Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Raytown Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Raytown, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms on two separate occasions.
Quentin L. Posey, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 16 years in federal prison without parole.
On March 21, 2018, Posey pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Posey was originally indicted on Nov. 2, 2016, on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Posey was arrested when Kansas City, Mo., police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which he was a passenger. While an officer was walking Posey to the curb after he got out of the vehicle, a loaded Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver fell from Posey’s pant leg to the ground. When officers searched the vehicle, they found a Crown Royal bag that contained two glass jars of marijuana.
After being released on bond, according to court documents, Posey became a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred in an Independence, Mo., parking lot on Dec. 4, 2016. Officers located Posey at another person’s apartment in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 13, 2016. Posey was laying on some blankets on the floor in the living room; a loaded Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol was on top of the blankets next to Posey. Officers also found a glass jar that contained marijuana in the pocket of a coat lying nearby. Posey was charged in a superseding indictment on Dec. 15, 2016, with a second count of being a felon in possession of a 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. Posey has prior felony convictions for being an accessory after the fact of an armed robbery and kidnaping (related to an armed home invasion) and theft of public property (involving a $139,444 fraud and theft from the Department of Defense).
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Caine. It was investigated by the Kansas City, 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.
Former KC Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine from AmbulancesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department paramedic pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing fentanyl and morphine from ambulances for his own personal use.
Michael L. Fostich, 37, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to obtaining a controlled substance (fentanyl and morphine) by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge.
Fostich was employed at the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) as a paramedic from August 2014 to Dec. 11, 2016. Fostich had access to fentanyl and morphine, which were stored in sealed narcotics boxes and locked in safes on KCFD ambulances. Each sealed narcotics box contained two vials of fentanyl, each containing 100 micrograms of liquid fentanyl, and two syringes of morphine, each containing 10 milligrams of liquid morphine. Fentanyl and morphine are opioid narcotics used to treat pain. As a paramedic, Fostich was able to unlock the electronic safe and open the sealed narcotics boxes in order to administer controlled substances to patients, if necessary.
By pleading guilty today, Fostich admitted that he stole fentanyl and morphine from the ambulances for his own personal use. Fostich also admitted that he prepared patient care records and state reporting forms that contained misrepresentations regarding his use of fentanyl and morphine.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 11, 2016, Fostich reported he was responsible for the use, administration, or wasting of 806 doses of fentanyl, which accounted for approximately 39 percent of all of the KCFD’s total reported use, administration and wasting of fentanyl during that period of time. Fostich also reported that he was responsible for the use, administration, or wasting of 636 doses of morphine during that time, which accounted for approximately 63 percent of all of the KCFD’s total reported use, administration or wasting of morphine during that period of time. The KCFD employed approximately 350 paramedics during this time.
Under federal statutes, Fostich is subject to a sentence of up to four 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 Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the FBI.
Two KC Men Sentenced to 19 Years for Armed Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to commit 10 armed robberies at local businesses.
Jerry D. Patterson, 22, and Michael A. Harris, 20, were each sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 19 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On March 12, 2018, Patterson and Harris each pleaded guilty to the armed robbery conspiracy and to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Each admitted he was involved in a conspiracy to commit 10 armed robberies at area businesses over a four-week period in September and October 2017.
On Oct. 15, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $3,500 at gunpoint from Walgreens Pharmacy, 1536 E. 23rd St., Independence, Mo. They drove Patterson’s red 2007 Pontiac G6 sedan; after officers discovered the vehicle, Patterson and Harrison abandoned it and fled on foot. Investigators searched the vehicle and found a Glock .40-caliber handgun, an extended .40-caliber magazine, money taken from the robbery, and a number of items used in several of the armed robberies. Agents also found a Kahr Arms .40-caliber handgun (seen in several surveillance videos) in a nearby wooded area.
On Oct. 20, 2017, Patterson reported his car stolen. On Oct. 31, 2017, both Harris and Patterson were arrested at their respective apartments. Evidence from the numerous robberies was recovered from each of their homes.
Patterson and Harris each admitted that they committed a series of armed robberies during the conspiracy. Patterson brandished a Kahr Arms .40-caliber handgun in all of the robberies. Harris brandished a Glock .40-caliber handgun in all of the robberies. In addition to the Walgreens Pharmacy robbery on Oct. 15, 2017, Patterson and Harris admitted they committed nine more armed robberies:
• On Oct. 14, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $4,275 at gunpoint from Walgreens Pharmacy, 9300 Gregory Blvd., Raytown, Mo.;
• On Oct. 14, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $3,000 at gunpoint from CVS Pharmacy, 6244 S. Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.;
• On Oct. 10, 2017, Patterson and Harris robbed Dollar General, 5105 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Mo., at gunpoint;
• On Oct. 9, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $3,705 at gunpoint from Walgreens Pharmacy, 2261 S. Sterling Ave., Independence, Mo.;
• On Oct. 8, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $575 at gunpoint from Domino’s Pizza, 3709 S. Noland Road, Independence, Mo. They also stole $400 from employees.
• On Oct. 2, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $2,500 from CVS Pharmacy, 5310 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Mo.;
• On Sept. 26, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $380 from Family Dollar, 12521 E. 40 Hwy., Independence, Mo.;
• On Sept. 26, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $150 and some store items at gunpoint from 7 Eleven, 11107 Grandview Rd., Kansas City, Mo.;
• On Sept. 10, 2017, Patterson and Harris stole $3,500 from Walgreens, 1100 E. 63rd. St., Kansas City, Mo.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Raytown, Mo., Police Department.
Three Men Charged with Armed Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three men were charged in federal court yesterday for their roles in a series of armed business robberies in Kansas City, Mo., and Independence, Mo., over the past week.
Vonterrious Humbert, 18, Tremaine Johnson, 19, and Henry Simmons, 18, were charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, with participating in a conspiracy to commit armed robberies and with using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. They remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Humbert, Johnson and Simmons were arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, following the early-morning armed robbery of a Phillips 66 convenience store and the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell on N.W. Barry Road in Kansas City, Mo. Two juvenile males were also taken into custody but are not identified in court documents and are not charged in the federal complaint.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, the conspiracy included eight additional business robberies: five armed robberies of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Independence, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, and three armed robberies of a Domino’s Pizza, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a Sinclair convenience store in Kansas City, Mo., during the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018.
A Dodge Durango SUV was identified by witnesses at some of the robberies. On Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, law enforcement observed Humbert, Johnson, Simmons and the two juveniles traveling in a 2003 Dodge Durango to approximately 15 to 20 convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that were open late or operated 24 hours a day. According to the affidavit, officers believed they were casing the businesses – making repetitive passes by these businesses in a slow, surveillance-like manner, as if examining the businesses for activity and occupants in advance of initiating a robbery.
At approximately 2:37 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the vehicle arrived at the shopping area at N.W. Barry Road and Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Mo. The vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex. Four individuals got out of the vehicle, the affidavit says; Humbert and Johnson walked across the street to the Phillips 66 convenience store while Simmons and a juvenile male walked to the Taco Bell.
According to the affidavit, Humbert and Johnson robbed the Phillips 66 store at gunpoint, stealing approximately $400, then ran back across the street toward a wooded area near the apartment complex. Johnson and Humbert were pursued into a strip mall area near the apartment complex. Both were apprehended nearby, the affidavit says, and were found to have discarded the firearms they possessed at the time of the robbery – a Taurus handgun with a laser sight and an SKS-type 7.62x39mm rifle.
As this robbery was occurring, Simmons and the juvenile were allegedly attempting to rob the Taco Bell. They both had firearms when law enforcement officers approached them, the affidavit says, which they attempted to discard at the time of their arrest. Officers retrieved a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight and a loaded Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
A second juvenile male was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Dodge Durango SUV at the time of the arrests. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a jar containing marijuana.
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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Honduran man who was arrested in Kansas City, Mo., for drunk driving was sentenced in federal court today for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported eight times.
Jose Salazar-Aguilar, 34, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to five years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
Kansas City, Mo., police officers arrested Salazar-Aguilar on Feb. 19, 2017, for driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting arrest, no insurance, and failure to carry a license. While incarcerated, record checks revealed that Salazar-Aguilar had been removed from the United States on numerous occasions. He was released on bond but apprehended by federal agents during a traffic stop on Feb. 27, 2017.
On May 2, 2018, Salazar-Aguilar pleaded guilty to unlawfully reentering the United States after removal for an aggravated felony.
This is Salazar-Aguilar’s second conviction for this offense. He was convicted of the same crime in federal court in Arizona on Feb. 22, 2012, and sentenced to 27 months. According to court documents, Salazar-Aguilar has been removed from the United States eight times, seven times after being convicted of the aggravated felony of delivery of heroin. Salazar-Aguilar was last removed from the United States on Aug. 8, 2013.
Additionally, according to court documents, Salazar-Aguilar’s history also includes assaultive behavior that endangers the public, such as his 2010 arrest for beating up his common-law wife.
Salazar-Aguilar has previously asserted his membership with the Norteno street gang, according to court documents, and has admitted to being a “drug mule.” Salazar-Aguilar also has prior felony convictions for delivery of a controlled substance (heroin) in Oregon, possession of a controlled substance in Colorado, and forgery in Arizona. Additionally, there are active warrants for his arrest from Salt Lake City, Utah, for distribution of a controlled substance; Phoenix, Ariz., for no valid license and traffic offenses; and Kansas City, Mo., for driving under the influence, resisting arrest, no insurance, and failure to carry a license.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberlee L. Moore. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Eldon Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An Eldon, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to traveling to North Carolina on five occasions to engage in illicit sexual activity with a child victim over a two-year period.
James Anthony Guthrie, III, 37, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
By pleading guilty today, Guthrie admitted that he traveled to North Carolina on five occasions for work and, while there, met the 15-year-old child victim at various hotels for sex. Guthrie admitted that he picked up the child victim from school or at her house; once, the victim’s father brought her to the hotel.
Guthrie also admitted that he communicated about sexual matters with the child victim and received pornographic images and videos from her. He bought her clothes, food, and paid her cell phone bill.
Investigators examined Guthrie’s laptop, hard drive and DVD-R disks, which contained images of child pornography.
Under federal statutes, Guthrie 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 Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lebanon, Mo., Police Department and the Lake Area ICAC Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Following Street ShootingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man who was arrested following a street shootout in a residential neighborhood pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm.
Richard Sterling Jones, 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
According to today’s plea agreement, Columbia police officers were dispatched to the 4600 block of Rice Road at approximately 10:19 p.m. on June 24, 2018, in response to shots fired. When the officers arrived, they located numerous 9mm and .223-caliber spent shell casings along Rice Road. Officers spoke to numerous residents along Rice Road, who reported their residences and vehicles had been struck by gunfire.
