Eastern District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Men Indicted on Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jalon Moore, 22, of Saint Louis, Larry Rhines, 22, of Collinsville, Illinois, and Garry Johnson, 21, of Saint Louis, were charged last Thursday for their respective roles in a string of armed robberies. The indictment was unsealed this morning. In it, the three men are charged with robbery and firearms conspiracies, as well as the robberies themselves and the use of firearms to commit each of those robberies.
According to the indictment, Moore, Rhines, and/or Johnson were responsible for robbing the following businesses on the following dates:
- Mack Bar and Grill located at 4615 Macklind, St. Louis, Missouri on January 9, 2019;
- Jimmy John’s located at 6459 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, Missouri on February 9, 2019;
- Subway located at 1151 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri on February 17, 2019;
- Panda Express located at 4400 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri on March 18, 2019; and
- Sprint located at 5441 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri on March 21, 2019.
Defendant Rhines was previously charged on April 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of Illinois for similar crimes arising from armed robberies of Sprint at 105 Frey Lane, Fairview Heights, Illinois, on March 9, 2019; Marco’s Pizza at 108 St. Louis Road, in Collinsville, Illinois, on March 28, 2019; and the GCS Credit Union, 1502 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, Illinois, on March 30, 2019. He has been ordered detained pending trial in that separate matter.
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.
Following the unsealing of today’s indictment, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “I am pleased that, through the hard work of the investigative team, this crew’s armed crime spree is over. We now focus on the equally important task of holding each of them accountable for the actions charged in the indictment.”
"Even when criminals cover their faces with masks, they cannot hide from the long arm of the law and a vigilant public," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Tips from everyday good citizens played a significant role in ending this violent armed robbery spree."
If convicted, the robbery conspiracy charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The firearm conspiracy charge carries a 20-year maximum term of imprisonment. Each individual robbery charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Each charge stemming from the defendants’ use of firearms in furtherance of the robberies carries a statutory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years up to life 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 is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and the Saint Louis County Police Department, in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois; the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Springfield; and the Collinsville and Fairview Heights Police Departments.
St. Louis County Executive Indicted for Pay to Play SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Steven V. Stenger, of Clayton, was indicted last Thursday on three counts of honest services bribery/mail fraud.
The Indictment alleges that beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2018, Stenger and various individuals and companies schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer, through bribery and the concealment of material information. The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from individuals and their companies in exchange for favorable official action, and for individuals and their companies to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means.
Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events, took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, obtained insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016. Further, the Indictment alleges that Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, obtained a 2016 consulting contract through the St. Louis County Port Authority. Additionally, Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained options to purchase two properties in Wellston, Missouri which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017. The Indictment also alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and fundraising activities, took official action to insure that “Company One,” as set forth in the Indictment, obtained a 2019 - 2021 state lobbying contract from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The Indictment alleges that Stenger took steps to hide, conceal and cover up his illegal conduct and actions, including making false public statements.
Stenger is scheduled to appear at 1:00 p.m. for his initial appearance and arraignment on his Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Noelle Collins, Courtroom 15 North, Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse, 111 S. 10th Street, St. Louis, Missouri.
If convicted, each charge carries 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.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Mississippi County Sheriff Sentenced to 10 months for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Cory Hutcheson, 35, of East Prairie, MO, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis for illegally monitoring the location of other law enforcement officers and civilians without a warrant by entering mobile telephone numbers into a law enforcement database. Hutcheson received a sentence of 10 months—6 months to be served in the Bureau of Prisons and 4 months home confinement. In addition to the sentence imposed, Hutcheson was required to resign as Sheriff of Mississippi County on November 20, 2018.
Numerous victims appeared at Hutcheson’s sentencing including Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers whose location was tracked by Hutcheson. For a three year period, including after being elected Sheriff of Mississippi County, Hutcheson uploaded false and fraudulent documents to a law enforcement database to obtain the location of over 200 mobile phone users. Hutcheson submitted thousands of requests and obtained the location data of hundreds individual phone subscribers without valid legal authorization, and without the consent or knowledge of the targeted individual. The location information request was submitted using wire communications transmitted in interstate commerce.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol and was prosecuted in cooperation with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Lindsay McClure-Hartman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Man Sentenced on Federal Charge of Illegally Possessing a Firearm While Using DrugsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – William Hampton, 21, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for illegally possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Hampton’s sentence was ordered to run consecutive to any sentence imposed in Hampton’s pending State case, Cause Number1822-CR1904, Circuit Court, City of St. Louis.
According to court documents and information at sentencing, on June 19, 2016, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located Hampton asleep in the driver’s seat of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the middle of the street. The engine was running. Hampton had a nine millimeter firearm on his lap. Hampton was also in the possession of controlled substances. Hampton was arrested and later charged federally with one count of being a user of controlled substances in the possession of a firearm.
At the time of his arrest in connection with the federal indictment, Hampton attempted to escape arresting officers by driving his vehicle at a dangerously high rate of speed on City of St. Louis streets and the highway. Hampton violated stop signs and traffic signals. Hampton eventually lost control of his vehicle and ran. Officers chased Hampton on foot and ultimately took him into custody. The officers searched Hampton’s vehicle and recovered a stolen, loaded .40 caliber handgun.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department as part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s sustained effort to combat violent crime within the City of St. Louis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Hazelwood Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Carjacking SpreeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Jorion Garrett, 21, of Hazelwood, MO, pleaded guilty to three carjacking and two firearms charges. Garrett appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for July 31, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, on October 28, 2017, near the 5600 block of Enright Avenue, St. Louis, Garrett approached the victim from behind. Garrett pointed a handgun at the victim, took the victim’s car keys and drove away in the victim’s 2016 Dodge Charger. The Charger was later recovered near Garrett’s residence in Hazelwood, and Garrett’s DNA was located inside the vehicle.
On November 21, 2017, near the 10000 block of Edgefield, St. Louis County, Garrett and another individual pointed a firearm at a victim who had previously parked her vehicle in the driveway of her residence. Garrett told the victim to drop the keys on the seat and go in the house. He and the other individual drove away in the victim’s 2016 Dodge Journey. On December 3, 2017, police found the vehicle parked in the driveway of Garrett’s residence and later located Garrett’s DNA inside the vehicle.
On January 4, 2018, near the 8300 block of Sagewood Lane, Hazelwood, two victims were delivering food to a residence as part of the Meals on Wheels Program. One victim took the meals inside the home while the other remained standing outside near her silver 2014 Jeep. Garrett approached the victim, along with another individual who pointed a handgun at the victim, and told her to “get back.” Garrett entered the driver’s side of the Jeep and drove away with the other assailant. Garrett later fled from police while driving the Jeep, and after he abandoned it, police recovered a fingerprint and DNA belonging to Garrett from inside the vehicle.
Under the firearms charges, Garrett faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 14 years consecutive to any sentence imposed in connection with the carjacking counts, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count. 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 and Explosives is investigating this case in cooperation with the Hazelwood Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling this case.
DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
St. Louis - The United States Attorney’s Office is proud to support the DEA on Saturday, April 27, 2019, for its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The bi-annual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country. Over 90 locations will be open and participating within the Eastern District of Missouri. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
In support of the effort, U.S. Attorney Jensen noted:
“The death toll from prescription painkillers has tripled in the past decade. We know all too well that the problem is getting worse. Over 16,000 people die every year from prescription painkiller overdoses—that’s more than the number of overdoses from heroin, cocaine or any other illegal drug. Adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable. Many teens that begin abusing prescription drugs turn to heroin for a cheaper high. Saturday’s prescription drug take back is an invaluable opportunity for everyone in our community to prevent prescription drugs from getting into the wrong hands, including the hands of kids. We hope everyone takes advantage of it, with no questions asked, and we thank DEA for spearheading this effort.”
