Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Lee's Summit Police Officer Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Lee’s Summit, Mo., police officer was charged in federal court today with armed bank robbery after leading officers on a 100-miles-per-hour vehicle pursuit.
Richard W. Hagerty, 35, was charged in a two-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Hagerty was a police officer with the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department from 2007 to 2016.
Today’s criminal complaint charges Hagerty with one count of bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. Hagerty 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, Hagerty entered Central Bank of the Midwest, located at 1305 N.W. Arborwalk Blvd. in Lee’s Summit, on Tuesday morning, Aug. 28, 2018. Hagerty, wearing a camouflage balaclava-style mask that covered part of his face and black gloves, pointed a Glock .40-caliber pistol at a customer and yelled, “Everybody get down on the floor, this is a robbery.” He demanded cash from two tellers, pointing the handgun at them while he was demanding money. Hagerty allegedly stole about $7,000 then fled from the bank on foot.
A Lee’s Summit police officer located Hagerty driving a dark gray Mazda on Hook Road and 139th Street shortly after the robbery. When the officer activated his emergency equipment, Hagerty accelerated and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit stretched from Lee’s Summit to Grandview, Mo., in the middle of the day, on busy thoroughfares. Hagerty drove erratically during the pursuit, the affidavit says, by reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on those busy roads, passing through school zones, and crossing into oncoming traffic.
After the vehicle was finally stopped, the officer gave verbal instructions for the occupant of the Mazda to exit the vehicle. After a short delay, Hagerty exited through the driver's side door of the vehicle with his hands raised above his head. The officer immediately recognized Hagerty, who was arrested.
Inside the vehicle, officers saw a large amount of cash on the driver’s seat and the front driver’s and passenger’s floorboard. They also recovered the Glock handgun from the vehicle.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragnar. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
KC Man Faces More Stalking ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Additional charges were filed today against a Kansas City, Mo., man for stalking two more victims.
Robert J. Gross, 66, of Kansas City, was charged in a 10-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on Jan. 10, 2018, and adds two counts of stalking.
Today’s indictment charges Gross with two additional counts of stalking separate victims between Oct. 1 and Dec. 22, 2017. Gross allegedly traveled from Missouri to Kansas with the intent to harass and intimidate his victims, causing them to feel substantial emotional distress.
Today’s indictment also contains the original eight counts, which includes two counts of stalking separate victims (for a total of four victims) between Oct. 1 and Dec. 22, 2017; three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and three counts of receiving a firearm while under indictment.
Gross allegedly was in possession of a 9mm Velocity “Uzi”-type firearm on Dec. 16, 2017. At that time, Gross was both a convicted felon and under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery.
Gross allegedly was in possession of a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun on Dec. 17, 2017. At that time, Gross was both a convicted felon and under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery.
Gross allegedly was in possession of a Springfield 12-gauge shotgun and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017. At that time, Gross was both a convicted felon and under indictment in the state of Kansas for aggravated sexual battery.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony, or who is under indictment, to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Gross has prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and making terroristic threats to a former girlfriend.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Gross was destroying property and stalking individuals associated with massage parlors in Kansas, which led to him being placed under surveillance by law enforcement.
On Dec. 22, 2017, officers observed Gross allegedly purchase two shotguns from an unidentified individual in the parking lot of the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Liberty, Mo. According to the affidavit, Gross first drove to the Pizza Ranch parking lot, where he removed the license plate from the front of his car. The rear license plate had been removed as well. Then Gross drove to the nearby Lowe’s store, where he was met by an individual driving a white pickup truck. The unidentified individual allegedly sold Gross two shotguns, which he handed to Gross from his truck. As Gross was putting two shotguns in the trunk of his car, officers arrested him for being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to the affidavit, the individual who sold the shotguns to Gross told investigators that Gross called him the day before, after seeing the firearms advertised on a web site. Gross told him he wanted to buy two shotguns for $350 and they arranged to meet at Lowe’s to conduct the sale.
Garrison cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jess Michaelsen and Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Lawrence, Kan., Police Department, and the Douglas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Cabool Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Polluting Big Piney RiverRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Cabool, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating the Clean Water Act by dumping grease into the Big Piney River.
Brian Dale Fleming, 51, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of knowingly discharging a pollutant (used grease) into the Big Piney River without a permit.
Fleming is the owner of BF Byproducts, LLC, which is located in Cabool. BF Byproducts (formerly Fleming Recycling) is a grease-recycling business. BF Byproducts uses trucks to collect used grease from hundreds of restaurants in Missouri, Arkansas and elsewhere. The grease is transported to the Cabool facility, where it is recycled for resale and a profit.
Drivers who work for BF Byproducts collect the used grease for further processing at the Cabool facility where it is hosed from the collection trucks to a pit at the facility. From the pit, the grease is pumped to tanks located on the facility for further heating. The heating process separates the used grease; any grease that falls to the bottom of the heat processing tank is considered waste.
Because the waste was not needed, employees were instructed by Fleming to pump the waste grease down the hill from the main plant processing facility. This waste grease that was illegally pumped from BF Byproducts entered an unnamed tributary that leads into the Big Piney River.On April 2, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) executed a search warrant at BF Byproducts in conjunction with the Texas County, Mo., Sheriff's Department. The search warrant was issued after numerous residents near and adjacent to the grease processing facility complained of used grease being found in nearby ditches and tributaries leading to the Big Piney River.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government and Fleming recommend a fine of $15,000 and a restitution payment to the state of Missouri of $3,818. This recommendation is made in light of the fact that Fleming already served a year and a day of incarceration after being convicted in a separate criminal case, in which he participated (with his brother and co-defendant) in a conspiracy to steal spent cooking oil from restaurants and transport the stolen property across state lines to a grease recycling business in Tulsa, Okla. Additionally, there was a Superfund cleanup conducted at BF Byproducts, and today’s plea agreement anticipates that there may be costs associated with the cleanup that are separate and apart from this criminal proceeding. 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 Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Texas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Cabool, Mo., Police Department.
Jefferson City Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms After Officers Confiscate 50 WeaponsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man who tried to sell firearms to a local pawn shop pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms after law enforcement officers confiscated 50 weapons from him.
Jeremy L. Roark, 33, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, Roark attempted to sell six firearms to River City Pawn and Gun in Jefferson City on Dec. 15, 2017. The owner told police officers that Roark brought six firearms to the business: a Colt .45-caliber revolver, a Taurus .38-caliber revolver, a Sig Sauer .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger .357-caliber magnum revolver and a Ruger .45-caliber revolver. Roark also discussed having as many as 70 additional firearms for sale that he could bring to River City Pawn and Gun. The owner didn’t pay Roark for the six guns that were left, and after having no contact with Roark, called the police on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.
The next day, investigators interviewed Roark, who acknowledged that he had taken the guns to River City Pawn and Gun. Law enforcement officers recovered approximately 50 firearms from Roark during the course of the investigation.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Roark has prior felony convictions for distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Under federal statutes, Roark 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 Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Former Church Employee Pleads Guilty to ArsonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former church maintenance worker pleaded guilty in federal court today to arson after setting a fire at Concord Cultural Center in Kansas City, Mo., and spray-painting racist graffiti on the front of the adjoining church, Concord Fortress of Hope, in an effort to cover up his burglary.
Nathaniel D. Nelson, 49, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to the charge contained in a Nov. 16, 2017, federal indictment.
Nelson was a member of the church who was employed as a maintenance worker at the church and cultural center, located at 11040 W. Longview Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. Firefighters were called by a church employee and responded to the cultural center on Sunday morning, Oct. 29, 2017. A fire had occurred in an office inside the building but a sprinkler had activated and extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. Investigators concluded that an office chair and other ordinary combustible material had been intentionally ignited using an open flame.
According to the church’s insurance company, the fire, fire suppression efforts, and other damage resulted in payouts to date in excess of $330,000. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Nelson must pay restitution, which will be determined by the court at the sentencing hearing.
Investigators also discovered racist graffiti spray-painted on the front of the church. A racial slur, the letters “KKK” and a symbol similar to a swastika were visible from the main entrance into the parking lot as members of the congregation arrived at the church for Sunday morning services.
Nelson admitted he set the fire to conceal his breaking into the church offices and vending machines. Nelson also admitted he spray-painted the outside to further conceal his identity.
The digital video recorder for the video surveillance system that monitored the foyer area and the cultural center’s interior and exterior cameras was unplugged and no longer recording when examined by investigators. Investigators determined that the DVR system lost power sometime after 1 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, and had been intentionally unplugged.
A review of the DVR system revealed that Nelson was in the foyer area shortly before the DVR system was deactivated. A second DVR, which was still powered on, recorded the video surveillance footage for the interior and exterior cameras located inside and outside of the church, which were separate from the cameras located in the cultural center and foyer. The second DVR captured video footage of Nelson spray painting the front of the church. Nelson admitted he deactivated one DVR to hide his actions and identity. He did not know that video was being recorded on a separate system inside the church, which captured him spray-painting the outside of the building.
Under federal statutes, Nelson 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 is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2019.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Former Company Owner Sentenced for $13.7 Million 'Rent-A-Vet' SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former operator of a local construction company, Patriot Company, Inc., was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a “rent-a-vet” scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $13.7 million in federal contracts.
Jeffrey K. Wilson, 53, of the Village of Loch Lloyd in Belton, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 18 months in federal prison without parole. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Wilson has also consented to the federal civil forfeiture of approximately $2.1 million.
On Jan. 31, 2018, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of government program fraud. Co-defendant Paul R. Salavitch, 57, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a false writing and awaits sentencing.
Wilson, who is not a veteran, managed the day-to-day operations and the long-term decision making of Patriot Company from September 2005 to January 2014. Wilson and Salavitch falsely certified that Salavitch, who is a service-disabled veteran, was involved in the day-to-day operations of Patriot Company. Salavitch’s purported active management qualified Patriot Company to obtain set-aside contracts to which it was not entitled.
Wilson admitted he used Salavitch’s veteran and service-disabled veteran status in a “rent-a-vet” scheme to obtain 20 government contracts for which Patriot Company received more than $13.7 million. As a result of the fraud scheme, legitimate veteran-owned-and-run businesses were not awarded these contracts. In one instance, according to court documents, Wilson brazenly challenged the government’s award of a set-aside contract to a service-disabled veteran bidder and Patriot Company fraudulently obtained that contract.
Wilson’s plea agreement cites 20 contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Army, which were fraudulently obtained by Wilson, Salavitch and Patriot Company. The contracts, which ranged as high as $4.3 million, included construction projects in Missouri, South Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Iowa, Illinois and North Dakota.