Witnesses told police officers they saw a silver Pontiac Grand Prix, which they believed was involved in the shooting, quickly leave the area. Officers located Jones, who was sitting in a silver Grand Prix, shortly afterward, and he was detained. Officers searched his vehicle and found a bag of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Jones admitted that he fired several rounds from his AR-15 style rifle into the air in front of a residence on Rice Road. Jones drove to another residence and hid the firearm under a mattress in one of the bedrooms. Jones also admitted to using and selling marijuana. Officers executed a search warrant at the residence and found a loaded SOTA Arms multi-caliber rifle where Jones had hidden it.
Under federal statutes, Jones is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly. 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.
Polo Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for $4.3 Million Meth, Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Polo, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a $4.3 million conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin throughout Clay, Ray, Clinton and Buchanan counties.
Joshua K. Bowers, 34, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 25 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Bowers to forfeit to the government $11,319, which was seized by law enforcement officers, and to pay a money judgment of $525,600, which represents the proceeds received from illegal drug trafficking. Bowers is the final defendant among 26 defendants in this case to be sentenced after pleading guilty.
On June 9, 2017, Bowers pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
In 2010, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the DEA initiated an investigation into a drug-trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. According to court documents, conspirators sold $4,359,600 worth of methamphetamine and heroin from 2010 to 2015. That estimate is based on a conservative street price of $1,200 for an ounce of 50 percent pure methamphetamine and the total conspiracy distribution of at least 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, and a conservative street price of $2,500 per ounce of heroin and an overall conspiracy distribution of approximately three pounds.
Bowers admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of more than five kilograms of methamphetamine and more than one kilogram of heroin. Bowers also admitted that he was in possession of a Springfield Armory .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, a New England 12-gauge shotgun and various other firearms during the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bowers’s resident on Jan. 13, 2015, and seized approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, heroin, firearms, drug paraphernalia, drug sale proceeds and a drug ledger.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades, Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Matt Moeder. It was investigated by the Clay County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Caldwell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the DEA.
Fulton Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Transporting 13-year-old Victim to Missouri for SexRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A prior sex offender in Fulton, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today after his mother and grandmother transported a 13-year-old child victim from Alabama to engage in illegal sexual activity with him.
Michael James Collins, 21, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. Collins, who was a resident at the Community Supervision Center in Fulton, was on probation at the time of the offense for a prior felony conviction for sexual misconduct involving a child.
According to today’s plea agreement, the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department received information on Dec. 10, 2017, that a 13-year-old girl from Alabama was missing from her home. A cell phone ping placed the child victim at a residence in Fulton, where she was located and removed.
Collins admitted that he paid his grandmother $400 to go to Alabama to pick up the child victim, whom he met on a dating website in July 2017. Collins’s mother was with his grandmother when the child victim was picked up in Alabama and transported to Missouri. Collins’s grandmother and mother also transported the child victim between the Fulton residence and Collins’s residence at the Community Supervision Center when they were taking Collins back and forth to work.
Collins and the child victim communicated with each other from July to December 2017 via cell phone, Facebook Messenger and other apps, which was a violation of Collins’s probation. Collins accessed the internet using his cell phone as well as his mother’s cell phone.
Collins pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor under the age of 14 across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity and to committing the felony offense while he was under the requirement to register as a sex offender.
Under federal statutes, Collins is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Fulton, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, the Callaway County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office and the Callaway County Children’s Division.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Lee's Summit Couple Among 13 Indicted for $62 Million Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lee’s Summit, Mo., couple are among 13 defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $62 million conspiracy to distribute more than 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, and a money laundering conspiracy.
Howard Christian Walters, also known as “Chris,” 41, and his wife, Nina Walter, 37, both of Lee’s Summit; Louis Walker, 47, of Richmond, Mo.; Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon, also known as “Uncle” or “Rambo,” 38, and Jesus Salvador Campoy-Estrada, also known as “Chava” or “Chavita,” 24, both citizens of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Kan.; Franciso Gastelum-Valdez, 51, of Overland Park, Kan.; Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, 30, a citizen of Mexico residing in Olathe, Kan.; Mark High, 52, and Antonio Starks-Fewell, 33, both of Springfield, Mo.; Otilio Zaragoza-Navarrette, 62, a Mexican national and lawful permanent resident, and Pamela Salais, 30, and her sister, Luisa Maria Salais, 28, all of El Paso, Texas; Armando Rosales, Jr., 29, of San Elizario, Texas; were charged in a 20-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of most of the defendants.
Howard Walters is the owner of L & H Auto Sales in Kansas City, Mo.
The federal indictment alleges that Howard Walters, Jose Armendariz-Rascon, Campoy-Estrada, High, Starks-Fewell, Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, Zaragoza-Navarrett, Rosales, Pamela Salais and Luisa Salais participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine from October 2013 to Nov. 15, 2018.
In addition to the conspiracy, Howard Walters is charged with seven counts of distributing cocaine. Howard Walters also is charged with Campoy-Estrada, High and Starks-Fewell in one count of aiding and abetting the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and in one count of aiding and abetting the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.
The federal indictment alleges that Howard and Nina Walters, Campoy-Estrada, Gastelum-Valdez and Walker participated in a money-laundering conspiracy during the same timeframe, from October 2013 to Nov. 15, 2018.
In addition to the money-laundering conspiracy, Howard Walters is charged with three counts of money laundering for allegedly purchasing a 2017 Dodge Ram pickup truck and a 2013 Suzuki motorcycle, and the lease of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS550, with the proceeds of drug trafficking. Howard Walters and Walker also are charged together in one count of money laundering for allegedly purchasing a 2011 Porsche Panamera with the proceeds of drug trafficking.
Campoy-Estrada is also charged with two counts of money laundering for the alleged purchase of a residence and of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade with the proceeds of drug trafficking.
Howard and Nina Walters also are charged together in one count of money laundering. Nina Walters is also charged with one count of money laundering.
Gastelum-Valdez is also charged with two counts of money laundering related to the alleged purchase of a residential property with the proceeds of drug trafficking.
The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations, which would require Jose Armendariz-Rascon to forfeit at least $62.4 million, which was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of cocaine (based on a sale price of $30,000 per kilogram of cocaine and distribution of no less than 10 kilograms of cocaine per week for a period of at least four years).
Several defendants would also be required to forfeit to the government four residential properties, including Howard and Nina Walters’s residence in Lee’s Summit and Campoy-Estrada’s residence in Kansas City. Howard Walters, Campoy-Estrada, High, Starks-Fewell, Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, Zaragoza-Navarrett, Rosales, Pamela Salais and Luisa Salais would be required to forfeit to the government a money judgment in the amount of the proceeds received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of cocaine.
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 Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing 654 Firearms from UPS Trailers in SpringfieldRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Ponder, Texas, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his stealing 654 firearms from United Parcel Service trailers in Springfield, Mo., en route to Bass Pro Shops.
Frank McChriston, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the charges contained in a Feb. 21, 2018, federal indictment. McChriston has remained in federal custody since his arrest in January 2018.
Co-defendant Quinton Haywood, 27, of Glenn Heights, Texas, has pleaded guilty to the same charges.
By pleading guilty today, McChriston admitted that he aided and abetted Haywood and others to steal cargo that was being shipped across state lines, from Beretta USA in Maryland to the state of Missouri. McChriston also pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Haywood and others to possess stolen firearms.
According to court documents, McChriston, Haywood, and others stole 600 Beretta .380-caliber handguns and 54 Beretta 12-gauge shotguns from United Parcel Service (UPS) trailers in Springfield in October 2017.
The firearms were in the process of being shipped from Beretta Firearms in Maryland to Bass Pro Shops in Springfield. The trailers in which the firearms were shipped had been parked in the UPS freight lot in a configuration to prevent access to the trailer doors, by being parked back-to-back, with the roll-up doors facing each other. The trailers were then blocked by longer trailers, which should have acted as a preventative measure from someone backing a truck-tractor to the trailer and pulling it forward.
Sometime between noon on Oct. 28, 2017, and 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2017, thieves hot-wired two truck-tractors and used them to push and pull various trailers around the lot, allowing the thieves access to the trailer doors. UPS employees discovered the theft on Oct. 29, 2017, and notified law enforcement.
Under federal statutes, McChriston is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Dallas, Texas, Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Heroin Conspiracy, FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy that distributed at least a kilogram of heroin in the Springfield area.
Roosevelt Simpson, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Romele E. Freeman, 53, of Springfield, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison without parole.
On June 19, 2018, Simpson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin and to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Simpson admitted that he was a leader in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Sept. 1, 2012, to April 3, 2017. Simpson purchased heroin from Chicago, Ill., and St. Louis, Mo., which was transported to Springfield by vehicle. Simpson supplied heroin to other mid-level dealers, including co-defendants Romele E. Freeman, 53, and Kenneth M. Smith, 60, both of Springfield. Freeman and Smith, in turn, supplied other heroin dealers. Co-defendant Najee Boston, 38, of Springfield, personally transported heroin from St. Louis and also supplied Smith. Freeman, Smith and Boston also have pleaded guilty.
Simpson admitted that, beginning in April 2014, he purchased two to three ounces of heroin every two to three weeks. Simpson was “fronted” the heroin for $3,000 per ounce and profited approximately $4,000 per ounce. Simpson also admitted that he utilized a Rossi .38-caliber revolver for protection and aggression in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
During the course of the investigation, agents were able to infiltrate the drug-trafficking organization and buy heroin directly from Simpson and others. Undercover officers purchased heroin from Simpson on several occasions.
On April 12, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Simpson’s residence. They seized a total of 4.1 grams of heroin, $6,062 (some of which was hidden in a pair of shoes in a bedroom closet and above the cabinets in the kitchen), and the loaded Rossi revolver in a metal pot under the kitchen counter.
On April 3, 2017, law enforcement officers observed Simpson selling heroin to another person at a nearby convenience store. Officers searched his residence again and seized 4.5 grams of heroin.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Joplin Man Charged with Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet after law enforcement officers searched his apartment and also found a firearm and items associated with Nazis, violence and racial hatred.
Daniel Rehman, 24, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., with receiving and distributing child pornography from May 5 to Nov. 7, 2018.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, law enforcement received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Rehman had uploaded multiple files of child pornography to his Tumblr account.
On Nov. 7, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Rehman’s residence and seized his cell phone and a flash drive; officers also seized Rehman’s laptop computer from another residence. According to the affidavit, Rehman told officers he had been viewing child pornography for several years and had downloaded images of child pornography of children as young as infants.
