Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Osceola Bank Executive Sentenced for $1.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Osceola, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for a fraud scheme in which she stole over $1.4 million from the bank where she was employed over a period of more than 20 years.
Stacia Wilson, 60, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Wilson to pay $1,435,491.05 in victim restitution.
On May 9, 2024, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. Wilson admitted that, while she was employed as a vice president of St. Clair County State Bank in Osceola, she defrauded the bank by creating false and fictitious loans utilizing the stolen identity information of bank customers. She deposited the loan proceeds into her personal bank accounts to use for her own benefit.
Wilson’s fraud scheme, which lasted more than 20 years from 2000 until it was discovered in December 2022, resulted in numerous fraudulent loans and a $1,528,321 loss to the bank.
This case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Ketchmark. It was investigated by the FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Stanberry Man Sentenced for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Stanberry, Mo., man who threatened to kill law enforcement officers when he was arrested was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.
Erin L. Graves, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole.
On May 1, 2024, Graves pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to illegally possessing an unregistered firearm. Graves admitted he was in possession of a stolen Remington 20-gauge shotgun, which had a barrel of less than 18 inches in length, on Jan. 15, 2024.
Today’s sentence includes an enhancement for obstruction of justice, due to multiple threats Graves made to several law enforcement officers.
According to court documents, Graves referred to the sawed-off shotgun as his “cop killer” and stated that if he had shells for it, the officers’ heads would be splattered all over the wall. On the way to jail, he threatened to kill the transporting deputy and force his family to watch. He also stated that he should have killed the officers and threatened that if given a chance, he would do it. Additionally, Graves made several threats against the guards and security officers at the jail and the Department of Corrections, stating they “better have several down there” because he’s “going to take as many of [them] out as he can.” Graves also made threatening statements regarding his parole officer.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Graves, who was on parole in two separate state cases at the time of this federal offense, has five prior felony convictions for stealing, two prior felony convictions for driving while suspended or revoked, two prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, two prior felony convictions for burglary, and prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Gentry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, and the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jefferson City Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing more than a pound of heroin and fentanyl mixture to distribute.
Tremaine Davol Bell, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Bell was sentenced as a career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
On Jan. 18, 2024, Bell pleaded guilty to one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
In October 2022, investigators received information that Bell was utilizing a storage unit in Jefferson City to store a large quantity of heroin. Bell was seen leaving the storage facility in the morning of Oct. 31, 2022, driving a Dodge Avenger. A Jefferson City police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop as Bell drove away from the storage facility, but Bell immediately pulled into a gas station parking lot and fled on foot. The officer chased Bell and was able to take him into custody on Christy Drive.
The officer searched Bell and found $1,210 in cash, in mostly $20 bills, in his pocket. A police dog alerted to the driver’s side door of Bell’s car. Officers searched the vehicle and found a marijuana blunt and a Glock 9mm handgun with ammunition.
Officers also searched Bell’s storage unit and found approximately 556.17 grams of a substance that contained heroin, fentanyl and Tramadol, as well as three additional handguns – two of which were reported stolen – and $29,988 in cash. According to entry and exit logs, Bell accessed the facility multiple times per week and sometimes multiple times per day throughout the month of October 2022.
Bell has three prior felony convictions for distributing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Maness. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the MUSTANG Drug Task Force.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute valeryl fentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl, and illegally possessing eight firearms.
Darrell L. Smith, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 11, 2024, Smith was found guilty at trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute a fentanyl analogue known as valeryl fentanyl, one count of possessing a fentanyl analogue with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Co-defendant Eugene C. Saunders, 51, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to three years in federal prison without parole.
In August 2019, law enforcement learned that Smith and Saunders were selling “heroin” (later determined to be valeryl fentanyl) together in Springfield and that Saunders stored his “heroin” at Smith’s residence. Smith and Saunders often packaged the drug together at Smith’s residence.
On Aug. 15, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residences of both Smith and Saunders.
At Smith’s residence, officers seized a large plastic bag that contained valeryl fentanyl and 30 individually packaged sandwich bags of valeryl fentanyl.
In plain view on a table in the living room near the bags of valeryl fentanyl, officers found a loaded magazine for a 9mm pistol. Officers found body armor (leaning against his infant daughter’s crib) and seven loaded firearms – including a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a North American Arms .22-caliber revolver, a Mossberg 20-gauge pump shotgun, a Smith & Wesson .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun – in an upstairs bedroom. Three of these firearms were located in plain view on a dresser and two shotguns were leaned up against a wall (one directly behind his daughter’s crib). An eighth firearm was found in a child’s bedroom, where Smith had been located when the warrant was executed. This firearm, a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol, was located underneath a couch cushion on a child’s bed among some toys.
At Saunders’ residence, law enforcement recovered 69 individually packaged bags of fentanyl.
Evidence introduced at trial revealed that Smith recruited the mother of his infant daughter to the conspiracy and filmed a video of her bagging up fentanyl for distribution in his living room. Smith testified he had filmed the video to use it as leverage in an ongoing custody dispute.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Springfield Gang Leader, Rapper Sentenced for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who was a leader in a violent gang and part of a rap group was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms.
Ezekiel Josiah King, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 16, 2024, King pleaded guilty to one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms. King admitted he was in possession of a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, with an extended magazine that contained 29 rounds, and an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber rifle, loaded with 31 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition.
King was driving a gold Nissan Altima that was stopped by Springfield police detectives on Feb. 15, 2022, for multiple traffic violations. King told officers he was driving erratically because he believed a rival gang was chasing him. In addition to the firearms, detectives found marijuana in the vehicle, as well as another extended magazine and two factory Glock magazines under the driver’s seat.
According to court documents, King – a leader of the FTO gang – engaged in a series of violent firearm offenses, many of which were part of a feud with a rival gang. In another traffic stop of a vehicle in which King was a passenger, on Oct. 23, 2022, law enforcement officers seized a loaded Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, AR-style pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 36 rounds that was at King’s feet. The ATF National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) conducted an analysis that indicated the pistol had been used in a recent drive-by shooting in Springfield.
In addition, according to court documents, King is a suspect or a person of interest in a shooting that occurred in downtown Springfield that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to a third, a robbery, a theft of a firearm, a shooting that left the victim paralyzed, and multiple drive-by shootings.
Co-defendant Jardell Carlin Williams, 20, also a leader of the FTO gang, was sentenced on Feb. 5, 2024, to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms.
Williams, a passenger in King’s vehicle during the Feb. 15, 2022, traffic stop, admitted he was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Detectives also located two more boxes of ammunition in the front floorboard.
Williams also admitted that he was in possession of a C3 Defense 5.56-caliber semi-automatic pistol when a vehicle, in which he was a passenger, was stopped by law enforcement on Oct. 22, 2022. The C3 Defense AR-style pistol was tentatively identified as being used in three shooting incidents in the Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kansas, areas.
Both King and Williams admitted they regularly smoked marijuana.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms.
Shaune Aaron Price, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total sentence of 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 7, 2023, Price pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A detective with the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department recognized Price on March 23, 2022, and confirmed he had a warrant for his arrest. Officers stopped the bus Price was riding and arrested him. Price had a tan duffle bag that contained a loaded Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
The ATF National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) conducted an analysis that linked the handgun to three separate events, including a shooting outside Gold Bar in downtown Columbia on Nov. 6, 2021, and a domestic assault on Jan. 1, 2022.
Investigators also found a video on Price’s cell phone that depicts him holding a Glock .40-caliber handgun on May 31, 2021. According to the government evidence, Price’s cell phone and Facebook records indicate he possessed at least 11 firearms. Investigators also discovered several messages in which Price bragged about being involved in “shoot-outs,” including one message about being involved in three “shoot-outs” in the past nine days.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Price has prior felony convictions for attempting to carry a concealed weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.
This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Three Mexican Nationals Charged with Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three Mexican nationals were charged in federal court today after they were caught with more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 29.
Pedro Alberto Quiroz Ayala, 20, Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco, 24, and Pablo De Jesus Peralta Anguis, 25, all of whom are citizens of Mexico, were charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court. They remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a gray 2011 Acura MDX on Interstate 29, near the N.W. 112th Street exit in Kansas City, Mo., at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Ayala, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the Acura, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and Pacheco and Anguis in the back seats.
When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area that contained approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. He also found a grocery bag that contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard where the female juvenile had been sitting, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch.
When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, the affidavit says, Ayala and Anguis fled on foot. A manhunt ensued; Ayala was apprehended about half an hour later and Anguis was apprehended after about 12 minutes.
Ayala told investigators they had picked up the drugs at a Walmart parking lot in Omaha, Nebraska. Ayala said he was going to receive $2,000 for transporting the drugs.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
KC Chiefs ‘Superfan’ Sentenced to 17 Years for Bank Robberies, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NOTE: A video statement from U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore is available at https://youtu.be/ejVWEofiHBI?si=KxKFsaadvxOaQBcB
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man popularly known as Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was sentenced in federal court today on charges related to a string of 11 robberies, or attempted robberies, in which he stole $847,725 from financial institutions in seven states.
