Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Twenty Defendants Indicted in Drug-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Twenty defendants, primarily residents of Kansas City, Missouri, have been indicted for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Most of the defendants were arrested during a law enforcement operation last week that resulted in seizures of firearms, heroin and other illegal drugs, and large amounts of cash.
Ladele D. Smith, also known as “Dellio” and “Dog,” 32, Roy O. Franklin Jr., 29, David J. Duncan IV, also known as “Deei” or “DJ,” 30, Terrance R. Garner, also known as “T-Dot,” 34, Joshua D. Marchbanks, 29, Cory Tremaine Brown, also known as “Twin,” 39, Carleeon D. Lockett, also known as “Tone,” 27, Gary Othniel Toombs, 39, Errick Eugene Martin Jr., also known as “Dough Boy,” 28, Kenneth Dewayne Scott, also known as “Kenny,” 23, Cordell D. Edwards, also known as “Duke,” 31, Victor Gonzalez, also known as “Lil Vic” and “El Chavo,” 30, Michael E. Sims, also known as “Mikey,” 33, Cordarrel Lamonte Scott, also known as “DOB,” 33, Marco Rashon Maddox, 35, and Herman Graham Bell Jr., 64, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cornelius Phelps, also known as “Tim Tim,” 33, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Sirrico L. Franklin, also known as “Chico” and “Rico,” 28, of Raytown, Mo.; Lencorya Tiko Montrel Grady, also known as “Thick,” 44, of Springfield, Mo.; and Martin Christopher Garner, also known as “Looch” and “Lu Lu,” 32, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The federal indictment was unsealed following a law enforcement operation on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in which 16 of the 20 defendants were arrested. Approximately 200 federal agents and local law enforcement officers were involved in the operation, which also resulted in the arrests of two additional individuals who have been charged with being felons in possession of firearms in separate cases related to the underlying investigation of this case.
According to court documents, investigators seized 23 firearms, approximately 350 grams of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, $75,000 in cash, scales, an apparent drug ledger, and drug packaging materials during the course of the arrest operation and accompanying search warrants. Smith, Duncan, Martin, Garner, Gonzalez, Scott, Phelps, and Bell were arrested with firearms either on their person, in their vehicle, or in their residence.
The indictment alleges that all 20 of the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin, as well as cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, codeine, and marijuana, from Jan. 1, 2011, to Oct. 1, 2019.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Smith, Roy Franklin, Sirrico Franklin, and Toombs are charged with maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.
Officers executed a search warrant at a residence maintained by Smith, Roy Franklin, Sirrico Franklin, and Toombs during the Oct. 2 operation and seized approximately 350 grams of suspected heroin, a digital scale, packaging material, two Glock handguns, two Mico Draco AK-47 pistols, a Century Arms AK-47 pistol, and an apparent bullet proof vest. According to court documents, officers also found a stolen Jeep, riddled with bullet holes and missing the back window, that allegedly had been used by conspirators in a shoot-out on Sept. 9, 2019, in the area of 35th Street and Woodland. Investigators also recovered live ammunition and shell casings inside the vehicle.
Duncan was among those arrested in his apartment during the Oct. 2 operation. According to court documents, officers located three firearms under his mattress: a Zastava M92PV, a Glock Model 19, and a Norinco MAK90 AK-47. Investigators also seized approximately $7,100 in cash, an apparent drug ledger on the nightstand listing nicknames and dollar amounts, and Duncan’s Dodge Charger.
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. Attorneys Adam Caine, Ashleigh Ragner, and Stacey Perkins Rock. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and IRS-Criminal Investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, and the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
OCDETF
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 and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.Jury Convicts Two Former Corrections Officers of Assaulting an Inmate and Two Former Officers Plead Guilty to Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
Two former corrections officers at the Jackson County Detention Center have been convicted by a federal jury of physically assaulting an inmate in violation of his Constitutional protection against unreasonable force.
“These corrections officers were convicted by a jury of their peers for severely beating and wounding a disoriented and compliant inmate,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “This conduct betrays their oath as law enforcement officers and violates the Constitution. The Department of Justice will prosecute those who violate the rights of others.”
“These corrections officers abused their authority by physically assaulting an inmate,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Our Constitution protects every citizen from the use of unreasonable force. No one is above the law, and no one should be denied their civil rights.”
Travis Hewitt, 29, and Terrance Dooley Jr., 38, both of Kansas City, Missouri, were found guilty on Friday, Oct. 4, of participating in a conspiracy to deprive the victim of his civil rights and one count of deprivation of rights.
Co-defendants Jen-I Pulos, 38, and Dakota Pearce, 26, both of Kansas City, Missouri, each recently pleaded guilty. Pearce pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and Pulos pleaded guilty to the deprivation of rights.
Hewitt, Dooley, Pulos, and Pearce were formerly employed as corrections officers at the detention center. Hewitt and Pearce served as acting sergeants. Dooley and Pulos served on the Disturbance Control Team, also known as the Correctional Emergency Response Team, which is responsible for intervening in inmate altercations and neutralizing threats posed by inmates.
The victim, identified in court documents as “J.R.,” was an inmate at the detention center. On July 4, 2015, J.R. was detained on a probation violation related to the monitoring of his release conditions for a felony driving while intoxicated conviction. J.R. was placed in the medical housing unit of the detention center because he was severely confused and disoriented, as he was experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
At about 7 p.m. another corrections officer allowed J.R. to walk in a secure area outside of his cell. J.R., clearly disoriented and unaware of his whereabouts, attempted to exit the secure area. The corrections officer and J.R. then had a brief physical struggle; the corrections officer called a Code 1, indicating to other officers that she needed assistance.
Hewitt and Pearce responded and placed J.R. in a holding cell. Hewitt, Dooley, Pulos, and Pearce were upset that a supervisor decided J.R. would not be placed in a “restraint chair,” which was commonly used to punish unruly inmates, because J.R. was clearly disoriented and unaware of his surroundings. Several hours later, Dooley and Pulos entered J.R.’s cell, purportedly to remove a comb that had been fashioned into a “shank.” They removed J.R. and transported him to a holding cell (which was out of the range of surveillance cameras). In this holding cell, Hewitt, Dooley, Pulos, and Pearce physically assaulted J.R., while he was handcuffed and not posing a threat to anyone, in order to punish him for the earlier incident. At times during the incident, one of the officers stood outside of the cell and served as a lookout in attempt to ensure that the assault was concealed from other witnesses.
Several hours after the second incident, medical professionals at the detention center decided to transfer J.R. to Truman Medical Center out of a belief that his alcohol withdrawal symptoms had worsened. Truman Medical personnel working in the emergency room, however, quickly determined that J.R. had sustained significant injuries unrelated to alcohol withdrawal. Medical personnel ultimately diagnosed J.R. with broken ribs, a punctured lung, facial bruising, and injuries to his wrists.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for approximately four hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner, ending a trial that began Monday, Sept. 30.
Under federal statutes, Hewitt and Dooley are each subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Pulos and Pearce are each 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 David Ketchmark of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Missouri, Trial Attorney Shan Patel of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, U.S. Department of Justice. It was investigated by the Kansas City Division of the FBI.
Jury Convicts Two Former Corrections Officers of Assaulting an InmateRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two former corrections officers at the Jackson County Detention Center have been convicted by a federal jury of physically assaulting an inmate in violation of his Constitutional protection against unreasonable force.
“These corrections officers abused their authority by physically assaulting an inmate,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “Our Constitution protects every citizen from the use of unreasonable force. No one is above the law, and no one should be denied their civil rights.”
“These corrections officers were convicted by a jury of their peers for severely beating and wounding a disoriented and compliant inmate,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “This conduct betrays their oath as law enforcement officers and violates the Constitution. The Department of Justice will prosecute those who violate the rights of others.”
Travis Hewitt, 29, and Terrance Dooley, Jr., 38, both of Kansas City, Missouri, were found guilty on Friday, Oct. 4, of participating in a conspiracy to deprive the victim of his civil rights and one count of deprivation of rights.
Co-defendants Jen-I Pulos, 38, and Dakota Pearce, 26, both of Kansas City, Missouri, each recently pleaded guilty. Pearce pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and Pulos pleaded guilty to the deprivation of rights.
Hewitt, Dooley, Pulos, and Pearce were formerly employed as corrections officers at the detention center. Hewitt and Pearce served as acting sergeants. Dooley and Pulos served on the Disturbance Control Team, also known as the Correctional Emergency Response Team, which is responsible for intervening in inmate altercations and neutralizing threats posed by inmates.
The victim, identified in court documents as “J.R.,” was an inmate at the detention center. On July 4, 2015, J.R. was detained on a probation violation related to the monitoring of his release conditions for a felony driving while intoxicated conviction. J.R. was placed in the medical housing unit of the detention center because he was severely confused and disoriented, as he was experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
At about 7 p.m. another corrections officer allowed J.R. to walk in a secure area outside of his cell. J.R., clearly disoriented and unaware of his whereabouts, attempted to exit the secure area. The corrections officer and J.R. then had a brief physical struggle; the corrections officer called a Code 1, indicating to other officers that she needed assistance.Hewitt and Pearce responded and placed J.R. in a holding cell. Hewitt, Dooley, Pulos, and Pearce were upset that a supervisor decided J.R. would not be placed in a “restraint chair,” which was commonly used to punish unruly inmates, because J.R. was clearly disoriented and unaware of his surroundings. Several hours later, Dooley and Pulos entered J.R.’s cell, purportedly to remove a comb that had been fashioned into a “shank.” They removed J.R. and transported him to a holding cell (which was out of the range of surveillance cameras). In this holding cell, Hewitt, Dooley, Pulos, and Pearce physically assaulted J.R., while he was handcuffed and not posing a threat to anyone, in order to punish him for the earlier incident. At times during the incident, one of the officers stood outside of the cell and served as a lookout in attempt to ensure that the assault was concealed from other witnesses.
Several hours after the second incident, medical professionals at the detention center decided to transfer J.R. to Truman Medical Center out of a belief that his alcohol withdrawal symptoms had worsened. Truman Medical personnel working in the emergency room, however, quickly determined that J.R. had sustained significant injuries unrelated to alcohol withdrawal. Medical personnel ultimately diagnosed J.R. with broken ribs, a punctured lung, facial bruising, and injuries to his wrists.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for approximately four hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner, ending a trial that began Monday, Sept. 30.
Under federal statutes, Hewitt and Dooley are each subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Pulos and Pearce are each 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 David Ketchmark of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Missouri, Trial Attorney Shan Patel of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, U.S. Department of Justice. It was investigated by the Kansas City Division of the FBI.
Independence Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing child pornography over the internet.
Bradley Edward Vader, 66, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to nine years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Vader to pay a $25,000 fine.
Vader, who pleaded guilty on May 1, 2019, was actively sharing videos of child pornography over the internet through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. Vader admitted that he had accessed Russian websites and peer-to-peer programs to acquire child pornography. He burned many of these child pornography video files to approximately 61 DVDs.
According to court documents, Vader amassed a voluminous collection of child pornography over the last decade. A search of his home yielded a computer, hard drive, jump drives, and 61 DVDs containing child pornography, some created as far back as April 2007. Of these 61 DVDs, the file lengths ranged from 53 minutes to over four hours. These files included videos of children as young as eight years old being sexually abused.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. 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."California Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Montclair, California, man was charged in federal court today for transporting more than four pounds of heroin and approximately five pounds of fentanyl aboard a bus enroute to New York City.