In September 2013, the Veterans Administration conducted an unannounced site visit of Patriot Company. The site inspector discovered that Salavitch was working 40 miles away at his full-time job as a federal employee with the Department of Defense in Leavenworth, Kan.
Wilson did not stop violating the law even after the government’s site visit. Instead, Wilson and Salavitch fought cancellation of Patriot Company’s status. In November 2013, Salavitch falsely certified to the Missouri Division of Purchasing and Materials Management that Patriot Company was a legitimate service-disabled veteran-owned small business when he knew it was not because he did not actively run the company. In December 2013, the Veterans Administration de-certified Patriot Company.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Perkins Rock, Curt Bohling and Jane Pansing Brown. It was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General – Criminal Investigation Division and the General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General.
Woman Arrested at KC Bus Station Charged with Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A woman carrying more than five pounds of fentanyl in her suitcase as she traveled through Kansas City, Mo., was charged in federal court today.
“Synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, are among the deadliest substances being trafficked across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “I commend our law enforcement partners for their diligent work to identify and disrupt the distribution networks used by drug traffickers.”
Evelyn C. Sanchez, 33, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Sanchez 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, Sanchez was traveling from Los Angeles, Calif., en route to New York, N.Y. Her bus stopped briefly at a Kansas City bus station on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. After Kansas City police detectives interviewed Sanchez at the bus station, they became suspicious that she was not being truthful about her trip and purpose for going to New York. A K-9 alerted to a grey, hard-sided suitcase under one of the seats near where Sanchez had been seated on the bus, and she eventually acknowledged that that suitcase belonged to her.
When detectives searched Sanchez’s suitcase, the affidavit says, they found two bundles wrapped in several layers of plastic, which contained a total of 5.3 pounds or 2.4 kilograms of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, commonly known as fentanyl.
“I’m proud that the members of the DEA Interdiction Task Force, working collaboratively with the Kansas City Police Department, were able to make a difference by seizing 1.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl from the streets,” DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan said. “We task these interdiction groups with an increasingly difficult task ... to seize drugs before they hit the streets of our communities. Today, they made an impact. They kept this poison out of our neighborhoods and potentially saved countless lives. We are extremely grateful to our state, local, and federal counterparts who contribute to these interdiction efforts.”
“Our Interdiction Unit did an excellent job,” Kansas City Police Chief Richard C. Smith said. “This was a huge amount of fentanyl capable of killing thousands of people. I’m very proud of our detectives and of how our excellent working relationships with our federal partners are keeping dangerous drugs like this off the streets and holding traffickers accountable.”
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 Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., woman who was arrested with a half-pound of heroin and six pounds of methamphetamine in her possession has pleaded guilty in federal court to her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo.
Kathy J. Alexander, 62, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, to the charge contained in a Jan. 23, 2018, federal indictment.
Alexander was arrested while driving through Amarillo, Texas, on Jan. 11, 2016, with a half-pound of heroin and six pounds of methamphetamine that she was transporting from Arizona to Springfield. Alexander admitted that she had traveled to Arizona and met with co-conspirators to receive the heroin and methamphetamine. After the drugs were repackaged for distribution, she began driving back to Springfield to deliver them to another co-conspirator.
Alexander had also been stopped, but not arrested, on Dec. 2, 2014, by law enforcement officers in Oklahoma while she was transporting five ounces of heroin hidden in her underwear.
Alexander admitted that she had made 14 drug transporting excursions, averaging one trip each month, for which she was paid $500 per trip. The drug-trafficking conspiracy lasted from Dec. 2, 2014, to Jan. 23, 2018.
Co-defendant Davetta F. Hicks, 31, of Springfield, has also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Hicks was arrested on Dec. 9, 2014, by Kingsville, Texas, police officers for the possession of a half-pound of methamphetamine found in her purse. Hicks admitted that she made three trips to Texas to transport cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to Springfield.
Under federal statutes, Alexander 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 Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET).
Jury Convicts KC Man of Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of illegally possessing a firearm.
Laron J. Wainwright, 43, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Wainwright was in possession of a Jimenez 9mm semi-automatic handgun, which had been reported as stolen, on April 5, 2015.
According to court documents, Kansas City, Mo., police officers were dispatched to the area of 11th Street and Prospect Avenue on April 5, 2015, to investigate suspicious drug activity in the park. When they contacted Wainwright, he fled and led officers on a pursuit through the park. As Wainwright ran onto Prospect Avenue, an officer saw the loaded Jimenez 9mm handgun fall onto the street. Wainwright continued running to a nearby apartment building; he attempted to get into the building but was unable to do so, and he was placed under arrest.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Wainwright has three prior felony convictions for distribution of a controlled substance, two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, ending a trial that began Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Wainwright is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 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 Stefan C. Hughes and Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A St. Louis, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin in Greene County, Mo.
Michael L. Hester, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to his role in the conspiracy to distribute heroin in Greene County from Sept. 1, 2012, to April 3, 2017.
Conspirators purchased heroin in Chicago, Ill., and St. Louis then transported it to the Springfield, Mo., area by vehicle. Hester admitted that he personally transported heroin from St. Louis to Springfield and supplied mid-level heroin dealers, including co-defendant Kenneth M. Smith, 60, of Springfield. Hester also admitted that he distributed heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer on several occasions.
Smith had multiple suppliers of heroin, including Hester and co-defendants Roosevelt Simpson, 60, and Najee Boston, 37, both of Springfield. Smith would in turn supply other mid-level heroin dealers, including co-defendant Antonio J. Jones, 43, of Springfield.
Hester, Smith, Simpson, Boston and Jones are among six defendants to plead guilty in this case. Co-defendant Romele E. Freeman, 53, of Springfield, also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Under federal statutes, Hester 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 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.
Nurse pleads guilty to health care fraud related to deceased Fulton manRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A nurse who falsely claimed to provide health care services to Carl DeBrodie, a Medicaid beneficiary in Fulton, Mo., who was found deceased and his body encased in concrete, pleaded guilty in federal court today to health care fraud.
Melissa Denise DeLap, 49, of Columbia, Mo., waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps to a federal information that charges her with one count of health care fraud.
DeLap, a Community Registered Nurse, was contracted to provide services to four beneficiaries participating in an individualized supported living program at a residence operated by Second Chance Homes in Fulton, Mo. Her duties included performing face-to-face evaluations of the four beneficiaries, reviewing their physicians’ orders, monitoring their medications and reviewing their records (including weight, vitals, blood sugar, etc.).
Second Chance Homes submitted monthly claims to Medicaid for DeLap’s services. Medicaid paid Second Chance Homes $38 for each of DeLap’s visits, and this amount was then paid to DeLap. During the time under investigation, DeLap was paid approximately $2,500 for her services to the four Medicaid beneficiaries.
Among the four beneficiaries was Carl DeBrodie, who died approximately in early September 2016 while under the care of Second Chance Homes. DeBrodie’s disappearance was reported on April 17, 2017. His body was found on April 24, 2017, leading to the federal investigation.
From at least September 2016 (the time of DeBrodie’s death) through March 2017 (shortly before DeBrodie’s body was discovered), DeLap completed and signed DeBrodie’s Community RN Monthly Health Summary for every month in that period, falsely stating that she had performed a face-to-face assessment of DeBrodie and provided the other services she was required to do as a CRN. During this same period, DeLap also did not provide the services she was paid for to the other three residents at Second Chance Homes, as she was paid to do.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, DeLap must pay $106,795 in restitution to Medicaid. She also must surrender her nursing license within six months. She will not seek licensing again to practice as a nurse in any state of the United States or any of its territories.
Under federal statutes, DeLap 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. Attorneys Cindi Woolery and Gregg Coonrod and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kempf. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI and the Fulton, Mo., Police Department.
Nine Indicted for Heroin Conspiracy in Greene CountyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Eight men and one woman were indicted by a federal grand jury this week for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Greene County, Mo.
Dangelo P. Moore, 30, of Willard, Mo., James D. Elbert, 36, Jerry R. Blue, 29, Keilan A. Murray, 25, and Presley A. Pike, 26, all of Springfield, Mo., Michael K. Johnson, Jr., 32, of Ozark, Mo., Rodriguez R. Bradley, 35, of Fordland, Mo., Kevin D. Paine, 28, of Cahokia, Ill., and Kewan J. Rogers, 35, of St. Louis, Mo., were charged in a 22-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. This week’s superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned under seal on July 11, 2018, and adds Pike as a co-defendant.
This week’s indictment alleges that all nine of the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin in Greene County from Oct. 2, 2015, to Nov. 13, 2017.
Elbert is also charged with one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Elbert allegedly was in possession of a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and an HS Products (Springfield Armory) .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol on April 24, 2017.
Paine is also charged with one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Paine allegedly was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 5, 2017.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, the remaining counts of the indictment allege specific instances in which various defendants distributed heroin.
The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations, which would require Moore, Elbert and Bradley to forfeit to the government a total of $34,332 and the various firearms and ammunition that were seized by law enforcement officers during the course of the investigation.
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 Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Ozark, Mo., Police Department.
Maryville Detective Honored for Community ServiceRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that Detective Sgt. Ryan Glidden of the Maryville Department of Public Safety has received the 2018 Enoch B. Morelock Award.
The Enoch B. Morelock Award is an annual recognition of outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and service to the community. Glidden was honored on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, during the 16th Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo. The prestigious law enforcement award, presented annually by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, is named in honor of Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock, who was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847.
Glidden has 21 years of law experience, including 13 years with the Maryville Department of Public Safety.
Following an event earlier in his career, Glidden recognized the need for equipment and training so law enforcement officers could assist victims of gunshot wounds and severe trauma to stop bleeding. He wanted to equip every officer in his agency with a “go-bag” trauma kit. Glidden collaborated with a local medic to conduct the training and began the ambitious project of raising money to pay for the kits, as his agency could not afford to purchase them. Through hard work and his leadership, $24,000 was raised to fully fund the project for his agency.
Realizing that the local sheriff’s office faced the same financial restraints as his own agency, Glidden directed his attention to seeking funds and assisted in raising nearly $18,000 to fully equip that agency with trauma kits.
Not done giving yet, Glidden realized that the regional dive team that assists agencies in multiple states needed assistance in securing additional equipment. He set out to raise over $21,000 to purchase a much-needed rescue boat with a motor capable of transporting a six-person dive crew as well as protective equipment. This equipment provides greater capability of providing the necessary lifesaving operations, which would not have been possible without this funding.
