indictment, Sedodo served as the Treasurer for Velda City, Missouri. From November, 2015 through October, 2018, Sedodo schemed to steal approximately $400,000 from the city. During that time, Sedodo issued approximately 90 unauthorized Velda City checks to herself, which she deposited into several of her personal bank accounts. Sedodo spent the stolen funds on personal items and services such as clothing, automobile payments, as well as making numerous cash withdrawals. Sedodo also issued unauthorized Velda City checks directly to a number of businesses to pay for personal items and services. Further, Sedodo made numerous unauthorized ACH wire transmissions of funds from Velda City bank accounts to pay for personal items and services at businesses such as BMW, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Commerce Bank to pay off charges on her personal credit cards. Altogether, Sedodo’s fraud scheme netted her approximately $400,000 in funds stolen from Velda City.
Sedodo was also employed as the Trust Secretary for the Travelers Protective Association of America, Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired (“TPA Scholarship Trust”). This is a charitable organization which provides financial aid to individuals with deafness or hearing deficiencies. From June, 2014, through January, 2019, Sedodo submitted false and fraudulent grant applications for her family members and friends to the charity’s Board of Trustees. These grant applications falsely claimed that the individual applicants suffered from deafness or hearing impairment, and Sedodo created and submitted along with the applications false audiograms and audiological evaluations. Sedodo did not advise the Board of Trustees that the individual applicants were her family members and friends. Once the Board of Trustees unwittingly approved the grant applications, Sedodo processed and issued checks to the individual applicants, who then cashed the checks and split the proceeds with Sedodo. None of the grant funds were used for legitimate health care or treatment related to deafness or hearing impairment, but were used by Sedodo and her family and friends for their own personal use and expenses. Sedodo obtained approximately $156,100 from TPA Scholarship Trust through her fraudulent scheme.
If convicted, as to each charge Sedodo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory.
In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Attorney General Announces Launch of Project Guardian - A Nationwide Strategic Plan to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”
“I am pleased to join Attorney General Barr in announcing Project Guardian. The initiative is aimed to reduce the threat of gun violence throughout the country. The goal is to ensure that federal investigative and prosecutorial resources can be focused where they will have the most impact in reducing the threat of gun violence to our communities,” said Jeff Jensen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.
“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”
Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
- Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.
Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.
- Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.
- Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety.
Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.
- Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.
Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.
For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
St. Charles Corporate Executive Indicted for Fraudulent Use of Company's Credit CardRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Tara Sabatini, 44, of St. Charles, Missouri, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday, November 7, 2019, on three counts of wire fraud. She appeared this afternoon for her initial appearance.
According to the Indictment, Sabatini was employed as the “Senior Director of Sales” by “Company #1,” a company located in St. Louis, Missouri that sold wholesale amounts of food to various commercial customers, typically grocery store chains. Company #1 provided Ms. Sabatini with a company-funded corporate credit card, and authorized her to use the credit card for official business, including work travel and some client expenses.
During 2017-18, Sabatini used her corporate credit card to fund personal expenses, including but not limited to purchasing plane tickets for a friend of her husband, purchasing plane tickets for her parents, purchasing hotel rooms for her husband and his friends, and purchasing gift cards for personal use.
Moreover, Sabatini purchased luxury ticket packages from a Major League Baseball team that was located in New York, frequently using electronic communications with New York based employees of the team for ticket purchase and delivery purposes. After receiving these baseball tickets, Sabatini attended some of the baseball games, and also gave some of the tickets to her friends and family. Sabatini further sold some of the baseball tickets through an Internet service, deposited the proceeds in a joint account that she shared with her husband, and spent the proceeds of the ticket sales on her personal expenses.