Law enforcement officers also located a poster on the wall of Rehman’s apartment, the affidavit says, which depicted an adult male choking a female child. Officers located a green flag hung on one of the apartment walls, which Rehman said was a flag for Pakistani Nazis. In the kitchen, above the cabinets, officers located a German Nazi officer’s hat. A Ruger handgun was located inside a metal ammunition can with more than 300 rounds of ammunition. According to the affidavit, these items were not seized by officers as they were not evidence of child pornography that the search warrant authorized the seizure of.
Investigators found images of child pornography on Rehman’s cell phone and on the flash drive, the affidavit says, as well as a significant amount of child pornography anime. Investigators also found multiple images depicting violence and racial hatred. For example, Rehman allegedly created an image in which he is wearing a Nazi officer’s hat in front of a large pile of dead bodies. In another image, a cartoon character duck is depicted with a caption bubble stating, “When you trick the autistic kid into raping the girl with Down syndrome you record it, sell the video to a local pedophile and use the profit to buy guns to shoot up the school.”
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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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."
Fulton Man Sentenced for Manufacturing a Silencer, Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Fulton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally manufacturing a firearm suppressor, or “silencer,” and illegally possessing firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition after making threats toward state workers involved in the case in which he lost custody of his children.
Nathaniel Craig Carroll, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
On July 17, 2018, Carroll pleaded guilty to illegally making a firearm, possessing an illegally made firearm and being a drug user in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, Carroll had repeatedly communicated threats, directly and indirectly, to state children’s division employees involved in a case where Carroll’s children were taken from the home. Law enforcement officers had also received reports of explosions at Carroll’s residence; Carroll was believed to be igniting “tannerite” to create the explosions. On Oct. 24, 2017, a judge in Callaway County determined that the case was going to move toward the permanent removal of the children from Carroll’s custody, which upset him a great deal. Carroll’s statements and conduct in the aftermath of the hearing resulted in the evacuation and two-day closure of all Missouri Department of Social Services offices in Callaway County, including the Children’s Division.
Immediately after the Oct. 24, 2017, court hearing, Carroll was seen at the Westlake Ace Hardware store. A Calloway County sheriff’s deputy was concerned that Carroll was intent on hurting himself because of what had happened at the hearing earlier, and therefore followed up with employees at the hardware store to determine what Carroll was purchasing.
Carroll purchased several items that could be used to manufacture a suppressor. Carroll made a statement to the store clerk about needing items to build a suppressor. Carroll does not have a federal license to manufacture a suppressor.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Carroll’s residence on Oct. 25, 2017. Officers seized two homemade silencers, 13 firearms (including two assault rifles that had been spray-painted in black paint, a JC Higgins .22-caliber rifle bearing no serial number and retrofitted for a homemade suppressor, and several other weapons bearing no serial numbers), thousands of rounds of ammunition and substantial user quantities of marijuana.
Officers searched the Carroll family’s Honda Odyssey and found “Adolph Hitler Flyers” that stated the following: “Our Furher reminds US, National Socialism Depends on the loyalty of the people and the indoctrination of youth, All Citizens Report, Nonconforming Parents To Their, Children’s Division, From the National Socialist American Worker’s Party.”
This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the MUSTANG Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Bolivar Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Bolivar, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet.
Kevin Robert Thomas, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole.
Thomas pleaded guilty on June 11, 2018. The investigation began when a law enforcement officer, using investigative tools for unlawful internet usage, noticed that Thomas was using peer-to-peer file-sharing software to make child pornography available on his computer. Officers executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence and seized three computers.
Investigators examined the computers and found 261 images and videos of child pornography on two of the computers. The images and videos depicted children from five to 16 years old.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull, II. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Bolivar, 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."
Columbia Man Sentenced for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man who robbed a bank and led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase while carrying an infant in the back seat of his get-away car was sentenced in federal court today.
Larome Demetrius Humphrey, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
On July 26, 2018, Humphrey pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, Humphrey and two other men stole $2,588 from Callaway Bank, 5600 Bull Run Dr., Columbia, at gunpoint on April 27, 2017. Humphrey and another man entered the bank with pistols at approximately 1:44 p.m., while a third man waited in the getaway vehicle. They jumped the teller counter, put their pistols to a teller’s head and demanded money. The money was placed in a plastic bag, then they left the bank.
Witnesses saw the thieves run from the bank and get into a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers spotted the vehicle just east of the bank on I-70 in the area of Kingdom City, Mo. A vehicle pursuit ensued with speeds over 100 m.p.h. Troopers deployed stop sticks, and eventually the Impala left the roadway and struck a fence. All three of the thieves fled on foot but were apprehended by law enforcement officers.
When troopers searched the vehicle, they found a 1-year-old child who had been in the back seat of the Impala during the bank robbery and vehicle pursuit. The infant is the son of Humphrey’s girlfriend, who owns the car used in the robbery.
At the time of Humphrey’s arrest, a large sum of cash was discovered concealed in his underwear.
Humphrey has an extensive and violent criminal history, according to court documents. At age 18, Humphrey was convicted of aggravated assault, after he shot an individual during a robbery. At age 19, Humphrey was convicted of two charges of possession of marijuana. In 2011, Humphrey was convicted of felony facilitation of a sale of Alprazolam. In 2012, Humphrey was convicted of possession of marijuana and in 2014 he was convicted of attempted possession of marijuana.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.
Columbia Man Sentenced for $1.1 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a $1.1 million investment fraud scheme.
Billings Chapman, 79, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one year and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Chapman to pay $1,123,814 in restitution to his victims.
On April 30, 2018, Chapman pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. Chapman was partial owner of CheckmarcUSA, LLC, a company formed to provide bad check collection services to banks. He also owned Federal Financial Services, LLC (FFS), which he used to solicit investors.
Chapman admitted that he engaged in a scheme from May 26, 2011, to April 30, 2014, to defraud investors by making materially false representations and using investment funds for his own personal benefit. Chapman guaranteed monthly payments to investors and misrepresented to investors his financial condition and the financial condition of FFS. Chapman falsely claimed that large numbers of banks had signed up for CheckmarcUSA’s services and that FFS was accruing substantial income as a result.
Chapman did not tell investors that he had been barred from engaging in the securities industry in 1970 by the National Association of Securities Dealers, or that he had been issued cease and desist orders in 1991 and in 2004 from the Missouri Commissioner of Securities for engaging in fraudulent or illegal practices in the securities business. Chapman, who was not registered to sell securities in Missouri, used investor money for his own personal gain and to make payments to prior investors.
According to court documents, the loss to Chapman’s victims totaled $1,123,814. A number of the victims were devastated financially by their loss. For example, one victim lost all of his retirement savings and had to suspend his retirement and resume working. Another victim, a single mother of two, invested her entire savings with Chapman and FFS, and her loss caused her to be unable to pay her bills.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the FBI.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 38 Years for $1 Million Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than $1 million worth of methamphetamine in southern Missouri and in the Kansas City, Mo., area.
Michael Ryan Nevatt, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 38 years and four months in federal prison without parole.
On April 6, 2018, Nevatt was found guilty at trial of all seven counts contained in a Nov. 17, 2016, federal indictment. Nevatt was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and three counts of money laundering.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Nevatt participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2014, to Nov. 17, 2016. Co-defendant Kenneth Lake, 57, of Strafford, Mo., was the original head of the organization, coordinating vehicle transport shipments of methamphetamine from a Mexican cartel source in Texas to Springfield. Conspirators in Springfield divided the methamphetamine for distribution to the Lebanon, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., areas. Lake pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on May 1, 2018, to 12 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Nevatt subsequently became the head of the organization. Nevatt and other conspirators made regular trips, and sometimes travelled several times a week, to pick up multiple-pound supplies of methamphetamine. For example, Nevatt traveled to Texas regularly to pick up 10 pounds of methamphetamine and bring it back to Springfield. Nevatt would later return to Texas with approximately $100,000 in cash to pay for it. On one occasion, Nevatt met sources in Dallas, Texas, to purchase 40 pounds of methamphetamine. Mexican sources also delivered multiple-pound shipments of methamphetamine by truck or car to Springfield. Nevatt was found responsible for over 200 pounds of methamphetamine.
Nevatt was stopped by Springfield police officers on one occasion while operating a motorcycle without a valid motorcycle endorsement or insurance. Officers seized $66,960 in the saddle bag of the motorcycle. On another occasion, Springfield police officers seized $97,390 from a hotel room rented in Nevatt’s name, which was occupied by his girlfriend and Lake. Oklahoma authorities seized more than $100,000 from Nevatt’s couriers over the course of the conspiracy. At Nevatt’s arrest, the Missouri State Highway Patrol seized approximately $40,000.
Nevatt is the final defendant to be sentenced among the 15 defendants charged in the indictment; 14 co-defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner. It was investigated by the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Central Oklahoma Metro Interdiction Team.
KC Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a series of armed robberies following his arrest after a head-on collision with a police vehicle in a Quik Trip parking lot.
Roy L. House, Jr., 38, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
On March 20, 2018, House pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and to brandishing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Co-defendant Curlie Pruitt, III, 40, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced on Sept. 13, 2018, to 10 years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
House and Pruitt both admitted they participated in a conspiracy to rob four businesses at gunpoint in December 2016. They stole $500 and at least one carton of cigars (as well as $150 from an employee) from Road Star Gas Station, 11100 E. US 40 Hwy., Independence, Mo. They stole $200 and an undetermined amount of cigars (as well as an employee’s wallet) from Beeline Mini-Mart, 1005 Isley Blvd., Excelsior Springs, Mo. They stole $300 (as well as $200 from an employee) from Discount Smokes, 4718 N.E. Vivion Rd., Kansas City, Mo. They also robbed the Phillips 66 Gas Station at 3636 Randolph Road, Randolph, Mo.
House and Pruitt also admitted they used an American Tactical .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun during those robberies.
House and Pruitt were arrested on Dec. 20, 2016. Independence police officers were contacted by an employee at the Super 8 Hotel, 4031 S. Lynn Court Drive, in regard to two men – later identified as Pruitt and House – who were acting suspiciously. The employee feared the men were going to rob the hotel. They left the hotel but returned at approximately 9:05 p.m.
When officers arrived at the hotel, House and Pruitt were in a blue Ford 500 and were leaving the area, with Pruitt driving. A police officer activated the emergency equipment on his patrol vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, however, Pruitt accelerated the vehicle and drove through the parking lot of the Quik Trip at 4024 S. Noland Road. As Pruitt’s vehicle continued at a high rate of speed through the parking lot, traveling toward S. Noland Road, it collided head-on with the patrol vehicle of another officer who was responding to assist. The collision was severe enough to disable both vehicles.
Pruitt immediately attempted to exit his vehicle and flee, but was trapped by a third police vehicle that pinned the driver’s side door closed. Pruitt and House were placed under arrest. Officers found the loaded American Tactical .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun on the floor board of the front passenger seat area.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Excelsior Springs, Mo., Police Department.
Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former Lebanon, Mo., teacher pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Brandon Hileman, 25, of Lebanon, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charge contained in an Oct. 18, 2017, federal indictment.
Hileman, formerly a math teacher at Joel E. Barber Junior High School in Lebanon, admitted that he received and distributed child pornography over the internet between Jan. 1 and Sept. 29, 2017.
The investigation began when a Lebanon police detective was notified that Hileman had uploaded two videos of child pornography to his Google Drive account. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hileman’s residence on Sept. 29, 2017, and seized computers, an iPad, cell phones and digital storage devices. Investigators examined the devices and found images and videos of child pornography.
Under federal statutes, Hileman 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Lebanon, 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."
Eight Indicted for $2.1 Million Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eight defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a $2.1 million conspiracy to distribute nearly 100 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Juan Guzman, also known as “Flaco,” 37, Luis Carlos Ramos Caraveo, 23, and Maria De La Cruz Nava, 22, all citizens of Mexico residing in the Kansas City, Mo, area; Chanthacone Senthavy, 44, a citizen of Laos residing in Independence, Mo.; Shelby Lanae Peterman, 26, Christopher Shawn Sharp, 40, and John Paul Gnat, 28, all of St. Joseph, Mo., and Jacob Dale Walsh, 32, of Denton, Kan., were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Guzman and Senthavy on Oct. 19, 2018, and contains additional defendants and charges.
The federal indictment alleges that all eight defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and in a money-laundering conspiracy over a nearly four-year period from Jan. 1, 2015, to Nov. 14, 2018. In addition to the conspiracies, Guzman, Senthavy, Caraveo and Nava are charged together in one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Guzman is also charged with illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $2.1 million, allegedly the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy (based on a sale price of $600 per ounce and distribution of more than 3,500 ounces – nearly 100 kilograms – of methamphetamine).
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement investigators had identified Guzman as the supplier for the conspiracy. He allegedly provided one person with three kilograms of methamphetamine every other day; and another person with five kilograms of methamphetamine at each purchase. Guzman and Senthavy were arrested at Guzman’s residence on Oct. 18, 2018. At the time of their arrest, officers seized two rifles, three handguns, ammunition, methamphetamine, cash and drug paraphernalia from Guzman’s residence.
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 Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Nigerian National Indicted for Internet Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Nigerian national in St. Robert, Mo., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a conspiracy that used various internet scams to defraud victims.
Segun Prosper Otaru, 26, was charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Otaru is a Nigerian citizen and a legal permanent resident of the United States.
The federal indictment alleges that Otaru participated in wire fraud conspiracy that lasted from 2015 to Oct. 9, 2018, in Greene and Pulaski Counties. Conspirators defrauded their victims through various scams, according to the indictment, including posting internet advertisements on sites such as Craigslist.com, for goods, services and rental accommodations. Conspirators allegedly sought to induce individuals who responded to the advertisements to pay for the goods and services, which they had no intention to provide.
For instance, the indictment says, conspirators used existing pictures and descriptions of properties from legitimate websites to create fraudulent Craigslist postings under properties for rent. When victims responded to the advertisement, conspirators instructed them to send a deposit in order to hold the property, typically through a money service business such as MoneyGram or Western Union, to an account controlled by the conspirators, including accounts established and maintained by Otaru in Springfield, Mo., and Waynesville, Mo.
Conspirators allegedly defrauded business wholesalers by tricking them into wiring funds into accounts they controlled as purported “shipping fees” for merchandise they purchased using stolen credit card numbers. After using a stolen credit card number to purchase items from the victim businesses, the indictment says, conspirators told the victim the merchandise needed to be shipped to a foreign country. Conspirators insisted on using their own shipper, instructed victims to charge the full amounts for the merchandise plus shipping fees to the stolen credit card numbers, and instructed victims to send the shipping fees to “their shipper” at the provided bank account maintained by the conspirators, including Otaru’s accounts.
According to the indictment, Otaru also participated in a scheme to submit false and fraudulent federal income tax returns in order to receive refunds. Conspirators used stolen identities to file returns that listed false employers, wages, and employment taxes paid. At least 167 false and fraudulent federal income tax returns were designated for deposit to seven different bank accounts controlled by Otaru and another person. These 167 federal tax returns requested refunds totaling approximately $644,280. They actually received at least $24,356 in fraudulently-obtained tax refunds.
In furtherance of the schemes and conspiracy, Otaru and his co-conspirators opened and maintained a series of bank accounts. Some of Otaru’s accounts were in his name and some were in the names of various aliases. In order to open bank accounts using false names, Otaru obtained from his co-conspirators false identification documents, usually counterfeit passports and drivers’ licenses, purportedly issued by nations in Africa, such as Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. The false passports contained forged and counterfeit United States visas, as false evidence of the bearer’s evidence of authorized stay and employment in the United States.
In April 2017, the indictment says, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a package sent to Otaru from Nigeria that was manifested as “local body scrub.” In addition to a container of soap, the package contained four counterfeit passports (purportedly issued by Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) with four corresponding foreign driver’s licenses. All documents displayed Otaru’s picture but bore different names. All documents were fraudulent, and the passports further contained counterfeit United States visas.
In August 2017, the indictment says, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a package sent to Otaru from Nigeria that was manifested as “native suite and sandals.” Hidden in the soles of the sandals were four counterfeit passports (purportedly issued by Nigeria, Gambia, South Africa, and Liberia) with four corresponding foreign driver’s licenses. All documents displayed Otaru’s picture, but bore different names. All documents were fraudulent, and the passports further contained counterfeit United States visas.
Otaru allegedly also possessed a fraudulent Kenyan passport and two fraudulent Nigerian passports.
Otaru kept some of the funds obtained from the alleged schemes for his own use. He transferred some of the funds to co-conspirators in the United States and in other countries. He sometime used the funds to purchase vehicles for export to co-conspirators in Africa.
In addition to the conspiracy, the indictment charges Otaru with four counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, one count of theft of public money, and two counts of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Otaru to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged 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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Mexican National Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally selling more than a dozen firearms and a large amount of methamphetamine and heroin to an undercover federal agent.
Heladio Lezama-Palma, 33, a citizen of Mexico who was residing in Kansas City, Mo., was charged in an eight-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Lezama-Palma on Nov. 8, 2018, and contains additional charges.
The indictment charges Lezama-Palma with two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of distributing heroin, two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, two counts of being an illegal alien in possession of firearms, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Lezama-Palma sold a confidential informant three firearms on July 2, 2018. After the sale, the affidavit says, Lezama-Palma said he currently possessed 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and offered to sell it for $7,500 per kilogram.
On July 31, 2018, Lezama-Palma met the confidential informant and an undercover law enforcement agent. Lezama-Palma allegedly sold the undercover agent one kilogram of methamphetamine.
Lezama-Palma contacted the undercover agent in October, the affidavit says, and told him he had more firearms for sale. Lezama-Palma met the undercover agent and the confidential informant on Oct. 30, 2018, and allegedly sold the agent five firearms (a HiPoint 9mm semi-automatic pistol, an Intratect 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a HiPoint 9mm semi-automatic rifle, and two Spike’s Tactical AR-15 .223 variant rifles), several magazines and 22.7 grams of heroin. Lezama-Palma met the undercover agent again later the same day, the affidavit says, and gave him a Taurus 9mm handgun, which he said he could pay for later.
The next day, on Oct. 31, 2018, Lezama-Palma contacted the undercover agent and allegedly offered to sell seven more firearms for $4,800. The undercover agent asked Lezama-Palma to add two kilograms of methamphetamine to the sale. Lezama-Palma agreed, the affidavit says, and they arranged to meet a few days later.
On Nov. 7, 2018, the undercover agent met Lezama-Palma at a grocery store parking lot, where he was arrested by Kansas City, Mo., police officers. Officers searched the Cadillac Escalade Lezama-Palma was driving and found a black duffel bag that contained approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine and seven firearms (a Taurus 9mm pistol, a Mellennium .40-caliber pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Glock .40-caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, a Mac 90 Sporter 7.62mm rifle, and a DTI-15 5.56mm rifle).
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 Kimberlee L. Moore. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man in Skeleton Mask Indicted for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who wore a skeleton mask while disrupting traffic was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.
Daniel A. Robertson, 54, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Robertson on Oct. 29, 2018.
The indictment charges Robertson with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possessing an unregistered firearm.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Kansas City, Mo., police officers responded to a call at 152 Highway and N. Indiana on Oct. 28, 2018. A caller had reported a suspicious man (later identified as Robertson) walking on the entrance ramp of the highway wearing a black skeleton mask over his face. The caller said the man walked toward her car, causing her to nearly hit him.
When officers arrived, they contacted Robertson. Robertson allegedly was carrying a loaded sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun concealed in the front of his jacket. He had additional ammunition in his jacket and pants pockets, the affidavit says.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Robertson has prior felony convictions for burglary, possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, child molestation, failure to appear in court, and failure to register as a sex offender.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Georgia Man Indicted for Meth, Cocaine Following Highway StopRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Dalton, Ga., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after a large amount of methamphetamine was found in his vehicle when he was stopped for speeding on Interstate 70 in Lafayette County, Mo.
Ricardo Turrubiartes Amaro, 21, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Turrubiartes Amaro on Oct. 23, 2018.
The indictment charges Turrubiartes Amaro with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing cocaine.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Turrubiartes Amaro, who was driving a rented Hyundai Accent, for speeding on Interstate 70 in Lafayette County, on Oct. 22, 2018. Upon searching the vehicle, the trooper found a dollar bill in the center console that was folded and contained cocaine, the affidavit says, and another folded dollar bill that contained cocaine inside Turrubiartes Amaro’s wallet. Turrubiartes Amaro was arrested and the trooper continued to search the vehicle.
As the trooper searched the trunk of the vehicle, he found a bag that contained four gallon-size zip lock freezer bags with a total of four kilograms of methamphetamine.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Former Charity CEO Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million-Dollar Political Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The former CEO of a charity headquartered in Springfield, Missouri has pleaded guilty to her role in a multi-million-dollar political corruption scheme that involved bribes and campaign contributions for elected public officials in Missouri and Arkansas, announced U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison of the Western District of Missouri and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Marilyn Luann Nolan, 68, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Friday, Nov. 9, to one count of conspiracy to embezzle and misapply the funds of a charitable organization that received federal funds.
By pleading guilty, Nolan admitted that she conspired with others from 2008 to June 30, 2017, to misapply millions of dollars of the charity’s funds for substantial, undisclosed payments to lobbying firms and political advocates, monetary and in-kind contributions to the campaigns of candidates for public office, and to bribe public officials. Nolan also admitted that she knew her co-conspirators defrauded the charity in order to enrich themselves, and her.