In light of the increase in school shootings, Glidden reached out to public and private schools, not only in his city but across the entire county, inquiring if trauma kits would be of value. One administrator asked him the cost for these kits and he responded with his own question: “What would be the cost if we needed them and didn’t have them?” With overwhelming support from parents, teachers, administrators and the general public, Glidden began raising funds and secured 450 trauma kits, one for each classroom in the county, at a cost of more than $28,000. He also organized in-service training with a trained paramedic to provide hands-on training with staff in each school.
Glidden spends a lot of his free time volunteering as a Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nodaway County. This is something he takes very seriously. He has a unique connection not only to his little brother but also to his little brother’s mother, helping her navigate life, especially when things aren’t going well.
Glidden was nominated by two different individuals from two different law enforcement agencies. Among the nominations and 10 letters of support for Glidden, it was written, “When our program has a need, Ryan is always one of the first people to step up when asked. He leads by example. His kindness to others and calm nature make him an excellent mentor, friend and law enforcement officer. Beyond what he brings to our organization, he is an endearing individual with an obvious passion for our community and a drive to help others.”
Enoch B. Morelock Award
Sullivan County Sheriff Enoch B. Morelock was the first recorded line of duty death in the Western District of Missouri on Dec. 19, 1847. He was appointed the first sheriff of Sullivan County, Mo., in 1845. He was in office a little over two years, but he was known to be an honorable, hardworking man intent on protecting the residents of his community. Sheriff Morelock was shot and killed during a court ordered sale of the accused=s property. The accused killer, Patrick McIntry, was charged with 1st Degree Murder but was later acquitted. Within a year Mr. McIntry was found shot to death on the banks of a local river.
The annual Enoch B. Morelock Award recognizes individuals with outstanding moral character, service to law enforcement and to the community outside of law enforcement. Recipients may include officers from local police departments, sheriffs= offices, state agencies, or federal agencies as well as investigators from prosecutors= offices.
KC, Independence Men Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking That Led to Kidnapping, TortureRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man and an Independence, Mo., man have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that involved the kidnapping and torture of an Independence, Mo., man.
Gerald L. Holmes, also known as “Jerry” or “Joker,” 26, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and one count of brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Jeremy R. Bond, 40, of Independence, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2018, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Co-defendant Randal G. Holmes, also known as “Peckerwood” or “Wood,” 54, the father of Gerald Holmes, pleaded guilty on July 10, 2018 to the same charges as his son – one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana and one count of brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
According to today’s plea agreement, co-conspirators purchased at least 120 pounds of marijuana from a source in Colorado, for which they made more than a dozen trips between Colorado and Kansas City. Gerald Holmes paid their source between $1,600 to $2,400 per pound, depending on the type and quality of marijuana available.
During the conspiracy, which lasted from May 1 to Sept. 13, 2016, Bond invested $10,000 into the marijuana operation. In return, he received $1,000 a week as interest and free marijuana until the entire principal investment was repaid in full. This investment allowed Gerald Holmes and a co-conspirator, identified in court documents as “C.H.” (who had made four trips to Colorado with Gerald Holmes), to purchase greater quantities of marijuana per trip. Once it reached the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, the marijuana was then resold by Gerald Holmes and C.H.
On Sept. 12, 2016, Gerald and Randal Holmes agreed to kidnap C.H. because he stole money that was intended for the purchase of marijuana.
Holmes arrived at the Independence, Mo., residence of the victim’s father, identified as “W.H.,” on Sept. 12, 2016. During their conversation, Gerald Holmes removed a firearm from his waistband and placed it on a table in front of W.H. Conspirators told W.H. to call C.H. and tell him he was being held at gunpoint and that C.H. needed to come to the residence right away. When C.H. arrived at the residence, Randal Holmes pointed a firearm at him and told him to get into his vehicle. While in the vehicle, Gerald Holmes struck, punched and choked C.H. as Randal Holmes drove away.
They took C.H. to Randal Holmes’s residence, where they were met by a third co-conspirator. C.H. was taken to the basement, where Gerald Holmes continued to assault him with fists, a hammer and tin snips/clippers. During the assault, Randal Holmes repeatedly demanded that C.H. disclose where the duffle bag containing the money was located. Gerald and Randal Holmes left to retrieve the duffle bag while a co-conspirator held C.H. at gunpoint.
Randal Holmes later drove C.H. to a rural residence near Edwards, Mo. As Randal Holmes drove them to the residence, Gerald Holmes continued to strike C.H. with fists and the butt of a firearm. When they arrived at the residence, C.H. was told to call his father and to tell him that he was okay, that he had taken a beating, that he would be home in a couple of days and that he deserved what had happened.
Law enforcement officers were able to trace the telephone call and on Sept. 13, 2016, officers were able to locate C.H. and arrest Gerald and Randal Holmes. Officers observed that C.H. had suffered multiple, visible injuries to his face, head, hands and feet. Officers noted that C.H. had trouble walking, that his face was black and blue, as well as swollen with traces of dried blood. Upon receiving medical treatment, it was determined that C.H. had also suffered a fracture in his left hand.
Officers found a Jimenez Arms 9mm pistol in Randal Holmes’s vehicle and a Hi-Point 9mm pistol in the residence where C.H. had been held. Officers also found an FN Herstal .40-caliber pistol, a Remington .270-caliber rifle, an RG .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger .22-caliber rifle, a Mossberg .20-gauge shotgun, 36.4 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Gerald Holmes’s residence.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Gerald Holmes is subject to a minimum sentence of 25 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 35 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.
Under federal statutes, Bond 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 Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Benton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.
Guardian of Justice Award: KC Detectives, Federal Agents Honored for InvestigationsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tim Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that local and federal law enforcement officers were recognized for their work on two significant cases as recipients of the 2018 Guardian of Justice Award.
Kansas City, Mo., Police Detective Leland Blank and FBI Special Agent Ryan Williams were recognized for their investigation of two men who were convicted after a week-long trial of charges related to the kidnapping and murder of another man.
Kansas City, Mo., Police Detective Don Stanze and U.S. Postal Inspector Justin Lewis were recognized for their investigation into a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of PCP, which was shipped in gallon-sized containers from California. This successful investigation resulted in the trial conviction of the California supplier as well as the successful prosecution of numerous local defendants.
The award recipients were honored on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2017, during the 16th Annual LECC Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo.
USA v. King and Ross
Raynal King and Howard R. Ross III were each sentenced to multiple life terms in federal prison without parole for the carjacking, kidnapping and murder of Jaime Patton, following the investigation by Blank and Williams.
Patton was returning home from the hospital, where he had been caring for a family member, sometime after 5 a.m. that day when King and Ross kidnapped him and stole his 2014 Jeep Patriot. They held Patton at gunpoint and drove him around in his Jeep to ATM machines, attempting to force him to provide his PIN number for his debit card so they could withdraw cash from his bank account. Patton was unable to provide a working PIN number to withdraw cash. King and Ross became upset with the lack of cooperation from Patton and shot him in his upper thigh to make sure he knew they were not playing around.
King and Ross then drove Patton in his Jeep south on Holmes Road while they discussed what to do with him. At approximately 6:30 a.m., shortly after traveling south on Holmes Road through the intersection with 135th Street and further out of the city, Patton jumped out of his Jeep while it was moving. Patton was shot multiple times while attempting to jump and he fell to the roadway. King and Ross then fled from the area in Patton’s Jeep, leaving him to die on the side of the road.
Blank and Williams expended tremendous investigative efforts in this case and further demonstrated their dedication to justice during trial preparations and throughout the trial. It is important to note that after the jury was excused, several members of the jury were compelled to personally commend the dedication to seeking justice and thoroughness of the investigative efforts by law enforcement in this case. This type of acknowledgement by members of our community who were randomly selected to serve as jurors in this case is truly an honor.
USA v. Hamilton
Ladronal S. Hamilton, a resident of Hawthorne, California, was sentenced to life in federal prison following the investigation by Stanze and Lewis. Hamilton was the organizer and supplier to large-scale Kansas City PCP distributors, each of whom has been convicted and sentenced in federal court. He organized and arranged the cross-country shipment of numerous multi-kilogram containers of PCP from California.
Investigators made three seizures of PCP from Hamilton that totaled approximately 14 kilograms. In addition, the testimony of cooperating witnesses during the trial established that Hamilton distributed additional amounts in excess of 37 kilograms of PCP. Hamilton also possessed firearms in relation to drug trafficking during the timeframe of the conspiracy. One investigator testified that he recovered cocaine and three firearms from Hamilton’s California residence.
PCP is an exceptionally dangerous and volatile hazardous material requiring hazmat units or certified laboratories for proper handling. PCP in the mail creates a tremendous safety risk for postal employees and customers.
Hamilton was identified as the supplier in two additional federal investigations that resulted in the convictions of 31 defendants in separate cases.
In seeking the life sentence for Hamilton, the government’s court filings refer to the serious nature of the crime and to Hamilton’s extensive prior criminal record, which includes felony convictions for armed bank robbery, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed criminal action and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. A career offender for violent crimes and narcotic offenses, Hamilton’s s interstate distribution of large quantities of PCP began within three years of his release from federal prison for armed bank robbery as a result of his second revocation from supervised release.
Stanze joined the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department following his service as a soldier in the United States Army. During his 20-year career as a police officer, Stanze has become a subject matter expert in narcotics trafficking. As an undercover drug detective, Stanze purchased nearly every type of illegal drug available on the streets of Kansas City. He has used that experience to build long-term, federal investigations against some of Kansas City’s most prolific and violent drug dealers. Stanze has been sought out by federal investigators to lead or assist on multiple OCDETF investigations due to his experience and work ethic.
Lewis has worked for the U.S. Postal Service almost his entire adult life. He began working for the Post Office in college and spent approximately eight years working as a clerk, branch supervisor, and in the accounting department, before he became an inspector with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, where he has served for 15 years. As an inspector, Lewis has focused his career on seizing illegal drugs and conducting investigations for the successful prosecution of high-level drug dealers. Lewis is also one of a select few postal inspectors who is qualified as a Dangerous Mail Specialist and since 2003, Lewis is one of a select few inspectors trained to respond to mail or parcels containing hazardous materials. Based on his extensive experience, Lewis has been a subject matter expert in narcotics interdiction and an instructor for drug interdiction for new U.S. Postal Inspectors for approximately five years. Were it not for his focus and keen insight into Hamilton’s use of the mail to facilitate his PCP shipments, the evidence to prosecute the case may have never been discovered.