If convicted, each charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Kirkwood Builder Sentenced for Swindling Homebuyers of Approximately $400,000Read the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Morgan Bullock, 33, of Camdenton, Missouri, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and restitution in the amount of $136,458.68 for his scheme to defraud homebuyer customers of Bullock Building and Development, LLC. He appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Bullock owned and operated Bullock Building and Development, a construction company he operated out of Camdenton, Missouri. During 2015, Bullock and two partners purchased approximately five acres of land at 425 Emmerson Avenue, and planned to build eight residential homes in what they called Emmerson Estates. Bullock and his partners took out a loan to purchase the land from a local bank. Bullock then applied with the City of Kirkwood for approval of his development plan, and building permits. Before giving approval to build the subdivision, the city required Bullock to obtain approval from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and also to post a letter of credit as a performance guarantee from a financial institution in the amount of approximately $500,000. Bullock never obtained approval for the construction from MSD, and he was unable to find a financial institution willing to issue him and his company the performance guarantee. Thus, Bullock never obtained final approval from Kirkwood to develop the subdivision. Nevertheless, during 2017, Bullock marketed the new home construction in Emmerson Estates, and obtained lot deposits from six families based upon his false representations that he would build their new homes on the selected lots. Bullock never advised the homebuyers that he did not have approval from Kirkwood to develop the subdivision and build their promised homes. Despite promising that he would only use their lot deposits in the construction of their new homes, Bullock instead used the victim homebuyers’ funds for his own personal use and to pay off contractors working on a separate unrelated construction project in the Camdenton, Missouri area. Bullock made numerous false representations to the homebuyers as to why construction had not begun on their homes, blaming the delays on purported weather issues, contractor problems, and other false excuses. Ultimately, one of the homebuyers demanded his family’s deposit back, and Bullock wrote him a $50,000 insufficient funds check, knowing that there were not sufficient funds in his bank account. Finally, the lender foreclosed on the Emmerson Estates land for nonpayment by Bullock, and Bullock’s scheme was fully discovered. The six victim homebuyers included families with young children as well as retirees who used substantial portions of their life savings to make the lot deposit payments to Bullock. The total loss to the victim homebuyers was approximately $400,000.
As one victim stated in a letter to the court, “Morgan Bullock never appeared even the slightest bit remorseful about his scam. Even when it became completely obvious that we were victims an intentional fraudulent scam, Bullock remained smug, arrogant, and unphased. When I informed him to the authorities, he simply said, ‘Do what you think you have to do, I don’t care. But you won’t get your money back that way.’”
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Undercover Officer Believed to be ProtestorRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Randy Hays, 32, a former police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri to one count of using unreasonable and excessive force against a fellow SLMPD police officer, who was believed to be a protestor while the officer was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer on a state murder charge. Hays’ co-defendant Bailey Colletta pled guilty to committing perjury related to this assault on Sept. 6, 2019. Co-defendants and former SLMPD officers Dustin Boone and Christopher Myers remain under indictment on federal charges related to the assault and subsequent cover-up. They have pleaded not guilty.
According to the plea agreement, in addition to facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, Hays must forfeit his law enforcement certification. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The trial of Boone and Myers is set for Dec. 2, 2019.
This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Costantin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.
Former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Undercover Officer Believed to Be ProtestorRead the Press Release
Randy Hays, 32, a former police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri to one count of using unreasonable and excessive force against a fellow SLMPD police officer, who was believed to be a protestor while the officer was working undercover in downtown St. Louis during protests following the 2017 acquittal of a former SLMPD officer on a state murder charge. Hays’ co-defendant Bailey Colletta pled guilty to committing perjury related to this assault on Sept. 6, 2019. Co-defendants and former SLMPD officers Dustin Boone and Christopher Myers remain under indictment on federal charges related to the assault and subsequent cover-up. They have pleaded not guilty.
According to the plea agreement, in addition to facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, Hays must forfeit his law enforcement certification. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The trial of Boone and Myers is set for Dec. 2, 2019.
This case is being investigated by the St. Louis Division of the FBI and is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Costantin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Janea Lamar of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Maplewood Steak and Shake at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Frank Brothers, 30, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to felony charges of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Brothers appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 31, 2020.
According to court documents, on October 24, 2018, Brothers entered the Steak and Shake located in Maplewood. Brothers pointed a firearm at the manger, forced her to the floor and then forced her to open a safe. The manager handed Brothers the U.S. currency in the safe. Brothers then fled out the rear door to his vehicle.