“While parading as a social media celebrity, the defendant secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Babudar’s robbery spree bankrolled the expensive tickets and travel across the country to attend Kansas City Chiefs games while he cultivated a large fan base online. However, the bank and credit union employees whom he terrorized at gunpoint suffered the brunt of his true nature. He tried to flee from justice, but law enforcement caught up with him and now he will spend a significant portion of his life in prison.”
Xaviar Michael Babudar, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Babudar to pay $532,675 in restitution to the victim financial institutions. Some of the stolen money was recovered, but most of it was not.
The court ordered Babudar to forfeit to the government any property involved in his money laundering activity, including an autographed painting of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick L. Mahomes II that has been recovered by the FBI.
“The actions of Babudar were brazen and traumatic for the bank employees robbed in Bixby, Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “A big thank you to the Bixby Police Department for their hard work in collaboration with the FBI Tulsa field office, who helped detain Babudar in Oklahoma.”
“The bank was not the only victim of these crimes,” stated Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “Babudar terrorized bank employees throughout his multi-state crime spree, while relishing his celebrity status. Today’s sentencing speaks to the severity of his actions and the significant law enforcement assistance and resources utilized across multiple states to hold him accountable for his violent and criminal behavior.”
On Feb. 28, 2024, Babudar pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering and one count of transporting stolen property across state lines. Babudar also pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, which is contained in a separate case filed in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The court today sentenced Babudar to 17 years and six months in federal prison in the Western District of Missouri case and 17 years and six months in prison in the Northern District of Oklahoma case, to be served concurrently.
Babudar also admitted that he engaged in a string of nine bank and credit union robberies (or attempted robberies) in 2022 followed by two bank robberies committed while he was a fugitive from justice. Babudar laundered much of the stolen money through area casinos and online gambling.
Babudar, who lived a nomadic existence at various locations around the Kansas City metropolitan area, enjoyed a robust social media presence as Kansas City Chiefs superfan Twitter user @ChiefsAholic, attending most games dressed as a wolf in Chiefs clothing.
Babudar pleaded guilty to stealing $70,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of Great Western Bank on March 2, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the bank wearing a ski mask and handed the bank teller a note demanding money and indicating he had a firearm. As he fled on foot, Babudar left behind a black glove and approximately $1,420 in $20 bills in a wooded area near the bank. Investigators later recovered Babudar’s DNA from the black glove. Babudar then carried this money to Missouri, depositing it in two separate transactions into his personal savings account in an attempt to conceal the criminal nature of the proceeds.
Babudar also pleaded guilty to stealing $139,500 from Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union in Bixby, Okla., on Dec. 16, 2022. Babudar admitted that he entered the credit union armed with what appeared to be a black handgun, jumped the teller counter, and ordered a bank employee at gunpoint to go to the credit union’s vault. Once at the vault, Babudar demanded that bank employees open the vault and put the money from the vault into a plastic bag. During this robbery, Babudar told credit union employees that if they did not comply he would shoot them.
When Babudar was arrested shortly after the robbery, he had a large bag in his possession that contained $139,500 in $100 bills plus $10,750 in $50 bills, totaling $150,250 in cash. When investigators searched his 2019 Mazda 3, they found numerous pairs of goggles and gloves, which Babudar wore during a series of bank robberies. Investigators also found a Barstool Sportsbook Betslip for $20,000, dated Nov. 19, 2022; a FanDuel Betslip for $4,000, dated Dec. 1, 2022; and letters from Community America Credit Union related to his deposits of $20,000 and $50,000 on May 2, 2022.
Babudar also admitted that he committed, or attempted to commit, nine robberies of banks and credit unions in addition to the two to which he pleaded guilty. Those crimes, including two bank robberies committed while Babudar was a fugitive from justice, were considered as relevant conduct for sentencing.
Babudar admitted that he stole $170,860 from the Omaha, Nebraska, branch of First National Bank of Omaha on April 28, 2022. Babudar entered the bank armed with what appeared to be a firearm and ordered bank employees to open their vault. Omaha police officers recovered $163,560 following the theft.
Babudar admitted that he stole $303,845 from the West Des Moines, Iowa, branch of First Class Community Credit Union on July 13, 2022. Babudar brandished what appeared to be a silver and black firearm, jumped over the teller counter, and demanded that the bank employees open the bank vault. After carrying the stolen money back to Missouri, Babudar began laundering this money through area casinos, depositing the cash he received from these casinos into his personal bank account.
Babudar admitted that he stole $125,900 from the Nashville, Tennessee, branch of The Tennessee Credit Union on Nov. 17, 2022. Babudar, armed with what appeared to be a black and silver firearm, climbed over the bank teller counter. He pressed the firearm against the teller’s body and demanded that credit union employees take him to the vault. Employees complied with Babudar’s demands, provided him with cash from the teller drawers, and took him to the vault. Babudar told credit union employees that if he was given a dye pack he would “come back and put a bullet in your head.” After Babudar fled on foot, a hat was recovered; investigators extracted DNA from the hat that matched the DNA extracted from Babudar’s glove in the March 2, 2022, robbery. A few days later, Babudar used some of the stolen money to purchase $20,000 in casino chips in multiple transactions from a local casino.
Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Wings Financial Credit Union in Savage, Minnesota, on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered this credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. Babudar fled from the credit union, however, after seeing the vault only held small bills.
Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Royal Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minn., on Nov. 29, 2022. Babudar entered the credit union with what appeared to be a firearm and demanded that credit union employees open the vault. When he saw the vault only contained small bills, Babudar demanded $100 bills. Credit union employees told him they didn’t keep $100 bills in the vault, and Babudar fled on foot.
Babudar admitted that he stole $25,000 from the Clive, Iowa, branch of First Interstate Bank on Nov. 30, 2022. Following the two unsuccessful robberies the previous day, Babudar returned to the same facility he had robbed on March 2, 2022, which had since then become a branch of First Interstate Bank. Babudar entered the bank carrying what appeared to be a firearm and jumped over the teller counter. He ordered the bank employees, at gunpoint, to open the vault. He fled on foot after the bank employees gave him the cash in the vault. Babudar then carried the stolen money back to Missouri, where he deposited a portion of it into his personal bank account.
Babudar admitted that he attempted to rob Pinnacle Bank in Papillon, Nebraska, on Dec. 15, 2022. At approximately 1:55 p.m., Babudar entered the vestibule area of Pinnacle Bank and pulled on the doors, but was unable to open them. He then left the area. The next day, he robbed the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union and was arrested.
Babudar, after being arrested in Oklahoma in December 2022, was released on bond in the state case in February 2023.
Months earlier, Babudar had placed two winning bets at the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. On June 10, 2022, Babudar bet $5,000 that Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes II would win the Most Valuable Player at Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $45,000 should that occur. Babudar also bet $5,000 that the Kansas City Chiefs would win Super Bowl LVII, which would pay out $55,000 should that occur. When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, and Mahomes won the Most Valuable Player award, Babudar won $100,000. Argosy Casino mailed Babudar a $100,000 check in early March 2023.
Days later, Babudar cut his ankle monitor and fled from Oklahoma. According to court documents, Babudar used his gambling winnings to purchase a vehicle in Henderson, Nevada, and evade law enforcement until his arrest in Sacramento on July 7, 2023.
Babudar admitted that he robbed two additional banks while he was a fugitive from justice.
Babudar admitted that he stole $1,100 from Heritage Bank in Sparks, Nevada, on June 8, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a beanie, a Covid-19 mask, a blue long-sleeved shirt, khaki pants, and a fanny pack. Babudar showed a note to the Heritage Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller.
Babudar admitted that he stole $950 from U.S. Bank in El Dorado Hills, California, on July 3, 2023. Babudar entered the bank wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, a Covid-19 mask, and a yellow reflective vest. Babudar showed a note to the U.S. Bank teller that was composed on his cell phone, which demanded money from the teller.
Babudar has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on July 7, 2023.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Patrick D. Daly and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Bradshaw in the Western District of Missouri, and U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston in the Northern District of Oklahoma. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bixby, Okla., Police Department. The Bixby, Okla., Police Department arrested Babudar in December 2022, and the Placer County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln, Calif., Police Department assisted the FBI in the July 2023 arrest.
Denver Man Sentenced for Fentanyl, Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court today for transporting thousands of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus and for illegally possessing a firearm.
Ahmad Rashad Rhodes, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Rhodes was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior felony convictions.
On December 7, 2023, Rhodes was found guilty at trial of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Officers with the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on March 20, 2023, when Rhodes arrived on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California. As passengers disembarked, a police drug-sniffing dog alerted to the scent of illegal drugs in a suitcase in the undercarriage of the bus as well as a backpack in the passenger compartment of the bus. Officers determined both items belonged to Rhodes and contacted him.
After a brief struggle, Rhodes was taken into custody when he admitted to officers he had a gun in the crossbody bag he was wearing. Officers searched Rhodes and found a key chain in his coat with two metal pill holders attached; one pill holder contained 61 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl and the other contained 33 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl.