Daniel O. Villanueva, 20, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, with possessing heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Villanueva remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s federal criminal complaint, detectives with the MoWIN (Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics) Task Force contacted Villanueva at a local bus station when he disembarked from a bus originating from Los Angeles, California, en route to New York City. Villanueva was acting nervous, the affidavit says, and gave detectives permission to search his backpack in the overhead bin in the passenger compartment of the bus. No contraband was found in the backpack.
Near Villanueva’s backpack was a green backpack, which Villanueva claimed did not belong to him. Detectives removed the green backpack and a police service canine alerted to the presence of controlled substances inside the backpack. When passengers boarded the bus, detectives asked whether the backpack belonged to any of them. No one claimed the backpack, so detectives removed it from the bus and searched it. They found four bundles concealed within men’s clothing. Two bundles contained a total 2.022 kilograms (approximately 4.4 pounds) of heroin and 2.27 kilograms (approximately five pounds) of fentanyl.
Villanueva, who had been escorted off the bus, told detectives the green backpack was his, the affidavit says. Villanueva told detectives he was to be paid $5,000 to deliver the heroin and fentanyl to New York City.
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. Attorneys Ashleigh Ragner and Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing and sharing hundreds of videos and images of child pornography over the internet.
James Andrew Clingenpeel, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to one count of attempting to distribute child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
By pleading guilty today, Clingenpeel admitted that he utilized a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to distribute a video of child pornography over the internet. Clingenpeel’s criminal conduct was discovered during an FBI national investigation into the network, which allows users to share child pornography on their computers with other members over the internet. Clingenpeel was an “Ultimate” member with an account since October 2013. An undercover FBI undercover operative invited Clingenpeel to join his network; Clingenpeel then shared 436 files that contained 9.1GB of content to the network.
Clingenpeel also admitted that he was in possession of child pornography. On April 19, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Clingenpeel’s residence. Officers seized three electronic devices; a notebook computer contained 550 videos and 180 images of child pornography and a computer hard drive contained one video of child pornography, more than 100 images of possible child erotica, and one video of possible child erotica.
Under federal statutes, Clingenpeel is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 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 David A. Barnes. It was investigated by the FBI and the Independence, Mo., Police 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."Carl Junction Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting a Minor for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Carl Junction, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to transporting a Kansas minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Nathan Roger Belcher, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Belcher remains in federal custody until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
By pleading guilty today, Belcher admitted that he transported a child victim, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe 1” with a date of birth in 2003, from Kansas across the state line into Missouri. They engaged in criminal sexual activity on two occasions, once at a residence in Missouri and once near a creek outside Neosho, Missouri, in 2017.
Under federal statutes, Belcher 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. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbus, Kan., Police Department, and the Cherokee County, Kan., 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."Springfield Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than four kilograms of methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo.
Loueadry Earl John Powell Jr., 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On April 8, 2019, Powell pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from March 22 to June 22, 2017, and to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
The investigation began when a federal postal inspector in Los Angeles, California, identified two suspicious parcels addressed to separate Springfield addresses on June 19, 2017. A federal postal inspector and Springfield police officers conducted a controlled delivery of one of those parcels. Although the parcel was not addressed to him by name, Powell was contacted at the residence of the address and accepted the package.
A controlled delivery of the second package was attempted, but the residence appeared to be unoccupied and no one answered the door.
Each of the parcels contained 2,234.2 grams of methamphetamine with a purity level ranging from 95 to 100 percent.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally selling firearms without a license, some of which have been seized during arrests at several crime scenes.
Frank E. Hedden, 25, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
By pleading guilty today, Hedden admitted that he sold 21 firearms to an undercover special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for a total of $11,155 between Feb. 26 and July 16, 2019.
On May 7, 2019, investigators served Hedden with a warning notice. Investigators explained to Hedden that several firearms he purchased from licensed firearms dealers had been recovered in crimes within a relatively short amount of time after Hedden purchased them. This indicated Hedden could be re-selling them, thereby dealing in firearms without a license. Investigators further explained to Hedden that he could be prosecuted if he was buying firearms with the intent to resell them. Hedden signed an acknowledgement receipt for the Warning Notice of Unlicensed Firearms Dealing in Violation of Federal Law.
A few days later, however, Hedden met again with the undercover agent and illegally sold the agent two pistols for $1,200. During that meeting, which was recorded, Hedden told the undercover agent about the warning notice. “I don’t know if it’s anything, you know, of your or somebody else,” he said, “they said I had several firearms show up in crime scenes lately.” Hedden then added, “I knew this would happen eventually.”
The undercover agent told Hedden the firearms he purchased were going to Mexico and asked Hedden if he could obtain more AK-47 type pistols, to which Hedden responded “Yeah. So, I’ll have to figure out something … I’m going to try to figure something out cause like I said, I like doing the business, it’s nice to come into a little extra money.”
Hedden subsequently sold three more firearms to the undercover agent on two separate occasions.
On July 17, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hedden’s residence and seized 33 firearms (which must be forfeited to the government). Officers also seized a red binder that contained 100 bills of sale for firearms; 18 of the documents were for firearms sold to the undercover agent, 72 of the documents were for firearms that Hedden sold to other individuals, and 10 of the documents were for firearms that Hedden purchased from other individuals.
Under federal statutes, Hedden 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 Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Springfield Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy that distributed 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri.
Kenneth R. Friend, 48, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 27 years in federal prison without parole.
Friend pleaded guilty on April 5, 2019, to participating in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene, Polk, Christian, Jasper, Laclede, and Webster Counties from June 1, 2013, through Nov. 29, 2014. Friend also pleaded guilty to money laundering by engaging in monetary transactions to promote unlawful activity.
Beginning in 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by other agencies, investigated one of the largest methamphetamine distribution rings in southwest Missouri. The investigation resulted in the indictment of 29 defendants. Friend is among 28 defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case and have been sentenced.
Friend admitted the conspiracy was responsible for the distribution of more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.
During the conspiracy, Friend obtained large amounts of methamphetamine from various sources. For example, Friend paid one source $20,000 in early November 2014 for two pounds of methamphetamine. Friend also intended to purchase a large amount of methamphetamine from one of his sources on Nov. 27, 2014. As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers arrested Friend, his then-girlfriend and one of his suppliers. During the execution of a federal search warrant at the supplier’s residence in Springfield, agents found approximately $20,000 and approximately five and a half pounds of methamphetamine. Friend admitted that he intended to purchase at least two of the five and a half pounds seized from this source of supply. Agents also seized $34,310 from Friend, which he had intended to use to purchase the two pounds of methamphetamine.
Agents also seized Friend’s 1992 Harley Davidson motorcycle, which he used to distribute methamphetamine and which he purchased with proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine. Friend must forfeit the cash that was seized and the motorcycle to the government.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nhan D. Nguyen and Cynthia J. Hyde. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Indiana Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Armed Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Speedway, Indiana, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in the armed robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Jerome Scott King, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 14 years in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 28, 2019, King pleaded guilty to armed robbery and to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. King admitted that he and three other men robbed the Walgreens at 2002 Missouri Boulevard at gunpoint shortly after midnight on July 25, 2018. Co-defendant Raymond Allen Craig, 21, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. A third co-defendant has not been convicted and the fourth man has not been identified.
Police officers arrived as the robbers were running from the business. They fled in a vehicle driven by King. As officers followed in pursuit, occupants of the vehicle began throwing items from the vehicle, including more than 4,000 tablets of various controlled substances taken during the robbery with an aggregate value of $9,264.
Multiple officers pursued the vehicle eastbound on U.S. Highway 54 into Callaway County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol deployed spike strips at the U.S. 54-AA/OO interchange. King’s vehicle began to slow, left the highway, crossed the outer road and crashed near Jazel Lane in Holts Summit, Missouri. King and Craig were apprehended; an unidentified man escaped. Officers recovered the loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun used in the pharmacy robbery. The firearm had been stolen from Indianapolis, Indiana.
King admitted he entered the Walgreens to conduct surveillance and then reported the number of persons inside to Craig. Craig and others entered the pharmacy wearing medical masks over their faces and medical style gloves on their hands. The unidentified man displayed a firearm and confronted the store clerk. One of the suspects, whose identity could not be determined from the surveillance video, zip-tied the clerk’s hands behind his back while a firearm was pointed at his head, led him to the rear of the business near the pharmacy area, and forced him down on the floor. Craig jumped over the counter and confronted the pharmacist, brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner, and removed controlled substances from the pharmacy.
According to court documents, this armed robbery was part of a larger scheme of violence perpetuated by King across the United States during the spring and summer of 2018. On June 7, 2018, King participated in the robbery of a CVS pharmacy in Hot Springs, Arkansas, during which a firearm was brandished and an employee was physically restrained. On June 15, 2018, King participated in the robbery of a CVS pharmacy in Metairie, Louisiana, during which a firearm was brandished. King also faces criminal charges in those states. According to court documents, King is associated with members of The Mob, an Indianapolis street gang.
Although King and his co-defendants are aware of the identity of the fourth participant in this crime, according to court documents, none of them have identified that individual.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man who tried to run a woman off the road and chased her into the police station, was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Daleron Michael Monroe, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to six years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered the federal sentence to be served consecutively to Monroe’s imprisonment in a Boone County Circuit Court case.
On Sept. 17, 2018, Monroe pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Monroe admitted that he was in possession of a Springfield Armory .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun on April 29, 2018.
On that date, a woman identified in court documents as “L.P.” ran into the lobby of the Columbia, Mo., Police Department while fleeing from Monroe. According to court documents, Monroe had chased her in his vehicle at a high rate of speed while brandishing a firearm. During this chase, he rammed his vehicle into the vehicle containing L.P., and ran her and a co-worker off the road. L.P. was incredibly frightened of Monroe, according to court documents, due to previous threatening texts, the brandishing of the firearm, the high-speed chase, and the fact that he followed her into the police station.
An officer saw Monroe outside the lobby door. He began to run away as the officer approached. The officer thought he observed what might be a gun in Monroe’s right hand. Officers ran out of the police station with their weapons drawn and saw Monroe running towards a car parked in the middle of the street, with the driver’s door left open. One officer unsuccessfully attempted to apprehend Monroe; during the struggle the officer attempted to use his firearm, but it jammed. Monroe broke free and ran northbound towards Sixth Street. Officers continued to pursue Monroe on foot for approximately three blocks before he was apprehended in a residential back yard on Park Avenue.
Officers returned to Monroe’s vehicle, which was still running in the middle of the street, and saw the handgun laying in the front passenger side floorboard.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Monroe has prior felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm (in which he shot the victim in the face) and possession of a controlled substance. In addition to those felony convictions, Monroe also has a number of misdemeanor convictions, including four prior convictions for domestic assault, three prior convictions for resisting/interfering with arrest, and prior convictions for harassment to frighten or disturb another person and trespassing.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Airline Passenger Charged in Disturbance After Flight Diverted to KCIRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A passenger aboard an Alaska Airlines flight diverted to Kansas City International Airport was charged in federal court today with interfering with a flight attendant.