Brothers faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge. In addition, Brothers faces between seven years nor more than life in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Maplewood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
Rappers "Benji Brothers" Indicted for Drug Possession and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Rasheme Bridges, aka “Bam” or “Benji Bam,” 19, of St. Louis, and Kelton Rucker, aka “Kellz” or “Benji Kellz,” 19, of St. Louis, were indicted today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the Indictment, on January 31, 2018, Rasheme Bridges and Kelton Rucker conspired with each other to steal a quantity of marijuana from a subject in the Cardonelet neighborhood of south St. Louis City. Rasheme Bridges brandished a firearm during the marijuana theft and Kelton Rucker discharged a firearm.
If convicted, the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Doctor and Nurse Practitioner Plead Guilty to Making False Claims to Medicare and MedicaidRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dr. Brij R. Vaid, M.D., 58, of Ladue, MO, and Donna A. Waldo, 59, of Saint Louis, MO, each pleaded guilty to one count of making a false claim to Medicaid or Medicare. Dr. Vaid appeared today before U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 30, 2020. Ms. Waldo pleaded guilty on October 23, 2019, and will be sentenced on January 28, 2020.
According to the plea agreements, Dr. Vaid was a medical doctor who operated St. Louis Internal Medicine (SLIM), where he saw patients at his medical office in St. Louis County, Missouri. Waldo was a nurse practitioner and advanced practice registered nurse. Waldo worked under the supervision of Dr. Brij Vaid at SLIM.
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Dr. Vaid had a large number of patients who received Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions typically every 30 days, including opioid pain relief drugs such as Oxycodone® and Hydrocodone and anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax®. Dr. Vaid was the only person at his office who had the credentials to legally prescribe these pain management and anti-anxiety drugs,
Dr. Vaid traveled frequently, including trips to New Jersey and India. Given the number of patients needing drugs and his own scheduling challenges, Dr. Vaid often signed numerous prescriptions for controlled substances in advance of patients' visits -- before patients had even visited the office and had an examination. Dr. Vaid instructed his staff, including Waldo, to provide these pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances to patients later, in his absence. After these office visits, Dr. Vaid and Waldo caused claims for reimbursement to be presented to Medicare and Medicaid in which they represented that Dr. Vaid had met face-to-face with the patients and engaged in complex medical decision making during the office visits.
In her plea agreement, Waldo admitted that she saw patient G.J. in the SLIM medical office on February 27, 2014. At the time of the patient visit, Waldo was aware that SLIM could bill Medicaid under Dr. Vaid’s provider number for an office visit where the patient was seen by Waldo, but only if Waldo was acting under Dr. Vaid’s direct personal supervision, which required Dr. Vaid’s physical presence in the office during the office visit with patient G.J. At the time of the G.J. patient visit on February 27, 2014, Dr. Vaid was out of the country and unable to provide any direct personal supervision.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Vaid admitted that on February 23, 2015, he was out of the country. Waldo saw patient B.T. Dr. Vaid knew that Ms. Waldo would be seeing patient B.T. while Dr. Vaid was in India. Dr. Vaid caused the presentation of a false claim to Medicare related to the February 23, 2015, office visit. This claim, submitted under CPT code 99214 to Medicare, falsely stated that Dr. Vaid had provided a face-to-face office visit with patient B.T. when he was really out of town.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Vaid further admitted that he violated the terms of his probation agreement with the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts when committing this offense.
These charges carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both imprisonment and a fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with critical assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs.
Sullivan Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Robert Wilfred Boevingloh, 76, of Sullivan, MO, pled guilty to one of count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Boevingloh appeared before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White and sentencing was set for January 30, 2020.
According to court documents, between January 2016 and February 2017, Boevingloh knowingly received more than 600 images of child pornography, and those images were visual depictions involving a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Regional Computer Crime Education and Enforcement Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Felon Indicted for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Brandon Shell, 20, of St. Louis City, Missouri, on multiple criminal counts stemming from a carjacking that took place on October 12, 2019.