In the crossbody bag Rhodes was wearing, officers discovered 3,200 blue counterfeit oxycodone hydrochloride pills that contained fentanyl, a clear plastic baggie that contained 60 grams of pure methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .38-caliber pistol. Officers searched the rest of Rhodes’s luggage and found a digital scale, over 100 unused small, plastic baggies and marijuana.
Rhodes told officers he was enroute to Louisville, Kentucky, and was fleeing from Colorado due to a pending drug-trafficking case in which he was set to be sentenced.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Rhodes has eight prior felony convictions related to the use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including two convictions in Colorado to which he pled guilty and then failed to appear for sentencing, and a prior felony conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents, Rhodes has spent most of his adult life under some sort of criminal justice sentence or supervision, meaning that nearly all of his violations of the law were committed while he was being supervised for a previous crime.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan A. Baker and Gregg Coonrod. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Trenton Police Sergeant Honored for Community ServiceRead the Press Release
Trenton Police Department Sgt. Jeb Walker (center) receives the Enoch B. Morelock Award from Law Enforcement Coordinator Les Kerr (at left) and LECC Executive Committee members Sheriff Randy Strong, Sheriff Bill Puett, and Chief Mike Stolte.KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Teresa Moore, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that Sergeant Jeb Walker of the Trenton, Mo., Police Department has received the 2024 Enoch B. Morelock Award.
“Sgt. Walker is an invaluable asset not only to his department, but to his community,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “His long tenure in law enforcement, the breadth of his extensive community involvement, and his exemplary military service truly exemplify the ideals honored by the Enoch B. Morelock Award.”
The Enoch B. Morelock Award is an annual recognition of outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and service to the community. Walker was honored on Aug. 22, 2024, during the 22nd Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo. The prestigious law enforcement award, presented annually by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, is named in honor of Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock, who was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847.
Walker has served the Trenton Police Department for 26 years. He continues to serve in patrol and oversees all traffic-related incidents. He is also the designated firearms instructor, OC Instructor and field training officer.
Walker is also actively involved in a number of volunteer activities in his community. Walker serves on his school district’s Bright Futures Committee, which hosts back to school activities, a food drive, Lunch Buddy Program and teacher appreciation day among other events. He’s the lead ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, assisting and leading numerous events throughout the year. He serves as vice president of the local Kiwanis Club and is an integral part of the Christmas Wish Program, securing donations from the Marines Toys for Tots drive for young people who might not otherwise receive Christmas gifts. This officer also participates in the Main Street and downtown promotions committee, where he has co-chaired the Community Clean-up week and Tin Can Day program.
Walker is also a trained volunteer firefighter and president of the underwater rescue team that serves the area.
In addition to his law enforcement and volunteer community service, Walker served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for 21 years as a Gunnery Sergeant and in 2016 transitioned to the Missouri Army National Guard, where he serves as a Staff Sergeant. While in the Marines, he deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom and to South America. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and graduated as an instructor of water survival. As a member of the Missouri Army National Guard, he deployed to Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom and has earned two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal and the Master Resiliency Instructor Award. He has served as Past Commander and is currently the Judge Advocate for his local VFW Post, and is currently on the board of directors for the Grundy County Veterans Association.
Enoch B. Morelock Award
Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847. He was appointed the first sheriff of Sullivan County, Mo., in 1845. He was in office a little over two years, but he was known to be an honorable, hardworking man intent on protecting the residents of his community. Sheriff Morelock was shot and killed during a court-ordered sale of the accused’s property. The accused killer, Patrick McIntry, was charged with first degree murder but was later acquitted. Within a year Mr. McIntry was found shot to death on the banks of a local river.
The annual Enoch B. Morelock Award recognizes individuals with outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and to the community outside of law enforcement. Recipients may include officers from local police departments, sheriffs’ offices, state agencies, or federal agencies as well as investigators from prosecutors’ offices.
Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Princeton BankRead the Press Release
Blink points a firearm at the bank clerk during the armed robbery of First Interstate Bank.KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Promise City, Iowa, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to the armed robbery of a Princeton, Mo., bank.
Phillip Michael Blink, 67, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
By pleading guilty today, Blink admitted that he robbed First Interstate Bank in Princeton on May 19, 2023. Blink, wearing a cowboy hat, a red bandana over his face, gloves and a trench coat, walked into the bank and approached a teller at approximately 9:25 a.m. Blink stated in a low voice: “I’m sorry, but this is going to be a bad morning.” Blink then placed a light blue bag on the countertop and stated: “I want all the money.” The teller began placing all the bills from her teller machine into the blue bag when Blink reached into his right pocket and pulled out a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Blink stated: “I told you it was going to be a bad morning.” Blink then set the firearm on the countertop and pointed it at the teller.
After taking $4,115, Blink left the bank and got into a Ford F-150 truck. He backed out of a parking space and went northbound on Highway 65. The bank manager took photographs of Blink and his truck while Blink was fleeing the scene. Employees of the bank called 911 for law enforcement assistance.
Later on the same day, Blink was pulled over by a Knoxville, Iowa, police officer. Officers arrested Blink, who admitted to the armed bank robbery. Officers searched his truck and found the Ruger handgun and clothing linked to the bank robbery, as well as the money that was stolen.
Under federal statutes, Blink is subject to a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison without parole for armed bank robbery and an additional mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, which must be served consecutively, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of the bank robbery. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the FBI.
Texas Men Indicted for Stealing from ATMs at Springfield, Ozark BanksRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A third Texas man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for his role in bank burglary and bank theft conspiracies following thefts from two automated teller machines (ATMs) at Ozark, Mo., and Springfield, Mo., banks.
Nigel Dwane Luchin, 27, and Leo Smith, 21, both of Houston, Texas, and Christopher E. Merchant, 24, of Beaumont, Texas, were charged in a six-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. Luchin was originally charged in a Dec. 19, 2023, indictment and Smith was charged in a Jan. 23, 2024, superseding indictment. Merchant was added as a defendant in today’s second superseding indictment.
The federal indictment alleges that Luchin, Smith, and Merchant participated in a conspiracy to commit bank burglary and a conspiracy to commit bank theft from Oct. 3 to Nov. 8, 2023.
According to the indictment, Smith stole a heavy-duty Dodge Ram truck from a parking lot in Springfield on Oct. 20, 2023. Smith drove the truck to Wood & Huston Bank in Springfield, the indictment says, where the truck was used on the same day to break open and steal money from the ATM.
In addition to the two conspiracies, Smith is charged with one count of bank burglary and one count of bank theft in relation to Wood & Huston Bank.
On Oct. 29 or 30, 2023, Smith allegedly assisted in the theft of a heavy-duty Ford F-250 truck from a parking lot in Nixa, Mo. On Oct. 29, 2023, the indictment says, Luchin and/or Merchant purchased a tow chain. The truck and chain allegedly were used by Luchin, Smith and Merchant to break open and steal money from the ATM at Southern Bank in Ozark, Mo., on Oct. 30, 2023.
In addition to the two conspiracies, Luchin, Smith, and Merchant are charged together in one count of bank burglary and one count of bank theft in relation to Southern Bank.
According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint that was filed on Nov. 6, 2023, conspirators used a chain and two large hooks to dismantle the door to the ATM at Southern Bank by attaching the chains to the ATM and pulling the chain and hooks with the stolen Ford F-250. They stole $30,700 from the ATM and left the bank, abandoning the pickup truck a short distance away.
Investigators reviewed surveillance videos from businesses in the area where the Ford F-250 was stolen. The videos allegedly showed conspirators arriving at the area in two vehicles – a Chrysler Voyager minivan and a Toyota Highlander – and leaving the area with the stolen pickup. Both the Voyager and the Highlander were identified on a license plate reader and traced to two car rental agencies in Houston. Later the same day, a license plate reader in Houston captured both of those vehicles traveling in the same direction.
Ozark police officers searched the stolen pickup truck, the affidavit says, and found Luchin’s Texas identification card on the driver’s seat.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the FBI, the Ozark, Mo., Police Department, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Springfield Business Owner Indicted for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., business owner was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing eight firearms and for lying about his criminal record when he purchased two of those firearms.
Marco Lorimer Denis, 49, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Denis on July 26, 2024, and includes two additional charges related to firearms purchases.
Denis is the owner of Springfield Property LLC, a company providing retail and commercial rental space, including at Plaza Towers in Springfield.
Today’s indictment alleges that Denis was in possession of a Standard Manufacturing shotgun, a Maverick by Mossberg shotgun, a Ruger pistol, a Smith & Wesson pistol, a Canik pistol, a Sig Sauer pistol, a Bersa pistol, and a Charter Arms revolver between Dec. 17, 2020, and July 16, 2024. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to be in possession of a firearm. Denis has a prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic assault committed against a person with whom he shared a child in common.
Denis is also charged with two counts of making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of the Canik pistol on Dec. 10, 2020, and the Sig Sauer pistol on Jan. 14, 2021. In each instance, the indictment says, Denis reported that he had never been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, which he knew to be false.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Honduran National Indicted for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Honduran national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of a child.
Celso Noe Chacon-Arriaga, 22, who was residing in Springfield at the time of the offense, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Chacon-Arriaga on Aug. 8, 2024.