Guardian of Justice Award
The annual Guardian of Justice Award recognizes a state or local officer as well as a federal agent for investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office each year during the law enforcement training conference.
Fulton Sex Offender Indicted for Enticing a Minor for Illicit SexRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A prior sex offender residing in Fulton, Mo., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
Michael James Collins, 21, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018. Collins, who was a resident at the Community Supervision Center in Fulton, has a prior felony conviction for sexual misconduct involving a child.
The federal indictment charges Collins with using the internet and a cell phone from July 21 to Dec. 10, 2017, to attempt to entice a minor under the age of 14 to engage in illegal sexual activity. Collins is also charged with one count of transporting a minor under the age of 14 across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity. The indictment also alleges that Collins committed those felony offenses when he was required 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 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.
Additional Charges Filed Against Three Indiana Men for Armed Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Additional charges were filed against three Indiana men who were indicted by a federal grand jury today for the armed robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy in Jefferson City, Mo.
Jerome Scott King, 19, of Speedway, Indiana, and Raymond Allen Craig, 20, and Daijahn Antwan Reed,19, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against the three men on Aug. 16, 2018, and contains additional charges.
Today’s indictment alleges that King, Craig and Reed committed an armed robbery on July 25, 2018. The indictment alleges they pointed a loaded firearm at two store employees and tied one employee’s hands behind his back with zip-ties. They allegedly stole $9,264 worth of drugs, including more than 3,000 oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets.
In addition to the robbery, King, Craig and Reed are each charged with one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly brandishing a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.
King, Craig and Reed are charged together in one count of committing an armed robbery that involved the theft of a controlled substance. They are charged together in one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and one count of possessing oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Jefferson City police officers responded to Walgreens, located at 2002 Missouri Blvd., Jefferson City, in reference to a robbery in progress on July 25, 2018. Craig, Reed and an unidentified man allegedly had entered the store wearing medical masks over the faces and medical style gloves on their hands.
Officers arrived as King, Craig, Reed, and another person ran out of the business. Three of the four men fled the scene in a vehicle. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the affidavit says, but King, the driver, led officers on a pursuit eastbound on U.S. Highway 54. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers deployed spike strips, which caused the vehicle to slow, leave the highway, cross the outer road and crash near Jazel Lane in Holts Summit, Mo. King and Craig ran from the vehicle but were apprehended. The third man, who remains unidentified, was not apprehended.
A witness called the police later that afternoon to report that Reed had knocked on his door and asked to use the telephone. Officers located Reed on the roof of O’Reilly Auto Parts, 1010 Missouri Blvd. in Jefferson City, and arrested him.
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 Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.
Two KC Men Sentenced to Multiple Life Terms for Kidnapping, MurderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today on charges related to the kidnapping and murder of another man.
Raynal King, 27, and Howard R. Ross, III, also known as “Lil’ Howard” and “Shooter,” 23, each were sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to multiple life terms in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 12, 2018, King and Ross each were found guilty at trial of multiple counts related to the carjacking, kidnapping and murder of Jaime Patton on Sept. 6, 2016.
King and Ross were convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of aiding and abetting a kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a kidnapping that resulted in a first degree felony murder, one count of robbery of a motor vehicle (carjacking) resulting in death, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of carjacking that resulted in a first degree felony murder, and one count of aiding and abetting each other as felons in the possession of a firearm.
Patton was returning home from the hospital, where he had been caring for a family member, sometime after 5 a.m. that day when King and Ross kidnapped him and stole his 2014 Jeep Patriot. They held Patton at gunpoint and drove him around in his Jeep to ATM machines, attempting to force him to provide his PIN number for his debit card so they could withdraw cash from his bank account.
Patton was unable to provide a working PIN number to withdraw cash. While held at gunpoint by King and Ross in the Mazuma Credit Union parking lot, he called his wife to obtain the working PIN number, but was he unable to do so. King and Ross became upset with the lack of cooperation from Patton and shot him in his upper thigh to make sure he knew they were not playing around.
King and Ross then drove Patton in his Jeep south on Holmes Road while they discussed what to do with him. At approximately 6:30 a.m., shortly after traveling south on Holmes Road through the intersection with 135th Street and further out of the city, Patton jumped out of his Jeep while it was moving. Patton was shot multiple times while attempting to jump and he fell to the roadway. King and Ross then fled from the area in Patton’s Jeep, leaving him to die on the side of the road.
According to evidence introduced during the trial, King and Ross began planning to commit a robbery a couple of days earlier. King had recently purchased a silver Pontiac Grand Prix but was unable to make his car payments or pay the sales tax fees. Text messages between King and Ross (recovered from their phones) shows that only days before the kidnapping King communicated with Ross about his problems and about a potential robbery.
Ross, who was on state probation for robbery at the time of the crime, was held in the Jackson County Jail after his arrest. While in the Jackson County Jail, Ross made multiple recorded phone calls to others regarding disposing of various items of evidence. Ross discussed with friends and family the location of his iPhone, which led to search warrants and the recovery of Ross’s iPhone and further evidence on his iPhone.
Investigators recovered evidence from Ross’s iPhone that showed weeks before the kidnapping Ross had a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol. Patton was murdered with a .45-caliber bullet. Ross took photos of himself carrying the pistol; he messaged those photos to others and posted photos on social media sites. Shortly after the murder, Ross attempted to sell the pistol to an acquaintance.
When forensic examiners were able to search King’s Android phone, several messages, photographs, and relevant Internet searches were recovered as evidence. King took photos of the stolen Jeep and messaged with others in an attempt to sell the Jeep to obtain sufficient money to make his own car payment on his Silver Pontiac Grand Prix before it would be repossessed.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jess E. Michaelsen and Patrick C. Edwards. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
KCK Man Charged with Stealing Dozens of Firearms from Independence Gun StoreRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was charged in federal court today with stealing dozens of firearms from an Independence, Mo., gun store.
Keyon D. Johnson, 21, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with one count of stealing firearms from a federal licensee and one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines. Johnson remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Aug. 20, 2018.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Johnson stole 64 firearms from Armory KC, 10531 E. US 40 Hwy. in Independence. The firearms were stolen during a break-in at the business that occurred about 1:50 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018.
The store’s video surveillance shows a group of thieves smashing out the glass on the front door of the business, the affidavit says, then attaching a chain to the front door of the business and to the rear of a pickup truck in order to rip the door off. The thieves entered the store and used hammers to break the glass on the display cases, then placed the firearms in bags.
A cooperating source identified Johnson as one of the thieves, according to the affidavit. On Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, investigators located a vehicle connected to the theft and attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 27th Street and Parallel Parkway. The vehicle fled the area and was later found parked in a driveway. An officer saw two persons flee the area on foot and run into a wooded area. Additional officers responded to the area to assist and located Johnson, who was placed under arrest.
Officers located a Glock 9mm handgun laying near where Johnson was arrested. It was determined that the firearm had been among those stolen from Armory KC. Investigators searched Johnson’s apartment and found eight additional firearms, all of which had been stolen during the Aug. 9, 2018, burglary of Armory KC.
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 Alison Dunning. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the ATF-KCPD Illegal Firearms Squad and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.
KC Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a meth-trafficking conspiracy.
Marcell Shavers, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 40 years in federal prison without parole.
On March 1, 2018, Shavers was convicted by a trial jury of participating in a conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
On Jan. 1, 2014, Kansas City, Mo., police officers responded to a reported shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of Jose Medellin, who had been fatally shot. They also found several shell casings at the scene as well as two plastic bags containing more than 55 grams of methamphetamine in Medellin’s possession.
The person who reported the shooting had gone to Discount Smokes on Independence Avenue to obtain some cigarettes. While at the store, he was approached by co-defendant James P. Roberts, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., who asked about obtaining methamphetamine. He replied that he knew a source and would set up a meeting.
The witness contacted Medellin, then picked up Roberts at Discount Smokes and they drove to Medellin’s apartment building. He told Medellin that Roberts wanted to buy $1,000 of methamphetamine, and Medellin told him to bring Roberts inside the apartment building. The three men met in the laundry room on the ground floor, but when a car alarm went off, the witness went out to shut it off. He could not re-enter the laundry because it locked automatically and could only be opened from the inside.
Although he could not reenter the building, the witness could see through the windows and saw Roberts with an unknown man, later identified as Shavers. He witnessed Medellin being shot. Medellin tried to run from the shooter but was unable to escape. Medellin was shot in the abdomen, turned to run, was shot in the right buttock, fell to the ground and was shot in the back while on the ground. After Medellin fell, the witness ran to a nearby Quik Trip and called the police.
Shavers later told another person that he and Roberts had met with Medellin to conduct a drug deal.
Roberts pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2018, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, which resulted in the killing of Medellin. Roberts admitted that, while he possessed a handgun during the drug transaction, he never fired at Medellin. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Roberts will be sentenced to between 20 and 30 years in federal prison without parole.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Valenti and Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Market Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Jacksonville, Fla., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a scheme with two Nixa, Mo., residents to market an all-natural male enhancement supplement that actually contained the same active ingredient found in Viagra.
Michael S. Schindele, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of wire fraud and one count of delivering adulterated or misbranded food.
Schindele, the owner and operator of Executive Image International, operated a website that sold dietary supplements and drugs to the general public. He worked through businesses owned and operated by co-defendants John G. Schindele, 41 (his brother), and Jennifer S. Travis, 45, both of Nixa, Mo., to sell dietary supplements, which they claimed contained only all-natural ingredients. John Schindele and Travis both pleaded guilty, in separate but related cases, on Feb. 21, 2018.
Among the many supplements sold by Michael Schindele was Silver Bullet, marketed as an “all-natural male performance enhancer,” an “Extreme Male Stimulant,” and a “dietary supplement.” In reality, Silver Bullet contained materially different ingredients than what was listed, including sildenafil, a synthetic pharmaceutical ingredient that was not disclosed to consumers purchasing the product.
Sildenafil is the active pharmaceutical that is commonly used in the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. The labeling for Silver Bullet failed to provide adequate warnings about the use of a sildenafil-containing product, which is only legally available with a prescription from a doctor. Michael Schindele was not authorized or licensed to sell this pharmaceutical.
Silver Bullet was purchased and shipped from a supplier in the People’s Republic of China, then resold by Michael Schindele and others to consumers throughout the United States and worldwide.
Michael Schindele’s misrepresentations resulted in him, Executive Image International, Schindele Enterprises, and Midwest Wholesale obtaining money in the amount of at least $150,000 from consumers. Michael Schindele, personally, received at least $47,930, which must be forfeited to the government.