According to court documents, on October 12, 2019, in the 3700 block of Juniata, Brandon Shell approached a group of four people with a gun in his hand. As he held the victims at gunpoint, Shell demanded their money and keys to the car they had just parked, a 2013 Kia Optima. The victims, fearing for their safety, gave Shell their money and the keys. Shell fled the scene in the car. St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were able to track the stolen car, which was found in the 5300 block or Oriole near Pine Lawn, a short time after the robbery. Shell got out of the car and continued to flee on foot. The police officers ultimately apprehended Shell and took him into custody.
Shell has been charged with three felony counts of carjacking; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, carjacking carries a penalty of not more than fifteen years and a fine of $250,000; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime carries a penalty of not less than seven years and no more than life and a fine of $250,000; and being a felon in possession carries a penalty of not more than ten years and a fine of $250,000.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation jointly investigated the case.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Des Peres Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – William Timothy Hopmeier, 48, of Des Peres, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in production of child pornography. Hopmeier appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig.
According to court documents, from June 2017 to January 31, 2018, Hopmeier used a cell phone to video record two minor females engaging in sexually explicit conduct on several occasions.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding in the Robbery of the Richmond Heights Post OfficeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Arielle Steed, 27, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of aiding and abetting the robbery of a United States Postal employee. Steed appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for March 6, 2020.
According to court documents, in early December 2018, Steed and co-defendant Dywane Upchurch planned to rob the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard. Steed was a teller at the post office and was in a relationship with Upchurch.
On December 6, 2018, after the post office closed to the public, Steed retrieved all the cash from the registers, sorted it, and placed it in a stack on the counter. At this time, there was only one other employee present at the post office. Upchurch, dressed in all black and wearing a surgical mask, entered the rear door of the post office. He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced Steed and the other employee into a restroom. Upchurch then went to the counter and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.
Upchurch pled on October 4, 2019 to felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a U.S. Postal employee while committing a robbery. Sentencing is set for January 16, 2020.
Steed faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware is handling the case.
Former Director of Human Resources Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over 1.8 Million Dollars from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Nicole M. Scott, 42, of St. Louis City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of wire fraud. Scott appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for January 23, 2020.
According to court documents, from January 2009 until January 2019, Scott embezzled more than $1.8 million from her employer. As part of her scheme, Scott would use her company’s payroll system to access lists of the company’s former employees, change the direct deposit information for certain former employees to her own personal bank account, and then enter fraudulent “negative deduction” transactions thereby causing the company to pay funds to Scott’s personal bank account. In order to conceal her scheme, Scott would then manipulate payroll journal entries related to the fraudulent transactions causing them to be imputed to Scott for tax purposes. Scott used the more than $1.8 million in fraud proceeds for personal gain, including making payments on a mortgage loan, to purchase clothing and accessories, and to pay for living expenses.
“Nicole Scott thought she could get away with her scheme because she oversaw the payroll system and had the ability to alter it,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Like other white-collar criminals who exploit their positions of trust, she will pay for her greed.”
Scott faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Registered Nurse Indicted for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jaime Lynn Slade, 33, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for her involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme with her former employer Dr. Antoine Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular.
According to court documents, from January 2014 to December 2018, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular submitted or caused to be submitted numerous false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The reimbursement claims falsely indicated that Dr. Adem performed two vein procedures on patients on two different days, when he actually performed the two procedures on the same day. As a result, Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular received about $2000 more per patient than he would have received if he had informed Medicare and other insurers that the two vein procedures were performed on the same day. Slade was present during the surgeries and thereafter placed Dr. Adem’s false surgery notes into the patients’ medical records.
Dr. Adem and Midwest Cardiovascular pled guilty in August 2019 and are awaiting sentencing on December 20, 2019.
Slade faces a penalty up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Four Health Care Professionals Indicted for Stealing Controlled Substance Medications for Their Own Personal UseRead the Press Release
St. Louis, Missouri –Four licensed health care professionals were indicted today by a federal grand jury for receipt of controlled substance medications by deceit, fraud and misrepresentation. They stole Schedule II controlled substances from the locked medication cabinets where they worked and falsified patient and/or pharmacy records to conceal the theft. The following individuals were indicted:
Alyssa Wedepohl, 29, of Hillsboro, Missouri, was a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital South. Between October 2018 and May 2019, Wedepohl stole Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Morphine, Dronabinol, Lorazepam, and Tramadol.