Last October, Americans turned in 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city or state.
Tax Preparer Sentenced for Falsifying Tax Returns and Stealing IdentitiesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Kela Burns, 36, of Bridgeton, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for her role in preparing fraudulent tax returns; access device fraud; social security fraud; bank fraud; and, aggravated identity theft. Burns appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to court documents, Burns fraudulently prepared federal tax returns and used identifying information of others through her business, Priority Tax Services between January 1, 2016 and April 15, 2018. In addition, she fraudulently used social security numbers not assigned to her in order to commit bank fraud between May 27, 2016 and November 16, 2016.
Burns pled guilty in December 2018 to seven counts – one count of preparing a fraudulent tax return; one count of access device fraud; two counts of social security fraud; two counts of bank fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft. Additional court filings revealed that after her guilty plea, Burns continued to file fraudulent tax returns on behalf of previous clients of her tax preparation business. As a result, of the continued criminal conduct, Burns’ lost credit for acceptance of responsibility, and was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing instead of being permitted to surrender herself to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Office of Criminal Investigation, the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Florissant Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fatal Dose of Acetyl-FentanylRead the Press Release
Jaleel Zakee Adams, 23, of Florissant, MO, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Acetyl-fentanyl Resulting in Death before Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber today. He now faces a 20 year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence.
On November 15, 2017, Florissant Police responded to a medical call in the 900 block of Torero Lane. They discovered the victim, R.I., unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The Medical Examiner determined that R.I. died as a result of acute Acetyl-fentanyl intoxication. Acetyl-fentanyl is a powerful and often deadly analogue of fentanyl developed strictly for the illicit market. It has no legitimate medical use.
In the hours prior to his death, R.I. had been communicating with a man known as “Jay” by telephone. R.I. met with “Jay” in a nearby parking lot where “Jay” sold R.I. a quantity of purported heroin. Unbeknownst to R.I., the substance was actually Acetyl-fentanyl. An investigation revealed that “Jay” was Jaleel Adams. After police made two purchases of fentanyl from Jaleel Adams, they executed a search warrant at his home in the 100 block of Kendl Court on December 29, 2017. Police located controlled substances, cash, and six firearms, one of which had been stolen during a vehicle theft the previous day.
Jaleel Adams was arrested on drug and weapons charges. Adams denied that he used heroin himself, but admitted that he sold it to make money.
United States Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen commended the outstanding work of the Florissant Police Department, which investigated the case. Jensen noted, “the Florissant Police Department has taken a leadership role locally and has aggressively investigated deaths resulting from heroin and fentanyl intoxication. These substances are deadly. Those who distribute them must be held accountable.” Florissant Police Chief Timothy Lowery echoed Jensen’s sentiments, saying, “while we are sympathetic to those individuals who struggle with substance abuse, we have no tolerance for those who engage in drug distribution for profit. These individuals present a danger to our community and we will continue to seek federal prosecution wherever possible.”
Jaleel Zakee Adams is scheduled to appear for sentencing on July 17, 2019.
Two St. Louis Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking at Clinton-Peabody Housing ComplexRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Daichi Horiace, 42, of St. Louis, and Marquise Cortez Brown, 26, of St. Louis, were sentenced to 120 months and 70 months in prison, respectively. Both were involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl centered in the Clinton-Peabody housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis. Fentanyl is a controlled substance that is deadly in doses of only a few milligrams. Both appeared before the Honorable Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, Horiace and Brown acted as distributors for drug customers seeking fentanyl in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Horiace, Brown and their other associates used various apartments within the Clinton-Peadoby housing complex for purposes of storing and distributing fentanyl, among other things.
Horiace and Brown each pleaded to one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in January 2019.
Today’s sentencings are the first two obtained in connection with the on-going U.S. Attorney’s Office Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and investigation into drug distribution activity centered in the Clinton-Peabody public housing complex on the near south side of the City of St. Louis. The investigation has included, among other things, the execution of more than fifteen federal search warrants resulting in the seizure of numerous firearms and controlled substances and was the subject of an important public forum involving law enforcement, citizens, and residents of the Clinton-Peabody complex held on August 3, 2018, at the Peabody Elementary School.
“Year to date, violent crime through March in the Peabody Neighborhood has gone down 59%. That statistic speaks to the positive impact that collaborative efforts such as these can have on a neighborhood and for that I’m very thankful,” said Chief John Hayden, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen commended the coordination of the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies involved, “The efforts of these dedicated law enforcement officers and their respective agencies dismantled the drug distribution organization operating at Clinton-Peabody. Today marks a first step in holding the members of that organization accountable through significant prison time for the poison each was dealing.”
This case was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis Division of the FBI, the St. Louis Division of the DEA, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.
Sunset Hills Man Sentenced for Falsifying Tax Refunds and Ordered to Pay $531,000 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Terry L. Zintel, 62, of Sunset Hills, MO, was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison for three counts of falsifying claims. He appeared in federal court yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Henry Autrey and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $531,947.75.
According to court documents, between 2012 and 2014, Terry L. Zintel was a 50% owner and operator of the biofuel plant, Midwest Biodiesel Products, located in Roxanna, Illinois. As co-owner and operator, Zintel presented to the Internal Revenue Service at least three claims for refund for excise taxes in 2013. As a result of these fraudulent claims and others, the IRS incurred a total tax loss of $531,947.75.
“We will continue to be relentless in our mission to stop tax schemes and bring the criminals who run them to justice,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office of IRS, Criminal Investigation. “Tax credits are tax incentives; not an incentive to steal from the government.”
“A strong enforcement program is essential to maintaining the integrity of the RINs market,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Martinez of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Missouri. “Today’s sentencing shows that EPA and their law enforcement partners will continue to hold parties accountable when they defraud their customers and Renewable Fuel Standards program.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll was handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Man Sentenced on Racketeering and Prostitution ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – La’ron Clower, 29, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for his involvement in racketeering and prostitution charges. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie White.
According to court documents, between July 2016 and November 2016, Clower recruited 15-year-old DK and 22-year-old BC for purposes of prostitution. Clower prostituted them via advertisements placed on Backpage.com. This activity included renting hotel rooms and communicating with victims and clients via the Internet and cellular phones. Clower would transport DK and BC from St. Louis County, Missouri to a truck stop in Illinois so that DK and BC could engage in commercial sex acts.
Clower pled guilty in January 2019 to one count of Interstate Travel or Transportation with Intent to Promote Prostitution.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Charles County Police Department, the Bridgeton Police department and the Kirkwood Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Howard Marcus prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Stealing Credit Cards at the Plaza Frontenac CinemaRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Alfred L. Ford, Jr., 30, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Ford appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie White who ordered him to pay $24,639.32 in restitution.
According to court records, between May 27, 2017, and continuing until at least January 27, 2018, Ford and others stole and obtained without authorization credit and debit cards of individual patrons at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema in St. Louis, Missouri. Ford and his co-conspirators then used the stolen credit and debit cards, without permission of the true account holders, to make purchases at various Walmart stores within the Eastern District of Missouri. The total loss amount from the conspiracy to commit access device fraud is $36,514.57.
Ford pled guilty in January of 2019 and co-defendant Zakia Johnson is awaiting trial.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Two Individuals Sentenced for Mail Fraud and Ordered to Pay $746,000 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Bobby J. Woods, 50, of Stillwater, MN, and Alan Johnson, 64, of Collinsville, IL, were sentenced to a year and a day in prison and probation, respectively, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. They appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry. In addition to the sentences, the Court ordered them to pay restitution in the amount of $746,293.13.