Jwan Curry, 40, of Hamburg, New Jersey, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri. Curry remains in federal custody pending an initial court appearance.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, Curry was a passenger on an Alaskan Airlines flight that was scheduled to fly nonstop from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York to Los Angeles International Airport. Approximately one and a half to two hours into the flight, the affidavit says, Curry became agitated after not being able to use the bathroom in the front of the aircraft. Curry engaged in a verbal altercation with the attendants because they told him he could not use the forward lavatory, which was being used by crew members at that time.
Curry began screaming, yelling and using foul language, the affidavit says. He was swinging his arms and walking up and down the aisle. While waiting in line for the bathroom at the rear of the aircraft, he began swearing loudly around other passengers in line. He entered one of the rear lavatories and stayed there for an extremely long time. When he returned to his seat, he continued to be unruly.
The flight captain announced that all passengers should return to their seats and stop interfering with the flight attendants. The attendants notified the captain that Curry became increasingly physically dangerous. Curry was punching the seat and punching himself, the affidavit says, and threatened to “blow up” the plane. Passengers reported that Curry stated he was going to “kill everyone.”
Based on this information, it was decided to divert the flight. Four passengers were given flex cuffs and helped restrain Curry, who remained restrained in his seat for the remainder of the flight. After the plane landed at Kansas City International Airport, police officers arrived and took Curry into custody.
Under federal law, it is illegal to interfere with the performance of the duties of a flight crew member or flight attendant by assaulting or intimidating the crew member or attendant.
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 Matthew A. Blackwood. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A Columbia, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to his role in making preparations to launch a terrorist attack with persons he believed were members of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), but who were actually undercover law enforcement employees.
Robert Lorenzo Hester Jr., 28, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Hester, who has been in federal custody since his arrest in February 2017, is a U.S. citizen. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for less than a year, receiving a general discharge from service in mid-2013.
By pleading guilty, Hester admitted that, from October 2016 to Feb. 17, 2017, he attempted to provide material support to ISIS, knowing that it was a designated foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorist activity.
According to the plea agreement, multiple confidential sources reported to the FBI that Hester had posted a variety of material on multiple social media accounts. Hester indicated that he had converted to Islam, expressed animus toward the United States, and posted photos of weapons and the ISIS flag, among other material, suggesting an adherence to radical Islamic ideology and a propensity for violence. In order to assess whether Hester posed a security threat, the FBI undertook a series of investigative steps, beginning with an examination of whether and to what extent Hester would engage directly online with confidential sources working for the FBI and, later, with FBI employees working in an undercover capacity.
FBI employees using undercover identities communicated with Hester via social media, texting and personal meetings on several occasions. In those conversations, Hester said, for example, that the U.S. government should be “overthrown,” and he suggested “hitting” the government “hard,” while noting that it would not be “a one man job.” Hester identified categories of potential targets for attack, including “oil production,” “military bases,” “federal places,” “government officials,” and “Wall Street.” Hester specified that “[a]ny government building in DC would get attention of everyone.” He said he wanted a “global jihad.” Citing his brief enlistment in the U.S. Army, Hester also claimed proficiency with “assault weapons” and said that his favorite firearm was the AK-47 rifle. Hester spoke about the perceived ease in which one could gain access to a military base.
Hester established an apparent willingness to act on the statements that he made online. An undercover FBI employee conversing online with Hester offered an in-person meeting with a like-minded “brother.” Hester agreed to meet and subsequently did meet on numerous occasions with a person who was described as, and Hester believed was, a terrorist operative – but who, in reality, was an employee of the FBI working in an undercover capacity.
In the meetings, the FBI undercover made clear to Hester that the undercover was representing a foreign terrorist organization (ISIS) and that the undercover was planning an attack that would involve multiple operatives, deploy bombs and guns, and result in mass casualties. Hester indicated through his statements and actions that he was ready and willing to participate and assist in the “plot.”
Hester obtained, at the undercover’s request, items that he was told would be used as bomb components, including boxes of roofing nails. The undercover made clear to Hester that the nails’ purpose was to maximize the number of casualties. In addition, Hester did not hesitate when the undercover showed him a cache of three machine guns and two handguns that would be used in the “attack,” and two pipes that would be used to construct the “bombs.” In fact, in the days after seeing this display, which was arrayed in the rear compartment of the undercover’s SUV, Hester provided information on storage units that could be used to hold the weapons and agreed to obtain additional supplies for the operation.
As the plea agreement cites in greater detail, throughout the investigation, Hester expressed his interest in and exhibited his willingness to commit violence in support and on behalf of ISIS.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the government anticipates recommending a sentence of 20 years in federal prison, which is the maximum penalty for this offense. Hester may not seek a sentence below 15 years’ imprisonment. 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 Brian P. Casey and David Raskin and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. It was investigated by the FBI.
St. Louis Man Indicted for Meth Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A St. Louis, Missouri, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and illegally possessing and discharging a firearm in Newton County, Missouri.
E.F. Fitchpatrick, Jr., 46, was charged in a four-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Missouri, on Aug. 20, 2019. That indictment has been unsealed and made public.
The federal indictment alleges that Fitchpatrick participated in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine from Feb. 18 to March 1, 2017. Fitchpatrick is also charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Fitchpatrick is charged with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. According to the indictment, Fitchpatrick discharged a Hi-Point .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun on March 1, 2017. Fitchpatrick is also charged with being a felon and an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance while in possession of that firearm.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fitchpatrick has two prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm; two prior felony convictions for the distribution, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance; three prior felony convictions for forgery; two prior felony convictions for possession of an illegal weapon; one prior felony conviction for using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of heroin; one prior felony conviction for burglary; and one prior felony conviction for tampering with a motor vehicle.
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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Joplin, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Missouri, Colorado Residents Plead Guilty to $1.7 Million Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Five Missouri residents and two Colorado residents have pleaded guilty to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute more than $1.7 million of marijuana that was mailed from Colorado to Missouri.
Christopher E. Buckingham, 42, of Versailles, Missouri, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to participating in the conspiracy from Aug. 28, 2015, to July 10, 2018.
Co-defendants Natalie J. McNeil, 34, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; her brother, Tanner L. McNeil, 29, of Denver, Colorado; and Benjamin T. Parker, 29, also of Denver, also have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Additionally, they have pleaded guilty to their roles in a related money-laundering conspiracy.
In separate but related cases, Eva N. Johnston, 44, Brian E. McIntyre, 25, and Brian C. Miller, 29, all of Kansas City, Missouri, have pleaded guilty to their roles in the marijuana-trafficking conspiracy.
Tanner McNeil and Parker shipped the marijuana to co-conspirators in Missouri for further distribution. The marijuana was shipped in sealed packages inside plastic protein containers, and each shipment usually contained between four to six pounds. A total of 121 packages (484 to 726 pounds of marijuana) were shipped during the conspiracy.
Natalie McNeil deposited cash in structured amounts (to avoid federal transaction reporting requirements) in the bank accounts of Tanner McNeil and Parker. The cash deposits were made in bank branches in Missouri then withdrawn shortly afterward by Tanner McNeil and Parker at bank branches in Colorado.
A total of $1,769,244 in deposits of drug proceeds were made in Missouri, with $1,033,788 being made into Tanner McNeil’s bank account and $735,456 being made into Parker’s bank account. Investigators determined that $1,295,063 of the deposited drug proceeds were withdrawn by Tanner McNeil and Parker in Colorado shortly after the deposits were made in Missouri. They knew that these financial transactions were conducted in order promote illegal marijuana trafficking, were designed at least in part to conceal the nature, location, and source of the proceeds of the illegal marijuana trafficking, and were designed at least in part to avoid financial transaction reporting requirements under state or federal law.
Buckingham admitted today that he received four packages that contained a total of 16 to 24 pounds of marijuana.
Under federal statutes, Buckingham is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Tanner and Natalie McNeil and Parker are each subject to a sentence of up to 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. Attorneys Jess E. Michaelsen and Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Springfield Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Leading Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a drug-trafficking organization that distributed as much as 10 kilograms of heroin in Greene County, Mo., over a 15-month time period.
Jovan J. Denson, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 24 years and four months in federal prison without parole.
On March 18, 2019, Denson pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin from March 1, 2016, to May 18, 2017. Denson also pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing heroin, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, and one count of money laundering (involving the down payment on a vehicle with $9,500 in proceeds of illegal drug trafficking).
Denson was arrested on May 17, 2017. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of $11,500 that was derived from drug distribution. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence the same day and seized approximately 528 grams of heroin. During the time of this conspiracy, Denson was on state parole for distributing crack cocaine.
Denson is among 14 defendants charged in this case, and among six who have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Five co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing; one co-defendant is deceased.
Co-defendant Gerald E. Pope, 41, of Springfield, pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in the conspiracy to distribute heroin. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
One dose of heroin, which sells on the street for approximately $5 to $15, contains on average about .025 grams of heroin (40,000 doses per kilogram). An individual dose of heroin can be fatal, depending on its purity, and at least one death was linked to this conspiracy.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Washington Sex Offender Indicted for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Washington sex offender was indicted by a federal grand jury today for receiving and distributing child pornography.
David Lee Wilson, 37, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Wilson has a prior conviction for child molestation in Grays Harbor County, Washington, and is a registered sex offender.
Today’s indictment alleges that Wilson received and distributed child pornography beginning on Aug. 22, 2019, in Howell County, Missouri.
The charge contained in this indictment 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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the West Plains, Mo., Police 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."St. Joseph Man Charged with Illegally Possessing 15 FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court with illegally possessing 15 firearms.
Bryan R. Harshman, 39, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, Sept. 12, with being a felon in possession of firearms. Harshman remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department, executed a search warrant at Harshman’s residence on Wednesday, Sept. 11. They seized a Mitchell 12-gauge shotgun, a Mossberg .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, a Noble Manufacturing 410-gauge shotgun, a New England Firearms 20-gauge sawed-off shotgun (all concealed in the wall of the second-floor porch), a loaded Mitchell 12-gauge shotgun, a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, a Marlin 12-gauge shotgun, a Jimenez Arms .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Springfield 40 S&W caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Sears & Roebuck 12-gauge shotgun with an extra barrel, a Remington 12-gauge shotgun, and a sawed-off Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun with a defaced serial number.
In a second-floor office located near the firearms, the affidavit says, officers observed items used in the packaging and distribution of methamphetamine, including digital scales and baggies. Two of the bowls used to weigh substances on the digital scale field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
While officers searched Harshman’s residence, additional officers located Harshman at a local Waffle House and he was taken into custody. Officers also searched the Chevrolet SUV being rented by Harshman, which was in the parking lot. Officers found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver, and a solvent trap that had been drilled and was open at both ends, apparently modified to be used as a suppressor, inside the vehicle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Harshman has a prior felony conviction for distributing a controlled substance.
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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Springfield Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Alexander Monday Coleman, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 16 years in federal prison without parole. Coleman was sentenced as an armed career offender due to his prior felony convictions.
On Nov. 13, 2018, Coleman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Springfield police officers found a loaded KAHR Arms 9mm pistol in Coleman’s coat pocket when they searched him during a traffic stop on Jan. 26, 2017. Coleman was a passenger in the vehicle in which other individuals were in possession of illegal drugs, a scale, and drug paraphernalia.