Today’s indictment alleges that Chacon-Arriaga used a minor victim to produce child pornography from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, 2020. Chacon-Arriaga is also charged with receiving and distributing child pornography.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Chacon-Arriaga engaged in sexually explicit conversations over Facebook Messenger with an 11-year-old victim. The child victim sent several sexually explicit images and videos to Chacon-Arriaga.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Springfield Business Owner Indicted for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., business owner was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Garry Earl Shidler, 49, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Shidler is the owner of Chappell’s Tire in Springfield.
Today’s indictment alleges that Shidler was in possession of a Colt 5.56-caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 30-round magazine on Dec. 18, 2023.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Shidler has three prior felony convictions for burglary and prior felony convictions for forgery, tampering and trafficking in stolen identities.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Dallas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Lebanon Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Lebanon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for sexually exploiting children from several different countries.
John Anthony Carpenter, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 25 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carpenter to 25 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $15,000 in restitution to his victims. Carpenter will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Jan. 30, 2024, Carpenter pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of children.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Carpenter’s residence on April 13, 2022, in relation to two separate child sexual exploitation investigations in Connecticut and New Jersey. Officers located Carpenter at his place of employment and he turned over two cell phones to investigators.
Carpenter admitted to viewing child pornography, sending child pornography, and soliciting child pornography from multiple victims. Carpenter sent Robux (the currency used with the online game platform Roblox) to juvenile females in exchange for nude photos and videos. Investigators found 36 pre-paid Robux cards in Carpenter’s bedroom. Carpenter told investigators that, a week prior, he sent a $10 Robux gift card to a 16- or 17-year-old girl in exchange for nude images of her.
Carpenter stated he used applications and sites such as Snapchat, Likee, Discord, and Omegle to solicit and exchange child pornography.
Investigators found 956 files of child sexual abuse material and 6,512 files of child exploitative or age-difficult material on Carpenter’s electronic devices. Among those files were images and videos that Carpenter solicited from minor victims living in Dubai, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Connecticut State Police, the Essex County, N.J., Prosecutor’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Horry County, S. C., Sheriff’s Department, the Laclede County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Independence Man Indicted for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms.
Demarkus Q. Shelton, 44, was charged in a 16-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Shelton on Aug. 2, 2024, and includes additional charges.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the investigation began on Feb. 22, 2024, when a teenager was found dead of an apparent overdose in Johnson County, Mo. Evidence at the scene, including fentanyl and smoking paraphernalia, indicated the victim had been using fentanyl prior to his death. An autopsy was conducted, which cited a cause of death as the toxic effects of fentanyl.
Investigators learned the overdose victim was among several Johnson County youth who allegedly purchased fentanyl from Shelton earlier that same day.
The affidavit cites a series of controlled purchases from Shelton resulting in the seizure of over 95 grams of powder or “raw” fentanyl. As little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal. During the drug transactions, the affidavit says, Shelton was usually armed with a handgun with a drum magazine and/or an AK-47 or AR-style rifle. In one transaction, Shelton allegedly sold the confidential informant a Palmetto State Armory AR model multi-caliber firearm with a 30-round magazine in addition to 22.7 grams of powder fentanyl for $2,300.
On Aug. 5, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the hotel room where Shelton was arrested on the complaint. Officers found a Taurus .40-caliber semi-automatic firearm and a Taurus .22-caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Shelton, who is on state probation, has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, burglary, and tampering with a motor vehicle.
The federal indictment charges Shelton with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, seven counts of distributing fentanyl, six counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Johnson County, Mo., Sheriff's Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Joplin Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for illegally possessing firearms.
Dustin L. Holden, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark on Friday, Aug. 23, to 22 years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 13, 2024, Holden pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Co-defendant Britton D. Friday, 42, of Nixa, Mo., was stopped by a Christian County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy while driving a Dodge Avenger in Ozark, Mo., on Jan. 11, 2022. Friday had 32.8 grams of methamphetamine in his possession and was arrested.
Holden admitted that he sold methamphetamine to Friday and others for approximately $350 per ounce (28 grams).
On Feb. 10, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Holden’s residence and found a black zippered case that contained 187.9 grams of pure methamphetamine. Officers also found a Taurus 9mm handgun, a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, a Poly Tech 7.62mm rifle, a Ruger AR15 rifle, and an Anderson Manufacturing AR15 lower assembly (which was reported stolen).
Friday was sentenced on July 16, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Friday admitted that he purchased a total of 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine from Holden.
This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Former Willard Mayor Sentenced for $300,000 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former mayor and alderman of Willard, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for a five-year-long scheme in which he used personal identity information to steal nearly $300,000 from more than 500 truck drivers who worked for his employer.
Corey Louis Hendrickson, 46, of Springfield, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to three years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Hendrickson to pay $298,737 in restitution.
On Oct. 24, 2023, Hendrickson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Hendrickson, who served as Willard’s mayor from 2015 to 2021 before being elected as an alderman in 2022, resigned from his position on the Willard Board of Aldermen the same day.
Hendrickson admitted that he gained unauthorized access to the fuel expense accounts of more than 500 individuals and conducted more than 1,000 fraudulent transactions that resulted in at least $298,737 being stolen from his victims. Hendrickson’s fraud scheme lasted almost five years, from Sept. 9, 2016, to Aug. 17, 2021.
Hendrickson worked as a fleet dispatcher for Prime, Incorporated, a freight transportation and logistics trucking company that is headquartered in Springfield. Prime contracted with ComData to serve as a payment processor and issuer of fleet fuel cards, and to maintain the financial accounts of Prime drivers that were used to pay for fuel costs as needed by the truck drivers. Prime put funds into each driver’s ComData account, which was then utilized for driving expenses such as fuel. ComData cards were used by the drivers like a bank card.
Hendrickson used his computer access to steal the identity information of drivers and withdraw nearly $300,000 from the accounts intended to pay for the fuel costs for drivers employed by Prime. He transferred the stolen funds into his personal bank accounts.
According to court documents, Hendrickson’s victims incurred losses that ranged between less than $100 to $6,495, with the average loss of a few hundred dollars for each Prime driver’s account.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
New Franklin Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A New Franklin, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to rob a local bank but being foiled when the front door was locked.
Jacob Lowell Hessing, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. on Thursday, Aug. 22, to one count of attempted bank robbery. Hessing has been detained in federal custody since his arrest.
By pleading guilty, Hessing admitted that he attempted to rob Exchange Bank of Missouri in New Franklin on Sept. 9, 2023.
According to today’s plea agreement, the Howard County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department received calls from concerned citizens about a masked man dressed in black walking in downtown New Franklin, which has a population of about 1,000 residents. The man, later identified as Hessing, was reportedly carrying an AR-style rifle and attempted to enter Exchange Bank of Missouri. On Saturdays, however, the bank’s lobby is open by appointment only, and the outer door is locked.
Surveillance video showed Hessing walk to the bank and attempt to open the lobby door. He then got back into a red Chevy Equinox, which drove off at a high rate of speed. Investigators traced the vehicle to Hessing and executed a search warrant at his residence (about a block and a half from the bank) on Oct. 30, 2023. Federal agents found a Diamondback rifle, hidden in the basement, with a loaded magazine capable of holding more than 40 5.56mm cartridges, which was consistent with the weapon Hessing carried when he attempted to rob the bank. Ammunition also was found in the kitchen utensil drawer and several cartridges for the Diamondback rifle were found in the Equinox. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Hessing must forfeit the Diamondback rifle to the government.
Under federal statutes, Hessing is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Pierce. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Howard County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Nevada, Mo., Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Leading Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Nevada, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Trenton D. Wallace, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 14, 2023, Wallace pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
An Oklahoma State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Wallace, who was driving a Chevrolet Impala, on Interstate 44 on Feb. 16, 2022. Wallace denied being in possession of any firearms, but the trooper seized a Freedom Arms .22-caliber pistol (disguised to look like a belt buckle) when Wallace reached for it as a drug-sniffing dog was being deployed. Wallace also was in possession of $4,206 in cash.
When a police dog alerted to the presence of drugs, troopers searched the vehicle and found a duffel bag that contained approximately 25 pounds (9.9 kilograms) of methamphetamine, packaged in 10 large plastic bags. Troopers also found a loaded H&K 9mm semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat and a loaded Sig Sauer .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol under the passenger’s seat.
According to court documents, Wallace is an admittedly active and high-ranking member of the Southwest Honkey’s prison gang. The methamphetamine seized from Wallace would be enough to supply two doses (.25 grams) of methamphetamine to every man, woman, and child in Vernon County, Mo.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team.
Jefferson City Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFRSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the armed robbery of a Jefferson City credit union.
Tre Joseph Connor, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 16 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Connor to pay $111,700 in victim restitution.
On Feb. 16, 2024, Connor was found guilty at trial of one count of bank robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the evidence at trial, Connor ran into the River Region Credit Union, 3608 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City, on the morning of Jan. 19, 2023. Connor, wearing all black clothing, a black ski mask, and black gloves, brandished a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol. He leaped over the customer counter into the employee-only space, demanded to be taken to the vault, and ordered a credit union employee to open the vault. Connor stole approximately $111,700 from the vault, filled a backpack with the cash, and left through a side door.