According to court documents, Woods and Johnson engaged in a long-term conspiracy to defraud Johnson’s employer, BMI, an industrial manufacturing company located in East St. Louis, Illinois. Woods, an outside vendor, sold equipment to BMI at prices that were falsely inflated by between 26% and 102%. Woods then paid Johnson, BMI’s plant manager, over $167,000 in kickbacks to ensure that Johnson would secure payment by BMI on the fraudulently inflated invoices.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Lindsay McClure-Hartman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Bridgeton Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Matthew Gregory, 34, of Bridgeton, MO, pled guilty to one felony count of Possession and Accessing with the Intent to View Child Pornography. Gregory appeared before United States District Judge Henry Autrey and set sentencing for July 16, 2019.
According to court documents, on January 25, 2017, while at Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Inc., Gregory purchased a cell phone and used the Internet with his cell phone to access child pornography to view more than 600 images of child pornography. He admitted searching and viewing child pornography on a chat website where pornography was exchanged.
Gregory faces a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. 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 SA John “Mark” Burbridge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Livergood is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Woman Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Attack Planned Parenthood Facility and StaffRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The Department of Justice today announced that defendant Maria Terry, 47, pleaded guilty to violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and transmitting a threatening communication over the internet for posting on Twitter threatening to “blow up” Planned Parenthood facilities and injure Planned Parenthood staff. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division made the announcement.
“Today’s guilty plea is an important one,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “The Department of Justice takes violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act extremely seriously. This office will continue to prosecute violations of the Act, as was the case here, to ensure that every person’s rights are protected and preserved under the law.”
"The FBI takes all threats seriously, whether a threat is made in person or through the internet," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "As demonstrated in this case, the threat does not have to be carried out to violate the FACE Act."
According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 7, 2018, Terry posted a public message, or “tweet,” on Twitter directed at Planned Parenthood Action Fund threatening to blow up the facilities. The tweet was viewable to the public on Twitter and was directed at the user account “@PPact,” which is an account operated by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Terry admitted in court documents that by publishing the tweet, she was intending to make a threat and knew that it would be viewed as a threat. Additionally, Terry admitted that she intended to intimidate or interfere with persons seeking access to, or providing, reproductive health services through Planned Parenthood.
Terry faces a maximum statutory penalty of one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000 for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for transmitting a threatening communication over the internet.
Trial Attorney Emily Savner of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, prosecuted the case along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FBI’s St. Louis Field Office conducted the federal investigation.
United States Attorney's Office Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019Read the Press Release
St. Louis – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, in commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 7–13, 2019, is supporting events throughout the community to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights and introduce the community to the important resources and services available. According to the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced 3.1 million violent victimizations and U.S. households experienced an estimated 13.3 million property crimes in 2017.
Advancement of victims’ rights and issues surrounding victimization will occur throughout the week, including:
- Vigil for families of homicide victims and crime survivors on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Saints Teresa & Bridget Church, 2401 N. Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106
- MADD’s annual “Card Making Event” in support of victims of victims of drunk or drugged driving will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at MADD’s Missouri State Office, 500 Northwest Plaza, # 705, Saint Louis, MO 63074
- Gun lock giveaway will be held on Monday, April 8, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Crime Victim Center, 539 N. Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63103
- Trivia night to benefit the Saint Louis Crime Victim Center is also scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the JFK Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant, MO 63031
- National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Closing Fair scheduled from 2 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019, at the Emerson Performance Center, 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
“Every crime victim deserves our honor and respect. This week is an important opportunity for each of us, as a member of this community, to show our unyielding support of all victims and renew our commitment to keeping our community and its members safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “This office is humbled by the strength of those who have survived a crime and those friends, family members, and victim advocates who support and fight for those members of our community who have been victimized. We stand with you each and every day.”
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The United States Attorney’s Office encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/ and via the Saint Louis Crime Victim Center at 314.652.3623 or visit the Crime Victim Center’s website at www.supportvictims.org. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Eastern District of Missouri) Victim Witness Program at (314) 539-2200.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Conspiracy that Resulted in Shooting Death of Co-ConspiratorRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Kathleen Marie Hydar, 31, of Jefferson County, pled guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and sentencing has been set for July 9, 2019.
According to court documents, in the evening hours of October 10, 2017 and into the early morning hours of October 11, 2017, Hydar invited co-defendant Courtney Brown to come from the City of Saint Louis to Jefferson County, Missouri. Hydar had informed Brown that she knew of a way for them to “make some money” that evening. Brown picked up Hydar in a vehicle being driven by Ramone Thomas. Also in the car were co-defendants Paris Devine, Raymond Seay, and an unindicted subject.
When Hydar got into the vehicle, she informed Devine and other members of the group that she knew of a location where they could steal large amounts of methamphetamine, United States currency, and firearms. Hydar instructed the driver, Ramone Thomas, to make a stop at another residence prior to going to the aforementioned target location. While at this residence, Hydar described, in detail, where Brown, Devine, Seay, and Ramone Thomas could locate a large amount of methamphetamine, firearms, and currency within a trailer owned by victim Chad Coffman. After describing where the others could locate these items, Hydar got back into the vehicle and proceeded to direct the driver, Ramone Thomas, to the victim’s residence. Hydar also made a phone call to victim Chad Coffman to ensure he would not be home when the group arrived to burglarize his trailer.
When they arrived at the victim’s residence shortly before 4:00 a.m. on October 11, 2017, Brown, Devine, Seay, and Thomas exited the vehicle, kicked in the main door, and made entry.
Shortly after Seay, Brown, Devine, and Ramone Thomas entered, victim Chad Coffman arrived home and interrupted the burglary. Hydar jumped into the driver’s seat of the vehicle and fled the scene.
While in the trailer, Thomas, Seay, Devine, and Brown heard victim Chad Coffman arrive home. Ramone Thomas passed off a firearm he had brought to the residence to co-defendant Courtney Brown, and they all attempted to flee from the trailer. As Brown exited the residence, he turned the corner, raised the firearm, and discharged it one time, believing he was shooting at victim Chad Coffman. The projectile struck Ramone Thomas in front of the residence, killing him.
Chad Coffman pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Paris Devine pleaded guilty on February 11, 2019 and is set for sentencing on July 9, 2019. Raymond Seay pleaded guilty on March 13, 2019 and is set for sentencing on June 11, 2019. Courtney Brown pleaded guilty on March 29, 2019 and is set for sentencing on June 25, 2019.
Hydar faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Major Case Squad and the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office.
St. Louis County Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, 44, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists. Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for June 18, 2019. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri, Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Division and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers made the announcement.
Charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, Nihad Rosic, of Utica, New York, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants are charged with conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and with providing material support to terrorists. Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Nihad Rosic are also charged with conspiring to murder and maim persons in a foreign country. Armin Harcevic pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic pleaded guilty on March 21, 2019. The remaining defendants have pled not guilty. As is always 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.
“Disrupting and preventing terrorist activities are critical priorities for this District in its continuing mission to protect our Nation's security. I commend the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their commitment and tenacity in a lengthy, complex, and successful investigation and prosecution. But, make no mistake, our work in this regard is never done,” said United States Attorney Jeffrey Jensen.
"Ramiz Hodzic solicited and collected money from the other defendants,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “He sent more than $10,000 worth of materials and cash to terrorist overseas, including to a St. Louisan who was killed fighting for ISIS.”
Hodzic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000 for each count. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
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 Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, 44, of St. Louis County, Missouri, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists. Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for June 18, 2019. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri and Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Division made the announcement.
Charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, Nihad Rosic, of Utica, New York, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants are charged with conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and with providing material support to terrorists. Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Nihad Rosic are also charged with conspiring to murder and maim persons in a foreign country. Armin Harcevic, pleaded guilty on Feb. 25, 2019, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic pleaded guilty on March 21, 2019. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty. As is always 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.
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 Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former Police Officer Sentenced for Corruption ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Mark Taylor, 50, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 days in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for un-redacted accident reports while a police officer with the City of St. Louis. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr.
According to court documents, between 2007 and 2016, Dr. Mitchell Davis owned and operated Davis Chiropractic Clinic, now known as City Health and Chiropractic. Located on Lindell Blvd in St. Louis, the clinic primarily provided services to accident victims. Galina Davis assisted Dr. Davis in identifying, soliciting, and scheduling potential accident victims.
According to SLMPD policy, the SLMPD will provide un-redacted accident reports only to persons involved in the accidents, the companies insuring them, or the lawyers representing them. Un-redacted accident reports contain detailed information, including addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, and insurance information of the occupants of the vehicles. Dr. Davis and Galina Davis knew that the SLMPD would not disclose un-redacted police reports to them. To get around this policy, Galina Davis and Dr. Davis recruited, solicited, and paid individual SLMPD police officers to obtain un-redacted accident reports for them.
Using the information from the un-redacted reports, Galina Davis contacted accident victims, identified herself as Gail, Allison, Kelly, Laura, or Shannon, and offered the accident victims free services at Davis Chiropractic. Dr. Davis and Galina Davis focused on identifying accident victims from neighborhoods where there was a large concentration of low-income victims. They believed that low-income individuals would be more receptive to their solicitations and offers of free services.
Taylor admitted to taking cash payments in exchange for providing un-redacted reports. Co-defendants Marlon Caldwell and Cauncenet Brown were sentenced to 13 months in prison and 10 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in the scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Reginald Harris are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Marketers Convicted in Kickback and Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Reuben Goodwin, 53, of Richton Park, IL; Phillip Jones, 58, of Markham, IL; and Dwight McTizic, 47, of Hazel Crest, IL; were convicted by a jury today in U.S. District Court of conspiring to pay illegal kickbacks and to commit health care fraud and 11 counts of health care fraud. The trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig, who scheduled the sentencing hearing for July 12, 2019.
According to trial documents, Anthony Camillo, the managing partner of AMS Medical Laboratory Inc. (AMS) in St. Louis, Missouri, paid illegal kickbacks to “marketers” Goodwin, Jones, McTizic, and others who referred specimens, such as blood, saliva, and urine, to AMS. Per the agreements with the marketers, Camillo and AMS submitted reimbursement claims to Medicare and Medicaid for tests performed on the medical specimens, although the marketers and Camillo knew the Medicare and Medicaid Programs would not pay for tests on specimens obtained by illegal kickbacks. (The Federal Anti-Kickback law prohibits payments to individuals on a per item or percentage basis in return for referring services reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid.). Anthony Camillo paid the marketers 50% of the profit and in some instances paid the marketers as much as $200 for each specimen referred to AMS. According to trial documents, Jones, Goodwin and McTizic were associated with several health service businesses in the Chicago area and referred specimens to AMS. The specimens were often obtained at health fairs held in businesses and churches in Illinois and Indiana. In many instances, the marketers used the names of doctors on orders for tests, although the doctors did not know the patients and had never ordered the tests.
Defendants face a penalty of five years imprisonment on the conspiracy count, ten years imprisonment on each health care fraud count, and a $250,000 fine on each count.
This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Gwendolyn Carroll handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Savon Durphey, a/k/a “JRod,” 25, of St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set sentencing for July 11, 2019.
According to court documents, on or about October 28, 2016, St. Ann Police attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding. The vehicle failed to stop, and the passenger threw an object from the window. Police retrieved the item and discovered it to be a plastic bag containing approximately 145 capsules. Laboratory tests later confirmed that the capsules contained fentanyl, a dangerous controlled substance. Durphey, the driver of the vehicle, later admitted that he had handed the fentanyl to his 17-year-old passenger and instructed her to throw it out the window. Durphey was discovered to be in possession of a loaded .40 caliber handgun.
On or about March 10, 2017, Durphey again fled from law enforcement; this time, the Ferguson Police Department and the Major Case Squad, who attempted to stop his vehicle. Durphey fled until his vehicle struck a fence and became immobile. Police once again found drugs in Durphey’s vehicle, along with a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Durphey admitted that he was a drug dealer, claiming that he made approximately $800 per day selling drugs.
Durphey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life, along with a possible fine of not more than a $250,000. He could receive both a prison sentence 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Ann Police Department, and the Ferguson Police Department.
Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Mediha Medy Salkicevic, a/k/a Medy Ummuluna, a/k/a Bosna Mexico, 38, pled guilty today to one federal count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Salkicevic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted her plea and set her sentencing for June 18, 2019.
According to court documents, on or before February 5, 2015, Salkicevic 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. Salkicevic intended to support and provide 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. The support consisted of money and supplies such as military uniforms, first aid material, rifle scopes, combat boots, and other supplies useful to fighters engaged in combat.
Salkicevic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis and Chicago 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 Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Undocumented IllegalsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Defendant Rene Flores-Calderon, 35 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to eight counts of transportation of undocumented aliens who had come to, entered and remained in the United States in violation of law and to his illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported. He appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing for May 15, 2019.
According to court documents, on August 2, 2018, a Missouri State Highway Patrolman stopped a maroon Chevrolet Suburban eastbound on Interstate 44, just east of the Franklin County line, in St. Louis County, Missouri. Flores-Calderon was inside the vehicle. The suburban also contained 10 undocumented adult aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador and three undocumented unaccompanied minor children. During the stop, Flores-Calderon fled the scene on foot but was apprehended the next day.
Flores-Calderon admitted in court at the time of his guilty pleas that he knew or recklessly disregarded the fact that the passengers were undocumented aliens in the United States in violation of the law and that he transported the passengers within the United States with the intent to further the alien’s unlawful presence.
Interviews were conducted of the passengers in the vehicle. In summary they stated that they had crossed at various points into the United States illegally. Flores-Calderon picked them up in Arizona and drove eastbound. Several of the passengers indicated that they or members of their family had paid smugglers to get them into the country and to their destination. Others indicated they paid or were going to pay Flores-Calderon to transport them to various cities in the United States.
Flores-Calderon had previously been deported from the United States following convictions for illegal entry and reentry into the United States at least six times.
Flores-Calderon faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both per count. 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 United States Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from the Missouri Highway Patrol, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Eureka Police Department and the Pacific Police Department.
Former Police Officer Sentenced for Federal Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Marlon Caldwell, 52, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for un-redacted accident reports while a police officer with the City of St. Louis. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr.
According to court documents, between 2007 and 2016, Dr. Mitchell Davis owned and operated Davis Chiropractic Clinic, now known as City Health and Chiropractic. Located on Lindell Blvd in St. Louis, the clinic primarily provided services to accident victims. Galina Davis assisted Dr. Davis in identifying, soliciting, and scheduling potential accident victims.
According to SLMPD policy, the SLMPD will provide un-redacted accident reports only to persons involved in the accidents, the companies insuring them, or the lawyers representing them. Un-redacted accident reports contain detailed information, including addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, and insurance information of the occupants of the vehicles. Dr. Davis and Galina Davis knew that the SLMPD would not disclose un-redacted police reports to them. To get around this policy, Galina Davis and Dr. Davis recruited, solicited, and paid individual SLMPD police officers to obtain un-redacted accident reports for them.