According to his plea agreement, John Schindele fraudulently received $210,000 for the misrepresented and mislabeled dietary supplements from April 16, 2012, to July 8, 2015. According to her plea agreement, Travis fraudulently received $152,862 for the misrepresented and mislabeled dietary supplements from June 2, 2014, through Jan. 31, 2017.
During the time of the fraud scheme, which operated from Oct. 11, 2011, through Jan. 6, 2014, Michael Schindele also pleaded guilty in a separate and unrelated case to the misdemeanor offense of introducing an unapproved animal drug. Schindele admitted that he sold heartworm tablets that were produced in Australia and had not been approved for sale in the United States, and which required a veterinarian’s prescription. Federal agents seized 1,368 doses of the heartworm tablets from Schindele’s EZBody store in Springfield. Schindele was sentenced on July 17, 2012, to one year of unsupervised probation.
Under federal statutes, Michael Schindele is subject to a sentence of up to 23 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.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nhan D. Nguyen and Patrick Carney. They were investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Springfield Man Indicted for Bomb Threat at Veterans ClinicRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for making a bomb threat at the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Mount Vernon, Mo.
Richard Leslie Turner III, 48, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Turner on July 19, 2018.
The federal indictment alleges that Turner threatened on July 13, 2018, to blow up the Community Based Outpatient Clinic located at 600 N. Main St. in Mount Vernon.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Turner arrived at the clinic on July 13, 2018, for an appointment but was told the appointment had been changed. Turner became angry and left the clinic, the affidavit says, then shortly afterward another patient informed a staff member that Turner was in the parking lot making statements about obtaining explosives and blowing up the clinic. When Turner was contacted by authorities about making the threats, he allegedly became angry and stated that he really intended to blow up the clinic because the police had called him.
On July 17, 2018, Turner allegedly called the clinic and told a staff member that he intended to travel to the clinic and kill him.
The charge contained in this indictment is 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI, the Mount Vernon, Mo., Police Department, the Veteran’s Affairs Police Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.
KCK Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegal Firearm, ThreatsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and making threats following a confrontation with law enforcement officers at the Richard Bolling Federal Building.
James E. Everett, Jr., 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 8, 2018, Everett was found guilty at trial of threatening a federal law enforcement officer, forcibly resisting a federal law enforcement officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Everett arrived at the Richard Bolling Federal Building, 601 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo., at about 8:30 a.m. on March 10, 2016. He parked in an emergency vehicle-only parking space on 12th Street. At the building’s lobby entrance, Everett began yelling and demanded to speak to a federal judge. Four Federal Protective Service officers responded and encountered Everett on federal property, approximately 10 yards from the entrance. During the encounter, Everett threatened the officers, stating that he was going to “blow (their) brains out.” The officers then attempted to arrest Everett who fought them as they attempted to put him in handcuffs. It took all four FPS officers, as well as two Kansas City, Mo., police officers who responded to the scene, to restrain Everett.
During his arrest, Everett attempted to bite one FPS officer and spit on another. Three FPS officers received medical treatment following the encounter. After identifying the car in which Everett had arrived, a police officer found a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol underneath the driver’s seat.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Everett has prior felony convictions for aggravated robbery and arson.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Q. McCarther and Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Protective Service.
Joplin Woman Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy, Package Shipped via UPSRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine that was shipped via UPS from Arizona.
Jennifer M. Conant, 38, of Joplin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
On March 28, 2018, Conant pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Conant admitted that she had a package shipped via UPS, which contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine, to a residence in Seneca, Mo. On May 6, 2017, law enforcement officers tracked the suspicious package from its origin in Arizona and upon its arrival at the Joplin UPS conducted a search to confirm the package contained methamphetamine.
A federal agent conducted a controlled delivery of the package to its Seneca destination on May 7, 2017. Shortly after the package was delivered, officers executed a search warrant and located the package in a bedroom of the residence. An occupant of the residence told investigators that Conant had the package shipped to his address and that she had inquired about the package just prior to law enforcement executing the search warrant. He then contacted Conant, who arrived at the residence approximately 45 minutes later to pick up the package and was arrested.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team.
KC Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm After Eluding DWI CheckpointRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who attempted to elude a DWI checkpoint while he was intoxicated was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Derrick J. White, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to eight years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 5, 2018, White pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. White admitted that he was in possession of a Ruger 9mm handgun, which was found by Independence, Mo., police officers who searched his vehicle following a pursuit when he attempted to elude a sobriety checkpoint.
White was driving a vehicle while intoxicated when he encountered a DWI checkpoint near U.S. 24 Highway and Vassar Road in Independence at about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 13, 2016. White refused to stop at the checkpoint, and instead accelerated and fled. Officers deployed stop-sticks and disabled White’s vehicle.
According to court documents, officers observed many of the physical signs of someone under the influence of an intoxicant. White failed the standard field sobriety tests and refused to provide a breath sample to determine his blood alcohol content. During this encounter, he was uncooperative and argumentative with the officers. White was arrested for driving while intoxicated and fleeing. When officers searched his vehicle, they found the Ruger 9mm, with an obliterated serial number, underneath the driver’s seat.
According to court documents, White was arrested by Kansas City, Mo., police officers on May 8, 2017, after officers were dispatched on a disturbance involving the defendant. When the officers approached him, White refused to stop and fled on foot. Ultimately, White was detained, but throughout his detention, he was combative, uncooperative, and belligerent. Upon being arrested, he was found in possession of a High Point Arms, semi-automatic firearm.
Officers attempted to book White into the Jackson County Detention Center, but he was so intoxicated that the booking process could not be completed, so officers were forced to take him to a hospital. While at the hospital, White was belligerent to the hospital staff and security officers. He also made direct and indirect threatening comments about shooting the officers. Those statements included that he was happy each time he heard an officer had been shot and killed. He also threaten an officer directly by saying “when I get out in 10 or 15, shootin you is a cold fact.”
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. White has two prior criminal felony convictions for illegally possessing a firearm and prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, White has 27 misdemeanor convictions, including two offenses that involved firearms, three offenses that involved resisting arrest, nine driving offenses and three offenses that involved alcohol or drugs. White has been incarcerated, on parole, probation, or supervised release for approximately 10 of the past 11 years.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Moeder. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Springfield Man Charged with Illegal Firearms Following Police PursuitRead the Press Release
A Springfield, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing several firearms following a police pursuit yesterday afternoon.
Clinton Demetrius McDonald, 30, was charged in the U.S. District Court in Springfield with being a felon in possession of firearms. McDonald, a convicted felon, was allegedly in possession of a loaded Palmetto 5.56-caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a J.P. Sauer and Sohn .32-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. McDonald is in federal custody.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, Springfield police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the 2006 BMW McDonald was driving near the intersection of Cherry and National at about 3:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. Officers were attempting to arrest McDonald in reference to a recent shooting incident. McDonald, the affidavit says, fled from the officers at a high rate of speed. His vehicle crashed moments later into the concrete steps of St. Agnes Cathedral near Cherry and Jefferson streets.
Officers arrived at the crash scene and found McDonald in the driver’s seat of the crashed vehicle. One passenger had been thrown forward onto the dash and windshield area. Another passenger was in the rear passenger seat.
The loaded J.P. Sauer and Sohn pistol was lodged in the windshield on the passenger side. Officers found a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol in the front passenger side floor board of the vehicle, as well as a pill bottle on the driver’s side floor that contained suspected heroin. Officers had observed the loaded rifle being thrown out of the driver’s side window of the vehicle during the chase, the affidavit says, and also recovered the Glock 9mm pistol (which had been reported stolen) that a witness reportedly saw thrown from the vehicle during the chase.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. McDonald has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Joplin ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A North Carolina man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child in Joplin, Mo.
David Lee Perkins, 34, of Winston-Salem, N.C., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to life in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Perkins to pay $6,325 in restitution to his victim.
On Jan. 18, 2018, Perkins was found guilty following a bench trial of crossing state lines into Missouri with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a child victim under the age of 12 from April 16, 2014, to Dec. 11, 2016.
Additionally, Perkins had already pleaded guilty on Jan. 3, 2018, to two additional counts contained in the Jan. 18, 2017, federal indictment. Perkins admitted that he used the child victim to produce child pornography and that he distributed child pornography.
Joplin police officers were dispatched to a local hotel where Perkins was staying on Dec. 11, 2016. A female acquaintance of Perkins told officers that she found several videos on an iPad of Perkins engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the child victim. Officers contacted Perkins in his hotel room and placed him under arrest.
Perkins told investigators he used his iPad and iPhone to photograph and create videos of the sexually explicit conduct he engaged in with the child victim in various hotels and motels in Joplin. Investigators found three video files on Perkins’s iPad. Perkins shared those images and videos of child pornography with at least one other person by attaching them to text messages.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ami Harshad Miller and Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, and the Newton, N.C., 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 Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm After Police ChaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who led police officers on a high-speed chase after escaping from the hospital where he was confined pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm.
Johnny K. McDaniel, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
By pleading guilty today, McDaniel admitted that he was in possession of a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol at the time of his arrest. McDaniel was placed under guard at a local hospital after his arrest but escaped and, when found a week later, led law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit before being recaptured.
Kansas City police officers saw McDaniel, who was driving a grey Pontiac, fail to stop for a stop sign on Feb. 20, 2017. Officers turned around to get behind his vehicle, but he drove off at a high rate of speed. The officers discovered the Pontiac crashed a short time later at the intersection of 23rd Street and Poplar Avenue. McDaniel, who was unconscious, was seated in the driver’s seat with the vehicle still running and in drive.
One of the officers reached into the vehicle, put it in park and turned off the ignition. McDaniel woke up; he appeared to be startled and attempted to put the vehicle back into drive. In response, the officer grabbed him, pulled him from the driver’s seat, and tried to handcuff him. McDaniel immediately began resisting by pulling his hands away from both officers. He tried to turn to face the officers several times, kicked and placed his hands and arms under his chest and stomach. McDaniel was eventually handcuffed and arrested for attempting to flee the scene of an accident and resisting arrest.
McDaniel had a baggie that contained 42.4717 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket at the time of his arrest. Officers also found the Ruger pistol on the driver’s side floorboard of the Pontiac (along with a live round and a spent shell casing) and a plastic baggie that contained 1.4443 grams of marijuana on the driver’s seat.
McDaniel was transported to Truman Medical Center where he was to remain under guard. The next day, however, on Feb. 21, 2017, he escaped from the hospital.