The money Connor stole from the bank was never recovered.
Investigators used security cameras from various sources to identify Connor, including Walmart security camera footage that depicted Connor’s purchases of clothing and other items used in the robbery.
Evidence admitted at trial suggested that Connor began planning to rob a bank as early as Jan. 4, 2023, when he first conducted an internet search for “bank robbery.” He continued to plan for weeks leading up to the commission of the crime, inquiring “when do most bank[s] typically have the most money,” “how many bankers press the silent button during robbery” and “how long does it take police to respond to a bank robbery.”
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Connor, who has prior felony convictions for dissemination of private sexual images and harassment, was on probation at the time he committed the armed robbery.
This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Pierce. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Two Columbia Men Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Two Columbia, Mo., men pleaded guilty in federal court today to their roles in a bank fraud conspiracy that used identity documents stolen from the mail to open fraudulent bank accounts.
Chandelle Eugene Marteen, 39, and Jason Lee Patillo, 50, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. to participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Marteen also pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
Marteen and Patillo admitted they participated in the bank fraud conspiracy from July 2021 to March 2023.
Marteen admitted that he stole mail from collection boxes and residences, from which he obtained personal and business checks. He forged signatures and altered the checks. Marteen obtained personal identification documents belonging to others and used them to cash or deposit stolen and fraudulent checks. He opened bank accounts using stolen identity documents, deposited stolen and fraudulent checks into the accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts.
Patillo admitted that he opened a bank account at Marteen’s instruction and gave him the debit card and account information, which enabled him to deposit stolen, fraudulent checks and withdraw money from the account using cash withdrawals at ATMs and electronic transfers.
Under federal statutes, Marteen and Patillo are each subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole for the bank fraud conspiracy. Marteen is also subject to a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in federal prison without parole for aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
18 Motorcycle Club Members Indicted for Armed Assaults Against RivalsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eighteen members and associates of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a series of armed assaults against members of rival motorcycle clubs.
A law enforcement operation conducted today resulted in 15 arrests along with the execution of seven search warrants; two of the defendants were already in custody. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation that also resulted in the seizure of more than 40 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, body armor and a marijuana grow operation. According to the indictment, Pagan’s is a violent criminal organization that engaged in racketeering, an enterprise that involved illegal drug trafficking. Pagan’s maintains chapters in numerous states, including multiple active chapters in Missouri and Kansas.
Christopher W. McGowen, also known as “Mac,” 40, of Platte City, Mo.; Arthur L. Reynolds III, also known as “Straight Edge,” 48, and Jarrid A. Hammer, also known as “Hammer,” 45, both of Independence, Mo.; Jeremiah Z. Hahn, also known as “Pass Out,” 41, and John J. Hahn, also known as “Krazy Legs,” 46, both of Cameron, Mo.; Charles E. Smith, Jr., also known as “Crash,” 38, and James W. Prettyman, also known as “Rugby,” 42, both of Blue Springs, Mo.; Mark A. Cottman, also known as “One Shot,” 49, of Kansas City, Mo.; Bryan S. Fletcher, also known as “Fletch,” 48, and Mark A. Crump, also known as “Navajo,” 54, both of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Jeffrey S. Hannah, also known as “Got-It,” 42, of Grain Valley, Mo.; Eric M. Forsyth, Jr., also known as “EZ,” 34, of Oak Grove, Mo.; Robert W. Miller, also known as “Flipper,” 46, and Brandon S. Hodge, also known as “Youngblood,” 25, both of Joplin, Mo.; Monty L. Mitchell, also known as “Smoke,” 58, of Windsor, Mo.; Alan M. Thornton, also known as “Bones,” 40, of Holden, Mo.; John Travis Fisher, also known as “T-Bone,” 51, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 40, of Panama City, Florida, were charged in a five-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 7, 2024.
The federal indictment was unsealed and made public today following the arrests of the defendants.
The indictment alleges that Pagan’s is territorial and protects its territory from rival motorcycle clubs through violence and intimidation. The primary rivals to Pagan’s in Missouri include the Hells Angels, Outlaws, El Forastero, Galloping Goose, Sons of Silence, and the Bandidos. When members of rival motorcycle clubs were in areas Pagan’s believed to be under its control, says the indictment, Pagan’s threatened and intimidated them with violence. Pagan’s tried to eliminate other motorcycle gangs completely from their territory by assaulting, robbing, extorting and sometimes attempting to murder them, according to the indictment.
The indictment alleges a series of assaults were committed as part of Pagan’s racketeering enterprise.
McGowen and Jeremiah Hahn are charged together in one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they assaulted a rival motorcycle gang member with a dangerous weapon on May 30, 2022.
McGowen, Reynolds, Smith, Miller, Prettyman, Mitchell, Cottman, John Hahn, Gattis, Forsyth, Fletcher, Hannah, and Hodge are charged together in one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they assaulted a rival motorcycle gang member with a dangerous weapon on Sept. 17, 2022.
McGowen, Jeremiah Hahn, Smith, Fisher, Miller, Prettyman, Mitchell, and Thornton are charged together in one count of attempting to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they attempted to assault a rival motorcycle gang member with a dangerous weapon on Sept. 3, 2022.
McGowen, Reynolds, Smith, Miller, Prettyman, Mitchell, Cottman, John Hahn, Gattis, Forsyth, Fletcher, Hannah and Hodge are charged together in one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges they discharged a firearm during an assault on Sept. 17, 2022.
Cottman, Hammer, and Crump are charged together in one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering. The indictment alleges they seriously injured a rival motorcycle gang member during an assault on July 20, 2023.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Today’s law enforcement operation included the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, the Oak Grove, Mo., Police Department, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and FBI national assets and field offices in St. Louis, Mo., Las Vegas, Nev., and Knoxville, Tenn.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Transporting Meth Through KC Aboard BusRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court today for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus.
Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.
On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.
A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.
Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Former Lawson Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lawson, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing child pornography over the internet.
Lance M. Berry, 37, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of distributing child pornography over the internet.
Berry, the owner of a business in Lawson at the time of his offense, has a prior Ray County, Mo., conviction for the deviate sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, which requires him to register as a sex offender.
By pleading guilty today, Berry admitted that he utilized a peer-to-peer file-sharing program on June 1, 2022, to make images and videos of child pornography available to other users over the internet. On that day, an undercover officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol was able to directly connect to Berry’s cell phone and download 14 videos of child pornography.
According to court documents, Berry’s cell phone contained 944 unique images of child pornography, including 19 images of sadistic or masochistic violence against a minor, and 168 images featuring infants or toddlers. There were an additional 40 videos of child pornography, which also included depictions of sadistic or masochistic violence and/or infants and toddlers.
Under federal statutes, Berry is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Clinton Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Clinton, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender has been sentenced in federal court for receiving child pornography over the internet.
Roger Lee Kempke, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, July 31, to 25 years and five months in federal prison without parole. The court sentenced Kempke to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $81,000 in restitution to his victims.
Kempke, who has a prior conviction for sexually assaulting a minor, pleaded guilty on Nov. 6, 2023, to one count of receiving child pornography.
Kempke admitted that he uploaded an image of child pornography to Microsoft’s Bing Image search on March 16, 2022. A Cyber Tip was issued to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which contacted the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
On June 7, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kempke’s residence, which was within 1,000 feet of three different elementary and high schools. Officers seized three desktop computers and numerous USB thumb drives. Investigators found 5,521 images and nine videos of child sexual abuse material on Kempke’s electronic devices.
A forensic examination of one of the hard drives in Kempke’s desktop computers found that, on three separate occasions in November 2021, Kempke downloaded hundreds of files of child pornography. He saved these images to a USB storage device that was connected to his computer. One of the USB drives contained thousands of images of child pornography, including images of children under the age of 10 and infants.
Officers also found 16 marijuana plants in Kempke’s residence, along with other equipment consistent with growing, harvesting, and consuming marijuana.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Lee’s Summit Man Sentenced to 20Years for Child Pornography, Sextortion SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a sextortion scheme in which he threatened victims, including minors, to extort them into sending him pornographic images and videos of themselves.
Marek Redding, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Redding to 25 years of supervised release following incarceration. Redding will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On April 9, 2024, Redding pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography, and one count of extortion.
Redding, using a fake female persona on the Snapchat application, received nude photographs from multiple females, including minors. According to court documents, some victims reported that Redding threatened to distribute or publicly post their images if they did not continue sending nude images, some of which constituted child pornography.
Redding admitted that he induced two minor victims to produce child pornography in January 2022 and March 2022, and that he distributed the child pornography. Redding also admitted that he transmitted threats to injure the reputation of an adult victim in April 2022 in order to obtain more photographs from the victim.
According to court documents, the adult victim told investigators she had sent nude images to Redding. When she attempted to stop, Redding threatened to disclose her images to her family, school, and employer.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Grain Valley, Mo., Police Department, the Olathe, Kan., Police Department, and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
KC Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Purchase of Firearm Found After Mass Shooting at Super Bowl RallyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A second Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to the illegal straw purchase of a firearm recovered at the scene of the mass shooting at Union Station during the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory on Feb. 14, 2024.