Using the information from the un-redacted reports, Galina Davis contacted accident victims, identified herself as Gail, Allison, Kelly, Laura, or Shannon, and offered the accident victims free services at Davis Chiropractic. Dr. Davis and Galina Davis focused on identifying accident victims from neighborhoods where there was a large concentration of low-income victims. They believed that low-income individuals would be more receptive to their solicitations and offers of free services.
Caldwell admitted to facilitating this exchange of cash for reports. Caldwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to accept bribes on December 7, 2018. Co-defendant Mark Taylor admitted to a substantive count of bribery and will be sentenced April 3, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Reginald Harris are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Fake Nurse Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Benjamin David Danneman, 37, of Eureka, pled guilty on March 13, 2019 to federal charges of healthcare fraud, social security fraud and aggravated identity fraud. He appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White who accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing for June 12, 2019.
According to court documents, Danneman was not a nurse, but used the name and nursing license number of an actual licensed registered nurse to obtain work in the St. Louis area at Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village, the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, and Des Peres Healthcare. Danneman was hired by Des Peres as the assistant director of nursing at the Quarters of Des Peres at an annual salary of $68,000. At these health care facilities, he was responsible for the day to day care of patients needing skilled nursing care. Further, according to court documents, during 2017 and 2018 in at least six states, Danneman used the names, Social Security account numbers, nursing license numbers, and other personal identifying information of several persons to rent apartments and to obtain a driver’s license, loans, credit cards, and insurance.
“Ensuring that our beneficiaries are provided quality care by appropriately licensed providers is a top priority of our office,” said Steven Hanson, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Region of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Individuals who steal the identity of licensed providers and then seek to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries will be aggressively investigated by our office.”
Healthcare fraud charge carries a penalty up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of more than $250,000; social security fraud charge carries a penalty up to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000; and aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two year period of incarceration 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 U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Four Romanian Nationals Indicted for Using the Identity of Another to Obtain "Skimmer" EquipmentRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Four Romanian nationals from Glendale, Arizona, were indicted for conspiring to commit bank fraud by using counterfeit credit and debit cards to make automated teller machine withdrawals, and to obtain the shipment of device-making equipment through U.S. Postal Service through the use of the identity of others.
On February 13, 2019, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department discovered a package that was being mailed to a UPS store in Richmond Heights, Missouri. After obtaining a search warrant for the package they discovered that it contained two point-of-sale terminals with skimming devices attached. The point of sale terminals were of the type used by retail establishments when customers desire to pay with their credit and debit cards. Through use of the attached skimming devices, individuals are able to harvest the account information of the stores’ customers, and produce counterfeit cards embedded with the stolen information.
Stefan Unguru and wife, Gina Unguru, were arrested as they tried to retrieve the package from the UPS Store personnel. They also sought to pick up another package mailed to Stefan Unguru. That package contained an additional nine point-of-sale terminals.
A subsequent investigation by agents of the United States Secret Service and detectives of the St. Louis County Police Department revealed that between March 24, 2018 and March 26, 2018, Stefan Unguru, Banta Unguru, and Marcu Unguru used counterfeit cards embedded with the account information of more than nine people to make automated teller machine withdrawals in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
Stefan Unguru, 47, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; access device fraud; possession of device-making equipment; and, aggravated identity theft;
Gina Unguru, 46, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; possession of device-making equipment; and, aggravated identity theft;
Banta Unguru, 27, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; access device fraud; and aggravated identity theft; and
Marcu Unguru, 19, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; and aggravated identity theft.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum of: 30 years for the offenses of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud; 15 years for the crime of possession of device-making equipment; and, 10 years for the crime of access device fraud. The crime of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory term of incarceration of two years for each count of conviction.
As is always 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.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former Washington University Official Sentenced for Embezzling from Medical SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Barbara “Basia” Skudrzyk, a/k/a Barbara “Basia” Najarro, 38, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for three counts of mail fraud. She appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Sippel and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $381,583.50.
Skudrzyk was employed as the Business Director for the Division of Medical Education at Washington University. According to the plea agreement, beginning in May 2010 and continuing through July 31, 2018, Skudrzyk defrauded Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri of approximately $400,000 through various means. On many occasions, Skudrzyk hired contractors and other service providers to perform personal services for her benefit, and at her personal residence. She would then create, submit and approve false invoices and false W-9 tax forms for these contractors and other service providers to make it appear as if they had performed work for the Division of Medical Education when they had not. Skudrzyk approved and processed payment to these contractors and other service providers from Washington University’s funds. These service providers included a moving company, a home cleaning service, a divorce law firm, residential painters and construction companies, a jewelry boutique, a babysitter, and various other vendors and contractors. Further, Skudrzyk purchased VISA gift cards at the Washington University bookstore, forging another Washington University employee’s signature on the receipts and charging the purchases to the Division of Medical Education. Skudrzyk then used the VISA gift cards for her own personal use, including for purchases at restaurants, a jewelry store, and a number of other retailers. Additionally, Skudrzyk falsified and changed invoices from two different travel companies for airline flights for herself and her family to such places as Krakow, Poland, Munich, Germany, Bangkok, Thailand, Toronto, Canada, West Palm Beach, Florida, New York City, and Dallas and San Antonio, Texas. Skudrzyk submitted, processed and approved these falsified invoices in order to get Washington University to pay for the personal trips.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Washington University Police Department, with the assistance and cooperation of Washington University. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal Jury Convicts St. Louis Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Merwin Smith, 41, of St. Louis, MO, was convicted by a jury today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis for one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Smith’s trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge John Ross who set a sentencing hearing for June 13, 2019.
According to testimony at trial, on July 17, 2016, Normandy, Missouri police were investigating a property crime at 2:00 a.m. when they observed Smith commit a traffic violation and hurriedly pull his vehicle into a driveway, striking a car that was already parked in the driveway. A Normandy Police Department Officer, in marked car and uniform, next observed Smith exit the vehicle, lean back in, and observed Smith throw a dark object out of the car’s passenger window. Following a brief search, the officer located a fully loaded .45 caliber pistol that landed on an adjacent sidewalk with scrape marks consistent with the firearm striking concrete. Smith has a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon.
Smith faces a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or both. 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 Normandy Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Rodney Holmes and Cassie Wiemken.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Carjacking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Michael Corey Williams, Jr., 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 123 months in prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2016, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department ("SLMPD") responded to the Stadium West Garage located at 800 Clark Avenue for a robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with victims A.W. and K.N. The victims advised that after entering A.W.'s vehicle, two white males exited a Ford F-150 that was parked to the right of A.W.'s 2010 Audi S5. Co-defendant Christopher White ("White") approached the driver's side and pointed a small revolver at A.W., demanded his keys, and ordered him out of the vehicle and onto the ground. Michael Corey Williams, Jr. approached K.N. on the passenger side, demanded her purse, and ordered her to the ground. After White was unable to operate the vehicle, Williams re-entered the Ford F-150 and fled the scene. White fled on foot. Officers were able to track K.N. 's phone to the intersection of South 7th Street and Cerre Street in downtown St. Louis where they located the Ford F-150 unoccupied. The Ford F-150, in which officers located various stolen items, bore stolen North Carolina plates on top of the original Arkansas license plates. Officers then determined the Ford F-150 had been stolen out of West Memphis, Arkansas, on June 20, 2016. Williams’ fingerprints were located on the driver's door of the Ford F-150. Williams’ and White's DNA were located on various items found inside the Ford F-150. During the attempted carjacking of the Audi, Williams admitted that he intended to cause death or serious bodily injury, if necessary, to steal the Audi. Williams further admitted that he aided and abetted co-defendant White's possession of a firearm in furtherance of the attempted carjacking.