Jessica Powell, 32, of St. Louis County, Missouri, an employee of Davita Hospital Services, was a registered nurse in the dialysis unit at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton and SSM Health Lake St. Louis Hospital. Between February 13, 2017 and February 14, 2018, Powell stole Hydromorphone and Oxycodone-Acetaminophen.
Jacob Gottreu, 26, of St. Charles, Missouri, was a licensed paramedic and worked in the ER of SSM Health DePaul Hospital. Between May 1, 2019 and June 12, 2019, Gottreu stole Fentanyl.
Rebekkah Johnson, 27, of St. Louis, Missouri, was a pharmacist and worked the night shift at the CVS in Clayton. During 2019, Johnson stole Methylphyphenidate ER, Vyvanse, and Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine ER.
If convicted, each face a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling this case.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Chief Financial Officer of the Boyd Group Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than 3.5 Million DollarsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Bryan G. Vonderahe, 45, of Kirkwood, Missouri, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of wire fraud. Vonderahe appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 16, 2020.
According to court documents, beginning during January 2012 and continuing through January 2019, Vonderahe schemed to defraud The Boyd Group and its affiliated companies where he was employed as chief financial officer and controller. Vonderahe issued approximately 500 company checks to himself during that period of time, totaling approximately 3.8 million dollars, without the knowledge or authority of the company’s ownership. Vonderahe falsified internal company records and issued false financial statements to the company’s outside auditors in order to cover up and conceal his fraud scheme. Vonderahe used the stolen and embezzled funds for his own personal use, unrelated to the legitimate business of the company, including to pay for travel for himself and his family to locations such as Florida, Colorado, and Nevada; to make payments on his personal residential mortgage; and to pay for gambling and related activities.
“It is unfortunate that some people are willing to betray the trust placed in them,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “But when it occurs, we will aggressively act to protect businesses and the public from fraud and corruption.”
As part of his guilty plea, Vonderahe agreed to forfeit to the United States a GMC Acadia Denali; a Land Rover, Range Rover Sport; and his residence at 1943 Windy Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63122.
Vonderahe faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine as to each of the three counts. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Goldsmith and Kyle Bateman are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Mozaic Group Ltd. Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Mary Ann Gibson, 63, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of bank fraud. Gibson appeared this morning in front of United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted her plea and set her sentencing date for January 16, 2020.
According to court documents, Gibson obtained a line of credit for Mozaic Group Ltd. from Enterprise Bank and Trust and subsequently drew down on that line of credit to run the business. From approximately January 2016 through August 2017, Gibson falsely and fraudulently inflated the cash flow of the company she reported to the bank in order to maintain and increase the line of credit from Enterprise Bank and Trust. Mozaic and Gibson thereafter defaulted on the loan because Mozaic did not, in fact, have the cash flow Gibson reported to the bank. Gibson’s fraud resulted in a loss of approximately $2.5 million to the bank.
Gibson faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or both. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Armed Robberies in the Central West EndRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Brandon Mardell Woods, 35, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in two robberies in the Central West End. Woods appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 27, 2020.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2018, a victim was walking to her vehicle when Woods approached her, pointed a firearm at her, and ordered her into her vehicle. Woods got into the driver’s seat and directed the victim into the passenger seat. Victim complied and Woods drove the victim’s vehicle to an ATM where he withdrew $500.00 from the victim’s bank account.
On June 19, 2018, two victims were seated in their vehicle when Woods got into the backseat, pointed a firearm at them, and ordered one of the victims to drive him to an ATM. Once at the ATM, Woods directed one of the victims to withdraw money from her bank account. She withdrew $200.00 from her account and gave it to Woods.
On June 20, 2018, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department arrested Woods and found him to be in possession of a firearm.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Circuit Attorney’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Centralia, Missouri Police Officer Charged with Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Clint Baer, 41, of Centralia, Missouri, was charged in a federal complaint with using interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
According to the complaint, Clint Baer is employed as a police officer with the Centralia Police Department located in Centralia, Missouri.