Nolan began working at Alternative Opportunities Inc., in 1992. In 2015, that company merged with Preferred Family Healthcare Inc., after which it continued to be known as Preferred Family Healthcare. Nolan was the chief executive officer and oversaw the charity’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities.
Preferred Family Healthcare and its subsidiaries provided a variety of services to individuals in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Illinois, including mental and behavioral health treatment and counseling, substance abuse treatment and counseling, employment assistance, aid to individuals with developmental disabilities and medical services.
Political Advocacy, Campaign Contributions, Fund-Raising Events
According to the plea agreement, Nolan and her conspirators caused the charity to misapply its funds to pay for political advocacy, including lobbying, that violated both IRS rules governing tax-exempt organizations, and federal laws and regulations governing recipients of federal grants and contracts. Nolan admitted that she directed and assisted her co-conspirators to direct millions of dollars to lobbyists, including Donald Andrew Jones and Milton Russell Cranford, who previously entered pleas of guilty to federal crimes in related cases. Nolan also directly lobbied legislators.
Under her plea agreement, Nolan also admitted that she and her conspirators:
• Caused the charity to contribute financially to the campaigns of candidates for public office through “straw donors,” including the charity’s lobbyists, who were also reimbursed by way of invoices that were falsely described as “training” and “consulting” expenses;
• Encouraged charity employees to contribute to candidates for public office and caused the charity to reimburse them for those contributions by providing funds falsely described as reimbursement for travel or other expenses the employees had not actually incurred; and
• Caused the charity to provide in-kind contributions to the campaigns of candidates for public office, including in Missouri where they organized fundraisers for several candidates running for seats in the Missouri State Senate, Missouri House of Representatives, and the Greene County Commission and in Arkansas, Nolan and her conspirators organized fundraisers (often at hotels or restaurants) for many candidates running for seats in the Arkansas State Senate and Arkansas House of Representatives.
Nolan also admitted as part of her plea to directing an employee to use the charity’s resources to arrange for catering, liquor, decorations, and other food connected to political fundraisers. This employee used a charity-issued corporate credit card for the purchases, with Nolan’s knowledge.
At all times relevant to Nolan’s plea, the charity was absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds violated this prohibition, and could have resulted in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.
Bribery of Elected Public Officials
According to the plea agreement, Nolan and her conspirators misapplied some of the charity’s funds to bribe elected public officials in the following manners:
• They gave things of value to numerous public officials, in exchange for their official actions benefitting the charity and themselves personally, including cash, travel and entertainment, premium tickets to sporting events, hotel accommodations, and use of the charity’s luxury/recreational real estate;
• They hired public officials and the family members of public officials as charity employees; and
• Nolan and the conspirators disguised bribes as contract payments for things such as consulting, training, and legal services.
The government believes the schemes Nolan pleaded guilty to totaled approximately $6 million. The parties reserved the right in the plea agreement to litigate the exact amount of that loss, for the purpose of computing the federal sentencing guidelines.
Charity Embezzlement
As part of her plea agreement, Nolan also admitted that over an approximately 12-year period from 2005 to 2017, certain charity executives embezzled millions of dollars from the charity, from which Nolan profited. Nolan admitted that although she did not know the full details of the many embezzlement and misapplication of funds schemes, she knew at the time that the charity bore additional costs from many of those transactions, and willfully blinded herself regarding the details of her conspirators’ schemes and artifices to defraud the charity.
One example referenced in Nolan’s plea agreement consisted of the formation of an LLC that was used as the management company for Alternative Opportunities, identified in court documents as Entity A. In 2006, Entity A was sold to a publicly-traded corporation identified in court documents as Company A, which was also partly owned by Nolan. Nolan admitted that this sale was perpetrated for the primary purpose of enriching charity executives, including herself. Nolan’s share of the proceeds from the sale of Entity A to Company A was $3,769,536.
Nolan further admitted as part of her plea that she also received $361,574 from two LLCs identified as Entity B and Entity C where, immediately prior to the 2006 sale of Entity A to Company A, Entity B acquired title to all real estate formerly held by Entity A and Entity C held the title to the corporation’s headquarters building in Springfield, and duplex homes located in Springfield.
Under the terms of Friday’s plea agreement, Nolan must pay $4,131,111 in restitution to the government, less a credit for taxes she paid on the funds received.
Under federal statutes, Nolan 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 Steven M. Mohlhenrich, and Trial Attorney Marco A. Palmieri with the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and the Offices of the Inspectors General from the Departments of Justice, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This is a combined investigation with the Western District of Arkansas, the Eastern District of Arkansas, and the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice.
California Man Indicted for Possessing Heroin to DistributeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Chowchilla, Calif., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after law enforcement officers found a large amount of heroin in his backpack when he arrived at a local bus station.
Sergio Gonzalez-Bedolla, 20, was charged with possessing heroin with the intent to distribute in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Gonzalez-Bedolla on Oct. 23, 2018.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a police service canine detected the odor of drugs while checking on a bus that originated in Los Angeles, Calif., after it arrived at a local station. Gonzalez-Bedolla was sitting in the area of the bus where the canine had alerted to the presence of drugs. A Kansas City, Mo., police detective contacted Gonzalez-Bedolla, whom the affidavit says appeared to be extremely nervous, when he got off the bus.
The detective searched Gonzalez-Bedolla’s backpack and found four bundles of heroin that weighed a total of 2.8 kilograms.
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 Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
St. Joseph Man Pleads Guilty to RacketeeringRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The member of a violent St. Joseph, Mo., gang pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a RICO conspiracy that involved acts of murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking and armed robberies, among other crimes, as part of a criminal enterprise.
Luis Calderon-Oliveras, 27, of St. Joseph, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to the charge contained in a Jan. 12, 2017, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Calderon-Oliveras admitted he was involved in a conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in 2012 and 2013. The criminal enterprise engaged in acts of violence, including murder and attempted murder, armed assault, armed robbery, extortion and witness intimidation. The gang trafficked in heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Although members of the St. Joseph gang were often referred to as Latin Kings, the enterprise was not formally affiliated with the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation.
Members of the enterprise enriched themselves and funded their operations with the proceeds of drug trafficking, robbery, burglary and extortion. They targeted rival drug dealers for robbery, not only to obtain the robbery proceeds, but to eliminate and deter competition in the drug trade and, at times, to extort a financial stake in future drug sales from the rival by offering “protection.” Members of the enterprise also extorted money from innocent victims by offering “protection” from future robberies and acts of violence.
Leaders and members of the enterprise promoted a climate of fear in the community through repeated waves of gunfire, beatings and destruction of property, among other crimes of violence and intimidation. The gang was based in St. Joseph but also operated in Kansas, Iowa and Massachusetts, among other places, and recruited many of its members and associates from Puerto Rico.
Calderon-Oliveras admitted that he and several of his co-conspirators agreed to physically assault and attempt to murder by gunfire the person identified in the indictment as “Co-Conspirator #3.” Calderon-Oliveras participated in the physical assault on Sept. 10, 2012, in Estherville, Iowa, and helped his co-conspirators involved in the shooting avoid arrest after the fact.
Calderon-Oliveras also admitted that he and a co-conspirator robbed Sack-N-Save grocery store in St. Joseph at gunpoint on Sept. 28, 2012, a crime for which he pleaded guilty in in 2013 in state court.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Calderon-Oliveras will be sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. 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 Patrick C. Edwards, David Raskin and Emily A. Morgan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Joseph, Mo., Police Department and the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Jury Convicts Joplin Man of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Jasper County, Mo.
Donald B. Loomis, 36, was found guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, of participating in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Jasper County from March 1, 2015, to Sept. 24, 2016.
Law enforcement officers began investigating methamphetamine trafficking in the Joplin area in April 2015, focusing on a violent gang that identified themselves as the Joplin Honkeys. Evidence introduced at trial indicated that Loomis, a member of the Joplin Honkeys, was the leader of a drug-trafficking organization and supplied multiple pounds of methamphetamine per week to distribute to others in the Joplin area.
Loomis is among five defendants convicted in this case. Co-defendants Kelly C. Walker, 46, of Joplin, and Alisha D. Courtney, 48, and Terrance E. Romero, 43, both of Webb City, Mo., have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Romero also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. Co-defendant Lisa M. Allison, 40, of Neosho, Mo., pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about an hour before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, ending a trial that began Monday, Nov. 5, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Loomis is subject to a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole due to his prior felony convictions. 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 Abram McGull, II, and Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Webb City, Mo., Police Department, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Newton County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Duck Boat Captain Indicted for Misconduct, Negligence Resulting in 17 Deaths at Table Rock LakeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The captain of the duck boat that sank at Table Rock Lake last summer, resulting in the deaths of 17 people, was indicted by a federal grand jury today.
“Our entire community was shocked and saddened by the loss of 17 lives in this tragic event last summer,” U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison said. “Today’s indictment alleges that the misconduct, negligence and inattention to duty by the ship’s captain caused or contributed to the loss of those lives.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” Garrison added. “To better enable our office in its urgent pursuit of justice through this investigation, we have requested various courts presiding over the related civil lawsuits to allow our intervention and stay certain manners of discovery to prohibit those lawsuits from impeding or jeopardizing our work. Today’s indictment illustrates the urgency our investigative team has shown in its pursuit so as not to unnecessarily burden other legal avenues utilized by victims.”
Kenneth Scott McKee, 51, of Verona, Mo., was charged in a 17-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. McKee was the captain of Stretch Duck 7, operated by Ripley Entertainment, Inc. The company operated duck boat tours in Branson, Mo., and on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.
Today’s indictment charges McKee with misconduct, negligence, or inattention to duty by a ship’s officer, resulting in the death of another person. McKee is charged with one count for each of the 17 passengers (including one crew member) who died when Stretch Duck 7 sank on July 19, 2018.
The federal indictment alleges that McKee committed a number of acts of misconduct, negligence, and inattention to his duties while piloting Stretch Duck 7 both before and during severe weather conditions.
McKee allegedly failed to properly assess incoming weather prior to entering the vessel on the water. At the time McKee drove the vessel into the water, according to the indictment, there was lightning in the area and severe weather approaching. The indictment also alleges that McKee failed to properly assess the nature of the severe weather while the vessel was on the water.
McKee allegedly operated Stretch Duck 7 in violation of the conditions and limitations specified in the vessels’ certificate of inspection. When severe weather (including increased wind speed) arrived at the vessel’s location, the indictment says, McKee failed to instruct passengers to don personal flotation devices. He allegedly also failed to immediately increase speed and head to the nearest shore. He allegedly caused or allowed the vessel’s plastic side curtains to be lowered, which created a barrier over the vessel’s exits in the event of a need to abandon ship.