Co-defendant Christopher White is scheduled for sentencing on May 15, 2019.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Maryland Heights Woman Convicted of Embezzling from EmployerRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Wende Terrill, 48, of Maryland Heights, MO, was convicted by a jury today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis for one count of wire fraud. Terrill’s trial took place before U.S. District Court Judge Rodney Sippel and set a sentencing hearing for June 20, 2019.
According to testimony at trial, in 2017, Terrill was serving as Controller for Midwest Petroleum where she embezzled approximately $210,000. Terrill’s scheme involved a wire transfer and numerous checks fraudulently issued by her from company funds. The checks were then converted by her to cashier’s checks and written to “vendors” that had not actually performed any services for the company. Terrill concealed her scheme through manipulation of internal company records and false representations to co-workers. Some of the funds were traced overseas, but the ultimate end recipients were unable to be determined.
"Not all criminals wear a mask and point a gun," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "In this case, Wende Terrill was a beloved long-time employee who abused that trust to embezzle more than $200,000 from a family-owned business."
Terrill faces a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or both. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Lindsay McClure-Hartman.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Sweepstakes Scheme Targeting Elderly Missouri ResidentRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Fernando Reyes, 38, a resident of Florida, pled guilty today to federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry who accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing for June 7, 2019.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2016, a Missouri resident over the age of 80 began receiving telephone calls from unknown individuals that he had won large sums of money through a sweepstakes. In order to secure his winnings, the Missouri resident was advised to mail various amounts of money to an individual in New Hampshire and Reyes in Florida. The callers identified Reyes was identified as a federal attorney. That representation was false as Reyes was not, and had never been, affiliated with the United States Department of Justice or any other federal agency or department.
Reyes received four checks totaling $53,000, and deposited them into his personal financial accounts. After the deposits, Reyes electronically transmitted a portion of the funds to an individual in Costa Rica, and kept the remaining funds for his personal use.
Reyes also admitted engaging in similar conduct with a resident of the Northern District of Alabama, and received $45,000 from that elderly individual.
Reyes faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $250,000 or both per count. 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 United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the United States Department of Justice on-going effort to combat elder fraud nationwide. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Arizona Man Sentenced on Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Matthew Burkett, 47, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced today to one year and one day for defrauding investors and customers of Predator Tactical, LLC, his firearms manufacturing business. Burkett was also ordered to pay $576.100.48 restitution in total to various individuals and businesses. Burkett appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, Burkett owned and operated Predator Tactical, LLC, a business involved in the manufacturing of custom, high-end firearms which was established in 2010 and located in Tempe, Arizona. Burkett advertised his business across the United States. Pursuant to those efforts, Burkett, representing Predator Tactical, LLC, attended the NRA gun show in St. Louis, Missouri in April 2012. At the show, Burkett advertised and marketed Predator Tactical, LLC products. An individual (referred to here as P.S.) became a customer of Predator Tactical, LLC due to interactions with Burkett at that show.
On July 21, 2012, Burkett met with P.S. again in St. Louis for the purpose of discussing an investment of $50,000 to be paid by P.S. to Predator Tactical, LLC as an investment option, or alternatively as a deposit for future firearm purchases. On July 25, 2012, that agreement was ratified and P.S. caused his bank to wire $50,000 from his account in St. Louis to Predator Tactical, LLC’s bank account in Arizona.
Burkett, contrary to agreement, fraudulently misappropriated that money for personal use. On December 4, 2012, P.S., declining to use the option to invest in Predator Tactical, LLC by the terms of the agreement, placed an order for firearm purchases previously paid for by the $50,000. Burkett and Predator Tactical, LLC however, did not deliver any of the firearms as promised.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney John Ware handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Two Sentenced for Heroin, Fentanyl and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – James Earl Paulette, 37, of Saint Louis County, was sentenced to five years imprisonment today for charges related to heroin and fentanyl distribution and illegal firearm possession. Paulette appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey. Co-defendant Terrell Lee Davis, 33, of Saint Louis County, was previously sentenced to five years imprisonment on similar charges.
According to court documents, between August 16 and 28, 2017, Paulette and Davis repeatedly sold over 60 capsules of heroin in Saint Louis County, Missouri. On August 28, 2017, Davis was arrested after distributing heroin. At the time of arrest, Davis possessed a loaded pistol, ammunition, and additional controlled substances including heroin, fentanyl, marijuana and methamphetamine.
That same day, a search warrant was executed at Paulette's residence in St. Louis County, Missouri. Multiple firearms and controlled substances were recovered including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Sara Koppenaal is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Ellisville Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – William Glaser, 61, of Ellisville, Missouri, pled guilty to federal charges of wire fraud. He appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge John Ross who accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing for June 7, 2019.
According to court documents, Glaser solicited more than $1,000,000 in investments from three former clients. The investments went to Paul Creager of Everett Builders whose St Louis County construction company was liquidated by creditors. Between 2015 and 2016, Glaser was working as a financial advisor for and misled his clients by falsely representing he had put his own money into Creager’s company and by failing to disclose that he was receiving large commissions out of his client’s funds. In order to liquidate his clients’ investments so that they could go to Creager, Glaser facilitated the establishment of self-directed IRAs on his clients’ behalf. Soon after the establishment of these accounts, Creager placed large portions of his clients’ retirement portfolios into high-yield unsecured promissory notes with Creager’s company. No payments were made on any of the notes.
Glaser faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $250,000 or both per count. Restitution to the victims is also mandatory and the government is seeking a money judgment by way of a forfeiture allegation to further facilitate the recovery of any funds available for restitution. 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 St. Louis division of the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Washington County Ambulance District Administrator Sentenced on Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis – William Gum, 49, of Potosi, Missouri, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment today for his defrauding of a federal benefits program. He was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the Washington County Ambulance District and forfeited $95,000 to the United States of America. In November 2018, Gum pleaded guilty to four counts of public corruption, defrauding a federal program. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry.
According to court documents, Gum served as District Administrator of the Washington County Ambulance District. In addition to working full time as the District Administrator, Gum worked as a part-time Captain in the Potosi Police Department. While collecting a full-time salary from the Ambulance District, Gum also collected a salary from the Potosi Police Department. Despite Ambulance District restrictions to the contrary, Gum consistently paid himself additional salary and benefits pulled from public funding -- while also collecting a significant salary and benefits from the Potosi Police Department.
More specifically and among other things, Gum paid himself more of a salary than was authorized by the Ambulance District; used Ambulance District credit cards for personal purchases; and used Ambulance District funds to pay health insurance benefits for his family members. (Other Ambulance District employees were required to pay those premiums out-of-pocket.) Over the course of at least ten years -- including between 2012 to 2017 -- Gum embezzled over $262,000 of public funds.
After today’s sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “Abuse of the public’s trust by anyone will not go undisclosed or unpunished. We are pleased with the sentence imposed by the Court and appreciative of the investigators’ and prosecution team’s hard work.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeannette Graviss is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Two Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry and Use of False PassportsRead the Press Release
St. Louis –Fatima Ciecierska, a/k/a Fatyma Minikiewicz, a/k/a Ewa Antoniewicz, 47, and Adam Dytlow, a/k/a Adam Jedynak, a/k/a Robert Antoniewicz, 50, who were both Polish Nationals, were sentenced today. Ciecierska and Dytlow were sentenced to time served for aggravated illegal re-entry in the United States, and use of a false passport. Both are subject to deportation and removal from the United States at the conclusion of their sentences. Both appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge Audrey Fleissig.
Defendants are both natives and citizens of Poland. According to court documents, on or about June 27, 2018, defendants were arrested for suspicion of stealing at a retail store in Brentwood, Missouri. Both defendants were found to be in possession of false and counterfeit Polish passports, in false names, that included counterfeit Visas. Both defendants had previously been deported from the United States to Poland; Ciecierska during 2007, and Dytlow during 2009. Neither had obtained the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for admission to the United States.