Chaelyn Hendrick Groves, 20, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm. Co-defendant Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr., 22, pleaded guilty to the same charge on Wednesday, July 31.
Both Groves and Williams admitted they participated in the criminal conspiracy from Nov. 25, 2023, to Feb. 21, 2024. Williams made false statements to a licensed firearms dealer on Nov. 25, 2023, claiming he was the actual buyer of a Stag Arms lower receiver, which was intended to deceive the dealer into making the sale to Williams. Firearm receivers, or frames, house the firing mechanism and other internal parts of a firearm. The receiver can be loaded and fired, or built into a complete firearm by adding components. By federal definition, a receiver is a firearm and is the only controlled component of a firearm.
Groves and Williams admitted that Williams was not the true buyer of the firearm, but was purchasing the firearm for Groves, who was not of lawful age to purchase the firearm himself. Williams provided the firearm to Groves on the same day of the purchase. Groves then obtained a 300-blackout barrel and affixed it to the Stag Arms lower receiver.
Law enforcement officers recovered the firearm on Feb. 14, 2024, in the area of 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo., following the mass shooting incident.
Groves and Williams also admitted that, between Feb. 16 and Feb. 21, 2024, they provided materially false statements to federal law enforcement officers regarding the acquisition and disposition of the Stag Arms lower receiver.
Under federal statutes, Groves and Williams each is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess Michaelsen. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
KC Woman Pleads Guilty to $900,000 Covid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in two separate conspiracies that resulted in more than $900,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans being issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Renetta Golden-Larimore, 55, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, contained in two separate federal indictments.
The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.
By pleading guilty today, Golden-Larimore admitted that from February 2021 to May 2022 she conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent applications for PPP loans. The scheme caused over $900,000 in fraudulent PPP loans to be issued to ineligible borrowers, some of which were forgiven even though the funds were not used for the purposes specified in the PPP.
Golden-Larimore admitted she prepared and filed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of other persons. Generally, she charged fees between $2,000 and $7,000 for her assistance in filing false and fraudulent PPP loans, earning a total of at least $75,833 from the scheme. Golden-Larimore created counterfeit IRS forms for nonexistent businesses and with inflated income for existing businesses in order to qualify the borrower for a PPP loan.
Golden-Larimore prepared approximately 43 false PPP loan applications that were funded and numerous other false applications that were rejected. The total loss to the Small Business Administration was $908,278.
Twenty other persons have been charged and convicted in the Golden-Larimore fraud scheme in these two cases and five additional cases.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Golden-Larimore must forfeit to the government at least $75,833, which represents the proceeds she personally obtained from the scheme, and pay $908,278 in restitution to the Small Business Administration, representing the total fraud loss associated with the wire fraud scheme.
Under federal statutes, Golden-Larimore is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchase of Firearm Found After Mass Shooting at Super Bowl RallyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to the illegal straw purchase of a firearm recovered at the scene of the mass shooting at Union Station during the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory on Feb. 14, 2024.
Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr., 22, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.
By pleading guilty today, Williams admitted that he participated in the criminal conspiracy from Nov. 25, 2023, to Feb. 21, 2024. Williams made false statements to a licensed firearms dealer on Nov. 25, 2023, claiming he was the actual buyer of a Stag Arms lower receiver, which was intended to deceive the dealer into making the sale to Williams. Firearm receivers, or frames, house the firing mechanism and other internal parts of a firearm. The receiver can be loaded and fired, or built into a complete firearm by adding components. By federal definition, a receiver is a firearm and is the only controlled component of a firearm.
Williams admitted he was not the true buyer of the firearm, but was purchasing the firearm on behalf of a co-conspirator who was not of lawful age to purchase the firearm himself. Williams admitted he provided the firearm to his co-conspirator on the same day of the purchase.
Law enforcement officers recovered the firearm, with an affixed 300-blackout barrel, on Feb. 14, 2024, in the area of 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo., following the mass shooting incident.
Williams also admitted that, between Feb. 16 and Feb. 21, 2024, he provided materially false statements to federal law enforcement officers regarding the acquisition and disposition of the Stag Arms lower receiver.
Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess Michaelsen. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
This case was prosecuted under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
California Man Sentenced for Interfering with Flight Crew, Forcing Plane to be Diverted to KCIRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A California man was sentenced in federal court today after he was subdued by several passengers and flight attendants when he tried to open the exit door on an American Airlines flight en route to Washington, D.C., forcing the plane to land at Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri.
Juan Remberto Rivas, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 19 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Rivas to pay $64,434 in restitution to American Airlines.
On Jan. 23, 2024, Rivas pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with flight crew members and flight attendants.
Rivas was a passenger aboard American Airlines flight 1775 traveling nonstop from Los Angeles, Calif., to Washington, D.C., which was diverted to Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 13, 2022.
Rivas admitted that he created a disturbance and knowingly intimidated a flight attendant of the aircraft. Rivas went to the front of the plane and was arguing with the flight attendant. Rivas grabbed some plastic silverware and placed the plastic silverware in his shirt sleeve to appear to create a shank. Rivas grabbed a small champagne bottle by the neck and attempted to break the bottle on the counter. Rivas then attempted to open an exit door by lifting the handle.
Another flight attendant grabbed a coffee pot and hit Rivas with it. Rivas was then restrained for the remainder of the flight.
According to court documents, Rivas assaulted the arresting law enforcement officers after the airplane landed and he was being taken into custody. A number of officers were injured in his attempt to flee, resulting in contusions, lacerations, and an injured hand. In addition to this federal case, Rivas faces a pending charge in Platte County, Mo., for assault against a law enforcement officer.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the FBI.
Pineville Woman Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Murder of Pregnant Arkansas Woman and Unborn ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Pineville, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman and her victim’s unborn child.
“This horrific crime resulted in the tragic deaths of two innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. “Today’s guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for her actions and ensures that justice will be served. She is now subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole.”
Amber Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of thereby causing the death of a child in utero.
By pleading guilty, Waterman admitted that she kidnapped Ashley Bush in order to claim her unborn child, Valkyrie Willis, as her own. Waterman transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Ark., to Pineville. The kidnapping resulted in the deaths of both Ashley Bush and Valkyrie Willis.
Waterman admitted that, using a false name, she began having contact via Facebook with Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant. Waterman pretended to help Bush obtain employment, suggesting she had a job opportunity for her. That prompted an in-person meeting between the two women on Oct. 28, 2022, at the Gravette, Ark., public library. They agreed to meet again on Oct. 31, 2022.
On Oct. 31, 2022, at roughly 11:45 a.m., Bush met Waterman at the Handi-Stop convenience store in Maysville, Ark. Under the pretext that Waterman was taking her to meet a supervisor to further discuss employment, Bush got into a truck driven by Waterman. Waterman then kidnapped and abducted Bush, driving her from Maysville to the Waterman residence in Pineville.
At about 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2022, first responders reported to the Longview store in Pineville for an emergency call of a baby who was not breathing. Waterman admitted that she claimed to first responders that she had given birth to the child in the truck while on the way to the hospital. But in reality, she admitted, the child was Bush’s child, who died in utero, as a result of Waterman’s kidnapping that resulted in the death of Bush.
An autopsy indicated that Bush died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso and her death was classified as a homicide.
Under federal statutes, Waterman is subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole on each count. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on Oct 15, 2024.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County, Ark., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Missouri Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child While in Vernon County JailRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Missouri man, who was an inmate at the Vernon County, Mo., jail at the time of his offense, was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.
Houston Wade Young, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to life in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 30, 2024, Houston Young pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor. His wife, co-defendant Jessica Ann Young, 33, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024, to two counts of the sexual exploitation of a minor and awaits sentencing.
On March 5, 2020, Houston Young, while an inmate at the Vernon County jail, was found to be in possession of a cell phone that contained images of child pornography. Young was being detained pending a civil proceeding to determine whether he should be civilly committed as a sexually violent predator for his prior sex offense convictions.
On March 7, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Jessica Young had sent pornographic images of a 7-year-old child (identified in court documents as “John Doe 1”) to Houston Young’s cell phone. Investigators found text messages on the cell phone between Jessica and Houston Young that discussed sexually abusing John Doe 1. During the text messages, Jessica Young sent Houston Young two pornographic images of John Doe 1. Multiple other images of child pornography sent by Jessica Young also were found on Houston Young’s cell phone.
Jessica Young admitted she had sexually abused two child victims, John Doe 1 and 13-year-old John Doe 2, on multiple occasions. Jessica Young also admitted that she had recorded video of herself sexually abusing John Doe 2.
A forensic analysis of Houston Young’s cell phone also determined that he sent images of child pornography to Jessica Young and a 16-year-old child victim (identified in court documents as “Jane Doe”). Houston Young sent pornographic images of himself to Jane Doe, solicited child pornographic images of her that she sent to him, and engaged in sexual conversations. Jane Doe told investigators she met Houston Young on a game room chat, League of Legends, and started talking via that forum. They communicated via text, the Kik and Whatsapp applications, and video chat.