The first time the vessel’s bilge alarm sounded, the indictment says, McKee failed to raise the side curtains, failed to instruct passengers to don personal flotation devices, and failed to prepare to abandon ship. The second time the vessel’s bilge alarm sounded, the indictment says, McKee again failed to raise the side curtains, failed to instruct passengers to don personal flotation devices, and failed to prepare to abandon ship. McKee allegedly failed to prepare to abandon ship when there was an unacceptable loss of freeboard on the vessel as well. (Freeboard refers to distance from the waterline to the upper deck level; a loss of freeboard is when waves are overtopping the freeboard, thus causing the ship to fill with water.)
The indictment alleges that these acts of misconduct, negligence, and inattention to duty separately and collectively caused the lives of 17 persons on board Stretch Duck 7 to be lost.
Under federal statutes, a conviction for this offense is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole on each count of conviction, plus a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of any convicted defendant is determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Taney County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Branson, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office, and the Taney County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing 650 Firearms from UPS Trailers in SpringfieldRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Glenn Heights, Texas, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing 650 firearms from United Parcel Service trailers in Springfield, Mo., en route to Bass Pro Shops.
Quinton Haywood, 27, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the charges contained in a Feb. 21, 2018, federal indictment. Haywood has remained in federal custody since his arrest in January 2018.
By pleading guilty today, Haywood admitted that he aided and abetted other individuals to steal firearms that were being shipped across state lines, from Beretta USA in Maryland to the state of Missouri. Haywood also pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting other individuals to possess stolen firearms.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original federal criminal complaint, Haywood and others stole 650 firearms, along with other cargo, from United Parcel Service (UPS) trailers in Springfield in October 2017.
The firearms were in the process of being shipped from Beretta Firearms in Maryland to Bass Pro Shops in Springfield. The trailers in which the firearms were shipped had been parked in the UPS freight lot in a configuration to prevent access to the trailer doors, by being parked back-to-back, with the roll-up doors facing each other. The trailers were then blocked by longer trailers, which should have acted as a preventative measure from someone backing a truck-tractor to the trailer and pulling it forward.
Sometime between noon on Oct. 28, 2017, and 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2017, thieves hot-wired two truck-tractors and used them to push and pull various trailers around the lot, allowing the thieves access to the trailer doors. Thieves stole 600 Beretta .380-caliber handguns and 54 Beretta 12-gauge shotguns, as well as an entire pallet of Justin brand boots, numerous power tools and 12 cases of soda. UPS employees discovered the theft on Oct. 29, 2017, and notified law enforcement.
Under federal statutes, Haywood is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jury Convicts Sedalia Man of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sedalia, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and prescription opioids.
Jackie R. Shelledy, 56, was found guilty of the charge contained in an Aug. 29, 2018, federal indictment.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Shelledy, a member of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club, sold methamphetamine and prescription pills to co-defendant Teresa A. Wolfe, 53, of Sedalia. Wolfe then distributed the illegal drugs to other individuals. Shelledy had also purchased methamphetamine from Wolfe.
An undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made a series of undercover purchases of methamphetamine as well as some prescription pills from Wolfe.
A search warrant was executed at Shelledy’s residence on Feb. 13, 2018. Officers seized drug paraphernalia and a bottle of prescription pills in someone else’s name.
Wolfe and co-defendants Joseph E. Whitlow, 42, of Sedalia, and James “Manny” Smith, 55, of Clinton, Mo., have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy that lasted from Jan. 1, 2015, to Feb. 14, 2018. Wolfe also pleaded guilty to 14 additional counts related to distributing methamphetamine. Whitlow also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Co-defendant Randall L. Rozier, 56, of Sedalia, pleaded guilty to being an illegal drug user in possession of firearms. Rozier was in possession of seven firearms when he was stopped by a Sedalia police officer for a traffic violation.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for four and a half hours before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Shelledy is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Edwards and Emily A. Morgan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jury Convicts Kentucky Man of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Waynesburg, Kentucky, man who was caught at a traffic stop with 10 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire was convicted by a federal trial jury today of his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Kevin Ray Wilson, 46, was found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Wilson was driving a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SUV on May 19, 2015, on I-70 eastbound near Highway H. A Lafayette County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy saw Wilson commit a traffic violation by failing to use a turn signal and pulling in front of a semi-tractor trailer in a careless manner. The deputy also noticed that the Toyota displayed two different license plates.
The deputy stopped Wilson’s vehicle. Wilson and his passenger, co-defendant Kenneth W. Dowell, 50, also of Waynesburg, seemed nervous and gave inconsistent statements about their trip. A police drug detection dog indicated a positive alert for the odor of illegal drugs, and the deputy searched the vehicle.
During the search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a blanket that was covering a spare tire. The tire was deflated and off the rim. In addition to the tire, there were several pry tools and a sledge hammer lying next to the tire. The rim of the tire was scraped up with large gouges and scrape marks along the outer edge. The deputy used a knife to cut into the tire and located a blue nylon bag concealed inside. Inside the nylon bag were 10 one-pound bundles of methamphetamine. The deputy also found $2,900 (all in $100 bills and wrapped with rubber bands around it) under the front seat; Wilson also had $1,622 in cash at the time of his arrest.
Dowell pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2017, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than three hours before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Wilson 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 Alison D. Dunning and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Lafayette County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
George S. Schrand, Jr., 36, was found guilty of the charge contained in a May 1, 2018, superseding indictment.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that on March 13, 2017, an Independence, Mo., police officer saw Schrand, who was driving a red 1996 Ford Mustang, rev the vehicle’s engine and accelerate from the intersection of East Golf Avenue and Home Street in a reckless manner. The officer activated his emergency equipment in order to conduct a traffic stop, but Schrand refused to stop and a high-speed chase ensued.
During the chase, Schrand’s vehicle traveled at speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour throughout residential areas and on city thoroughfares. Schrand traveled into oncoming traffic and nearly collided with another vehicle. Schrand’s vehicle was eventually disabled by police stop sticks in Kansas City, Mo. Schrand exited the vehicle and fled on foot with officers in pursuit. Schrand attempted to elude officers by jumping over a fence near 18th Street and Bennington. A black backpack was located near the fence that Schrand jumped over during the foot pursuit.
A police service dog discovered Schrand hiding beneath a vehicle that was parked behind a residence on South Ewing Street.
Officers searched Schrand’s backpack and found several clear plastic zip lock bags that contained a total of 179 grams of pure methamphetamine. Schrand’s billfold, with his driver’s license and other identity documents, was also in the backpack, along with marijuana, eight tablets that were identified as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Upon his arrest, Schrand was in possession a clear plastic baggie that contained methamphetamine and $20,950.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Schrand is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Moeder and D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Ghana Native Indicted for $5 Million Romance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Ghana native residing in Dumfries, Va., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies as part of a more than $5 million romance fraud scheme.
Henry N. Asomani, 33, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was charged in a six-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Asomani’s arrest and initial court appearance. Asomani remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to the indictment, 13 victims lost a total of $5,075,569 in the wire fraud conspiracy over an approximately two-year period from Sept. 15, 2015, to Oct. 17, 2017. Asomani allegedly received a total of $2,993,354 from victims across the United States, including three victims in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Unknown co-conspirators targeted individuals through online dating websites with various romance frauds, the indictment says. The unknown co-conspirators impersonated individuals who were involved in businesses overseas. They convinced the victims that they needed funds to help with moving gold from a foreign country, orphanage expenses, and school and travel expenses. The co-conspirators told the victims they would share the profits when the gold was returned to the United States. In fact, none of the victims received any profit or received any gold from the co-conspirators.
For example, one victim who resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo., set up a profile on ChristianMingle.com following the death of her husband to brain cancer. In October 2015, an individual claiming to be “Larry B. White” initiated contact with her. Following numerous conversations by email and telephone, “White” convinced the victim to invest in a Ghana gold mine. “White” promised a 40 percent return on the investment of money. From November 2015 through January 2016, under the direction of “White,” the victim sent funds to multiple entities by check and wire totaling approximately $3,292,000. Of that amount, the indictment says, $2,292,000 was transferred to accounts controlled by Asomani. To date, the victim has not received any money or gold profits from “White.”
Another victim, who resides in Leawood, Kan., met “George Bill Parker” on Facebook. “Parker” convinced the victim to send funds for gold-related expenses, such as legal fees, customs, storage, farm-related expenses and ransom. “Parker” promised he would pay the victim back with money or gold. This victim had a total loss of approximately $800,000. Of that amount, the indictment says, the victim sent approximately $220,700 to accounts controlled by Asomani.
A third victim, who resides in Kansas City, Mo., met “Bradley Fischer” on ChristianMingle.com. “Fischer” convinced the victim to send funds for school expenses, travel expenses and to start a new life in Kansas City. On July 19, 2017, the victim wired $24,000 to Asomani’s bank account. “Fischer” promised to pay the victim back when he got to Kansas City. To date, the victim has received $1,000 back from “Fischer.”
Other victims reside in New Jersey, Alaska, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Kansas and Iowa.
According to the indictment, Asomani wired $1,789,416 from his bank accounts in the United States to bank accounts in Ghana. He spent approximately $342,278 on auto purchases and auto- or shipping-related expenses. Asomani shipped 18 vehicles to Ghana, having a declared value of approximately $284,190.
The federal indictment charges Asomani with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of money laundering.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Asomani to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of his alleged violation, including $2,993,354 and a 2019 silver Lexus NX300.
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 Paul S. Becker and Stacey Perkins Rock. It was investigated by the FBI.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child and for illegally possessing a firearm.
Corey Dean Frasher, 43, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 35 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Frasher to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On June 4, 2018, Frasher pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation began on Jan. 30, 2017, when law enforcement officers received two Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In the CyberTips, Yahoo! Reported that an individual (later identified as Frasher) had uploaded images of child pornography to his Flickr account.
Officers executed a search warrant at Frasher’s residence on Feb. 22, 2017, and seized a computer tower as well as a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun and a loaded Harrington & Richardson 16-gauge shotgun. Investigators examined the computer tower and found a series of child pornography images and videos that were taken at Frasher’s residence. The images and videos depicted Frasher engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child victim.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Frasher has prior felony convictions for stealing.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Sedalia Man Indicted for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Sedalia, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing several firearms.
Timothy Paul Cota, Jr., 26, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. The federal indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Cota on Oct. 1, 2018.