According to court documents, Coleman was a former known member of the Grape Street Crips gang with a lengthy criminal history.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Coleman has prior felony convictions for assault (as well as multiple misdemeanor convictions for assault), possession of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine for resale, theft of property, unlawful possession of a firearm, grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and delivery or manufacture of an imitation controlled substance. Coleman was on parole at the time of this federal offense.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Mexican National Who Illegally Entered the U.S. Seven Times Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national who has illegally entered the United States at least seven times pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Missouri, area and in the Springfield, Missouri, area.
Armando Quintana-Galaz, 37, a citizen of Mexico residing in Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana M. Counts to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
Quintana-Galaz had been deported from the United States six times before being arrested on Nov. 2, 2017, in Springfield. At that time, he was again illegally present in the United States. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Quintana-Galaz’s residence on that day, they found approximately 3.159 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in a hamper in the master bathroom and approximately 189 grams of pure methamphetamine in a dresser in the master bedroom. They found a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Norinco SKS 762-caliber rifle, various ammunition, a bag that contained approximately four grams of cocaine, and six cell phones. They also found a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun in his Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Officers also found $40,020 in a dresser in the master bedroom, $6,295 in the pocket of his pants that were on a TV stand, and $293 in a suitcase in the master bathroom closet. According to today’s plea agreement, the $46,608 seized from Quintana-Galaz’s residence would convert to more than 2.6 kilograms (2,642.6 grams) of methamphetamine.
Quintana-Galaz is the fifth defendant in this case to plead guilty. Quintana-Galaz admitted that he sold and distributed methamphetamine, that he received and transported illicit drug proceeds as part of his involvement in the conspiracy, and that he possessed several firearms found at his residence, at least in part, to further his involvement in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Today’s plea agreement cites several instances in which Quintana-Galaz was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine to cooperating law enforcement sources.
Under federal statutes, Quintana-Galaz 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. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Travis Jay Hall, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Hall, who pleaded guilty on June 5, 2019, was arrested in the parking lot of the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel on April 17, 2019. Hall was in possession of 467 grams of methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement officers searched his hotel room and found 16 grams of methamphetamine, prescription pills, and additional drug paraphernalia.
According to court records, Hall told officers he had been selling methamphetamine since his release from prison in August 2018. Hall also told officers that over the previous month he had purchased one pound of methamphetamine per week for $5,000 in Kansas City, Mo., and personally redistributed that methamphetamine in the Columbia area.
Hall has nine prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to deliver or sell, possession of a firearm while an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hall was on probation at the time of his arrest in this case.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm, Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine to distribute.
Elfonta Arnaz Stevens, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to seven years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On June 5, 2019, Stevens pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Detectives with the Columbia Police Department located Stevens in the parking lot of Eagle Stop gas station on North Providence Road on May 2, 2018, after receiving a report that he was in possession of a firearm. The detectives placed Stevens in handcuffs to frisk him for weapons. During their frisk, a detective found a Hi-Point .380-caliber handgun in Stevens’s right front pocket, two baggies that contained a total of six grams of methamphetamine (one of the baggies contained five smaller baggies of methamphetamine) in his sock, and $263.
Stevens has 10 prior felony convictions, including three prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance, three prior felony convictions for resisting arrest, and prior felony convictions for stealing, property damage, tampering, and domestic assault. Stevens has also been convicted of 40 misdemeanor offenses, including resisting arrest, assault of a law enforcement officer, domestic assault, assault, harassment, trespassing, stealing, possession of marijuana, and many traffic-related offenses.
According to court records, for example, Stevens assaulted a woman he was living with by threatening to kill her, throwing a bottle of hydrogen peroxide at her, punching her in the face, choking her until she could no longer breathe and fell to the ground, and ripping the phone from the wall to prevent her from calling for help. He also assaulted another woman by grabbing the steering wheel of the car they were riding in and trying to pull it to one side, grabbing the woman by the hair on the back of her head and forcing her face towards his exposed penis, urinating in her face and ripping her weave out of her head when she attempted to escape.
Stevens was partially paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a gunshot wound he sustained in 1994 at the hands of his then-girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. As a result, he has been wheelchair dependent. Most of his criminal conduct occurred following his disability.
Stevens admitted that he developed a daily habit of using methamphetamine three years ago, according to court records, and that he was using methamphetamine daily until he was arrested in this case.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Marshfield Woman Sentenced for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Marshfield, Missouri, woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.
Jami L. Deam, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to nine years in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 6, 2019, Deam pleaded guilty to participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that lasted from Dec. 2, 2014, to Jan. 23, 2018. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized a total of 5.342 kilograms of methamphetamine from various co-conspirators.
Deam’s role in the conspiracy involved approximately 4.9 kilograms of pure methamphetamine as well as heroin. She transported drugs and delivered those drugs to the conspiracy’s leaders, co-defendants Christopher A. Jefferson, also known as “Big Al,” 46, of Springfield, and Donald R. Taylor, also known as “Dee,” 35, of Kansas City, Missouri. Deam admitted that she had traveled to Texas 10 times, to Arizona four times, to St. Louis, Missouri, numerous times, and to California one time to transport illegal drugs from those locations to Springfield for Jefferson and/or Taylor. Deam was not only a courier, according to court documents, but also sold drugs.
Jefferson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Taylor pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Jefferson frequently used women to transport illegal drugs, including large quantities of methamphetamine in vehicles and smaller quantities of cocaine and heroin hidden inside of their vaginas. They were paid to drive to Texas, Arizona, or California to pick up methamphetamine and other drugs and transport them back to Springfield. Several women admitted they made multiple trips to acquire illegal drugs, sometimes in multi-kilogram quantities.
Co-defendants Davetta F. Hicks, 32, and Shawn B. Robinson, 48, both of Springfield, were arrested on Dec. 9, 2014, by Kingsville, Texas, police officers. Officers found a half-pound of methamphetamine in Hicks’s purse. Deam had joined them for the trip, but was arrested the day before for shoplifting at a Walmart store in Texas. They had stopped at the Walmart store to pick up a $3,300 money wire from Jefferson before purchasing drugs in Texas.
Hicks pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Robinson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole.
On one occasion, according to court documents, Deam and several conspirators traveled to California with a large amount of money to purchase methamphetamine. Once in California, they purchased 12 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped to Springfield.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and COMET (the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team).
KC Man Shot by Police Officer Indicted for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man who was shot by an Independence, Missouri, police officer as he attempted to strike the officer with his truck before leading officers on a high-speed chase, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm.
Isaiah Fulson-Dewberry, 27, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Fulson-Dewberry on Sept. 3, 2019.
According to an affidavit filed in support or the original criminal complaint, two Independence, Missouri, police officers were dispatched to Pepperwood Apartments on Sept. 1, 2019, on reported prowlers. The officers arrived at the apartment complex in separate vehicles and approached from opposite directions. Fulson-Dewberry, driving a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche (later determined to be stolen), pulled out of a parking space and began driving through the parking lot. When the first officer’s marked patrol vehicle approached, the affidavit says, Fulson-Dewberry put the truck in reverse and went back into the parking area, driving up onto the curb into the grass. The truck then drove forward and deliberately rammed the front end of the officer’s vehicle. Two passengers – a white female and a black male – ran from the truck and were never located. The truck backed up again, the affidavit says, and slammed into a parked truck, pushing it into another parked vehicle, and then rammed into the front of the officer’s vehicle a second time.
According to the affidavit, the truck backed up again, clipping the front end of the second officer’s patrol vehicle, and then went forward again, hitting the front of the patrol vehicle and pushing it. The officer was outside of his vehicle, the affidavit says, and Fulson-Dewberry swerved the truck at him. The officer, fearing for his life, fired 10 rounds from his duty weapon into the driver’s side of the truck.
The truck fled the apartment complex and a pursuit was initiated. The truck made it onto westbound 39th Street. The truck drove on the shoulder of the road, the affidavit says, passing vehicles at a high rate of speed and running red lights at busy intersections. The truck also entered into oncoming traffic, nearly striking two different eastbound vehicles head on. The truck proceeded onto southbound Lee’s Summit Road and attempted to get onto the ramp to westbound I-70, but was traveling too fast and spun out into the ditch just onto the ramp to westbound I-70 from Lee’s Summit Road.
Fulson-Dewberry got out of the driver’s side of the truck and threw a loaded Walther .22-caliber handgun into the grassy area near the truck. Fulson-Dewberry had a gunshot wound that entered his left calf and exited then entered into his right calf, where the bullet lodged. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported for medical treatment.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fulson-Dewberry has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and theft of property.
The charge contained in this indictment 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 Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Purdy Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Purdy, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute and illegally possessing a firearm.
Guadalupe Urbina-Rodriguez, 71, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Urbina-Rodriguez was found guilty at trial on March 26, 2019, of possessing methamphetamine to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A federal postal inspector seized a package on Aug. 31, 2018, that was addressed to Urbina-Rodriguez’s address. The package, which contained 430.8 grams of pure methamphetamine, was purportedly mailed from a nonexistent address in California. The postal inspector delivered the package to Urbina-Rodriguez, who was sitting in a chair under a tree in the front yard. Urbina-Rodriguez had a loaded Marlin .22-caliber rifle sitting beside him. Law enforcements officers then executed a search warrant of the residence and seized the package.
According to court documents, Urbina-Rodriguez was involved in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from California to various places across the country, including Missouri. Twelve additional packages originating in California were delivered to Urbina-Rodriguez’s residence in 2018. When the packages arrived, two women retrieved them from Urbina-Rodriguez. He received a cash payment each month in exchange for accepting packages.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Urbina-Rodriguez has four prior felony convictions related to drug trafficking or possessing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for maintaining a public nuisance.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Nevada Man Sentenced for Meth, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Nevada, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms and methamphetamine to distribute.
Justin Nolan, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to nine years in federal prison without parole.
On March 13, 2019, Nolan pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Nevada police officers executed a search warrant at Nolan’s residence on April 4, 2018. Officers seized approximately 42 grams of methamphetamine, $5,898, and drug paraphernalia from an unlocked safe in Nolan’s bedroom. Officers also seized a loaded Jiminez Arms .380-caliber pistol and a stolen Iver Johnson Cadet .38-calbier revolver from a locked safe in the bedroom.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Nolan has a prior felony conviction for maintaining a public nuisance, related to maintaining a residence where illegal drugs were used, possessed, or distributed.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Nevada, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.New York Man Indicted for Carrying over Six Kilos of Cocaine to DistributeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Niagara Falls, N.Y., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing cocaine to distribute after being apprehended at a local bus station carrying more than six kilograms of cocaine.
Robbie O. Johnson, 43, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, Aug. 29. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Johnson on Aug. 12, 2019.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Johnson was contacted by a Kansas City Police Department detective at a local bus station. Johnson, who was traveling through Kansas City en route from Los Angeles, California, to New York City, was acting suspiciously and appeared to be nervous, the affidavit says. When the detective searched Johnson’s backpack, he found five bundles of cocaine, each wrapped in articles of clothing in an apparent attempt to conceal the bundles. The total approximate weight of all five bundles was 13.7 pounds (6,214 grams).
The charge contained in this indictment 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 Emily A. Morgan. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Indicted for Illegal Firearms, MethRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing almost two kilograms of methamphetamine and four firearms.
Jonathan D. Beaton, 41, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Aug. 29. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint filed against Beaton on Aug. 8, 2019.