This case was investigated by the State Department Diplomatic Security Service and U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Derek Whitfield, 36, of St. Louis, pled guilty to federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey who accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing for May 28, 2019.
According to court documents, on November 20, 2017, Whitfield was driving behind a vehicle occupied by two individuals. Whitfield fired shots at them as he drove past. Whitfield then turned his vehicle around and fired additional shots at the victims. The shots fired by Whitfield struck the victims’ car and a residence. Responding police officers recovered 15 shell casings from the scene.
As part of the on-going investigation, police officers executed a search warrant at Whitfield’s house on December 21, 2017. At the time of execution, Whitfield attempted to flee but was taken into custody. From inside Whitfield’s residence, police officers recovered, among other things, a loaded, stolen firearm; fentanyl; cocaine base (crack); marijuana; digital scales; and drug packaging materials.
Whitfield faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both for being a felon in the possession of a firearm. Each drug charge carries with it a maximum term of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. Whitfield’s possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking is punishable by not less than five years imprisonment consecutive to all other charges. 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 St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Distributing Heroin that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Today, Anthony Marion, a/k/a “Bird,” 33, and Lauren Nicole Martinez, a/k/a “Nikki,” 30, both from St. Charles, Missouri, entered guilty pleas related to heroin distribution that resulted in death from the use of such heroin. Marion pleaded guilty to one count of distributing heroin resulting in death. Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of heroin distribution. Both appeared before the Honorable Rodney W. Sippel to change and enter their respective guilty pleas.
According to court documents, Martinez agreed to provide two individuals with heroin on February 26, 2016. She contacted her source, Marion, who met Martinez in the parking lot of a White Castle restaurant in St. Charles, Missouri. There, Marion provided heroin to Martinez, who then provided it to the victim. At the time she distributed the heroin, Martinez described it as “strong” and cautioned the victim to be careful. During a later interview, Martinez admitted that she knew multiple people who had overdosed on heroin.
Despite learning of the individual’s death, Martinez and Marion continued to distribute heroin in the subsequent weeks and months. As part of the on-going investigation into the heroin-related death, investigators arranged and made a controlled purchased of heroin from Marion and Martinez in March 2016. On May 9, 2016, Marion was arrested in the possession of heroin and a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen commended the effectiveness of the investigative team and prosecutor in achieving today’s guilty pleas, “Heroin kills. It is as simple as that. Heroin dealers -- whether they kill someone or not -- will be facing long sentences.” This investigation exemplifies both of those points.”
Sentencing for Marion is set for June 14, 2019. He faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years and up to life imprisonment and a fine $1 million. Martinez’s sentencing date is June 7, 2019. She faces imprisonment of up to 20 years. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department, and the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task.
Man Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Armin Harcevic, 41, pled guilty today to an indictment in this case that charged him with one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and one count of providing material support to terrorists. Harcevic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted his plea and set his sentencing for June 7, 2019.
“Armin Harcevic admitted to sending money to terrorists overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. “By doing so, he actively supported those seeking to do harm to the U.S. and our allies.”
Charged in the indictment are: Armin Harcevic, Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, Nihad Rosic, of Utica, New York, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants are charged with conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and with providing material support to terrorists. Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Nihad Rosic are also charged with conspiring to kill and maim persons in a foreign country. The remaining defendants have pled not guilty. As is always 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.
Harcevic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000 for each count. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
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 Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
St. Louis Man Indicted on Additional Federal Charge of Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Antonio Adrian Minnis, Jr., 26, of St. Louis, MO, was charged today in a superseding indictment with felony charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and distributing a controlled substance which resulted in the death of another. Minnis was originally charged with the federal gun crime in January 2019. Today’s superseding indictment added the federal drug charge.
According to the superseding indictment and court documents, Minnis was responsible for distributing fentanyl that caused the death of another individual on or about July 18, 2018. Then, on September 16, 2018, Minnis possessed a Glock 19 nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol despite the fact that Minnis had been previously convicted of a felony crime.
Following the return of today’s indictment, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen commended law enforcement’s continued investigation into Minnis’ criminal activity. “Today’s charge is another example of this Office’s commitment to combating the opioid epidemic that is taking far too many lives far too often. Just because a person is indicted does not mean that the investigation stops. That was certainly the case here.”
If convicted, the charge of felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The drug distribution charge carries a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years and not more than life with a fine of not more than $1 million dollars or both. 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 Saint Louis County Police Department.
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.
Dog Abuser Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Paul “Paco” Garcia, 39, of Barnhart, was charged in a federal indictment with one felony count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Garcia possessed one or more firearms on September 14, 2018, despite being previously convicted of a felony crime.
If convicted, Garcia faces a penalty up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or both. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
As is always 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.
This case is being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $13,722,965.04 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen announced today that the Eastern District of Missouri collected $13,722,965.04 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018. Of this amount, $8,191,278.06 was collected in criminal actions and $5,531,686.98 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Eastern District of Missouri worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $11,198,243.98 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $5,301.98 was collected in criminal actions and $11,192,942.00 was collected in civil actions.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents is nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice. The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Charged with Federal Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
St. Louis – St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Kenneth A. Grooms, II, 38, was charged today with one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. According to the charging document, on or about May 5, 2018, Grooms willfully deprived “John Doe” of his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable seizure. This crime carries a maximum possible sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Reginald Harris and Jennifer Winfield are handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
Charges set forth in the Information are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Carjacking and Robbing a 7-11 StoreRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jevantae Phillips, 22, St. Louis, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence and robbery charges. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to court documents, on October 17, 2017, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to 3880 Meramec, after a report of a robbery/carjacking at that location. The victim was located and she said she had been in her 2002 Pontiac Aztek, traveling east in the 3800 block of Meramec. She stated she stopped at the curb to make a call on her cellular phone. While doing so she heard a knock at her driver’s window. She then looked over and observed a male standing at the driver’s door with a military style weapon brandished at her. She opened the door and attempted to hand over her purse; the suspect refused the purse, and ordered her out of the vehicle.
When she complied, Phillips entered the driver’s seat. She additionally observed the passenger door closing. Ahmaad Ali, the second suspect, entered the passenger side of her vehicle.
The vehicle then fled east on Meramec. The stolen vehicle contained her purse, which held personal items, and her driver’s license. Her vehicle additionally contained a GoGo Sport scooter, which was located in the rear of the vehicle.
On October 18, 2017, Phillisp, along with co-defendants Ahmaad Ali and Travion Lindsey, all armed with firearms entered the 7-11 store located on Christy Avenue in South St. Louis. The three arrived at the 7-11 in the Pontiac Aztek that had been stolen one day earlier at gunpoint by Ali and Phillips. They entered the store brandishing their firearms and wearing masks. One walked around the counter and began stealing lottery tickets and money from the cash register. He was armed with a black long barrel pistol grip firearm. A second male jumped over the counter and began removing the cash register. He was armed with a black handgun, containing an extended magazine. The third male stood guard at the door and eventually walked over the counter and assisted in removing currency. He was armed with a black handgun, which he held in his left hand the entire time. After two minutes inside of the store, the three ran out of the store taking liquor bottles, cigarettes, and candy on their way outside. The males then re-entered the Aztec and fled the area northbound, out of sight.