The indictment alleges that Cota was in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol, a Colt .45-caliber pistol and a Tanfoglio 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number on Sept. 4, 2018. Cota is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Sedalia police officers and detectives executed a search warrant at Cota’s residence on Sept. 4, 2018. Cota, along with a woman and an infant, were found in a bedroom and escorted out of the residence during the search. Officers searched the bedroom and found the Ruger (which had been reported stolen) and the Colt pistols hidden between the mattress and box springs of the bed. The Tanfoglio pistol was found in a plastic case on a chair in the room. Officers also found methamphetamine, marijuana, ammunition and drug paraphernalia in the room.
Officers also found an iPhone in the bedroom. According to the affidavit, the phone contained numerous images and videos of Cota displaying the firearms, discharging the firearms, displaying firearms with drugs, and weighing methamphetamine and marijuana on a digital scale.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Cota has prior felony convictions for burglary, resisting arrest, malicious assault and possession of a controlled substance.
The charges 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 Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sedalia, 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.
Jefferson City Man Indicted for Meth, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFESON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing nine firearms.
Brandon Eugene McNeese, 33, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Wednesday, Oct. 24,2018. The federal indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against McNeese on Sept. 28, 2018.
The indictment alleges that McNeese distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Aug. 2, 2018. The indictment also charges McNeese with being a felon in possession of firearms. On Sept. 24, 2018, McNeese allegedly was in possession of a loaded Glock 10mm pistol, a loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol, a loaded Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Glock .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Glock 9mm pistol, a Hi-Point .380-caliber pistol, a Taurus pistol, a Smith & Wesson .380-caliber pistol, and a loaded Vulcan Arms 9mm pistol.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from McNeese, utilizing a confidential informant, on Aug. 2, 2018. McNeese allegedly sold the confidential informant 139 grams (approximately five ounces) of methamphetamine for $2,000. During the transaction, the affidavit says, McNeese left his residence and travelled to a nearby residence. Investigators later learned that he left a vehicle parked at that residence.
Investigators found a cellophane bag underneath the parked vehicle, which contained several smaller baggies believed to contain narcotics. A K9 was used to sniff the vehicle and alerted to the presence of controlled substances. The vehicle was towed, and during a search of the vehicle officers found the firearms in the trunk. Several of the firearms had been reported stolen.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. McNeese has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The charges 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 Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and MUSTANG (the Mid-Missouri Unified Strike Team and Narcotics Group).
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.
Former Courthouse Worker Faces More Charges Related to Illegally Selling Firearms to a FelonRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man who supervised workers at the federal courthouse in Jefferson City has been indicted by a federal grand jury on an additional charge related to illegally selling firearms to a convicted felon.
Victor Nahum Vargas, 40, of Jefferson City, was charged in a three-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018.
The superseding indictment contains two counts of knowingly selling firearms to a felon, which were contained in the original indictment. The superseding indictment also charges Vargas with an additional count of making false statements to acquire firearms.
Vargas, who was employed as the custodial supervisor at the Christopher S. Bond Courthouse in Jefferson City, has been in federal custody since his arrest on May 11, 2018. Vargas remains detained without bond.
The federal indictment alleges that Vargas sold five firearms to a person he knew to be a convicted felon on April 18, 2018, and that he sold 11 firearms to a person he knew to be a convicted felon on May 11, 2018. In connection with his acquisition of 10 of those firearms, the indictment alleges, Vargas made a false written statement in which he claimed that he was the actual buyer of the firearms. In reality, the indictment alleges, Vargas was acquiring those 10 firearms on behalf of another person.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a confidential source who is a convicted felon contacted Vargas on April 24, 2018, by phone. During several recorded communications between the confidential source and Vargas that occurred between April 24, 2018, and April 25, 2018, Vargas allegedly agreed to sell the confidential source 10 firearms for $7,500. According to the affidavit, Vargas knew that the confidential source is a convicted felon who is therefore prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing any firearms or ammunition.
On April 30, 2018, the confidential source contacted Vargas. During the recorded conversation, the affidavit says, Vargas agreed to sell the confidential source an additional rifle for $800. Vargas allegedly agreed to sell the confidential source 11 firearms for $8,100.
Law enforcement officers conducted surveillance on a firearms dealer in Jefferson City on May 9, 2018. According to the affidavit, they observed Vargas carry two boxes of firearms from the store, put them in his car and take them to his residence.
Vargas met with the confidential source on May 11, 2018, the affidavit says. Vargas allegedly sold 11 firearms to the confidential source for $8,100. Immediately after the transaction, Vargas was placed under arrest. The 11 firearms purchased by the confidential source were turned over to the officers, who also found an additional handgun and ammunition when they searched Vargas’s 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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Chicago, Ill., Police Department, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department Community Action Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
KC Fire Captain Faces Additional Charges Related to Illegally Selling Firearms to FelonsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A captain in the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department was indicted by a federal grand jury today on additional charges related to the sale of firearms to convicted felons.
James Samuels, 53, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a 14-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a criminal complaint filed against Samuels on Oct. 1, 2018. Samuels has been in federal custody since his arrest on Oct. 4, 2018, and remains detained without bond.
The original charges of selling a firearm and ammunition to a prohibited person and knowingly transferring a firearm for use in a violent crime are included in today’s indictment. The indictment contains five additional counts of selling a firearm and ammunition to a prohibited person and two additional counts of knowingly transferring a firearm for use in a violent crime. Samuels is also charged with participating in a conspiracy to make false statements during the purchase of firearms, engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, possessing a stolen firearm, and two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm.
Today’s indictment alleges that, from July 7, 2014, to Oct. 4, 2018, Samuels conspired with others to make false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers by misrepresenting the identity of the actual buyer of firearms. The indictment cites numerous instances in which Samuels purchased firearms and transferred ownership to another person, who later reported the firearms had been stolen.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Samuels’s residence on Oct. 4, 2018, and seized 28 firearms (including 22 handguns, five rifles and one shotgun). Among the firearms seized was a Glock .40-caliber pistol with a TAC Isran GLR 440 stock installed, which was not registered to Samuels, and a Colt .45-caliber pistol, which had been reported stolen.
Samuels was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, following an undercover operation in which he sold an Armscor of the Philippines .38-caliber revolver to a confidential informant whom he knew to be a felon.
The indictment cites several controlled purchases by confidential informants, whom Samuels knew to be felons who could not legally possess firearms or ammunition, who told him they planned to use the firearms to commit homicides.
Samuels allegedly sold a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun and a box of shotgun shells to a confidential informant whom Samuels knew to be a felon on June 29, 2018. According to court documents, the confidential informant told Samuels he/she was going to use the shotgun to shoot people.
Samuels allegedly sold a Jimenez Arms 9mm handgun and ammunition to a confidential informant whom he knew to be a felon on July 19, 2018. On the same day, the indictment alleges, Samuels sold a box of shotgun shells and a box of .22-caliber long rifle ammunition to another confidential informant whom he knew to be a felon.
Samuels allegedly sold an American Tactical Imports Omni-Hybrid AR-15 rifle, an American Tactical Imports Omni-Hybrid AR-15 pistol and six boxes of ammunition to a confidential informant whom he knew was a convicted felon on Sept. 5, 2018. The AR-15 pistol with a vertical fore grip installed was not registered to Samuels. According to court documents, the confidential informant told Samuels he was going to use the firearms to shoot four people later that day.
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 Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, 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.
Trenton Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Meth Conspiracy in Northern MissouriRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Trenton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in north central Missouri.
Faron Wayne Lawrence, 52, of Trenton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 12 years in federal prison without parole.
NITRO (the Northwest Inter-agency Team Response Operation) initiated an investigation in Grundy County, Mo., in December 2014 that focused on methamphetamine distribution in the north central region of Missouri, with sources of supply in the Kansas City, Mo., metropolitan area.
On Nov. 21, 2017, Lawrence pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Lawrence admitted that he purchased methamphetamine from co-defendants Ryan Peter Trombley, 33, of Trenton, and Christopher John Vaccaro, 42, of Kansas City, Mo. Trombley and Lawrence traveled to the Kansas City area multiple times each week to acquire ounce-quantities of methamphetamine. Lawrence then distributed the methamphetamine to co-defendant Alicia Marie Grimes, 50, and others in Trenton.
Lawrence admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Lawrence is the seventh and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.
Trombley was sentenced to 11 years and six months in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Grimes was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after pleading guilty to using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine. Vaccaro was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to possessing firearms in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.
Robert Ryan Hicks, 36, of Belton, Mo., was sentenced to 17 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. Crystal Renee Breshears, 27, of Belton, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Allen Ray Watson, 45, of Blue Springs, Mo., was sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and NITRO (the Northwest Missouri Interagency Team Response Operation).
Springfield Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.
Ryan Lee Christoph, 26, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Christoph to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On June 27, 2018, Christoph pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child.
On Aug. 15, 2017, Springfield police officers responded to a report that an individual had found Christoph and a 14-year-old female engaged in sexual activity. The victim told investigators that she and Christoph had been in a sexual relationship since before Christmas 2016.
On Oct. 20, 2017, Facebook reported that child pornography was being exchanged by Christoph and the same child victim in chat sessions in Facebook Messenger between May 7 and Aug. 11, 2017. Images and videos depicted Christoph engaged in sexual activity with the child victim. During the messages, Christoph asked the child victim to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos. Investigators located numerous video files of child pornography that depicted the child victim and Christoph engaged in sexually explicit activity.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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."
Nixa Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Nixa, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet.
Jeffrey Scott Seaton, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Seaton to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.
On May 21, 2018, Seaton pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Seaton admitted that he downloaded child pornography from the internet and traded child pornography via a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.
Law enforcement officers identified Seaton’s computer during an undercover investigation and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from Seaton’s computer. Officers executed a search warrant at Seaton’s residence on Jan. 9, 2018, and seized a laptop computer, which contained images of child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Nigerian Immigrant Pleads Guilty to Day Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Nigerian owner of a day care center in Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today to submitting false information to the government as part of a fraud scheme to receive federal child care subsidies.
Hauwa Al-Hassan, 49, of Raymore, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to making false statements to the government.
Al-Hassan, a Nigerian immigrant, is the owner and CEO of Guidance Child Care Center, LLC, a child day care center at 8101 E. Bannister Rd., Kansas City, Mo. Al-Hassan is also the vice president of Guidance Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
By pleading guilty today, Al-Hassan admitted that she engaged in a pattern of fraudulent billing in order to receive funding to which she was not entitled under the federal Child Care and Development Fund grant program. Al-Hassan filed claims that reported more hours and children than actually attended her daycare center.
The Child Care and Development Fund provides daycare subsidies for low-income families where the parents are employed or engaged in job training. Providers, such as Guidance, contract with the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and submit claims electronically. Al-Hassan signed a contract with the Missouri Department of Social Services on May 3, 2010, to operate Guidance as a licensed childcare center providing childcare services to low-income families.