Today’s indictment charges Beaton with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Beaton was stopped by law enforcement officers this summer.
On Aug. 7, 2019, detectives with the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Independence Police Department conducted surveillance of Beaton as he visited the residence of a known methamphetamine trafficker. Detectives followed Beaton (who had an active warrant for his arrest) from the residence and stopped his vehicle. When Beaton got out of the vehicle, an officer saw several large plastic bags on the driver’s seat that contained methamphetamine, and placed Beaton under arrest.
An officer searched Beaton and found 11 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket. An officer searched Beaton’s vehicle and found four gallon-sized clear plastic bags, which contained a total of nearly 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, and $1,228. The officer also found four firearms in the vehicle – two Kimber .45-caliber pistols, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Beaton has three prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, and prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, tampering, burglary, and escape.
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 Emily A. Morgan. It was investigated by the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.California Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Sex Trafficking Six VictimsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sacramento, Calif., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sex trafficking of six victims.
Ronald Ean Taylor, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 18 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Taylor to pay $5,000 in restitution to one of his victims, and $6,100 in restitution to the father of another victim for funeral expenses as a result of her death from a drug overdose while in California with Taylor.
On March 19, 2019, Taylor pleaded guilty to six counts of the sex trafficking of an adult. Taylor admitted that he used force, fraud or coercion to cause six victims to engage in prostitution, from which he benefitted financially. Taylor trafficked six separate victims at various times between Nov. 1, 2014, and May 31, 2017.
The investigation began in June 2016, when one of Taylor’s victims was contacted by Kansas City, Mo., police officers. She told officers that Taylor was a pimp who lived in California and sold drugs and prostitutes in the Kansas City area. She said Taylor verbally threatened to harm her, was mean, had anger issues, and was manipulative. He provided her with drugs and used her to meet other women with drug addictions. She told officers that one of Taylor’s victims, identified in court documents as “Victim 6,” used to “work” for Taylor and died in California from a drug overdose while she was with him.
The women had ads posted on Backpage and Taylor used hotels near Blue Ridge Cutoff near the sports stadiums to conduct his business. He would get the women to go to California and show them an extravagant lifestyle. He started them off dancing in strip clubs, then suggested they work as prostitutes. When the women agreed to prostitute, Taylor would fly them back to Kansas City to work. Taylor kept the money earned by the women from prostitution.
A second victim told investigators that Taylor was violent and on one occasion hit her over the head with liquor bottle. The second victim stated she felt like she would be hurt if she did not have sex with him. She said Taylor carried a firearm.
A third victim told federal agents that Taylor was physically violent towards her and would take all of the proceeds from the acts of prostitution. She said Taylor choked her to unconsciousness and forcibly raped her.
A fourth victim’s mother contacted law enforcement to report that her daughter was in Hollywood, Calif., with Taylor and was being held against her will. Taylor had brought the fourth victim to California on two occasions so that she could purportedly model. He provided her with illegal narcotics and kept her in a constant state of intoxication to a point where she became dependent. She told investigators that Taylor kept her from contacting her mother and became hostile; he used her drug dependency to motivate her to do things she would not normally do.
A fifth victim told investigators that she and a sixth victim (now deceased due to a drug overdose) were addicted to heroin. Taylor used heroin and a trip to California to entice them to work as prostitutes. He paid for both of their airfares to California and put them up in a motel somewhere in Los Angeles. Taylor continued to supply them with drugs and then flew them both back to Kansas City to work as prostitutes. On one occasion, she said, Taylor slapped her in the face and forcibly raped her. She and another victim told investigators that Taylor also was physically abusive to the sixth victim. A witness stated she saw Taylor throw her against the wall and choke her.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Los Angeles, Calif., Police Department and the Sacramento, Calif., Police Department in conjunction with the Human Trafficking Rescue Project.
Sarcoxie Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms, Including Machine GunRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Sarcoxie, Missouri man has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally possessing firearms, including a machine gun.
Leng Lee, 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Monday, Aug. 26, to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and to one count of illegally possessing a machine gun.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers participated in the controlled delivery of an international mail package from China addressed to Lee at his residence on April 23, 2019. The parcel contained seven parts (selector switches) that are used to convert a Glock semi-automatic pistol to fire in full-automatic mode. Lee is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and is not licensed to possess a machine gun.
Officers executed a search warrant at Lee’s residence and found numerous firearms, more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition, firearm suppressors, methamphetamine, and marijuana. A total of 18 firearms were seized from Lee by law enforcement officers. Lee told officers that a couple of the firearms were given to him by his deceased father, but the others were purchased by him at gun shows or during hand-to-hand transactions. None of the firearms were purchased from a licensed firearms dealer.
Lee admitted to placing the order for the selector switches and told officers that he had 10-15 past deliveries of the selector switches. Lee said he was able to convert and successfully fire a Glock pistol as a fully automatic firearm.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Lee has two prior felony convictions for burglary, and prior felony convictions for vandalism, criminal conspiracy, grand theft, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government will not seek a sentence higher than 10 years in federal prison without parole. 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Newton, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Fort Leonard Wood Man Sentenced for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A civil service employee at the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base has been sentenced in federal court for assaulting his ex-wife and another person.
Kerwin Omar Martin, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to two years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
Both Martin and his ex-wife were out of active duty service in the U.S. Army. They were employed in the civil service at Fort Leonard Wood and resided on base.
On April 10, 2019, Martin pleaded guilty to one count of domestic assault and one count of assault. Martin admitted that he smashed the living room window and climbed into his ex-wife’s residence on Oct. 9, 2018, while she was with their child and another person, identified in court documents as S.P. Martin’s ex-wife called 911 while all three of them ran out the back door. Martin followed them and assaulted S.P. When Martin and his ex-wife were back inside the residence, he grabbed her by the throat and she lost consciousness. Martin then pushed her up against the wall and punched her in the forehead. When Military Police arrived at the residence, the officer saw Martin holding his ex-wife against the wall and punching her in the head and face.
According to court documents, Martin had stalked and threatened his ex-wife during the fall of 2018.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Military Police Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
FBI Agent, KCPD Sergeant Honored for Significant InvestigationsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two local and federal law enforcement officers were recognized for the work on several significant cases as recipients of the 2019 Guardian of Justice Award.
FBI Special Agent Jason Ramsey was recognized for his investigation into a kidnapping conspiracy that involved carjacking, robbing, and forcing drugs upon three young female victims. Both defendants in that case were convicted following a three-day trial.
Det. Sgt. Eric Greenwell of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department was recognized for his leadership role in investigating a number of violent crimes, including murders and armed robberies.
Ramsey and Greenwell were honored on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, during the 17th Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Missouri.
Special Agent Jason Ramsey
Ramsey has been involved in investigating high-profile, complex cases that involve dangerous defendants exhibiting an extraordinary level of violence against innocent victims. Such victim-intensive cases require investigators to rise to a higher standard of professionalism, capability, and responsibility, a standard that Ramsey exceeds.
In the case of USA v. Wortham, et al, co-defendants Jamerl M. Wortham and Anthony B. Williams were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, three counts of kidnapping, one count of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, one count of distribution of phencyclidine (PCP), six counts of possession of a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, one count of being felons in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Following the trial, jurors needed only an hour and a half to reach guilty verdicts on all counts against both defendants. Neither defendant has been sentenced as yet; Wortham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years in federal prison without parole, up to life in prison, while Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven consecutive life sentences.
Initially, the night these crimes were committed, only one defendant was apprehended. Ramsey continued the investigation for two months in order to identify the second defendant. At trial, Ramsey was crucial in evidence-gathering, witness preparation, and determining trial strategy. He was a key witness during the trial as well. Ramsey took a substantial role in communicating with the victims regarding the prosecution of the case, displaying the ability to comfort victims while maintaining a working, professional relationship with them.
Det. Sgt. Eric Greenwell
Greenwell has been the supervisor of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department’s Career Criminal Task Force for nearly two decades. This squad is tasked with investigating the worst of the worst, recidivistic offenders in the metropolitan area. The offenses the unit investigates include, rape, robbery, assault, gang shootings, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and murder. This unit is unique because it is made up not only of police officers, but multiple federal agents that work under Greenwell’s supervision. The work done by this unit has resulted in countless prosecutions that have benefitted the welfare and safety of the community.
This task force, in conjunction with the FBI, has aggressively targeted subjects involved in armed robberies at local businesses, resulting in 24 federal indictments in the last fiscal year. This places the Kansas City’s initiative fifth in the nation for such indictments. Among those cases was a five-member crew involved in multiple takeover-style robberies of 7-Eleven stores and other businesses. This crew operated by finding two locations next to each other and then simultaneously robbing them both. They did so by shooting out the business windows and holding the employees at gunpoint while demanding money from the business. Another crew robbed taxi drivers, including a 53-year-old Z-Trip driver who refused to give up her money and was shot 18 times with an assault rifle. Another investigation targeted two separate crews who coordinated their robberies of cell phone stores. The violent groups, which stole iPhones, pistol whipped multiple store employees and beat customers. Members of the group were connected to homicides and shootings. Another five-member crew was involved in 11 violent takeover-style armed robberies of local businesses. In one of those robberies, a convenience store clerk was shot and killed. Another six-member crew was involved in 26 armed takeover-style business robberies. While attempting to rob a pharmacy, the crew’s leader was shot and killed in a gun battle with law enforcement officers.
The Career Criminal Task Force coordinated the effort of the Kansas City Police Department and the FBI to identify and arrest a suspect in the murder of seven victims on or around the Indian Creek Trail in Kansas City. Greenwell’s task force also has been involved in several murder cases that have been charged in federal court. Greenwell also coordinated the investigations into nine missing and/or abducted children. Seven of these children were recovered, including a kidnapped infant who was taken from Kansas City to California.
Guardian of Justice Award
The annual Guardian of Justice Award recognizes a state or local officer as well as a federal agent for investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office each year during the law enforcement training conference.
Rogersville Business Owner Indicted for $4 Million Fraud Scheme, Failure to Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Rogersville, Missouri business owner has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a $4 million scheme to defraud his customers and his failure to pay federal income and employment taxes.
Michael David Dismer, 51, was charged in a 28-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Missouri, on Thursday, Aug. 22. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Dismer’s arrest and initial court appearance.
Dismer has operated at least eight different businesses (most recently, Worldwide Construction, Inc., and Lakeland Marine Builders, LLC, at Stockton, Missouri) that built large boats, barges, and tugboats for customers around the world since 1993. The federal indictment alleges that Dismer engaged in a $4 million scheme to defraud 22 customers of his boat-building businesses from 2013 to 2018.
According to the indictment, Dismer signed contracts with customers and solicited deposits from them. Although Dismer told customers he would use their deposits and payments to build the boats for which they contracted, the indictment says, Dismer instead used a substantial portion of the funds for purposes unrelated to the construction of the customers’ boats. Dismer allegedly spent those funds to purchase of jewelry, lingerie and other clothing, salon services, flowers, firearms, airline and event tickets, a Hawaiian vacation for himself and six young women, private school and university tuition, furniture, improvements to his personal residence, and the purchase of real property.
Dismer also falsely represented the construction status of their projects to customers, the indictment says, in order to receive additional milestone payments and to lull customers into not attempting to obtain the return of their funds.