Investigators found McDaniel on Feb. 27, 2017, driving a GMC Envoy. Officers attempted to conduct a car stop but McDaniel fled into Kansas City, Kan. During the car chase, officers saw McDaniel commit numerous traffic violations including speeding, swerving into oncoming traffic and failing to stop for traffic signals. McDaniel drove over two sets of “stop sticks” deployed by officers before finally crashing the vehicle. McDaniel and his passenger, co-defendant Victoria Harness, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., fled from the vehicle, but both were apprehended a short time later. Officers found 27.3370 grams of methamphetamine on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. McDaniel has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
Harness pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced on July 30, 2018, to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole.
Under federal statutes, McDaniel is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five 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. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.
St. Joseph Home Health Care Aide Pleads Guilty to $207,000 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., in-home health care nursing assistant pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing bank account information from one of her clients in order to illegally transfer more than $207,000 out of her account.
Ashley N. Garr, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Garr worked as a home health aide for the victim in St. Joseph for approximately one year beginning in 2014. In late October 2016, Garr stopped at the victim’s residence to introduce her children. Garr excused herself to use the bathroom during the visit, and found the victim’s checkbook and purse (with her identification) in a home office located near the bathroom.
In the spring of 2017, the victim’s bookkeeper was reviewing the bank statement from Nodaway Valley Bank and noticed charges to RENT-A-CENTER and the Lexington law firm, which both seemed odd to her. She pointed them out to the victim and the victim stated that she did not make these charges. The bookkeeper contacted Nodaway Valley Bank to report the fraud.
A review of the bank account showed that Garr wrote three $700 checks to herself on the victim’s bank account on Oct. 27, 2016. There were also numerous transfers from the bank account to pay Garr’s personal expenses, for a total theft in 2016 of $187,152.
Garr also admitted that she filed fraudulent tax returns for 2014 and 2015. Garr inflated her income and tax withholdings to generate a larger refund than she was entitled to receive. Additionally, Garr did not report the money she stole as income on her 2016 tax return.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Garr must pay $207,638 in restitution to the victim of her fraud scheme and $151,589 in restitution to the IRS. Garr must forfeit to the government $207,638, which represents the proceeds of her criminal conduct.
Under federal statutes, Garr is subject to a sentence of up to three years in federal prison without parole for filing a false tax return, as well as a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Inmate Sentenced for Contraband Smuggling at Jackson County Detention CenterRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An inmate at the Jackson County Detention Center was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to smuggle contraband cell phones and other items into the jail.
Carlos Laron Hughley, 33, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.
The court ordered today’s federal sentence be served consecutively to any sentence that may be imposed in an unrelated state case in which Hughley is charged with domestic assault, armed criminal action, careless and imprudent driving, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
On Feb. 14, 2018, Hughley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of using a telephone in furtherance of unlawful activity. While he was an inmate in the Jackson County Detention Center, Hughley was the ringleader of a scheme to smuggle contraband (including a cell phone and charging cable) into the jail. Aided and abetted by minions outside the jail acting at his direction, Hughley bribed a former corrections officer, Jalee Caprice Fuller, 30, of Independence, Mo., to smuggle contraband to inmates at the detention center between May 2 and June 26, 2017.
Hughley is the father of an infant child he conceived with Fuller. According to court documents, Hughley used the affections Fuller had for him to convince her to violate the trust placed in her as a corrections officer and participate in the contraband smuggling scheme.
Fuller, as well as co-defendant Marion Lorenzo Byers, also known as “Cuddy,” 36, of Kansas City, Mo., also have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Co-defendant Janikkia Lashay Carter, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., also has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Each defendant participated in multiple recorded telephone calls where various aspects of the contraband smuggling scheme were discussed. Byers, an associate of Hughley’s, delivered the contraband to Carter, one of Hughley’s former love interests. Knowing that Carter still had feelings for him, and despite the fact that Hughley was professing to Fuller that he only wanted to be with her, Hughley used the affections Carter had for him to convince her to commit the crime of smuggling contraband into the jail. Carter in turn delivered contraband to Fuller. Fuller used her position as a corrections officer to smuggle the contraband to Hughley inside the detention center.
In a separate case arising from the federal investigation, another former corrections officer, Andre Lamonte Dickerson, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to two counts of using a telephone in furtherance of the unlawful activity of acceding to corruption, related to a public servant taking a bribe in return for violating his legal duty. Dickerson admitted that he told a confidential informant that he would smuggle two packs of cigarettes, a cell phone and a cell phone charger to an inmate in the detention center for $500. Dickerson is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 31, 2018.
These cases are being prosecuted by Deputy U.S. Attorney Gene Porter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. They were investigated by the FBI and the Jackson County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Missouri Department of Corrections, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Jackson County Detention Center.
Kansas Man Indicted for Traveling for Illicit Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Buhler, Kan., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for traveling to Kansas City, Mo., to meet with an undercover law enforcement officer whom he believed was a teenage prostitute.
Bradley D. Voth, 55, was charged with one count of traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Today’s indictment replaces a July 20, 2018, criminal complaint that charged him with the same offense.
The investigation began in June 2018 when an undercover employee with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was monitoring public message threads on a website known to be used to host discussion forums and private messaging services for the purpose of allowing men and women to communicate regarding prostitution.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the undercover employee posted a review for a prostitute in Hutchinson, Kan., and received a private message from Voth in response. Voth, says the affidavit, is a senior member of the website with over 500 posts detailing his experience across south-central Kansas and at Asian Massage Parlors. The undercover employee provided Voth with the phone number for an FBI agent who was acting in an undercover capacity as a 16-year-old female.
Voth allegedly contacted the undercover agent, who told him that she was staying in Kansas City with her cousin’s boyfriend and her 13-year-old sister. Voth asked for the 13-year-old’s phone number and for photos of both juveniles. Voth agreed to meet with her and the 13-year-old on July 19, 2018, for sexual activity in exchange for $140. When Voth arrived at a coffee shop in Kansas City, Mo., he was arrested.
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 Teresa A. Moore. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Officer of Inspector General, the FBI and the Wichita, Kan., 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."
Three Springfield Residents Sentenced for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Three Springfield, Mo., residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Greene and Webster counties.
Demarko Hinkle, 28, Victor Walton, 29, and Kimberly Robinson, 33, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes. Hinkle and Walton were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Robinson was sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison without parole.
Hinkle, Walton and Robinson each have pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin in Greene and Webster counties from Jan. 1, 2012, to Feb. 25, 2016. Hinkle and Walton also have pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Hinkle and Walton admitted they traveled to St. Louis, Mo., at least three times during the course of the conspiracy and transported back approximately a half ounce (12-14 grams) of heroin each trip. Hinkle was directly involved in the distribution of at least 133 grams of heroin.
Hinkle and Walton also admitted they were in possession of a Dan Wesson Arms .22-caliber revolver and an Armscor of the Philippines .22-caliber rifle on April 28, 2015, during a drug transaction with an undercover law enforcement officer.
Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Robinson’s residence on June 12, 2013, and seized approximately .7 grams of heroin. Robinson admitted that she was selling heroin. On March 28, 2014, officers executed another warrant at two apartments associated with Robinson, where they found a large amount of cash. On Dec. 28, 2014, Robinson was arrested after she was found unresponsive in a public restroom with approximately .14 grams of heroin in her purse. Robinson admitted that she directly distributed or obtained for distribution at least an additional 50 grams or more of heroin during the course of the conspiracy.
Co-defendants Laura Brown, 25, and Brittany Jones, 26, both of Springfield, also have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearms Following Police PursuitRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms following a high-speed police chase that ended when he drove through a back yard and crashed into a residence.
Randall Hale, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to nine years in prison without parole.
On Jan. 9, 2018, Hale pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Greene County sheriff’s deputies found Hale passed out behind the steering wheel of a stolen Chevrolet truck at 5092 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, on Nov. 21, 2016. Deputies parked behind the truck, got out of their vehicles and approached the truck. As one of the deputies approached the passenger window, Hale put the truck into reverse and slammed into another deputy’s patrol vehicle. Hale then drove over a sidewalk and struck a building before leaving the parking lot.
Hale fled eastbound on Sunshine Street at about 85 miles per hour with additional law enforcement officers in pursuit. The chase continued to a backyard on South Newton Street, where Hale crashed the truck into the residence. Hale ran from his vehicle and was apprehended a short distance away by Springfield police officers.
During a search of the stolen truck, officers found a loaded Springfield Arms Company .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Browning Arms Company 7mm rifle and a loaded O.F. Mossberg and Sons .243-caliber rifle, all of which had been reported stolen, as well as multiple rounds of ammunition.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearms or ammunition. Hale has prior felony convictions for vandalism, burglary, grand theft, petit theft, receiving stolen property, and sale of marijuana. He was on probation at the time of the federal offense.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking, Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to sex trafficking a minor and illegal sexual activity.
Kenneth Ronald Jones, 26, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to one count of the sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of transportation for illegal sexual activity by coercion and enticement.
By pleading guilty today, Jones admitted that he induced three victims, including a minor, to travel across state lines to engage in prostitution and illicit sexual activity between May 1 and June 1, 2016.
On June 28, 2016, a 17-year-old victim from Wisconsin – identified in court documents as “FV1” – contacted her social worker and reported that she was being held against her will by Jones. She was located at a residence in Columbia that was known for prostitution and removed by law enforcement officers.
FV1 told investigators that she met Jones and another victim, identified as “FV2,” in May 2016 at a party in Milwaukee, Wis., and agreed to travel with him to Columbia to engage in prostitution. As soon as she arrived in Columbia, she was expected to see clients. Jones, who knew she was 17 years old, instructed FV1 to tell everyone at the house she was 18 years old. Jones had her charge $120 for half an hour, or $160 for a full hour. FV1 gave $20 to the owners of the residence and the rest of the proceeds of her prostitution to Jones.
FV2 told investigators that she met Jones in March 2016 at a party in Milwaukee and accompanied him to Columbia because she believed she would be assisting Jones with selling narcotics. FV2 estimated that she earned about $2,500 for engaging in prostitution, but was not allowed to keep any of the money. After about two weeks in Columbia, FV2 and Jones returned to Milwaukee to pick up FV1, after which they returned to the same brothel in Columbia.