Al-Hassan admitted that she deliberately filed false attendance reports for children for more hours than they actually attended Guidance, causing a loss totaling $74,000. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Al-Hassan must pay that amount in restitution to the Department of Health and Human Services. She must pay $10,000 of that restitution amount prior to her sentencing hearing.
Since 2013, Guidance has been audited formally or informally by the state on four occasions. Each audit found many hours inaccurately billed for childcare services. Based on Guidance’s history of billing for services not rendered and sharing of employees and billed children with other daycares believed to be running fraud schemes on the CCDF program, two pole cameras were installed near Guidance from Feb. 11, 2016 to March 20, 2016. One camera focused on the front doors of Guidance; the second camera showed the parking lot and rear doors. All doors in and out were covered by a pole camera. Timesheets submitted with the billing were compared with the information on the timesheets to the children seen on the pole cameras being dropped off and picked up from Guidance during that time. There were significant discrepancies between the timesheets submitted and the pole camera footage.
This case is the result of a nationwide sweep that targeted childcare 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.
Under federal statutes, Al-Hassan 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 Rudolph R. Rhodes, IV. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, the FBI, the Missouri Department of Social Services – Division of Legal Services Investigations, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Raymore, Mo., Police Department.
Mansfield Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mansfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet.
Clinton Campbell, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 13 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Campbell to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On May 25, 2018, Campbell pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Campbell admitted that he shared child pornography over a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.
Campbell’s computer was identified during an undercover law enforcement investigation and an officer downloaded 74 complete files and 22 partial files of child pornography from Campbell’s computer. Several of the files contained depictions of children as young as five years old being sexually assaulted.
On July 18, 2017, officers executed a search warrant at Campbell’s residence and seized a laptop computer and several digital storage devices. Campbell’s laptop computer contained approximately 1,483 images and 48 videos of contraband imagery. According to court documents, Campbell digitally altered some of the images by placing the faces of children he knew (whose photos Campbell took himself) onto images of another child being sexually assaulted in order to make his experience “more real.” In some of the images, Campbell manipulated the image of the perpetrator to replace the original face with his own photograph. Other images of children appear to have been taken surreptitiously as they passed in front of his house. More than 90 children have been identified in Campbell’s collection of child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Mansfield, 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 Convicted of Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted at trial today of striking two federal officers with his vehicle.
Geno A. Williams, 53, was found guilty during a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough of one count of assaulting a federal officer or employee.
According to evidence introduced during the trial, Williams entered the Social Security Administration office at 2021 Independence Ave., Kansas City, Mo., at about 10:30 a.m. on May 29, 2015. Williams checked in then sat down with his two minor children. Williams was agitated and confrontational toward the Federal Protective Service officers on duty and began filming them with his cell phone. When the officer told Williams he could not record within the facility, Williams complained he was being harassed and said the officer could not tell him what to do. The officer then told Williams he needed to leave the property.
As Williams was leaving, he told the officers that he “knew who they were,” which was taken as a threat to the officers. Two officers followed Williams out of the facility to his vehicle and were ordered by a supervisor to detain him. One of the officers went to the driver’s side door to talk to Williams, who had gotten into the vehicle and locked the doors. The officers attempted to open the vehicle’s doors while an officer walked to the rear of the vehicle and called in the license plate to headquarters.
At that point, Williams backed up the vehicle into the officer, who told Williams, “You just hit me with your vehicle, stop!” Williams continued to back up, however, continually hitting the officer and causing injury. Another officer walked in front of the vehicle. Williams sped forward, forcing the officer to dive out of the way to avoid being run over.
The incident was captured on video. Williams was arrested later that day at his residence.
Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a sentence of up to eight 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 Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Federal Protective Service.
KC Man Charged in $900,000 Romance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been charged in federal court with participating in a romance fraud scheme that bilked victims across the United States and overseas of nearly $900,000.
Ronayerin K. Ogolor, 49, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Nigeria, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018.
The federal criminal complaint alleges that Ogolor participated in a conspiracy since 2014 that targeted people, some of them elderly, in search of companionship or romance through online websites such as Facebook, ChristianMingle.com, or Hangout.com. Ogolor allegedly defrauded his victims of $878,489 in total.
On Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, the FBI learned that Ogolor had purchased a plane ticket to Frankfurt, Germany, the day before and would be leaving that afternoon. Agents arrested Ogolor at Kansas City International Airport before he boarded his plane. Ogolor remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, the perpetrators of the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites. Conspirators then contacted men and women throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection and often romance.
Having established relationships with the victims, the affidavit says, the perpetrators of the romance scams ultimately requested money for hospital fees, travel fees, ‘customs expenses,’ ‘gold import taxes,’ or investment opportunities. Conspirators directed the victims to wire transfer or deposit money into various bank accounts, including accounts established and maintained by Ogolor. Often after the victims transferred money into the specified accounts, conspirators claimed more money was needed, ‘to release the package’ or ‘to pay customs expenses’ on money or gold.
On other occasions, the affidavit says, conspirators fraudulently obtained checks through business email compromise, and had the victims deposit the checks into their accounts and wire and deposit money into various accounts, including accounts established and maintained by Ogolor. In a business email compromise, the conspirators hack into a business email account, and then send an email from what appears to be an employee with authority to approve payments, instructing that a check be disbursed in the victim’s name and sent to the victim. By using victims to deposit the checks and distribute the money, the conspirators distanced themselves from the business email hacking and fraud.
Ogolor’s victims lived outside Missouri. The affidavit specifically refers to 13 victims who each sent tens of thousands of dollars to Ogolor. One victim (a widow in Indiana who received a friend request on Facebook) believed a co-conspirator was a widower working on an oil rig off the coast of Louisiana; she sent a total of $450,000 to Ogolor. Another victim in Texas, who believed a co-conspirator was a widower and U.S. Army general deployed in Afghanistan, lost at least $300,000. The affidavit also refers to victims in Alabama, Ohio, Washington, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, California, and Italy.
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 Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a nearly $500,000 investment fraud scheme.
Ryan Scott Luscombe, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Luscombe to pay $483,482 in restitution to his victims.
Luscombe was found guilty at trial on Feb. 12, 2018, of three counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.
Luscombe solicited investments for his business, Five Star Trading Group, Inc., claiming to investors that he would utilize his expertise in stock trading to produce exorbitant returns. Instead, evidence introduced during the trial indicated that nearly all the investor funds, which totaled $483,482, was used by Luscombe on personal expenditures in 2013, 2014 and 2015, including the purchase of a 2010 BMW 750I and a trip to Bermuda.
Several victim investors used money from their retirement accounts to invest with Luscombe. None of Luscombe’s investors have received funds from returns or the return of their original investment.
During the course of the scheme to defraud victims of their investment money, Luscombe represented himself as a wealthy individual and a successful day trader capable of producing tremendous returns on investments. Luscombe lied to investors about his past success in order to obtain their money for his own personal use and financial gain.
Luscombe told investors he was creating a new business to manage over $50 million from three investors in Arizona. Luscombe claimed he would be the primary investment trader, but because the dollar amount to be invested would be too large for one person to handle, he was recruiting additional individuals to assist in his trading endeavor. In exchange for a fee or investment in the business, Luscombe offered to train the additional individuals in his trading strategy. Eventually, Luscombe told investors he would allow a small number of friends and family to take advantage or “piggyback” off the investment strategy of the larger investors.
Luscombe’s stated investment strategy was to trade securities in the stock market based on the identification of trends in the upward or downward direction of the stock price. Luscombe told investors the risk was very low and minimal because he constantly monitored the stock price. Luscombe told investors he had been in the trading business for many years and had previously made millions of dollars.
Luscombe regularly provided positive projected investment return updates to the victims regarding their investments, and claimed investor money would be utilized for trading and generating profits for investors. As a direct result of these conversations, investors entrusted their money to him.
Investors never authorized Luscombe to spend investment money on personal expenditures. Luscombe never told investors their investment money would be spent on his personal expenditures. A salary for Luscombe was not authorized by investors. At the time of investment, Luscombe never informed investors that investment funds would be utilized to pay his salary. An analysis of financial activity revealed Luscombe’s spending of investor funds included the following:
(a) $83,088 in cash and cash equivalents;
(b) $78,542 in retail expenses;
(c) $67,990 in restaurants and entertainment;
(d) $52,925 in vehicle expenses;
(e) $45,940 in travel expenses;
(f) $41,058 in rent and utilities;
(g) $39,673 in investment firm losses, fees, and interest1; and
(h) $21,144 in nutrition, fitness and beauty expenses.Luscombe was not registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority as a broker dealer or as an investment advisor representative. Luscombe and Five Star Trading Group were not registered with the Missouri Secretary of State – Securities Division.
In 2016, Luscombe notified the victims that all of their investor funds had been lost in trading and that Five Star was forced to close down.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the FBI.
KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Heroin Conspiracy, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and for illegally possessing a firearm.
Sidney A. Williams, 65, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Williams to supervised release for the rest of his life following incarceration, and ordered him to forfeit to the government $10,000.
On May 1, 2018, Williams pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Williams admitted that he participated in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from October 2012 to September 2016. In February 2013, detectives of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department became aware of a large-scale heroin trafficking organization operating in the Kansas City metropolitan area and began working with the Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate. Williams was identified as a distributor of black tar heroin in the metropolitan area.
Williams was arrested on April 30, 2014, for possession of a controlled substance. Officers searched his residence and found a loaded Hi-Point .40-caliber pistol, black tar heroin, crack cocaine, pills, a book of prescriptions and drug paraphernalia. Williams also had a bag of black tar heroin and marijuana in his pockets.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Williams has a prior federal felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Williams also has prior felony convictions for bank robbery, robbery and assault.
Williams is among five defendants who have been convicted in this case. Four co-defendants also have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rudolph R. Rhodes, IV, and Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms and ammunition that had been stolen in a recent burglary.
Deangelo Wayne Joe, Jr., 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Columbia police officers responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of The Links apartment complex in the 1500 block of Clark Lane at approximately 11:42 p.m. on July 11, 2018. When they arrived, the officers located Joe and told him to put his hands up. Joe looked at the officers and took off running into an apartment in the complex.
Police officers surrounded the building. For approximately 30 minutes, officers gave commands over the PA for the residents to exit the apartment into which Joe had run. When Joe exited the apartment he was arrested on outstanding warrants. Officers who searched him found .22-caliber ammunition, including a fired shell casing, in his pants pocket.
Officers searched the apartment and found a Browning .22-caliber handgun and an FMK .22-caliber rifle. In a bedroom closet they also found a range bag, which contained multiple rounds of .22-caliber ammunition. Both firearms and the range bag full of ammunition were reported stolen in a burglary that occurred a few days earlier.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Joe has two prior felony convictions for burglary.
Under federal statutes, Joe is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Maness. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.