Houston Young was involuntarily committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Sex Offender Rehabilitation and Treatment Services program in February 2021. He has two prior felony convictions related to the sexual exploitation of children. He was convicted of child molestation in Wright County, Mo., in 2005 and of possessing child pornography in Jackson County, Mo., in 2016.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Vernon County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
KC Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who threatened his co-workers with a firearm while he was on bond was sentenced in federal court today for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing firearms.
Reggie McDowell, also known as “Dime,” 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 14 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
On Oct. 14, 2023, after McDowell was indicted and while he was on bond in this federal case, law enforcement officers responded to a disturbance with a firearm at a Raytown, Mo., restaurant where he was employed. McDowell was involved in an argument with a co-worker and brandished a firearm, which he retrieved from a bag he was wearing.
According to court documents, McDowell began pacing around the kitchen area and threatened to “kill everyone in here.” Restaurant employees contacted law enforcement and McDowell fled from the restaurant, but left the bag behind. Officers located the bag, which contained a loaded FN 9mm handgun, a loaded Glock .40-caliber firearm, a loaded Glock 10mm handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. McDowell’s bond was revoked and he was returned to federal custody.
On March 3, 2024, McDowell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of receiving a firearm while under felony indictment and while on release.
By pleading guilty, McDowell admitted that he participated in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Jan. 1, 2016, to June 23, 2022. McDowell sold methamphetamine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on seven different occasions in 2021 and 2022. McDowell, who was visibly armed during four of those transactions, admitted to carrying a Glock .357-caliber handgun on at least one occasion.
McDowell and his co-conspirators used social media sites to arrange and facilitate the sale of illegal drugs. They held the pills out as purported ecstasy (MDMA), rather than methamphetamine.
On June 23, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at McDowell’s residence. Agents seized a Glock .40-caliber handgun loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition on the living room floor, approximately 240 grams of marijuana in a backpack on the living room floor, a fanny pack in the living room that contained 23 methamphetamine pills and approximately 41 grams of marijuana, an Arsenal 7.62-caliber pistol loaded with 61 rounds of ammunition under a bed in the bedroom, a Glock 10mm handgun loaded with 34 rounds under a bed in the bedroom, a Glock .40-caliber handgun loaded with 51 rounds under a bed in the bedroom, numerous methamphetamine pills in various locations in the bedroom, and assorted firearms magazines and ammunition.
McDowell is the eighth defendant to be sentenced in this case. Two co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie C. Bradshaw. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Two Child VictimsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.
Travis Tyler Isham, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Isham to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration. Isham will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
On Dec. 13, 2023, Isham pleaded guilty to two counts of the sexual exploitation of children. Isham admitted that he used two child victims to produce child pornography. Investigators found 276 images of child pornography on Isham’s cell phone. Those images were screen shots from a video of child pornography that was also found on Isham’s phone.\
Today’s sentence includes an enhancement for obstruction of justice because Isham tried to destroy and/or dispose of the cell phone that he used to commit the crime. Law enforcement officers contacted Isham at a cell phone store, where he was attempting to trade in his cell phone. The screen on the cell phone was shattered, and it appeared that the phone was bent.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former Bank Employee Pleads Guilty to $2.4 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Higbee, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing nearly $2.4 million from customers’ accounts at Exchange Bank of Missouri in Fayette, Mo., during a 15-year-long fraud scheme.
Megan Lea Dougherty, 36, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to a federal information that charges her with one count of bank fraud.
Dougherty was employed at the Fayette branch of Exchange Bank of Missouri. By pleading guilty today, she admitted that she engaged in a scheme to embezzle money from Exchange Bank of Missouri from Jan. 1, 2009, to Oct. 17, 2023.
According to today’s plea agreement, Dougherty began working in the bank’s IT and customer service department in 2008. She detected a lack of internal controls and began removing small amounts of money from customer accounts into her own savings account and then to her checking account. Eventually, she also transferred stolen funds into the checking accounts of family members. Dougherty then switched to taking from customer certificate of deposit accounts.
Dougherty falsified the description of these transfers in the bank’s computer systems to conceal her theft. She also rotated which accounts she took funds from so as to avoid detection, and would steal from one account to reimburse another, again to avoid detection.
At the time that Exchange Bank of Missouri discovered the theft, Dougherty was actively stealing from seven different bank customers, some of whom had multiple accounts affected. Records reveal that over a dozen other customers were also victims of Dougherty’s theft, but those accounts were reimbursed when she moved onto victimizing new accounts.
Dougherty told investigators she targeted customers who knew and trusted her. The records show that Dougherty stole a total of $2,393,288 from customers’ accounts.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Dougherty must forfeit to the government her interest nine parcels of real estate in Howard County, Mo., and a money judgment of $2,393,288.
Under federal statutes, Dougherty is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Pierce. It was investigated by the FBI.
Joplin Man, Woman Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man and woman have pleaded guilty to stealing mail from Joplin residents as part of a conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.
Emily Anna-Lee Sturgis, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Monday, July 22, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and to one count of bank fraud.
Co-defendant Aaron M. Blake, 28, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13, 2024, to the same charges, as well as to one count of aggravated identity theft.
Sturgis and Blake admitted they conspired from December 2022 to Jan. 26, 2023, to steal mail out of residential mailboxes and off porches in Joplin. The stolen mail included credit cards, debit cards, checks, cash, jewelry, and documents that contained personal identifying information (such as names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account information). They stole Pandora jewelry from one victim’s mailbox, and a Christmas card that contained a $500 check from another victim’s mailbox. They used the stolen credit cards to unlawfully make purchases.
Blake, with the knowledge and assistance of Sturgis, used the stolen personal information to open credit card accounts and bank accounts under those stolen names. He then used these fraudulently created credit and bank accounts to make unlawful purchases.
Sturgis and Blake attempted to obtain at least $13,845 from their victims and did obtain at least $12,482 from their victims.
Under federal statutes, Sturgis and Blake each is subject to a sentence of up to 60 years in federal prison without parole. Blake is also subject to a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Carthage, Mo., Police Department and the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Springfield Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography.
Ronald Lee Goins, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Goins has a prior conviction for furnishing pornographic material to a minor under the age of 14, and two prior convictions for failing to register as a sex offender.
According to today’s plea agreement, law enforcement officers found a cell phone in an abandoned vehicle in an alley at 2044 N. Avenue in Springfield on July 22, 2023. Investigators examined the phone and found files that contained child pornography on a micro-SD card that had been inserted into the phone.
Investigators determined the images of child pornography had last been modified in 2020 and 2021, at which time the phone belonged to Goins. There were also self-produced images of Goins, documents, and other files indicating that Goins was the user of the cell phone during 2020 and 2021. Two CyberTip Reports from Snapchat and Instagram, which involved child pornography uploads, were associated with the email address located on the micro-SD card.
Goins was arrested on Oct. 30, 2023, on outstanding arrest warrants in a separate case.
Under federal statutes, Goins is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Lohman Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Two Child VictimsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Lohman, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.
Anthony Dale Pitts-Fugate, 32, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that Pitts-Fugate attempted to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity from June 1 to Dec. 31, 2022. Pitts-Fugate is also charged with one count of receiving child pornography related to an image of the same minor victim sent via SnapChat.
Pitts-Fugate is charged with three counts of attempting to produce child pornography involving a second minor victim.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Jefferson City Sex Offender Indicted for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges related to child pornography.
Harold Dale Speckhals, 61, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City.
Today’s indictment alleges that Speckhals distributed child pornography over the internet from June 25, 2023, to March 22, 2024. Speckhals is also charged with possessing child pornography on June 20, 2024.
Speckhals has a prior conviction for sexual misconduct in the first degree.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
KC Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court today to sharing child pornography over the internet and to possessing more than 1,000 images and videos of child pornography.
Dennis Bruce Bean II, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to one count of transporting child pornography across state lines and on count of possessing child pornography.
Bean has a prior felony conviction for criminal sexual conduct and has been required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received three CyberTipline reports associated with Bean. In one of those reports, Google reported on Jan. 31, 2024, that approximately 1,442 files of child pornography had been uploaded to Bean’s Google Photos account during the previous two months.
On April 5, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bean’s residence. Bean was arrested after he was found hiding in the back yard. Officers seized two cell phones and a one terabyte thumb drive. Investigators found at least 100 images and videos of child sexual abuse or child erotica on the phones. The thumb drive had more than 1,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse and child erotica.
Under federal statutes, Bean is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on Dec. 3, 2024.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
West Plains Sex Offender Sentenced for Possessing Computer-Generated Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A West Plains, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for possessing hundreds of computer-generated images of child sexual abuse.
Dace Allen Doverspike, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Doverspike to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration.
Doverspike, who has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing child pornography, pleaded guilty on Aug. 29, 2023, to possessing an obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children.
Doverspike’s probation officer seized his cell phone on May 10, 2023, during a home visit as part of the conditions of his supervised release. The officer discovered multiple images and videos of pornography, including computer-generated images and videos of child pornography, and transferred the phone to Homeland Security Investigations for examination and further investigation. A task force officer examined a microSD storage device that had been inserted into the phone, which contained 255 computer-generated image files that depicted child sexual abuse.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Springfield Woman Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for providing the fentanyl that caused the death of a Springfield man.