Jones arranged for a third victim, identified as “FV3,” to join them in Columbia. FV3, after communicating with Jones on Facebook, agreed to come to Columbia to help him with his drug business. After she arrived in Missouri, Jones told FV3 she needed to make money and threatened to kick her to the streets if she did not do what he wanted. FV3 agreed and did a prostitution “date.” FV3 stated Jones directed her to charge clients $120 per half hour and $200 per hour. FV3 gave a door fee to the owners of the brothel and the rest of the money to Jones.
Under federal statutes, Jones 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 the FBI, the Greendale, Wis., Police Department, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Police Department.
Warrensburg Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Warrensburg, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using a 13-year-old victim to produce child pornography.
Thomas Johnson, 25, of Warrensburg, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Johnson to serve the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On Jan. 17, 2018, Johnson pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence on Sept. 25, 2015. Officers found several explicit photos of minor females, including the 13-year-old victim, on Johnson’s cell phone. Officers also seized computers and other electronic media from his residence. On a later date, a laptop computer that Johnson had submitted to a local computer shop for repair was also seized and submitted for forensic examination.
During the forensic examination of Johnson’s electronic media, child pornography was located. Examiners found videos from Skype communications with the child victim. Johnson admitted that he communicated via Skype with the child victim and saved videos from those sessions, which contained sexually explicit content. Johnson also admitted that he had engaged in illicit sexual activity with the child victim on several occasions.
According to court documents, the investigation began in the Eastern District of Virginia when law enforcement agents were monitoring a child pornography Web site where Johnson had an account. Johnson was identified when he logged onto the Web site and accessed images of child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by the FBI and the Olathe, Kan., 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."
Kansas Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Leavenworth, Kan., man was sentenced in federal court today for sexually abusing a 14-year-old victim and recording the abuse on his cell phone.
Cole Ryan Marshall, 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 18 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Marshall to serve the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
On April 12, 2018, Marshall pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Marshall admitted that he engaged in illicit sexual conduct with a 14-year-old child victim and recorded images and videos on his cell phone. The images and videos were taken at a location in Polk County, Mo.
Marshall also admitted that he used Dropbox’s online cloud storage program to store and share child pornography.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children 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."
KC Man, Woman Sentenced for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man and woman were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a three-month-long spree of armed robberies at metropolitan area businesses.
Isaac J. Williams, also known as “Dat Flyguy,” 25, and Rahnice J. Clay, 25, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes. Williams was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison without parole. Clay was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 31, 2018, Clay pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting robbery and two counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence. Clay admitted that she was involved in the Sept. 11, 2015, armed robbery of a metroPCS store at 723 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., and the Sept. 12, 2015, armed robbery of a GameStop store at 906 Westport Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
On May 24, 2017, Williams pleaded guilty to participating in an armed robbery conspiracy, two counts of robbery and two counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Williams admitted that he participated in a conspiracy from July 25 to Oct. 20, 2015, that involved 13 armed robberies of businesses in the metropolitan area. Approximately $19,500 in proceeds and property were stolen during the course of the conspiracy.
Williams also admitted that he was involved in the Aug. 18, 2015, armed robbery of the MetroPCS store at 4513 Independence Ave., Kansas City, Mo., and the Aug. 21, 2015, armed robbery of the Phillips 66 gas station at 7531 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
Co-defendant Deitra M. Turner, also known as “Detrix Mob Turner,” 25, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Williams and was sentenced on April 12, 2018, to eight years in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Donald L. Boggess, also known as “Old School,” 56, of Kansas City, Mo., has pleaded guilty to one armed robbery and awaits sentencing.
In the Aug. 18, 2015, metroPCS robbery, Boggess was armed with a silver handgun while Williams stood by the door looking out. When Boggess demanded money, the sales clerk motioned to the cash register and Boggess opened the drawer, took approximately $2,627, and stuffed it into his hooded sweatshirt pocket. While taking the cash from the drawer, Boggess continued to point the handgun at the clerk and another employee. Williams and Boggess then fled the store and got into the getaway car with the Turner and Clay. All four divided and shared in the proceeds from the robbery.
In the Aug. 21, 2015, Phillips 66 robbery, Williams and Turner entered the store, while Clay was at the gas pump as the lookout and Boggess remained in the car, as he was the getaway driver. The cashier was in the middle of a transaction with a customer who had just handed her a $100 bill when Williams pushed the customer out of the way and demanded the money in the register. He then pulled out a silver handgun that was wrapped in a t-shirt and pointed it at her. The cashier opened the cash register and took out all of the cash and placed it onto the counter. Williams grabbed the cash, then he and Turner (who was standing by the door as a lookout) left the store. They got into Boggess’s vehicle and Boggess drove away. The money from the robbery was split equally among the four of them.
Clay admitted that, in two robberies, she entered the store prior to the robbery then left the store when there were no other customers. A short time later, Williams and Turner entered the store. Williams, armed with a handgun, demanded money.
In the Sept. 11, 2015, metroPCS robbery, Turner grabbed a blue metroPCS bag from the store to put the money in to. The employee handed over approximately $312. Williams and Turner ordered her to the back to unlock the safe, but she was unable to unlock the safe.
In the Sept. 12, 2015, GameStop robbery, Turner took one of the employees to the back and collected game systems. The employee stated he handed over approximately $555 and games. Two witnesses outside the GameStop store saw Williams and Turner run to and get into Clay’s red Toyota; Clay, the getaway driver, was already in the car. Williams, Turner, and Clay split the money and video game systems.
Boggess pleaded guilty to the Aug. 30, 2015, armed robbery of a 7-Eleven store at 1701 Independence Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Grandview, Mo., Police Department, the Roeland Park, Kan., Police Department and the FBI.
Former Jasper School District Employee Sentenced for $145,000 Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former employee of the Jasper R-5 School District was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling more than $145,000 from the district.
Karla Justice, also known as Karla Jessee, 56, of Columbus, Kan., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Justice to pay $145,726 in restitution.
On Feb. 7, 2018, Justice pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of credit card fraud. Justice admitted that she embezzled a total of $145,726 from the school district over a three-year period from September 2013 to September 2016. Her criminal conduct involved hundreds of individual acts of fraud and embezzlement against the school district.
According to court documents, Justice’s fraudulent scheme not only bled the school district of essential resources, her actions aggravated the financial distress of the district as well. Justice’s fraud and embezzlement had grown to the point that the school district’s reserve account was all but entirely drained, while teaching positions were eliminated, salaries were capped and cut, programs were eliminated or reduced, and children were denied essential educational resources. The school district cut its weekly school calendar to four days, placed all support staff on part-time status, and eliminated their healthcare benefits.
Justice was employed as the head bookkeeper, payroll secretary, superintendent secretary, and board secretary for the Jasper R-5 School District from 2009 until her resignation on Sept. 22, 2016. Justice’s positions with the school district gave her unrestricted access to the account and payroll systems for the school district, as well as the district’s petty cash checkbook and signatory authority for this account. Justice essentially had unlimited access to every aspect of the account and human resources functions for the district.
Justice admitted that she paid herself $80,858 in additional payroll above and beyond the amount allowed under her employment contract. As a result of the fraudulently received payroll, Justice also received an additional $6,731 in employer retirement contributions and $6,530 in Social Security and Medicare contributions that she would not have received otherwise.
The investigation also discovered numerous transactions involving the petty cash account, including checks and E-checks that totaled $13,929 in transactions that were conducted by Justice to pay for personal expenses that were unrelated to the activities of the district, and were not authorized by the district.
Justice also opened and used a Home Depot credit card in the name of the district, without authority or the approval of any district official. Justice used the fraudulently opened Home Depot credit card to conduct several personal purchases between Jan. 6 and Sept. 1, 2016, totaling $2,133.
The investigation revealed numerous checks that had been written on the operating account for the district. Justice did not have authority to write checks to this account but she did have access to the signature stamps for school officials, who did have signatory authority over this account. Several district employees informed investigators that Justice repeatedly asked them to cash checks for her. School officials told investigators that each of the checks discovered during the investigation were fraudulently created and Justice’s request that other employees cash these checks and give her the money was done to bypass safety measures created to prevent employees from directly cashing checks made out to themselves.
According to court documents, school officials began analyzing the district’s budget when the district experienced financial difficulties. During this analysis, officials noted irregularities in payroll payments, unexplained credit card payments, and missing monies from the petty cash account. When asked to reconcile the irregularities, Justice immediately wrote out a letter of resignation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Raytown Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Robbery with a Plastic GunRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Raytown, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for robbing a credit union with a plastic gun.
Stephen McCrary, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 11 years in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 14, 2018, McCrary pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. McCrary admitted that he stole $3,815 from the Community America Credit Union located in the Research Medical Center, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Surveillance footage showed McCrary approach the teller at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2016. According to court documents, McCrary approached the teller counter, put a plastic bag on the counter, pulled out what appeared to be a firearm, pointed it at the teller, and demanded “all of the money in the drawer.” The victim teller initially froze out of fear and then complied with his demands and turned over $3,815. After taking the money, McCrary fled.
A hospital security officer saw McCrary leave the hospital property and proceed towards a nearby street. Officers eventually stopped and arrested him in the neighborhood adjacent to the hospital. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying two plastic bags that contained the clothing he wore during the robbery, a black plastic replica firearm and the stolen money.
McCrary has 13 prior felony convictions in state court, four of which are convictions for first-degree robberies. All of the robberies were of businesses while McCrary was armed with a firearm, or what appeared to be an operable firearm. He has been incarcerated, on parole, or on probation for 34 of the past 39 years (since his first robbery in 1977). He was on parole for first-degree robbery when he committed the credit union robbery, having been released from state prison three months earlier.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Bank Robbery, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his sixth bank robbery and for illegally possessing a firearm.
Anthony Carlton Dunlap, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Dunlap was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.
On Nov. 15, 2017, Dunlap pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Dunlap entered Bank of America, 633 W. Kearney St., Springfield, at about 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2017. Dunlap, wearing his hoodie up covering his head, approached a teller and handed her a piece of paper that said, “stay calm.” Dunlap looked toward his hand that was in his coat pocket, causing the teller to believe he made the gesture to indicate he was armed.
The teller removed cash from her teller drawer and placed it on the counter in front of Dunlap. He then demanded more money, so the teller removed more cash from her teller drawer. Dunlap stuffed the cash into his pockets and left the bank. An audit of the victim teller’s drawer revealed that $3,910 was taken in the robbery.