Dismer allegedly induced 22 customers to pay him more than $4 million for the construction of specific vessels. Among those customers, the indictment says, 14 customers paid Dismer more than $2.5 million and he provided them with inoperable and unseaworthy vessels. Seven of those customers paid Dismer more than $1 million and received nothing in return.
The indictments cite six companies that were allegedly defrauded by Dismer. Among the victims of Dismer’s alleged fraud scheme is Igiugig Village (an unincorporated Native American village in Alaska), which received a $200,000 federal grant to purchase a boat for the economic benefit of its community. On Dec. 22, 2015, the Igiugig Tribal Council contracted with Dismer (doing business as Lakeland Marine Builders) to build a push-style truckable tugboat for $275,000. The council paid Dismer an initial deposit of $96,250. On the same day, Dismer withdrew $70,000 of those funds and used the money to purchase a Stockton boat construction facility, which he had previously lost in foreclosure proceedings. The council paid Dismer an additional $77,375 in April 2016, most of which Dismer allegedly used to pay the outstanding real estate taxes on the Stockton property. The council made two additional payments to Dismer in May 2016. According to the indictment, the council has received nothing in return for the total $242,375 it paid to Dismer.
From 2013 to 2016, the indictment alleges, Dismer filed no federal income tax returns. According to the indictment, Dismer’s gross income exceeded $1 million in 2013 and 2016. Dismer’s gross income was $865,910 in 2014 and $688,770 in 2015.
Dismer also allegedly attempted to evade paying employment taxes for his companies’ employees from 1993 through 2002, and from 2004 through 2007. The indictment alleges that Dismer engaged in a practice known as “pyramiding” – he ceased operating under business names that accumulated unpaid tax assessment, and continued to earn income through new business entities.
According to the indictment, Dismer established at least 32 different accounts at seven different banks; he routinely intermingled business and personal withdrawals and made frequent inter-account transfers.
The federal indictment charges Dismer with 18 counts of wire fraud, five counts of tax evasion, four counts of failure to file a tax return, and one count of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents.
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 Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
Grain Valley Man Sentenced for Child Pornography, Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Grain Valley, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for traveling to North Dakota for illicit sex with a 14-year-old child, who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer, while he was under investigation for distributing child pornography over the internet.
Andy Earl Crook, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Crook to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.
On April 25, 2019, Crook pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, possessing child pornography, and traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The investigation began when FBI agents in Washington executed a search warrant at a residence in that state on Feb. 21, 2018. A review of the suspect’s electronic devices indicated that he had exchanged images and videos of child pornography with others via the internet, including Crook.
On April 5, 2018, Google, Inc. submitted two separate incident reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline reporting that Crook had uploaded and stored possible child pornography images in Google Photos online. An FBI agent, acting in an undercover capacity, communicated with Crook via Kik Messenger. Crook sent images and a video of child pornography to the undercover agent.
On May 4, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Crook’s residence and seized his electronic devices. On Crook’s cell phone, investigators found numerous sexually explicit photos of Crook, 190 images and 13 videos of child pornography (including infants and toddlers), and chat conversations involving child exploitation.
Following the search and seizure, and his interview with an FBI agent, Crook contacted an undercover law enforcement officer in North Dakota, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl, on Sept. 1, 2018. Crook’s communication with the undercover officer, via Facebook Messenger and Kik Messenger, became increasingly sexually graphic.
Crook made plans to travel to North Dakota to meet the person whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl, so they could engage in illegal sexual conduct. Crook rented a vehicle and drove to North Dakota for a planned meeting on Sept. 22, 2018. When Crook arrived for the meeting, he was arrested. Officers found multiple sex toys and wine coolers in his vehicle.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by 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."Former NFL Player Charged with Illegal Firearms After Being Tasered While Resisting ArrestRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City Chiefs football player, who was tasered twice while struggling with officers and resisting arrest, was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing firearms.
Saousoalii P. Siavii, Jr., also known as “Junior,” 40, of Independence, Missouri, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with three counts of being an unlawful drug user in possession of firearms. Siavii remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Today’s federal criminal complaint alleges that Siavii, an unlawful user of illegal drugs, has been arrested on three occasions in which he was in possession of both illegal drugs and loaded firearms. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is an unlawful drug user to be in possession of any firearms or ammunition.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Siavii was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 24. Independence, Missouri, police officers responded to parking lot on U.S. 40 Highway, where a witness said he located his friend’s stolen 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport. The witness told police he saw a man later identified as Siavii getting out of the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Officers contacted Siavii, the affidavit says, who disregarded their commands, and an officer deployed his Taser on Siavvi. Siavvi, who is six feet, five inches tall and weighs approximately 330 pounds, fell to the ground and officers attempted to gain control as he began to actively resist arrest. Siavii began pushing himself up off the ground, at which time a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol fell directly in front of him within his reach. An officer drew his duty weapon and put it to Siavii’s back, due to him not being under physical control, while another officer grabbed Siavii’s firearm and threw it several feet away. Officers continued to fight with Siavii, the affidavit says, while giving him commands to stop resisting and to place his hands behind his back. An officer deployed his Taser on Siavii again with little effect. Siavii was able to get on top of the officer, who was on the ground at this point. Another officer was eventually able to put Siavii in a neck restraint and render him unconscious long enough to handcuff him. Siavii continued to resist even after being handcuffed.
Officers searched Siavii’s backpack and found additional ammunition, 5.2 grams of methamphetamine, 12.2 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
In addition to the Aug. 24 incident, today’s complaint cites two more incidents in which Siavii was arrested while in possession of illegal drugs and firearms.
On Aug. 4, 2019, Independence police officers were dispatched to the area of 24 Highway and Jennings on a stolen auto report. A 2019 Chevrolet Silverado had been stolen in Sugar Creek, Missouri, and was being tracked by On-Star to the parking lot of the Great Western Motel. When officers arrived, Siavii was walking away from the stolen vehicle, the affidavit says, and fled on foot when he saw the officers. Officers attempted to take Siavii into custody, but he resisted and fought with officers. Siavii was lying on his stomach and constantly reached towards his waistband. After a prolonged struggle with Siavii, officers were able to take him into custody. When officers rolled him to his side, a loaded Sturm Ruger handgun was located underneath him. Officers searched Siavii and found 4.4 grams of methamphetamine. Officers searched the stolen Silverado and found a Cobra Enterprises .32-caliber handgun and drug paraphernalia.
On April 7, 2019, Independence police officers attempted a traffic stop in the area of 24 Highway and Lee’s Summit Road on a silver Ford Fusion for an improperly registered license plate. The vehicle, driven by Siavii, had been observed at a known drug house. Siavii failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, Siavii’s vehicle reached speeds up to 101 m.p.h. Siavii’s vehicle eventually left the roadway on Maywood Avenue and he was seen running northbound; he was located by officers and taken into custody. Officers found a loaded Phoenix Arms .22-caliber handgun in the front cup holder of the vehicle. Also found in the vehicle was 3.8 grams of marijuana, two baggies that contained a total of .6 grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.
The complaint also cites two earlier incidents in which Siavii was in possession of illegal drugs when he was stopped by police officers. Siavii was arrested on Jan. 17, 2019, following a traffic stop. According to the affidavit, when he got out of his vehicle, he pulled away from officers, causing the officers to take him to the ground where he continued to resist. Officers searched him and found a Xanax pill; they also found a prescription bottle that belonged to another person and contained more pills and marijuana. Siavii also was arrested on April 21, 2018, for driving under the influence. According to the affidavit, he was in possession of a straw that contained cocaine residue.
The charges contained in this complaint 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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Former Cameron High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Using Hidden Camera to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Cameron, Missouri, high school teacher pleaded guilty in federal court today to secretly recording pornographic videos of a teenage victim in his bathroom, and admitted to secretly recording pornographic videos of two other teenage victims.
William Derek Williams, 39, of Cameron, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to producing child pornography. Williams formerly was a high school language arts teacher and more recently a part-time high school multimedia teacher at the time of the alleged offense.
During his guilty plea, Williams admitted that he secretly filmed three different victims over a five-year period from January 2013 to September 2018 while they were in the basement bathroom of his residence. A then-15-year-old victim discovered a hidden camera, designed to look like a cell phone charger plug, on Sept. 6, 2018. The victim opened the device and retrieved a micro SD card, which he inserted into his cell phone in order to view its contents. The card included a secretly-recorded video of the victim.
The child victim turned the device over to investigators. On Sept. 8, 2018, investigators with the Clinton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence and seized a laptop computer and an SD card. Each of those devices contained pornographic videos of two more teenage victims who were secretly recorded in the basement bathroom. The laptop contained five distinct videos produced on five different days of a then-16-year-old victim. The laptop and the SD card contained several pornographic videos of a third victim who was then between 14 and 16 years old.
Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 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 David Luna. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Clinton 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."Nine Southern Missouri Residents Indicted for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Nine individuals, primarily from West Plains, Mo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Howell, Greene, and Texas counties.
Shirley J. Hicks, 61, Raymon F. Ortega, 63, Benny D. Griffin, 57, Jose I. Gonzales, 37, Jordan W. Gutierrez, 25, and Shaun M. Ross, 39, all of West Plains, Missouri; Fontella J. Noose, 38, of Springfield, Missouri; James E. Cooper, 52, of Mountain View, Missouri; and Luis Ortiz Rodriguez, 36, address unknown, were charged in a 19-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Aug. 20. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of Hicks, Ortega, Griffin, Cooper, and Ross.
The federal indictment alleges that each of the nine defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Howell, Greene, and Texas counties from Dec. 31, 2015, to June 21, 2019.
In addition to the criminal conspiracy, Hicks is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Hicks allegedly was in possession of a Rohm .22-caliber revolver, a Lorcin .380-caliber pistol, a Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol, an FMJ .45-caliber derringer, a Jimenez Arms .22-caliber pistol, a Marlin .22-caliber rifle, a Browning 16-gauge shotgun, and a Remington .30-06 caliber rifle on July 24, 2018.
Ortega also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. Ortega, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Jennings (Bryco) .380-caliber pistol, a Ruger 9mm pistol, and a Jennings (Jimenez Arms) 9mm pistol on May 7, 2018. Ortega allegedly was also in possession of a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, two Marlin .22-caliber rifles, and two Browning .22-caliber pistols on June 21, 2019.
Griffin also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County, 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. Griffin, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Ruger .22-caliber pistol on Nov. 26, 2018.
Rodriguez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County, 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. Rodriguez, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Taurus .410-caliber revolver on Jan. 4, 2019.
Noose also is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine in Greene County and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Noose, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Taurus .38-caliber revolver on Feb. 11, 2019.
Gonzalez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County. Gutierrez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Texas County. Ross and Cooper also are each charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Ortega to forfeit to the government $10,924 that was seized by law enforcement officers; Hicks to forfeit to the government $20,393 that was seized by law enforcement officers; and Griffin to forfeit $16,078 that was seized by law enforcement officers. Ortega, Hicks, and Griffin would also be required to forfeit to the government a money judgment representing the proceeds obtained as a result of their participation in the alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy.
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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, and the Mountain View, Mo., Police Department.
Jefferson City Police Officer Honored for Community ServiceRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that Lt. David Williams of the Jefferson City, Missouri, Police Department has received the 2019 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. Williams was honored on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, during the 17th Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Missouri. 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.