Whitney R. Weiherer, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 12 years in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 7, 2023, Weiherer pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl causing death. Weiherer admitted she provided the fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Springfield resident (identified in court documents as “J.W.”).
Springfield police officers were dispatched to J.W.’s apartment on Oct. 22, 2019, after receiving a call from the apartment complex’s property manager who conducted a wellness check at the apartment. Investigators examined J.W.’s cell phone and found several calls and texts with Weiherer on Oct. 5, 2019. Investigators also found photos of Weiherer that were taken the same day inside J.W.’s apartment; he was wearing the same clothes in the photos as he was found in when his body was discovered.
Investigators determined that J.W.’s death likely occurred within 10 to 15 minutes of taking the fentanyl supplied by Weiherer on Oct. 5, 2019, although his body wasn’t discovered until Oct. 22, 2019.
Weiherer had two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and was on probation at the time of the federal offense. Two months later, she was again arrested in possession of drugs, leading to her third felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties, Mo., and illegally possessing five firearms.
Jeffrey S. Durbray, 61, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, July 16, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 19, 2023, Durbray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Durbray admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties from March 5 to Oct. 10, 2019. Durbray also admitted he possessed five firearms in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, Durbray is responsible for distribution of more than six kilograms of methamphetamine in the Springfield area.
A confidential informant conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Durbray in April 2019. On April 24, 2019, a deputy with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department stopped a Chevrolet Malibu in which Durbray was a passenger because it was missing a front license plate. The deputy searched the vehicle and found two firearms hidden behind a panel under the dash in the front of the center console. Law enforcement officers also found $2,003 in cash and four cell phones inside the vehicle. In the trunk, officers found cocaine, methamphetamine, a third firearm, and an additional $2,050 in cash. Durbray admitted the methamphetamine and the cash was his.
On Oct. 10, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Durbray’s residence. Officers found a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and 681.6 grams of methamphetamine Officers searched an RV and found a loaded Smith & Wesson .500-caliber revolver, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine, a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Heritage .22-caliber revolver, ammunition, and $1,423 in cash. In a white Subaru on the property, officers found ammunition and $2,401 in cash. Officers also searched Durbray, who possessed a taser, a bubble pipe, two cell phones and $10,790 in cash.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Durbray must forfeit to the government the $14,614 in total seized by law enforcement officers at his residence as well as his interest, if any, in the $4,053 seized by law enforcement following the car stop on April 24, 2019.
Durbray was on parole for two previous drug-trafficking convictions at the time of the federal offense.
Durbray is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Zachary L. Day, 39, and Drake A. Cox, 69, both of Springfield, were each sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole. William E. Kurek, 52, of Springfield, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and J.D. Hatcher. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Mexican National Indicted After Officers Seize 54 Kilos of Meth, FentanylRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national residing in Kansas City, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury today after law enforcement officers seized more than 54 kilograms of methamphetamine and a large amount of fentanyl from his residence.
Jose Feliciano Cordova Rodriguez, 36, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Rodriguez on June 24, 2024, and includes additional charges.
Today’s indictment alleges that Cordova Rodriguez participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1 to June 22, 2024. The indictment also charges Cordova Rodriguez with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers searched Cordova Rodriguez’s residence on June 22, 2024, after surveillance indicated he was involved in a large drug shipment. Officers found five brown boxes that each contained 10 bundles with a total of 54.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Officers also found a heat-sealed bag in a hole in the wall in the basement that contained 431.1 grams of fentanyl. Officers also found $12,800 in cash in the basement.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jury Convicts Columbia Man of Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was found guilty in federal court today of possessing fentanyl that he intended to distribute in Springfield, Mo.
Michael E. Hunt, Jr., 43, was found guilty of one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
Law enforcement officers learned that Hunt was planning to transport fentanyl from Columbia to Springfield. Hunt was driving a black Jeep Renegade southbound on Highway 5 on June 12, 2022, when a Laclede County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation. A police service dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the Jeep, at which time Hunt locked the vehicle and refused to give officers the keys.
After the Jeep was unlocked by a local tow company, officers searched the vehicle and found a black gym bag on the front passenger seat that contained approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, which is consistent with distribution and not merely personal use.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about an hour before returning a guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, July 15.
Under federal statutes, Hunt is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Brown and J.D. Hatcher. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Laclede County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Florissant Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Florissant, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for providing more than 34 kilograms of fentanyl to a large-scale drug-trafficking organization in southwest Missouri.
Sheron L. Loggins, also known as “Bane,” 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 14 years in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 14, 2022, Loggins pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Loggins admitted that he provided fentanyl to co-defendant Jerry R. Wheeler, 49, of Springfield, who in turn supplied a number of other fentanyl/heroin distributors in the Springfield area from Sept. 23, 2018, to Nov. 14, 2019.
According to court documents, Loggins supplied more than 34 kilograms of fentanyl to the drug-trafficking organization.
Law enforcement officers stopped Loggins on Sept. 8, 2019, as he was traveling on Interstate 44 toward Springfield to deliver fentanyl. Officers searched his vehicle and found approximately 496 grams of fentanyl and a .45-caliber magazine loaded with five rounds of ammunition.
Loggins is the ninth defendant to be sentenced in this case, among 15 defendants who have pleaded guilty.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver and Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Bourbon, Mo., Police Department, and the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Priest Pleads Guilty to Sending His Sister $100,000 in Stolen Church FundsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A retired priest in Jefferson City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to sending his sister a $100,000 check stolen from a Wardsville, Mo., church and admitted to writing himself a $200,000 check from the church account.
The Rev. Ignazio C. Medina, 72, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to a federal information that charges him with transporting stolen property across state lines.
Medina, a Catholic priest, was pastor at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, Mo., from 2013 to 2021. Some financial irregularities arose at St. Stanislaus in 2018, and the diocese determined that the parish had a bank account that was not previously reported on the budget or annual report. Medina was asked to include this bank account in the parish’s annual report, and in 2020 he reported an account balance of about $358,000.
After Medina was transferred to a different parish in 2021, it was discovered that he had emptied that bank account. On June 10, 2021, Medina had written a $100,000 check to his sister in Tucson, Arizona. The next day, he had also written a $200,000 check payable to himself. Some expenditures from the account appeared to be church-related.
Medina, when confronted, claimed the bank account was funded by donations that were not intended for the parish itself, but rather were intended for his own discretionary use. Donors who had contributed checks deposited into the bank account contradicted Medina’s statement. Several individuals told investigators the checks they wrote to St. Stanislaus were intended for parish purposes, not for Medina’s own discretionary use, and that they never had any conversations with Medina authorizing a different use of the funds. One donor told investigators he intended his donation to be used in the school in memory of a deceased friend.
Medina also claimed he was refunding donations and that his sister in Tucson was one of the donors. In fact, his sister was not a source of donations to the account, and told investigators that Medina told her the money he sent was to care for their ailing mother.
Under federal statutes, Medina is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the FBI.
Sweepstakes Operators Plead Guilty to Bank Secrecy Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Two Missouri men pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with bankers to willfully fail to implement appropriate anti-money laundering (AML) controls at a Missouri bank, as required by the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
Kevin Brandes, 60, and William Graham, 56, both residents of Kansas City, Missouri, owned and operated multiple sweepstakes businesses and held accounts for those businesses at the Missouri bank. According to court documents, from 2013 to 2019, Brandes and Graham abetted bank officials in failing to implement key components of the bank’s AML program.
Under the BSA and its implementing regulations, the bank was required to file currency transaction reports (CTR) with the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) for any transaction in currency of more than $10,000. In 2017, at the request of bank officials, Brandes and Graham signed FinCEN CTR Exemption Review Forms that classified their companies as “direct mail advertising” businesses. After receiving the signed exemption forms, the bank failed to file CTRs with FinCEN on transactions involving Brandes’ and Graham’s businesses. Additionally, Brandes’ and Graham’s companies were deemed “high risk” and subject to heightened monitoring under the bank’s policies and procedures. Brandes and Graham understood that by signing the CTR exemption forms the bank would apply less scrutiny to their companies’ transactions.
Additionally, on or about Oct. 11, 2016, at the direction of two bank officials, Brandes and Graham had an outside attorney sign a legal opinion letter, then sent it to the bank, knowing that it contained false information. Specifically, the letter indicated that one of Brandes’ companies “in over 3 years has not received negative or unwanted legal action by way of regulatory bodies or private suits.” Brandes and Graham knew at the time, however, that this information was false because a state regulatory agency had filed a legal action against the company in question. Brandes and Graham both believed this letter would help the bank circumvent its requirements under the BSA.
Brandes and Graham each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to cause the willful failure to implement and maintain an appropriate anti-money laundering program. Brandes and Graham will be sentenced at a later date and face maximum penalties of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore for the Western District of Missouri, Special Agent in Charge Justin R. Bundy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Kansas City Region, Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) St. Louis Field Office, and Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
FDIC-OIG, IRS-CI, and the FBI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Chad M. Davis and Christopher Ting of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Matthew N. Sparks for the Western District of Missouri are prosecuting the case.
MLARS’ Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees, whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.