Dunlap was found a short time later, hiding in the back seat of his girlfriend’s car, which was parked in front of a Springfield residence. As Dunlap was removed from the car, a large amount of loose cash was dragged out with him. Cash was also on the back floor boards of the car. The total amount recovered was $3,910. A loaded Hi Point .40-caliber pistol was also located on the backseat of the car. Dunlap told law enforcement officers that he robbed the bank in order to get money to buy heroin.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Dunlap has five prior felony convictions for five separate bank robberies committed between Nov. 19, 2001, and Feb. 19, 2002.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Joplin Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man and a Philippi, West Virginia, man were sentenced in federal court today for sexually abusing a child.
Ronald Lee Fields, 56, of Joplin, and Shannon Calhoun, 33, of Philippi, formerly of Joplin, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark. Fields was sentenced to 20 in federal prison without parole. Calhoun was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Fields and Calhoun to each spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.
Fields and Calhoun each pleaded guilty in November 2017 to one count of the sexual exploitation of a child.
Officers with the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at Fields’s residence on July 31, 2017, and seized various electronic devices, including a computer. Images of child pornography were found on those devices, which depicted Fields in a motel room with a child about five years old. Some photos depicted Fields and Calhoun sexually abusing the child. The photographs were taken at a variety of locations in Jasper and Newton Counties between April 20 and July 21, 2014.
This case was 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 Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Oronogo Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Oronogo, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.
Casey Robert Caudle, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 12 years in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 16, 2017, Caudle pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Caudle admitted that he used the KIK application to trade child pornography.
According to court documents, Caudle was sending sexually explicit images of an 11-year-old victim, whom he falsely claimed to be his daughter that he was molesting. Caudle sent the images to an individual who reported it to law enforcement. Investigators found 49 images and 49 videos of child pornography on Caudle’s cell phone, including children as young as four or five years of age.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Springfield EMT/Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Fentanyl, MorphineRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who worked as a paramedic and EMT for several emergency medical transportation companies pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing fentanyl and morphine and replacing the drugs with saline solution.
Zachary L. McCleary, 30, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with two counts of tampering with a consumer product.
McCleary worked at several health care facilities as an emergency medical technician (EMT) between Sept. 25, 2015, and Feb. 21, 2018. During this time, McCleary worked for the Grove, Okla., Emergency Medical Service as an EMT, as a paramedic for Cox Health in Springfield, as a paramedic for Mercy Health in Carthage, Mo., and as a paramedic with Barton County, Mo., Emergency Medical Service.
According to today’s plea agreement, 18 separate adverse event reports were filed by individuals who received emergency medical services from Barton County EMS. In each of those reports, individuals advised that various opioid drugs were administered to provide pain relief, but due to McCleary’s theft of the drugs, and tampering by replacing the drugs with saline solution, each of these individuals did not receive the pain relief intended and experienced continued pain that resulted from McCleary’s reckless disregard to risk of serious bodily injury and harm to these patients.
In February 2018, agents with the Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) opened an investigation regarding the repeated theft and dilution of opioid drugs from various health care providers throughout southwest Missouri. Agents learned that while McCleary was employed as either an EMT or paramedic, various vials containing opioid-based drugs, including fentanyl, morphine, hydrocodone and ketamine, were stolen. Medical service officials advised agents that in some instances the vials were stolen and in other instances, the vials were tampered with so that the drugs were removed and saline was injected to the vials to make it appear that the drugs had not been stolen.
McCleary specifically pleaded guilty to tampering with vials that contained fentanyl and morphine sulfate, by removing those drugs from their vials and replacing them with saline solution, while working for Barton County Emergency Medical Service between Jan. 20 and Feb. 21, 2018. McCleary also specifically pleaded guilty to tampering with vials that contained fentanyl and morphine sulfate, by removing those drugs from their vials and replacing them with saline solution, while working for Cox Health from April 1 to May 19, 2017.
Under federal statutes, McCleary 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing eight firearms.
Adrian Lamont Levy, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 12 years and four months in federal prison without parole.
On April 9, 2018, Levy pleaded guilty to three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Levy admitted that he was in possession of a Ruger 9mm pistol on July 4, 2015. Levy admitted that he was in possession of six firearms on Sept. 2, 2015, including a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, a Kel Tec 9mm rifle, a Century Arms rifle, an SWD pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol and a Metro Arms .45-caliber pistol. Levy admitted that he was in possession of a Kel Tec 5.56-caliber pistol on Nov. 28, 2016.
Levy, who was a fugitive from justice following his original indictment, was confronted by federal authorities in a parking garage in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 28, 2016. Levy drove through the parking garage, attempting to flee from the officers, but the exits were blocked. Levy got out of his vehicle, which was still in gear and struck another vehicle owned by his girlfriend. He was eventually apprehended after a foot chase. Officers searched the vehicle Levy had been driving and found the Kel Tec handgun, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition in a high-capacity magazine, inside a backpack.
Levy was originally indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm on Aug. 19, 2015, after law enforcement officers found the loaded Ruger 9mm pistol in the glovebox of his car during a sobriety check point. When officers went to his residence to arrest him, he was not present, but the six loaded firearms that he later admitted to possessing were discovered at the residence. Levy was charged with possessing the six additional firearms in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Oct. 28, 2015.
Levy was a fugitive from justice from the time of the original indictment on Aug. 19, 2015, to the time of his arrest on Nov. 28, 2016. He was charged with illegally possessing the Kel Tec pistol in a second superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Dec. 7, 2016.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Levy has two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for distribution of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia, Mo., Police Department.
KC Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for sharing child pornography over the Internet.
Michael Vandergriff, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 11 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Vandergriff to supervised release for the rest of his life following incarceration.
On Feb. 6, 2018, Vandergriff pleaded guilty to attempting to distribute child pornography. Vandergriff admitted that he shared videos and images of child pornography over the Internet via peer-to-peer file-sharing networks.
On April 2, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Vandergriff’s residence and seized numerous electronic items. According to court documents, a forensic examination established that Vandergriff had no less than 6,500 video and image files depicting child pornography. The seized media also included obscene images depicting minors in bondage and bestiality. Vandergriff appeared to utilize a hidden camera to record images of minors.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers downloaded a total of at least 1,821 video and image files of child pornography, some of which was particularly graphic, on seven separate occasions from Vandergriff’s computer during their investigation from Sept. 17, 2014, to Feb. 26, 2015.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine A. Connelly. It was investigated by the Kansas City, 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 Husband, Wife Plead Guilty to Failure to Pay $328,000 in Business TaxesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., couple pleaded guilty in federal court today to failing to pay more than $328,000 in payroll and other taxes for their construction business.
William Mack Gilreath, also known as “Billy,” 38, and his wife, Malaika Samantha Gilreath, 42, each waived their right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges them with failure to pay employment tax.
The Gilreaths are co-owners of M.S. Consulting, L.L.C., a construction business in Kansas City, Mo.
Despite notification by their tax preparer of their tax responsibilities, and nine notices from the IRS, the Gilreaths willfully failed to pay a total of $328,351 in employment and other taxes that were due. In today’s plea agreement, Billy Gilreath acknowledged that he was more involved in the day-to-day operations of the business than his wife. Both Billy and Malaika Gilreath admitted they each were aware and responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over trust fund taxes.
By pleading guilty today, the Gilreaths admitted that they deducted and collected $209,597 in federal income taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) from their employees in 2014, 2015 and 2016. However, they failed to pay over those taxes to the IRS. During this time, the number of employees ranged from 16 to 37 employees.
In addition to the employees’ share of taxes collected, the Gilreaths also admitted that they failed to pay over the employer portion of FICA taxes, which totaled $90,173, and the Missouri Division of Employment Security Outstanding State Unemployment Tax of $28,581.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreements, the Gilreaths are jointly and severally liable to pay $328,351 in restitution to the IRS and the state of Missouri.
Under federal statutes, the Gilreaths are each 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 defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Coonrod. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Slater Man Indicted for Transporting a Minor for Illicit SexRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Slater, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for transporting a 16-year-old victim across state lines for illegal sexual activity.
Daniel Lee Kirby, 34, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. The federal indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Kirby on July 3, 2018.
The federal indictment alleges that Kirby transported an individual under the age of 17 between March 4, 2018, and June 25, 2018, with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the 16-year-old victim was discovered missing from her bedroom in East Ridge, Tenn., at approximately 1:20 a.m. on March 4, 2018. Kirby was employed as a truck driver with Celadon Trucking, who reported their GPS tracking of Kirby’s rig showed him at a nearby parking lot, with its motor off, at approximately the same time. Kirby denied having contact with the child victim. Celadon Trucking searched Kirby’s rig for the child victim on multiple occasions.
On June 25, 2018, law enforcement received information that the child victim was living with Kirby in Slater. She was located with Kirby, who was arrested, and placed into emergency foster care by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division.
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 Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Slater, Mo., Police Department, the FBI and the State Technical Assistance Team.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to producing child pornography.
Travis Howard White, 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to the charge contained in a June 1, 2017, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, White admitted that he used a 13-year-old victim to produce child pornography on May 14, 2016. White met the child victim on Facebook and they engaged in sexually explicit online chats. During one of those chats, White directed the child victim to produce a pornographic image, which she sent to him.
Under federal statutes, White is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Columbia Man Charged with Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition that had been stolen in a recent burglary.
Deangelo Wayne Joe, Jr., 23, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo., with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, 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. Wednesday, 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 stolen Browning .22-caliber handgun and a stolen 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 July 8, 2018, burglary.
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.
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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
KC Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine to distribute during a law enforcement operation in which another individual was fatally shot.
Michael J. Wilkins, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 25 years in federal prison without parole.
Wilkins pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2018, to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Wilkins admitted that he was a leader of a major methamphetamine distribution operation. Wilkins, under surveillance by law enforcement, was seen entering a known methamphetamine stash house in the 3000 block of S. Bellefontaine Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., on June 8, 2016. When Wilkins left the house, he was carrying a box and a backpack, which he placed in his vehicle.
Law enforcement officers approached Wilkins while he was getting into his vehicle and attempted to detain him. Wilkins fled on foot and was subsequently taken into custody. In his path of flight, which was captured by the National Guard counterdrug helicopter surveillance, officers recovered one of his shoes, his cell phone and a handgun.
Officers executed a search warrant on Wilkins’s vehicle and found 4,764 grams of methamphetamine and $12,363 in the box and backpack he had carried from the stash house.
During the foot chase of Wilkins, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Bellefontaine residence. That operation led to an hours-long standoff when persons inside the house fired shots at law enforcement officers. Luis Carlos Garcia-Aguilar, also known as “Moe,” fired several shots at officers then ran from the house with his rifle aimed at the officers; he was fatally shot.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.