In Williams’s 24-year career in law enforcement, he has served as an undercover officer, an accident reconstructionist, a motorcycle officer, and has been a member and commander of the agency SWAT team. He has also served as a field training officer, a defensive tactics trainer, and coordinated his agency’s reserve officers. Williams is currently serving as the agency training officer, coordinating new hire training as well as continuing education for existing officers.
Williams is well known and highly thought of in his community as well as his agency. He served as the face of the agency and the city in the aftermath of the EF 3 tornado that hit the capital city this summer, and received praise from local and national media for his handling of the press events. He is a past member of the board of directors for the First Financial Credit Union and was crucial in the merger with River Region Credit Union, where he was able to deal with concerns of members of both entities because of his strong ties to the community. He remained on the board of the newly merged River Region Credit Union and serves as treasurer of that board. In 2018, he was awarded the National Credit Union Association Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedicated work in the community.
Williams is a member of the board of directors for the local American Red Cross and Special Learning Center, which provides learning opportunities for children with disabilities, as well as a member of the local Elks Lodge. He serves as a guardian for the Central Missouri Honor Flight, where he assists the aging veterans from WW2, Korean and Vietnam Wars in their journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the military memorials.
In 2017, Williams received the Juneteenth Jefferson City Emancipation Award from Lincoln University, which is given annually to a person who has shown dedication to the protection of and service to the community.
Williams is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and was selected to serve a six-month detail as an executive fellow with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Washington, D.C. He is a peer reviewer for the Bureau of Justice Affairs grant process, where he helps evaluate and approve various grants to law enforcement agencies around the country. He is a certified instructor in explosive investigations, Taser, and pursuit driving, among other specialties.
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 1st 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.
Hundreds of Fugitives Arrested, Firearms and Illegal Drugs Seized During Violent Crime InitiativeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison (right) was joined by Missouri Governor Mike Parson and law enforcement officials to announce the results of Operation Triple Beam and discuss efforts to combat violent crime.KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Operation Triple Beam, an initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service to track down some of the metropolitan area’s most violent and persistent offenders, resulted in hundreds of arrests and the seizure of dozens of firearms and illegal drugs. Results of the 10-week initiative were announced today by U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison, U.S. Marshal Mark James, and Missouri Governor Mike Parson.
“Operation Triple Beam brought a laser focus by all levels of law enforcement – federal, state, and local – to combat violent crime by targeting the worst offenders,” Garrison said. “Armed and dangerous fugitives were located, arrested, and taken off the street to face justice in state and federal court.
“We are marshaling federal resources to combat intolerable levels of violent crime, and working closely with our partners at the state and local level,” Garrison added. This week, three prosecutors from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office were designated as new Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to prosecute violent offenders in federal court in Kansas City, Mo.
During Operation Triple Beam, which ran from late May to the middle of August, law enforcement officers made 355 state and federal arrests for outstanding warrants, violent crimes, and drugs. Many of the arrestees were among the most violent and active offenders in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and many of these fugitives had multiple outstanding warrants from more than one agency.
Law enforcement officers seized 69 firearms, more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and 4.4 kilograms of illegal drugs (including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana). Many of those apprehended during Operation Triple Beam now face new charges for drugs and firearms possession in both state and federal courts.
“I want to thank the brave and dedicated officers, deputies, and agents who worked tirelessly around the clock to go after and bring these predators to justice,” James said. “The violence terrorizing our communities and neighborhoods must stop, but law enforcement cannot do it alone. We need citizens to pick up the phone and call the Crime Stoppers hotline. The reward has been increased to $25,000 and TIPS remain completely anonymous.
“The United States Marshals Service in conjunction with our local, state, and federal partners will not rest while violent criminals victimize our community,” James said. “If you’re a fugitive, surrender now.”
The goal of Operation Triple Beam was to apply resistance to the overall spike in violent crime and gun-related violence that peaks during the summer months. The operation focused on individual violent offenders and gang members who have shown a propensity to commit repeated violent acts against persons. Departments with proactive units were asked to target their enforcement activities under this initiative with a focus on arresting subjects who are involved in drug trafficking activities and the illegal possession/use of firearms. The intent was to remove subjects from the street who are responsible for fueling violent crime in the community and to seize illegally possessed drugs and firearms that are at the center of their violent activities.
The arrest types were as follows: drugs-117, weapons-71, burglary-25, assault-22, vehicle theft-17, fraud-14, robbery-10, homicide-8, sexual offenses-6, sexual assault-4, arson-1, failure to register as a sex offender-1, other crimes-59.
The U.S. Marshals Service provided equipment, training, investigative expertise, and overtime to assist local agencies in the endeavor. Operation Triple Beam included the Kansas City, Mo., and Independence, Mo., police departments, the sheriff’s departments from Platte, Clay, Jackson and Cass counties, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force-Kansas City Division operates in conjunction with members of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and other federal law enforcement partners. The task force objectives are to seek out and arrest fugitives charged with violent crimes, drug offenses, sex offenses, and other serious felonies. Nationally, the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with local law enforcement in 94 district offices, 67 local fugitive task forces, eight regional task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries.
TIPS Hotline
Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers via the TIPS hotline at 816-474-8477, on the internet at KCcrimestoppers.com or on the free mobile app available at P3Tips.com. Tips can also be submitted to the U.S. Marshals service directly and anonymously by downloading the USMS Tips app to your Apple or Android device. It can also be accessed online at https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.html.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Operation Triple Beam is part of a strategy to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in the Western District of Missouri in support of the district’s renewed Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. Project Safe Neighborhoods empowers each U.S. Attorney’s Office to develop targeted, localized violent crime reduction strategies, tailoring solutions to each individual community with the resources of the Department of Justice and the cooperation of community members.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods effort in this district consists of the federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the Kansas City Crime Commission, and several prominent members of our community with law enforcement experience, including former Kansas City Police Department officials, former federal prosecutors, retired federal agents, and former U.S. Attorneys.
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Arson Conspiracy to Damage a Local BusinessRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in an arson conspiracy to damage a local business.
Randell Eugene Yeager, Jr., 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to participating in a conspiracy to damage property by means of arson.
By pleading guilty today, Yeager admitted that he was hired on two occasions to damage Bobby Jackson’s Trading, a gold-buying business located at 302 E. 23rd Street in Independence.
Yeager admitted that he was paid $800 to damage the business on July 17, 2017. Yeager drove a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee in front of the business at approximately 3:20 a.m. Yeager then began to reverse towards the building before colliding into the building through the front door and front business windows, causing approximately $10,000 in damage. Yeager then accelerated out of the business and drove away. The stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee was located later by the Independence Police Department, unoccupied and still running, with evidence from the damaged building still attached to the vehicle.
Yeager also admitted that he was paid $800 to set fire to Bobby Jackson’s Trading on Aug. 4, 2017. Yeager used containers of gasoline to set fire to the front of the business, which caused approximately $5,000 in damage to the exterior and interior of the building.
Yeager was arrested on Nov. 24, 2018. At that time, he was in possession of a Heckler & Koch 9mm semi-automatic handgun and .936 grams of methamphetamine.
Under federal statutes, Yeager is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 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 Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Former University Professor Sentenced for Traveling to Missouri for Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Ohio university professor was sentenced in federal court today for traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, to engage in sexual activity with a person whom he believed to be a 14-year-old runaway.
Kevin Connor Armitage, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to two years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
On May 1, 2019, Armitage pleaded guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Armitage was a professor of American studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Armitage maintained a profile on a website that allows registered members to exchange information regarding commercial sex activity. The website’s public posts contain detailed accounts of sexual encounters between members and commercial sex workers, including prices and specific locations for sexual encounters. Links to well-known sex trafficking websites were posted with reviews of sexual encounters. Members of the website are able to contact the posters by private message to obtain contact information for the commercial sex workers described in the posts.
Armitage was a senior member of the website, with 576 postings that detail his prior experiences with prostitutes in Ohio, Arizona, Kansas, Colorado, and Tijuana.
On May 22, 2018, an undercover federal agent responded to a discussion thread posted by another user. Armitage contacted the undercover agent through a private message and indicated that he would be visiting the Kansas City area and was interested in recommendations. Armitage was provided a phone number for a female FBI agent, who was posing as a 14-year-old female runaway.
After several conversations, Armitage agreed to meet the 14-year-old’s cousin at a restaurant on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City on May 30, 2018, in order to discuss payment. Once he arrived at the restaurant, Armitage was told, he would be given the address where he could meet the 14-year-old. An FBI undercover employee, posing as the cousin, met Armitage at the restaurant and he was arrested.
This case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General 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."Noel Man Charged with Kidnapping Murder Victim's DaughterRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Noel, Missouri, man has been charged in federal court with kidnapping the 4-year-old daughter of a woman whose body was discovered in a suitcase last month.
Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed, 37, a Somali national, was charged in a criminal complaint filed late Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo. Mahamed is not in federal custody and is a fugitive from justice.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, the body of Jessica McCormack, of Noel, was discovered on July 29, 2019, near Missouri Highway 59 between Lanagan, Mo., and Noel. The last time McCormack was seen alive, the affidavit says, was when law enforcement officers responded to a call at her home on July 16, 2019. Also present in the residence were Mahamed, who was identified as McCormack’s paramour, and McCormack’s three daughters, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 1 (four years old), Jane Doe 2 (two years old), and Jane Doe 3 (six months old). Jane Doe 2 is Mahamed’s daughter.
McCormack’s children could not be located after her body was discovered and identified. An Amber Alert was issued for McCormack’s three children, who were located at a residence in Des Moines, Iowa, and taken into state custody on Aug. 8, 2019. According to the affidavit, a woman who formerly worked with Mahamed at the Tyson plant in Noel told law enforcement officers that Mahamed arrived at her Des Moines residence with the children on Aug. 5, 2019. She discovered he had left on Aug. 8, 2019, the affidavit says, when she found a note from Mahamed informing her that he could not care for the children.
Investigators confirmed with the father of McCormack’s oldest child that Mahamed did not have his consent to take Jane Doe 1 outside the state of Missouri. The biological father of Jane Doe 3 cannot be positively identified at this time.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, 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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Des Moines, Iowa, Police Department.
Three Men Indicted for Cyberstalking Conspiracy That Resulted in MurderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a cyberstalking conspiracy that utilized GPS tracking devices to help carry out the murder of a Kansas City, Missouri, man.
Lester E. Brown, 32, of Kansas City, Missouri, Michael Young, 29, of Independence, Missouri, and Ronell Pearson, 32, currently living in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, area, were charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Pearson was arrested today and has an initial court appearance in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn. Young was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 8, following a high-speed pursuit by law enforcement in which he crashed his vehicle. Brown is currently in federal custody in an unrelated case.
Murder of Christopher Harris
The federal indictment alleges that Brown, Young, and Pearson participated in a conspiracy from Nov. 1, 2017, to March 19, 2018, to engage in the cyberstalking of Christopher Harris, which resulted in his death. They allegedly deployed multiple GPS devices on vehicles used by Harris and his associates to track their locations. They allegedly used a GPS device on Harris’s vehicle to track Harris and kill him while he was dropping off his minor daughter after her dance class.