In March 2019, Baer contacted an individual he believed was the mother of a 14-year-old girl through the social networking site FetLife. FetLife is a website with an app that serves people interested in sexual fetishes. This site allows users to create a profile, search a directory of fetishes, join various fetish-themed groups, and conduct private chats with other users. Baer contacted the individual he believed was the mother of the 14-year-old girl in the FetLife incest group. In reality, Baer was speaking with an undercover FBI agent.
Over the course of months, Baer exchanged sexually detailed and explicit text messages and phone calls, via FetLife and Kik messenger, with the undercover agent. In Baer’s sexually explicit messages, he expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the 14-year old girl as well as the mother.
On October 1, 2019, Baer contacted the undercover agent, believing he was speaking with the mother of the 14-year-old girl, and set up a time and location to have sexual activity with the mother of the child and the 14-year-old girl. On October 7, 2019, Baer travelled from Centralia, Missouri, to Wentzville, Missouri, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with both. Baer was arrested in Wentzville. Baer is currently in federal custody.
Charges set forth in the Complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Charles Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis MO --- Tyron F. Kemp, 30, of St. Louis and Riverview, Florida, was sentenced to six months in prison for filing false claims with the Internal Revenue Service as part of a bogus tax refund scheme. Kemp appeared before United States District Judge Audrey F. Fleissig.
In court papers, Kemp admitted to electronically filing 37 false tax returns with the IRS from October 2013 through March 2015. A total of $155,775.00 in refunds were claimed on those returns and funds totaling $54,390.00 were paid out by the IRS which the court ordered him to pay back in restitution. Kemp admitted that he caused those refunds to be paid out to prepaid cards, which he controlled, and that he spent the money, most of it in St. Louis. He electronically filed most of the returns from a location in the 3000 block of Delmar in the City of St. Louis.
Kemp spent most of his adolescent years, including high school, in Tucson AZ. He moved back to St. Louis in 2013 and began filing the false tax returns using names and personal identifiers of persons he knew in Tucson---all without their permission. In addition to compromising names and social security numbers, Kemp made unauthorized use of the names of minor children in claiming dependent exemptions on the returns. He also prepared and submitted W-2 forms with the returns falsely showing wage amounts and taxes withheld in amounts designed to generate refunds. He often showed APAC Customer Services, Inc., one of his former employers in Tucson, as the employer business on those false W-2 forms.
In May, Kemp pled guilty to two false claim charges in which he included the names of individuals he was familiar with in Tucson. Both returns included addresses with which those persons were not associated and W-2 forms falsely showing APAC as the employer. The refunds claimed on those returns were $5,277.20 and $5,044.00, respectively.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation offices in Tucson and St. Louis.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing the Richmond Heights Post Office at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Dywane Upchurch, 39, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to felony charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a Postal employee while committing robbery. Upchurch appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 16, 2019.
According to court documents, on December 6, 2018, Dywane Upchurch entered the rear door of the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard. He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced both employees into a restroom. Upchurch then went to the cash register and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.
On January 17, 2019, Upchurch was taken into custody after United States Postal Inspectors executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Blakemore Place, St. Louis, Missouri. A firearm possessed by Upchurch was seized from the residence.
Upchurch faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm and up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the assault count. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware is handling the case.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Stealing Uber Driver's CarRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Robert W. Rives, 37, of New Baden, IL, was sentenced to 82 months in prison for carjacking and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Rives appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to the plea agreement, on October 3, 2018 in the City of St. Louis, Rives was a passenger in a Chevy Impala vehicle which had immediately turned in front of a Mitsubishi vehicle and stopped. Rives exited the passenger side and approached the driver of the Mitsubishi vehicle who was driving for UBER Eats making a delivery. He produced a firearm and demanded the driver to give him his vehicle. The victim complied and Rives then entered the victim’s Mitsubishi and drove off following the Impala. Numerous items in the stolen car included a Rock River AR-15 rifle and two handguns.