Co-defendants Ali and Lindsey are scheduled to be sentenced May 8, 2019 and April 10, 2019, respectively.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Olympian Village Alderman Sentenced for Embezzling from City CoffersRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Gary Atchley, 54, of Perryville, Missouri, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on Wednesday for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $187,252.60 in restitution. He appeared in federal court before U.S. District Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, between 2008 and 2016, Atchley, who was serving as a city alderman for Olympian Village, embezzled $187,252.60 in city funds. At no time was Atchley an authorized signatory on the Olympian Village account. He used the account to pay personal expenses, including making checks to cash and writing checks directly to himself. Approximately $58,000 was bought in personal merchandise using pre-authorized debit transactions and the $127,000 of checks he wrote to himself were not authorized by the Olympian Village government.
"Today's sentence is just," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "The harm of public corruption manifests itself not only in financial loss, but also the loss of faith in government and public officials."
“I’m thankful we have a U.S. Attorney that has been aggressive in addressing these types of crimes,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak. “I commend the Detectives and Agent that worked hard to bring this case to a successful resolution. Stealing from this community is unacceptable and I’m glad that he is being held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ring Leader Pleads Guilty to Drugs and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dionne Lamont Gatling, a/k/a “Cuffy,” 53, of St. Charles, MO, pled guilty to various drug trafficking charges and the use of firearms resulting in death. Gatling appeared today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for May 17, 2019.
According to court documents, Dionne Gatling was the leader and organizer of the Gatling Drug Trafficking Organization which brought heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs to the St. Louis area from 2009 to 2014. Gatling arranged for the murders of Theodis Howard and Terrance Morgan. Gatling organized the 2010 murder of Howard as retaliation for Howard’s previous cooperation against Gatling’s brother for drug trafficking. Gatling directed Andre Rush, another conspirator, to kill Morgan in 2013 in order to prevent Morgan from cooperating in the present investigation.
Gatling pled guilty to the following charges: 1) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; 2) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin; 3) attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; 4) attempt to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; and 5) possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crime, with deaths resulting. Each of the charges includes a penalty of not less than ten years imprisonment up to life, with the firearms offense required by law to run consecutively to the drug trafficking charges. The parties have recommended a total term of imprisonment of 27 years for all of the offenses. United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel will determine the appropriate sentenced to be imposed. In determining any actual sentence to be imposed, a judge is required to consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service.
Jefferson County Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking, Use of a Firearm and Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute MethRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Paris John Earnest Devine, 26, pleaded guilty to three counts – carjacking; brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Devine appeared today before U.S. District Henry Autrey who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for May 14, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, in the late evening hours of September 28, 2017, J.J. was getting off work as a pizza delivery driver when he drove to a MetroLink station in search of marijuana. After inquiring from several people, Paris Devine and Ramone Thomas, who were strangers to J.J., informed J.J. that they could assist him in procuring marijuana. J.J. invited Devine and Ramone Thomas into his vehicle, a black 2013 Kia Forte, before J.J. drove them around for between 30 and 45 minutes.
After stopping at a gas station in the area of 5415 Virginia Avenue, Devine produced a handgun and demanded that J.J. exit his car and surrender it to Devine and Thomas. J.J. surrendered the Kia Forte and then contacted police. After J.J.’s Kia Forte was recovered, having been used in the herein referenced home invasion, J.J. was shown two photographic lineups containing photographs of Devine and Ramone Thomas. J.J. positively identified both and stated that Devine was the subject who brandished the firearm at him.
In the evening hours of October 10, 2017 and into the early morning hours of October 11, 2017, co-defendant Kathleen Hydar invited co-defendant Courtney Brown and his associates, including defendant Paris Devine, to come from St. Louis City down to Jefferson County, Missouri. Hydar had informed Brown that she knew of a way for them to “make some money” that evening. Brown picked up Hydar in a vehicle being driven by Ramone Thomas. Also in the car were Paris Devine, Raymond Seay, and an unindicted subject.
When Hydar got into the vehicle, she informed Devine and other members of the group that she knew of a location where they could steal large amounts of methamphetamine, United States currency, and firearms. Hydar instructed the driver, Ramone Thomas, to make a stop at another residence prior to going to the aforementioned target location. While at this residence, Hydar described, in detail, where Brown, Devine, Seay, and Ramone Thomas could locate a large amount of methamphetamine, firearms, and currency within a trailer owned by Chad Coffman. After describing where the others could locate these items, Hydar got back into the vehicle and proceeded to direct the driver, Ramone Thomas, to 765 Chancellor Drive, the address of the trailer belonging to Coffman. Hydar also made a phone call to Coffman to ensure he would not be home when the group arrived to burglarize his trailer.
When they arrived at Coffman’s trailer shortly before 4:00am on October 11, 2017, Brown, Devine, Seay, and Thomas then exited the vehicle and kicked in the main door to the trailer and made entry.
Shortly after Seay, Brown, Devine, and Ramone Thomas entered the trailer, Coffman arrived home on his motorcycle and interrupted the burglary. Hydar jumped into the driver’s seat of the vehicle and fled the scene with the unindicted subject in the back seat.
While in the trailer, when Thomas, Seay, Devine, and Brown heard Coffman arrive home, Ramone Thomas passed off a firearm he had brought to the residence to co-defendant Courtney Brown, and they all attempted to flee from the trailer. As Brown exited the residence, he turned the corner, raised the firearm, and discharged it one time, believing he was shooting at Coffman. The projectile struck Ramone Thomas in front of the residence, killing him.
Officers arrived on scene and obtained a search warrant for the trailer. A search of the trailer revealed that Coffman was in possession of what lab analysis confirmed to be approximately five (5) pounds of methamphetamine. Devine was apprehended by investigators in Jefferson County, Missouri, several hours after the burglary.
Chad Coffman pled guilty last year and was sentenced to 96 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
If convicted, the charge of carjacking carries a penalty of imprisonment of not more than 15 years and a $250,000 fine; brandishing a firearm carries a penalty of imprisonment of not more than life and a $250,000 fine; and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine carries a penalty of imprisonment of note more than life, a $10,000,000 fine. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Major Case Squad and the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Tax Preparer Admits to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Joseph Thomas, 62, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false tax returns. Thomas appeared today before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr. who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for May 9, 2019.
In his plea, Thomas admitted that, on April 22, 2012, he filed a false 2011 United States Form 1040 which understated his income by more than $25,000 and his tax due and owing by more than $10,000. Thomas further admitted that, on May 1, 2013, he filed a false 2012 United States Form 1040 which understated his income by more than $125,000 and his tax due and owing by more than $40,000.
“Taxpayers thinking about cheating on their tax returns should stop and look at the consequences of taking the next step,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Those consequences can include going to prison, being branded a convicted felon, and paying back all the taxes owed plus steep penalties and interest.”
Thomas faces up to three years’ imprisonment per count, a fine of up to $250,000 per count or both imprisonment and a fine. In determining the actual sentence, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provides recommended sentencing ranges.
The case was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigations Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle T. Bateman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
St. Roberts Man Sentenced for Stealing Timber from the Mark Twain National ParkRead the Press Release
St. Louis – Richard McKinnon, 38, of St. Roberts, Missouri, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Thursday for theft of Government property. He appeared in federal court before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh.
According to court documents, between September of 2016 and December of 2016, McKinnon and his co-defendants, Dale Connour and Delmar Connour felled walnut trees located on federal land, from the Mark Twain National Forest in Laclede County and Pulaski County. They removed at least 39 trees without authorization from the Mark Twain National Forest and then sold the stolen timber at a walnut sawmill located in Texas County, Missouri. McKinnon and the Connours damaged at least 21 trees as a result of driving prohibited vehicles onto restricted areas of the Forest in order to cut down and remove the walnut trees. The total estimated value of the National Forest timber and the cost of rehabilitation to Nation Forest land was $35,862.50.
The case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.