The indictment also alleges that conspirators sent threatening messages to Harris using the social media service Snap in November and December 2017. These messages included photographs of GPS devices, and demanded a payment to Brown of $1,000 per month. One message allegedly threatened Harris to “Pay me, or I’m going to touch something deeper, something close to you.”
In January 2018, the indictment says, conspirators surveilled Harris’s girlfriend at her place of employment, and followed her to the residence she shared with Harris. On Feb. 2, 2018, they allegedly deployed a GPS tracking device on Harris’s black Nissan Altima, and used a tracking service to determine his real-time location. Another tracking device was deployed on Harris’s vehicle on March 12, 2018.
On March 14, 2018, Harris picked up his daughter and drove her to dance class. Conspirators tracked Harris as he drove his daughter home from dance class and dropped her off at her mother’s residence. Conspirators shot a firearm multiple times into Harris’s vehicle, causing Harris to exclaim, “My daughter’s in the car! My daughter is in the car!” They then shot Harris multiple times in the head, killing him.
Brown, Young, and Pearson are charged together in one count of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking resulting in the death of Harris, and one count of aiding and abetting in the cyberstalking of Harris, resulting in his death.
Brown is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm for illegally possessing the Glock .45-caliber pistol used to murder Harris. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Brown has prior felony convictions for receiving stolen property and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Murder of Ryan Cobbins
The indictment also cites the murder of Ryan Cobbins, a friend and associate of Harris. One of the Snap messages allegedly sent to Harris threatened, “Man, you … are gonna end up like Ryan,” which Harris took to be a reference to the murder of his friend Ryan Cobbins in 2013.
According to the indictment, in late 2013 Brown (who had recently activated a GPS tracking service) impersonated a customer looking to purchase a vehicle when he was confronted by a mechanic, who found Brown underneath an orange Camaro that belonged to an (unidentified) associate of Harris’s. The vehicle was later sold to Cobbins. Brown also allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer to a mechanic who discovered a GPS tracking device underneath another vehicle owned by Harris’s associate, and demanded the return of the tracking device. In January 2014, Harris’s associate discovered another GPS tracker on one of his vehicles.
Cobbins went missing on Oct. 24, 2013, following a haircut appointment. In November 2013, Brown accepted $20,000 from Harris and another person as “ransom” payment for the return of Cobbins. Brown claimed he could act as the middleman between the kidnappers and Harris, and that he could arrange the safe return of Cobbins. On Dec. 31, 2014, Cobbins was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds, with hair clips still in his hair from his Oct. 24, 2013, haircut appointment.
There are no charges in the indictment directly related to the murder of Cobbins.
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. Attorneys Matthew P. Wolesky and Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the FBI.
Former Joplin Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former Joplin, Mo., police officer pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography.
Gary McKinney, 43, of Joplin, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the charge contained in an Oct. 24, 2018, federal indictment. McKinney was an officer with the Joplin Police Department for about seven years until May 20, 2006, after which he worked for a short time as a police officer in Webb City, Mo., and Duquesne, Mo.
The investigation began on Sept. 17, 2018, when a federal agent received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Facebook reported that a user had uploaded a video file of the sexual assault of a 4-year-old victim. Law enforcement officers contacted the Facebook user, who at that time was conversing with McKinney using the KIK messaging application.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McKinney’s residence on Oct. 3, 2018, and seized his cell phone. Investigators located 506 images and 148 videos that contained child pornography on McKinney’s cell phone. The examination showed that McKinney used both the Telegram and KIK applications to converse with others and exchange child pornography.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, McKinney is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Joplin, Mo., Police 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 Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for four armed robberies of local businesses committed during a month-long crime spree.
Montez L. Clayton, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 3, 2019, Clayton pleaded guilty to the armed robberies of four businesses in March and April 2018, and to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Clayton admitted that he robbed the Subway restaurant at 1831 Independence Ave., Kansas City, on March 18, 2018; the 7-Eleven store at 1701 Independence Ave., Kansas City, on March 26, 2018; the Metro PCS store at 2506 Independence Ave., Kansas City, on April 5, 2018; and the Metro PCS store at 2217 E. 12th St., Kansas City, on April 9, 2018. Clayton used a Jimenez 9mm pistol in each of those robberies.
Clayton provided his phone number and account information when he asked an employee to check the balance on his account during the first Metro PCS robbery. Law enforcement officers traced the location of Clayton’s phone to a Kansas City residence, where he was arrested.
According to court documents, Clayton has an extensive criminal record that includes a history of violence. For example, in November 2013, he was charged with multiple counts of domestic assault for assaulting a mother of two of his children, and with one count of unlawful use of a weapon for exhibiting a firearm at her in an angry or threatening manner. In one of the assaults, Clayton’s child was in the arms of the victim while he assaulted her. In 2014, Clayton pleaded guilty to domestic assault for striking the victim in the head with a dumbbell and to unlawful use of a weapon. In 2015, while on probation, he was convicted of assaulting a different victim, also the mother of one of his children. In that assault, Clayton struck the victim in the face, pushed her, kicked her, pushed her down the stairs, and put his hands in her mouth. In February 2017, while he was under probation supervision on two cases and while he had an outstanding arrest warrant for probation violations, Clayton was charged with assault for kicking yet another female victim.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Day Care Owner Sentenced for $556,000 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The owner of a Kansas City, Missouri, day care center was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently receive more than $556,000 in federal benefits.
Sharif Karie, 41, of Olathe, Kan., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to four years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 11, 2019, Karie was convicted at trial of participating in a conspiracy to steal government property, theft of government property, three counts of aggravated identity theft, three counts of wire fraud, 15 counts of money laundering, and six counts of mail fraud.
Karie, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Somalia, was the owner and CEO of a day care center established under two businesses and two names for the same location, with the same key employees: KARIE Day Care Center, LLC, and Tima Child Care Center, LLC, at 1019 Admiral Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. Tima Child Care Center was established under false pretense with a straw owner, according to court documents, apparently to circumvent the state’s oversight efforts.
Co-defendant Sheri Beamon, 48, of Kansas City, Missouri, was the director of KARIE/Tima Childcare Center. Beamon pleaded guilty on Sept. 10, 2018, to her role in the conspiracy and will be sentenced on Aug. 15, 2019.
The day care centers submitted false childcare claims to the state of Missouri that fraudulently inflated the number of hours and children who actually attended the childcare centers. The conspiracy, which lasted from October 2013 to June 2016, resulted in a loss of $536,833 to the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services. The Child Care and Development Fund provides daycare subsidies for low-income families where the parents are employed or engaged in job training. Providers contract with the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and submit claims electronically.
Additionally, Karie committed fraud by misleading the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when he understated his income and assets. Karie received Section 8 assistance, which is funded by HUD. The fraud scheme resulted in a loss of more than $40,000 to the Housing Authority.
This case was the result of a nationwide sweep that targeted child care center fraud schemes. The national law enforcement operation in Missouri and six other states was the result of separate, but related, federal investigations into childcare center fraud that resulted in a loss of more than $1 million to the government.
Pole cameras, which were installed near the day care center, captured footage of the entrances and exits of the building during two time periods in 2015 and in 2016. Timesheets and billing records were reviewed and compared to the children seen on the pole cameras being dropped off and picked up from the daycare center during that time. There were significant discrepancies between the timesheets, claims submitted, and the pole camera footage. According to court documents, even the fire evacuation records were falsified indicating a fire drill was performed on a date when pole cameras were capturing footage of the entrance/exit of the day care and the planned evacuation route as provided to the state. The drill never took place.
At no time during its operation, according to court documents, did Karie Day Care Center meet the minimum health and safety standards for operation as established by Missouri statute and agreed to by contract. Tima Child Care Center was conceived as the state was in process of shutting down Karie Day Care Center for failure to comply with standards for health, safety, and record keeping. Had the state known that Karie was actually operating the business, according to court documents, a license would not have been approved.
The state conducted a compliance review of the daycare center’s billing for May 2014 and July 2014. The review found several attendance records missing. The review also identified 14 out of the 15 families with children at the center who had a parent employed there. With only two classrooms, it is improbable that parents were not caring for their own children. One of these parents reported that her job was contingent on having all of her children placed in care at KARIE Day Care Center so her child care would be paid by the state. According to court records, nearly all children enrolled for services were those of employees, in violation of state regulations. This same 2014 audit found several discrepancies on the time sheets submitted to the state.
Subsequent unannounced inspections at KARIE Day Care Center found the facility in violation of state regulations pertaining to child care licensing rules, including health and safety, staff ratios, and the maintaining of attendance records. Each of the inspections resulted in violation findings.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rudolph R. Rhodes IV and Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Missouri Department of Social Services – Division of Legal Services Investigations and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a bank fraud scheme to cash stolen and counterfeit checks.
Robert Simon Rees, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of bank fraud and one count of possessing stolen mail.
By pleading guilty today, Rees admitted that he engaged in a bank fraud scheme from April to July 3, 2017, to cash stolen and counterfeit checks and to use the stolen and counterfeit checks to purchase merchandise. The amount of the financial harm attempted during the bank fraud scheme totaled approximately $19,696 to 10 or more victims. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Rees must pay $1,607 in restitution to the three victims who suffered actual losses.
Rees, aided and abetted by others, stole checks, letters, and documents containing the personally identifying information of individuals from the mailboxes of individuals and businesses and from vehicles and residences. They created forged and counterfeit power of attorney documents that purported to give Rees authority to conduct financial transactions on behalf of the individuals and businesses that were payees listed on the stolen checks. Then, at businesses including Wal-Mart and Lend Nation, Rees attempted to cash the stolen checks, or use the stolen checks to purchase merchandise.
Rees, aided and abetted by others, also created forged and counterfeit checks payable to persons other than himself, as well as counterfeit identification (including Missouri temporary drivers’ licenses) matching the payee names on the counterfeit checks. Rees then falsely presented himself as the payee listed on the counterfeit checks, and attempted to cash the counterfeit checks, or use the counterfeit checks to purchase merchandise at businesses.
Under federal statutes, Rees is subject to a sentence of up to 35 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 Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Sentenced for Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing crack cocaine to distribute.
James E. Lee, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 10, 2018, Lee pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. Lee admitted that he sold crack cocaine to an undercover police detective and a confidential informant on three occasions. On July 26, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lee’s residence. Lee jumped out a second story window when officers entered the residence and was taken into custody after a short foot chase. Officers seized a Springfield .40-caliber handgun, a Taurus .45-caliber revolver, 18 grams of crack cocaine, $710 (found in the same kitchen cabinet as the crack cocaine), and two digital scales.
Lee has five prior felony convictions for distributing crack cocaine, including a prior federal conviction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Independence Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for producing child pornography.
Travis Howard White, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 16 years and three months in federal prison without parole.
White, who pleaded guilty on July 12, 2018, admitted that he used a 13-year-old victim to produce child pornography. White met the child victim on Facebook and they engaged in sexually explicit online chats. During one of those chats, White directed the child victim to produce a pornographic image, which she sent to him.
According to court documents, this was part of an enticement scheme, which soon culminated in the then-14-year-old child victim moving from Kansas to live with White in September 2016.White had sexual contact with the child victim on numerous instances between September 2016 and March 2017, when the child victim was recovered.
According to court documents, the child victim was one of many victims preyed upon by White. By his own admissions, White engaged in “sexting” activity with between 50 to 100 females (including under-aged females). At least a dozen were identified as reported victims.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by 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."