Later that day, Rives was arrested in the same type of vehicle he had stolen and officers recovered the AR-15 rifle and handguns.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Hazelwood Man Sentenced for Robbing Florissant Subway at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis - Alonzo Payne, 37, of Hazelwood, was sentenced today to 144 months in prison by United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. The sentence follows Payne’s July 3, 2019 guilty plea to one count of Interfering with Commerce by Threats or Violence and one count of Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. The charges stemmed from a December 21, 2018 robbery of a Subway restaurant in Florissant, Missouri.
According to court documents, Payne entered the Subway restaurant in Grandview Plaza in Florissant and asked to be directed to the restroom. Instead of entering the restroom, Payne entered an “employees only” food preparation area and brandished a handgun, demanding cash. Two employees, 17 and 18 years old, complied with his demands and emptied the cash register. One of the two managed to enable the video camera on his/her cellular telephone and captured a recording of the incident. After Payne fled with an undetermined amount of cash, the employees called 911 and the Subway’s manager. Florissant Police arrived and reviewed the recording. The Subway manager recognized the voice on the recording as belonging to “Lonnie,” the boyfriend of a former Subway employee.
After several days of searching, Florissant Police located Payne at his girlfriend’s residence in Hazelwood. Payne left the residence in a vehicle, at which time Florissant Police conducted a traffic stop. Payne was sitting on a handgun at the time of the stop. Payne was on parole to the State of Missouri for burglary at the time he committed his crimes.
Following today’s sentence, United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen stated, “Mr. Payne is a dangerous repeat offender who continues to illegally possess firearms and victimize other citizens. We will continue to work with our important local partners like the Florissant Police Department to prosecute aggressively any person who commits a violent crime, particularly one involving a firearm.”
Florissant Police Chief Timothy Fagan commended the Subway employees who provided crucial evidence during the investigation. “Importantly, these young employees did not resist Mr. Payne and complied with his demands. At the same time, they had the presence of mind to secure vital evidence that assisted greatly in identifying Mr. Payne as a suspect. Law enforcement depends upon the continued cooperation of citizens like these two young people in our efforts to locate and arrest violent offenders.”
This case was investigated by the Florissant Police Department.
St. Charles Man Sentenced for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
St. Louis –Jonathen Aguilar, 32, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute between 1.2 and 4 kilograms fentanyl. Aguilar appeared in federal court on Wednesday, October 2, 2019.
According to court documents, on September 13, 2018, a suspicious package was sent to the address of 2017 Avignon Drive in St. Charles, Missouri from California. Aguilar and co-defendant Ruben Lopez were involved in retrieving the package from Avignon Drive and delivering it to another residence at 425 Molina Way.
On September 18, 2018, inspectors discovered a suspicious package addressed to a “Kimberly Coxx” at “2017 Avignon Dr” and a La Mirada, California return address. Investigators obtained a federal warrant to search the package. Inside, inspectors discovered fentanyl. The fentanyl was seized.
Based on additional investigation, investigators obtained a search warrant for 2017 Avignon Drive and 425 Molina Way. During the Avignon Drive search, investigators located and seized, among other things, a stolen Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun with an ammunition magazine containing twelve rounds; two suspected pill presses with drug residue; fentanyl; and an empty postal box mailed on August 30, 2018. During the Molina Way search, investigators located and seized, among other things, fentanyl and $19,000.
On September 20, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that an additional package was present on the porch at 2017 Avignon Drive. Investigators obtained a federal warrant to search the package. Inspectors located fentanyl inside.
Co-defendant Ruben Lopez pled guilty in August and will be sentenced on October 30.
These charges are a result of a joint investigation between the St. Louis Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the St. Charles County Police Department, the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the St. Peters Police Department.
St. Charles Man Indicted for Attempting to Kill Federal Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Louis – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Elijah Moore, 37, of St. Charles County, Missouri, on multiple criminal counts stemming from a two-day crime spree in July 2019.
On July 29, 2019, the indictment alleges that a Task Force Officer with the United States Marshals Service and a St. Charles County Sheriff’s department detective located Moore in Wentzville, Missouri and attempted to arrest him. According to the indictment, Moore attempted to kill both officers and discharged a firearm in furtherance of those attempts. Neither officer was seriously injured. The indictment further alleges that Moore carjacked a vehicle on July 29 and discharged a firearm in the process.
Moore has been specifically charged with two counts of attempting to kill a federal law enforcement officer; two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of those attempts; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; one count of possessing a stolen firearm; one count of carjacking; and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florissant Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St Louis - Dayon J. Fips, 37, of Florissant, Missouri, pleaded guilty to multiple criminal counts before United States District Judge John A. Ross today. His sentencing has been set for January 10, 2020.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2018, Fips distributed fentanyl to victim N.B. who ingested that fentanyl and died as a result. The investigation into N.B.’s death determined that, on the date of his death, N.B. contacted Fips multiple times via mobile phone. Shortly before N.B.’s death, Fips picked up N.B. at his residence, drove N.B. to a bank and then returned N.B. to his residence. Ninety minutes later, N.B.’s father called 911 after finding his son unresponsive in the family’s basement. N.B. died of acute fentanyl intoxication.
Following N.B.’s death, Fips distributed fentanyl on multiple occasions to a confidential informant. In connection with those sales, Florissant Police executed a search warrant at Fips’ residence in the 8800 block of Harold in Berkeley, Missouri, in August 2018. Officers recovered heroin, fentanyl, multiple firearms, and body armor. Fips was on parole to the Missouri Department of Corrections for Robbery in the First Degree at the time of N.B.’s death and when the warrant was executed. During an interview with police, Fips admitted that he knew N.B. and had sold N.B. drugs on multiple occasions.
After Fips was arrested, incarcerated and awaiting trial, Fips attempted to tamper with one or more witnesses connected to the investigation. Fips’ efforts were detected and prevented by jail staff. In court today, Fips admitted that he attempted to induce others to give false testimony.
Following today’s guilty plea, Florissant Police Department Chief Timothy Fagan stated, “Mr. Fips’ conduct resulted in the loss of one life and presented a danger to countless others. Even incarceration did not deter Mr. Fips’ conduct, and we are grateful to the jail staff for their diligent efforts, which thwarted an attempt to tamper with a witness. His continued criminal conduct while on parole must be met with serious consequences.”
Fips pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of ownership of body armor by violent felons, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance drug and one count of influencing testimony of any person in an official proceeding.
Felon in possession charges carries a penalty of not more than 10 years and a fine of $250,000; ownership of body armor carries a penalty of not more than three years and a fine of $250,000; possession with intent to distribute carries a penalty of not more than life and a fine not more than $1,000,000; and influencing testimony carries a penalty of not more than life and a fine of $250,000.
The Florissant Police Department is handling the case.
St. Louis City Man Pleads Guilty to Three Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Lonzo Patrick, 54, of St. Louis City, MO, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in connection with three separate armed store robberies committed in October 2017. Patrick appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry Ronnie L. White, who accepted his plea and set a sentencing date of January 8, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, on October 21, 2017, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Patrick entered the O’Reilly Auto Parts located at 1140 North Kingshighway in St. Louis City. After inquiring about purchasing items, Patrick pointed a firearm at the clerk and instructed the clerk to open the cash register. Patrick took money from the register drawer.
On October 25, 2017, at approximately 6:10 p.m., Patrick entered the Phillips 66 store located at 4251 Lindell Boulevard in St. Louis City. He approached the cashier in order to purchase an item but, instead, reached over the counter to remove money from the cash register drawer. When the cashier attempted to close the register drawer, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the cashier. Patrick then took money from the register drawer.
On October 30, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Patrick entered the Walgreens store located at 2933 South Kingshighway in St. Louis City. He approached the counter to buy a sucker. During the transaction, Patrick pulled a firearm and pointed it at the clerk. The clerk ran from behind the counter, and Patrick took the money from the cash register.
Each robbery charge carries a penalty of not more than 20 years and/or a fine of $250,000. Each firearm charge carries a penalty of not less than seven years nor more than life and/or fine of $250,000 consecutive to any other sentence imposed. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Bird is handling the case.